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10 Best Compact Wet Dry Vacuums 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bissell Crosswave Turbo Vacuum Mop All in One Wet and Dry Vac Combo Hard Floor & Area Rug Cleaner, 3888A

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,342
Suction Power
Portability and Weight

Most important from
26831 reviews

Suction Power
Its strong suction and versatile cleaning solution leave floors streak-free, fresh-smelling, and visibly cleaner.
Portability and Weight
The weight is moderate; while portable, it may feel heavy when carrying up and down stairs frequently.

The BISSELL Crosswave Turbo Vacuum Mop is an all-in-one wet and dry vacuum designed for cleaning hard floors and area rugs simultaneously. It features a 420 ml tank capacity divided into two separate tanks—one for clean water and cleaning solution, and one for dirty water. This helps keep the cleaning process efficient and hygienic. Weighing about 16 pounds, it is moderately portable but might feel a bit heavy if you need to carry it up and down stairs frequently. Its corded electric power source ensures steady suction.

It comes with a multi-surface pet cleaning formula and a filter treated to reduce odors, which is great for pet owners concerned about allergens or smells. The product includes useful attachments like a rinse and clean-out storage tray. The Two-Tank technology and antimicrobial filter set it apart by keeping clean and dirty water separate and minimizing filter odors. While it’s versatile enough for many floor types including tile, sealed wood, laminate, and area rugs, the somewhat compact tank means frequent emptying during larger cleaning jobs.

This vacuum mop is a solid choice for someone looking for a multi-surface wet-dry vacuum that also handles pet messes well, though it may not be ideal for those wanting a very lightweight or long-reach model.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,342
Suction Power
Portability and Weight

Most important from
26831 reviews

Suction Power
Its strong suction and versatile cleaning solution leave floors streak-free, fresh-smelling, and visibly cleaner.
Portability and Weight
The weight is moderate; while portable, it may feel heavy when carrying up and down stairs frequently.
#2

DEWALT Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, Cordless and Corded Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner Shop Vac 20V MAX, Portable Shopvac, Tool Only (DCV581H)

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Portability and Weight
Included Attachments

Most important from
8331 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum offers impressive suction power comparable to corded shop vacs, delivering strong, consistent performance whether used on battery or AC power.
Portability and Weight
Its compact size and cordless capability make it extremely convenient for quick cleanups and easy to carry around job sites or in vehicles.
Included Attachments
The 5-foot flexible, crush-resistant hose and onboard accessory storage keep attachments secure and accessible without risk of losing them.
Filter System
Maintenance is simple with a washable, reusable HEPA filter that effectively traps fine dust and allergens, requiring only a quick rinse to clean.
Tank Capacity
The tank size is well-suited for smaller jobs, filling quickly during wet vacuuming but features a float ball to prevent overfilling.
Cord Length and Hose Reach
The 5-foot flexible, crush-resistant hose and onboard accessory storage keep attachments secure and accessible without risk of losing them.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Wet and Dry Vacuum is a compact and portable shop vacuum designed for light to moderate cleaning tasks in garages, workshops, or homes. It offers a 2-gallon tank capacity, which is enough for spills and clogged pipes without being bulky. You can use it corded for continuous power or cordless for greater mobility, though batteries and chargers are sold separately, which adds to the cost. The suction power comes from a 1.85 horsepower motor, providing solid performance for its size, though it’s not the most powerful vacuum in the category.

The 5-foot heavy-duty hose is flexible and crush-resistant, making it easy to reach tight spots, and the included crevice and wide nozzle tools add some versatility. It features a washable and reusable HEPA filter, which is great for trapping fine dust and allergens, and helps keep maintenance simple. At just about 1 pound, it's extremely lightweight and easy to carry with onboard accessory storage, though the small tank means you’ll need to empty it more often during larger jobs. Noise level at 80 dB is moderate but may be noticeable in quiet environments.

If you need a compact, easy-to-move wet/dry vacuum with decent suction and good filtration for smaller jobs, this DEWALT model is a suitable choice. However, if longer runtime without swapping batteries or a larger tank for heavy-duty use is necessary, considering other options may be advisable.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Portability and Weight
Included Attachments

Most important from
8331 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum offers impressive suction power comparable to corded shop vacs, delivering strong, consistent performance whether used on battery or AC power.
Portability and Weight
Its compact size and cordless capability make it extremely convenient for quick cleanups and easy to carry around job sites or in vehicles.
Included Attachments
The 5-foot flexible, crush-resistant hose and onboard accessory storage keep attachments secure and accessible without risk of losing them.
Filter System
Maintenance is simple with a washable, reusable HEPA filter that effectively traps fine dust and allergens, requiring only a quick rinse to clean.
Tank Capacity
The tank size is well-suited for smaller jobs, filling quickly during wet vacuuming but features a float ball to prevent overfilling.
Cord Length and Hose Reach
The 5-foot flexible, crush-resistant hose and onboard accessory storage keep attachments secure and accessible without risk of losing them.
#3

CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with 4 Filter Bags, Hose and Attachments for Cleaning in the Home

Rating
8.5
Portability and Weight
Suction Power
Included Attachments

Most important from
9177 reviews

Portability and Weight
The compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to carry and store, perfect for limited spaces.
Suction Power
Delivers strong suction that outperforms many small carpet cleaners, simplifying tough cleaning jobs.
Included Attachments
Comes ready to use with no complicated assembly or unnecessary attachments to manage.

