Head-to-head · Best Upright Vacuum

Dyson Ball Animal 3 vs Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe

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 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

4.5

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 #4 in Best Upright Vacuum

Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe

3.9

2 sources1 derived$149as of Aug 1

The Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe is solid value, with the Lift-Away feature, washable filters, and decent performance across floor types. Reviewers noted it is well-built for its price range and picks up debris effectively, though it does not turn sharply and the power cord is short. Some users found the brushroll tangles with pet hair, and the vacuum's balance makes it somewhat unstable when upright. Buyers who want an affordable, multi-floor vacuum with good filtration are the fit; anyone who needs superior edge cleaning or sharp maneuverability is not.

Strengths

— Solid build quality for the price point
— Lift-Away feature allows for easy access to stairs and vehicle interiors
— Three washable filters including a HEPA filter

Watch-outs

— Poor balance and tendency to topple over
— Short power cord at 25 feet

$149 · 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 S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe

The Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe offers better build quality and washable filters than the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252, but it's less maneuverable than the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and lacks the tangle-free operation of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351. Compared to the Hoover WindTunnel Max Pet Power Drive UH72600, it provides quieter operation and better filtration, though it has a shorter power cord and less powerful suction.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Dyson Ball Animal 3	Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe
Suction Power	290 AW	—
Dust Capacity	Smaller than previous model	1.2 dry quarts
Cord Length	35'	25 feet
Weight	17.3 lb	12.5 lb
Filter Type	HEPA	—
Cleaning Head	Adjustable	—
Warranty	5-year manufacturer’s parts and labor warranty	—
Motor Type	—	1200W, 10 Amps, 120V

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