Organizer
Gadget news
This vacuum is ultra lightweight and comes with a useful auto-empty base – but it’s its impeccable edge cleaning that really impressed in my tests
11:00 pm | October 29, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: | Comments: Off

Levoit Aero: two-minute review

The Levoit Aero is a lightweight, nimble stick vacuum that comes with a convenient auto-empty charging base. It's one of the most lightweight vacuums I've used, and comes with a smaller-than-usual floorhead that tucks easily into tight spaces. I also appreciated the clear display, which tells you which suction level you're in and how much battery you have left.

While it's not the most outright powerful cordless vacuum I've used, it's great for everyday cleaning and especially good when it comes to edge cleaning. I found that even in the Minimum power mode it lifted most dirt from my floors, although I did need to bump up to Med or even Max mode to clear chunkier debris. The edge cleaning was outstanding, however.

Battery life is good but not great – while the Max mode lasts an impressive 15 minutes, in Min mode it only runs for 40 mins, which is short for a lowest-power option. I missed having a battery-maximizing Auto mode, where the power adjusts intelligently based on dirt levels or floor type.

The auto-empty base is a big effort-saver and works well, although there does seem to be a flaw that means the dustbin flap on the vacuum itself doesn't always close securely afterwards, which meant some cleaning sessions began rather messily.

Keep reading for a deeper dive into what the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner has to offer, and how it compares to the rest of the best cordless vacuums on the market.

Reviewer using Levoit Aero vacuum to clean her living space

(Image credit: Future)

Levoit Aero review: price & availability

  • List price: $499
  • Available: October 2025
  • Availability: US

The Levoit Aero Vacuum Cleaner launched in October 2025, with a list price of $499. It's available in the US on the Levoit website. This price includes the self-standing stick vacuum, charging dock that doubles as an auto-empty base, four accessories, and an extra dust bag.

In the wider market, this vacuum sits on the cusp between mid-range and premium. I'd usually expect better battery life and some smart features for this price, although the inclusion of the auto-empty dock does help justify the higher price somewhat. It's perhaps worth keeping an eye out for any deals over Black Friday.

Other auto-empty vacuum options include the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Clean&Empty, which is cheaper and better value at $429.99, and the Roborock H60 Hub Ultra which is pricier and worse value at $599.99.

  • Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit Aero specs

Weight:

4.4 lbs / 2kg

Bin size (vacuum):

Not stated

Bin size (dock):

3.5L

Max runtime:

40 mins

Charge time:

< 4hrs

Size (H x W x L):

43.3 x 9.8 x 7.7in / 110 x 25 x 19.5cm

Filter:

HEPA

Max suction:

180AW

Modes:

Min, Med, Max, Turbo

Levoit Aero review: design

  • A lightweight, streamlined stick vacuum that can stand up on its own
  • Display screen shows battery life and suction power
  • Auto-empty station that doubles as a charger

The Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner is a cordless stick vacuum that can stand on its own when the head and shaft are locked in place. At only 4.4 lbs / 2kg, it's incredibly lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver on the floor or use to grab dust on high ceilings.

The vacuum cleaner is black and white, and looks sleek and modern. It differs from some other vacuums in that the 0.45L dust bin is positioned on the front of the vacuum, rather than the back. Above the dustbin is a small display screen and the power button.

Levoit Aero vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Upon pressing the power button, the suction level and battery countdown timer appear on the display screen. If I want to move between the different suction level options, I have to hit the four-square button below the power button to scroll through them. My pre-launch test model had three suction modes: Min, Med and Max. Now the vacuum is on sale, there seems to have been a fourth mode added, called Turbo. The Max suction power hasn't changed, though – it's still 180AW.

Levoit Aero vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Like pretty much every stick vacuum, the design is modular and can be reconfigured for use as a handheld by removing the main wand. Four accessories are provided, including a 2-in-1 crevice tool, 2-in-1 combination tool (for vacuuming hair and such from furniture), a mini motorized brush, and an extension hose. There's also an attachment clip that can be added to the vacuum wand for easy detail tool storage.

Levoit Aero vacuum in its charge / auto-empty dock, in reviewer's lounge

(Image credit: Future)

The charging station is slim with a round base and a hidden dust bag with a generous 3.5L capacity. When you dock the vacuum, the charging station pulls the dirt and debris from its dustbin into the larger dust bag, so you don't need to worry about emptying it manually.

