GleamWright
GleamWrightDysonUpright Vacuum

Dyson Ball Animal 3

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a powerful, reliable upright vacuum built for homes with pets and a mix of flooring types.

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Independently testedFeatured in our 60-gadget roundupUpright Vacuum

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a powerful, reliable upright vacuum built for homes with pets and a mix of flooring types. Its strong suction, effective HEPA filtration, and maneuverable ball design make it a solid investment for thorough deep cleaning, though its weight and price may deter budget-conscious buyers.

Best forExcellent suction power on carpets and hard floors
Keep in mindHeavier than stick vacuums, tiring for whole-house cleaning

How it scored

Cleaning Performance
94
Build Quality
93
Ease of Use
90
Value for Money
92

Our full review

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is an upright vacuum built for households that demand serious cleaning power, especially those managing pet hair and ground-in dirt across multiple floor types. At its core is Dyson's advanced whole-machine HEPA filtration, capturing microscopic particles and allergens down to 0.3 microns and expelling cleaner air back into the room rather than recirculating dust. The ball technology it's named for allows the vacuum to pivot and steer effortlessly around furniture, tight corners, and staircases, giving users far more control than traditional upright designs that tend to feel clunky and hard to maneuver in real living spaces. Where this model truly distinguishes itself is in its self-adjusting cleaner head, which automatically senses floor type and adjusts suction accordingly, moving seamlessly from hardwood to deep carpet without requiring the user to manually switch settings. The de-tangling turbine tool is another standout feature, specifically engineered to remove long hair and pet fur from the brush bar without the wrapping and clogging that plagues so many other vacuums. Powerful Dyson digital motor technology drives strong, consistent suction throughout a cleaning session, so performance doesn't taper off as the bin fills, a common frustration with lesser upright models. Practicality is baked into every part of the design, from the point-and-shoot bin emptying mechanism that lets users eject debris without touching dust or dirt, to the generous set of included tools like a combination tool, stair tool, and up-top hair screw tool for stubborn tangles. The extended hose and wand reach make it easy to clean upholstery, curtains, and hard-to-reach ceiling corners without switching machines. Durable, washable filters reduce ongoing costs, and the overall build feels sturdy enough for daily use in busy, pet-filled homes. For anyone tackling shedding fur, dust, and everyday messes across mixed flooring, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 offers a dependable, thoughtfully engineered solution.

Specifications

S
Suction Power250 Air Watts
B
Bin Capacity1.7 Liters
F
FiltrationWhole-machine HEPA
W
Weight17.6 lbs
C
Cord Length35 feet

Key features

  • Self-adjusting cleaner head for multi-surface cleaning
  • Whole-machine HEPA filtration traps 99.99% of particles
  • Ball technology for one-touch steering around furniture
  • Strong suction with digital motor V128
  • Tangle-free turbine tool for pet hair on stairs and upholstery
  • Large capacity bin with hygienic direct-drive emptying

Pros & cons

Pros

  • ✓ Excellent suction power on carpets and hard floors
  • ✓ Maneuverable ball steering handles tight corners easily
  • ✓ Great for pet hair thanks to tangle-free tools
  • ✓ HEPA filtration good for allergy sufferers
  • ✓ Sturdy build quality typical of Dyson uprights
  • ✓ Includes multiple attachments for versatile cleaning

Cons

  • ✕ Heavier than stick vacuums, tiring for whole-house cleaning
  • ✕ Bin emptying mechanism can be messy at times
  • ✕ Loud motor compared to some competitors
  • ✕ Higher price point than standard uprights
  • ✕ Cord wraps can be inconvenient without a cord-free option

What owners say

4.5
Based on 4 verified owner reviews
Pet hair is no match — Jessica M. (2024-03-15)
This vacuum picks up everything from my two dogs. The turbine tool is a lifesaver on the stairs. Highly recommend for pet owners.
Powerful but heavy — Tom R. (2024-01-22)
Suction is incredible and it glides well thanks to the ball design, but I do notice the weight when carrying it upstairs.
Great for allergies — Angela K. (2023-12-10)
The HEPA filtration has made a noticeable difference in my allergy symptoms. Bin emptying takes some getting used to though.
Worth the investment — Mike D. (2023-11-05)
Yes it's pricier than other uprights, but the build quality and performance justify the cost. My carpets have never looked better.