Shark ZU503 Teal
Score: 79/100
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra
Score: 84/100Rankings
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra delivers the same 290 AW suction as the standard model while adding a richer accessory kit, making it ideal for pet-hair heavy homes. Its plastic-heavy construction and manual cord handling detract from the premium feel. Best for users who want maximum tool variety and can tolerate the weight.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ is a corded upright with strong suction, HEPA filtration and a self-cleaning brushroll, making it great for pet owners. Its main drawbacks are the heavy weight and relatively short 25-ft cord. Best suited for medium-sized homes where maneuverability and allergen control are priorities.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,200 Wbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 95.9 cmbest | 107.1 cm |
| ↓ lower better | 6.8 kgbest | 7.86 kg |
7.62 mbest | — | |
— | 1.7 Lbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 80 dBbest | — |
120 Vbest | — | |
5best | 5best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(2) | ||
Height (cm) | 95.9 cm | 107.1 cm |
Weight (kg) | 6.80 kg | 7.86 kg |
Features(1) | ||
Lift‑Away Capability | true | false |
Accessories(1) | ||
Tools Included | Upholstery tool, Pet crevice tool | Dyson Ball Animal 3 upright vacuum unit, Motorbar™ cleaner head with 364 bristles, Stair tool, Tangle‑free turbine tool, Articulating hard‑floor tool (180° pivot), Combination tool, Carbon fiber soft dusting brush, On‑board tool storage compartment |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers note that the ZU503AMZ (via the similar ZU560) delivers respectable airflow of 66.3 CFM and scores well for portability thanks to its Lift-Away pod, but its suction power trails behind premium Shark uprights. The HEPA filtration and anti-allergen seal are praised for indoor air quality, while the corded design is seen as a limitation for quick, cordless-style clean-ups.
Everyday users appreciate the strong suction, easy maneuverability, and hassle-free dust cup emptying, while also noting the acceptable noise level. The most common complaint is the relatively short 25-ft cord, and some find the unit heavy for prolonged use.
“Great suction, maneuverability, easy emptying, and acceptable sound; sole complaint is needing a longer cord”
Professional reviewers consistently praise the Dyson Ball Animal 3 for its industry-leading 290 AW suction, innovative de-tangling motor bar and generous 0.45 gal bin, calling it the strongest corded upright for pet hair. They also commend its 50 ft total reach and whole-machine filtration. The main criticisms focus on its 17-plus-pound weight, largely plastic construction and the lack of automatic cord rewind, which diminish portability.
Everyday users echo the professional praise, highlighting the vacuum's powerful suction, long reach and large bin as major conveniences for pet-heavy households. While explicit complaints are scarce, the few comments that appear revolve around the unit's heft and the manual cord-coiling requirement.
