:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EmmaPhelps-f78a7f56544b4e5ca7340ac713f73cca.jpg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EmmaPhelps-f78a7f56544b4e5ca7340ac713f73cca.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RichPic15-d247bd4bdc2d4e4daf3f2bb743624dfe.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-5-best-shop-vacs-4151284-01-e4a43d651a0e4f63b230bf21dc11de18.jpg)
The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
A shop vac is a quick and efficient tool for cleaning up large dry and wet messes—including water, wood scraps, and small metal pieces like nails and screws—that a regular household vacuum can't handle. We tested dozens of the most popular models on the market, judging them on power, ease of setup, ease of use, maneuverability, portability, and noise level. Backed by our thorough testing, here are the best shop vacs on the market to tackle your home’s major messes.
While the term is used interchangeably for all wet-dry vacs, Shop-Vac is a brand name. See "What is a Shop Vac? Do You Need One?"
Best Overall
Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon 5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-vacmaster-vbv1210-12-gallon-wetdry-shop-vacuum-29ada2d7bd044f93bcf55aa6d2767992.jpg)
Amazon
Detachable blower
Easy to assemble
Can handle large and small debris alike
Four nozzle attachments
Utility nozzle weakens suction
Liquid capacity limited to 8.5 gallons
The Vacmaster VBV1210 Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is our top pick, because it is an all-purpose, indispensable tool built for a wide variety of household vacuum tasks. This 12-gallon model with a 5 horsepower motor offers enough capacity and suction to handle dry or wet messes. However, it's so powerful that it might trip your breaker, so be sure to plug it into a 20 amperage receptacle if possible.
Assembly was a breeze when we tested this vacuum, as you only need to attach the wheel housing and clip on the hose. Once it's plugged in, this shop vac is easy to maneuver, thanks to the lightweight tank and caster wheels. Although we did not fill up its entire 12-gallon capacity during testing, we assume that a larger amount of debris in the tank will affect the maneuverability of this vacuum, especially with liquid contents. Keep in mind that capacity will be more limited for liquid clean up, as well. An internal float will shut off suction once the canister reaches full capacity at 8.5 gallons. Be sure to swap out the cartridge filter for the included foam filter before sucking up any liquid contents.
Some shop vacs can be rather noisy, but we didn’t find this vacuum particularly irritating. It comes with an exhaust cover that keeps the noise level at 71 decibels, which is likely quieter than your regular household vacuum. From potting soil to spilled water and snow, there isn’t a type of debris that this vacuum couldn’t handle. We especially appreciated the detachable blower for clearing off snow from the front porch steps. The blower outputs air at speeds up to 210 MPH, so you can quickly and powerfully clean your garage, renovation area, or outdoor patio in no time.
While we appreciated the thought behind this vacuum’s attachment options, we didn’t love using the utility (wide) attachment. We found that the suction was actually weakened since it was spread out more. However, the concentrator nozzle is especially great for damp debris, such as wet potting soil. All in all, you can expect lasting performance and controlled movement from this high-capacity shop vacuum.
Price at time of publish: $163
Vacuum Capacity: 12 gallons | Air Volume: 106 CFM | Weight: 24.3 pounds | Cord Length: 12 feet | Hose Length: 7 feet | Filter Type: Cartridge and foam wet
Best Budget
Armor All 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Utility Wet/Dry Vacuum
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Armor-All-AA255-2.5-Gallon-Wet-Dry-Utility-Shop-Vacuum-b43afdf70da74926984aef2ae2dd7b11.jpg)
Amazon
Five nozzle attachments
Top handle for added portability
On-board attachment storage
Not suited for fine dust
Liquid capacity not specified
This small shop vacuum doesn’t look like the standard canister on wheels, but we can vouch for its powerful suction and useful set of attachments. Aside from its convenient top handle and on-board attachment storage, which make it the ideal on-the-go vacuum, we also loved its versatility for cleaning up both wet and dry messes. Surprisingly, this vacuum is also excellent for cleaning out a car, as its detail brush, crevice tool, and deluxe car nozzle make it easy to remove dust and other debris from a dashboard, seats, and car mats.
We will point out that this vacuum isn’t great for removing hair from carpet—although that isn’t its original purpose—and it’s also not suited for fine dust, unless you purchase a fine dust filter separately.
Once we swapped in the foam wet filter, this vacuum easily sucked up water, but we’re not sure how much liquid it can hold. We don’t recommend filling this vacuum to the brim with liquid or wet debris, as it may have a smaller wet capacity than its total 2.5 gallons. Unlike larger shop vacuums, this portable option does not have a drainage port, so you do have to remove the entire top and motor of the vacuum to empty wet and dry contents. We recommend thoroughly rinsing the canister and filters after each use, to prevent clogs and build-up.
