Compare Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum vs Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum

The included crevice, upholstery, and pet tools are frequently praised for couch, crevice, and above-floor cleaning. Some Amazon reviewers complain specific accessories they expected (such as a wide upholstery tool or round brush) were missing or hard to find.

Included accessories depend heavily on the package: multiple reviews note the base bundle often ships with only two tools, while higher tiers add many more. Several sources also point out that building a full tool set can add meaningful cost.

Design is often described as simple and minimalist. A few owners mention a more plastic feel than older versions and occasional cosmetic marks or wear.

Several users contrast it with older vacuums that blew dust back into the room, saying this model has minimal blowback and no spit-back on hard floors. This is closely tied to sealed filtration and strong suction.

Area rug handling is inconsistent: some users vacuum rugs successfully after adjusting suction, while others say the head sits too low, stalls, or stops on certain rugs. Shag-style rugs are specifically called out as a poor match by some owners.

Adjustable gates can help the vacuum transition and glide on thicker rugs compared with older fixed-height Dyson uprights. Still, some testers found the low-profile head can catch on rug edges or mats, requiring odd angles or gate changes to get over lips.

Assembly is consistently described as fast and tool-free, with components clicking into place in minutes. This is one of the most universally positive aspects across reviews.

Assembly feedback ranges from very quick and straightforward (a few click-in steps) to awkward, mainly because the vacuum and floorhead are heavy and some latches are not intuitive. A couple of reviewers also mention minimal or downloaded instructions, which can add to first-time friction.

Bagless dust cup emptying is usually described as easy, but capacity impressions vary widely. Some call the bin large, while others find it small or note a low fill line that forces frequent emptying in hair-heavy homes.

It is a bagless vacuum with a relatively large bin for an upright in this class; some sources cite about 0.45 gal / 1.7 L and describe infrequent emptying. A few reviews also note the bin can feel smaller than certain prior Dyson variants, but overall capacity is a plus for whole-house cleans.

Build quality feedback ranges from sturdy, well-snapping parts to concerns about cheaper plastic materials and belt smells. It generally feels solid for the price, but not everyone expects premium longevity.

Build-quality impressions are mixed. Some reviewers describe it as solidly built and durable-feeling, while at least one user review perceived parts as flimsy plastic with many moving mechanisms that raised long-term concerns.

Performance on plush or thicker carpet is often positive, with reports of smooth gliding and strong extraction. Still, some say it can feel too grabby or struggle unless suction is reduced, and a few recommend avoiding very thick shag.

High-pile results are mixed: some reviews report excellent cleaning and better glide than older Dyson uprights when the gates are opened, while at least one lab test found below-average pickup of mixed debris on high pile. Expect strong suction, but plan to adjust gates and make extra passes for large, lightweight debris.

On low-pile and standard carpet, many users see strong pickup and noticeably fuller bins after one or two passes. Some still report needing extra passes or seeing a trace of dust left near the sides of the head.

On low-pile carpet, most reviews report excellent pickup, including strong results on fine and medium debris. A few tests note small particles like sugar can remain without extra attention, but overall low-pile performance is a key strength.

Medium-pile carpet deep-clean performance is repeatedly highlighted as a strength, including a perfect-style result in a sand-embedded deep-clean test. Even when reviewers criticize ease of pushing, they still credit it with strong embedded-dirt extraction.

Some users report the wand/tube can clog with hair and debris and mention a clog indicator/red light behavior; others say it stays clear when filters and brush roll are maintained. Clog complaints tend to come from hair-heavy households or heavy use.

In pet-hair and general cleaning discussions, reviewers report strong debris flow with no notable clogs during testing, including with clumps of fur. Most complaints are about plowing or scattering larger debris rather than true clogging inside the system.

Comparisons are often favorable versus cheaper brands and even some premium vacuums for day-to-day pickup, especially on mixed flooring. Dissenting voices prefer higher-end Sharks or other brands for tangle resistance, rug performance, or long-term durability.

Compared with other uprights, it is often ranked near the top for raw cleaning power and carpet results, and is positioned as a meaningful upgrade over the Ball Animal 2 for usability. However, some competitors are called out as better on hard floors, easier to maneuver, or stronger value depending on your mix of flooring and need for lift-away handling.

Controls are simple, with hard-floor vs carpet modes and an adjustable suction slider that users like for switching surfaces. Some wish the power switch were positioned higher on the handle for convenience.

