Dyson quietly launches new PencilVac that fixes original’s main flaw

Dyson has quietly launched the PencilVac Fluffy, a refined version of its innovative PencilVac Fluffycones cordless vacuum that fixes the original’s key flaw: poor edge-cleaning due to its cone-shaped floorhead.

The new model swaps the problematic conical rollers for a parallel-roller “Micro Fluffy” cleaner head, allowing it to sit flush against walls and simplify tasks like stair cleaning. Priced at $449.99 in the US $150 less than the $599.99 Fluffycones it’s available directly from Dyson but not yet in the UK or Australia.

This unannounced update addresses hands-on frustrations from the Fluffycones, which earned praise for shrinking vacuum components into a slim broom-handle design but faltered at room edges.

The new PencilVac Fluffy keeps everything that's amazing about the original, and fixes it's one big issue – and it costs less, too. https://t.co/BKD2gVuDQc

— TechRadar (@techradar) February 11, 2026

The Fluffycones impressed people because of its smart and compact design. All the main parts were neatly fitted inside a very thin, pencil-like handle, which made it light and easy to move around for quick cleaning.

Its cone-shaped floor head had a pointed plastic cover and was designed especially for hard floors. The soft and thick fibers gently picked up dust and cleaned the surface without leaving scratches. Dual laser headlamps (one front, one back) illuminated hidden debris, enhancing satisfaction.

However, the tapered design prevented flush wall contact unless approached sideways. This made edging rooms tricky and turned stair vacuuming—a strength for such a portable tool—into a chore.

The reviewer noted similar issues with Dyson’s V16 Piston Animal, which shares the cone-based head. Cones were designed to channel long hair toward narrower ends for easier suction, but standard Fluffy heads on V15 Detect and Gen5 Detect models handled hair well without wrapping problems.

The PencilVac Fluffy mirrors the Fluffycones in its shape and fiber-covered roller, and it follows a more streamlined, parallel design similar to Dyson’s proven Fluffy/Fluffy Optic heads. The specifications show that the company has made it even lighter, focusing more on better edge cleaning rather than the cone’s anti-tangle benefits.

It does not include lasers, which slightly reduces how clearly dust appears on hard floors. However, for most users who do not have extremely long hair, it outperforms the original model.

This “quiet” launch on dyson.com highlights Dyson’s iterative approach, solving real-world pain points without fanfare. Early testers may prefer it for everyday versatility, especially at the lower price.