The Dyson PencilVac, launched globally in late 2025 and available in the United States since January 2026, was developed to address storage challenges in cordless vacuum ownership.
When collapsed, it measures 15.4 inches (39 cm) tall and weighs 3.97 lbs (1.8 kg) in stick configuration, making it Dyson's slimmest and most compact full-power cordless stick vacuum.
This review details its features and performance based on seven weeks of daily use in a 1,200 sq ft urban apartment.
Design and Build
The PencilVac features a main body constructed from a single continuous matte-black or "Prussian Blue" anodized aluminum tube, without visible seams, buttons, or a protruding dust bin.
Key Physical Measurements:
- Deployed height: 44.1 in (112 cm)
- Collapsed height: 15.4 in (39 cm)
- Tube diameter: 1.5 in (38 mm)
- Weight (stick configuration, no accessories): 3.97 lbs (1.8 kg)
- Weight (handheld mode): 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg)
- Dust-bin capacity: 0.4 L (13.5 oz)
The collapsing mechanism operates via a single button, allowing the lower tube to slide into the upper tube in under two seconds. The motor, cyclones, and battery are integrated into the handle area, branded "HyperSlim Power Core." The dust bin is a tall, narrow cylinder located under the grip and empties through a bottom hatch. Its vertical filling design contributed to a usable 0.4 L capacity, with daily clean-ups in a 1,200 sq ft space typically requiring one emptying.
Battery Life and Charging
The PencilVac is equipped with a single 21.6 V, 3,000 mAh lithium-ion battery.
Official Runtime Claims:
- Eco mode: up to 42 minutes
- Medium mode: 28 minutes
- Boost mode: 8 minutes
Tested Runtime (US apartment with various floor types and pet hair):
- Eco mode: 37–41 minutes
- Medium mode: 23–26 minutes
- Boost mode: 7–8 minutes
A full charge takes 3.5 hours using the compact wall-mount dock, which also stores included tools. The battery is non-removable and comes with a standard 2-year warranty, with an expected retention of at least 80% capacity after 1,000 full cycles. Suction power remains consistent until the battery reaches 8–10% capacity.
Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
The PencilVac is rated at 115 Air Watts on Boost mode. Its cleaning effectiveness is attributed to features such as the ultra-narrow "Micro Fluffy Optic" roller head (a 30% slimmer version of the V15 Detect's soft-roller), 6 mm ground clearance, and optimized cyclone airflow.
Real-World Pickup Results (mixed debris, 4×6 ft test area):
- Hardwood floors (Eco): 96–98% removal in one pass
- Low-pile rugs / area carpets (Medium): 89–93% removal
- Stuck-on debris (Boost): 78–85% removal (often requiring 2–3 passes)
The Micro Fluffy Optic roller includes anti-tangle bristles and a self-cleaning hair comb, which effectively manages pet hair. Edge and corner cleaning is described as average, sometimes requiring additional passes or the crevice tool for tight corners.
Filtration and Allergen Performance
A fully sealed five-stage HEPA filtration system is used, capturing 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns.
The exhaust air is cleaner than many cordless stick vacuums in its price range. The bottom-drop hatch design for emptying minimizes dust dispersion. The HEPA filter is washable and requires rinsing every 3–6 months.
Included Accessories and Storage
The standard US kit includes:
- PencilVac main body
- Micro Fluffy Optic cleaner head
- Motorized mini soft-roller head (for upholstery, stairs, car interiors)
- Crevice tool
- Combination dusting/upholstery brush
- Compact wall-mount charging dock with accessory clips
The wall-mount dock protrudes 4.7 inches (12 cm) from the wall when the vacuum is collapsed and hung. Most accessories clip to the dock or attach magnetically to the main tube, facilitating compact storage.
Noise Levels
Noise levels recorded for the PencilVac are:
- Eco mode: 62–64 dB
- Medium mode: 68–71 dB
- Boost mode: 76–78 dB
For context, normal conversation is approximately 60 dB.
US Pricing (February 2026)
- Official MSRP: $569
- Current street price (Feb 2026): $499–$529 at major retailers.
Comparison to Alternatives:
- Dyson V12 Detect Slim: $639–$709
- Dyson V15 Detect: $749–$799
- Dyson Gen5detect: $995–$1,135
- Shark PowerDetect: $449–$499
- Samsung Bespoke Jet AI: $899–$999
- Tineco Pure One S15: $399–$449
The PencilVac is priced lower than Dyson's full-size premium models, while offering performance and build quality perceived as superior to many sub-$500 cordless stick vacuums.
Summary and Usage Considerations
The Dyson PencilVac is presented as a solution for compact cleaning, particularly for small-to-medium urban apartments. It is designed for daily touch-ups on hard floors and low-pile rugs, providing Dyson suction and HEPA filtration with a minimal storage footprint.
Alternative vacuums may be more suitable for:
- Medium-to-thick carpets
- Runtime exceeding 40 minutes on medium power
- Features like laser dust detection
- Large dust bin capacity (0.7–0.8 L) for heavy pet shedding
The 0.4 L dust bin is a limitation, and edge cleaning is average.
Despite its premium price, the Dyson PencilVac is considered a strong option for users prioritizing compact storage and daily convenience for powerful, filtered cleaning.