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10 Best Shop Vac Vacuums 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Vacmaster VOC812SF 1101 8-Gallon Premium Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum, Red Edition, 8 Gal
The Vacmaster VOC812SF is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable 8-gallon wet/dry vacuum. Its stainless steel tank is durable and the 6 HP motor provides strong suction with up to 83 inches of water lift, which means it can handle tough messes both wet and dry. The vacuum includes a cartridge filter and foam option to protect the motor and keep performance steady over time.
Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,242
Tank Capacity
Horsepower (HP)
Filtration System
Most important from
2353 reviews
#2
Shop-Vac 9303511 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum, 2.5 Peak HP, 1.25 Inch Diameter x 4 Foot Hose, 12 Ft Cord Length, Wall Mounted, Includes Filters, Ideal for Jobsite, Garage, Car & Workshop
The Shop-Vac 9303511 is a lightweight and compact wet/dry vacuum that suits small to medium cleanup tasks in garages, workshops, cars, or jobsites. Its 2.5-gallon tank capacity is on the smaller side, making it easy to carry and store but less ideal for extended or heavy-duty work without frequent emptying. Powered by a 2.5 peak horsepower motor, it delivers enough suction for typical wet or dry debris pickup, which is great for quick cleanups but might struggle with very heavy debris or large volumes.
Rating
9.8
Tank Capacity
Horsepower (HP)
Hose Length and Diameter
Most important from
279 reviews
#3
Vacmaster 16-Gallon 6.5 Peak HP† Wet/Dry Vacuum – VJH1612PF 1101, Red
The Vacmaster 16-Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is a solid choice for anyone needing a powerful and versatile shop vacuum. Its large 16-gallon tank means you can clean up big messes without frequent emptying, and the strong 6.5 horsepower motor delivers impressive suction power (145 CFM), making it effective on hard floors, carpets, and even in cars. The included 27-foot hose and power cord give you plenty of reach to move around comfortably without plugging and unplugging. It comes with a good variety of 10 accessories, including cartridge and foam filters, which help protect the motor and extend the vacuum’s life.
Rating
9.7
Tank Capacity
Horsepower (HP)
Portability and Storage
Most important from
714 reviews
Top 10 Best Shop Vac Vacuums 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Vacmaster VOC812SF 1101 8-Gallon Premium Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum, Red Edition, 8 Gal
Vacmaster VOC812SF 1101 8-Gallon Premium Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum, Red Edition, 8 Gal
Tank Capacity: 8 Gallons
Horsepower (HP): 6 Horsepower
Filtration System: Cartridge and foam filter
Hose Length and Diameter: 7 Feet length
Portability and Storage: 360° wheels, onboard hose storage
Attachments and Accessories: Hose, 2 wands, 4 nozzles
Chosen by 1242 this week
Shop-Vac 9303511 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum, 2.5 Peak HP, 1.25 Inch Diameter x 4 Foot Hose, 12 Ft Cord Length, Wall Mounted, Includes Filters, Ideal for Jobsite, Garage, Car & Workshop
Shop-Vac 9303511 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum, 2.5 Peak HP, 1.25 Inch Diameter x 4 Foot Hose, 12 Ft Cord Length, Wall Mounted, Includes Filters, Ideal for Jobsite, Garage, Car & Workshop
Tank Capacity: 2.5 Gallons
Horsepower (HP): 2.5 Horsepower
Filtration System: foam and HEPA filter bag
Hose Length and Diameter: 6 ft long, 1.25 in diameter
Portability and Storage: lightweight, wall mount, tool storage
Attachments and Accessories: utility nozzle, crevice tool
Vacmaster 16-Gallon 6.5 Peak HP† Wet/Dry Vacuum – VJH1612PF 1101, Red
Vacmaster 16-Gallon 6.5 Peak HP† Wet/Dry Vacuum – VJH1612PF 1101, Red
Tank Capacity: 16 Gallons
Horsepower (HP): 6.5 horsepower
Filtration System: Cartridge and foam filters
Hose Length and Diameter: 27-foot hose
Portability and Storage: Onboard spots; upright; padded handles; 26 lbs
Attachments and Accessories: 10 accessories including filters
Stanley SL18116 Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon, 4 Horsepower, Stainless Steel Tank, 4.0 HP, Silver+yellow
Stanley SL18116 Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon, 4 Horsepower, Stainless Steel Tank, 4.0 HP, Silver+yellow
Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons
Horsepower (HP): 4 Horsepower
Filtration System: Foam filter
Hose Length and Diameter: 6-foot hose, 1¼-inch diameter
Portability and Storage: 15 lbs, handle, casters, 10-foot cord
Attachments and Accessories: Extension wands, crevice tool, nozzle
Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, Wall Mountable Compact Shop Vacuum with 6-23' Extra Long Hose & Attachments, Ideal for Jobsite, Garage, Car & Workshop. 9522236
Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, Wall Mountable Compact Shop Vacuum with 6-23' Extra Long Hose & Attachments, Ideal for Jobsite, Garage, Car & Workshop. 9522236
Tank Capacity: 5 Gallons
Horsepower (HP): 5.5 Horsepower
Filtration System: Cartridge
Hose Length and Diameter: 18’ x 1-1/4”
Portability and Storage: Wall-mountable, lightweight
Attachments and Accessories: Vacuum, hoses, wands, filters, nozzles, tools
Related Products
Up to 6% off
