Compare Simplicity Vacuums Allergy Upright Vacuum, S20EZM vs Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum

Included tools are usually described as basic but useful (commonly crevice and a combo dusting/upholstery tool). Several reviewers want a wider or softer dusting tool, and some add aftermarket pet or specialty attachments.

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.

A few comments call the vacuum simple, clean, or stylish, while others dislike cosmetic choices or mention broken trim/cover parts that are mostly aesthetic.

Airflow blowback or scatter is specifically mentioned on hard floors by some users, including reports of particles being thrown back toward feet during use.

Area rug handling depends heavily on height setting and rug type. Some owners say it works well when adjusted up; others say it can grab edges, chew bindings, or feel too aggressive on certain rugs.

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 repeatedly described as simple and quick, typically sliding in the handle and attaching the hose, with minimal screws.

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.

The bag-full indicator is viewed as helpful when present, but at least one owner reports it failing to reset after changing bags.

The bagged system is a major selling point: owners like cleaner disposal, consistent suction, and less dust exposure than bagless designs. Bag capacity is often praised, but replacement cost and bag consumption (especially with heavy shedding or wool rugs) are frequent notes.

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 is polarized: some praise sturdy materials (metal brush roll, aluminum wand, rubber bumpers), while others report cheap-feeling plastics, wobble, broken handles/covers, or hose issues over time.

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.

High-pile carpet performance is generally strong due to agitation and height settings, but some users find it hard to push or overly aggressive if set too low.

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.

Low-pile carpet results are typically positive, especially for everyday pickup and pet hair, though pushing effort can increase if suction is high and height is set low.

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 cleaning is consistently praised, with multiple reports of lifting matted carpet and pulling embedded dirt and pet hair that previous vacuums missed.

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 owners mention clogs or brush/belt issues that require disassembly, while others highlight visible clog indicators and easy access to the roller area for checks.

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 common: many say it out-cleans certain Sharks/Dysons on carpet and pet hair, while at least one comparison favors a premium canister for ease and deep extraction despite higher upkeep.

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 usually described as straightforward, with height adjustment settings that are easy to use. The foot pedal placement is occasionally criticized for accidental shutoffs when bumping furniture.

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 perception varies: several reviewers call it long enough (often cited as 30 ft), while others say it is shorter than expected and requires frequent outlet changes in larger spaces.

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 wrap is often praised as neat and practical, but multiple users wish for a retractable cord for convenience and to reduce cord management hassles.

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.

Day-to-day use is often described as simple and satisfying on carpet, but usability drops for some due to weight when carrying, strong pull on thick carpet, short hose frustrations, or brush roll behavior during hose use.

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 and baseboard cleaning is highlighted positively by some owners, while others still avoid edges on delicate rugs due to brush aggression.

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 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.

Filtration is a standout: multiple reviews highlight HEPA-style bags and filters, strong dust containment, and noticeable allergy relief versus bagless vacuums.

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/brush system is powerful but divisive. Many emphasize strong agitation and carpet grooming; many also complain the brush roll runs continuously and can be too aggressive on hard floors and 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.

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.

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 inconsistent: some users report very clean results, while others say the brush roll and airflow can scatter particles or require switching to other vacuums for hard floors.

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.

Large debris intake on hard floors gets mixed feedback, including complaints about litter or particles being thrown back during use in some homes.

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.

The headlight is frequently mentioned as useful for spotting debris, though at least one owner questions bulb longevity and whether the lights are true LEDs.

Reach is a frequent theme: some are happy with the wand/hose extension for corners and drapes, while others say the permanently attached hose feels too short and can tug the vacuum toward them.

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.

Maintenance expectations are higher than some modern uprights: multiple owners mention periodic belt changes and watching filters/bags, and a few report recurring belt or brush 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.

Handling is mixed: some call it easy to maneuver with good wheel roll and a small footprint, while others find it awkward to lift onto steps, hard to push on thick carpet, or unstable/wobbly when parked.

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 is a common downside. Many describe it as loud, though a few say the tone is acceptable or less irritating than other vacuums.

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.

Onboard tool storage is commonly praised as convenient and secure, helping reduce lost tools and making quick transitions easier.

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.

Ongoing costs are mostly about bags and periodic belts/filters. Many accept the trade for cleaner disposal and better dust control, but some find OEM bags or add-on tools expensive.

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 reports are split: some claim many years across prior Simplicity units and expect long service due to replaceable parts, while others report failures around 1 to 2 years, frequent belt breaks, or brush/motor issues.

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.

Pet owners frequently praise strong pickup on carpet and reduced lingering hair. A few reports note limitations for long hair on upholstery or brush/belt strain in heavy pet 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 usually rated positively for a bagged HEPA-style upright, with several reviewers calling it worth the money. Some disagree when durability or repair frequency becomes an issue.

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.

Some users describe a powered-assist or self-propel-like feel, while others explicitly wish it were self-propelled, especially as they age or when cleaning thick carpet.

Stair cleaning is supported via hose/tools and at least one stair-focused attachment mention, but carrying weight and hose tug can make stair work more demanding for some users.

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 the compact footprint and storage friendliness, especially for apartments and tight spaces. Upright stability is occasionally criticized due to wobble or center-of-gravity comments.

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.

Suction is consistently described as strong, often the primary reason people keep the vacuum. A minority say it is good but not on par with their best prior vacuum, or that strong suction can increase push effort.

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.

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.

Support experiences are mixed but lean positive in key stories, including at least one report of a quick refund after failure. Others report difficulty reaching customer service or post-warranty parts frustration.

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.

Tool changes are usually straightforward, especially with the telescoping wand. Compatibility with older hoses or certain attachments is a reported pain point for some owners.

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.

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 generally strong with the wand and crevice tool, but upholstery performance is mixed, including complaints about long pet hair on couches and limited included fabric tools.

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.

Weight impressions vary but cluster around sturdy and somewhat heavy. Many say it feels fine while pushing, but heavier when carrying up stairs or doing repeated back-and-forth on thick carpet.

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.

Wool and delicate rug compatibility is a concern in the reviews: some users report damage to a rug or needing to avoid edges, and others note wool rugs fill bags quickly even when they like the cleaning result.