In terms of noise, the vacuum cleaner has an average sound rating. When the Min suction level is being used, it emits a sound rating of 79 dB. On Med and Max suction level powers, the rating is 81 and 83 dB respectively.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Levoit Aero review: performance

  • Easy to maneuver with helpful accessories
  • Superb edge cleaning
  • Little maintenance required on a day-to-day basis

Upon powering on the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner, it automatically begins running on the Med suction level. Most of the time when vacuuming my house, I used this suction level, no matter the floor type, as it resulted in top-notch cleaning. The vacuum is very lightweight, and the vacuum head swivels easily, allowing me to vacuum around furniture without having to move it. I also noticed that the vacuum head is smaller in width than some of the other vacuums I've tested, which allows me to vacuum in tighter spaces. Better yet, the vacuum can flatten to 180 degrees, so I'm able to reach further under furniture, as long as I squat down to the ground.

Reviewer using Levoit Aero vacuum to clean her living space

(Image credit: Future)

To see just how well the vacuum works, I ran the same test on two different floor types. I sprinkled dry tea and oats on my hard floor and on one of my thickest rugs, then I turned the vacuum on the lowest suction level – Min – to see how well it picked up the different materials.

I was really impressed by how well the Levoit Aero vacuumed both the tea and the oats from the rug on the lowest power level. It only took one pass, in a forward or reverse direction, for the vacuum to pick up the dried tea. Similarly, the vacuum picked up the oats perfectly when pushing the vacuum in a forward motion. When reverse cleaning over the oats, some pieces got stuck behind the wheels. This didn't surprise me as I've seen this happen with other vacuum cleaners I've tested.

The results were a bit different when running the same test on my hard floors. When vacuuming over the dry tea in a forward direction with Min suction power, all the tea was picked up. However, I was surprised when I vacuumed over the dried tea in reverse because a lot of tea got caught behind the wheels. I did not expect this.

Unfortunately, the Levoit Aero struggled with vacuuming the oats no matter if I was vacuuming forward or in reverse. Most of the time, the vacuum head pushed the oats away from the vacuum, unless I went very slowly over them. The Min suction level didn't seem to be powerful enough to suck up the oats, so I adjusted the power to Med and Max. It's perhaps no surprise that on the Max suction level, the oats were more easily suctioned into the vacuum.

Levoit Aero vacuum being used to clear debris from a wooden floor

(Image credit: Future)

To test the edge cleaning, I poured some dry tea along the edge of a wall. The vacuum only needs to rest against an edge for all the debris to be picked up in a single pass, no matter the suction level. You won't need a crevice or edge cleaning tool to clean along the bottom of walls, cabinets, or appliances.

Levoit Aero vacuum being used to clear debris from a wooden floor

(Image credit: Future)

Four accessories come with the purchase of this vacuum: a 2-in-1 crevice tool, 2-in-1 combination tool (for vacuuming hair from furniture), a mini motorized brush, and an extension hose.

I used the 2-in-1 crevice tool to vacuum windowsills, blinds, baseboards, and the corners of ceilings. It worked wonderfully, though I did notice that it worked best on the Med or Max suction level. My only complaint is that when I was using the tool as a brush, it would sometimes snap down to a crevice tool when I didn't want it to.

This is because the button that transforms the tool between a brush and a crevice tool is located on the top of the brush. If I barely hit the button or tapped the edge of the tool against the edge of a windowsill, it would transition to a crevice tool. I'd then have to stop cleaning and re-click the brush tool into place. This happened a lot, which makes me think the button needs to be placed along the sides of the tool instead, or that the mechanism that holds the brush in place needs to be stronger.

Levoit Aero vacuum in handheld mode lying on a sofa

(Image credit: Future)

The 2-in-1 combination tool did a pretty decent job suctioning hair from my furniture. I think this had to do with the fact that there is a little rough strip of material in the middle of the brush that catches hair and helps pull it up from the fabric. That said, I found that I had the best results when using this tool with max power.

The mini motorized brush is essentially a vacuum head that is about half the size of the regular vacuum head on the Levoit Aero. I used it to clean around my toilet and between my oven and the wall, spaces where I usually can't reach with a regular vacuum head. This was definitely my favorite accessory, and it did a fantastic job cleaning those tricky areas. I wish, however, that the mini motorized brush had the ability to swivel, to make it easier to vacuum in tight spaces. (I haven't come across a mini motorized tool that can swivel, but I think vacuum makers are missing a trick here.)

