Dyson Animal vs. Animal 2 vs. Multi Floor 2 vs. Multi Floor Origin

It’s the ultimate Dyson upright vacuum comparison. We’ll be comparing the most popular Dyson vacuum cleaners including the following models:

Dyson Animal (1st gen.) vs. Animal 2 vs. Animal 2 Total Clean vs. Multi Floor (1st gen.) vs. Multi Floor 2 vs. Multi Floor Origin

We’ve got a lot to cover so let’s go ahead and dive in.

First, we’ve got a quick Dyson comparison chart on the vacuum cleaners we’re covering, including important specs and where we think each Dyson upright excels the most.

Design

For simplicity, there are two main styles that we’re looking at here.

Dyson Animal vs. Dyson Multi-Floor

Both of those models can be divided into two sub-models.

The Dyson Animal includes the:

• Dyson Animal
• Dyson Animal 2
• Dyson Animal 2 Total Clean

The Dyson Multi Floor includes the:

• Dyson Multi Floor Origin
• Dyson Multi Floor (1st generation)
• Dyson Multi Floor 2

In short, the “2” models are basically updated versions of the original. There are design and performance differences between the sub-models of each vacuum, but let’s hit the highlights first.

Design Similarities

Both the Dyson Animal and Dyson Multi Floor are upright vacuums with a number of design similarities.

For instance, both vacuums have:

• Adjustable cleaning deck: cleaning head self-adjusts to provide the best suction possible for whatever floor type the vacuum is currently on
• Dyson Ball: patented Dyson Ball is designed for improved maneuverability and performing tight turns
• Clear XL dust bin: large dust bin made of clear plastic for easy visibility and maintenance
• Dyson cyclone suction: two-tier cyclone system uses the power of centrifuge to spin debris through a series of cyclones to provide strong, fade-free suction
• Cord & accessory storage: simple cord wrap along the back of the vacuum for easy cord storage as well as simple ports for handling a couple on-board accessories

Design Differences

Here is a quick list of the main differences between the Dyson Animal vs. Dyson Multi Floor.

The Dyson Animal and Animal 2 both have a purple and iron colored body.

The Dyson Multi Floor and Multi Floor 2 both have a yellow and iron colored body.

Note: Newer versions of the Multi Floor Origin have been updated to have a fuchsia (purple / pink color) body, so in this case a yellow Multi Floor 1 would be a sign of an older generation.

The different colors of each model helps to quickly identify which design family it falls into. This is likely more a branding and marketing decision more than a decision based on usability or function.

How Dyson Uprights Clean

Overall all of the Dyson Animal vs. Multi Floor upright models use similar technology. They all rely on the Dyson Ball for excellent maneuverability and the tiered cyclone system for fade-free, powerful suction.

Although all of these models have a similar Dyson Ball, they don’t deliver the same level of suction.

Dyson Suction Power Compared

The exact suction power of each model is listed below:

• Animal: 245 AW
• Animal 2: 306 AW
• Animal 2 Total Clean: 306 AW
• Multi Floor Origin: 270 AW
• Multi Floor 2: 250 AW

The Dyson Animal 2 is the most powerful at 306 AW.

The Dyson Multi Floor 2 gives up a little suction power, but this model is also the most lightweight and compact.

Being slightly older models, the Dyson Animal and Dyson Multi Floor Origin are slightly less powerful than their successors (in most cases), but you can also sometimes score good deals on these older models.

There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to all 4 of these Dyson upright models.

In addition the Dyson Ball and cyclone suction system, the Dyson Animal and Multi Floor uprights all use a self-adjusting cleaning head with spiral bristles. This cleaning head is designed to help prevent tangles as it cleans.

Size & Weight

The size difference though could be a deciding factor for some users. The exact specs are listed below:

• Animal: 15.4″ x 13.4″ x 42.4″ and weighs 17 lbs
• Animal 2: 15.35″ x 13.39″ x 42.13″ and weighs 17.5 lbs
• Animal 2 Total Clean: 15.35″ x 13.39″ x 42.13″ and weighs 17.5 lbs)
• Multi Floor Origin: 15″ x 13″ x 42″ and weighs 17.37 lbs
• Multi Floor 2: 15.59″ x 13.39″ x 41.93″ and weighs 15.6 lbs

Overall, the Dyson Multi Floor 2 is the most compact and lightweight.

The Dyson Animal 2 the largest, but also has the greatest suction (see suction specs below).

