Compare Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Vacuum vs Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum

Typically includes two basic tools (crevice and dusting brush). Useful for quick above-floor tasks, but the tool set is minimal versus pricier uprights.

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 recurring complaint is brush-roll-driven kickback on hard floors (sand/rice thrown behind the vacuum), making hard surfaces a weak use case.

Several reviewers report good area-rug results (including thicker rug litter tests), with the main limitation being larger debris that can plow ahead of the head.

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.

Setup is generally described as straightforward, with one reviewer warning that hose/tube positioning must be switched correctly when using the wand.

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.

Dustbin size is a positive highlight, including a lab-style mention of a large 1.7L bin, which reduces how often it needs emptying in light use.

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.

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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 and shag performance is a relative bright spot for the price in at least one lab-style review, and some users report strong results on thicker rugs.

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 trend below average in lab-style testing and some demos show snowplowing of larger debris, though it can still remove embedded dirt with enough passes.

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.

On typical carpets, multiple reviewers report good pickup of smaller debris and routine dirt, though push effort and large-debris behavior can be drawbacks.

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.

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.

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 consistently described as simple, including foot controls and basic release mechanisms for the handle/canister functions.

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 is described as decent to long for the category, supporting room-to-room cleaning without frequent outlet changes.

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 and hooks are mentioned as functional and straightforward, but not a standout feature versus uprights with rewind.

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.

Ease of use varies: many like the simple operation and low weight, but multiple testers note it can be hard to push or reposition, especially without swivel or height adjustment.

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 cleaning is frequently described as limited, with missed material near baseboards and corners due to the head design.

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 usually described as easy via a bottom-release style mechanism that dumps debris with a button press.

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 impressions conflict: one lab-style test reports excellent particle containment even without HEPA, while multiple reviewers emphasize it is not a sealed system and can be weaker for fine-dust control than sealed uprights.

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.

Floorhead design is frequently described as simple and contributes to snowplowing and scatter, especially on hard floors and with larger debris.

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.

Carpet hair pickup ranges from strong in user demos (including deep carpet claims) to weak in lab testing on both low- and high-pile pet-hair scenarios.

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.

Tangle resistance is inconsistent: one reviewer found the brush roll stayed clean, while others describe tangling and a brush roller that is frustrating to clean thoroughly.

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.

Most reviews describe weak hard-floor fine-dust control due to scattering and kickback, although one long-term user reported good hardwood results with regular use.

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 on hard floors can act like a snowplow for some debris types, and multiple reviewers note scatter rather than clean intake on hard 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.

Hose reach is described as adequate for countertop-level tasks in at least one review, but overall reach is considered limited compared to uprights with longer wands.

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 includes regular filter cleaning (wash and fully dry) and potential brush-roll hair cleanup; one reviewer notes an extra filter is included, which helps downtime.

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 commonly described as basic: no swivel steering and sometimes awkward turning, with some users also noting sticky push effort on carpet.

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 rarely discussed, but at least one long-term user describes it as quieter than other vacuums they have owned.

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 noted positively in multiple reviews, with the basic attachments parking on the vacuum for quick access.

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 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.

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 usefulness is mixed: some households report noticeably better hair control on carpets, while lab-style testing shows weaker pet-hair pickup versus typical upright averages.

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.

Strong value at deep-discount pricing (often cited well under $100), but several reviewers caution it is harder to justify if priced closer to midrange uprights due to hard-floor and handling limits.

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.

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.

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.

Testing references modest suction with respectable airflow for a plug-in budget upright, translating to decent carpet cleaning but not class-leading power.

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.

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 simple once you understand the hose routing, but at least one reviewer notes it is easy to misuse if you forget to re-seat the tube for wand mode.

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.

Under-furniture reach is generally limited; multiple reviewers say it is not great under beds, though one demo shows a mechanism intended to help in tighter spots.

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 and upholstery cleaning is limited by the basic tool design; one lab-style review found the brush tool less effective and requiring multiple passes.

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.

Versatility is moderate: it can handle basic above-floor tasks with the included tools, but lacks premium features that make multi-surface and whole-home cleaning easier.

Repeatedly described as genuinely lightweight (roughly 7.7–8.4 lb), which helps for quick cleanups and carrying room to room.

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.