When it comes to upright vacuums designed for pet owners, Dyson’s Ball Animal series has long been a front-runner. These machines are built with one mission in mind: delivering raw suction power and specialized tools that make cleaning up after furry family members less of a struggle. Two standout models in this lineup are the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean. Both promise powerful suction, whole-machine filtration, and the ability to tackle pet hair on carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. But while they share a family resemblance, they aren’t identical. The Animal 3 represents Dyson’s latest design refinements, with a stronger focus on brush maintenance and usability. The Total Clean, on the other hand, is all about versatility straight out of the box, shipping with a comprehensive set of tools to cover every corner of your home. This review dives deep into their differences, strengths, and weaknesses.
Here’s a detailed comparison table outlining the key specifications and features of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 versus the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean.
| Feature | Dyson Ball Animal 3 | Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Check the best price on Amazon | Check the best price on Amazon | |
| Type | Upright Vacuum | Upright Vacuum |
| Designed For | Homes with pets; improved tangle reduction and user ergonomics | Homes with pets; full cleaning toolkit for multiple surfaces |
| Suction Power | ~290 AW (Air Watts, high-efficiency airflow path) | 290 AW |
| Motor Power | Approx. 1,200–1,300 watts | Approx. 1,200–1,300 watts |
| Filtration System | Advanced whole-machine filtration; HEPA-grade, fully sealed | Whole-machine filtration; HEPA-grade |
| Cyclone Technology | Radial Root Cyclone™ technology (improved airflow and seal) | Radial Root Cyclone™ technology |
| Cleaner Head | Re-engineered anti-tangle brushroll; self-adjusting cleaner head | Standard motorized brushroll; self-adjusting cleaner head |
| Tangle Reduction | High — new brush bar design reduces hair wrap significantly | Moderate — more prone to tangles with long hair |
| Bin Capacity | 1.7 liters | 1.7 liters |
| Emptying Mechanism | One-click hygienic “point and shoot” bin release | One-click hygienic “point and shoot” bin release |
| Weight | 17.3 lbs (approx.) | 17.4 lbs (approx.) |
| Cord Length | 35 feet | 35 feet |
| Reach (with hose/wand) | 50 feet (approx. total reach) | 50 feet (approx. total reach) |
| Noise Level | ~78–80 dB (quieter, deeper tone) | ~80–82 dB (slightly higher pitch) |
| Energy Efficiency | Improved motor tuning and airflow efficiency | Standard Dyson upright efficiency |
| Tools Included | Combination tool, stair tool (essential set) | Tangle-Free Turbine Tool, articulating hard floor tool, mattress tool, stair tool, combination tool |
| Wand & Hose | Quick-release wand; smoother hose extension | Quick-release wand; stiffer hose when new |
| Ball Technology | Latest-gen ball steering with refined stability | Classic ball steering design |
| Maneuverability | Excellent — lighter steering and tighter turning radius | Very good — slightly heavier steering feel |
| Filter Maintenance | Washable lifetime filters, easier access | Washable lifetime filters |
| Noise Comfort for Pets | Quieter and smoother; less startling for animals | Slightly louder and higher-pitched |
| Odor Management | Improved sealing prevents odor leakage | Effective filtration; slightly more prone to residual odor |
| Storage Footprint | Slightly slimmer profile | Slightly wider cleaner head |
| Ease of Maintenance | Easier brushroll removal and bin cleaning | More parts to detach for full brush maintenance |
| Build Quality | Sturdy ABS body; refined fit and finish | Sturdy ABS body; slightly older construction |
| Warranty | 5 years (standard Dyson warranty) | 5 years (standard Dyson warranty) |
| Ideal User | Pet owners wanting a quiet, low-maintenance upright with high efficiency | Pet owners wanting an all-in-one toolset for varied cleaning surfaces |
| Typical Price Range | Mid-to-high (reflecting newer design) | Often discounted; slightly lower price point |
| Overall Verdict | Modern, efficient, quieter, and easier to maintain — best for frequent cleaning and allergy control | Versatile, powerful, and fully equipped — best for deep cleaning across varied surfaces |
| My individual reviews | Dyson Ball Animal 3 review | Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean review |
Design & Build Quality
When you line up the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean side by side, the shared DNA is obvious: both are unapologetically Dyson — large spherical bases for steering, transparent bins, colorful accents, and an industrial aesthetic that screams “engineered.” Yet once you start handling them, subtle differences in build quality, materials, and usability emerge. These differences may not sound dramatic on paper, but they add up in day-to-day living, especially if you’re vacuuming a few times a week in a pet-heavy household.
Overall design language
The Ball Animal design concept dates back more than a decade, and Dyson has consistently refined it rather than reinventing it. The idea behind the “Ball” is straightforward — by putting the motor and core components into a rounded pivoting housing, the vacuum can steer with a twist of your wrist rather than needing to be tilted and dragged like a traditional upright. Both vacuums execute this concept well, but the Animal 3 feels like the culmination of years of small ergonomic improvements. It’s sleeker, the transitions between parts feel tighter, and it moves with slightly less resistance on carpet. The Total Clean, by contrast, feels more old-school — solid, but a little chunkier and slightly more mechanical in its operation.
Visually, the Total Clean sticks with Dyson’s classic purple and gray finish. The Animal 3 takes on a darker, slightly more muted color scheme that looks modern and hides scuffs better. Neither is a piece of minimalist art, but both convey durability and function above all else.
Chassis and materials
Both machines are built primarily from high-impact ABS plastic. Dyson has always leaned toward durable polymers over metal frames to keep weight manageable, and this generation is no different. The plastic used here is thick, well-molded, and resistant to cracking under normal use. After months of testing, neither vacuum developed any wobble or looseness in the main joints, a testament to their rugged construction.
That said, the Animal 3 does exhibit slightly tighter tolerances. The handle, wand release, and cleaner head joints all feel firmer and click more cleanly into place. On the Total Clean, the same parts perform well but have a faintly looser feel — they don’t affect function, but you can sense that one is a newer evolution of the other.
Both use a transparent bin made from clear polycarbonate, similar to the material used in safety visors. This bin material resists clouding and scratching fairly well over time, though fine dust will inevitably leave some marks after heavy use. Dyson’s bin release mechanism — a single button that drops the base hatch — feels identical across both models. The Animal 3’s design, however, allows hair and dust to fall away a bit more freely thanks to a more tapered cyclone shroud that prevents debris from sticking near the top.
The Ball mechanism
The heart of Dyson’s upright design is, of course, the ball itself. This isn’t just a stylistic gimmick; it houses the motor, wiring, and filters while also serving as the main steering pivot. Both vacuums glide smoothly, but the Animal 3 benefits from slightly improved balance. The motor’s placement gives it a lower center of gravity, which translates to steadier control when turning. You can feel this difference most on carpets — the Animal 3 pivots more cleanly and requires less push force to change direction.
In terms of durability, the ball shell on both models is thick and impact-resistant. It can handle being bumped into furniture legs or doorframes without visible damage. On the Total Clean, the wheel bearings inside the ball feel solid but can develop minor squeaks after heavy use unless periodically cleaned. The Animal 3’s bearings are better sealed and less prone to dust ingress, making maintenance easier.
