Industrial-strength suction for garage, workshop, and heavy-duty jobs. You know the messes we’re talking about—sawdust piles, wet spills, and all that gritty debris a regular vacuum just chokes on. That’s where a proper shop vacuum comes in, it’s the undisputed MVP for cleanup. It’s built to handle what others can’t.
But with so many models out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. You don’t need a confusing specs sheet, you need a clear guide to find the powerhouse that fits your projects and budget. Let’s break down what really matters so you can stop pushing dirt around and start sucking it up for good.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Shop Vacuum
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Armor All VO405P 0901 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac 2.0…
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9.8 |
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CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry…
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9.6 |
Read Review |
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DEWALT DXV05P 5 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac, 4 Peak…
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9.5 |
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DEWALT 5 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry,…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Koblenz WD-2L Portable Wet Dry Vacuum, 2-Gallon 2 PHP…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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DEWALT Portable 6 Gallon 5 Horsepower Wall-Mounted Garage Wet…
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8.9 |
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DEWALT Shop Vacuum 5-Gallon 4 HP STEALTHSONIC Wet/Dry Vacuum…
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8.8 |
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Vacmaster Professional 6 Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum…
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8.6 |
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DEWALT Shop Vacuum 6 Gallon 4HP Poly Wet Dry…
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8.4 |
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DEWALT 5 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Ultra-Quiet Wet/Dry Shop Vac, 4…
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8.3 |
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DEWALT 10 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum,…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Shop Vacuum
Armor All VO405P 0901 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac 2.0 Peak HP Shop Vacuum with Nozzles & Brush,Black/Orange
The Armor All VO405P 0901 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac is a compact and powerful cleaning tool designed for tackling a variety of messes around your home or workspace. With its 2.0 peak horsepower motor, this vac provides terrific suction power to quickly handle both wet spills and dry debris, from sawdust in the garage to accidental spills in the laundry room.
Its portable design is a key feature.
The 4-gallon polypropylene tank is durable yet lightweight, making it perfect for smaller jobs where a giant vacuum is overkill. The unit rolls easily on its wheeled base and the integrated top handle means you can carry it from room to room or up and down stairs without much hassle. You won’t be wrestling with a bulky machine.
This vacuum is built for versatility right out of the box.
It comes with different nozzles and a brush attachment to meet your specific cleaning needs—use the crevice tool for tight corners, the brush for delicate surfaces, or the wide floor nozzle for open areas. The generous 15-foot power cord and 6-foot hose give you a great reach, allowing you to clean under furniture or across a room without constantly searching for a new outlet or moving the vac itself.
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac is a heavy-duty shop vacuum designed for serious home projects and renovations. It’s built to handle the big messes that smaller vacs just can’t manage, from construction debris to flooded basements.
At its core is a powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor. This provides the extra suction needed for large projects in your garage, workshop, or even on a job site.
It pulls in both wet liquids and dry debris with ease, making it a truly versatile tool. You won’t need to switch between machines for different types of cleanup.
This model includes several thoughtful features that improve its usefullness. The built-in blower port on the rear is a great example. It allows you to reverse the airflow, turning the vac into a powerful blower for clearing leaves, grass clippings, or sawdust from driveways and patios.
For emptying liquids, the oversized drain is a major convenience. It lets you drain water quickly without having to tip the heavy tank, which can be awkward and messy.
The included 2-1/2 inch hose utilizes Dual-Flex technology. This means it has 180-degree mobility at each end, which helps the hose resist kinking as you maneuver around furniture or into tight corners.
DEWALT DXV05P 5 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac, 4 Peak HP Shop Vacuums with Attachments, Powerful Suction, 1-7/8" Hose, DXV05P, Yellow
The DEWALT DXV05P 5 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac is a compact powerhouse designed for getting the job done without the bulk. Built by a brand known for professional-grade tools, this vac offers a reliable solution for small to medium clean-up tasks on job sites, in workshops, or around your home. Its 5-gallon capacity strikes a practical balance, providing enough space to handle a solid amount of debris or liquid before needing a empty, while keeping the overall unit managable.
You’ll appreciate the sturdy construction of the poly bucket, which is built to resist impacts and last. At just 15.7 pounds, its surprisingly lightweight for its capabilities. This makes it easy to carry from your truck to the worksite or up a flight of stairs, and storage is a breeze. The convenience of its portable size is a major plus for anyone who needs to move their equipment frequently. This isn’t a one-trick pony.
With a peak 4 horsepower motor, it delivers strong suction for both dry and wet messes. You can use it to clean up sawdust, drywall debris, wood chippings, or switch to wet mode for spills and water. Plus, it has a blowing function. This means you can quickly clear leaves from a patio, driveway, or gutter, or blow dust out of a corner before vacuuming it up. Its a versatile tool that adapts to your needs. The setup is designed for efficiency.
