Third-party replacements are available at a fraction of the OEM price, without sacrificing filtration performance. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 pre-motor filter should be replaced Every 3 months — skipping this leads to Reduced suction.

We've tested and ranked the best options below, including which aftermarket brands actually hold up over time.

⭐ Our Pick

3Pack Pre Filters Replacement for Dyson - Vacuum Filter Compatible with Dyson V6 V7 V8 DC59 DC58 Replaces Part 965661 01 (3 Pack) — Best-rated compatible option

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About the Dyson Ball Animal 3

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is the latest corded Ball upright for pet homes. Its pre-motor filter is the washable purple unit at the top of the machine — the primary filter to keep clean for steady suction.

🔎 Dyson Ball Animal 3 pre-motor filter — what to know

The Ball Animal 3 pre-motor filter is washable foam-and-fleece. Replace it only when it won't rinse back to clean, tears, or goes limp. Pet dust loads it faster, so check it more often than the general guideline.

✓ Buying Advice

Genuine Dyson gives a guaranteed seal; aftermarket purple filters are cheap and fine when the listing names the Ball Animal 3 (its filter can differ from the Ball Animal 2, so check). A spare keeps you cleaning while one dries.

⚠ Common Mistakes

The Ball Animal 3 mistake that harms the motor is refitting the filter damp — air-dry a full 24 hours. The second is mixing it up with the separate post-motor filter.

$9.99 Best Aftermarket
4.9★ Avg Rating
7,517 Total Reviews

5 Replacement Options for the Dyson Ball Animal 3

3Pack Pre Filters Replacement for Dyson - Vacuum Filter Compatible with Dyson V6 V7 V8 DC59 DC58 Replaces Part 965661 01 (3 Pack)
3Pack Pre Filters Replacement for Dyson - Vacuum Filter Compatible with Dyson V6 V7 V8 DC59 DC58 Replaces Part 965661 01 (3 Pack)
Compatible ✓ Our Pick 3-Pack
★★★★★ 4.85 · 3,842 reviews Exceptional
$3.33 per unit when buying 3-pack
Price: budget-friendly · Value score: 12.02
$9.99 $3.33/ea
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Replacement Filter for Dyson DC40 UP16 UP19, Post-Motor Filter and Pre-Motor Filter for Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Vacuum Light/Slim Ball Animal Vacuum, Part# 923587-02 & 922676-01
Replacement Filter for Dyson DC40 UP16 UP19, Post-Motor Filter and Pre-Motor Filter for Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Vacuum Light/Slim Ball Animal Vacuum, Part# 923587-02 & 922676-01
Compatible
★★★★★ 4.85 · 2,332 reviews Exceptional
Price: premium · Value score: 2.48
2 Pack Pre-Motor Filter & Post-Motor Exhaust HEPA Filter Replacement for Dyson DC33 Multi Floor, DC33 Total Clean, and DC33 Exclusive Vacuum Cleaners, Replace Part # 919563-02 & 921616-01
2 Pack Pre-Motor Filter & Post-Motor Exhaust HEPA Filter Replacement for Dyson DC33 Multi Floor, DC33 Total Clean, and DC33 Exclusive Vacuum Cleaners, Replace Part # 919563-02 & 921616-01
Compatible 2-Pack
★★★★★ 4.85 · 1,084 reviews Exceptional
$12.99 per unit when buying 2-pack
Price: premium · Value score: 2.61
$25.98 $12.99/ea
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Filter Replacement for Dyson DC41 DC65 DC66 UP13 UP20 UP30 Hepa Post-Motor Filter & Pre-Motor Filter, Multi Floor, Animal and Ball Vacuums Ball Animal 2 Ball Animal 3. Part#920769-01 & 920640-01
Filter Replacement for Dyson DC41 DC65 DC66 UP13 UP20 UP30 Hepa Post-Motor Filter & Pre-Motor Filter, Multi Floor, Animal and Ball Vacuums Ball Animal 2 Ball Animal 3. Part#920769-01 & 920640-01
Compatible 2-Pack
★★★★★ 4.95 · 145 reviews Highly Rated
$7.50 per unit when buying 2-pack
Price: fairly priced · Value score: 3.29
$14.99 $7.50/ea
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Ball Animal 3 Filter Replacement for Dyson DC41 DC65 DC66 UP13 UP20 UP30 Ball Animal 2 Ball Animal 3, Multi Floor Vacuum, Compare Part# 920769-01 & 920640-01, 2 Post-Motor + 2 Pre-Motor Filters
Ball Animal 3 Filter Replacement for Dyson DC41 DC65 DC66 UP13 UP20 UP30 Ball Animal 2 Ball Animal 3, Multi Floor Vacuum, Compare Part# 920769-01 & 920640-01, 2 Post-Motor + 2 Pre-Motor Filters
Compatible
★★★★★ 4.75 · 114 reviews Highly Rated
Price: premium · Value score: 1.13

🔍 Does Your Dyson Ball Animal 3 Need a New Pre-Motor Filter?

Check any symptoms you're experiencing:

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace the Dyson Ball Animal 3 pre-motor filter?
Dyson suggests replacing the Ball Animal 3 pre-motor filter Every 3 months under normal use — sooner with pets or daily heavy use. Signs it's due: Reduced suction. Wash the Ball Animal 3 purple pre-motor filter regularly and replace it when it won't rinse clean; dry 24 hours before refitting.
Can I just wash the Ball Animal 3 pre-motor filter instead of replacing it?
Often, yes — many vacuum filters are washable. Rinse under cold water only (no detergent, no hot water), squeeze gently and air-dry fully — a full 24 hours for Dyson filters — before refitting. Replace it when it won't rinse back to clean, the foam crumbles, or the pleats/mesh are damaged; a washable filter still wears out eventually.
Do I have to buy the genuine Dyson part, or will a compatible one work?
Yes — a compatible (aftermarket) pre-motor filter works well in the Dyson Ball Animal 3 as long as it's made for this exact model. Genuine Dyson gives a guaranteed seal; aftermarket purple filters are cheap and fine when the listing names the Ball Animal 3 (its filter can differ from the Ball Animal 2, so check). A spare keeps you cleaning while one dries.
How much does a Dyson Ball Animal 3 pre-motor filter cost?
Compatible pre-motor filter options for the Dyson Ball Animal 3 start around $9.99. The prices in the table above are checked against Amazon regularly; multipacks usually cost less per unit.
What's the most common mistake when replacing the Ball Animal 3 pre-motor filter?
The Ball Animal 3 mistake that harms the motor is refitting the filter damp — air-dry a full 24 hours. The second is mixing it up with the separate post-motor filter.