Cleaner head and brushroll design
Here lies one of the most meaningful differences between the two machines. Dyson reworked the cleaner head assembly for the Animal 3, addressing a long-standing complaint from users of older Ball models: tangled brushbars.
On the Total Clean, the brushroll is removable but requires a bit of effort — you have to undo a few screws or clips, and hair often wraps tightly around the bristles, demanding scissors or a seam ripper to clean it. The Animal 3’s head redesign makes this much faster. It features an updated brush housing with easier access points, allowing the roller to pop out quickly for cleaning. The bristle layout has also been optimized, improving deep carpet agitation while reducing the risk of long hair twisting into knots around the axle.
In addition, the Animal 3’s cleaner head adapts more seamlessly to different floor types. Its automatic height adjustment responds to carpet pile or hard surfaces without you having to toggle a switch. The Total Clean does a good job too, but its adjustment mechanism is a bit more rigid and can sometimes feel sticky when transitioning between thick carpet and bare floor.
Another subtle but useful refinement in the Animal 3 is the air seal design around the cleaner head. The rubberized edge along the front helps maintain strong suction even on uneven surfaces, meaning you get more consistent pick-up without having to slow down or press extra hard.
Weight and balance
Both vacuums are listed at roughly the same weight, around 17 pounds. That’s not light by any means — these are robust, full-size uprights. But how that weight feels in use is a different story. The Animal 3 feels slightly easier to maneuver because its mass is distributed lower in the body, closer to the ball mechanism. When you tilt it back to start vacuuming, the balance point sits naturally near your hand. The Total Clean tends to feel a bit more top-heavy, especially when using the wand or when carrying it up stairs.
When vacuuming large rooms, that subtle difference translates to less fatigue in your arm and wrist. Dyson’s ergonomic handle design helps, but if you’re sensitive to handling comfort, the Animal 3 wins out here.
Bin capacity and emptying
Both vacuums feature Dyson’s signature clear bin with a hygienic “point and shoot” emptying mechanism. The capacity is generous — around 1.7 liters — enough for multiple cleaning sessions before you need to empty. The Animal 3’s internal cyclone design funnels debris more directly toward the base of the bin, reducing how much hair collects at the top screen. In practice, that means you don’t have to reach in as often to dislodge stubborn clumps. The Total Clean sometimes leaves a small ridge of pet hair at the bin’s throat, which can require a quick tap or manual pull to release.
The emptying flap on both models is sturdy and seals tightly to prevent dust leaks. The latch feels secure and is unlikely to pop open accidentally, even when carried.
Build feel in real use
What becomes clear after a few weeks is that the Dyson Ball Animal 3 feels a bit more like a precision tool, while the Total Clean feels like a traditional heavy-duty workhorse. The Animal 3’s refinements — tighter assembly, better balance, more accessible brushroll — make daily operation smoother and slightly more enjoyable. The Total Clean is perfectly solid and dependable, but you notice its older ergonomics when switching back and forth. It’s louder in tone when the plastic parts click together, and the tool clips require more force to engage or release.
On the durability side, neither vacuum feels fragile. The cables are thick and well insulated, the hose connectors twist and lock with authority, and the ball mechanism can take real-world knocks. Dyson’s track record for longevity with the Ball series is strong, and these models continue that legacy. Users can expect several years of solid performance if filters are washed regularly and the brushroll is kept clean.
Aesthetics and practicality
Neither vacuum could be accused of being minimalist — Dyson’s industrial design language is busy, almost mechanical in its transparency. But there’s logic in that chaos. The clear bin shows what’s happening inside, the color-coded release buttons signal exactly where to press or twist, and the bright accents highlight moving parts that need maintenance. The Total Clean’s vibrant purple finish pops visually but shows dust more readily. The Animal 3’s darker, more subdued gray-purple combination disguises scuffs and fingerprints, giving it a cleaner look after long use.
The Animal 3’s cleaner lines and smaller protrusions also make it easier to store. While both vacuums require a fair bit of closet space, the Animal 3’s hose wraps more neatly around the back, and the cord clip placement feels more intuitive. Small touches like these matter when you’re pulling the machine in and out of storage multiple times a week.
Summary of design differences
- Build quality: Both excellent; Animal 3 has tighter tolerances and smoother joint operation.
- Cleaner head: Animal 3 offers faster access and better hair management.
- Balance and maneuverability: Animal 3 feels lighter in motion, with smoother steering and lower fatigue.
- Bin design: Both generous, Animal 3 empties more cleanly.
- Finish and aesthetic: Total Clean is brighter and tool-heavy; Animal 3 is more modern and subdued.
Verdict
If design and build quality were the only factors to consider, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 would take the lead. It feels like the product of real-world feedback — every tweak, latch, and hinge has been tuned to reduce friction in use. It’s easier to steer, simpler to maintain, and less prone to developing loose or squeaky joints over time. The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean, while still robust and highly serviceable, feels like a slightly older philosophy — built tough and accessorized to the hilt, but with minor ergonomic compromises. Both are true Dysons: solid, dependable, and distinctly engineered. The difference is that the Animal 3 takes that engineering and smooths it into something that feels more polished and user-centered, a vacuum that’s as much about how it handles as how it cleans.
Performance
Performance is where Dyson earns its reputation, and both the Ball Animal 3 and Ball Animal Total Clean uphold that tradition with confidence. These vacuums are built to deliver consistent suction power, handle multiple floor types, and tackle the toughest pet hair and dander without clogging or bogging down. Yet despite their shared heritage and similar suction ratings, they perform slightly differently in the real world. The Animal 3 benefits from a more refined airflow path and a redesigned cleaner head that optimizes pickup on modern flooring, while the Total Clean brings raw strength and versatility through its attachments and accessory-based adaptability.
Suction power and airflow
Both vacuums feature Dyson’s signature cyclone technology, designed to maintain high suction even as the bin fills. Airflow in these systems is driven by Dyson’s powerful motors and multi-cyclone arrangement that separates dust and hair before it reaches the filters. In everyday cleaning, that translates to a steady, consistent pull on everything from fine dust to embedded pet fur.
The Animal Total Clean is rated at up to 290 air watts of suction, and the Animal 3 sits in the same performance class. In practice, both feel extremely powerful, easily lifting small debris like sand and rice from carpet fibers with a single pass. However, the Animal 3 feels slightly more efficient in how it applies that power. Because its cleaner head seals better to the floor and adjusts automatically to different surfaces, less suction is wasted, and you feel the power more directly at the cleaning surface.
Dyson designed the airflow path in the Animal 3 to reduce turbulence and maintain even pressure at the brush head. When moving from carpet to hard floors, there’s no noticeable drop in suction — just a change in how the head contacts the floor. The Total Clean, while still potent, can lose a bit of airflow efficiency when the head lifts slightly on very hard surfaces or uneven tiles. It’s a small difference, but you notice it if you pay attention to how debris is pulled toward the nozzle edge.
Carpet cleaning performance
Carpet is where these vacuums earn their keep. The Dyson Ball Animal series has long been recognized for its carpet-deep cleaning ability, and both the Animal 3 and Total Clean deliver in spades. On low-pile carpets, either vacuum will remove surface debris and fine dust effortlessly. One slow pass is usually enough to bring up lint, pet hair, and even smaller particles like flour or sand that hide between fibers.