The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 is a compact and portable wet-dry vacuum with a 2.5-gallon tank and a 2.5 peak horsepower motor, providing solid suction power for everyday home cleaning tasks. Its lightweight design and carry handle make it easy to move around, while the compact size allows for convenient storage, which is important for users with limited space.

The included 5-foot hose and crevice and utility nozzles cover most small messes, especially in tight spots like cars and corners. One handy feature is its ability to switch from vacuuming to blowing, adding versatility for clearing debris in different ways. The vacuum uses cartridge filters and comes with four filter bags to trap dust and dirt effectively.

Although it lacks adjustable power levels and wheels for easier movement, the combination of portability, decent suction, and useful attachments makes this vacuum a great choice for home, garage, or vehicle cleaning when a light, easy-to-store solution is needed.

Rating
8.5
Portability and Weight
Suction Power
Included Attachments

Most important from
9177 reviews

Portability and Weight
The compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to carry and store, perfect for limited spaces.
Suction Power
Delivers strong suction that outperforms many small carpet cleaners, simplifying tough cleaning jobs.
Included Attachments
Comes ready to use with no complicated assembly or unnecessary attachments to manage.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Wet Dry Vacuums

Selecting a compact wet/dry vacuum can be a smart choice if you need a versatile cleaning tool that tackles both liquid spills and dry debris. These models are smaller than full-size vacuums, making them easy to move around and store. When picking the right one for you, it's important to consider how and where you'll use it most—whether for quick clean-ups around the house, in your car, or for workshops and garages. By understanding the key features and how they impact performance and convenience, you can find a model that fits your specific cleaning tasks.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to how much liquid or debris the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. This is crucial because a larger tank allows you to clean bigger messes without frequent stops to empty the container. Typically, compact models have capacities ranging from about 1 to 6 gallons. Smaller capacities are ideal for light, occasional tasks and easy maneuvering, while higher capacities are suitable if you often deal with bigger spills or extended cleaning sessions. Think about how large your typical messes are and choose a size that matches your usual cleaning workload.
Suction PowerSuction power indicates how effectively the vacuum can lift and remove debris or liquids. It’s usually measured in peak horsepower (HP) for wet/dry vacuums. Lower power (around 1–2 HP) tends to be enough for basic tasks like crumbs, dust, or small spills, while higher power (2–4 HP) can handle heavier debris and larger liquid messes. If you primarily clean light messes indoors, moderate suction should suffice. For more demanding tasks or heavier debris—like in a workshop or garage—look for higher suction capability.
Portability and WeightPortability and weight describe how easy it is to move and carry the vacuum. Compact wet/dry vacuums are prized for being lightweight, with most models weighing between 5 and 15 pounds. Lighter models are easier to tote up stairs or use in tricky areas like cars, but they may sacrifice tank size or power. Consider whether you'll need to frequently move the vacuum around or transport it to different locations; if so, prioritize lower weight and ergonomic handles.
Included AttachmentsIncluded attachments are the extra tools that come with the vacuum, such as crevice tools, squeegees, extension wands, or brush nozzles. These attachments make the vacuum more versatile for different cleaning scenarios, allowing you to reach tight spaces, efficiently pick up liquids, or dust various surfaces. If you have specific cleaning needs, such as pet hair, narrow car interiors, or wet floors, look for models that offer targeted attachments to suit your tasks.
Filter SystemThe filter system keeps dust and allergens from blowing back into the air and helps protect the vacuum's motor. Some models have standard reusable filters, while others offer more advanced HEPA filters for trapping finer particles. If you have allergies or need to clean up fine dust (like drywall or sawdust), choosing a model with stronger filtration is beneficial. Think about the typical messes you'll be cleaning and if you need more robust dust control.
Cord Length and Hose ReachCord length and hose reach determine how far you can clean without needing to plug and unplug the vacuum or move it around constantly. Compact models generally offer shorter cords and hoses, but some still provide enough reach for most home or car tasks. If you plan to clean larger areas or want less hassle during cleaning, pay attention to these measurements and choose a model that aligns with your working space.

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