DEWALT 5 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, Powerful Suction & Portable Shop Vac with Attachments, Ultra Quiet Wet Dry Vacuum for Home, Garage, Car, Workshop, Jobsite, DXV05S-QT, 4 Peak HP
The DEWALT 5 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, DXV05S-QT, is designed for serious cleanup that doesn’t create a serious racket. It combines the raw power you expect from DEWALT with innovative quiet technology, making it a versatile tool for your home, garage, workshop, or jobsite. This wet/dry vac is built around a 4 peak HP motor that delivers powerful suction to handle tough debris, from sawdust and drywall dust to spilled liquids.
You get a substantial 5-gallon tank capacity, meaning you can tackle larger messes without constantly interrupting your workflow to empty it. The real standout is it’s Stealthsonic design. DEWALT engineered this motor to be 50% quieter than their current model while also boasting a 3.0X longer lifetime. You can focus on the clean-up without the overwhelming noise, which is a major benefit for indoor use or longer projects. Maneuverability and reach are key for a good shop vac.
This model rolls smoothly on 360-degree rubberized casters that won’t mar your floors, and its heavy-duty top handle makes it easy to move around. When you need to clean further away, the setup provides over 17 feet of total cleaning reach. This includes a 10-foot power cord, a 7-foot hose, and two extension wands. You can cover a significant area from a single outlet, reducing the hassle of constantly unplugging and searching for a new connection.
Koblenz WD-2L Portable Wet Dry Vacuum, 2-Gallon 2 PHP Suction Plus Blower Vacuum Cleaner for Liquids, Dust, Pet Hairs, 10' Reach, Ideal for Home, Car, Garage, Shop, Accessories Included, Blue/Black
The Koblenz WD-2L Portable Wet Dry Vacuum is a compact, versatile cleaning tool designed to handle the unexpected messes of daily life. Its core strength lies in its 3-in-1 functionality, allowing you to switch between wet suction, dry suction, and blower mode with ease. This means you can use a single machine to clean up a spilled drink in the kitchen, suck up sawdust in the garage, blow leaves from a patio, or deal with pet hair on your car seats.
It’s built to be your go-to for a wide variety of cleanup tasks. Portability and reach are key features of this model. The unit itself is lightweight and features a 2-gallon polypropylene tank, making it easy to carry from your home to your car or workshop without taking up much storage space. Once you’re cleaning, the 10-foot reach provided by the hose and wand combination helps you access dirt in awkward spots.
You can clean under heavy furniture, reach high onto shelves, or get deep under a car dashboard without having to constantly move the main unit. The cord and accessories even store directly on the vacuum, which helps keep everything together when your not using it. For a compact vac, it offers substantial cleaning power. With a 2.0 Peak HP motor and 60 CFM airflow, it provides strong suction for its size, effectively pulling up liquids, dust, and debris.
DEWALT Portable 6 Gallon 5 Horsepower Wall-Mounted Garage Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner DXV06G
The DEWALT Portable 6 Gallon 5 Horsepower Wall-Mounted Garage Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner DXV06G is a heavy-duty cleaning tool designed for the serious DIYer or homeowner. It’s built to handle the kind of messes you find in a workshop, garage, or during a big project, combining serious power with thoughtful conveniences.
At its core is a 5 peak horsepower motor that delivers the strong suction needed for tough jobs.
Whether it’s fine dust, wood chips, or spilled liquids, this vac has the power to pull it in. The 6-gallon tank means you can clean for a longer time without having to stop and empty it constantly, which is a real time-saver on big cleanup days. It’s a true wet/dry vacuum, so switching from sawdust to a water spill is no problem at all.
This model goes beyond just vacuuming. It’s a versatile 3-in-1 system. Use it for standard wet or dry pickup, or switch it to blower mode.
The blower function is perfect for quickly drying a washed garage floor, clearing leaves from a driveway, or blowing debris out from under your workbench. It’s like getting two powerful tools in one compact unit.
Speaking of compact, despite it’s power, the unit is relatively lightweight at around 21 pounds and has a large top carry handle for easy portability. Everything has it’s place with the on-board accessory storage and hose organizer, including a large bag for all the nozzles.
DEWALT Shop Vacuum 5-Gallon 4 HP STEALTHSONIC Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner DXV05P-QTB with 6 Dust Bags Ultra Quiet Poly Shop Vacuum with Powerful Suction for Garage, Jobsite, and Workshop
The DEWALT DXV05P-QTB STEALTHSONIC 5-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is designed for those who need serious cleaning power without the serious noise. Its standout feature is the Ultra-Quiet Technology, which makes it operate about 50% quieter than older shop vacs. This means you can use it in a home garage or workshop without disturbing everyone around.