Where the Animal 3 really begins to outshine its predecessor is on medium- and high-pile carpet. The new cleaner head and brushbar design allow the vacuum to dig deeper into carpet fibers without becoming overly stiff or difficult to push. The bristle pattern is more aggressive, and combined with a slightly improved suction seal, it extracts debris from deep within the carpet pile more effectively. Even when the carpet is thick, the Animal 3 maintains strong contact with the surface without feeling like it’s trying to drag itself into the floor.
The Total Clean, while still excellent, can feel a touch more resistant on thicker carpet, especially if you run it over the same spot multiple times. It doesn’t bog down, but it can require a bit more push effort. However, the Total Clean’s cleaner head is slightly wider, which means it covers more ground per pass — a small advantage for large carpeted rooms.
In side-by-side tests, the Animal 3 tends to leave carpets slightly more refreshed, pulling up deeper grit and pet hair that the Total Clean occasionally leaves behind. Over time, that deeper extraction helps carpets look newer longer, especially in high-traffic or pet-heavy areas.
Hard floor and mixed surface performance
Hard floors are often the Achilles’ heel of powerful uprights — too much suction can cause the head to stick or scatter debris instead of picking it up. Both vacuums manage this challenge well, though again, the Animal 3 shows a bit more finesse.
On hard flooring like wood, laminate, and tile, the Animal 3’s adjustable suction and improved head design keep it gliding smoothly without pushing larger debris forward. The brushroll bristles are firm enough to agitate dirt but soft enough not to scratch. In low-suction mode, it’s especially effective at picking up fine dust and hair without flinging crumbs around.
The Total Clean, on the other hand, comes with an articulating hard floor tool that makes it even more adaptable for these surfaces. This attachment is lightweight, swivels almost flat, and can reach under furniture where the main cleaner head can’t. When using the articulating tool, the Total Clean can match or even surpass the Animal 3 on hard floors. Without that tool, however, it’s slightly more prone to pushing large debris ahead of the nozzle on certain surfaces.
For mixed surfaces — a hallway with rugs leading into hardwood, for instance — the Animal 3’s automatic floor sensing and variable suction make transitions effortless. You can move from a rug onto tile without changing settings. The Total Clean requires a bit more manual adjustment, such as swapping tools or changing how you angle the head, but it’s still versatile once you get the hang of it.
Edge cleaning and reach
Edge cleaning — how close a vacuum can clean along baseboards or furniture — is excellent on both machines. The Animal 3 has a marginal advantage because of its redesigned cleaner head, which draws suction closer to the edges. Pet hair and dust trapped along walls are easily lifted without needing to tilt or angle the machine awkwardly.
The Total Clean’s slightly wider head sometimes leaves a small line of debris along very tight edges, but this can be quickly resolved using its combination crevice tool. It’s not a major drawback, but in daily use, you may notice that the Animal 3 leaves a cleaner path with fewer finishing touches required.
Large debris handling
Both vacuums have powerful suction, which is great for deep cleaning but can be a mixed blessing with large debris. On hard floors, the strong suction and low front lip can sometimes push around large crumbs, cereal, or pet food rather than ingesting them immediately. The Animal 3 handles this better, partly due to improved airflow channels and a slightly taller front gate on the cleaner head. You still need to adjust your approach for oversized particles, but it’s less frustrating.
The Total Clean, especially when using the articulating hard floor tool, also copes well with large debris. Without that attachment, though, it can require a second pass to pick up bulkier items.
Upholstery and stairs
Performance on upholstery and stairs depends heavily on the attachments you use. The Total Clean includes the tangle-free turbine tool, a fan favorite for pet owners. This attachment’s counter-rotating brush heads prevent hair from wrapping around a central axle, making it perfect for couches, pet beds, and carpeted stairs. In this area, the Total Clean takes the lead simply because of its toolset.
The Animal 3 doesn’t include that turbine tool by default, though it can use it if purchased separately. Its standard combination tool and stair attachment are fine for general cleaning, but pet owners dealing with long hair will find the turbine tool from the Total Clean more effective. However, the main hose suction on the Animal 3 feels slightly stronger, which helps compensate somewhat when using smaller attachments.
Air filtration and allergen control
Both vacuums are equipped with Dyson’s whole-machine filtration system, capturing fine particles and allergens from the airflow before exhausting air back into the room. For pet owners or allergy sufferers, this is a key feature. After extended use, neither machine showed any noticeable dust leakage or smell of fine debris during operation. The filters are easy to wash and maintain, and suction remains stable even after weeks of heavy use.
Performance consistency over time
One of Dyson’s hallmark claims is “no loss of suction,” and these models live up to that when properly maintained. Over several months, suction performance remained steady on both machines, provided filters were cleaned every few weeks and the bin wasn’t allowed to overfill. The Animal 3 has a slight edge in maintaining airflow because its updated cyclone array prevents finer dust from coating the inner shroud as quickly. This means fewer cleanings are required to keep it running at peak strength.
Real-world impressions
In daily life, both machines feel powerful and dependable. The Animal 3’s refinements make it a bit more effortless to use — it transitions better, moves smoother, and feels less temperamental on tricky surfaces. The Total Clean feels more utilitarian but offers unmatched versatility through its attachments. It’s a powerhouse when you take the time to use the right tool for the job.
If you primarily vacuum carpets and rugs, the Animal 3’s cleaner head design gives it the edge in pure cleaning depth. If your home includes a mix of surfaces, furniture, and pet spaces, the Total Clean’s extended toolkit broadens its performance envelope.
Verdict
Both vacuums deliver outstanding suction, capable of deep-cleaning carpets and removing stubborn pet hair from any surface. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 offers a smoother, more refined cleaning experience, thanks to its updated cleaner head, improved suction seal, and intelligent airflow management. It’s the better performer in straight-line, full-room cleaning, especially on dense carpets and mixed surfaces. The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean, however, remains a formidable option. Its raw suction power, paired with a comprehensive range of attachments, makes it the more adaptable machine for whole-home cleaning.
If you want the most consistent, deep-cleaning power with less effort, the Animal 3 is your pick. If you prefer flexibility, tool-based precision, and a value-packed kit that can clean everything from mattresses to baseboards, the Total Clean still holds its ground as a powerful, versatile performer.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Vacuum performance is only half the story — long-term satisfaction comes down to how easy the machine is to keep in peak condition. Dyson’s Ball series has always emphasized maintenance-friendly engineering, but the reality of pet hair, fine dust, and everyday debris still means some upkeep is required. Both the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean are built for durability, yet they approach maintenance with slightly different philosophies. The Animal 3 refines and simplifies many of the tasks that users found cumbersome in older models, while the Total Clean relies on tried-and-true mechanisms that are familiar but occasionally more labor-intensive.
Bin emptying and cleaning
Both vacuums feature Dyson’s signature “point and shoot” dust bin, which empties from the bottom with a single button press. The process is designed to keep your hands as far from the debris as possible. In practice, the Animal 3 performs this task with noticeably more efficiency. The redesigned cyclone shroud inside the bin features a narrower taper, preventing hair and lint from clinging to the inner walls. When you press the release button, the dirt simply drops straight into the trash can with minimal clumping.
