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.
Full review
Performance Under Test
Professional reviewers measured the Dyson Ball Animal 3's cleaning efficacy across multiple scenarios, with Modern Castle's testing showing a 99.4% debris removal rate, a significant improvement over the previous model. The vacuum's adjustable Motorbar head proved crucial in handling different floor types, with RTINGS noting that it effectively managed both low-pile carpet and hard surfaces. The 290 AW suction rating, as claimed by Dyson, translates to strong performance in real-world conditions, particularly evident in vacuum wars' testing where it demonstrated excellent pickup of fine debris on both carpet and tile. However, Vacuum Wars' tests revealed a tendency to push larger debris along carpet surfaces due to the low front of the cleaner head and strong suction, a design compromise that impacts deep pile carpet cleaning.
The vacuum's ability to handle pet hair was consistently praised across multiple reviews. Popular Mechanics' Lauren Bongard reported three and a half years of use with a six-pet household, noting that the Motorbar's de-tangling technology eliminated the need for brush-roll maintenance. The anti-tangle feature specifically prevents hair from wrapping around the brush bar, which was a major complaint with previous Dyson models. Vacuum Cleaner Advisor's testing showed that the vacuum removed 100% of long hair, though they noted the cleaner head's narrow width (11 inches) compared to the Animal 2's 13.25 inches, requiring more passes to cover areas but allowing better access to tight spaces.
Design and Build Quality
Dyson's signature ball design remains consistent with the Animal 2, featuring a 35-foot power cord and a 15-foot hose-and-wand extension that provides 50 feet of total cleaning reach. The vacuum's weight of 17.3 pounds, while heavier than most upright models, is typical for Dyson's premium uprights, with Vacuum Wars noting that it's lighter than the Ball Multi-Floor 2 at 15.27 pounds. The build quality reflects Dyson's reputation for durability, with the sealed filtration system and whole-machine HEPA filtration being standard features that contribute to the vacuum's premium positioning. The adjustable suction settings on the front of the cleaner head allow users to optimize performance for different surfaces, from delicate hardwood floors to deep pile carpets.
The Motorbar head's design represents a significant upgrade from the previous model, incorporating built-in de-tangle vanes that guide hair away from the brush roll and into the dustbin. This feature addresses a major pain point in previous Dyson models, where users frequently had to stop and manually remove tangled hair. The vacuum's accessories vary by model, with the Complete version offering nine tools and two accessories, while the base model includes just two tools and one accessory. The inclusion of the pet groom tool in the Extra and Complete models represents Dyson's targeted approach to pet owners, though some reviewers noted that the grooming tool's practicality may be limited in homes with skittish pets.
What Reviewers Loved
The Motorbar's anti-tangle technology received consistent praise across all review platforms. Popular Mechanics' Lauren Bongard specifically highlighted how this feature eliminated the need for frequent brush-roll maintenance in her six-pet household, stating that it's 'a huge time-saver' and 'life-changing' for pet owners. Modern Castle's review emphasized that the adjustable cleaning head allows for optimal performance across different floor types, with 99.4% debris removal in their tests. The vacuum's powerful suction, rated at 290 AW, was noted by multiple reviewers as being significantly stronger than the previous model's 227 AW, with Vacuum Wars' testing showing excellent performance on both carpet and hard floors.
The extended reach of the vacuum's cord and hose was another frequently praised feature. The 35-foot power cord combined with the 15-foot hose-and-wand extension provides 50 feet of cleaning reach without unplugging, which reviewers found particularly valuable for large homes. Vacuum Cleaner Advisor noted that this long reach allows users to clean baseboards, curtains, and furniture without repeatedly moving the vacuum. The vacuum's ability to handle various floor types, from hardwood to carpet, was consistently highlighted as a strength, with the suction slider allowing users to adjust power levels for different surfaces. The sealed filtration system and whole-machine HEPA filtration were also praised for their effectiveness in homes with pets or allergy sufferers.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 received criticism for several design compromises. Vacuum Cleaner Advisor's testing revealed that the vacuum's movement is sluggish compared to the Animal 2, requiring more effort to push and turn, which seems counterintuitive given its lighter weight and narrower cleaner head. The narrow cleaner head (11 inches) compared to the Animal 2's 13.25 inches means more passes are needed to cover the same area, though it does allow better access to tight spaces. The flexible stretch hose was noted as difficult to extend, constantly pulling back during use, which detracted from the overall user experience according to Vacuum Cleaner Advisor.
The vacuum's weight of 17.3 pounds was cited as a significant drawback, particularly for users who need to navigate stairs. Vacuum Wars noted that while it's lighter than some Dyson models, it's still heavier than most upright vacuums, making it challenging to maneuver on stairs. The tendency to push larger debris along carpet surfaces, as identified by Vacuum Wars, represents a design compromise that impacts deep pile carpet cleaning. Additionally, the vacuum's price point of approximately $600 was considered high by some reviewers, particularly when compared to alternatives in the same category. The lack of availability at many retailers was also mentioned as a limitation, with Dyson.com being the primary source for purchase.
