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10 Best Cordless Shop Vac 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum, Portable Shop Vac, 2 Gallon Tank Capacity, Tool Only (DCV580H)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,396
Battery Life
Suction Power
Weight and Portability

Most important from
7948 reviews

Battery Life
Ideal for quick clean-ups, the vacuum's battery life impresses, with users reporting over an hour of use with higher capacity batteries.
Suction Power
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum is a significant upgrade from handheld units, offering stronger suction and a larger bucket while remaining lightweight and easy to use.
Weight and Portability
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum is a significant upgrade from handheld units, offering stronger suction and a larger bucket while remaining lightweight and easy to use.
Filter Type
This vacuum has quickly become a go-to tool, praised for its versatility and ease of maintenance, including simple filter cleaning and replacement.
Noise Level
The vacuum is not only practical for shop and home projects but also appreciated for its relatively quiet operation and portability.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum offers a blend of portability and functionality, making it a strong contender for those needing a versatile cleaning tool. It is powered by a 20V MAX battery (sold separately) which ensures cordless convenience but may require additional investment for the battery and charger if not already owned. The suction power is decent at 31 CFM, adequate for light to medium-duty tasks. The 2-gallon tank capacity is sufficient for small to moderate clean-ups, such as clearing clogged pipes or spills, but may need frequent emptying for larger jobs.

At 8 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and easy to transport, bolstered by onboard hose and accessory storage. The integrated 5' crush-resistant hose adds to its durability and ease of use. The HEPA rated filter is a significant strength, capable of trapping fine dust particles down to 0.3 microns, making it suitable for those concerned with air quality. The washable/reusable filter adds to the long-term cost efficiency. Noise level is reasonably low at 31 dB, which is relatively quiet compared to other shop vacs.

The included attachments (wide nozzle and crevice tool) enhance its versatility for various cleaning tasks. However, as the battery and charger are sold separately, this could be a drawback if you are not already invested in DEWALT's 20V MAX system. This vacuum is ideal for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who need a portable and efficient solution for small to medium clean-up tasks.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,396
Battery Life
Suction Power
Weight and Portability

Most important from
7948 reviews

Battery Life
Ideal for quick clean-ups, the vacuum's battery life impresses, with users reporting over an hour of use with higher capacity batteries.
Suction Power
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum is a significant upgrade from handheld units, offering stronger suction and a larger bucket while remaining lightweight and easy to use.
Weight and Portability
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum is a significant upgrade from handheld units, offering stronger suction and a larger bucket while remaining lightweight and easy to use.
Filter Type
This vacuum has quickly become a go-to tool, praised for its versatility and ease of maintenance, including simple filter cleaning and replacement.
Noise Level
The vacuum is not only practical for shop and home projects but also appreciated for its relatively quiet operation and portability.
#2

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

Rating
9.8
Battery Life
Suction Power
Tank Capacity

Most important from
8067 reviews

Battery Life
The vacuum's run time on a 5Ah 20V Max battery is around 20 minutes, but it can also be powered by a 120V inverter, adding to its flexibility.
Suction Power
The DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum offers impressive suction power, comparable to larger shop vacs, which makes it highly effective for various cleaning tasks.
Tank Capacity
The vacuum's ability to hold a significant amount of debris despite its compact size is a notable advantage.
Weight and Portability
Users appreciate the vacuum's light weight and portability, making it easy to transport and use in different locations.
Attachments and Accessories
The inclusion of on-board storage for tools and accessories enhances its practicality and ease of use.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum is a solid option for those looking for versatility in their cleaning tools, offering both cordless and corded power options. One of its standout features is the 2-gallon tank capacity, which is sufficient for handling various messes, like emptying a toilet or clearing a clogged pipe. The HEPA filter is a great benefit for those concerned about fine dust and allergens, and it’s washable and reusable, making maintenance easy and cost-effective.

Portability is another strong selling point. Weighing only 1 pound, it is designed for easy transport, featuring a mounted handle and on-board storage for accessories. The 5-foot flexible hose adds to its usability, allowing for efficient maneuverability in tight spaces.

This shop vacuum is especially suitable for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, or anyone needing a portable cleaning solution for hard floors and garages. The 3-year warranty adds a layer of reassurance for buyers. The DEWALT 20V MAX offers reliable performance and versatility, but potential buyers should keep in mind the lack of included battery and charger, which could affect convenience.

