Levoit VortexIQ 40 review

Best known for its excellent range of air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and diffusers, Levoit has recently moved into producing vacuum cleaners as well. This makes sense, given that its vacuum cleaners use the same HEPA filtration technology as its air purifiers. 

The Energy Star Certified Levoit VortexIQ 40, launched in March 2022, promises never to miss a spot by using Dynamic Power Control (DPC) Technology™ to detect debris traveling through the vacuum and powering its suction levels in response. 

It also features a four-stage HEPA filtration system that traps 99.9% of particles 0.3 microns in size, including pollen, dust, and pet dander. A compact dust cup collects debris, while a robust wall-mounted charging dock allows the unit to be safely stored. It also comes with a good selection of attachments and a detailed instruction manual.

Having already tested one of Levoit’s air purifiers and recommending it highly on this site, we were excited to discover what Levoit had created to shake up the vacuum market. The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex looks impressive and feels expensive and well-made. But would it do enough to challenge big brands such as Samsung and Dyson? We put it to the test in a series of at-home assessments, looking at suction, ease of use, design, accessories and maintenance.

If the Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex isn’t for you, check out our buyer’s guide to the best vacuum cleaners (opens in new tab), with a range of models for pet owners, bargain hunters, and technology lovers.

Levoit VortexIQ 40: Design

The combination of matte black, silver and gray plastic casing, chrome detailing, and a colorful LED display makes the Levoit VortexIQ 40 a seriously stylish cordless vacuum cleaner.

The grip on the unit itself is made of beveled rubber, which helps maintain a firm grasp and feels comfortable to the touch. Many of the important buttons, such as those for releasing the rotary brushes, the release catch on the dust cup, and the main HEPA filter, are clearly marked with symbols or lettering, while catch and release locks are picked out in light gray.

Everything, right down to the rubber edging on the crevice tool to avoid scratching your furnishings, feels thoughtfully designed. There are satisfying clunks and clicks when you connect or release an attachment, remove one of the filters, or use the flexible stick feature.

The LED control panel is easy to read and has a number of features:

The dust cup is smoked grey and has a useful ‘MAX’ indicator for helping you know when to empty it. 

The 25.9V battery, which can be charged up outside the unit itself, slots neatly into the back of the unit. Three bars across the rear of the battery indicate battery power, and you can see these as you clean, which is useful. 

Levoit VortexIQ 40: Features and accessories

As well as an auto feature that adjusts the power to match the levels of dust in your home, the Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex allows you to set your own power should you wish to, from one of five settings, with each setting marked by two blue bars on the display. Simply press the + or - button to move up and down a level. 

The vacuum cleaner comes with a standard vacuum head that can be used on hard floors or carpets, as well as the following accessories:

The manual suggests that for certain models, an extra battery, hard floor vacuum head, and flexible extension hose are also included, but these were not included in our testing package. We couldn’t see a package like this for sale on the Levoit site or elsewhere.

The main vacuum brush head also features LED headlights to help identify debris in dim light or under furniture. The two wheels that sit at the neck of the vacuum head are larger than the standard. Perhaps it’s this feature that makes the maneuverability so good. This vacuum goes where you need it to go! It takes zero effort to change the direction or angle the brush head for an effective edge clean around units or furniture.

The shaft of the vacuum cleaner comes with a flexible inner tube. Simply press a button on the underside of the shaft, and it folds into a 90-degree position, allowing you to get under furniture more easily without bending down. 

Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex: Setup and assembly

The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex comes securely packed in a cardboard box measuring 29 x 14.5 x 7 inches. Upon opening the box, there is a series of helpful illustrations and instructions on the inner flap, that can help you get started straight away. 

Inside, the various pieces and attachments are packed in cardboard and recyclable plastic bags, so you can recycle all the packaging if you wish. 

The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex comes with a one-page quick start guide and a more detailed user manual. This has helpful information on putting together your new vacuum cleaner, notes on what each accessory is useful for, and all the features of the device. It also includes advice on caring for and maintaining your vacuum cleaner, from cleaning or replacing the filters to cleaning the roller brushes inside the vacuum heads. Finally, a helpful troubleshooting guide features a series of potential problems and what to do about them. 