Plus, this advanced motor isn’t just quiet; it’s built to last up to 900 hours, giving you a tool that’s both considerate and incredibly durable for the long run. At its core, this vac is about performance. The 4 HP motor provides powerful suction capable of handling everything from sawdust and debris to accidental liquid spills. The 5-gallon poly tank is a practical size—large enough to minimize constant trips to empty it, yet still compact enough to store easily.
The tank is made from a tough polymer material that resists impacts and won’t rust like some metal tanks can, which is a nice bonus for longevity. Maneuverability and reach are where this model really shines. It comes with a generous 10-foot power cord and a long, 7-foot durable hose. Combined with the two extension wands, you can cover a significant area without having to constantly relocate the main unit.
Vacmaster Professional 6 Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Filter System – VDK611PF 0201
The Vacmaster Professional VDK611PF 0201 is a 6-gallon wet/dry vacuum built for serious cleanup tasks. It’s core design focuses on maintaining powerful, consistent suction and making the whole process more convenient for you. At it’s heart is a 4.5 Peak HP motor that delivers a high water lift, meaning it has the strength to pull up stubborn debris and liquids effectively.
A standout feature is the self-cleaning filter system.
As you use the vac, the system helps prevent the filter from clogging with fine dust. This is a big deal because it means the suction power doesn’t drop off halfway through your job. You won’t have to stop and shake out a dirty filter constantly. That high level of suction is further supported by the high-efficiency cartridge filter and dust bag, which work together to capture particles as small as 1 micron.
So whether your dealing with drywall dust, sawdust, or spills, it handles it cleanly.
Maneuverability is a strong point. The vacuum rolls smoothly on large non-marring rear wheels and rotating front casters, so you can guide it around furniture and through doorways without scratching your floors. Everything has it’s place for storage, too. The 17-foot kink-resistant hose, the long power cord, and all 11 included accessories lock onto the body of the vac.
DEWALT Shop Vacuum 6 Gallon 4HP Poly Wet Dry Vacuum Ultimate Cleaning Solution for Construction Workshop Environments for Jobsite Garage Home W/Inflation Ket, Yellow, DXV06PL
The DEWALT DXV06PL 6-Gallon 4HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is designed for serious cleaning in demanding environments. It’s built to handle the kind of messes you find on a construction site, in a busy workshop, or a cluttered garage, but its versatility makes it just as usefull at home.
At its core is a 4HP motor that provides strong, reliable suction. This power means it can easily pick up heavy debris like wood chips and plaster dust, as well as quickly deal with liquid spills.
You won’t be left pushing water around; it gets sucked up efficiently. The 6-gallon tank offers a solid capacity for extended cleaning sessions. It strikes a good balance between being large enough to reduce how often you need to empty it and remaining managable to carry when full.
A key feature is its true wet/dry functionality. You can switch from sweeping up sawdust to cleaning up a coolant spill without needing a second machine.
It comes with a washable filter, which helps save money on consumables over time. For users with other DEWALT tools, the included tool adapter is a significant plus. It allows you to connect the vacuum directly to compatible tools for dust extraction, helping to keep your workspace cleaner and your air less dusty.
Beyond standard vacuuming, this model includes a handy inflation kit. This accessory lets you use the vacuum’s motor to inflate tires, sports equipment, or air mattresses.
DEWALT 5 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Ultra-Quiet Wet/Dry Shop Vac, 4 Peak HP Powerful Suction, Built for Long-Lasting Performance, Portable Vacuum for Garage, Workshop & Jobsite, DXV05P-QT
The DEWALT STEALTHSONIC DXV05P-QT 5-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vac is designed for serious cleanup tasks where power, durability, and reduced noise are all important. This isn’t your average shop vacuum; it’s built with specific features that adress common frustrations, starting with its sound output. The innovative STEALTHSONIC technology allows the motor to deliver strong 4 Peak HP suction for tough wet and dry debris, but does so while operating at about 50% quieter than previous models.
This means you can use it in a garage or workshop without the typical overwhelming roar, which is a significant benefit for longer jobs or if others are nearby. Power and portability are key here. The 4 HP motor provides the muscle needed for demanding jobsites or messy garage projects, while the 5-gallon tank offers a practical capacity—large enough to handle substantial messes but still easy to move around.
Maneuverability is enhanced by its 360-degree rubberized casters that protect your floors from scratches. You’ll appreciate the extended cleaning reach, which totals over 17 feet when you combine the 10-foot power cord, 7-foot hose, and two included extension wands. This setup lets you cover a wide area from a single outlet, reducing the hassle of constantly unplugging and searching for a new connection. Attention to detail is evident in the construction.
