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The best shop vacs are agile in their movement around your garage, excellent at sucking up everything from sawdust on woodworking tables to dropped nails and bolts, and adaptive enough for when nature enters your home and the flood waters rise. Today, there are dozens of different shop vacs, most differentiated by suction power, capacity, number of accessories, and ergonomics such as swiveling casters and oversized carry handles to maneuver well in tight spaces. Some even come in small 2-gallon varieties for light work, such as auto detailing, while others come in five gallons and up.
But going through such an array of options can be intimidating and confusing depending on your needs. Thankfully, you have The Drive which waded (literally) into the fray and found the best shop vacs around. Don’t worry, we have you covered. Let’s get after it.
Summary List of the Best Shop Vacs
- Best Overall: Rigid 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
- Best Budget: Porter-Cable 5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
- Best Workhorse: Craftsman Heavy Duty Shop Vac
- Honorable Mention: Stanley Wet Dry Vacuum
- Best Small: Craftsman 6-Gallon Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum
- Best for Car Detailing: Bissell, Red, MultiClean Wet/Dry Garage and Auto Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Portability: Milwaukee M18 Fuel™ Packout 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Our Methodology
For this review, we researched more than 40 different shop vacs. Each shop vac was evaluated based on several criteria, including size, power, capacity, and the number and variety of nozzles for different cleaning projects. Adding further firepower, contributor Jonathon Klein also purchased three different shop vacs when his house flooded over the winter. He then tested them by using them to extract nearly 4,000 gallons of water over the course of a week, plus all the cleanup that was required after that damage. He has notes.
All of our picks are classified as dry, wet, or combination (wet, dry, blower) vacuums with a minimum of 3.5 horsepower and a capacity of anywhere from 2 to 18 gallons. These are specs we feel comfortable using for even the most high-volume messes. To learn more about our methodology, visit About Guides & Gear, And The Drive’s Product Reviews Department.
Best Shop Vac: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Rigid 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
Pros
- Rugged
- Works and works and works
- 16-gallon capacity
Cons
- Heavy when fully loaded
- Wheels could be bigger to go over the cord
This is the shop vac that literally saved our home. When the water started pooling after all 900 inches of Utah’s snowpack started melting, the Rigid got turned on and didn’t turn off for nearly two weeks. At one point, this shop vac ran for four days straight, only being turned off to empty it.
The 5-horsepower motor quickly sucked up its full 16-gallon capacity every 20 minutes. And despite the frigid temperatures of the water and surrounding air, it just kept going. I used it the other day when our septic line backed up. It’s been a banner year for water in the Klein house…
Rigid’s shop vac comes with a single dry filter, but a wet filter is available, and swapping between the two is incredibly easy as it just pops on and off. As with most shop vacs, you can switch the hose from suck to blow (get your mind out of the gutter) and it works well, though I wish the blow function was slightly more powerful.
There are three things I’d like to point out after using this shop vac a lot over the last 6 months. First, it can get extremely heavy when fully laden and it can be an absolute pain to move. Second, the wheels could be slightly bigger so they roll more easily over the power cord, but that’s true with every shop vac. And the last is that Rigid stopped selling a powered water pump that connects to the spigot, which would’ve come in handy during those all nighters. Make it again, Rigid!
I also don’t think it’s all that expensive when you consider most shop vacs or the performance you’re getting, as at the time of writing, it’ll set you back $119. That said, I bought mine a while back on a sale for under $100, so if you can, wait for a sale.
— Contributor Jonathon Klein
Best Value: Porter-Cable 5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
Pros
- Easy to move using swiveling casters
- Sturdy and wide stainless steel base
- Durable quick-lock hose for hose and nozzle connections
Cons
- Lower-than-average power (4 horsepower)
- Very short warranty length (90 days)
The Porter-Cable 5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum offers an excellent combo of value and functionality as it’s a lighter-duty wet dry vacuum running a peak of 4HP with a 5-gallon capacity, which is enough to cover the messiest households in a single pass without having to empty the container. Filtration power is strong, containing all dirt and dust in the container using a sponge, filter cloth, and air cyclone filtration to keep your air contaminant-free.
One of our favorite features with the Porter-Cable 5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum is its design as its wide stainless steel base, large carry handle, and oversized on/off switch gives it plenty of pop, a nice contrast to plastic containers. However, this unit does have some drawbacks, including a clumsy, shorter-than-average 10-foot power cord and a 90-day warranty, which is paltry compared to the three years limited and limited lifetime warranty of some of our other picks.