Who It's Best For
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is ideal for households with pets, particularly those with multiple pets or heavy shedders. Popular Mechanics' Lauren Bongard's three and a half years of use with a six-pet household demonstrates the vacuum's capability to handle relentless fur. The anti-tangle Motorbar head and pet groom tool make it particularly appealing to pet owners who want to minimize maintenance and maximize cleaning efficiency. The vacuum's strong suction and adjustable cleaning head also make it suitable for homes with a mix of floor types, including both carpet and hardwood surfaces. Vacuum Wars' testing showed it performs well on both carpet and hard floors, making it versatile for homes with varied flooring.
The vacuum is also well-suited for larger homes where the extended reach of the 50-foot cleaning radius is valuable. The 35-foot cord combined with the 15-foot hose-and-wand extension allows users to clean large areas without repeatedly unplugging. However, it's less ideal for users who frequently navigate stairs due to its weight and the difficulty of maneuvering it in tight spaces. The vacuum's price point of around $600 makes it a premium option, so it's best suited for consumers who prioritize performance and features over cost. The narrow cleaner head, while allowing better access to tight spaces, means more passes are needed to cover large areas, which may not appeal to users seeking maximum efficiency.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to the Dyson Ball Animal 2, the Animal 3 shows clear improvements in suction power (290 AW vs 227 AW) and the introduction of the anti-tangle Motorbar head. However, it's not necessarily superior in all aspects, as Vacuum Cleaner Advisor noted that the Animal 3's movement is more sluggish than its predecessor. The vacuum's performance against other premium uprights like the Shark Stratos Upright, which Vacuum Wars also reviewed, shows that while the Animal 3 excels in pet hair handling and suction power, it's not necessarily the most maneuverable option. The Animal 3's sealed filtration system and whole-machine HEPA filtration give it an edge over many competitors in homes with allergies or pets.
Compared to the Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2, which weighs 15.27 pounds, the Animal 3 is slightly heavier but offers more suction power and a more advanced cleaning head. The Multi-Floor 2's lighter weight makes it easier to maneuver on stairs, but the Animal 3's superior suction and anti-tangle features make it better suited for homes with heavy pet hair. In terms of accessories, the Animal 3's Complete model offers more tools than the Multi-Floor 2, though the Multi-Floor 2's versatility in handling multiple floor types may be more appealing to some users. The Animal 3's 50-foot cleaning reach provides a significant advantage over many competitors, though this is offset by its higher price point and weight.
Value at This Price
At approximately $600, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 represents a premium investment that reflects its advanced features and performance capabilities. The vacuum's 290 AW suction, anti-tangle Motorbar head, and sealed filtration system justify the price for users who prioritize performance over cost. Modern Castle's review gave it a 99% overall score, with the vacuum receiving high marks for performance, design, and usability. However, the price point may be prohibitive for budget-conscious consumers, particularly when compared to alternatives like the Shark Stratos Upright or Bissell Crosswave, which offer similar features at lower price points. The vacuum's 5-year manufacturer's parts and labor warranty provides additional value, though it's not necessarily superior to warranties offered by competing brands.
The vacuum's value proposition is strongest for households with pets or allergy sufferers, where the sealed filtration system and anti-tangle features provide significant benefits. The extended reach of the 50-foot cleaning radius also adds value for larger homes. However, the vacuum's weight and the difficulty of maneuvering it on stairs may limit its appeal to users who need maximum portability. The inclusion of multiple accessories in the Extra and Complete models provides additional value, though the base model's limited accessories may not justify the premium price for users who don't need the additional tools. The vacuum's durability and performance over time, as demonstrated by Popular Mechanics' three and a half years of use, suggest that it's a worthwhile investment for users who value long-term performance.
Long-Term Durability
Long-term durability was a key factor in several reviews, with Popular Mechanics' Lauren Bongard providing the most compelling evidence of sustained performance. Her three and a half years of use with a six-pet household demonstrated that the vacuum maintained its effectiveness without requiring significant maintenance. The anti-tangle Motorbar head, which eliminated the need for frequent brush-roll maintenance, was particularly praised for its longevity. The vacuum's sealed filtration system and whole-machine HEPA filtration were also noted as maintaining performance over time, with the internal filters being rinsable in water, reducing ongoing costs.
However, some reviewers noted potential durability issues with the flexible stretch hose, which Vacuum Cleaner Advisor found difficult to extend and noted as constantly pulling back during use. The vacuum's weight of 17.3 pounds, while not necessarily a durability issue, may contribute to wear on the wheels and other components over time. The Motorbar head's design, while effective in preventing tangles, may be prone to wear from constant use with pet hair. Overall, the vacuum's build quality reflects Dyson's reputation for durability, though the specific components like the hose and wheels may require more attention than some users would prefer.
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
- +Effective at removing long hair with 100% success rate
Watch-outs
- −Slightly smaller dustbin compared to previous model
- −Not available at many retailers
How it compares
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.
Who this is for
At a glance: pet owners seeking high-performance cleaning.
Why you’d buy the Dyson Ball Animal 3
- 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.
Why you’d skip it
- Slightly smaller dustbin compared to previous model.
- Not available at many retailers.
Rating sources
“The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is Dyson's latest upright for pets. It comes with some very interesting technology and there are several different models to choose from.”
“We are impressed by the Dyson Ball Animal 3 s performance. Particularly effective on carpeted floors, this vacuum offers strong suction and airflow, paired with an innovative brushroll design that allows you to toggle it on or off depending on the surface.”
Our 4.3 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