Levoit Aero vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

It's unlikely that you'll use the extension hose often, except perhaps to clean your car. In that case, you'd probably connect the extension hose to the handheld portion of the Levoit Aero and then add the mini motorized brush to the end.

I tried seeing if there was any practical use for the extension hose in the cleaning of my house and didn't really find one. To be fair, I was able to connect the hose between the handheld and the shaft, which enabled me to swing the vacuum under the bed to vacuum hard to reach spots. This sort-of worked, but I didn't have much control over the direction of the vacuum head. Since the Levoit IQ can flatten to the ground, it's probably better to just squat and vacuum under furniture rather than use the extension hose in this manner.

Levoit Aero vacuum in its charge / auto-empty dock, in reviewer's lounge

(Image credit: Future)

After using the vacuum, I set it on the charging base and let the base automatically pull the debris and dirt from the dust bin into the dust bag. This meant that on a day-to-day basis, I wasn't really doing any maintenance. When the dust bag fills, the vacuum will inform me on the display, and I'll have to replace the dust bag. The foam, felt, and station filters need to be washed at least once a month and replaced every three months. The HEPA filter has to be washed every two months and replaced every 6 months.

My biggest gripe with the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner has to do with the dust bin. Half the time when I removed the vacuum from the base, the dust bin flap would be open. I didn't always realize this until I started to clean and noticed that the dirt and debris falling back to the floor. Sometimes, the dustbin opened when I was cleaning. I'm not sure how it opened on its own or why, but it was frustrating to have to re-clean an area twice in a row.

Levoit Aero vacuum in handheld mode being used to clean baseboards

(Image credit: Future)

It's increasingly common for a premium vacuum to have automation features that enables it to adjust suction based on floor type or dirt detected. I have come to appreciate when a vacuum has the ability to read the cleanliness of a floor, because even though the Levoit Aero Vacuum has a headlight on the front of the vacuum head, I can't always see when there is dirt or not. At this kind of price, I'd expect some kind of automation features.

That said, the Aero is still a solid vacuum cleaner with phenomenal edge cleaning and the capability to pick up most all debris with the Min suction level (most large debris can be picked up on the Med power level). It's a good option for those who have mostly hard floors and like the convenience of an auto-empty charging base.

  • Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit Aero review: battery life

  • Lasts up to 40 mins in Min mode with main floorhead attached
  • A decent 15 mins in Max mode, and 30 mins in Med mode
  • Takes three hours to recharge on charging base

One of the great things about the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner is that it displays the battery life on the screen, so you don't have to wonder how much time you have left to vacuum your house. The battery life depends solely on the suction level you're using, so if you're using the Max suction level, you only get 15 minutes of battery life. The Med suction level results in a 30 minutes of battery life, while the battery lasts 40 minutes when using the Min mode.

15 minutes for a Max suction level is pretty decent, and 30 minutes is very acceptable in Med mode. However, most vacuums these days will last longer than 40 minutes on their lowest suction level. My house is 1,600 square feet, and I was able to vacuum everything in 40 minutes, though I had to rush slightly.

Close up of info screen on Levoit Aero vacuum

(Image credit: Future)

Couple of notes here: Levoit quotes a Max of 70 minutes' cleaning per charge, but if you read the fine print, that's with the Crevice tool attached, rather than the main floorhead. On the current version of the vacuum, Levoit also seems to have added a fourth mode – Turbo, which sits above Max. The brand promises 6 minutes of cleaning per charge in Turbo with the main floorhead attached. I wasn't able to test this mode as it didn't exist on my review model.

It takes three hours for the base to fully recharge the battery, which is fairly speedy. If you can't clean your house completely before needing to recharge, it might be helpful to know that the battery recharges to 20% after 30 minutes.

  • Battery life score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Levoit Aero?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

On the cusp between mid-range and premium. Decent value when you factor in the auto-empty base, although I'd usually expect auto features at that price.

3.5 / 5

Design

A super lightweight stick vacuum cleaner with four suction levels, a screen displaying the battery countdown, and an auto-empty station.

4 / 5

Performance

Smaller floorhead can tuck into tight spaces, and edge cleaning is excellent. Not the most powerful vacuum I've tested, but great for everyday light cleans.

3.5 / 5

Battery life

15 mins in Max mode is good, but 40 in Min is rather short. Recharge is speedy at 3 hours.