Shop-Vac 8 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, Stainless Steel Tank, Portable Shop Vacuum with Multifunctional Attachments for Jobsite, Garage & Workshop. 5989400
Shop-Vac 8 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, Stainless Steel Tank, Portable Shop Vacuum with Multifunctional Attachments for Jobsite, Garage & Workshop. 5989400
Tank Capacity: 8 Gallon
Horsepower (HP): 6.0 Peak HP
Filtration System: Cartridge
Hose Length and Diameter: 7-foot hose
Portability and Storage: Caster system, dual carry handles
Attachments and Accessories: vacuum, hose, wands, filter, bag, sleeve
Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, Stainless Steel Tank, Portable Shop Vacuum with Filter, Hose and Accessories for Garage, Workshop. 5920588
Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, Stainless Steel Tank, Portable Shop Vacuum with Filter, Hose and Accessories for Garage, Workshop. 5920588
Tank Capacity: 5 Gallons
Horsepower (HP): 4.5 Peak HP
Filtration System: Standard Cartridge Filter, Foam Sleeve
Hose Length and Diameter: 7-foot x 1-1/4 inch
Portability and Storage: Portable with caster system
Attachments and Accessories: Shop Vac, Hose, Extension Wands, Nozzles
#10
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Buying Guide for the Best Shop Vac Vacuums
Choosing the right shop-vac vacuum can make a significant difference in how efficiently you can clean up various types of messes, whether it's in your workshop, garage, or home. Shop-vacs are designed to handle both wet and dry debris, making them versatile tools for a variety of cleaning tasks. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific requirements.Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to the amount of debris or liquid the vacuum can hold before it needs to be emptied. This is important because a larger tank means you can clean for longer periods without interruption. Tank capacities typically range from 2 gallons to over 20 gallons. For small, quick cleanups, a smaller tank (2-6 gallons) is sufficient. For medium-sized tasks, a tank in the range of 7-14 gallons is ideal. For large-scale or heavy-duty cleaning, a tank capacity of 15 gallons or more is recommended. Consider the size of the area you will be cleaning and the frequency of use to determine the right tank capacity for you.
Horsepower (HP)Horsepower measures the power of the vacuum's motor. This spec is important because it directly affects the suction power and overall performance of the vacuum. Horsepower ratings can range from 1 HP to over 6 HP. For light-duty tasks like cleaning small spills or dust, a lower horsepower (1-2 HP) is adequate. For general use, including picking up larger debris and liquids, a mid-range horsepower (3-5 HP) is suitable. For heavy-duty tasks, such as construction site cleanup or large workshops, a higher horsepower (6 HP or more) is necessary. Assess the types of messes you will be dealing with to choose the appropriate horsepower.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a shop-vac determines how well it can trap dust and other fine particles, which is crucial for maintaining air quality and preventing clogs. There are different types of filters, including foam filters for wet debris, cartridge filters for dry debris, and HEPA filters for fine dust and allergens. If you are dealing with a lot of fine dust or allergens, a HEPA filter is the best choice. For general use, a standard cartridge filter will suffice. If you frequently clean up wet messes, ensure the vacuum has a suitable foam filter. Consider the types of debris you will be cleaning to select the right filtration system.
Hose Length and DiameterThe hose length and diameter affect the vacuum's reach and the size of debris it can handle. A longer hose allows you to clean larger areas without moving the vacuum, while a wider diameter can handle larger debris. Hose lengths typically range from 6 to 20 feet, and diameters range from 1.25 to 2.5 inches. For small, confined spaces, a shorter hose (6-10 feet) is sufficient. For larger areas, a longer hose (12-20 feet) is more convenient. A wider diameter (2-2.5 inches) is better for heavy-duty tasks, while a narrower diameter (1.25-1.75 inches) is suitable for general use. Consider the size of the area and the type of debris to choose the right hose specifications.
Portability and StoragePortability and storage are important factors, especially if you need to move the vacuum around frequently or have limited storage space. Features like wheels, handles, and compact design can make a vacuum easier to transport and store. Smaller, lightweight models are easier to carry and store but may have less capacity and power. Larger models may offer more power and capacity but can be cumbersome to move. Consider how often you will need to move the vacuum and where you will store it to determine the right balance between portability and capacity.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your shop-vac by allowing you to tackle a wider range of cleaning tasks. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush nozzles, and extension wands. These can help you clean tight spaces, delicate surfaces, and hard-to-reach areas. Some vacuums come with a variety of attachments, while others may require you to purchase them separately. Think about the specific cleaning tasks you will be performing and choose a vacuum that either comes with the necessary attachments or has compatible accessories available.