Compare · Updated 14 Oct 2026
Dyson PencilVac vs Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Get the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. Unless you only have hard floors and want a very slim second vacuum — then the PencilVac.
Dyson PencilVac
Slim and clever on hard floors, but it can't clean carpet and the bin is tiny.
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Most of the V15's tricks in a lighter body that's easy to carry up the stairs.
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The short answer
In the UK they cost the same, and both are light with a laser to show dust. The V12 cleans carpet too and has a bigger bin; the PencilVac is slimmer but its brush stalls on carpet.
Get the PencilVac if
- —You only have hard floors.
- —You want a second vacuum for quick cleans.
- —You want the slimmest Dyson.
Get the V12 Detect Slim if
- —You have any carpet or rugs.
- —You want one vacuum for the whole home.
- —You live in a flat or a smaller home.
Key differences
Carpet
Can't clean it; the brush stalls
PencilVac
Cleans it, with less power for thick carpet
V12 Detect Slim
Weight
Very slim and light
PencilVac
Light
V12 Detect Slim
Laser on hard floors
Yes
PencilVac
Yes
V12 Detect Slim
Bin
Tiny
PencilVac
Small
V12 Detect Slim
Price (UK)
The same
PencilVac
The same
V12 Detect Slim
Pros and cons
Dyson PencilVac
- +Very slim and light
- +Hair doesn't wrap the brush
- +Laser shows dust on hard floors
- −Very poor on carpet; the brush stalls.
- −Tested runtime was about 24 minutes on Eco and 11 on Boost.
- −Cleaning the filter is fiddly.
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
- +Light and easy to carry
- +Laser and dust sensor like the V15
- +Good on hard floors
- −The bin needs emptying often.
- −Runtime is shorter than the V15 on full power.
Ready to choose?
- Is the PencilVac worth it?
- Is the V12 Detect Slim worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: TechRadar, Trusted Reviews, Vacuum Wars, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 14 Oct 2026How we decide