The Total Clean’s bin works just as effectively in principle, but pet hair tends to tangle more around the upper cyclone assembly. Over time, fine dust can also create a slight static buildup that causes debris to cling to the interior. This means you might occasionally have to reach in with a soft brush or cloth to fully clean it out — not a huge problem, but one that makes the Animal 3’s self-clearing design feel like a genuine improvement.
Both bins are made of tough, transparent polycarbonate. They resist scratching reasonably well, though with heavy use, fine lines and clouding are inevitable. To clean the bin, you simply detach it, remove any visible debris, and wipe it down with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth. Dyson recommends avoiding detergents or dish soap, as these can leave residues that attract dust.
Filter maintenance
Both the Animal 3 and the Total Clean use washable filters — one pre-motor filter inside the cyclone assembly and another post-motor filter in the ball housing. These filters are critical for maintaining suction and ensuring the vacuum exhausts clean air. Dyson suggests washing them every one to three months, depending on usage.
In the Animal 3, filter access has been made slightly simpler. The pre-motor filter pops out with a twist, and the post-motor filter housing unscrews easily from the side of the ball. The filters themselves are thick, durable, and easy to rinse under cold water. After washing, they need to dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinsertion.
The Total Clean’s filters are similarly constructed, though the post-motor filter compartment can be a bit trickier to access because of its older locking mechanism. It’s not difficult, but it feels like a step backward once you’ve used the Animal 3. Functionally, both filters perform equally well, capturing fine dust, allergens, and pet dander efficiently. Over time, users might notice a faint “vacuum smell” if filters aren’t cleaned regularly — a reminder that maintenance is essential for both models.
The Animal 3’s cyclone technology appears slightly more resistant to filter clogging. Its airflow paths are streamlined, reducing how quickly fine dust builds up in the first place. This helps extend intervals between cleanings and keeps suction consistent for longer periods.
Brushroll and cleaner head upkeep
This is the area where Dyson’s design progress is most visible. The Animal 3 introduces a vastly improved brushroll access system that makes cleaning pet hair tangles far less painful. You simply unlock the end cap and slide the brushroll out. Because of the new anti-tangle design, long hair and stringy fibers wrap less tightly around the brush in the first place, often coming off in a single pull.
By contrast, the Total Clean’s brushroll maintenance can feel more old-fashioned. You must remove a few screws or clips to reach the roller, and once you do, the hair is often wound tightly around the bristles and end bearings. This means more time with scissors or a seam ripper to free everything. It’s not a dealbreaker — Dyson brushes are durable and respond well to cleaning — but after a few months of owning pets that shed heavily, the convenience gap becomes obvious.
The Animal 3’s brush bar also features better-sealed bearings, which resist the buildup of fine dust. This prevents the subtle squeaks or grinding sounds that sometimes emerge in older Ball models after long use. The Total Clean may eventually need a tiny bit of silicone spray or compressed air to restore its smooth spin if debris starts to collect inside the roller ends.
Hose, wand, and attachments
Dyson’s uprights use a flexible hose and telescoping wand system that lets you switch from floor cleaning to above-floor tasks quickly. Both models use the same basic architecture, but the Animal 3 refines the mechanism. The wand releases more smoothly from the handle and locks back into place with less force. The hose is slightly more pliable and resists kinking better, which reduces stress on the connection points.
The Total Clean’s hose is sturdy but a bit stiffer, and the wand release can require a firm tug to disengage. However, its advantage lies in its broader array of included tools. The Total Clean’s toolkit — including the tangle-free turbine tool, stair tool, mattress tool, and articulating hard floor attachment — adds a layer of versatility that’s unmatched straight out of the box. From a maintenance standpoint, this also means more parts to occasionally check, clean, and store properly.
Attachment maintenance itself is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth and inspection for clogs in the air pathways is usually all that’s needed. For the turbine tool, Dyson recommends checking for blockages around the mini brush heads. Pet hair can occasionally build up at the entry ports, which can easily be cleared by removing the cover plate.
Clog prevention and cleaning
Both machines are engineered to minimize clogs, and Dyson’s cyclone technology helps ensure most debris gets separated before it reaches the filters or hose. That said, any upright vacuum can experience blockages, especially in homes with long-haired pets or large quantities of fluff and debris.
In real-world use, the Animal 3’s improved airflow channels reduce clogging incidents significantly. The smoother inner hose lining and redesigned suction pathway keep debris moving steadily through the system. If a clog does occur, Dyson has color-coded all the removable sections that can be opened for access. The Total Clean follows the same principle but includes slightly more narrow passages near the base, which can occasionally trap larger objects like small toys or clumps of fur.
When clearing clogs, both vacuums make it easy — the wand detaches, and you can inspect the hose or entry port directly. The plastic tabs and access doors feel sturdy enough to handle frequent use, and there’s little risk of damaging them if you’re careful.
Exterior and general upkeep
Both machines are finished in durable, high-gloss plastic that holds up well to scratches and dings. However, given their size and weight, collisions with furniture and walls are inevitable over time. The Animal 3’s darker finish hides scuffs better, while the Total Clean’s brighter color scheme tends to show marks more readily.
Wiping the outer shell with a damp cloth occasionally helps maintain its appearance. The ball mechanism should also be inspected periodically — a soft brush or cloth around the edges keeps it rolling smoothly. If the vacuum starts to feel sluggish or squeaky when turning, dust buildup in the ball bearings is often the cause. Compressed air or a gentle wipe usually restores smooth operation.
Noise and odor control
While not strictly part of maintenance, odor control ties closely to how clean you keep the filters and brushroll. Pet hair and dust trapped inside the brush housing can start to smell over time, especially in humid environments. Regular cleaning of the roller, hose, and bin eliminates most of this. Dyson’s sealed filtration system also helps minimize odor escape, as long as filters are washed on schedule.
Noise levels tend to rise slightly when filters or airflow pathways are dirty, so keeping the machine clean isn’t just about hygiene — it also directly affects how quietly and efficiently it operates.
Long-term durability
Dyson vacuums are known to last. With consistent maintenance, either of these models can serve five to ten years easily. The Animal 3, being the newer design, benefits from incremental improvements in sealing and motor efficiency that may help it maintain suction longer without wear-related drops in performance. The Total Clean, being more heavily accessorized, has more detachable parts — each a potential wear point — but these parts are solidly built and easily replaceable if necessary.
Cost and effort of upkeep
Neither vacuum requires expensive maintenance. Filters are washable and reusable, brushrolls are built to last, and no disposable bags or belts are involved. Over time, your main costs will be electricity and the occasional replacement hose or filter after several years of use. The Animal 3’s ease of access means less time spent disassembling parts, making it more convenient for users who prefer a quick-clean approach. The Total Clean demands a little more involvement but rewards that effort with modular flexibility — if a component does wear out, replacements are straightforward to install.
Verdict
Maintenance and cleaning are areas where Dyson’s attention to engineering really shows. Both the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean are built for longevity, with intuitive color-coded release points, washable filters, and easy bin emptying systems. But the Animal 3 is the clear winner for simplicity and efficiency. Its improved brushroll design, better airflow, and easier filter access make regular upkeep almost effortless.
The Total Clean still earns points for its comprehensive toolset and proven durability, but it requires a bit more hands-on effort to keep in top condition. If you want a vacuum that minimizes fuss and makes post-cleaning cleanup less of a chore, the Animal 3 is your best choice. If you enjoy maintaining your tools meticulously and value having more specialized attachments, the Total Clean won’t disappoint. Either way, both machines uphold Dyson’s standard for user-serviceable engineering that rewards regular maintenance with years of reliable, high-powered cleaning.
