Compare Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Upright Vacuum vs Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Tool kits are decent for the price (crevice/dusting combo, extension wand, turbo brush, sometimes an upholstery tool), but content varies by SKU and some tools are criticized for being small or not very effective.

Included tools (combination/crevice, stair, turbine/pet tools, and variant-specific extras) are generally seen as useful, though at least one review finds the turbine tool underpowered.

Blowback/scatter control is described positively in some marketing-style commentary and in bare-floor sealing discussions, but performance varies by model and floorhead seal quality.

Rug handling is mixed: several reviewers like the cleaning, but some say it can feel hard to push or can lose effective contact depending on the height setting and rug thickness.

Area rug handling can be challenging: several reviewers note the vacuum may stick, pull up mats, or feel overly aggressive on certain rugs due to strong suction and head design.

Assembly experiences range from quick to frustrating. One unboxing shows awkward screw placement and parts that do not seat easily without extra fiddling.

Assembly is consistently described as straightforward with a few click-in parts and minimal setup time.

The bin is easy to remove and empty in concept, but real-world experience varies: some call it simple, while others report stiff latches or accidental release/fit issues.

Bagless bin capacity is described as large (roughly 0.48–0.55 gal / about 2L), supporting longer sessions; sealing is generally good, with occasional minor leakage notes in lab testing.

Build quality is often described as better than expected for the price, with thicker plastics and a sturdier feel, though fit/finish issues show up in some assembly/handle reports.

Build quality is often described as robust with durable plastics, but a minority of comments call out cheaper-feeling hose/handle plastics.

High-pile carpet results are inconsistent across sources; one review suggests pet hair can be collected but general debris pickup may lag behind stronger competitors.

High-pile carpet results are mixed: suction is strong, but several reviews report it can be difficult to push or it may struggle to capture larger debris sitting high in the pile.

Low-pile carpet pickup is generally rated good to very good in the hands-on reviews, though one lab-style review found weak overall debris pickup despite decent pet-hair results.

Low-pile carpet performance is a consistent strength, with strong debris and hair pickup reported across both consumer and test-focused reviews.

On medium-pile carpets and typical rugs, reviewers report solid cleaning but note that height settings can be finicky, sometimes reducing brush contact and requiring a re-pass.

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Clogging is most often mentioned around the turbo tool and narrow passages, especially with pet hair. Keeping the brush/tool path clear is a recurring recommendation.

Debris flow is generally reliable, but a narrow wand/tube can clog if large items are picked up, and hair tangling around the brush can add periodic clearing.

Comparisons are split: one review ranks it as a low performer versus other sub-$200 uprights, while other reviewers say it is a notable step up from older Dirt Devil models but still not best-in-class versus brands like Bissell.

Comparative discussions often place it among the most powerful uprights tested, though some reviewers prefer newer or less expensive competitors depending on features and value.

Controls are mostly simple (power, height settings, and in some versions brush or floor-mode controls). The main complaint is less about the buttons and more about how settings translate to real contact/performance.

Controls are simple and functional, commonly including suction-level selection and brush control; most feedback is positive with few learning-curve complaints.

Cord length is commonly referenced as about 25 feet. Some reviewers consider that fine for small areas, while others call it short versus 30-foot uprights.

Cord length and reach are strong for a corded upright (often cited around 30–35 ft cord and extended total reach), reducing outlet changes during cleaning.

Cord management ranges from basic wrap hooks to models with cord rewind. Rewind versions are praised for convenience; non-rewind versions still have clips/hooks that work but feel budget.

Cord wrap and basic cord management are mentioned as straightforward and adequate for storage.

Crevice and groove pickup is often called out as a strong point thanks to high suction, though fine powder in floor gaps can still require extra passes or tool use.

Cyclone separation is described as improved versus older models but still imperfect; one detailed review notes dust can bypass the cyclone and reach filters sooner than expected.

Cyclone system is repeatedly credited for strong, consistent pickup and maintaining performance room-to-room, with only occasional notes that floorhead design (not suction) limits large-debris pickup.

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Ease of use is generally good once set up, with simple controls and straightforward mode changes. A few owners cite annoyances like finicky height settings or awkward latches.

Reviews mention this area with mixed to positive feedback overall (average score about 4.20), with performance varying by flooring, settings, and user expectations.

Edge and baseboard cleaning is repeatedly rated near the top, with strong edging tests and effective side channels at the floorhead.

Emptying is generally straightforward, but several reviews mention mess potential (dirty bottom hatch, stiff doors, or awkward re-seating) depending on the model.

Emptying is commonly described as quick and hygienic (one-button or point-and-shoot style), with minimal need to touch debris.

Filtration is typically described as average for an unsealed bagless upright. Some reviewers note the lack of a true HEPA-style seal and report dust reaching filters/motor-side areas.

Whole-machine HEPA filtration and washable filters are praised for allergen control, though one lab-style review noted the system can be only partially sealed over years of use.

The floorhead/brush system is aggressive and carpet-focused. Reviewers mention stiff bristles, felt strips, and height setting quirks that can affect contact and ease of pushing.

Self-adjusting floorhead design improves sealing and surface adaptation, but multiple reviewers say it can sit too close and push larger debris or reduce usability on some rugs.

At least one review highlights better sealing on hard floors that reduces debris spit-out, but others describe limited sealing and less controlled bare-floor behavior.

Carpet hair pickup is a relative strength in several reviews, especially for a lower-cost upright, though performance varies by model and test method.

