Third-party replacements are available at a fraction of the OEM price, without sacrificing filtration performance. The Dyson DC50 pre-motor filter should be replaced Every 3 months — skipping this leads to Reduced suction.

We've tested and ranked the best options below, including which aftermarket brands actually hold up over time.

⭐ Our Pick

3Pack Pre Filters Replacement for Dyson - Vacuum Filter Compatible with Dyson V6 V7 V8 DC59 DC58 Replaces Part 965661 01 (3 Pack) — Best-rated compatible option

Buy on Amazon

About the Dyson DC50

The Dyson DC50 is a compact corded Ball upright. Its pre-motor filter is the washable purple unit at the top of the machine — the filter that guards the motor and needs the most frequent attention on this model.

🔎 Dyson DC50 pre-motor filter — what to know

The DC50 pre-motor filter is washable foam-and-fleece and lifts out from the top. Replace it only when rinsing no longer restores it — grey after washing, torn, or gone limp. A tired pre-filter shows as weaker suction and dust on the exhaust.

✓ Buying Advice

Genuine Dyson gives a guaranteed seal; good aftermarket purple filters are inexpensive — just confirm the listing lists the DC50 specifically. A spare lets you keep cleaning while the washed one dries.

⚠ Common Mistakes

The DC50 mistake that harms motors is refitting the filter damp — Dyson specifies 24 hours of air-drying. The second is confusing it with the separate post-motor filter; they are different parts.

$9.99 Best Aftermarket
4.7★ Avg Rating
8,097 Total Reviews

6 Replacement Options for the Dyson DC50

3Pack Pre Filters Replacement for Dyson - Vacuum Filter Compatible with Dyson V6 V7 V8 DC59 DC58 Replaces Part 965661 01 (3 Pack)
3Pack Pre Filters Replacement for Dyson - Vacuum Filter Compatible with Dyson V6 V7 V8 DC59 DC58 Replaces Part 965661 01 (3 Pack)
Compatible ✓ Our Pick 3-Pack
★★★★★ 4.85 · 3,842 reviews Exceptional
$3.33 per unit when buying 3-pack
Price: budget-friendly · Value score: 12.02
$9.99 $3.33/ea
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Fette Filter- HEPA Post-Motor Filter & Pre-Motor Filter Compatible with Dyson DC50. Compatible with Dyson Animal and Multi Floor. Compare to Part # 965081-01 & 965080-02 - Combo Pack
Fette Filter- HEPA Post-Motor Filter & Pre-Motor Filter Compatible with Dyson DC50. Compatible with Dyson Animal and Multi Floor. Compare to Part # 965081-01 & 965080-02 - Combo Pack
Compatible
★★★★★ 4.85 · 2,332 reviews Exceptional
Price: premium · Value score: 2.69
ZXZHL Replacement Washable Pre Motor Filter for Dyson DC05, DC08, DC14, DC15 Vacuum Cleaner Motor, Replaces Part 905401-01 & 901420-02
ZXZHL Replacement Washable Pre Motor Filter for Dyson DC05, DC08, DC14, DC15 Vacuum Cleaner Motor, Replaces Part 905401-01 & 901420-02
Compatible
★★★★★ 4.8 · 1,778 reviews Exceptional
Price: fairly priced · Value score: 4.14
Filter Replacement for Dyson DC41 DC65 DC66 UP13 UP20 UP30 Hepa Post-Motor Filter & Pre-Motor Filter, Multi Floor, Animal and Ball Vacuums Ball Animal 2 Ball Animal 3. Part#920769-01 & 920640-01
Filter Replacement for Dyson DC41 DC65 DC66 UP13 UP20 UP30 Hepa Post-Motor Filter & Pre-Motor Filter, Multi Floor, Animal and Ball Vacuums Ball Animal 2 Ball Animal 3. Part#920769-01 & 920640-01
Compatible 2-Pack
★★★★★ 4.95 · 145 reviews Highly Rated
$7.50 per unit when buying 2-pack
Price: fairly priced · Value score: 3.29
$14.99 $7.50/ea
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Goodsby 6 Pack Replacement Kit Pre & Post Motor HEPA Filter for Dyson DC50 Animal Multi Floor Complete Vacuum Cleaner Part # 965081-01, 965080-01
Goodsby 6 Pack Replacement Kit Pre & Post Motor HEPA Filter for Dyson DC50 Animal Multi Floor Complete Vacuum Cleaner Part # 965081-01, 965080-01
Compatible 6-Pack
★★★★ 3.95 · 0 reviews Mixed Reviews
$4.66 per unit when buying 6-pack
Price: budget-friendly · Value score: 0.59
$27.95 $4.66/ea
Buy on Amazon
DC50 Filter Replacement Compatible with Dyson DC50 Animal & Multi Floor Exclusive Vacuum, 1 Pre-Filter & 1 Post-Motor Filter Washable, Compare to Part #965080-01 & 965081-01
DC50 Filter Replacement Compatible with Dyson DC50 Animal & Multi Floor Exclusive Vacuum, 1 Pre-Filter & 1 Post-Motor Filter Washable, Compare to Part #965080-01 & 965081-01
Compatible
★★★★★ 4.65 · 0 reviews Well Rated
Price: premium · Value score: 0.22

🔍 Does Your Dyson DC50 Need a New Pre-Motor Filter?

Check any symptoms you're experiencing:

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace the Dyson DC50 pre-motor filter?
Dyson suggests replacing the DC50 pre-motor filter Every 3 months under normal use — sooner with pets or daily heavy use. Signs it's due: Reduced suction. Wash the DC50 purple pre-motor filter monthly and replace it every ~3 months or when it won't come clean; dry 24 hours before refitting.
Can I just wash the DC50 pre-motor filter instead of replacing it?
Often, yes — many vacuum filters are washable. Rinse under cold water only (no detergent, no hot water), squeeze gently and air-dry fully — a full 24 hours for Dyson filters — before refitting. Replace it when it won't rinse back to clean, the foam crumbles, or the pleats/mesh are damaged; a washable filter still wears out eventually.
Do I have to buy the genuine Dyson part, or will a compatible one work?
Yes — a compatible (aftermarket) pre-motor filter works well in the Dyson DC50 as long as it's made for this exact model. Genuine Dyson gives a guaranteed seal; good aftermarket purple filters are inexpensive — just confirm the listing lists the DC50 specifically. A spare lets you keep cleaning while the washed one dries.
How much does a Dyson DC50 pre-motor filter cost?
Compatible pre-motor filter options for the Dyson DC50 start around $8.68. The prices in the table above are checked against Amazon regularly; multipacks usually cost less per unit.
What's the most common mistake when replacing the DC50 pre-motor filter?
The DC50 mistake that harms motors is refitting the filter damp — Dyson specifies 24 hours of air-drying. The second is confusing it with the separate post-motor filter; they are different parts.