5 Best Dyson Upright Vacuums of 2025

This renewed powerhouse brings flagship Dyson performance within reach, delivering elite carpet cleaning and fade-free suction powered by Radial Root Cyclone technology—all at a fraction of the cost. Built around a de-tangling motorbar that automatically clears pet hair, it’s a game-changer for homes battling fur tumbleweeds. With Ball Technology for buttery-smooth steering and three dedicated cleaning modes, it transitions effortlessly from plush rugs to hardwood, solving the real pain point of switching vacuums for different floors.

In real-world testing, the Dyson Ball Animal 3+ digs deep into high-pile carpets, extracting embedded dirt and pet dander with authority thanks to its 290AW suction. The self-regulating cleaner head maintains optimal contact across surfaces, though it lacks the automatic seal of newer models—meaning you’ll manually select modes. Accessories like the tangle-free turbine tool excel on sofas and stairs, but the limited two-tool setup feels lean compared to pricier versions. While it handles large-area cleaning well, the 4.5-pound dust bin can fill quickly in pet-heavy homes.

Positioned as the most budget-accessible Dyson upright, it outperforms many new mid-tier vacuums while retaining core innovations like whole-machine HEPA filtration. Compared to the newer Ball Animal 3 Extra, it sacrifices specialized pet tools and accessory variety—but not suction or reliability. For renters or pet owners wanting Dyson-grade clean without the premium tag, this renewed model is a smart, sustainable win that beats the base Animal 3 on value retention.

Step into a new era of all-floor dominance with the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean—a vacuum engineered to seamlessly adapt as you glide from rug to tile without lifting a finger. Its self-adjusting cleaner head is the star, using an active baseplate that automatically seals suction across surfaces, eliminating the guesswork in floor transitions. With 290AW of cyclonic power and Radial Root Cyclone technology, it maintains relentless suction, making it a pet hair annihilator in homes where fur sticks like glue to every surface.

During intensive use, this model proves its mettle on mixed-floor homes up to 3,000 sq. ft., maintaining strong pickup on both thick carpets and bare floors without manual tweaks. The motorized brush bar spins aggressively, pulling up tracked-in debris and fine dust alike, while the advanced whole-machine filtration captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns—ideal for allergy sufferers. However, the lack of de-tangling tech means long hair still wraps around the brush bar, requiring periodic maintenance. It’s a small trade-off for otherwise effortless daily cleaning.

When stacked against the Dyson Ball Animal 3, the Total Clean wins on convenience with its intelligent floor sensing, but loses on brush bar maintenance. It’s the better pick for multi-surface homes that prioritize set-and-forget operation, while the de-tangling models suit high-shedding pet environments. With eight included tools—from a mattress tool to a reach-under wand—it’s a complete cleaning system that out-accessorizes even the Animal 3 Extra, making it a top-tier performer where versatility matters most.

Meet the sweet spot of performance and price—the Dyson Ball Animal 3 delivers uncompromised cleaning intelligence without the frills markup. With the same 290AW suction and de-tangling Motorbar as its pricier siblings, it auto-clears hair wraps in real time, a godsend for long-haired pet owners tired of scissors and yanking. The three suction modes let you fine-tune for deep carpet cleans or delicate hardwood sweeps, giving you surgical control over every pass. This is Dyson’s core brilliance, distilled into a no-nonsense machine built for real homes with real messes.

On test runs, the Animal 3 tackled caked-in pet hair and tracked-in clay with ease, maintaining strong suction from room to room thanks to Radial Root Cyclone tech. The Ball Technology makes it nimble around furniture legs, while the 30-foot power cord eliminates range anxiety during whole-home cleans. That said, the two-accessory lineup (stair and combo tool) feels barebones—especially if you need frequent upholstery or crevice cleaning. It’s built for core floor performance, not specialty detailing.

Compared to the Ball Animal 3 Extra, this model trades pet-specific tools for affordability, making it the best value play in the lineup. While the Extra adds a groom tool and tangle-free turbine attachment, most users won’t miss them daily. For those who want Dyson’s proven de-tangling power without paying for extras they won’t use, the Animal 3 strikes the ideal balance—performance-focused, practical, and priced to move.

This is Dyson’s ultimate pet-focused flagship—the Ball Animal 3 Extra doesn’t just clean, it conquers pet chaos with surgical precision and a full arsenal of specialized tools. With auto-de-tangling technology and 290AW of cyclonic suction, it powers through matted fur and ground-in debris while the groom tool lets you vacuum shed directly from your pet’s coat. The tangle-free turbine tool pulls hair from car seats and couches like a magnet, making it the most comprehensive pet solution in Dyson’s upright lineup.

In real-life use, the 3 Extra performs like a mobile pet spa—deep-cleaning floors while offering proactive fur management. The three suction modes adapt to floor types, and the Ball design ensures laser-precise control when navigating under tables or around legs. The included tool holder keeps attachments organized, a small but meaningful upgrade over clutter-prone competitors. However, the 5-pound weight makes upstairs cleaning tiring over time, and the large footprint struggles in tight closets or narrow hallways.

Against the Ball Animal Total Clean, the 3 Extra wins on pet-specific innovation but loses on automatic floor adaptation. It’s the clear choice for homes with shedding breeds, multi-pet households, or anyone who treats vacuuming as part of pet care. While it’s the most expensive upright here, its tool-rich ecosystem and proactive hair management deliver unmatched utility—making it the best overall investment for pet-centric homes that demand total control.

Don’t overlook this lightweight legend—the renewed Dyson Ball Animal 2 Origin packs pro-level cleaning into a featherlight 15.4 lbs frame, making it a dream for upstairs cleaning and apartment living. With a telescopic wand and rotating brush bar, it reaches under furniture and scrubs deep into carpets, while the height-adjustable cleaner head lets you switch between floor types manually. Though older than the Animal 3 series, its HEPA filtration still captures allergens with clinical precision, a boon for asthma and allergy sufferers.

In practice, the Animal 2 Origin delivers solid performance on low- to medium-pile carpets and hard floors, though it lacks the raw 290AW power of newer models. The 35-foot power cord offers excellent reach, and the Ball design ensures smooth turning, but the absence of de-tangling tech means hair wraps require frequent cleaning. It’s best suited for smaller homes or light pet owners who prioritize ease of lift over aggressive deep-cleaning. Without modern accessories or suction modes, it’s a minimalist’s Dyson—functional, but not future-proof.

Versus the Ball Animal 3+, this model wins on weight and portability, but loses on suction power and convenience features. It’s ideal for those who hate hauling heavy vacuums but still want Dyson’s trusted filtration and maneuverability. While it doesn’t match the performance of newer uprights, its light build and HEPA filter make it a smart secondary vacuum or entry point for budget-conscious buyers who value ease over edge.