Rating
9.8
Battery Life
Suction Power
Tank Capacity

Most important from
8067 reviews

Battery Life
The vacuum's run time on a 5Ah 20V Max battery is around 20 minutes, but it can also be powered by a 120V inverter, adding to its flexibility.
Suction Power
The DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum offers impressive suction power, comparable to larger shop vacs, which makes it highly effective for various cleaning tasks.
Tank Capacity
The vacuum's ability to hold a significant amount of debris despite its compact size is a notable advantage.
Weight and Portability
Users appreciate the vacuum's light weight and portability, making it easy to transport and use in different locations.
Attachments and Accessories
The inclusion of on-board storage for tools and accessories enhances its practicality and ease of use.
#3

Milwaukee 0880-20 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 2 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum (Bare Tool)

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
Suction Power
Weight and Portability

Most important from
973 reviews

Battery Life
Great cordless option that makes it easy to clean out things wet or dry and the battery life is great.
Suction Power
Super convenient tool with great suction and lightweight design.
Weight and Portability
Super convenient tool with great suction and lightweight design.
Filter Type
Great suction for vacuuming out the car and an easily removable filter for water spills.

The Milwaukee 0880-20 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 2 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is a versatile and portable cleaning tool. It features a strong Lithium-Ion battery, although it's worth noting that the battery isn't included with this bare tool version. This vacuum is highly portable, weighing only 10.1 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around your workspace. The HEPA filter is a significant advantage, ensuring efficient filtration for cleaner air.

Additionally, the vacuum comes with useful attachments like a crevice tool and a wide utility nozzle, making it versatile for various cleaning tasks. The 2-gallon tank capacity is decent for small to medium tasks, but for larger projects, you might find it needing frequent emptying. Its suction power is robust, though specific metrics aren't provided. One of the drawbacks is the limited runtime of only 11 minutes per charge, which may not be sufficient for extended cleaning sessions.

In summary, the Milwaukee 0880-20 is a good fit for those needing a portable and efficient vacuum for smaller, quick clean-ups, especially in indoor environments. It’s suitable for those who already own other Milwaukee M18 tools and batteries.

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
Suction Power
Weight and Portability

Most important from
973 reviews

Battery Life
Great cordless option that makes it easy to clean out things wet or dry and the battery life is great.
Suction Power
Super convenient tool with great suction and lightweight design.
Weight and Portability
Super convenient tool with great suction and lightweight design.
Filter Type
Great suction for vacuuming out the car and an easily removable filter for water spills.

Buying Guide for the Best Cordless Shop Vac

Choosing the right cordless shop vac can make a big difference in how efficiently you can clean up your workspace, garage, or any other area. Cordless shop vacs offer the convenience of mobility without the hassle of cords, making them ideal for quick cleanups and hard-to-reach places. When selecting a cordless shop vac, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Battery LifeBattery life refers to how long the shop vac can run on a single charge. This is important because it determines how much work you can get done before needing to recharge. Battery life can range from 15 minutes to over an hour. If you have larger areas to clean or plan to use the vac for extended periods, look for models with longer battery life. For quick, small cleanups, a shorter battery life may suffice.
Suction PowerSuction power indicates how effectively the shop vac can pick up debris. This is usually measured in air watts (AW) or cubic feet per minute (CFM). Higher suction power means better performance, especially for heavy-duty tasks. For light cleaning tasks, lower suction power may be adequate. If you need to clean up larger debris or wet messes, opt for a model with higher suction power.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to the volume of debris the shop vac can hold before needing to be emptied. This is typically measured in gallons. Larger tank capacities are useful for extensive cleaning tasks as they reduce the frequency of emptying. For smaller, quick cleanups, a smaller tank capacity may be more convenient and easier to handle.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are crucial for ease of use, especially if you need to carry the shop vac around frequently. Lighter models are easier to maneuver and transport, making them ideal for quick jobs and tight spaces. Heavier models may offer more power and capacity but can be cumbersome to move. Consider how and where you'll be using the vac to determine the right balance between weight and portability.
Filter TypeThe filter type affects the vac's ability to trap dust and allergens. Common types include standard filters, HEPA filters, and wet/dry filters. HEPA filters are excellent for capturing fine particles and are ideal for those with allergies. Wet/dry filters are versatile and can handle both liquid and solid debris. Choose a filter type based on the kind of debris you'll be dealing with most often.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the functionality of your shop vac. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush nozzles, and extension wands. These can help you clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas more effectively. Consider what types of cleaning tasks you'll be performing and choose a model that includes the necessary attachments or has them available for purchase.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you'll be using the shop vac in a shared or indoor space. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Quieter models are more pleasant to use and less likely to disturb others. If noise is a concern, look for models that advertise lower decibel ratings or have noise-reducing features.

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