DEWALT 10 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum, Ultra Quiet Heavy Duty With Attachments, Powerful Outdoor Vac for Car, Garage, Workshop, Jobsite, Patio, DXV10S-QT, 5 Peak HP
The DEWALT 10 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum (DXV10S-QT) is built for demanding cleanups where both power and reduced noise are priorities. Its core innovation is the STEALTHSONIC motor technology, which provides the strong suction needed for heavy-duty messes while operating at about 50% lower noise levels compared to previous models. This means you can use it in more environments, like a home garage late at night or on a busy jobsite, without causing a major disturbance.
The motor is also engineered for longevity, boasting a lifespan three times longer than the current model, which is a significant durability upgrade for a tool that sees regular use.
Organization and capacity are key parts of its design. The 10-gallon tank means you can tackle larger areas—whether it’s wet spills, sawdust, or outdoor debris on your patio—before needing to stop and empty it.
All the included attachments have a dedicated storage solution with a built-in bag that attaches neatly to the back of the vacuum, so you’re not searching for the right nozzle when you need it. This keeps everything together and ready to go for your next project.
Maneuverability and reach are well-considered. It features 360-degree rubberized casters that protect your floors while making it easy to roll around tight spaces in a workshop or garage.
Shop Vacuum Buying Guide
Power through workshop and garage debris with industrial strength. But with so many models, how do you pick the right one? This guide cuts through the noise to help you find the perfect shop vacuum for your projects.
Suction Power and Airflow
This is the heart of any shop vac. Suction power (measured in inches of water lift) tackles heavy, wet messes, while airflow (measured in CFM) is key for picking up lighter, bulky debris like sawdust. For a general garage, look for a balanced rating. Need to clean up after a major renovation? Prioritize high suction.
Tank Size and Portability
How big are your typical messes? A 6-gallon tank is great for quick car cleanouts, but a 12- or 16-gallon model saves you from constant emptying during big jobs. Remember, a larger tank also means a heavier, bulkier machine. Consider if it has sturdy wheels and a manageable hose length for easy movement around your space.
Filtration and Dust Management
Don’t just suck up dust to blow it back into the air! A good filter is essential, especially for fine particles. Standard paper filters work, but a HEPA filter is a game-changer for allergies, trapping 99.97% of particles. Look for sealed systems that prevent dust from escaping around the filter’s edges.
Wet/Dry Capability and Accessories
Most shop vacuums handle both wet and dry messes, but you must switch filters. Ensure yours comes with the proper wet filter or foam sleeve. Also, check the included accessories. A wide floor nozzle, crevice tool, and extension wands dramatically increase the machine’s versatility for different tasks. Some kits even include a blower port, which is incredibly handy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shop Vacuum
What is a shop vacuum?
A shop vacuum is a powerful, portable vacuum cleaner. It’s designed for heavy-duty cleaning in workshops, garages, and during renovation projects. It handles messes like sawdust, wood chips, and water that regular vacuums can’t.
What’s the difference between HP and CFM?
HP (horsepower) rates the motor’s power. CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures air flow. For picking up heavy debris, a high CFM is often more important than a high HP rating. Look at both specs to get the right tool for your jobs.
Can I use it for wet and dry messes?
Most shop vacs are “wet/dry” models, which means thay can. You must switch the filter when going from dry to wet pickup. Using the wrong filter for a wet mess can damage the motor, so always check your manual first.
What kind of filter do I need?
It depends on what your picking up. Standard filters work for big debris. For fine dust like drywall or concrete, you need a HEPA filter. This traps tiny particles and keeps them from blowing back into the air you breath.
How important is the tank size?
Tank size determines how much you can collect before emptying it. A 10- to 16-gallon tank is good for most home projects. If you have a bigger space or do longer jobs, a larger tank saves you time from constant stops.
Are they very loud?
Yes, shop vacs are generally loud. Hearing protection is a good idea for extended use. Some newer models have features to reduce noise, but they are still much louder than a household vacuum cleaner.
What accessories are useful?
A good floor nozzle is essential. Extension wands help you reach further. A crevice tool gets into tight spaces. For dust collection, a dedicated dust kit that connects to power tools can be a real game-changer for keeping your shop clean.
The Short Answer
Tackle your toughest workshop or garage jobs confidently. The right tool makes all teh difference, turning a big, dusty mess into a quick and simple task. You’ll save time and effort, leaving you with a clean space and more energy for the projects you actually enjoy.
Think about the jobs you face most often. Whether it’s sawdust, wood chips, or general debris, a powerful shop vacuum is built to handle it. Choose one that fits your specific needs, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. It’s a simple upgrade that pays for itself in convenience.