Best Cordless Shop Vacuum: Top 6 battery powered shop vacuums you can buy in 2024
A cordless shop vac is arguably essential merchandise and a convenient vacuum cleaner for workshops and other areas that need rigorous cleaning. These vacs are light in construction compared to the standard vacuum units, and you do not need a wall socket for them to work.
What makes the things interesting about the available models are the features, quality, and practicality. Therefore, it is crucial to indulge in research for the various models present in the market to make an informed decision to purchase one when the time is right.
To save you the hassle, we at Vacuum Cleaner Advisor have put forth the list of the best shop vacs along with product specifications for a quick reference.
Here are our top 6 best battery shop vacuums and cordless wet vac reviewed briefly,
Our experts have curated the cordless shop vac buying guide with some of the important factors you should consider while looking for a cordless wet dry vac. Understanding these influential factors will help you make a wise decision.
Battery Capacity:
As you consider a cordless shop vac model, battery capacity is of utmost importance. Most of the wet dry shop vac models run on the 18v lithium-ion battery packs. However, a few use a 20v battery line. The large capacities deliver longer runtime, and when you choose a higher amp-hour battery, you will have more runtime.
Power:
The power here we are referring to is the suction pressure. Please choose a model that has a high CFM, for it picks materials at a faster rate.
Shop Vac Filter:
You can choose a product that has a HEPA filter if you are sensitive to pollutants, bacteria, and allergens. It is the effective filter in the market today and captures particles of sizes down to 0.3 microns.
Wet Dry Vac Tank Capacity:
The tank capacity of the cordless shop vacuum depends on how often you use your workshop. Vacuums with larger tanks are ideal for busy workshops, for they generate a lot of debris.
Accessory Storage:
You want to have all the accessories within small proximity while vacuuming. However, a cordless machine with the provision to store accessories on-board is worth every penny even if there is a slight increase in weight because of its convenience.
Best Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Comparison Chart
Comparing various cordless wet dry vac models is necessary to understand what cordless shop vacuum fits your requirements. Below is the chart that helps you glance at the crucial specifications of the battery powered shop vacs currently reviewed in this article. Use it as a guide to make an informed decision.
DeWalt has a reputation for delivering robust, reliable, and efficient tools. The DCV581H is a battery-operated shop vac and is no different from other products available from the company. The layout is such that anyone can use it conveniently for a heavy-duty cleaning requirement without straining. The lightweight construction is the primary focus and the USP, for it makes it easy to carry around without the need for a power cord.
The model comes equipped with a crush-resistant hose that allows it to withstand low-to-medium accidents that are a possibility at the worksite or the cleaning area. Additionally, the cordless model uses batteries that fit into the 20V battery line. Therefore, as long as you have a tool that uses batteries from a similar line, you can use the same for the shop vac.
You can forget worrying about allergens while using this shop vac because it comes equipped with a reusable HEPA filter. It means that you do not have to replace the filter often. Likewise, the 2-gallon tank allows you to skip multiple visits to the trash bin to empty the contents. DeWalt also offers a 3-year warranty for the wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
The DCV581H comes with a 5 ft. integrated hose. Therefore, you have all the durability you expect from a portable vacuum for ease of use. In addition, the ergonomic design is such that you can carry all the accessories easily. Finally, the attractive feature of the product is its operation on a direct line or using batteries.
Suppose you like to increase the runtime while operating using the battery pack. In that case, you can choose anyone from the 20v battery available from the company irrespective of the amp-hour. When you have a battery with more amp hours, the more runtime you have in hand.
Why Do We Like This Cordless Shop Vacuum?
It is a durable product.
It uses a powerful motor to generate the needed suction power to lift debris.
Keeping the vacuum cleaner tidy is effortless.
It comes with a reusable HEPA filter.
The ergonomic design hosts an integrated hose and accessories onboard for easy transportation.
Take Away:
The DCV581H from DeWalt is the best cordless shop vac, for it is convenient, and you can switch between the cord and cordless use. Moreover, it comes with attractive warranty terms.
Shopping for a cordless wet dry vac is challenging for anyone who is not entitled to the knowledge. However, the Milwaukee 0880-20 is an exceptional product that you can pick for your cordless shop vacuum anytime. What makes it an incredible product in its class is the suction power. It generates such power that it becomes simple to remove all the debris from your workshop quickly and efficiently.
The selling point of Milwaukee’s 0880-20 model is the design. It helps maintain a constant airflow. Due to this, there is no loss in efficiency of the unit, and you always have the required suction power to remove heavy particles and other debris around the workshop. In addition, the product is versatile as well. It has a blower port that helps you convert the vacuum into a blower when needed.
The 0880-20 model from Milwaukee uses an 18v slide-on battery pack. You can use either the lithium-ion battery or the NiCd battery pack available from the company. Likewise, you can choose a higher amp-hour battery for extended runtime. The provided battery pack runs for over 30 minutes on a single charge. The other feature of the wet/dry vac is the appreciable reusable filter. When you notice that the filter is full or dirty, you can remove it easily, clean, wash it, and reinstall it for further use.
