Miele and Dyson are two very popular and well known vacuum brands. We have reviewed their vacuums many times and since our Dyson vs Shark article proved so popular we wanted to a specific post on Miele vs Dyson.

This article will help you decide between the two if you are stuck. There are similarities and differences between the brands and the vacuums that they manufacture. We already have our favorite, but if you read the in-depth analysis that follows you can decide for yourself if Miele or Dyson is for you.

We've paired up the latest models for our Miele vs Dyson comparison, which you can navigate to quickly using the links below:

Miele vs Dyson - the Brands Compared

Miele are a much older company than Dyson, having been established in 1899, whereas Sir James Dyson founded the Dyson company in 1991.

Where are their Vacuums Made?

We took a detailed look at the Miele brand in this article, which reveals that most Miele vacuums are made in Germany.

Dyson, by comparison, have engineering teams involved in the design and manufacture of their vacuum cleaners across the globe.

Dyson's research and development is still done at their headquarters in the UK but their manufacturing relocated overseas in the early 2000s. Check out our deep dive on where Dyson Vacuums are made if you want to know more.

Vacuum Design Innovations

Both Miele and Dyson have brought about new innovations in the vacuum cleaner industry:

• Miele were the creator of the world's first HEPA certified vacuum cleaner in the 1990s 
• Dyson introduced the world's first bagless vacuum cleaner.

Comparison between Miele and Dyson vacuum cleaners

Miele vs Dyson Vacuum Types

Miele and Dyson both manufacture the following types of vacuum: 

• canister vacuums;
• cordless stick;
• robot vacuums.

However, Dyson also produce upright vacuums but Miele do not. Miele stopped making upright vacuums in 2022 to focus on the cordless vacuum market.

Miele vs Dyson Technology

Filtration

The technology in both Dyson and Miele vacuums provide excellent filtration and expel only clean air. This is due to their systems being engineered to be completely sealed.

This is an important feature and stands their vacuums apart from other cheaper vacuums in the market. These airtight systems ensure that what goes into the vacuum goes into the clear bin or dust bag - not back into the home.

Bagged or Bagless Dirt Collection

The main difference between the two brands is that Miele produce both bagged and bagless models but all Dyson vacuums are bagless. 

Many people prefer vacuums with a bag over bagless models and with Miele you get to choose. Emptying a bagged Miele vacuum might be safer for allergy sufferers compared to a Dyson bagless vacuum. This is because the dust bag is sealed upon removal allowing no dust to escape.

A bagged Miele vacuum also requires less maintenance compared to a Dyson. You will need to clean out the dirt canister on a Dyson as part of its care and maintenance.

Noise Levels

Miele and Dyson have similarly low levels of noise output.

Independent tests that we have reviewed confirm some Miele models are a little bit quieter than Dysons. The difference in decibels is small but Dyson vacuums have a higher pitch, which makes them seem louder, when actually they are not.

Both manufacturers focus a lot of effort in ensuring their vacuums have quiet operation.

Furthermore, Miele and Dyson employ acoustic engineers to conduct sound testing on their vacuums and as a result they are amongst the quietest vacuums you can buy.

The Miele Silence-System technology includes a noise optimized motor and integrated sound insulation to provide for a quiet vacuuming experience.

In fact, some may find the sound of a Dyson or Miele satisfying or calming. If this is you, why not kick back and relax to the collection of Dyson vacuum sounds in the video below! #asmr

Miele vs Dyson Vacuum Range

Another difference between the two brands is the range of options. Miele produce a larger range of canister models compared to Dyson. There are currently over 20 different Miele canister vacuums available. By comparison, Dyson currently only make two canister models.

In recent years, both Dyson and Miele have increased their focus on their cordless vacuum range.

• Dyson had a head start versus Miele having released its first cordless V6 model in 2015 and their cordless models are now their best selling vacuums.
• Miele released its first cordless handstick in 2019, the Triflex HX1, and aims to compete with Dyson in terms of performance and battery runtime.

The Miele vacuum range costs from $300 for the entry level models to over $1000 for the top of the range model. This compares to Dyson's vacuums costing from $400 to a little over $700.

Miele vs Dyson Customer Satisfaction

In the JD Power 2020 Vacuum Satisfaction Study Dyson and Miele were the top two brands for canister vacuum customer satisfaction. Dyson ranked the highest with a score of 847 and Miele was a very close second with a score of 844. Interestingly, in the 2019 study, Miele ranked 2nd (846) and Dyson 3rd (835).

In terms of cordless stick vacuum customer satisfaction: Dyson came out on top in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 JD Power studies. Miele were in the middle of the pack, with an average ranking for their stick vacuums in this segment.

The scores are based on a 1,000 point scale from the responses of around 4,000 customers who purchased a vacuum within the previous 12 months.

Miele vs Dyson Warranty

Both Miele and Dyson produce premium vacuums that are built to last and back this up with some of the best warranties you can get. Miele vacuums undergo rigorous testing in the factory to simulate 20 years of use. This compares to Dyson vacuums, which are engineered and tested to last 10 years.