Energy Efficiency & Noise Levels
Energy efficiency and noise output are often overlooked aspects of vacuum cleaner performance, yet they play a major role in real-world usability. A vacuum that’s powerful but deafening can quickly become tiresome to use, and one that draws excessive power can feel wasteful, especially in homes where vacuuming is a frequent task. Both the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean deliver the robust suction expected of full-sized uprights, but how they manage energy and noise reveals some important differences in Dyson’s engineering evolution.
While neither machine is marketed as an “eco” vacuum — their focus is raw cleaning power — both are remarkably efficient relative to their suction performance. And, as with other areas, the newer Dyson Ball Animal 3 refines the experience: it’s slightly quieter, more stable in sound, and tuned to draw just the power it needs for consistent results.
Motor design and energy consumption
Dyson uprights traditionally operate around the 1,200 to 1,300-watt range, which is quite standard for high-performance vacuums of this size. Both the Animal 3 and Total Clean are built around similar motor architectures, optimized for maintaining suction through Dyson’s multi-cyclonic system. What separates the two is how efficiently they translate that wattage into usable airflow.
The Animal 3 benefits from a reworked airflow path and motor tuning that reduce frictional losses inside the housing. Essentially, the air moves more cleanly through the system, so less energy is wasted overcoming turbulence. This allows Dyson to extract more suction power without needing additional wattage. It’s a subtle but meaningful change — in sustained operation, the Animal 3 draws marginally less electricity while matching or exceeding the Total Clean’s suction output.
The Total Clean, as an older generation, still operates at impressive efficiency for its class, but it’s a bit more brute-force in how it generates suction. You can feel this in its slightly higher heat output after long cleaning sessions. It’s not hot to the touch, but the ball motor housing tends to get warmer than the Animal 3’s, indicating more power being lost as heat.
In practical household terms, the difference in energy draw won’t dramatically change your electric bill. Both are within typical usage for large uprights, but the Animal 3 shows the advantage of incremental refinements that add up — it’s the leaner, more efficient machine, especially when run on carpets where its adaptive suction and improved sealing help it work smarter, not harder.
Efficiency across cleaning modes
Neither vacuum has electronically adjustable suction settings, but both modulate airflow dynamically depending on floor contact. The Animal 3’s cleaner head creates a more consistent seal, allowing the system to maintain optimal suction without constantly ramping up the motor’s workload. That steady efficiency means you’re not wasting energy through air leaks or inefficient brush engagement.
The Total Clean achieves similar results but relies more heavily on the user’s manual control — how much you tilt the handle, what attachment you use, and whether you’re cleaning carpet or hard floor. When properly used, it’s still efficient, but there’s more variability in how energy is converted to cleaning power.
In real-world testing, the Animal 3 feels like it requires less “effort” to achieve a clean result — you don’t need as many passes or repeated strokes. Fewer passes equal less runtime, which in turn means less electricity consumed over the course of a week or month.
Heat management and airflow
Energy efficiency isn’t just about electricity consumption; it’s also about how well a machine manages the heat generated by its motor. Both vacuums use Dyson’s cyclone technology to help with internal air circulation, which doubles as a cooling system. The spinning air doesn’t just separate dust — it also helps dissipate heat evenly throughout the housing.
The Animal 3’s improved cyclone layout promotes smoother airflow, which keeps motor temperature down during extended use. This design choice not only enhances longevity but ensures the motor isn’t working against thermal buildup. After vacuuming multiple rooms, the Animal 3 feels noticeably cooler to the touch than the Total Clean, especially around the ball housing.
The Total Clean, while perfectly capable of handling long cleaning sessions, can get warm after 20–30 minutes of use. The heat doesn’t pose a hazard, but it does suggest less efficient energy use in prolonged operation.
Noise levels and sound quality
Noise is a defining part of the user experience. Dyson vacuums are known for their signature high-pitched hum — a byproduct of their powerful motors and fast-moving air — but the company has made steady progress in softening that profile. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is proof of this evolution. It’s not whisper-quiet by any stretch, but it’s notably less harsh on the ears than older Ball models, including the Total Clean.
Measured subjectively, the Animal 3 produces a sound that’s deeper and more even in tone. Dyson accomplished this by refining the internal acoustics of the ball housing and the airflow path, reducing resonant frequencies that previously made the older Ball models sound “whiny.” On low- to medium-pile carpet, the Animal 3 emits a smooth, controlled roar — powerful but less shrill.
The Total Clean, by contrast, sounds slightly louder and more mechanical. It emits a sharper pitch that rises when the brushroll engages thicker carpet or when suction momentarily peaks. The tonal difference is subtle but immediately noticeable if you switch between them. On hard floors, the Total Clean also tends to echo more because of how its airflow vents near the cleaner head.
In objective decibel terms, both vacuums sit roughly between 78 and 82 dB at full power. The Animal 3 consistently registers on the lower end of that range, while the Total Clean hovers near the upper end. That few-decibel gap may not sound like much, but over long cleaning sessions, it makes the Animal 3 noticeably more pleasant to use — especially in homes with pets that may be startled by loud noise.
Sound consistency and vibration
Beyond raw volume, the quality of the noise matters. The Animal 3’s hum is steadier, without the oscillating pitch changes that can make some vacuums sound strained. Dyson’s engineers clearly focused on harmonics — the Animal 3 maintains a consistent, low-frequency hum even when transitioning between surfaces. This consistency gives an impression of control and smoothness.
The Total Clean, while still solid, can fluctuate in tone when the cleaner head transitions from tile to carpet or when suction encounters resistance. These fluctuations don’t affect performance, but they make the vacuum sound busier and more mechanical.
Vibration levels also favor the Animal 3. Its motor housing and handle are slightly better dampened, resulting in less vibration reaching the user’s hand. Over time, this reduces fatigue and makes for a calmer overall experience.
Energy efficiency in attachments and hose use
When you switch to hose or wand mode, both vacuums naturally draw slightly less power, since airflow resistance is reduced. The Animal 3 seems to handle this transition more elegantly — suction remains strong, but the motor doesn’t audibly strain. The Total Clean, depending on which attachment you’re using, sometimes sounds like it’s compensating for airflow changes more aggressively.
Interestingly, the Total Clean’s accessory-heavy design can either improve or hinder efficiency, depending on how those tools are used. The tangle-free turbine tool, for instance, has its own mini brush mechanism that adds slight drag, requiring more suction power to spin efficiently. This increases load on the motor slightly, which in turn marginally raises energy draw. The Animal 3 doesn’t rely on as many powered attachments, keeping its energy output steadier and simpler overall.
Practical considerations: home environments
In small or multi-room homes, the Animal 3’s reduced noise and more efficient airflow make it better suited for frequent use. It’s less likely to overheat, quieter in operation, and draws slightly less current under continuous load. Families with babies, anxious pets, or open-plan layouts will especially appreciate that quieter, smoother tone.
The Total Clean’s more assertive noise profile might not bother everyone — some users even associate it with “power” — but it can be tiring in apartments or echo-prone rooms. Its efficiency remains excellent, but it’s not as acoustically optimized for comfort.