Traveling with the Milwaukee battery shop vac is stress-free because of the toolbox design. The unit comes with handles and storage space to stock all the accessories. The integrated hose can collect from small to very large debris particles. Likewise, the CleanStream technology helps the filter collect fine dust, and you do not require changing it when switching between wet or dry vacuum. The unit also comes equipped with a crevice tool and a wide nozzle to reach corners and unreachable areas with the hose.
Why Do We Like This Battery Wet Dry Vacuum?
The 0880-20 hosts a compact size for a powerful wet/dry vac.
It is a versatile product, for you can convert it into a blower when needed.
It comes with a HEPA-rated reusable filter.
The motor generates decent suction power to collect all the debris.
The product comes with a 5-year warranty.
Take Away:
The competitive pricing and the versatile nature of the wet/dry vacuum from Milwaukee make it an interesting choice for workshops that need a blower from time to time.
Probably the ONE+ from RYOBI is the company’s best cordless wet dry vacuum cleaner. What makes this statement is the fact that it is an ideal choice for anybody searching for a workshop vacuum cleaner that handles both wet and dry messes. In addition, the unit comes with a massive 3-gallon collection tank. Therefore, you can continue your cleaning without any hindrance or without emptying the contents for a longer period.
Even though the wet/dry vacuum ONE+ from RYOBI is large in stature, maneuvering it is easy because of the lightweight construction. Because of this design approach, the vacuum cleaner has a stable movement even during operation. Additionally, the company included carry handles that further enhance the portable nature of the unit. As you can carry every accessory on-board, transporting it anywhere makes it efficient and straightforward.
The versatile nature of the wet/dry vacuum is its ability to convert into a directional blower. The utility accessory that comes with the Ryobi cordless wet dry vac helps you attach to the exhaust output port and change it from conventional vacuum to blower. The pivoting air inlet port is an exceptional addition to the product, for you can manage the hose easily while operating without hurdles. You also have a transparent and extendable hose to view the debris that the unit collects.
RYOBI sells the battery and the charger separately like any other tool manufacturer. However, this should not disappoint you because you can use any 18v battery from the company. The extendable hose is a blessing, as you can reach those corners of the shop floor without having to invest in additional accessories. Although the motor does make heavy noise, you can neglect it for the suction power it delivers. Apart from this, there are no significant drawbacks for the unit.
Why Do We Like This Cordless Shop Vacuum?
It comes with a 3-gallon tank for continuous operation.
The design is attractive and has storage space for all the accessories.
The small size helps to maneuver without strain even while working.
You can wash and reuse the filter for better performance each time.
The product comes with a 3-year warranty.
Take Away:
The ONE+ from RYOBI is an adequate shop vacuum. The suction power generated by the motor is incredible and helps you attend to both wet and dry messes quickly and efficiently.
The WD0319-VT1708 wet/dry shop vacuum battery powered from RIDGID is a powerful unit that runs on an 18v rechargeable battery. The quality built of the product does not disappoint you and assists in cleaning both wet and dry vacuuming requirements efficiently. Moreover, the exquisite design makes it lightweight and portable, with which you can move around the shop floor conveniently and without any strain.
The vacuum comes equipped with an expandable locking hose, which you can use to reach hard-to-reach spaces around the shop floor. Likewise, the accessories provided, such as the multi-purpose nozzle and the dusting brush, help you attend to other cleaning requirements, such as cleaning the interiors of a car. Further, you can work with any 18v battery line from the company for running the vacuum. Finally, RIDGID placed the on/off switch beneath the handle to ensure no accidental activation of the machine.
The tool comes with a reusable and washable cartridge that captures micron-level particles and acts as an additional layer to protect the motor. The high suction power generated by the motor helps you pick all the particles of different sizes with ease. Therefore, you can efficiently clean the shop floor from both wet and dry messes without the need for any additional unit.
RIDGID designed the unit to carry all the accessories on-board without bringing them separately. The integrated hose works exceptionally, for it can extend up to 7 ft. based on the requirement. Like any other manufacturer, RIDGID sells the battery as a separate unit. The 3-gallon tank size helps you avoid round trips to the trash bin frequently to empty the contents.
Why Do We Like This Battery Operated Shop Vacuum?
It hosts an attractive and portable design.
You can store all the accessories on-board.
The high suction power generated by the motor is bliss.
You can wash and reuse the cartridge filter for efficient cleaning.
The company offers a limited period lifetime warranty against material defects and craftsmanship.
Take Away:
The RIDGID wet and dry shop vacuum is a functional unit for any medium-sized shop floor. The high suction power and portable design are the main USP for the product.
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 is a heavy-duty shop floor vacuum that meets both wet and dry vacuuming requirements. What makes it a bet on your money is the sheer power generated by the motor. With a 190.8CFM airflow rate, you can quickly attend to different cleaning environments around the shop floor without any hurdle. In addition, the integrated hose extends wisely and efficiently to help you reach different workshop corners.