Although this vacuum may not have the largest capacity compared to other models on the market, we appreciate its lightweight and portable design. It’s a great budget pick at well under $100.
Price at time of publish: $72
Vacuum Capacity: 2.5 gallons | Air Volume: 53 CFM | Weight: 7 pounds | Cord Length: 10 feet | Hose Length: 6 feet | Filter Type: Washable cloth and foam wet
Best Large Capacity
Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-craftsman-cmxevbe17595-16-gallon-wetdry-vacuum-a9004c7004434b77a21513feb0ce5006.jpg)
Amazon
No assembly required
Easily sucks up damp debris
Separate blower output
Slightly awkward to maneuver
Heavy
If you’re looking for a shop vacuum that can support a full day of debris cleanup without being emptied, we recommend the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 Wet/Dry Vac. This vacuum had no problem picking up wet leaves, sticks, and water tracked into a home, plus it easily cleared puddles from an uneven driveway. The 7-foot hose and 20-foot power cord also offer plenty of length to maneuver around a larger room or garage. There was virtually no assembly necessary, as the caster wheels were already attached to the canister, and all we had to do was attach the hose and our desired attachment tool.
We do want to point out that this vacuum is slightly cumbersome to maneuver, especially if you're shorter in height. However, we didn’t dock our ratings for its portability or maneuverability because the caster wheels, top handle, long power cord, and flexible hose all make for a comfortable operating experience, despite some potential individual user differences. Rather than having a detachable blower, or a reverse airflow switch, this shop vacuum has a separate output, where you can easily attach the hose to clear leaves, water, or snow off a driveway or front steps. We also loved this vacuum’s on-board hose, attachment, and power cord storage, because they make it a breeze to pack away until its next use.
Price at time of publish: $167
Vacuum Capacity: 16 gallons | Air Volume: 190.8 CFM | Weight: 26.2 pounds | Cord Length: 20 feet | Hose Length: 7 feet | Filter Type: Cartridge
Best Portable
DEWALT DXV09PZ 9-Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DEWALT-9-Gallon-DXV09PZ-Poly-Wet-Dry-Vac-e0de018437f549afba27b619f9889029.jpg)
Amazon
Built-in accessories storage bag
Drain port for liquid messes
Fine dust collection bag included
Must detach accessories bag before emptying canister
Rubber latch isn’t helpful for storing hose
Some cleanup jobs may not require a large capacity vacuum but rather a vacuum that’s easy to swivel, carry, or pull around your job site. The DEWALT DXV09PZ Wet/Dry Vac has strong rubberized caster wheels that allow it to glide along hard surfaces and low-pile carpet. We also love that it has a top handle, which makes it easy to steer around large debris or other obstacles. On top of how easy this vacuum is to maneuver, we were also impressed with its performance.
It not only cleared out a drain clogged with hair and shaving cream, but also sucked up all of the water that was backed up in the pipe. The drainage port made it easy to empty out wet contents, and the accessories bag offers major storage appeal for anyone who is worried about losing attachments. The storage bag does have to be removed in order to empty out dry debris; however, we didn’t find this process too confusing or difficult.
On top of the pleated cartridge filter that can handle both wet and dry debris, this vacuum comes with a fine dust collection bag, which is ideal for cleaning up drywall debris or fine sawdust. While this vacuum is slightly higher in price compared to other picks in our roundup, we think the attachable accessories bag and compact design make it a worthy splurge at just under $200.
Price at time of publish: $170
Vacuum Capacity: 9 gallons | Air Volume: 90 CFM | Weight: 22.5 pounds | Cord Length: 10 feet | Hose Length: 7 feet | Filter Type: Cartridge and fine dust bag
Best Battery-Operated/Cordless
Ryobi 40V 10-Gallon Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ryobi-40v-10-gal-wetdry-vacuum-kit--19c042938a004a41b654a1bb06325bf5.jpg)
The Home Depot
Squeegee attachment
Unlimited movement without cord
Lightweight
Not best for long clean up jobs
Top closure method
A cordless shop vacuum may be limited by its battery run time, but you receive unlimited portability and maneuverability in turn, without a power cord in tow. The Ryobi 40V 10-gallon Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum impressed us during our testing with its powerful suction and lightweight canister. With 45 minutes of runtime thanks to the 40V 4.0 Ah battery, we had plenty of time to suck up various debris from a car and a set of garage steps. If necessary, you can purchase separately the 40V 6.0 Ah battery and charger, which has a 60-minute max runtime. While we didn’t find the 45-minute runtime constraining, we recognized that this vacuum may not be ideal for a full day of cleaning at a job site.