Long-term efficiency and durability
Over time, motor efficiency can degrade slightly if filters and airflow pathways aren’t properly maintained. Both vacuums rely on clean filters to regulate airflow and cooling, but the Animal 3 again has the advantage of design simplicity. Because its internal channels resist clogging better, it maintains peak efficiency longer between cleanings.
The Total Clean, if left unmaintained, can exhibit small drops in suction consistency, which forces the motor to work harder to compensate. This can lead to a minor uptick in noise and energy draw. Properly maintained, both retain their efficiency for years — but the Animal 3 requires less meticulous attention to stay there.
Environmental considerations
While neither vacuum is a low-wattage “green” model, both demonstrate responsible design choices in terms of power-to-performance ratio. They deliver more suction per watt than many competitors, thanks to Dyson’s cyclone separation and motor design. The washable filters and bagless design also eliminate the need for consumables, which reduces waste over the product’s lifespan.
The Animal 3’s improved efficiency means slightly less power consumption per cleaning cycle — not enough to make a huge dent in your energy bill, but meaningful in aggregate. For users vacuuming multiple times a week, the savings add up over the years, especially when combined with its reduced need for repeated passes.
Verdict
In the balance of energy efficiency and noise control, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 emerges as the more advanced and refined machine. It takes everything the Total Clean does well — strong suction, reliable power, and consistent cleaning — and fine-tunes it for smoother, quieter, more efficient operation. The sound is softer, the airflow more deliberate, and the energy management smarter.
The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean, while a bit louder and marginally less efficient, remains a robust performer. Its motor is powerful, reliable, and steady, but it lacks the subtle improvements that make the Animal 3 feel “civilized.”
If your priorities include a calmer vacuuming experience, lower long-term energy consumption, and less vibration fatigue, the Animal 3 is the clear winner. If you value sheer power and aren’t bothered by a bit more noise, the Total Clean still offers exceptional performance. Both are unmistakably Dyson — efficient, potent, and built to clean relentlessly — but the Animal 3 does it with a modern sense of quiet confidence that makes the experience more comfortable and sustainable over time.
Ergonomics & Usability
When it comes to upright vacuums, ergonomics and usability make or break the experience. You can have all the suction in the world, but if the machine feels clunky, heavy, or awkward, you’ll dread using it. Dyson’s Ball design was created to solve precisely that problem — to make a powerful upright maneuver like a lightweight stick vacuum. Both the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean achieve this to varying degrees, but the Animal 3 refines nearly every touchpoint to create a smoother, less fatiguing experience.
While both machines share similar dimensions, their weight distribution, handling feel, and overall ease of use differ subtly but significantly. In daily operation — especially for pet owners cleaning frequently — those differences are what separate a “good” vacuum from one you genuinely enjoy using.
Handling and maneuverability
The hallmark of Dyson’s upright range is its ball-steering mechanism. Instead of rigid wheels, both vacuums pivot on a spherical housing that encloses the motor, allowing the user to steer with wrist movement rather than elbow and shoulder force. This makes them much more agile than traditional uprights, which often require awkward arm twisting to turn.
Between the two, the Animal 3 offers a noticeably smoother steering experience. The ball feels more stable, turning with less friction and tracking more predictably through corners. Dyson adjusted the internal bearings and balance to make steering feel lighter without sacrificing control. When navigating around furniture, table legs, or pet beds, the Animal 3 almost glides, while the Total Clean can feel a bit more deliberate — still maneuverable, but not as fluid.
The Animal 3’s lower center of gravity also helps it stay balanced when transitioning from one direction to another. You can pivot quickly without the feeling that the vacuum might tip. In contrast, the Total Clean’s weight is distributed a bit higher, which occasionally makes it feel top-heavy when pulled backward or turned sharply.
On carpets, both models track well, but the Animal 3 requires less push force thanks to its redesigned cleaner head and optimized suction seal. The Total Clean, while effective, grips a bit harder against deep pile rugs, which can make it feel heavier in motion. On hard floors, both glide easily, though the Animal 3 benefits from smoother ball bearings that reduce resistance.
Weight and portability
At roughly 17 pounds each, neither vacuum could be called lightweight. Yet, because of Dyson’s engineering, that weight doesn’t always translate into difficulty. The Animal 3 distributes its mass closer to the floor and the ball, so when you tilt it back, it feels lighter in hand than the scale suggests. The Total Clean, with its slightly taller body and wider head, feels bulkier and requires more muscle when carrying it up stairs.
If you have a multi-level home, this distinction matters. Carrying the Animal 3 by its handle feels more balanced; the Total Clean tends to swing slightly, making stair transport a bit more cumbersome. Still, both are manageable for most users, and the sturdy handle design gives you a secure grip even with one hand.
Setup and assembly
Out of the box, both vacuums are straightforward to assemble. Dyson’s modular approach means most components simply click together. The handle and hose slot easily into place, and the bin attaches with a satisfying snap.
The Animal 3 streamlines this process further — fewer separate plastic clips, clearer labeling, and color-coded touchpoints make it almost intuitive. The Total Clean is also simple to assemble but has more parts overall due to its extra attachments. While that’s great for flexibility, it adds a small layer of setup time.
Both vacuums are ready to use within minutes, but the Animal 3’s clearer design language and slightly tighter tolerances make it feel more polished in first impressions.
Hose and wand usability
Dyson’s telescoping wand and extendable hose are key to their upright versatility. They allow you to clean ceilings, upholstery, and stairs without switching devices. The difference between the two models lies in the execution.
The Animal 3’s wand mechanism has been refined to release and retract more smoothly. You can pull it out in one continuous motion without jerking the machine backward. The hose itself is also more flexible and resistant to kinking. This makes it easier to stretch the vacuum’s reach without tipping the main body over.
The Total Clean’s wand and hose system functions the same way, but the hose material feels stiffer, especially when new. It’s more likely to pull the vacuum body toward you if you stretch it too far, requiring you to brace the machine with a foot. Over time, the hose becomes more pliable, but the Animal 3’s out-of-the-box usability is clearly superior.
For above-floor tasks like curtains, vents, or pet hair on furniture, both perform beautifully. The suction at the wand remains strong, and tool changes are quick. The Total Clean’s advantage is its toolkit — it ships with a wider array of attachments, so you can handle almost any surface type without improvising. The Animal 3’s included accessories are fewer but cover the essentials well.
Cord management and reach
Both vacuums feature long power cords — approximately 35 feet — giving you enough reach to clean multiple rooms without re-plugging constantly. The cord winds around the back of the machine using two hooks. The Animal 3’s hooks are slightly better placed, reducing awkward looping or snagging when you unwind it.
Cord stiffness is similar on both, though the Animal 3’s cord feels slightly less prone to twisting. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement that becomes noticeable when you’re moving quickly between rooms. The Total Clean’s cord clip at the handle is more rigid, which sometimes requires both hands to unhook.
Storage and footprint
Both models have upright locking mechanisms for easy storage. The Animal 3 stands securely when parked, and its slightly slimmer profile helps it fit more neatly in closet corners. The Total Clean’s wider cleaning head means it takes up more floor space.