Controls are intentionally simple: a main power switch plus a brushroll on/off, with performance tuning handled via a slider or gates on the floorhead. The main drawback noted is that the suction/gate slider sits low on the head, requiring you to bend down to adjust between surfaces.

Cord length sentiment skews mixed-to-negative: some reviewers like the reach, but many wish it were longer than older models or competitors and note there is no automatic rewind. Cord length matters more in larger rooms and multi-room runs.

Cord length is consistently described as long, usually around 33 to 35 feet, supporting wide cleaning range without frequent outlet changes. The long cord is a reach advantage but also contributes to cord management hassle.

Cord management is often cited as a pain point because it must be wrapped manually and can drag or tangle while vacuuming. Positives include cord clips/hooks that help keep it out of the way once you get used to routing it.

Cord handling is manual, with no automatic rewind, and reviewers commonly describe winding and unwinding as tedious. The benefit is reach, but the tradeoff is time and a cord that can get in the way during cleaning.

Crevice performance is repeatedly praised, with strong suction at the head and good results in crevice-style pickup tests. It is commonly described as effective for tight gaps and grooves when used with the right setting or tool.

Cyclone-style engineering is referenced as part of Dyson's lossless-suction approach, including mentions of radial root cyclone technology. In practice, reviewers attribute consistent suction and strong pickup to the overall airflow and head design rather than any single component.

Swivel steering is widely praised for easy turns and navigating around furniture. However, a noticeable subset says it over-swivels or feels sloppy, and handling can feel less controlled on some carpets.

Ease of use is widely praised: quick setup, straightforward controls, and a lighter feel than many uprights. Common negatives are cord handling, occasional over-swivel behavior, and fatigue during long whole-home sessions.

Ease-of-use feedback splits by user expectations: some reviewers call it simple, intuitive, and highly usable, while others find it cumbersome due to weight, strong suction, cord drag, and a stiff hose. Most agree it rewards a short learning curve around head-gate settings and wand handling.

Edge results are mixed: some users report good cleaning along walls and baseboards, while others note a small gap near edges that requires switching to the hose/crevice tool for a complete pass.

Edge cleaning is a consistent bright spot, with multiple tests showing strong pickup right along walls and baseboards and near edge-to-edge suction. One review notes a small gap from the front in a specific setup, but overall edge results are strong.

Emptying is typically simple with an easy-release, bottom-dump style, and many describe it as low-mess. The main downside is that frequent emptying can be necessary depending on bin size and how much hair/dust you collect.

Emptying is generally described as hygienic and easy: detach the bin and press a button to drop debris into the trash. A couple of users caution that the release mechanism can be sensitive, so careful handling helps avoid accidental disassembly.

Reviews frequently highlight the HEPA filter and sealed dust containment for trapping allergens and reducing dust blowback, including positive mentions from allergy/asthma users. Long-term odor complaints show up occasionally when filters or odor components aren’t kept fresh.

Most reviews describe strong dust containment with a sealed system and effective filtration, sometimes even labeled HEPA whole-machine filtration. One test notes it may not be a true HEPA filter but still performed excellently at keeping fine particles from escaping.

The floorhead earns praise for swivel maneuvering and general pickup, but complaints include limited under-furniture clearance, a narrower head that takes longer to cover rooms, and a brush/roller design that can trap hair or stall on some rugs.

The Motorbar floorhead and its adjustable gates are widely cited as the key design upgrade, improving versatility and helping the vacuum handle different debris types. Critiques focus on the head being relatively narrow and, with gates set low, sometimes pushing larger debris instead of riding over it.

Reviews repeatedly describe the head seal as both the superpower and the pain point: a tight seal boosts deep cleaning but can make the vacuum hard to push and can shove larger debris. Opening the gates or moving the slider increases airflow and clearance, improving debris intake and reducing sticking.

Many owners say it removes pet hair from carpets effectively and reveals debris their old vacuums missed. Counterpoints include reports of needing multiple passes or preferring models with a self-cleaning roller for heavy shedding.

Hair pickup on carpets is a standout, with multiple tests showing strong removal of pet fur and long human hair from rugs. Reviewers often recommend it for carpet-heavy homes where hair is a constant problem.

Hair pickup on hard floors is generally rated highly, especially for pet fur, with many owners impressed by what it collects after prior vacuuming. Results depend more on suction and technique than on tangle resistance.

Hair wrap is one of the biggest recurring complaints: long hair and pet fur often wrap the brush roll and require manual cutting or regular cleanouts. Several reviewers recommend stepping up to a Shark with a self-cleaning roller if hair is a daily issue.