3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a lightweight vacuum

The Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner barely weighs more than 4 lbs, making it easy to maneuver and clean your home. Most people will be able to lift the vacuum cleaner above their head or reach far under beds without tiring.

You like vacuums with little maintenance

This vacuum comes with a charging base that doubles as an auto-empty station, meaning it automatically empties the dustbin each time you place it on the base to charge. Filters and dust bags will need to be cleaned or replaced but such tasks aren't a weekly occurrence.

You like knowing how much battery you have left

Some vacuum cleaners indicate battery life by bars or pie charts, which can be confusing. The Levoit Aero lets you know the exact amount of time left before the battery dies thanks to a countdown on the display screen.

Don't buy it if...

You have a lot of carpets

While the Levoit Aero is well-equipped to vacuum some rugs and low pile carpet, those whose houses are half or mostly covered in carpet would do better with an upright vacuum or a heavier, more powerful cordless stick vacuum – check TechRadar's best vacuum for carpet guide for our top recommendations.

You need more than 40 minutes to vacuum your house

Despite Levoit claiming that this vacuum offers up to 70 minutes of battery life, it only lasts 15-40 minutes depending on the suction level you use. If your house is particularly large or requires a lot of complicated cleaning maneuvers or use of different accessories, the battery might not last.

You want a vacuum with smart features.

This vacuum lacks any smart features. On the one hand, this makes it easier for everyone to use (not just the technologically-savvy), however, if you're looking for a vacuum that can detect dirt on the ground or provide cleaning stats, this isn't the product for you. View Deal

How I tested the Levoit Aero

I tested the Levoit Aero vacuum cleaner in my 1,600-square foot home. As someone who has laminate and wood flooring – as well as some thick rugs – I was able to get a sense of how well the vacuum suctions fine and large materials through a series of tests. I also utilized the various accessories on my baseboards, windowpanes, blinds, and furniture to provide thorough insight into the value of this vacuum cleaner.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

  • Tested May 2025 (launch delayed to October 2025)
Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge may be alive after all
10:15 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

It's been a wild ride over the past few weeks in Samsung rumor land. The Korean company was initially said to be replacing the Galaxy S26+ with the Galaxy S26 Edge, but then it apparently went the exact other way round, with the S26 Edge cancelled and the S26+ back in action. Now a new rumor claims there's more to the story, and while the originally planned S26 Edge has indeed been scrapped, this is now likely to be replaced with another phone. That's because a device with the codename More Slim is now allegedly in development, which is interesting since the S25 Edge was codenamed...

vivo X300 and X300 Pro European pricing leaks
9:15 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

vivo unveiled the X300 and X300 Pro in China earlier this month, and the two are going to be launching in Europe tomorrow, on October 30. Ahead of that, a new report claims to have the pricing for the duo in one European market, namely Czechia. Both the X300 and the X300 Pro are said to only be available in one version, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The X300 will allegedly cost CZK 26,990, which is about €1,100, while the X300 Pro should go for CZK 34,990, which translates into about €1,400. Those are definitely flagship prices for flagship phones. If this pans out, it...

Honor Power 2’s insane battery capacity is confirmed
8:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The rumors were accurate, as it turns out, and the Honor Power 2 does in fact have a 10,000 mAh battery. The device has just been certified for sale in China by 3C, and the listing in question has revealed the battery's rated capacity, which is 9,886 mAh. That will undoubtedly be marketed as 10,000 mAh typical capacity when the phone launches. It will be the first device from a mainstream smartphone brand to reach five-digit battery capacity territory, but apparently Honor won't stop here. According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the brand actually plans on releasing three different...

Motorola Moto G67 Power listed on official website with specs and images, launching next week
7:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Motorola recently started teasing the launch of a new smartphone in India, and today the brand revealed that phone is the Moto G67 Power, which will launch on November 5. Motorola also listed the Moto G67 Power on its Indian website with images, specs, and features, so we don't have to wait until next Wednesday to know what the smartphone will offer. The use of the word "Power" in the phone's moniker should already tell you that it will pack a big battery. How big? The answer is 7,000 mAh. It's a Si/C battery, advertised to last more than two days (58 hours, to be accurate) on a single...

