My wife and I have 3 Dyson vacuums. We purchased one and then acquired a couple more over the years. Two are standard room/floor vacuums and another is more like a carpet/floor 'broom'.

They are expensive but all have worked flawlessly. One we've owned for more than 8 years and it's in perfect condition. No bag and it sucks up pet hair like you wouldn't believe. Better than any other vacuum I've ever owned.

As for the Henry vacuums, I'm not sure you'd get the same power for 1/4 the price. There appear to be some models that are that price differential but once you get up to the higher power models it's still cheaper but about 3/4 the price.

Dyson is a lot like Apple. They make dependable, designed products that simply work. You can get by with something else but it will most likely be inferior in form and function.