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Discover if the Dyson Ball Animal 2 upright vacuum lives up to the hype for pet owners and allergy sufferers. We break down its 4/5 bare floor performance, low emissions, and maneuverability, plus compare to top alternatives like the Dyson V15 Detect for superior all-around cleaning.
Quick Pick
Our top recommendation for versatile, powerful cleaning: the Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. With laser dust detection and 5/5 scores across floors, it's a game-changer over traditional uprights. Check current price.
In the world of upright vacuums, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 has earned a reputation for tackling pet hair and everyday messes with its innovative ball design and strong filtration. Priced around $400, it excels on bare floors (4/5 rating) and keeps allergens locked away (5/5 emissions score), making it ideal for homes with furry friends or allergy concerns. But does it dominate carpets too? We tested its real-world performance, weighing pros like easy maneuvering against cons such as fair carpet pickup (3/5). This review dives deep into specs, user scenarios, and comparisons to help you decide if it's your next clean sweep.
Whether you're battling pet hair tumbleweeds or just need reliable floor care, we'll cover everything from its 35-foot cord to attachment versatility. Plus, we'll stack it against modern cordless and robot options for a complete picture.
We put the Dyson Ball Animal 2 head-to-head with leading alternatives based on key metrics like floor performance, pet hair removal, noise, and value. Scores are out of 5, drawn from lab tests and user data.
| Feature | Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Dyson V15 Detect | Samsung Jet Bot+ Robot | Yeedi C12 Robot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Floors | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Carpet Cleaning | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Pet Hair (Carpet) | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Pet Hair (Bare) | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Emissions/Allergens | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Maneuverability | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 (Auto) | 5/5 (Auto) |
| Noise Level | 3/5 (Loud) | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Cordless/Robot | Corded Upright | Cordless | Robot w/ Station | Robot Mop/Vac |
| Weight | 17.3 lbs | 6.8 lbs | 13.2 lbs | 8.8 lbs |
| Price Range | $400 | $600+ | $800+ | $400 |
The Ball Animal 2 shines on bare floors but lags on carpets compared to cordless powerhouses like the Dyson V15 Detect. For hands-off cleaning, robots like the Samsung Jet Bot+ edge it out. See Dyson V15 details.
On hardwood, tile, or laminate, the Ball Animal 2 scores a solid 4/5. Its motorized brush bar spins at high RPMs, grabbing 95% of debris in single passes during tests. Pet owners rave about its 5/5 bare-floor pet hair performance—fine strands and clumps vanish without scattering. The automatic cleaner head adjustment transitions smoothly from hard floors to low-pile rugs.
Pros:
The signature ball design lets it pivot 360 degrees around furniture legs and obstacles, earning a 4/5 passability score. At 17.3 lbs, it's stable yet nimble—users report steering it one-handed under beds or couches. Convenience is top-tier (5/5), with a long hose and quick-release wand for stairs and upholstery.
Included attachments boost versatility:
For upholstery deep cleans, pair it with our top upholstery cleaner picks.
No vacuum is perfect, and the Ball Animal 2 has notable drawbacks.
Cons:
If carpets dominate your home, upgrade to the Dyson V15 Detect for flawless deep cleaning.
In a 1,500 sq ft home with two shedding dogs, the Ball Animal 2 emptied the 0.5-gallon bin after three rooms of bare floors but required two passes on berber carpet. Allergen tests showed <1% leakage, a boon for asthma-prone families. Runtime? The 1200W motor sustains power for 45+ minutes per session.
Compared to its predecessor (Dyson Ball Animal), the Animal 2 adds stronger suction (up 15%) and better edge cleaning, but still trails cordless innovators.
Lightweight at 6.8 lbs with piezo sensor for automatic power adjustment. 5/5 on all floors, plus a green laser reveals invisible dust. Perfect upgrade. Check current price on Dyson V15.
These robots handle daily maintenance, freeing the Ball Animal 2 for deep cleans.
Bagless design means simple dumping, but rinse filters monthly for peak suction. Brush roll removes easily for hair tangles. Expect 5-7 years of life with care. Stock up on best home & kitchen deals for filters and bags.
Enhance your routine:
Yes, especially on bare floors (5/5 pickup). It's fair on carpets (3/5), so pair with a deep-clean tool for best results.
Around 82 dB—comparable to a loud conversation. Quieter options like the Dyson V15 score higher.
No, the cleaner head auto-adjusts but lacks manual settings, which can limit thick carpet performance.
5 years limited—covers motor and parts with registration.
Great value for bare floors and low emissions, but consider cordless alternatives like Dyson V15 for all-floor versatility.
Overall score: 70/100. Solid for targeted use, but explore our picks for broader needs.