Motorola Moto G67 Power listed on official website with specs and images, launching next week
7:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Motorola recently started teasing the launch of a new smartphone in India, and today the brand revealed that phone is the Moto G67 Power, which will launch on November 5. Motorola also listed the Moto G67 Power on its Indian website with images, specs, and features, so we don't have to wait until next Wednesday to know what the smartphone will offer. The use of the word "Power" in the phone's moniker should already tell you that it will pack a big battery. How big? The answer is 7,000 mAh. It's a Si/C battery, advertised to last more than two days (58 hours, to be accurate) on a single...

The OnePlus 15 launches globally in two weeks, early-bird offer already underway
6:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The OnePlus 15 was unveiled a couple of days ago in China and has booked its ticket for the worldwide tour – the company just announced that its latest flagship will make its global debut on November 13 (that’s the Thursday two weeks from now). Pricing details are to come. For now, we can just have a look at the early bird offer. Starting today and ending November 13, you can pay a €99 deposit on OnePlus.com to reserve a phone. This will count towards your purchase, which will include a €50 discount and one of several freebies for a total value of €350. You will be able to pick one of...

I’ve spent more than 40 hours slaying fiends in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, and it’s a triumphant revival of two legendary RPGs
6:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Comments: Off

Here goes, I’m going to try and review two games in one. Yes, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a revival of the legendary series’ first two titles, combined into one shiny package. Square Enix and Artdink are back again after their triumphant remake of Dragon Quest III, bringing a similar promise forward. A promise of significantly revamped visuals, full voice acting, new in-game content, and a much more user-friendly experience for modern gamers.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Release date: October 30, 2025

And good news, Dragon Quest fans, this is yet another brilliant remake, sure to win the series new admirers and satisfy long-time fans simultaneously. With this 2-in-1 release, the so-called Erdrick trilogy is complete, as the first two chapters in the Dragon Quest story follow up on the events that took place in the third game. A little confusing, I know.

For anyone unfamiliar with the first two stories, allow me to introduce you. In Dragon Quest I, you play as a solitary Hero who is descended from Erdrick. In the past, Erdrick foiled the dastardly plans of a character known as the Lord of the Underworld and restored peace to the land of Alefgard. But now, the scheming Dragonlord has made an unwelcome return, and it is up to you, and you alone, to deliver the land from evil.

And then, after the Hero of Dragon Quest I was able to save Alefgard again, we move to Dragon Quest II, where you take control of four young princes and princesses, themselves also descended from Erdrick. After foul beasts suddenly invade Alefgard, it is up to the band of young nobles to honor Erdrick’s legacy and ensure the realm’s safety once more.

So, how engaging are these stories? And just how well do these remakes bring the world, combat, and characters of classic Dragon Quest into the modern era of gaming? Having played this duology for well over 40 hours on my Nintendo Switch 2, I’ll break it all down for you below.

A remake fit for a king

The Hero, the king, and his advisor in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

(Image credit: ARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SPIKE CHUNSOFT / SQUARE ENIX)

I want to start by discussing some of my general feelings about the duology before I speak about the two games individually.

As soon as you’ve been thrust into either title’s fantasy world, you’re treated to a delicious cocktail of sublime HD-2D graphics, wonderful voice acting, and head-spinningly beautiful music. No, seriously, the score here is majestic. It’s grandiose, orchestral, and emotive – it really does complement the medieval-inspired fantasy world to absolute perfection.

Meanwhile, the duology is a visual delight. Character sprites are detailed and faithful to the series' origin, while light is used in a way that makes each environment feel deeply natural. The polish on display through each building, mountain, and piece of equipment makes the game a joy to look at.

Square Enix is the pioneer of the HD-2D graphical style, so it may not be a huge surprise that it nailed the visuals, but I was still bowled over by the appearance of each new area and enemy I encountered.

Best bit

The Hero battles Robin 'Ood and his band of merry men in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

(Image credit: ARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SPIKE CHUNSOFT / SQUARE ENIX)

This one’s easy. My favorite moment by far was the Hero’s interaction with Robin ‘Ood in DQI. The dialogue is hilarious and had me laughing out loud – voice acting here is top-notch, too. When you battle it out against the masked figure and his band (well…two guys) of merry men, it is challenging – but not overwhelming. It’s just a wonderful segment of the game.

As I mentioned above, the voice acting across both games is top-notch, too. There’s so much character running through the veins of each performance.

Comedic moments are delivered with expert timing, while moments of heartbreak feel raw and convincing. I criticized Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles for a few flat-sounding performances and small inconsistencies, but this wasn’t the case here at all.

