Head-to-head · Best Upright Vacuum

Dyson Ball Animal 3 vs Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352

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

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The short answer

Dyson Ball Animal 3 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). 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

4.5

3 sources2 derived$409.99as of Aug 1

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 cleans exceptionally well, with a 99.4% debris removal rate in review tests. Its adjustable cleaning head and advanced motorbar system work across floor types and handle pet hair, and reviewers noted it detangles long and pet hair automatically. Some users find the dustbin smaller than its predecessor's, and availability is limited at many retailers. Pet owners after high-performance cleaning are the fit; budget-conscious buyers, or anyone who wants wide retailer access, are not.

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

$409.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Upright Vacuum

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352

4.1

2 sources1 derived$199.99as of Aug 1

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has been a Wirecutter pick for years, on the strength of strong suction, durability, and lift-away operation that reaches high spots. TechGearLab's review confirms its solid carpet performance and HEPA filtration while noting it falls short on hardwood floors and tangles with pet hair. It is not the best vacuum available, but it holds up as a reliable budget option under $200 with a five-year motor warranty. The warranty's limited scope and the small dustbin are the 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 →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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 NV352

While the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 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 NV352
Suction Power	290 AW	—
Dust Capacity	Smaller than previous model	Less than a quart
Cord Length	35'	—
Weight	17.3 lb	—
Filter Type	HEPA	HEPA
Cleaning Head	Adjustable	—
Warranty	5-year manufacturer’s parts and labor warranty	Five-year motor warranty
Material	—	Plastic
Wattage	—	1200W

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