Best Workhorse: Craftsman Heavy Duty Shop Vac
Pros
- Powerful specs (16-gallon capacity and 6.5 horsepower)
- Works with wet/dry and wet vacuuming
- Extra-long 20-foot power cord
Cons
- Canister may be a bit too wide for smaller garages
- Locking mechanism could be stronger
The Craftsman Heavy Duty Shop Vac is a jack of all trades. It offers the most power on our list (6.5 horsepower) and a 16-gallon capacity, which is excellent for larger garages and rooms. Another big draw is dual-flex technology, which allows its 2.5-inch vacuum hose to move 180 degrees, cutting nicely in tight corners and spots. It also includes several accessories, including a utility nozzle, wet nozzle, car nozzle, and two extension wands to reach high places. And we like having all of this variety for cleaning messes large and small.
On the ergonomic front, the Craftsman Heavy Duty Shop Vac offers an extra-large on/off switch and an oversized carry handle with cord wrap to stow it neatly when not in use. Four swiveling casters also allow it to rotate a full 360 degrees in a single spot, making it easier to handle.
Honorable Mention: Stanley Wet Dry Vacuum
Pros
- Offers 3-in-1 functionality (dry, wet, and blow)
- Excellent airflow rating (80 CFM) Carry handle doubles as a cord wrap
- 360-degree casters for easy movement
Cons
- Shorter than average power cord (10 feet)
- Hard to find compatible replacement bags
The Stanley Wet Dry Vacuum is an agile performer, offering 3-in-1 functionality (wet, dry, and blower). This imposing unit with the all-black chassis and bright yellow Stanley logo runs a respectable peak of 4 horsepower with a 5-gallon capacity, enough to tackle the deepest cleaning jobs. Plus, it is like the Energizer bunny, able to run for over 300 hours straight without the motor burning out. Consider this a godsend for larger households with the occasional out-of-sight power outlet.
Where the Stanley Wet Dry Vacuum really shines, however, is with its sheer assortment of attachments. It includes three extension wands for hard-to-reach places, one crevice nozzle for tight spaces (e.g. in between car seats), a wide floor nozzle, and a narrower “gulper” nozzle for fast pickup. All of these accessories make the Stanley Wet Dry Vacuum equally effective with carpet, floor, upholstery, car, and even outdoor cleaning going after fallen leaves.
Best Small: Craftsman 6-Gallon Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum
Pros
- Easily movable
- Quiet
- Name-brand quality
Cons
- Small capacity
- Not as powerful as others
This little Craftsman was a low-key MVP, as whenever there was a small spot of water needing removal, it could fit wherever it was coming in. Its diminutive size was perfect for those hard-to-reach areas or the areas where there just wasn’t enough water to warrant either the Hart or Rigid shop vacs larger size.
I’ve used it a handful of times since the water ingress and I’ve come to truly appreciate this machine, as it’s quiet, easy movable, and the quality is there. I’ve used it in my garage, around the house as we’ve cleaned up from all the water damage, and it’s been great. The 3.5-horsepower motor is more than powerful enough for most folks, though I do like the more power of the Harts and Rigid for larger cleanups.
And though it has the same capacity as the Harts, the Craftsman’s filter is slightly larger—better particulate filtering is good—and can eat up some of the overall space. Which can mean faster fill-ups. Like the others, it has a host of accessories you can purchase, including a wet filter and different hose attachments.
At the time of writing, it’ll set you back $80, which isn’t all that bad.
— Contributor Jonathon Klein
Best for Car Detailing: Bissell, Red, MultiClean Wet/Dry Garage and Auto Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality (dry, wet, and blow)
- Comes with three detailing tips for inflatable devices
- Includes seven-piece auto tool kit with crevice tool and storage bag
Cons
- Heavy at 16.1 pounds
- Thinner-than-average hose more likely to clog easily
- No automatic cord rewind or clear filter indicator
The Bissell, Red, MultiClean Wet/Dry Garage and Auto Vacuum Cleaner is a formidable shop vac in more ways than one. It features a strong 11-amp motor and 6-gallon capacity, designed to offer powerful suction for light to moderate clean-up jobs. Plus, it is an absolute looker with a stainless steel body and wand, a welcome change from your typical plastic bodies and wands.
Arguably the Bissell, Red, MultiClean Wet/Dry Garage and Auto Vacuum Cleaner’s biggest strength is with auto cleaning as it contains an auto tool kit complete with crevice, blowing/suction, and upholstery brushes, good to cover virtually every inch of your vehicle. It’s a breeze installing each attachment to the main hose, too. What we wish was better was its weight. It’s a heavy unit weighing in at 16.1 pounds, which would be difficult to move in and through your car. And the hose is thinner than the average one seen throughout this list, which may make it more prone to clogs.