The anti-tangle system is repeatedly called out as a major upgrade, with many tests showing little to no hair wrap. In some cases hair can briefly wrap, but reviewers note it can self-clear with continued run time, reducing the need for cutting hair off the brushroll.

Hard-floor fine dust pickup is frequently praised, including reports of less dust being kicked back into the air than with older vacuums. This aligns with strong suction and sealed filtration comments.

Fine dust performance on hard floors is generally strong in controlled tests, but real-world feedback is more mixed, including reports of flour streaks or needing extra passes. Turning the brushroll off and adjusting the head gates are commonly suggested to improve hard-floor results.

Most users report it handles larger debris well on hard floors, including pet mess and gritty dirt. A few note the head can grab certain rugs or feel less smooth when transitioning over thicker surfaces.

Large, lightweight debris like cereal or oats can be a weak spot when the head gates are set low, with several reviews describing pinging or plowing. Adjusting the gates, turning off the brushroll on hard floors, or using a hand tool can improve pickup but may add extra passes.

A frequent complaint is the lack of a headlight or LEDs on the floorhead. Many reviewers miss this feature for seeing dust on hard floors or vacuuming in low-light areas.

The extendable hose and wand are valued for reaching ceilings, blinds, and above-floor areas. Some users dispute the advertised reach, say the wand feels too long, or note the base can tip when the hose is pulled taut.

Reach is a strong point, with reviewers citing hoses and wands in the 13 to 15 foot range or multi-meter extension. Multiple users also report the stretch hose can feel stiff and pull back, so the usable reach can be less pleasant than the spec suggests.

Ongoing maintenance is expected: rinsing filters, clearing clogs, and cutting hair off the brush roll. Reviewers who keep up with these routines report better performance and fewer issues.

Routine upkeep is simple but frequent: empty the bin and wash the filters on a recurring schedule, with some reviewers citing monthly cleaning and a 24-hour dry time. Brushroll access is generally good, though at least one review found the secondary filter harder to remove.

The ball steering helps it corner and pivot, and some reviewers find it easy to make tight turns. That said, the combination of weight, cord drag, and strong suction at the head often makes it feel bulky or tiring, and it can feel stiff on certain carpets.

Noise feedback is mixed: several users call it relatively quiet or quieter than older Sharks, while others describe it as very noisy. Overall it trends tolerable but not silent.

Noise impressions vary: one lab-style review measured it around 59 dB and called it surprisingly quiet, while another home test recorded about 81 dB and found it loud. Expect a noticeable, power-forward sound profile that depends on test method and environment.

A few reviewers say it leaves the air feeling fresher at first, but long-term owners sometimes report musty odors if filters aren’t cleaned or replaced on schedule. One reviewer also expressed caution about the odor-neutralizing component around kids/pets.

Onboard storage for the main attachments is a convenience highlight, reducing the chance of losing tools. A few reviewers still want more dedicated storage space, such as a spot for spare filters.

Some accessories can be stored directly on the vacuum so they are close at hand, and this is viewed as convenient during room-to-room cleaning. A few comments note the storage positions are not always the easiest to access in the moment.

Washable filters are repeatedly called out as a cost saver because they can be rinsed instead of replaced frequently. Some users still buy extra filter sets so one can dry while the other is in use.

Ongoing costs are generally viewed as low because it is bagless and the filters are washable/rinsable. The main recurring burden is time and downtime: filter washing is recommended regularly and requires a long air-dry period, so some owners may prefer spare filters.

Longevity sentiment is split: many long-time Shark owners report years of service from older Navigators and expect similar life, while some users report early failures or worry about lighter, more plastic construction.

Overall sentiment is mostly positive, driven by suction, maneuverability, and value, with many repeat Shark buyers recommending it. Negative reviews focus on missing premium features (like a headlight), hair wrap maintenance, occasional rug handling issues, and sporadic reliability complaints.

Packaging is praised in at least one review for secure, eco-minded materials such as recyclable cardboard rather than excessive plastic. Other reviews do not strongly dispute this, but they also do not focus on packaging.

Many reviews position it as a pet-friendly upright thanks to strong suction and included pet tools, with multiple owners impressed by fur pickup on carpets and furniture. The main pet-related downside is brush-roll hair wrap, which can require frequent cleanouts in heavy-shedding homes.

Reviewers frequently recommend it for pet owners thanks to strong fur pickup, brushroll de-tangling behavior, and filtration aimed at keeping dander contained. Upholstery tools (when included) are also highlighted as particularly effective on pet hair.

