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10 Best Shop Vacs 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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 is a heavy-duty shop vacuum designed for those who need power and versatility for various cleaning projects. With a substantial 16-gallon tank and a powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor, this vacuum can handle both wet and dry messes, making it ideal for home renovations, garage cleanups, or even outdoor tasks like blowing leaves. The built-in blower port adds to its utility, allowing for easy cleanup of debris outside. The Dual-Flex hose is a notable feature, providing excellent maneuverability without kinking, which many users appreciate during use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,292
Tank Capacity
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
11384 reviews

Tank Capacity
The 20-gallon canister is ideal for serious users, providing high suction and ample capacity for extensive cleaning tasks.
Attachments and Accessories
It's the best shop vac I've ever owned, with perfect attachments for all cleaning needs, including car interiors.
#2
10.0 score

Stanley - SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon, 4 Horsepower Black

The Stanley SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile and powerful shop-vac. With a 6-gallon tank capacity, it allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent emptying, making it suitable for small to medium clean-up tasks around the house, garage, workshop, or job site. The 4 peak horsepower motor provides ample suction power to handle wet and dry debris efficiently.

Rating
10.0
Portability
Attachments and Accessories
Noise Level

Most important from
12835 reviews

Portability
Despite the short power cord, the vacuum's portability and long hose make it convenient to use.
Attachments and Accessories
The variety of extensions and attachments included make it a versatile and great buy.
Noise Level
This vacuum is quieter and lighter, making it easier to maneuver around, especially for car detailing.
#3
9.8 score

Armor All AA255W Wet/Dry Utility Vac 2.5 Gallon, 2.5-Gallon,120 Volts (AC), Orange/Black

The Armor All AA255W Wet/Dry Utility Vac is a compact and portable vacuum designed for tackling both wet and dry messes, making it a great option for home users and car enthusiasts alike. With a 2.5-gallon tank and 2 Peak HP motor, it offers strong suction to quickly clean up spills and debris, which is ideal for small spaces or quick clean-ups. The vacuum's lightweight design (under 11 pounds) and integrated handle and wheel base enhance its portability, allowing you to move it easily around the home or garage.

Rating
9.8
Tank Capacity
Horsepower (HP)
Filtration System

Most important from
1587 reviews

Tank Capacity
Powerful suction, not so powerful blower. It's easy to dump and clean. Super-long electric cord helps a lot.
Horsepower (HP)
This thing is POWERFUL for its size. Easily maneuverable, not too heavy, powerful blower and powerful suction, and VERY high quality.
Filtration System
Very happy with my purchase. Just an FYI: This does NOT come with dustbags, but CAN be used with dustbags if you purchase them separately. It DOES come with a wet filter and dry filter, however. One of each.
Portability
This little shop vac is a powerhouse! The compact size is perfect for cleaning out my car, and the attachments seem specifically designed for that purpose.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are the perfect size for cleaning the cars in my family. The power disparity between battery-operated handheld units and this ArmorAll unit is very prominent.

Top 10 Best Shop Vacs 2025 in the United States

Stanley - SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon, 4 Horsepower Black

Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons
Horsepower (HP): 4 Horsepower
Filtration System: Foam, Reusable dry filter
Portability: No
Attachments and Accessories: Disposable bag, Floor nozzle, Gulper nozzle
Noise Level: 80 dB

Armor All AA255W Wet/Dry Utility Vac 2.5 Gallon, 2.5-Gallon,120 Volts (AC), Orange/Black

Tank Capacity: 2.5 Gallons
Horsepower (HP): 2 Horsepower
Filtration System: Cloth
Portability: Yes
Attachments and Accessories: Accessory Kit, 13 items
Noise Level: 75 dB

DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum, Cordless and Corded, Versatile Power Source, Portable Shop Vacuum, Tool Only (DCV581H)

Tank Capacity: 2 gallons
Horsepower (HP): 1.85
Filtration System: HEPA
Portability: Yes
Attachments and Accessories: Gore Wet/Dry HEPA Filter, Crevice Tool, Wide Nozzle, 5' Heavy-Duty Hose
Noise Level: 80 dB

Armor All VO405P 0901 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac 2.0 Peak HP Shop Vacuum with Nozzles & Brush,Black/Orange

Tank Capacity: 4 gallon
Horsepower (HP): 2.0 peak HP
Filtration System: Cloth
Portability: compact and portable
Attachments and Accessories: Crevice Tool, nozzles, brush
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Buying Guide for the Best Shop Vacs

When it comes to picking the right shop-vac, it's important to consider your specific needs and the tasks you plan to tackle. Shop-vacs, also known as wet/dry vacuums, are versatile tools that can handle a variety of cleaning jobs, from sucking up sawdust in a workshop to dealing with water spills in a basement. Understanding the key specifications will help you choose a model that best fits your requirements and ensures efficient performance.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to the amount of debris or liquid the shop-vac can hold before it needs to be emptied. This is important because a larger tank means less frequent emptying, which can be a time-saver for bigger jobs. Tank capacities can range from small (2-6 gallons) for light-duty tasks, medium (7-14 gallons) for general use, to large (15+ gallons) for heavy-duty cleaning. Choose a capacity based on the size and frequency of the messes you expect to clean. For occasional small spills or light debris, a smaller tank will suffice. For larger, more frequent cleanups, a medium to large tank is more appropriate.
Horsepower (HP)Horsepower measures the power of the shop-vac's motor, which directly affects its suction strength. This is crucial for determining how effectively the vacuum can pick up debris and liquids. Horsepower can range from low (1-2 HP) for light-duty tasks, medium (3-4 HP) for general use, to high (5+ HP) for heavy-duty cleaning. If you need a shop-vac for simple tasks like cleaning a car or small spills, a lower horsepower model will be sufficient. For more demanding tasks like workshop cleanups or large spills, a higher horsepower model will provide the necessary suction power.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a shop-vac is important for trapping dust, allergens, and other fine particles, ensuring cleaner air is expelled back into the environment. Filtration systems can range from basic foam filters for wet debris, standard paper filters for dry debris, to advanced HEPA filters for capturing very fine particles and allergens. If you are dealing with fine dust or have allergies, a shop-vac with a HEPA filter is recommended. For general use, a standard filter will suffice, but make sure it is easy to clean or replace.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the shop-vac around. This is influenced by the vacuum's weight, size, and whether it has wheels or a handle. Portability is important if you need to move the vacuum frequently or use it in different locations. Smaller, lighter models are easier to carry and maneuver, making them ideal for quick cleanups or use in tight spaces. Larger models with wheels and handles are better for heavy-duty tasks but may be more cumbersome to move. Consider where and how you will use the shop-vac to determine the right level of portability for your needs.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of a shop-vac by allowing it to perform a variety of tasks. Common attachments include crevice tools, extension wands, brush nozzles, and specialized filters. These can help you clean hard-to-reach areas, delicate surfaces, or specific types of debris. When choosing a shop-vac, consider the types of attachments that come with it and whether they meet your cleaning needs. If you have specific tasks in mind, such as cleaning car interiors or reaching high shelves, look for a model that includes the appropriate accessories.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you will be using the shop-vac in a residential area or for extended periods. Shop-vacs can be quite loud, but some models are designed to operate more quietly. Noise levels are typically measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. If noise is a concern, look for a shop-vac with a lower decibel rating or features like noise-reducing insulation. Keep in mind that more powerful models may naturally be louder, so balance your need for power with your tolerance for noise.

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