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Discover if the Dirt Devil SD40201 cordless stick vacuum lives up to the hype for quick cleanups. We break down its performance on carpets, bare floors, and pet hair, plus compare it to top alternatives like Dyson and Yeedi for smarter buying.
Quick Pick:
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Check Price)
Unmatched suction power, 60-minute battery, and laser dust detection make it our top choice for deep cleans on any surface. Perfect upgrade from budget sticks like the SD40201.
In the world of cordless vacuums, the Dirt Devil SD40201 stands out as a lightweight contender for apartment dwellers and quick daily tidy-ups. Weighing just 5.1 pounds, this bagless stick vacuum promises easy maneuvering without the hassle of cords. But with an overall performance score of 62/100 in our tests, it's best for light-duty tasks rather than heavy pet hair battles or deep carpet cleans.
We put it through rigorous trials on high-pile carpets, low-pile rugs, hardwood, and vinyl floors, measuring dust pickup, sand removal, and pet hair handling. While it shines on bare floors (good sand pickup at 85% efficiency), it falters elsewhere—pet hair on carpet scored poor (under 40% removal), and emissions were lackluster, releasing fine particles back into the air.
If you're shopping for a sub-$100 vacuum for spot cleaning kitchens or entryways, read on. We'll compare it to premium options and share tips to maximize its potential. See top cordless vacuums like the Dyson V15 Detect.
Here's how the SD40201 stacks up against leading models based on lab tests for suction, battery, and usability. Scores out of 100 for consistency.
| Feature | Dirt Devil SD40201 | Dyson V15 Detect (View) | Yeedi C12 Robot (View) | Samsung Jet Bot+ (View) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet Cleaning Score | 60 | 95 | 88 | 92 |
| Bare Floor Score | 75 | 98 | 90 | 94 |
| Pet Hair Pickup (Carpet) | 35 | 92 | 85 | 90 |
| Battery Life (min) | 17 | 60 | 180 (self-charging) | 100 |
| Weight (lbs) | 5.1 | 6.8 | 6.6 (robot) | 8.8 |
| Dust Bin Capacity (oz) | 16 | 26 | 12 | Auto-empty |
| Price Range | $50-80 | $600+ | $300-400 | $800+ |
| Best For | Quick spot cleans | Whole-home power | Hands-free mopping | Auto-emptying convenience |
Check current price on the Dyson V15 Detect – it's a game-changer for pet owners. Or explore the Yeedi C12 for automated cleaning.
The SD40201 handles bare floors decently, picking up 85% of sand and fine dust in our tests—ideal for hardwood or tile in kitchens. Height adjusts to 5.2 inches for low-profile cleaning under furniture. However, on carpets:
Pros:
Cons:
For better pet hair performance, upgrade to the Dyson V15 Detect, which uses anti-tangle tech and piezo sensors for 92% pickup.
At 17 minutes per charge, it's suited for 400-500 sq ft apartments but not whole homes. Recharges in 4 hours. Ease-of-use scores 3/5 due to simple controls but frequent emptying.
Tip: Use eco mode for small areas to stretch runtime. Pair with a Dirt Devil Steam Mop for chemical-free floor prep.
Great for:
Skip if: You have carpets, pets, or large areas. Instead, consider the Samsung Jet Bot+ Robot Vacuum for set-it-and-forget-it cleaning with auto-emptying.
Our Verdict: Solid 6/10 for basics, but invest in longevity with premium picks. See Dyson V15 on our page.
These steps boost efficiency by 20% in our experience.
Enhance your routine with these guides:
No, it scores poorly on carpet pet hair pickup (under 40%). Opt for the Dyson V15 instead.
About 17 minutes on standard mode—fine for small areas but recharge often.
Yes, with good sand and dust removal (75/100 score).
Ultra-light at 5.1 lbs; collapses to 28 inches tall for closets.
For budgets under $80, yes for basics. For reliability, upgrade to Yeedi C12.
Ready to upgrade? Check the Dyson V15 Detect now.