Overall, setup was easy and effortless. The unit is so well-designed and intuitive that you could probably work out how to use the device without any manual. Buttons are clearly marked out, anything that requires twisting is indicated, and important features, such as the filter, have lettering to alert you to their position.

Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex: Performance

We tested the Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex in a house with two pets and a family of three. All the tests were performed in a 210-square-foot living room with a thick carpet and rugs, and a 73-square-foot kitchen with a hardwood floor. 

First up was a general cleaning test. We ran the vacuum over the carpet and hard flooring in auto mode, using the standard vacuum head, and checked the dust cup results. The vacuum cleaner picked up a huge amount of pet hair, dust, and debris from the floor, including pet kibble, fallen leaves from indoor plants, and crumbs from the kitchen. 

The way in which the vacuum adjusted power as it encountered more, or less, dust and debris was revealing. We could hear it rev up as it glided over our dog’s usual resting place by the sofa, as well as in the kitchen where kibble had spilled out of bowls. Although you can adjust the power yourself, the Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex seems to be sensitive enough to do the hard work for you.

Next up, we tested how well it sucked up a series of crumbled cookies, flour, and oats on hard surfaces and carpet. It dealt with everything beautifully on both, including larger cookie pieces, and fine particles.

The mini motorized brush tool also did well on the carpeted stairs, picking up debris and pet hair, while the rubber-tipped crevice tool was gentle enough to deal with dusty skirting boards.

The dusting brush worked well over shelving and window frames, with the longer bristles protecting the woodwork while picking up the dust. It was even gentle enough to dust the family photos.

During our testing, we also checked in to see how loud the Levoit VortexIQ 40 was in operation. At its quietest, it clocked in at around 68 decibels, which is a little quieter than a standard vacuum cleaner. At its loudest, it was averaging in at 78 decibels, which is the same as a washing machine.

What was interesting to note, though, was that our dog, who usually runs away from vacuum cleaners, didn’t seem to mind this one. In fact, we were able to vacuum right around him at one point without waking him up!

We also checked out battery life and how long it takes to charge the unit. Sure enough, we got around 40 minutes of time using the Levoit VortexIQ 40 until it powered off. It seemed to go for quite a while on one flashing bar, though. Charging up took about four hours, too, so it’s pretty similar to what the manufacturers claim.

The only downside we found to the Levoit VortexIQ 40 was in emptying the dust cup. Although the latch is easy to push, opening the dust cup, a lot of the debris remained trapped inside, between the metal filter and the edge of the cup. This meant having to dig in with fingers to release the debris and resulted in a lot more dust around the edge of the trash bin. However, it’s worth noting that the dust cup was pretty packed. More regular emptying may avoid this issue.

Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex: Care and maintenance

The Levoit VortexIQ 40 can be stored on the charging port by attaching the port to the wall. There is also space for the accessories. You’ll need to install the wall hanger near a socket, so you can charge the unit when it’s not in use. Screws and wall plugs are also supplied in the box. The Levoit VortexIQ 40 does not fold up, so you’ll need adequate space for it when storing it away.

Cleaning and maintenance is well covered in the accompanying manual. Levoit recommends storing the battery at least half charged, and charging it at least every 3 months. It also advises rinsing the dust cup and metal filter, and leaving them to fully dry before reinserting them into the unit.

According to Levoit, the pre-filter should be washed once a month and replaced every 6 months, while the main filter should be washed once every 6 months, and replaced every year.

According to cleaning expert for Housetastic (opens in new tab) and cleaning business owner, Karen Barrigan, how often the main filters need changing can depend on your vacuum’s make and model, but she does have a tip that can help you identify when yours needs replacing. 

Barrigan also has a tip on checking the main filter within the unit. “Every so often, listen to hear if the vacuum cleaner starts to sound different. If it does, it may be time to replace it.”

There are also detailed instructions for cleaning the individual vacuum heads and a comprehensive troubleshooting guide at the back of the manual.