Accessories & Tools

Another difference between the Dyson Animal vs. Dyson Multi Floor is the tool selection. As upright vacuums, each model comes with a wide variety of tools and accessories to help perform a variety of cleaning jobs around the house.

But the selection is not identical across the board.

The tools and accessories that come with the base model of the Dyson Animal 1 & 2 include:

• Stair tool
• Turbine tool
• Combination tool (dusting brush and crevice tool)

With the Dyson Multi Floor, you’re going to get slightly different tools, but still a nice variety, including:

• Stair tool
• Crevice tool
• Dusting brush

The main tool you’re giving up here is the turbine tool, which is nice for pet hair.

The Dyson Animal Total Clean comes with the most tools of almost any Dyson. The following tools are included with this model:

• Turbine tool
• Articulating hard floor tool
• Combination tool
• Soft dusting brush
• Multi-angle brush
• Reach-under tool
• Mattress tool
• Stair tool
• Tool carrying bag

Cleaning Tests

In terms of cleaning, both the Dyson Animal and Dyson Multi Floor are strong contenders. We put two of these models to the test in our Modern Castle home testing lab.

During these tests we run the vacuums on three flooring types:

• Hardwoods
• Low pile carpet
• High pile carpet

We also test a variety of debris types to help identify strengths and weaknesses. Our tests use the following debris:

• Cereal
• Rice
• Kitty liter
• Sugar

Overall Performance

The cleaning results of the Dyson Animal 2 and Dyson Multi Floor 2 are listed below.

See our in-depth performance data for each model at the links below:

• Dyson Animal 2 full review & cleaning tests
• Dyson Multi Floor 2 full review & cleaning tests

We further break down these cleaning results into separate floor types.

Cleaning Hardwoods

On hardwoods, both vacuums scored well. The Animal 2 captured 99-100% of all debris types we ran tests for.

By comparison, the Multi Floor was just a hair behind in performance. The difference in performance between these two models came down to the cereal test, where the Animal 2 captured 99% of cereal and the Multi Floor only captured 81% of the cereal.

Cleaning performance of kitty litter, rice and sugar was all 100%.

Cleaning Low Carpet

When cleaning low pile carpets, both the Animal 2 and Multi Floor 2 had flawless performance, capturing 100% of debris that was tested.

Cleaning High Carpet

For cleaning high pile carpet, we noticed more differences between the Dyson Animal and Dyson Multi Floor.

Performance for cleaning kitty litter, sugar, and rice was pretty similar – between 97-100% on each test from both vacuums.

Like on hardwoods, the large debris cereal is where the difference came into play.

The Dyson Animal 2 has stronger suction and that suction held the cleaning head closer to the base of the carpet, which prevented it from collecting all of the cereal. The Animal 2 only captured 58% of cereal dropped.

The Dyson Multi Floor 2 has slightly less powerful suction so it was able to keep the cleaning head more on top of the carpet fibers and clean up more cereal. The Multi Floor 2 captured 100% of the cereal dropped.

Final Notes on Cleaning

Despite these differences, we would call performance between these two Dyson uprights to be substantially the same. At the end of the day, the biggest issue was cereal, which is easily removed with a hose if that’s something you encounter often while cleaning.

What about the Dyson Animal 1 and Multi Floor 1?

Wondering about the cleaning performance of older models, like the Dyson Animal 1 or the Dyson Multi Floor Origin?

While we haven’t tested these models personally, we can make a few assumptions that the quality and performance would be similar or slightly less than the performance of the “2” models.

Usability

The usability of these Dyson Animal vs. Dyson Multi Floor is comparable as well, but there are a few things to note here.

Maneuverability

Due to it’s slightly smaller size and overall weight, the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 is the easiest to maneuver, compared to other Dyson Animal models.

Using Tools

Taking tools on and off is quick and easy on all of these models. The red “quick release” design makes it simple to adjust and they all come with a nice selection of tools included with the vacuum.

The Dyson Animal is designed to store tools on-board for easy access.

For additional tools with the Multi Floor or Animal 2 upright, check out the Dyson accessory pack. This set includes four of Dyson’s most popular attachments: 

• Extending hose
• Soft dusting brush
• Hard bristle brush
• Wide nozzle tool

Emptying the Dust Bin

Emptying the dust bin is the same for the Dyson Animal vs. Multi Floor. There is a press-button tab that releases the dustbin from the upright.

Take the dust bin over to a trash can and press an alternate lever that releases the bottom of the canister, allowing the debris to fall into the trash.

