I Hate Doing Chores in Winter, but This Ultra-Powerful Cordless Dyson Makes Daily Floorcare Effortless – Now With a Rare $190 Discount
The Dyson V11 is one of the highest-performing cordless vacuums from our rigorous test sessions, and this rare discount is worth snapping up
Let's face it, no one really enjoys doing chores during winter when our bodies feel sluggish, and the weather is grim, cold, and gray. Motivation for physically demanding chores can make getting started challenging.
I've always felt this way during colder months, but luckily, bringing a powerful cordless Dyson vacuum into my home has made daily cleaning effortless and fast. The Dyson V11, currently discounted by a rare $190, is so lightweight and easy to use that it's transformed my winter cleaning sessions into quick, effortless tasks I no longer put off.
It's one of the best cordless vacuums we've tested because of just how powerful the suction is, while being a breeze to whizz around the house.
The Powerful Dyson V11 Helped Me Overcome My Winter Cleaning Reluctance
Dyson V11 | was $659.99, now $469.99 at Dyson (save $190)
Objectively, one of the most powerful cordless vacuums we've ever tested at Homes & Gardens, the Dyson V11 combines consistently strong performance with easy, quick cleaning.
Read more in my full Dyson V11 review.
Being Homes & Gardens' home tech editor means I'm fortunate enough to review the best vacuum cleaners in the world, and as much as I'd love to say the cheaper models are worth it, I will praise Dyson vacuums time and again because of just how much they've transformed my own cleaning routine.
Winter can make cleaning feel like a daunting task in the US, especially with the combination of holiday messes, tracked-in slush, and the general post-holiday motivation slump. A vacuum that actually makes the chore easier is a game-changer for households right now.
Usually, to achieve this level of deep cleaning on your floors, you'd usually need to invest in a heavy, bulky corded vacuum cleaner that has to be plugged in during use, while taking up significant storage space when not.
For many Americans, the winter months are also a time for nesting indoors, meaning floors see more activity and spills than usual. A lighter, more efficient vacuum fits perfectly with this seasonal mindset of staying cozy while keeping your home tidy.
But the Dyson V11 has the suction power of the big vacuums, with the convenience of a cordless stick. It weighs just 6.53 lbs, which is light enough for me to hold above my head with one hand, and as I rarely have to go over the same patch twice, I can clean my home faster than before.
If you're cleaning with adaptive pacing to avoid chronic pain, fatigue, or injury, especially in winter when cold weather can exacerbate health conditions, a lighter vacuum will help get the job done without as much physical strain.
With daylight hours shorter and winter blues hitting motivation levels, having a vacuum that speeds up the process helps maintain a cleaner, more comfortable home environment for Americans trying to make the most of indoor time.
And with the V11's current rare discount, this vacuum is the ideal balance of performance (as seen below) and affordability. It's cheaper than the flagship Dyson V15 Detect, but cleans almost as flawlessly.
It doesn't have the V15 Detect's fancy smart features, like the dust-revealing laser, which is why it costs considerably less – and while those features come in handy, they're not essential for a deep house clean.
For me, being able to use such an effortless vacuum cleaner has removed mental barriers to getting things done in the winter. My neurodivergent brain jumps for joy when a task is made simpler, with as few steps involved as possible, and with little getting in the way of me starting.
During the long US winter months, when short days and cold weather can sap motivation, a vacuum that makes cleaning nearly effortless is more than a convenience; it's a mental boost. Even small wins like tidying the floors can brighten your day and make the indoors feel cozier.
That, to me, is the true benefit of cordless Dysons. I don't have to lug a heavy appliance out of the closet, or move it from outlet to outlet, or listen to the piercingly loud motor reverberating through my bones. I can grab this lightweight cordless stick from where it leans on my wall, and a few minutes later, my floor is spotless.
For many US households, winter means extra mess from boots tracking in snow and slush, holiday packaging, or kids playing inside. A quick, hassle-free clean fits perfectly into this seasonal rhythm, helping keep homes feeling comfortable and orderly.