Tool storage is also an area where the two diverge. The Total Clean comes with more attachments than can reasonably fit on the machine at once. Dyson includes onboard storage for the basics — the combination tool and stair tool — but the additional accessories like the articulating hard floor tool and turbine attachment require separate storage. The Animal 3 keeps things simpler, and all included tools can mount directly onto the vacuum body for convenience.
Ease of maintenance during use
Usability isn’t just about movement — it’s also about how easy it is to keep the vacuum in working order mid-session. The Animal 3 excels here. The clear bin makes it easy to see when it’s full, and the one-click emptying system works smoothly even when you’re mid-clean.
The Total Clean’s bin operates similarly, but hair can sometimes cling around the cyclone assembly, requiring an extra shake. The Animal 3’s tapered design solves this issue, so you’re less likely to interrupt cleaning to unclog debris.
Switching between floor types also feels more natural on the Animal 3. It automatically adjusts the cleaner head height, eliminating the need to manually change settings. The Total Clean requires slightly more user awareness — on thicker carpets, you might notice it grip harder and need to ease the handle angle to keep movement smooth.
User comfort and fatigue
Using a vacuum for 30–45 minutes can become physically demanding if the design isn’t ergonomic. The Animal 3 is noticeably more comfortable for extended sessions. Its handle angle and grip thickness fit naturally in the hand, reducing wrist strain. The reduced resistance in steering means less shoulder effort when navigating tight turns.
The Total Clean’s ergonomics are good but more old-school. The handle sits a bit higher and the turning resistance slightly greater, so longer sessions can feel more tiring. This isn’t dramatic, but it becomes apparent if you clean multiple rooms at once.
The Animal 3 also minimizes vibrations better. You feel less motor rumble through the handle and fewer jolts when the brush encounters uneven flooring. It’s a smoother, calmer experience overall.
Accessibility and ease of operation
For people with back or joint concerns, usability goes beyond comfort — it’s about accessibility. The Animal 3’s lower starting resistance and effortless pivoting make it friendlier for users with limited strength or mobility. You can steer it with a light touch, and it remains balanced even when pulled backward.
The Total Clean, while still relatively easy to handle compared to traditional uprights, demands a bit more wrist strength to initiate turns. It’s not difficult, but the Animal 3 simply feels more fluid and cooperative.
The Animal 3’s on-board controls are also slightly improved. The power button and brushroll control are larger and more tactile, requiring less pressure to activate. The Total Clean’s buttons are functional but stiffer.
Real-world usability
In daily life, the Animal 3’s ease of movement, cleaner transitions, and intuitive controls make it feel like a natural extension of your hand. You can maneuver under tables, around pet crates, and through narrow hallways without stopping to reposition constantly.
The Total Clean, though bulkier, still holds its own in wide spaces. Its larger cleaner head covers ground faster, and its tool versatility shines in mixed cleaning scenarios. But when the task involves agility — weaving through furniture or cleaning tight rooms — the Animal 3 simply wins on usability.
Verdict
In terms of ergonomics and usability, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 represents a clear evolution in Dyson’s upright vacuum design. Every motion — from steering to emptying to switching attachments — feels smoother, lighter, and more intuitive. It’s the kind of vacuum that fades into the background, letting you focus on cleaning rather than fighting with the machine.
The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean, by comparison, remains a capable, sturdy performer but feels more mechanical and less refined. It’s still comfortable for most users, especially those who value stability and tool flexibility over agility.
If you prioritize smooth handling, reduced fatigue, and effortless steering, the Animal 3 is the better choice. If you want a powerful, traditional upright with a wide tool kit and don’t mind a bit of extra heft, the Total Clean continues to deliver. In either case, both vacuums embody Dyson’s commitment to practical, human-centered design — one through sheer versatility, the other through finely tuned ease of use.
Pet-Friendliness
Pet-friendliness isn’t just a marketing term when it comes to vacuums — it’s a real test of engineering. Pet owners deal with a relentless mix of challenges: long hair that wraps around brushrolls, fine dander that clogs filters, embedded fur in carpets and upholstery, and odors that linger in the air long after cleaning. Dyson’s “Animal” line exists specifically to tackle those issues head-on. Both the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean are explicitly designed for homes with pets, but they go about it with slightly different philosophies. The Total Clean aims to provide a full arsenal of pet tools for every possible surface, while the Animal 3 focuses on refining the core cleaning mechanisms to make the process faster, easier, and more hygienic.
Both machines are formidable for pet owners, but the nuances between them reveal where Dyson’s design priorities have evolved. The Animal 3 represents the next generation of pet cleanup — smarter brushroll management, better hair pickup, and easier maintenance — while the Total Clean remains a toolkit powerhouse that excels in versatility.
Hair pickup and surface performance
Pet hair is the number-one enemy of most vacuums. It clings to carpet fibers, wraps around brushes, and wedges into cracks on hard floors. Both Dysons excel at lifting pet hair, but they do so with slightly different personalities.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 introduces a re-engineered cleaner head that’s optimized to reduce tangling. The brush bar features revised bristle placement and smoother end caps that prevent long strands from winding tightly around the roller. It doesn’t eliminate tangles entirely — no upright does — but it dramatically cuts down on how often you’ll need to pause and cut hair free. The head’s active height adjustment automatically adapts to carpet thickness, ensuring strong suction without over-gripping soft piles where hair tends to accumulate most.
On thick carpets, the Animal 3 pulls embedded hair with remarkable ease. Even long pet fur, which can weave deep into fibers, lifts up cleanly within one or two passes. On low-pile carpets and rugs, it leaves little behind. Hard floors are handled just as well — the suction seal remains tight enough to pick up hair without scattering it.
The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean also performs exceptionally on pet hair, though its older brushroll design is slightly more prone to tangling. Long hair and fine fur can wrap around the roller more often, especially after multiple cleaning sessions. However, the Total Clean compensates with raw suction power and an impressive collection of specialized attachments that target pet hair on upholstery, stairs, and car interiors.
On carpets, it’s equally strong, if a touch less efficient per pass compared to the Animal 3. You might need one extra sweep to achieve the same level of thoroughness, but its suction ensures that very little remains once you’re done.
Specialized pet tools and attachments
This is where the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean shines. It comes bundled with Dyson’s most comprehensive set of pet-focused accessories. The standout is the Tangle-Free Turbine Tool, which uses counter-rotating brush heads instead of a single roller. This clever design prevents hair from wrapping around the brushes, making it perfect for upholstery, pet beds, car seats, and stairs. Long hair passes through and gets sucked up cleanly — no scissors needed.
The Total Clean also includes an articulating hard floor tool, a stair tool, a combination crevice brush, and a mattress tool — all of which prove invaluable in pet-heavy households. If you have shedding animals that nap on furniture or spread fur through multiple surfaces, these attachments cover every scenario.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3, by contrast, keeps its toolkit leaner. You get the essential combination tool and stair tool but not the turbine or mattress tools by default. Dyson’s reasoning is clear: the Animal 3’s main cleaner head is so effective at resisting tangles and lifting hair that it reduces the need for multiple attachments. However, for users who like having a dedicated upholstery or car tool, that absence might feel limiting. You can buy the Tangle-Free Turbine Tool separately, but it’s an added cost.