CRAFTSMAN added a few more accessories with the wet/dry shop vacuum. It comes with a car cleaning nozzle, utility nozzle, wet nozzle, and extension wands. You have many supplements at your disposal that you can interchange quickly as per the vacuuming requirements. The vacuum comes with a general-purpose filter, which you can wash and reuse, and a dust collection bag. You can replace the dust collection bag when it is full for easier maintenance of the cleaner.
With a 6.5hp peak motor power, the unit is valuable in garages, job sites, and large workshops catering to different cleaning needs. In addition to the vacuuming feature, the unit has a blower port, which you can use to clean outdoors, such as cleaning the leaves of the walking paths, around the garage, and grass clippings. In addition, the unit has a behemoth 16-gallon collection tank with a drain outlet to quickly empty the wet waste.
CRAFTSMAN ensured that users had easy mobility while using the vacuum cleaner. The unit runs on four strong wheels, with each of the caster wheels equipped with an accessory storage point. Therefore, you can place all your accessories on board and move the unit along to the cleaning site with ease.
Why Do We Like This Shop Vacuum?
It comes with a heavy-duty 6.5hp motor.
It has an incredible CFM rate of 190.8 CFM.
The unit hosts a massive 16-gallon collection tank with a built-in drain outlet.
The four caster wheels come equipped with accessory storage points.
The dual-flex technology helps the hose to move 180-degree to resist kinking.
Take Away:
If a heavy-duty wet/dry shop vac is your requirement, then look no further than CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595. The massive CFM along with the 16-gallon collection tank and accessories make it worth every penny spent.
Makita is a reputed and the most-recognizable tool maker with several models available under different categories. However, what makes the company a sought-after is its quality for the wide range of products. The Makita XCV11Z is no exception. The cordless shop vacuum has incredible suction power, which helps anyone attend to clean wet and dry messes in and around the shop floor. The powerful motor consistently produces an airflow rate of 57 CFM and lifts wet messes at 27 inches.
The other notable feature of the wet/dry vacuum is the presence of the HEPA filter. Such a filter helps trap allergens and bacteria and further acts as a protection layer for the motor. Therefore, each time you use the vacuum, you are free of pollutants. The shop vac uses an 18v lithium-ion battery, which helps you operate for up to an hour in the normal mode. There is also an LED indicator on the unit that turns on when it is time to recharge.
The significant attraction of the wet/dry vacuum from Makita is its lightweight construction and design. As the vacuum weighs only 10 pounds, it is easy to handle it effortlessly while cleaning around the shop floor. In addition, the multiple ergonomic handles further ease the carrying activity.
Unlike other models, the XCV11Z uses a brushless motor that consumes less energy and generates more suction power. Therefore, compared to other products, the lifespan of the vacuum cleaner is almost double that of the industry standards. In addition, the power management system on the unit is highly efficient and ensures proper delivery of the current while preventing overheating and overloading.
Why Do We Like This Battery Shop Vacuum?
The vacuum attends to both wet and dry messes.
The construction is lightweight and helps in easy maneuverability.
The variant uses a brushless motor for high efficiency and low power consumption.
The ergonomic design is attractive and has built-in handles and a shoulder strap hook.
A single charge delivers a runtime of up to 60 minutes.
Take Away:
The XCV11Z from Makita is a deal-breaker if you are looking for an efficient, convenient, lightweight, and affordable wet/dry vacuum for shop floor cleaning.
We have come up with best cordless vacuum buying guide for your garage and shops with some of the important factors you should consider while looking for a cordless wet dry vac.
Cordless Shop Vacuum FAQs
Why are shop vacs different from regular vacuum cleaners?
The significant difference between the two is the versatility. Shop vacs are more versatile, as they can do both dry and wet cleaning and have substantial power to lift larger debris.
How to choose the best cordless shop vac among all?
Each shop vac has different CFM, power, runtime, and accessories. Therefore, pick the one that suits your working requirement around the workshop and capacity.
What is the lifespan of cordless shop vacs?
As with any other shop floor vacuum cleaner, the lifespan of a cordless wet/dry vacuum depends on the intensity of usage, surrounding environmental conditions, maintenance, and initial quality. On average, a cordless shop floor vacuum lasts seven years.
Conclusion
A battery wet dry vacuum is an efficient cleaning tool that you can use every day or as per need in your workshop to clean wet and dry messes. It is essential to do homework to ensure that you have the best product in hand.
The cordless wet vacs described in this article, along with the comparison chart and buying guide, will help you pick an appropriate rechargeable shop vac that meets your specific requirement. A reliable, robust, and powerful unit with a competitive price is the one that best fits anyone’s need. Nonetheless, it is your personal need that guides you through selecting the best shop floor vacuum capable of doing both wet and dry cleaning.
John Wesley is passionate about cleaning industry especially vacuum cleaners. He is having more than a decade of experience in repairing and selling vacuum cleaners from a well known retail shop. When he’s not testing and reviewing latest vacuum cleaners for this site, he likes to spend time with his partner, 2 kids, and doing house projects.