All Dyson vacuums come with a 5 year warranty, except their cordless models, which have a 2 year warranty.

Miele vacuums come with a 7 year warranty on their motor and casing and a 1 year warranty on all other components. Except for its cordless models which, like the Dyson, come with a 2 year warranty.

Miele vacuum cleaners

Miele's slogan is "Immer Besser" which translates to "forever better". This slogan is representative of the company's philosophy and the Miele brand is widely recognised for unsurpassed product quality. Miele aims to manufacture the highest-quality vacuums in the world and it would be fair to say that they are achieving their aim.

Miele vacuum cleaners offer an ideal combination of superior cleaning performance, ease of use, outstanding hygiene standards and first-class quality.

Best in Class Filtration

Miele vacuums feature multi-stage filtration and a certified air sealed system ensuring only clean air is released while vacuuming. Their focus on hygiene necessitates the use of multi-layered filter bags for collecting the dust and dirt. The bags have an automatically closing collar to ensure that its contents are reliably locked inside when removed. 

Additionally, the protective netting prevents the bag from tearing, even when sharp objects such as glass fragments are vacuumed up. Fine dust and lung-damaging particles cannot escape again.

Miele also offer a choice of three exhaust filters for their vacuums:

1. AirClean Filter - effective filtration for everyday needs.
2. Active AirClean Filter - reduces odors, good for pet owners.
3. HEPA AirClean Filter - filters even the finest dust and allergens – ideal for those with house dust allergies.

Miele Canister Vacuum Range

Miele used to only manufacture vacuums with bags, however, in 2017 they launched their first bagless canister vacuum, the Miele Blizzard. We rate the Blizzard as one of the Best Vacuums for Long Hair and the Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors.

When selecting a Miele canister vacuum you get the choice of either a pure suction floor nozzle or an electric powerhead. The electric powerhead models are more expensive and designed to excel on carpet cleaning.

We've listed the current Miele range of vacuum cleaners by category below. There are different options to choose from within each model type allowing selection of additional features. For a full breakdown of the range and options, check out our detailed review of Miele canister vacuums:

• Miele Classic C1 - bagged, lightweight, entry level
• Miele Compact C1 - bagged, lightweight
• Miele Complete C2 - bagged, light & convenient
• Miele Complete C3 - bagged, powerful & exceptional
• Miele Blizzard CX1 - bagless, with powered brushroll
• Miele Boost CX1 - bagless, compact design

Miele Cordless Vacuums

• Miele Triflex HX1
• Miele Triflex HX2

Miele Robot Vacuum

• Miele Scout RX3

Dyson vacuum cleaners

Dyson aim to innovate with each new vacuum cleaner that they design. The Dyson brand grew rapidly due to the popularity of their root cyclone technology, which provided powerful suction without bags.

Dyson vacuums have innovative features that you will find on specific models. For example, all of their uprights and canisters feature their Dyson Ball™ technology for effortless maneuverability.

Additionally, Dyson's "Animal" and "Allergy" models are specially designed for homes with pets and those with allergies. 

Dyson Vacuum Range

The latest Dyson range of vacuum cleaners can be divided across the different categories as follows:

Miele vs Dyson - Canisters Compared

> Canister Vacuums - Miele Complete C3 Calima vs Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal

For this Miele vs Dyson contest we've taken the latest Dyson Canister featuring the Cinetic Science Technology and compared it to a Miele canister of a similar price. As we stated earlier, there is a large range of Miele canisters available. The model we've chosen here is their top line Miele Complete C3 model, however it is in the mid-price range of Miele canisters.

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal

We've featured the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister in our Home Vacuum Zone reviews several times. The vacuum is highly rated for its strong suction power, ability to remove pet hair, excellent filtration and maneuverability. 

Features

Pros

Cons

Here is a demonstration of the Dyson Cinetic Canister in action courtesy of QVCtv :

Miele Complete C3 Calima PowerLine

The Miele Complete C3 Calima PowerLine is one of Miele's premium bagged models. It is recommended for low pile carpets and hard floors.

The C3 Calima includes the Turbo brush powerhead for exceptional carpet cleaning and the flexible Parquet Twister for hard floors. 

Features

Pros

Cons

Here is a quick demonstration of the vacuum in action:

Miele vs Dyson - Cordless Vacuums Compared

> Cordless Stick - Miele Triflex HX2 versus Dyson V15

* Suction power not published by Miele. 145 Air Watts is the max suction power from independent tests: Source.