But one thing that was slightly disappointing was the decision to only partially voice the main story. A few segments have no voice acting whatsoever, which can really break up your immersion in the action. As the voice acting is so great, I would have loved it to have featured throughout, although this is a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things.

Me against the world

Battle in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

(Image credit: ARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SPIKE CHUNSOFT / SQUARE ENIX)

Right, let’s drill into both games in a little more depth. Naturally, I started with Dragon Quest I, and I had a fantastic time during my playthrough.

In this title, it’s you against the world. No, really, there are no additional team members to recruit. You’ve got to fight your way through enemy encounters – where you can sometimes be significantly outnumbered – totally by yourself.

This remake does a masterful job of making you feel like David in his plight against Goliath. Especially because combat is no longer one-on-one only – you can face large groups of enemies now. I faced some absolutely gruelling turn-based battles during my time playing, both from aggressive hordes of foes and ruthless standalone bosses.

Luckily, the game has an auto-save feature, so if you die (spoiler alert, this will probably happen quite a bit), you can continue from the point of the last successful battle. This means you can rapidly progress through the game without having to trek through entire areas from the beginning. What an addition!

At times, I did feel like the odds were stacked a little too far against me. A few bosses, like the very last one, caused me a fair bit of bother. But the game gives you the tools to overcome your challenges. If I went away and grinded up against random enemies, I was always able to level up enough to best my enemies. Levelling increases stats like HP, MP, strength, and resilience (defense), and you’ll often learn new abilities and spells too.

Fiends and the princess' entourage come to a head in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

(Image credit: ARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SPIKE CHUNSOFT / SQUARE ENIX)

Scrolls have also been added, which can be found scattered across the world, and contain abilities that can be learned at any time. They’ll disappear after use – a bit like how TMs used to work in Pokémon (in the good old days, at least). Combine that with Sigils, which can ‘soup up’ the skills you already possess, and you’ve got everything you need to crack through the Hero’s quest.

At its core, Dragon Quest I is still a classic JRPG. You’ll have to grind now and then. Sometimes, you’ll get straight up unlucky and get wiped out in an instant.

Turn-based combat is fairly simple too – it just comes down to attacking, defending against incoming attacks, and healing. But when you master the balance of those three actions, seemingly basic battle becomes addictive, surprisingly strategic, and straight up exhilarating.

Narrative-wise, there’s nothing crazy going on. The kingdom is in trouble, you’re tasked with saving it, and you overcome the threat. It’s really classic stuff, but I found beauty in the simplicity, with endearing characters like the faeries, Princess Gwaelin, and of course Robin ‘Ood. And there have been plenty of new additions to the plot, with new battles, character dialogue, and areas to explore. I’m a big fan of this one.

Me… and my three pals against the world

3 characters fighting a group of enemies in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

(Image credit: ARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SPIKE CHUNSOFT / SQUARE ENIX)

Moving on to Dragon Quest II now, and the added variation of having four members in the party is very refreshing. That’s one additional team member than the original game had, but it still feels like your party is excellently balanced.

I found myself dying a lot less in the sequel, with the expanded team enabling me to dedicate one unit to healing, and others to hitting hard with magic and physical attacks, for instance. As a result of the larger team, you’ll have to manage scrolls a little more carefully, though – you have to consider who will suit the relevant ability best before waving goodbye to your scroll forever!

The world is more developed in the sequel, with multiple kingdoms established through Erdrick’s descendants. Said world is vast (and expanded for this remake), the runtime of your adventure is considerably longer than DQ I, and the amount of content additions is larger than that found in the revamped editions of DQ I and indeed DQ III. I found the story to be engaging, and I felt compelled to explore the world that lay before me.

And that’s because both of these games, especially the sequel, reward curiosity handsomely. If you take that extra time to look around a castle, to wander off into a random part of the overworld, or even search the local inn, you’re almost certain to find something of interest. I’m talking scrolls, money, armor, weapons…you name it! You can also find mini medals now, which can be redeemed for swanky prizes.

Two fiends scheming in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

(Image credit: ARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SPIKE CHUNSOFT / SQUARE ENIX)

There are just so many excellent quality of life additions across both games. Difficulty options are there if you want to make things a touch easier…or if you want to punish yourself and turn up the heat. Fast-travel has been refined, there are more customization settings, and objective markers make for a much more accessible user experience.