Value is a consistent theme: many see it as a budget-friendly upright that competes well with more expensive vacuums. A minority feel it’s overpriced if you need more features, better rug handling, or longer-lasting build.

Value is debated: some reviewers call it hard to beat for sheer cleaning performance and note it can be a relatively affordable way into a Dyson upright, especially on sale. Others feel it is expensive versus strong competitors, and the limited base tool set (or paid upgrades) can make the overall value proposition weaker.

Cosmetic durability is a minor but present theme, with mentions of scratches and some tools leaving marks on surfaces. These reports are not universal but suggest care is needed around delicate finishes.

Stairs are generally manageable thanks to the hose/wand and lighter feel compared with heavier uprights. The main drawback is stability, as some users say the base can tip when pulling the hose during stair work.

The stair tool can help on carpeted steps, but multiple reviewers emphasize the bigger issue is carrying the unit. At roughly 17 lb and with an awkward carry approach, it is commonly described as a pain for multi-level or stair-heavy homes.

Several reviewers like that it stores in a closet or corner, but stability can be an issue. Multiple comments mention the vacuum can feel tipsy or tip over when using the hose/wand, requiring a hand to steady it.

The vacuum stands upright but has a tall, bulky profile that some reviewers would rather store in a utility space than leave out. Stability is generally not flagged as an issue, but footprint and visual presence are.

Most reviews describe very strong suction that pulls up noticeably more dirt, dust, and hair than prior vacuums. A smaller set of owners say power feels similar to other Sharks or takes multiple passes on rugs, especially compared with higher-end models.

Across reviews and lab-style tests, the Animal 3 is consistently described as extremely powerful, often cited around 290 air watts. That strength shows up as strong deep cleaning, but it can also make the vacuum harder to push and more likely to plow larger, lightweight debris unless the head gates are adjusted.

Some professional or frequent cleaners report it holds up well with routine upkeep, suggesting it can handle heavier use. Others frame it as a good home vacuum that may wear faster or be harder to repair under commercial-style abuse.

Several reviewers highlight that it fits well in apartments, condos, and small storage spaces while still offering strong suction. People in larger homes sometimes want a longer cord or bigger bin to reduce interruptions.

A narrower cleaning path can help in tighter spaces and gives more maneuvering options around furniture legs and corners. However, the overall upright body is still bulky and corded, so it is not universally praised for small or cluttered homes.

Reliability experiences vary from trouble-free use (including frequent cleaning) to complaints about clogs, vibration, and occasional unit failure. Some also note repair/parts availability can be limited, reinforcing a replace-rather-than-repair perception.

Warranty and support details vary by reviewer and region: several sources cite a 5-year manufacturer warranty, while another lists a 1-year warranty. Practical support experience is not deeply covered, so expectations should be set by the retailer and your local Dyson terms.

Attachments are generally described as easy to swap, with parts that click into place and detach quickly. A few users still wish certain tools were included, but the change process itself is straightforward.

Tool swapping is generally straightforward once you learn the wand and hose release points, with attachments snapping into place. Several reviewers still found the wand/hose handling awkward or stiff at first, especially when switching frequently during a clean.

Getting under low furniture is a common limitation for a standard upright design. Some users can reach under tables and chairs, but others say the head and body are too bulky for couches and low-clearance spaces.

Multiple reviewers note the ball design and bulky body limit how far the vacuum can reach under low furniture. For frequent under-sofa or under-bed cleaning, the Animal 3 is often described as less practical than lower-profile or cordless alternatives.

Above-floor cleaning is a strength for many owners, especially using the pet tool on couches and the wand for curtains, vents, and ceiling fans. Reach is generally good, but pulling hard on the hose can make the base tip for some users.

Above-floor cleaning benefits from the long hose/wand reach and strong suction, and pet-oriented upholstery tools get high marks when included. Still, several reviewers found the hose stiff or retracting, which can make above-floor work more of a workout than expected.

The hose, wand, and tools make it useful for floors, furniture, and high dusting, adding versatility for a standard upright. It does not offer a Lift-Away detachable canister, which limits portability compared with other Shark lines.

Many users describe it as lightweight and easy to carry, including older owners who appreciate reduced strain. Others still find it heavy to lift or feel wrist/hand fatigue during long sessions, especially when using the hose.

Most sources place the weight around 17 to 17.4 lb, and it is frequently described as heavy for everyday lifting. Some users still find it manageable on flat floors, but the weight shows up in fatigue and portability complaints.