It also means I can clean up messes as and when I see them daily with zero hassle, which makes my weekly cleans much less intensive. I quickly spruce up the floors whenever I see some dried mud or food crumbs daily at this point, which means my home feels calmer, and more restorative – which is undeniably important this time of year.
In January, especially, when post-holiday clutter lingers, and Americans are aiming for a fresh start, being able to maintain a clean, calm environment without dedicating hours makes a huge difference.
During my in-depth testing sessions, I used the V11 on flour, sugar, cereal, lentils, even pet hair – and it was pretty much flawless across the board. Even if you have thick carpets, this cordless stick will be your new best vacuum for pet hair, pulling fur out of stubborn surfaces, while never getting tangled around the brushroll.
This discounted model includes all the attachments, too, including dusting brushes, an extension hose, a fabric tool, and most importantly, a hair screw tool. This mini motorized brush is one of the most effective pet hair attachments we've ever tested at Homes & Gardens. It's exceptionally effective at vacuuming hair and fur from upholstery.
As winter stretches on, the ability to tackle pet hair and tracked-in dirt quickly is even more valuable when everyone is spending more time indoors. It makes daily life cleaner and a little less stressful.
The Dyson V11 is discounted to $469.99 at Dyson.
What to Shop
The trade-off when comparing the V11 and the V12 Detect Slim is: The V11 has higher suction, the V12 has more advanced features, including a green laser that reveals dust and thin hairs that you can't see (genuinely), and sensors that optimize suction as you clean. It only costs $10 more right now, so it's down to your preference.
Read more in my full Dyson V12 Detect Slim review.
The V15 Detect is the best cordless vacuum we've tested, with higher suction than the V11 and the same smart features as the V12 Detect Slim. It may cost a lot, but I use it at home myself, and it's absolutely worth it if you want spotless floors with minimal effort.
Read more in my full Dyson V15 Detect review.
It doesn't perform as well as the other Dysons I've mentioned, but if you're on a budget, it's a fantastic choice for small homes – and it's still just as easy to grab and use.
Read more in our full Dyson V8 review.
The Shark PowerDetect Cordless may not be as powerful as the V11, but it's more agile thanks to a flexible wand, reaching under furniture more easily to grab those hidden messes. It's on sale for $299.99 so you can save yourself $170 compared to the V11.
Read more in our full Shark PowerDetect Cordless review.
One of the cheapest vacuums I've ever tested, you can save $100s on a new cordless stick if your home only has hard floors. Its suction isn't great on carpets, but is ample for those surfaces that are easier to clean. Plus, it has a green laser that reveals dust to a similar efficacy as Dyson's bests.
Read more in my full Ultenic U16 Flex review.
For a similar price as the V11, you could bring home one of the most powerful vacuums money can buy. Its suction power is relentless, picking up every strand of hair and every speck of dust in one pass. It's bigger and bulkier than a cordless vacuum, but definitely the right choice for busy homes with lots of mess.
Read more in our five-star Shark POWERDETECT review.
Next, see which impressive vacuums take the top spot after our rigorous testing for the best Dyson alternatives and best robot vacuums.

Dan is the Home Tech Editor for Homes & Gardens, covering all things cleaning, sound, smart home, and air treatment across the Solved section.
Having worked for Future PLC since July 2023, Dan was previously the Features Editor for Top Ten Reviews and looked after the wide variety of home and outdoor content across the site, but their writing about homes, gardens, tech and products started back in 2021 on brands like BBC Science Focus, YourHomeStyle and Gardens Illustrated.
They have spent more than 400 hours testing and reviewing vacuums, soundbars and air purifiers for Homes & Gardens.
Dan has a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Magazine Journalism. Outside of work, you'll find them at gigs and art galleries, cycling somewhere scenic, or cooking up something good in the kitchen.