Carpet hair pickup, especially pet hair, is repeatedly rated excellent and aligns with the product positioning for homes with shedding animals.

Hard-floor hair pickup is less consistent, particularly if the brush is disabled or the head does not seal well; some users still report acceptable results on bare floors.

Hair-wrap resistance is average at best. Multiple reviewers mention hair wrapping around the brushroll and needing periodic cleaning.

Long-hair management is a weak spot on the main brush in some objective testing (notable tangling reported), even though pet-hair pickup is strong and some turbine tools resist tangles.

Fine dust on hard floors is described as acceptable when the head is set correctly, but overall hard-floor refinement varies and depends heavily on the specific model/SKU discussed.

On hard floors, fine dust pickup is generally strong, but multiple tests note residue can remain in cracks/crevices (e.g., flour between boards) depending on technique and settings.

Large debris intake on hard floors ranges from poor to good. One review reports weak pickup of larger pieces, while another notes a bare-floor setup/seal that helps prevent blowback.

Large-debris pickup is inconsistent: some reviewers get solid results with the correct head setting, while others report the self-adjusting head can push cereal/large bits instead of ingesting them.

Multiple sources note the floorhead lacks LED headlights, which can make it harder to see debris in darker spaces.

Hose reach is described as usable to solid for above-floor tasks, with some reviewers satisfied for stairs and furniture, though exact length varies across versions mentioned.

Hose and wand reach are frequently praised for above-floor work (stairs, corners, behind furniture), though one reviewer notes the wand/tube can feel narrow for larger items.

A few comments suggest kid-friendliness via safety behavior when parked upright (rollers/brush not spinning), though overall usability still depends on handling the unit's weight.

Low-profile reach is limited in at least one unboxing, with the body/cyclone area preventing the head from getting truly flat. Under-furniture access depends on clearance and the specific model shape.

Maintenance is routine for a bagless upright: regular filter washing and brush/hose checks. Some designs make brush access or tool cleaning more tedious than expected.

Maintenance is viewed as simple: wash filters on a schedule, empty the bin, and occasionally clear hair/debris from the brush or airway.

Handling is decent for a non-swivel budget upright, but some users report it can feel hard to push on thicker rugs and does not match premium maneuverability.

Noise is described as typical to loud for a corded upright. The turbo tool is singled out as especially loud in one review.

Noise impressions vary by test: some measurements place it in the high-60s/low-70s dB range while others find it louder; overall it is not silent, but generally within typical upright ranges.

Onboard storage is a plus in several reviews, with dedicated spots/posts for tools. Some note wasted space or a storage position for a tool that is not included.

Onboard storage for key tools and brackets is appreciated for keeping frequently used attachments accessible without a separate bag.

Long-term longevity is uncertain. Reviewers like the improved design but caution that motors and sealing are not premium, and expectations should match the budget tier.

Overall sentiment trends positive on cleaning power and results, with the most common drawbacks being weight, high price, and occasional usability quirks on rugs/tight spaces.

Pet-focused performance is a highlight, with strong pet-hair pickup and useful pet tools, though tool effectiveness can vary by included kit and expectations.

Value is a common theme: strong performance for the money around the lower price point, but the proposition weakens if priced closer to higher-performing competitors.

Price is a frequent criticism: many reviewers call it expensive, recommending it most when discounted or when maximum suction matters more than cost.

Stair cleaning is generally rated good when using the hose and tools; one hands-on review specifically notes reaching multiple steps without moving the unit often.

Stair cleaning is a standout: the long hose/wand reach lets users clean many steps from one position, reducing the need to carry the main body upstairs.

Bulky storage footprint and upright-stand behavior show tradeoffs: some users report an finicky click/lock into the upright position and overall size that can be harder to store.

Most reviews describe strong suction and improved airflow versus older Dirt Devil uprights, with a stiff brushroll that can pull embedded debris. Performance can dip if filters clog or if the brush/head loses contact at certain height settings.

Reviews consistently describe class-leading suction that deep-cleans carpets and pulls embedded debris, but the strength can make the vacuum feel grabby on plush carpet and some rugs.

Support and reliability feedback is mixed. One source notes a multi-year limited warranty, while another warns warranty handling may be frustrating and recommends purchasing from a retailer with easy proof-of-purchase.

Surface safety is a concern on delicate hard floors in some reviews due to an always-on or aggressive brushroll and inconsistent hard-floor sealing.

Tool swapping and compatibility can be a pain point. Multiple reviewers call out a proprietary fitting, which can limit use of universal attachments.

Tool swaps are typically described as quick click-on/click-off, making it easy to move between floor cleaning and above-floor attachments.

Under-furniture pickup is often limited by the head not lying fully flat and by bulk around the cyclone/body, making it harder to reach low-clearance areas.

Under-furniture reach is limited for an upright; bulk and the ball housing prevent cleaning far under low-clearance furniture without moving items or switching to the wand.

Above-floor cleaning is helped by a usable hose and included tools, and at least one reviewer reports stair reach of roughly 9-10 steps. The turbo tool can be loud and may clog with hair.

Above-floor and upholstery cleaning are frequently praised when using the turbine and combination tools, especially for furniture and blankets with hair.

Versatility is good for an upright via wand and tools, but it is not a true convertible handheld and can feel less flexible than lift-away or cordless designs.

Weight is repeatedly described as manageable for an upright (mid-teens pounds in some discussions), helping with carry and room-to-room moves.

Multiple reviewers flag the unit as heavy (roughly 16–17.5 lb), which can add arm strain during whole-home cleaning or when carrying it between floors.