Compare Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum vs Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum

Attachments are generally useful, with praise for pet, upholstery, crevice, and broad above-floor tools, though one pillow/upholstery test found the brush only okay.

Attachments are generally well regarded, especially the pet grooming, turbine, crevice, stair, and upholstery tools, though the Extra package value is debated elsewhere.

A WIRED review explicitly praises the vacuum’s styling while also noting broad floor-surface performance.

Area rug handling is mixed-to-negative: reviewers note smooth surface transitions, but shag and larger particles can require extra effort.

Area rug handling is mixed: one review says it glides on a thick rug, while others warn it may be too strong or hard to move on carpet.

Assembly evidence is limited but favorable, with one test saying the Shark took only a couple of minutes despite needing more assembly than others.

Assembly is mixed: one comparison says the Dyson needs quite a bit of assembly, and another found setup slightly tricky.

The dust cup/bin is usually reviewed positively for capacity, easy emptying, and a straightforward open design, with one sealed-bin test also supporting containment.

The bin is viewed positively in the hands-on review, mainly because of its large capacity.

Build quality is serviceable but not premium; reviewers mention plastic construction as a drawback while also linking it to low weight and price.

Build quality evidence is positive for the wand, which a reviewer describes as high-quality plastic that does not tend to snap.

High-pile carpet and shag rugs are a recurring weakness because the lack of height adjustment makes deep or tall pile harder to handle.

High-pile and plush carpet evidence is positive, with reviewers praising thick-carpet deep cleaning and plush-carpet effectiveness.

Low-pile carpet pickup is a strength, with reviewers citing strong low-pile results and best-in-test budget carpet performance.

Medium-pile/deep carpet evidence is very strong, including perfect-score and deep-clean praise for embedded sand pickup.

Medium-pile carpet pickup scores very strongly in testing, including a perfect carpet deep-clean score and top sand pickup results.

Hair-related clogging evidence is weak-to-negative, with one test describing embedded pet hair as prone to clumping.

Clog prevention is a strength in pet-heavy use, with reviewers highlighting anti-clog design and debris containment in the bin.

Comparative performance is generally good for the price, but named comparisons show some rivals beat it on hard-floor pickup, suction, or overall score.

Comparative evidence is favorable: reviewers say it impressed against other uprights, outshined competition on carpet, and felt like a worthy successor.

Controls are simple, with one comparison calling the Navigator simpler than newer Shark models, though fewer advanced settings are available.

Reviewers like the adjustable gates and suction controls because they improve control across surfaces and debris types.

The Lift-Away/portable canister design is a repeated strength, making stairs, furniture, upholstery, and above-floor cleaning easier.

Cord length is acceptable-to-good in reviewed variants, with reviewers calling reach good or sufficient.

Cord length is consistently praised, especially the 35-foot cord and long total cleaning range.

Cord management is praised in the unboxing review because the hook lets the user remove the whole cable in one go.

Crevice/groove pickup is a weakness, with multiple reviews reporting struggles in cracks or crevices despite strong suction elsewhere.

Crevice pickup is excellent in comparative testing, where the Dyson edges out the Shark Stratos in deep crevice sand pickup.

Cyclone performance has limited but positive evidence, with one review praising cyclonic suction for capturing fine dust and debris.

Cyclone performance is mixed: one review praises Radial Root Cyclone airflow, while another says the newer cyclone system dirties filters faster.

The dual-motor design is evaluated positively because the brush motor is described as not stealing power from the main motor.

Ease of use is mostly positive because of simple operation, light handling, and Lift-Away utility, though pushing can be harder with strong suction.

Ease of use is mixed: one reviewer liked how the machine follows the hose, while another said several operations take getting used to.

Edge/baseboard cleaning is mixed: one test found no edge issues, another praised head-on edge pickup, while a third said the model struggled.

Edge and baseboard cleaning is mixed: one test found the Dyson missed rice near the center, while another called edge cleaning good but not best.

Emptying is generally easy and clean, but one comparison disliked the two-clip canister removal compared with a one-button Kenmore.

Emptying and mess control are viewed positively, with reviewers calling the bin hygienic, easy to empty, and clean to handle.

Filtration is one of the strongest points: reviewers repeatedly praise the sealed HEPA system and dust containment for allergy-sensitive homes.

Filtration and dust containment receive strong marks, with reviewers praising HEPA-level containment, allergen capture, and cleaner air while vacuuming.

Floorhead design is seen as a strength for budget handling and carpet agitation, though its older/simple geometry contributes to larger-debris limits elsewhere.

The cleaner head is repeatedly praised as a standout feature, with efficient design, a strong seal, and a fantastic updated head.

The floorhead seal is praised in comparative testing for forming a tight seal against the floor.

Hair-removal channel evidence is negative because reviewers advise routine roller clearing to avoid hair buildup.

Hair-removal-channel evidence is mixed to negative: reviewers found balls trapped in the vanes and hair caught on comb teeth despite overall anti-tangle strengths.

Carpet hair pickup is split: many sources praise pet and long-hair pickup, while one lab test found embedded pet hair mediocre.

Hair pickup on carpets is very strong, with lab and review evidence showing most hair picked up and long/pet hair efficiently removed.

Hard-floor hair pickup receives positive evidence where a pet-focused review says the Navigator handled pet hair across carpet and hardwood floors.

Hard-floor hair pickup is praised in Forbes’ evidence that suction lifts hair from both carpets and hard floors.

Hair-wrap resistance is a weakness, with multiple reviews noting long hair tangles or regular brush-roll clearing.