Close the lid to the dust bin and reinstall it into the upright and you’re good to go.

One quick note: All of the models listed in this comparison have a 2 liter dust bin capacity EXCEPT for the Dyson Multi Floor 2, which has a max capacity of 1.6 liters, do it’s more compact size and weight.

In addition to dust bin maintenance, you may also need to keep an eye on the filter. The Dyson Animal and Dyson Multi Floor models all come with a washable filter that you can clean with cool water.

Allow the filter 24 hours to dry before reinstalling it into the body of the vacuum.

Dyson’s washable HEPA filter helps to provide protection from airborne irritants and allergens as well as providing cost-saving solutions that save annual maintenance expenses.

Looking for a Dyson vacuum that runs filter-free? Check out the Dyson Big Ball Cinetic, the only current Dyson model that doesn’t need a filter.

Maneuverability

Basically the same as all use the patented Dyson Ball design. The Dyson Ball allows for all of these vacuums to turn on a dime and have great maneuverability.

In addition to a tight turning radius these Dysons can also pivot side-to-side and recline backwards for extended reach.

So what are the shortcomings?

One disadvantage to the Dyson Ball is the inability to squeeze under furniture. The Ball is rather large so if you’re trying to squeeze under furniture or a bed, you’ll likely need to use the extension wand or a hose.

RELATED – Want a vacuum that easily vacuums under furniture without hassle? Check out our Shark IONFlex stick vacuum review.

What about weight?

In terms of overall maneuverability, weight is another factor to consider. As we said above, although the Dyson Animal 2 has the strongest suction it is also the heaviest vacuum and the most difficult to maneuver.

For the best maneuverability, the Dyson Multi Floor 2 is the clear winner. It is the lightest and most compact model, while still having excellent suction power.

Which Dyson Upright is the Best Value?

So all things considered, which of these models is going to provide the best bang for your buck?

Top Value

For sheer value, the Dyson Multi Floor 2 upright is our winner today. This vacuum is less expensive than the Dyson Animal 2, and had slightly better overall cleaning performance over the Animal 2 (98% overall vs. 96% overall).

It has a slightly smaller dust bin compared to the Multi Floor Origin as well as the Animal and Animal 2, but the smaller dust bin allows for this vacuum to also be lighter and easier to maneuver.

Raw Power

That said, if raw suction power is what you need the most the Dyson Animal 2 is the better choice. At 306 air watts of power, it’s the highest suction vacuum cleaner on the market.

The Best Tools

Last but not least, I think we also should give a mention to the Animal 2 Total Clean. It has the same specs at the Animal 2, except it includes a number of extra tools that can make cleaning up even easier.

Definitely worthy of consideration.

Dyson Upright Vacuum Specifications

Below we’ve listed the complete specifications for:

• Dyson Animal
• Dyson Animal 2
• Dyson Animal 2 Total Clean (note -Total Clean specs are the same as Animal 2, only difference is accessories)
• Dyson Multi Floor 2
• Dyson Multi Floor / Origin

Which Dyson upright vacuum model should you buy?

Ready to pull the trigger on a Dyson, but still not sure which model will be best for you? Consider the recommendations below.

• If you want the absolute best suction, I would recommend the Dyson Animal 2 upright vacuum. This model delivers 306AW at max power, which is the highest degree of suction of any Dyson upright.
• If you want the best maneuverability, I would recommend the Dyson Multi Floor 2. It is lighter and more compact than the Animal, while still having excellent cleaning performance. In addition, it is a bit easier to push along carpeted floors and had better cleaning performance of large debris on carpet compared to the Animal 2.
• If you want a deal, the Multi Floor Origin is a solid option. It actually has a little more suction power (270 AW) over the Multi Floor 2 (250 AW) and retains the large dust bin capacity like the Animal 2.
• If you want the most tools, I would recommend the Dyson Animal Total Clean. This model comes with more tools and accessories than any other Dyson upright currently on the market. The wide range of accessories helps to clean a wider range of spaces with one vacuum.

Honestly, I find it a little challenging to recommend the Dyson Animal 1 or Multi Floor 1 anymore. Dyson has simply made so many advancements in suction power and design that you can get more suction power and a lower price from other Dyson models.

If you like the price point on the Animal 1 or Multi Floor 1 you should just go with the Dyson Multi Floor Origin. It feels like the better option, while still keeping budget in check.

The Last Word

Still not sure what Dyson you should buy? Use our comment form below to drop us your question. We’d be happy to answer.