Compare Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum vs Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner

P1 Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum
P2 Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Comparison Takeaways

Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum

Where It Has the Edge

  • Weight is 4.3 vs 2.4. Many users describe it as lightweight and easy to carry, including older owners who appreciate reduced strain. Others...
  • Price and Value is 4.4 vs 3.3. Value is a consistent theme: many see it as a budget-friendly upright that competes well with more expensive...
  • Versatility is 4.1 vs 3.4. The hose, wand, and tools make it useful for floors, furniture, and high dusting, adding versatility for a...
  • Hard Floor — Large Debris Intake is 4.2 vs 3.7. Most users report it handles larger debris well on hard floors, including pet mess and gritty dirt. A...

Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Where It Has the Edge

  • Edge and Baseboard Cleaning (Hard Floors) is 4.6 vs 3.6. Edge and baseboard cleaning is repeatedly rated near the top, with strong edging tests and effective side channels...
  • Maintenance requirements is 4.2 vs 3.3. Maintenance is viewed as simple: wash filters on a schedule, empty the bin, and occasionally clear hair/debris from...
  • Carpet — Low-Pile Pickup is 4.5 vs 3.9. Low-pile carpet performance is a consistent strength, with strong debris and hair pickup reported across both consumer and...
  • Floorhead design is 4.0 vs 3.4. Self-adjusting floorhead design improves sealing and surface adaptation, but multiple reviewers say it can sit too close and...
Average score
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.9
Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
3.9
Accessories and Tools
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.2

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.

Aesthetic design and finish
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.6

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Airflow blowback
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.4

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Area Rug Handling
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.0

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
3.3

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 and Setup
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.8

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.5

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

Bin and Bag
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.0

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.4

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 and durability
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.1

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
3.8

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

Carpet — High-Pile Pickup
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.8

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
3.6

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.

Carpet — Low-Pile Pickup
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.9

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.5

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

Carpet — Medium-Pile Pickup
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
No score yet
Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.4

No summary yet.

Clogging and debris prevention
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
3.2

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.

Comparative performance
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.8

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.1

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 and UI
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.0

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.1

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

Cord length
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.0

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.3

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
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.9

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.0

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

Crevice / Groove Pickup (Hard Floors)
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
No score yet
Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.2

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 performance
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
No score yet
Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.7

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.

Dried-On Stain Removal
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.0

No summary yet.

Ease of use
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.2

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 (Hard Floors)
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.6

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.6

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

Emptying and Mess Control
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.4

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.4

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

Filtration / Dust Containment
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.4

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.4

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.

Floorhead design
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.4

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.0

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.

Hair Pickup — Carpets
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.9

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.5

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

Hair Pickup — Hard Floors
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.1

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Hair‑Wrap / Tangle Resistance
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
2.6

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
2.6

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.

Hard Floor — Fine Dust Pickup
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.3

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.1

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.

Hard Floor — Large Debris Intake
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
3.7

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.

Headlight and LED lights
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
1.0

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
1.5

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

Hose length
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.1

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.4

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.

Kid-friendliness
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
No score yet
Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.2

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.

Maintenance requirements
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.3

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.2

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

Noise level
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.6

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
3.6

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.

Odor control
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.4

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Onboard tool storage
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.4

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.3

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

Ongoing ownership costs (bags, filters, batteries)
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Overall durability/longevity
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.7

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Overall opinion
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.3

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.2

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-Ready Features
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.3

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.4

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.

Price and Value
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.4

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
3.3

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

Scratch resistance
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Stair Cleaning
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.3

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.

Storage footprint and upright-stand stability
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.3

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
2.9

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.

Suction and Airflow
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.7

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.

Suitability for heavy-duty use
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.9

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Suitability for small spaces
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.1

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Support and Reliability
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.4

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
No score yet
Tool-change simplicity
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.5

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.4

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
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
3.1

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
2.8

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.

Upholstery / Above-Floor Pickup
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.2

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
4.6

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

Versatility
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.1

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
3.4

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
Product 1: Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro...
4.3

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.

Product 2: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright...
2.4

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.