For this Miele vs Dyson comparison we have selected the latest cordless models from each manufacturer. There are some key differences in the design of these vacuums to note:

Key Differences

1. Suction Power: the Dyson V15 outperforms the Miele Triflex HX2 in its highest suction mode. The suction on the Dyson automatically increases when a higher concentration of dust/ dirt is detected. In contrast, the Miele Triflex HX2's suction needs to be manually adjusted.
2. Runtime: Miele claim the HX2 has up to 60 minutes runtime in low power mode but without the floor brush connected. However, our review of third-party tests suggests actual runtimes are much lower. By comparison, Dyson's claimed runtimes are confirmed in independent tests.
   • Dyson V15: Up to 60 minutes on Eco Mode;
   • Miele Triflex HX2: Up to 60 minutes according to Miele (without floor brush). In third-party tests this reduced to around 30 minutes with the floor brush connected.
3. Noise Level: The Miele is slightly quieter than the Dyson:
   • Dyson V15: Ranges from 71 dB (Low) to 76 dB (Max);
   • Miele Triflex HX2: from 67.3dB (Low) to 71.2dB (Max).
4. Additional Features:
   • Dyson V15: Comes with a laser dust detection system;
   • Miele Triflex HX2: Features a unique 3-in-1 design for flexibility.
5. Battery:
   • Dyson V15: Single battery but removable;
   • Miele Triflex HX2: Comes with an additional battery on some model variants.

Performance Compared

The table below compares approximate runtimes with a single battery and suction power with the floor brush in operation. Actual test data from third-party tests has been used.

The data shows that the Dyson V15's runtimes are similar to advertised by Dyson. However, Miele's runtimes are less than advertised because the test data is with the floor brush attached but the advertised times are without.

Some of the Miele models come with an additional battery, which would double the runtimes below. As a result they would be comparable with the Dyson V15's runtime on a single battery.

Miele triflex HX2

Overview

According to Miele, the Miele Triflex HX2 is their most powerful vacuum cleaner to date. This is impressive considering the comparison is with the corded Miele Complete C3 canister, which we rate highly. Their tests were conducted according to IEC 62885-2 and include dust pickup from carpet and hard floor with crevices and fiber pickup from carpet.

As a result of the new Digital Efficiency Motors, the Multi Floor XXL electric brush and the Vortex technology, the Triflex HX2 has 60% more power than its predecessor the HX1 (reviewed below vs Dyson V11).

Furthermore, Miele's latest cordless stick was the winner of the the Red Dot Design Award in 2022, due to its appealing look and ergonomic design.

Model Variants

The Miele Triflex HX2 has the following model variants available:

All model variants come with the following accessories as standard:

Pros

Cons

Dyson V15

Overview

Model Variants

The options available are the Dyson V15 Detect or the V15 Detect Absolute. Importantly, both models include the Fluffy Optic™ Cleaner head for hard floors and the Motorbar™ Cleaner head. The additional accessories that you also get with both models are the hair screw tool and combination tool.

The key differences between the two models are the Absolute version comes with a wand clip for storing the combination and crevice tools and it also has HEPA filtration.

Pros

Cons

> Cordless Stick - Miele Triflex HX1 versus Dyson V11 Torque Drive

V11 Cordless Features

Pros

Cons

Here is a demonstration of the Dyson V11 in action:

Miele Triflex HX1

The Miele Triflex HX1 is Miele's first entry into cordless vacuuming. They have produced a strong competitor to challenge the Dyson V11 with this high performing model. The Triflex HX1 was also the winner of two innovative design awards in 2020: 

Furthermore, in our recent review of the Miele Triflex HX1 there were some features that stood out as advantages versus the Dyson V11.

First of all the vacuum can be configured in 3 different ways to suit your cleaning plans. This compares to the 2 options you get with the Dyson V11 - either handheld or stick. The 3 modes that you get with the Miele Triflex HX1 are:

• Reach Mode: Dustbin at the end of the stick and near the handle.
• Comfort Mode: Dustbin right above the floorhead.
• Compact Mode: Only dustbin with handle and smallmouth extension(without floorhead).

In addition, the vacuum's battery is replaceable, whilst the battery on the Dyson V11 is unfortunately not. The suction power of the Miele Triflex HX1 is also  comparable to the Dyson V11 thanks to the Vortex technology combined with its powerful electrobrush. 

Features

Pros

Cons

Here is a closer look of the key exterior features of the Miele Triflex HX1:

Conclusion

Whether to choose a Miele or Dyson vacuum cleaner is a decision that should be based on your needs. This article has provided a detailed comparison of Miele and Dyson canisters and cordless stick models. Whilst the technology of these vacuums is quite different, the result is the same: exceptional performance and only clean expelled air.

We prefer Miele when it comes to canister vacuums because this type of vacuum is their specialism. In addition, they are engineered to last 20 years. Furthermore, you get a much better choice of options with Miele vs Dyson canisters. 

By contrast, we prefer Dyson over Miele for cordless stick vacuums. The Dyson technology is simply superior in our opinion. This is probably because Dyson have been innovating on cordless models much longer than Miele.

We hope that you've enjoyed this article and it has made the decision between Miele or Dyson easier for you! If you have any specific questions or feedback on this article we'd love to hear from you.