Here are Barrigan’s top tips for maintaining your vacuum cleaner:

• Clean all roller brushes regularly, snipping away tangled hair and other debris. 
• Remove debris from wheels, too, with a damp cloth.
• Clean and check filters regularly, and replace them when required.  
• Make sure you frequently empty the dust cup and wipe it with a dry cloth. 
• Commit to a yearly service to keep your vacuum cleaner in great condition.  

Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex: Price

• $199.99 / £189.99

Coming in at just under 200 dollars, the Levoit VortexIQ 40 isn’t cheap. However, it’s more than half the price of some of the most popular leading brands, such as Dyson, and it’s cheaper than most Shark cordless vacuums. 

Given the quality of the design and materials used, we think the Levoit VortexIQ 40 gives pretty good value for money. It may not run as long as some of its rivals, but 40 minutes is usually enough to clean all of the house. 

The sturdiness of the accessories and the additional flexible stick feature are also signs that Levoit is serious about becoming a real contender in the stick vacuum market. 

The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex is available on Amazon and the Levoit website. 

Levoit VortexIQ 40: User reviews

The Levoit VortexIQ 40 is already rated 4.5 stars on Amazon, despite being recently launched. Over 60% of users have given it the full 5 stars, rating how light and easy it is to use, as well as its performance in getting rid of pet hair. The Levoit website has similar happy comments from users, with one commenting, “We are beyond impressed with the performance and design of this vacuum.”

Negative reviews mention that the dust cup could be bigger and that the unit may be too heavy for some people to use for a long time. A few customers say that the roller brush can easily become tangled, but as one user points out, “With an easy push of a button to remove the brush, it’s not a major complaint!”

Levoit VortexIQ 40: What the experts say

Levoit seems to be shaping up as a serious competitor to Shark and Dyson, brands known for their hi-tech cordless vacuum cleaners. So if you’re looking for a stick vacuum that offers a similar experience to owning a Dyson, but you haven’t got the budget for one of their stick vacuums, the Levoit VortexIQ 40 could be your perfect, affordable, alternative. 

Barrigan agrees. “If you’re a fan of high-tech gadgets, this vacuum may just be the one for you. The cordless, lightweight designs make it extremely convenient for everyday cleaning. Plus, you can see everything you need to know about the device on the clear LED display.”

Should you buy the Levoit VortexIQ 40?

The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Flex is a thoughtfully designed and well-made cordless vacuum cleaner, that’s affordably priced, and superb at lifting dirt, dust, and debris. As such, we think it's one of the best vacuums you can purchase right now, regardless of your needs. 

How does the Levoit VortexIQ 40 compare to competitors?

In terms of performance, there’s not a great deal of difference between the Levoit VortexIQ 40 and the much cheaper Aspiron Cordless. However, the Levoit accessories are much sturdier, and there is no intelligent auto mode on the Aspiron. The Levoit also has a longer runtime by 5 minutes, and you can charge the battery separately. The filter system is much more sophisticated than the Aspiron and the Levoit also features a flexible stick function, plus more accessories. 

The Dyson Omni-glide looks similar to the Levoit VortexIQ 40. It’s much lighter however, weighing in at just 4.18 lbs. It also has multi-directional movement, giving it amazing maneuverability. However, unlike the Levoit VortexIQ 40, the Dyson Omni-glide doesn’t give a great performance on carpets and only runs for 20 minutes before the battery gives up. 

Just like the Levoit VortexIQ 40, the Dyson V11 has a Dynamic Load Sensor that automatically adjusts the power to the type of floor surface you are cleaning. But it’s much more expensive than the Levoit and it doesn’t feature the useful LED headlights.

How we tested the Levoit VortexIQ 40

Here at Top Ten Reviews, we feel strongly about giving consumers the best buying advice. As such, we test every product thoroughly in order to give an accurate opinion of its quality. 

When we test vacuums, we make sure to take note of the packaging and unboxing, the assembly process and how difficult it is, as well as the product's design and features and how it compares to the competition. 

Our reviewers really put vacuums through their paces, testing them in controled conditions using crumbs, flour, and oats to measure how quickly and accurately the vacuum performs. They also make sure to test every accessory to assess its value and usefulness. 

Last but not least, we care about making your purchases last. We've spoken to experts across the cleaning and small appliances industry to get the best care and maintenance advice for your vacuums.