Does the Dyson V12 or V15 fit my use case/worth it?

I highly disagree about the V15 not offering anything substantial over the V8, given that the V15 has well over double the suction and airflow, a vastly larger bin, a laser hard floor roller, a dirt sensor, more speeds and ways to use them, interactive status updates, more run time, an easily removable battery, and so forth. Sure, the V8 has some benefits such as its small design and some prefer its shape, but there is no doubt that the V15 would be better suited for a whole house than the V8, or even the V12.

I do like the V12 a lot, though. In fact, it may be better for a budget and, given that you have a smaller space, should work fine. It is more powerful than the V8, has more premium features, and superior run time. I think of it as a blend between the V15 and V8, with the more modern bells and whistles of the V15, power levels falling between the two, and the lightweight and compact nature of the V8.

The V8, nonetheless, is great on a budget. For the reasons I listed, if you have more money to spare, I do slightly prefer the V12, but the updated V8 that Dyson sells now is solid. Both the V8 and V12 are easier on the wrist than the larger models, especially for high dusting.

There is no evidence that a cordless vacuum cleaner cannot serve as a primary vacuum cleaner, but plenty of evidence that they can. Dyson did not intend the V8 to be a primary vacuum cleaner, but the V10 and onward, according to them, are all meant to replace corded machines. Given than the V15 has more suction and airflow than plenty of corded vacuum cleaners, I see no reason that one could not clean a small area of hard floors with one rug. That would not make sense. I mean, people clean hard floors with a broom and dust pan.

Cordless vacuum cleaners are made for people who clean like they say you do. They are excellent for quick jobs here and there that eventually equal clean house. With such cleaning habits, there should be no problem with a cordless as a primary unit.

Their batteries will not last forever, so there are downsides. You get over the short-term battery life issue, but they will stop working in the long-term too, obviously. That is another reason I like the V12 and V15, because the batteries are easier for the user to source and replace.

Also, anybody who says Dyson cordless vacuum cleaners are difficult to service is on drugs or something. I find them to be incredibly easy to repair.

I cannot say that I recommend the Hoover model listed, as they are impressively cheaply built. I would instead look at models from LG, who are great at undercutting Dyson in price while making a product of comparable quality and performance. The Kompressor models are fantastic for the money, but even the base ones are fine.

I’d read our wiki first before rushing into any purchases

Sounds like a perfect case for a Miele c1 turboteam or a Henry. If you think your roommates vacuum isn't good, give the Dyson 6 months

If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to the Dyson, check out the Samsung Jet 75 Plus, I got mine for $200 on eBay, it comes with a second battery and it performs almost as well as the newer Dysons, IMO.

I bought the mini motorized brush head separately.l, so all in it was about $250.

It's a good cordless stick vacuum that doesn't get mentioned very much, but for me it's been great so far, using it mostly on carpet.

I'm still getting a bagged upright vacuum too, though, for deeper cleaning.