Head-to-head · Best Upright Vacuum

Dyson Ball Animal 3 vs Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Dyson Ball Animal 3 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about pet owners seeking high-performance cleaning — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Upright Vacuum

Dyson Ball Animal 3

4.3

$410.99as of Jul 1

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 delivers exceptional cleaning performance with a 99.4% debris removal rate, according to review tests. Its adjustable cleaning head and advanced motorbar system make it highly effective on different floor types and pet hair. Reviewers noted its ability to automatically detangle long and pet hair, making it particularly suitable for homes with pets. However, some users find the dustbin capacity slightly reduced compared to its predecessor, and availability is limited at many retailers. This vacuum is best for pet owners seeking high-performance cleaning but may not suit budget-conscious buyers or those needing wider retailer access.

Strengths

— 99.4% removal rate in cleaning tests
— Adjustable cleaning head enables effective cleaning on varied floor types
— Handles pet hair easily with automatic tangle-free operation

Watch-outs

— Slightly smaller dustbin compared to previous model
— Not available at many retailers

$410.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Upright Vacuum

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351

3.9

$199.99as of Jul 1

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has been a long-time Wirecutter pick, praised for its strong suction, durability, and lift-away functionality that makes it versatile for high-up cleaning. TechGearLab's review confirms its solid carpet performance and HEPA filtration, though it falls short on hardwood floors and struggles with pet hair tangling. While it's not the best vacuum available, it remains a reliable budget option under $200 with a five-year motor warranty, though the warranty's limited scope and small dustbin are noted drawbacks.

Strengths

— Impressive suction and airflow that easily picks up sand, glitter, and fur
— Lift-away feature transforms it into a handheld tool for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and shelves
— Durable design with many users reporting years of consistent performance

Watch-outs

— Struggles with deeply embedded pet hair that tends to clump and tangle
— Tiny dustbin holds less than a quart, requiring frequent emptying
— Warranty only covers the motor, not other components like the brush roll which is a common failure point

$199.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Dyson Ball Animal 3

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 stands out with its 99.4% debris removal rate and automatic tangle-free operation for pet hair, which the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351 struggles with due to hair tangling issues. Unlike the Kenmore BU1018, it avoids major reliability concerns and offers superior performance on varied floor types, though it has a smaller dustbin than previous models and limited retailer availability compared to the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351

While the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351 offers strong suction and a lift-away feature that the Dyson Ball Animal 3 lacks, it falls short on hardwood floors and struggles with deeply embedded pet hair that the Hoover WindTunnel Max Pet Power Drive UH72600 handles better. Its small dustbin and limited warranty coverage make it less appealing than the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252, which provides better value despite lower suction control.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Dyson Ball Animal 3	Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351
Cord Length	35'	25 ft
Weight	17.3 lb	14.42 lb
Filter Type	HEPA	HEPA
Cleaning Head	Adjustable	—
Dust Capacity	0.45 gallon	Less than a quart
Motor Power	—	1200W

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