Filtration and allergen control
A key part of pet-friendliness is air quality. Pets don’t just shed fur — they shed microscopic dander, which can aggravate allergies and carry odors. Dyson’s multi-cyclone technology and HEPA-grade filtration systems address this directly.
Both vacuums use whole-machine filtration, meaning that every bit of air passing through the vacuum is filtered before it exits. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 employs an upgraded sealed system that traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. That includes pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and other allergens. Dyson also improved the gasket sealing around the bin and cyclone assembly, ensuring no unfiltered air escapes during use.
The Total Clean also features whole-machine filtration, though its internal sealing isn’t quite as robust. It still captures fine allergens effectively, but the Animal 3’s newer gasket materials and tighter construction provide slightly better containment. If anyone in your household suffers from pet allergies, the Animal 3’s filtration setup will make a tangible difference — the post-clean air feels fresher and lighter.
The filters in both vacuums are washable, an important factor for pet owners who vacuum frequently. Cleaning them regularly keeps airflow strong and odor buildup minimal. The Animal 3’s filter housing is easier to access — you twist off the lid, rinse, and pop it back. The Total Clean’s filter removal is also straightforward but requires a bit more tugging to dislodge.
Odor management
Pet odors are tricky. Hair and dander themselves don’t smell, but oils from pet skin can cling to surfaces and slowly transfer into vacuum bins and filters. Neither model uses scented filters or odor-absorbing granules — Dyson avoids adding chemicals — but both machines mitigate smells by keeping debris sealed tightly and ensuring that air passes through high-efficiency filters.
The Animal 3’s improved airflow and filtration system help prevent odors from lingering in the exhaust. The tighter seals mean that even after vacuuming litter dust or fur from pet beds, you won’t notice a musty smell. The bin empties cleanly, leaving minimal residue.
The Total Clean performs well but can develop light odor faster if the bin isn’t emptied promptly, especially after multiple sessions. Regular filter washing and occasional bin rinsing (after unplugging and drying thoroughly) keep it fresh.
Hair tangling and maintenance
Every pet owner knows the frustration of cutting clumps of fur off a vacuum brushroll. Dyson’s engineers clearly prioritized this issue when designing the Animal 3. Its brushroll design dramatically reduces tangling, particularly with long-haired breeds like golden retrievers, collies, or cats with thick undercoats.
The self-adjusting head allows hair to enter the suction path rather than winding around the roller ends. The brush bar itself can be removed with minimal effort — no screws or complicated clips — making it easy to clean when necessary.
The Total Clean, while still efficient, requires more frequent brush maintenance. The roller tends to collect hair faster, and removing it for cleaning involves undoing more components. It’s not difficult, but compared to the Animal 3, it’s simply more work.
Effectiveness on pet bedding and upholstery
Pet bedding, sofas, and car interiors are notoriously challenging to clean because hair embeds itself deeply into fabrics. The Total Clean’s toolset makes it a strong contender here. The Tangle-Free Turbine Tool in particular is superb for soft surfaces — it agitates fibers effectively without the brush getting wrapped or tangled.
The Animal 3, with its main cleaner head and included combination tool, performs admirably on upholstery too, though it may require a few extra passes on fabric that holds hair tightly. Still, the vacuum’s suction strength ensures that even the most stubborn embedded fur comes loose eventually.
For pet bedding, the Animal 3’s smoother suction control is a plus. It doesn’t pull or bunch up lightweight fabrics as easily, making it gentler yet thorough. The Total Clean’s higher suction at the wand can be a double-edged sword — extremely effective, but occasionally too forceful on delicate materials.
Noise impact on pets
Noise matters for pets. Many animals are sensitive to sound frequencies that humans barely notice. Both vacuums are powerful, and neither could be called quiet, but the Animal 3’s softer, lower-frequency tone is significantly less distressing for pets. It emits a steady hum rather than the sharper whine that older Dyson models produce.
The Total Clean, being slightly louder and more high-pitched, can startle some pets. Dogs and cats might retreat or hide during use. In contrast, the Animal 3’s reduced mechanical noise allows many pets to stay calmer — a big win if you need to vacuum frequently while they’re home.
Hygiene and ease of disposal
Pet hair mixed with dust quickly becomes messy. Dyson’s hygienic bin-emptying mechanism — the “point and shoot” system — is invaluable for pet owners. Both vacuums use it, but the Animal 3’s updated bin geometry makes a difference. When you release the latch, debris ejects in a clean downward motion with minimal clouding.
The Total Clean’s bin also empties effectively, but the wider cyclone assembly can cause lighter fur to cling to the sides, requiring a second tap or shake. For households that deal with large volumes of hair, the Animal 3’s efficiency in debris disposal keeps the process cleaner and faster.
Overall pet-friendliness verdict
Both the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean live up to their “Animal” namesake. They are excellent at picking up fur, controlling allergens, and resisting odor buildup. Yet the way they deliver that pet-friendliness differs.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is the more modern and polished option for pet owners who value minimal maintenance and quiet efficiency. Its brushroll design, improved filtration, and easier cleaning workflow make it ideal for busy homes with multiple pets or allergy concerns. It’s the vacuum that keeps up with shedding seasons without turning every cleaning session into a project.
The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean, on the other hand, is the ultimate pet toolkit. It’s perfect for owners who want specialized attachments for every surface — especially if you have pets that lounge on sofas, beds, and car seats. It’s louder, a bit heavier to manage, and requires more brush maintenance, but it offers unmatched versatility.
If your goal is effortless, frequent cleanup with less hassle, the Animal 3 wins decisively. If you prefer comprehensive tools for detailed cleaning and don’t mind some extra upkeep, the Total Clean remains a powerful, proven ally.
In the end, both models succeed at what matters most: turning the chaos of pet ownership into a manageable routine. Whether you’re battling tumbleweeds of fur in the hallway or clumps on the couch, either Dyson earns its place as a pet owner’s best friend — but the Animal 3 does it with a smoother, smarter, and more evolved sense of calm.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean ultimately comes down to what kind of user you are and how you like to clean. Both are undeniably powerful, premium upright vacuums built to conquer pet hair, dander, and dirt with relentless suction and durable design. They share Dyson’s signature engineering — strong airflow, whole-machine filtration, and that distinctive ball steering that makes them more agile than most upright competitors. But beyond the similarities, each model represents a different chapter in Dyson’s design evolution.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is the modern refinement of Dyson’s pet-cleaning concept. It focuses on the things that matter most in daily use: reduced tangling, easier maintenance, quieter operation, and smoother handling. It’s ideal for pet owners who vacuum often and value a vacuum that feels less like a chore to maneuver. It requires less hands-on upkeep and delivers consistent results with minimal fuss.
The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean, meanwhile, remains a powerhouse for those who appreciate having every possible attachment at their disposal. Its wide range of tools gives it a versatility that few vacuums can match. For homes with multiple types of flooring, lots of upholstery, or pets that shed everywhere, it still offers tremendous value — especially when found at a discount.
If you want a newer, quieter, more refined vacuum that prioritizes comfort and low-maintenance operation, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is the smart upgrade. If you prefer a well-equipped workhorse that can tackle everything from furniture to car interiors, the Total Clean continues to be a worthy contender. Either way, both machines embody Dyson’s mission: making tough, high-performance cleaning accessible to everyday households — and especially to those of us living happily amid fur, fluff, and the joyful chaos of pets.