Best Portability: Milwaukee M18 Fuel™ Packout 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Pros
- Easy to carry and use in tight spaces
- Excellent performance
- Low noise output
- Compatible with Packout accessories
Cons
- Expensive
- Dependent on batteries
Garage editor Hank O’Hop recently tested the Milwaukee M18 Fuel™ Packout 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum for review. Overall, it’s a stout contender that has a lot to offer to mobile professionals. It’s incredibly compact and lightweight, making it great for cleaning car interiors and more. It also offers exceptional performance as a vacuum and blower thanks to the interchangeable ports. It also comes with a few accessories, including an adapter that allows it to function as a dust collector. To top it all off, it’s part of the Packout System, which makes it a modular piece of equipment.
The biggest drawback is that this vacuum is very expensive. At $199.00 for the bare tool, it’s easily one of the most costly options. That’s especially true if you don’t already have the M18 battery it relies on. Speaking of which, dependence on a battery can hinder longer jobs.
Our Verdict on the Best Shop Vacs
While recommending anything can be a crap shoot for most people, contributor Jonathon Klein’s recommendation literally helped him save his house. He put the Rigid through hell and it came out still on top. If he couldn’t kill it, you won’t. Buy it today.
What to Consider When Buying a Shop Vac
Wet/Dry or Wet/Dry/Blower Shop Vac
Shop vacs combine the best in wet/dry and/or blowing. They work using a single or two-stage motor to create high airflow and high-pressure suction, good for light duty to heavy duty cleaning assignments. Power is determined based on suction pressure (expresses in inches), airflow (cubic feet per minute), and peak horsepower, or the motor’s maximum output.
Many of the best shop vacs also come with 2-inch diameter hoses, which are large enough to pick up leaves and larger debris. Do not forget all of the appropriate extension wands and nozzles to hit hard-to-reach areas.
Our recommendation is for a non-handheld shop vac to 3-in-1- functionality (wet, dry, and blower), plus a combination of one or more of a suction pressure rating of 75 or better, airflow rating of 100 CFM or greater, and a minimum of 4 peak horsepower. All of these specs offer enough power to pick up virtually any type of particle from fine sawdust to heavy, wet leaves without breaking a sweat.
Shop Vac Key Features
Size
When comparing shop vacs, consider the overall size of the vacuum unit. Smaller units are easier to move around. Some are small enough to be handheld and portable. Other units are larger and are too heavy to lift. These units will be on casters to help you move them around.
A larger unit will have more capacity and power. This makes them better for consistent use and the cleaning of larger messes. So while it will be harder to move a larger unit around, you’ll also get several benefits that make the larger unit better.
Capacity
You can buy a shop vac with a capacity of 2 to 18 gallons. This capacity is the wet or dry mess that the vacuum can hold before you’ll need to empty it. A larger capacity can clean an increased number of smaller messes or larger single messes between cleanings.
When a shop vac has a larger capacity, the whole unit is larger because it needs to house the larger tank. Larger-capacity units have features to make them easier to use. This includes things like built-in spouts or drains. This will make emptying the larger tank easier and cleaner.
Power
The power is the size of the motor and the suction power of the shop vac. The larger the motor, the larger the debris it can suck up. If you’re only cleaning light dust and dander, then you don’t need a very powerful shop vac. If you’re cleaning a lot of water or wood chips and shavings, then you’ll need a larger and more powerful motor.
Shop Vac Pricing
When it comes to pricing, the pricier, the better. Shop vacs under $75 usually have less powerful motors and basic filters. Shop vacs priced between $75 to $125 fall in the medium-sized range for gallon capacity and motor horsepower. You’ll also find they have some nice features like castor wheels, an extended hose length, or a high-end HEPA filter. Shop vacs priced at $125 or higher are the largest or high-quality shop vacs. You’ll find they are the ones with the largest gallon capacity and commercial-quality motors. They also come with extra features and tools to make them the most versatile on the market.
FAQs on Shop Vacs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Yes, you can use it to clean dirt from your floor mats, seat covers, and your truck’s bed. Most shop vacs can also get rid of pet fur and tiny hair stuck on your seats. A standard shop vac can also fit in a recreational vehicle and be used for clean up.
Without the collection bag, you may have a hard time draining the fine dust from your vacuum. You may struggle to keep the dust particles from flying around your trash can. Also, all the fine dirt may blow back into the room the next time you switch on the vacuum. If your shop vac doesn’t have a collection bag, consider purchasing a reusable cartridge filter that will pick up most of the fine dust.
How much suction a shop vac has depends on its airflow and pressure rating. Airflow is expressed in cubic feet per minute and suction is expressed in inches. The higher the cubic feet and inches, the greater the suction. Some top-shelf vacuums carry as high as 100 CFM of airflow and 80 inches of suction.