If I were to nitpick, I’d argue that the new UI is still too basic, and menus could’ve been both a little more stylish and developed. For instance, the ‘Misc.’ menu feels quite cluttered, holding everything from unit status, through to system settings and traveller’s tips. It does appear faithful to its classic JRPG roots, though, which some may still appreciate.

Overall, I had the adventure of a lifetime during my playthrough of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. Not only did it run like a dream on my Nintendo Switch 2, but I felt genuinely excited to fire this game up every single time. I knew there would be new items to discover, new enemies that would probably beat the life out of me, and new areas to soak in. Combine that with a legendary score, excellent voice acting, and a gorgeous visual overhaul, and you’re looking at a very special remake indeed.

Should you play Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake?

Two characters and a dog in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

(Image credit: ARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SPIKE CHUNSOFT / SQUARE ENIX)

Play it if...

You’re a fan of classic JRPGs
If you love the old school JRPG formula, then this duology is going to rock your world. The bones of DQ I and II are very much intact; they’ve just been fleshed out with some top-notch quality of life updates like voice acting, revamped visuals, and expanded storylines.

You’re looking for a challenge
These games aren’t the easiest I’ve played, I’ll be honest. I found the remake of Dragon Quest I to be especially tough, even though I played on the standard Dragon Quest difficulty. But having said that, I was able to overcome each challenge by re-strategizing and/or grinding.

Don't play it if...

You don’t dig the HD-2D visual style
I know that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, even though I love the HD-2D style. But of course, if that’s not for you, I’d suggest skipping this duology. If you’re into more modern, 3D RPGs, you’ve gotta play Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, game of the year for sure (and it’s not close).

Turn-based combat isn’t your thing
And if you don’t really like turn-based combat, this certainly won’t tickle your pickle. You’re getting that traditional ‘I hit you, now you hit me’ formula with simple menus, which I personally really like, but if you’re after a more action-based system, it might not be your thing.

Accessibility features

You can adjust the camera to a zoomed-in mode if you prefer, and adjust aspects like text and battle speed using the system settings menu. You can also toggle controls like running, removing the need to hold down a button.

Voices can be set to English or Japanese, with text available in a wider range of languages, such as Simplified Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish. There is no color blind mode, unfortunately.

How I reviewed Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

Princess praying in Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake

(Image credit: ARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SPIKE CHUNSOFT / SQUARE ENIX)

I spent more than 40 hours playing Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, playing through the main story of both titles and tackling a bunch of side content. I played both titles in the ‘Dragon Quest’ mode, which is the normal difficulty equivalent.

As I downloaded the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, I was able to split my time fairly evenly between TV and handheld play. When in docked mode, I had my console hooked up to the Sky Glass Gen 2 television and the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar. In handheld mode, I sometimes connected my Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones to the Switch 2 via a 3.5mm cable.

Personally, I’ve reviewed a variety of games here at TechRadar, including a number of RPGs like Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army and Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. I’m also a seasoned RPG player, with some of my favorite games of all time including Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, Yakuza 0, and Final Fantasy VII (the original, of course).

First reviewed October 2025

Insta360 X4 Air brings 8K 360 video recording for $400
5:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The X4 Air is Insta360’s latest 360-degree action cam and it brings up to 8K30 video recording at a more affordable price point compared to the flagship Insta360 X5 model. Insta360 X4 Air in Graphite Black At its core, X4 Air gets dual 1/1.8-inch sensors which is a big upgrade compared to ½-inch sensors on its predecessor. You can record videos in 8K (7680×3840) resolution at 30/25/24fps as well as 6K (6016×3008) @50/48/30/25/24fps or 4K (3840×1920) @50/48/30/25/24fps. Photos are snapped at 29MP (7680×3840) resolution. X4 Air supports replaceable lenses and Insta360’s...

Insta360 X4 Air brings 8K 360 video recording for $400
5:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The X4 Air is Insta360’s latest 360-degree action cam and it brings up to 8K30 video recording at a more affordable price point compared to the flagship Insta360 X5 model. Insta360 X4 Air in Graphite Black At its core, X4 Air gets dual 1/1.8-inch sensors which is a big upgrade compared to ½-inch sensors on its predecessor. You can record videos in 8K (7680×3840) resolution at 30/25/24fps as well as 6K (6016×3008) @50/48/30/25/24fps or 4K (3840×1920) @50/48/30/25/24fps. Photos are snapped at 29MP (7680×3840) resolution. X4 Air supports replaceable lenses and Insta360’s...

« Previous PageNext Page »