Hair-wrap resistance is one of the clearest strengths, with multiple reviewers reporting virtually no tangles, clean vanes, and self-clearing brush behavior.

Hard-floor fine-debris pickup is mixed-to-positive: some reviewers praise hardwood results, while one lab review found sand left behind.

Hard-floor fine dust pickup is praised in testing, with the reviewer saying it handles the finest dust particles well.

Large-debris hard-floor pickup is mixed: some tests report strong rice/Cheerios pickup, while others say the head pushed or scattered debris.

Large debris intake is generally strong, but not perfect: some reviews praise larger debris pickup while others note popcorn or similar debris can spit forward.

LED/headlight evidence is limited; one comparison noted the Shark lacks a headlight, but also said it was not a major issue for that test.

Hose and wand reach are common concerns, with several reviews saying the hose or wand is shorter than ideal.

The hose and wand range is praised for above-floor reach and easier high/low cleaning.

Competitive design evidence is positive because reviewers describe sealed filtration at this price as rare and the budget design as unusually enduring.

The new cleaner head and adjustable gates are seen as meaningful innovations versus previous Dyson uprights.

Low-profile design is mixed; it can help around furniture but can also bump into overhanging objects or struggle with taller debris.

The low-profile aspect is modest but positive, with one reviewer noting a slim, short profile and limited under-bed reach.

Maintenance is mixed: the canister and parts are easy to maintain, but hair wrap and regular upkeep remain necessary.

Maintenance is viewed positively overall, with a reviewer explicitly calling it very easy.

Maneuverability is mostly praised for swivel steering, light weight, and easy handling, though one test found it stiffer than higher-end uprights.

Maneuverability is mostly praised for the ball steering and tight turns, though one review says the ball-style steering takes some getting used to.

Noise is generally acceptable for a corded upright, with some tests calling it relatively quiet, though one comparison still described both vacuums as fairly loud.

Noise is a recurring drawback, with reviewers noting it is louder than some competitors and describing it as a very loud machine.

Ownership costs are viewed favorably because washable filters and reusable filtration reduce replacement needs.

Long-term sentiment is strong because the NV352 is repeatedly described as having stood the test of time despite newer competitors.

Overall sentiment is positive: reviewers call it a strong budget performer, an excellent deal, and a time-tested model, with some caveats.

Overall sentiment is very positive across reviews, with repeated top-choice language, high ratings, and strong owner satisfaction.

Pet-hair opinions are mixed: several sources praise pet pickup and pet tools, while others report mediocre embedded fur pickup or missing powered pet attachments.

Pet-related evidence is highly positive: reviewers praise fur pickup, pet-focused attachments, anti-tangle behavior, and usefulness in shedding-heavy homes.

Value is a major strength: many reviews call it affordable, a budget standout, or an excellent deal given its suction, filtration, and lift-away design.

Value is mixed to negative: reviewers praise performance, but one calls it pricey and another doubts paying extra for bundled tools.

Stair cleaning benefits from Lift-Away portability and handheld use, with several reviewers specifically praising stairs or portable above-floor reach.

Stair cleaning is a weakness in one review because the upright body and weight make stair use less ideal.

Storage footprint evidence is positive because one review calls it compact and far less bulky than most upright vacuums.

Its slim, short upright profile is praised for making the vacuum easy to tuck into a corner.

Stuck resistance is favorable on thick carpet because the Ball Animal 3 glides where the earlier fixed-height model bogged down.

Reviewers consistently describe strong suction and airflow, especially for a budget upright, though one direct comparison measured weaker suction than a Kenmore rival.

Reviewers consistently describe suction and airflow as a major strength, with lab results and user tests showing strong lift, deep cleaning, and upholstery power.

Heavy-duty evidence is limited but positive, with one review calling it a no-frills workhorse when given extra passes and basic maintenance.

Reviewers frame it as a heavy-duty machine, citing powerful air speed, lift, and a Terminator-like readiness for demanding pet messes.

Small-space suitability is positive where reviewers call it compact and less bulky than most upright vacuums.

For a full-size upright, one review finds the machine relatively compact and suitable for tucking into smaller spaces.

Support and reliability evidence is positive where reviewers note replacement-part availability and a five-year warranty adding long-term value.

The pet grooming attachment raises a surface-safety concern because a reviewer found the bristles stiff and would avoid using it on a pet.

Tool-change and lift-away button convenience drew criticism in a head-to-head comparison, where the controls were described as less convenient than Kenmore.

Tool changes are mixed: one reviewer praised the easy teardown and quick-release wand, while another found getting the hose out awkward.

Under-furniture pickup is limited; one review specifically noted the Navigator could not fully reach under chairs.

Under-furniture pickup is limited but possible, with one review noting it can reach under the bed a little.

Above-floor and upholstery pickup are broadly positive, especially with Lift-Away and pet tools, but one test found tougher cushion cleaning required effort.

Above-floor and upholstery pickup is strong, with reviewers praising turbine tools, couch and car-seat cleaning, and no suction loss with attachments.

Versatility is a major consensus strength because the vacuum handles carpets, hard floors, stairs, upholstery, and handheld tasks with multiple tools.

Reviewers see it as versatile across mess sizes, surfaces, modes, and whole-apartment cleaning, especially with carpets, hard floors, and attachments.

Weight is a strength for this upright class, though one pet-hair roundup still considered a related Navigator Professional slightly heavy.

Weight is a consistent downside: reviewers describe it as the heaviest in a comparison, not lightweight, and tiring to lift.