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10 Best Shop Vac Vacuums 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,340
Filtration System
Hose Length and Diameter
Portability and Storage

Most important from
524 reviews

Filtration System
Compatibility with older filter bags is a big plus, adding convenience for those upgrading from previous Shop-Vac models.
Hose Length and Diameter
Its long, durable hose allows for extensive reach, making it great for large spaces without needing to move the unit around.
Portability and Storage
Replacing a 35-year-old Craftsman shop vac, the new Shop-Vac offers better suction and a convenient wall-mountable design.

The Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile cleaning solution for various environments like garages, workshops, or job sites. One of its standout features is its powerful 5.5 horsepower motor, which provides strong suction for both wet and dry materials, making it efficient for cleaning everything from dust and debris to spilled liquids. The included 6-23' extendable hose significantly enhances its reach, allowing you to clean larger areas without having to move the vacuum frequently, which is a definite plus for users with bigger spaces to manage.

Portability is another strength, thanks to its wall-mountable design and lightweight build, weighing just under 15 pounds. This feature helps save floor space and makes storage convenient. Additionally, the vacuum comes with a comprehensive set of attachments, including various nozzles and brushes, enhancing its functionality for different cleaning tasks.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,340
Filtration System
Hose Length and Diameter
Portability and Storage

Most important from
524 reviews

Filtration System
Compatibility with older filter bags is a big plus, adding convenience for those upgrading from previous Shop-Vac models.
Hose Length and Diameter
Its long, durable hose allows for extensive reach, making it great for large spaces without needing to move the unit around.
Portability and Storage
Replacing a 35-year-old Craftsman shop vac, the new Shop-Vac offers better suction and a convenient wall-mountable design.
#3

Stanley SL18116 Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon, 4 Horsepower, Stainless Steel Tank, 4.0 HP, Silver+yellow

Rating
10.0
Horsepower (HP)
Filtration System
Hose Length and Diameter

Most important from
5844 reviews

Horsepower (HP)
Delivers strong suction power that easily cleans corners, ceiling fans, and edges with impressive efficiency.
Filtration System
Filters and bags are simple to replace, with readily available replacements both from the manufacturer and online retailers.
Hose Length and Diameter
The hose is slightly stiff but remains manageable and works well with power tools for dust collection.
Portability and Storage
The vacuum rolls smoothly on hard and medium carpeted floors, aided by a sturdy handle and casters for easy maneuverability.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments mount securely on the base, minimizing the risk of losing tools and providing versatile cleaning options.

The Stanley SL18116 wet/dry vacuum is a solid choice for those needing a reliable vacuum for garage, workshop, or basement use. With a 6-gallon stainless steel tank, it offers a decent capacity for cleaning up both wet and dry messes without frequent emptying. The 4-horsepower motor provides strong suction power, making it capable of handling heavy-duty cleanups efficiently. It also features a unique rear blower port, which lets you switch the vacuum into a blower for added versatility.

Filtration is handled by a foam filter, which is reusable and suitable for wet and dry debris, though it might not be the best for very fine dust or allergens. The 6-foot hose and 1¼-inch diameter give you reasonable reach and suction without being unwieldy, and the included attachments—like extension wands, crevice tool, and gulper nozzle—expand the vacuum's usefulness for different surfaces and tight spots.

Portability is another plus here: the vacuum weighs about 15 pounds and comes with a sturdy handle and rolling casters, making it easy to move around your workspace. The 10-foot power cord can be neatly wrapped up for storage, helping keep things tidy. One drawback to note is that it’s a corded model, so you’ll need to be near an outlet during use, and the noise level is around 80 decibels, which is typical but on the louder side.

In summary, the Stanley SL18116 offers strong suction, good capacity, and useful accessories with solid build quality. It provides a practical, versatile vacuum option for homeowners or hobbyists who want effective wet/dry cleanup without complicated features or cordless convenience.

Rating
10.0
Horsepower (HP)
Filtration System
Hose Length and Diameter

Most important from
5844 reviews

Horsepower (HP)
Delivers strong suction power that easily cleans corners, ceiling fans, and edges with impressive efficiency.
Filtration System
Filters and bags are simple to replace, with readily available replacements both from the manufacturer and online retailers.
Hose Length and Diameter
The hose is slightly stiff but remains manageable and works well with power tools for dust collection.
Portability and Storage
The vacuum rolls smoothly on hard and medium carpeted floors, aided by a sturdy handle and casters for easy maneuverability.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments mount securely on the base, minimizing the risk of losing tools and providing versatile cleaning options.

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.

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