Its suction was also impressive and did not dull during our testing. We really enjoyed using the squeegee attachment to easily pool spilled water for quick suction. The drainage port is flush with the bottom of the canister, so we could easily dump out all of the liquid at the end of our test. While it’s not a major component of the vacuum’s operational capabilities, we were slightly concerned by this vacuum’s canister closure method. You have to squeeze the latches in order to release the top to dump the vacuum’s contents, and we felt that the latches could easily pinch tiny or distracted fingers. We recommend being extra-cautious when opening the canister, to prevent this.
With 10 gallons of capacity and a lightweight canister, this vacuum is a great tool for anyone who already owns other tools from RYOBI’s 40V line or anyone who doesn’t want to be limited by the length of a power cord.
Price at time of publish: $299
Vacuum Capacity: 10 gallons | Air Volume: 80 CFM | Weight: 16.2 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Hose Length: 8 feet | Filter Type: Cartridge and foam wet
Best Wet/Dry
DeWalt 12-Gallon DXV12P Poly Wet/Dry Vac
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DeWALT-12-Gallon-Poly-Wet-Dry-Vac-4e5327c7b3034a77af06bd8276a11148.jpg)
Amazon
Can handle large amount of water
Attachments for both wet and dry debris
Attachment storage bag
Cord limitations
Rubber latch for hose isn’t helpful
While all of these vacuums are listed as wet/dry options, the DEWALT CXV12P 12-gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac impressed us the most with its strenuous cleaning job during a home emergency in our testing period. This vacuum is the same style as our best portable pick, but its capacity is slightly larger, making it ideal for big messes. This vacuum came to the rescue when a pipe burst in a crawl space, and it not only easily cleaned up the large amount of water from the pipe, but it also was easy to empty and maneuver throughout the process.
Although a corded vacuum will always cause some portability limitations, we were impressed by how the casters glided across hard flooring and carpet during testing. The various attachments also came in handy (and can easily be stored in the on-board attachment bag) for clearing pooled water. However, we don’t love the on-board storage method for the hose, because its nozzle still dangles freely, despite being “secured” to the top with a rubber latch.
Whether you have a home emergency that requires speedy clean-up or are just looking for a reliable shop vacuum model that’s guaranteed to handle wet debris, this 12-gallon shop vac from DEWALT is a strong contender.
Price at time of publish: $180
Vacuum Capacity: 12 gallons | Air Volume: 105 CFM | Weight: 23.15 pounds | Cord Length: 20 feet | Hose Length: 7 feet | Filter Type: Cartridge and disposable bag
Best for Dust
Fein Turbo I Wet/Dry Dust Extractor
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Fein-Turbo-I-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-Cleaner-0fb49530362c43838075d9b2644fa7e5.jpg)
Home Depot
Has high filtration capacity for fine dust
Tool-triggered
Extra-long hose
Fine dust bag is smaller than 5.8 gallon capacity
Expensive
If you’re a carpenter or someone who is constantly exposed to drywall dust and other fine particles, we recommend purchasing a shop vacuum that’s specifically designed to filter dust. This vacuum from Fein is different from the other models in this roundup, because it should not be used to clean wet messes, although it can. This vacuum is also known as a "dust extractor" or a "tool-triggered" vacuum cleaner, because it has a power outlet that you can directly power tools through and thus will trigger the vacuum cleaner to turn on and suck up sawdust and other fine particles as they’re created by a power tool.
Because of this vacuum’s unique purpose, we tested it in a wood shop, where we were impressed by its quiet operation and appreciated its extra-long hose to clean up piles of dust quickly. This vacuum comes with a standard flat-fold filter and a fleece filter bag, designed to filter out small dust while allowing air to pass through it. We wish the fleece bag were easy to empty and re-use, but unfortunately, it’s designed for singular use. You can purchase additional fleece bags in packs of five. Although this vacuum is expensive, its specialized design makes it a great tool for avid woodworkers or home contractors.
Price at time of publish: $320
Vacuum Capacity: 5.8 gallons | Air Volume: 151 CFM | Weight: 17.86 pounds | Cord Length: 19 feet | Hose Length: 13 feet | Filter Type: Fleece filter bag and flat-fold filter
Best for Cars
DeWalt 20V Max 1/2 Gallon Wet/Dry Portable Vac Kit
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DeWalt-20-Volt-MAX-Cordless-1-2-Gal.-Wet-Dry-Portable-Vacuum-7ab1f0e7e63b4cd28d264f2ed5b7a034.jpg)
Amazon
Stationary utility nozzle
Easy to empty
Easy to store
Cannot pick up large debris
No additional accessories
Finding a vacuum that can handle the amount of dust and fine debris in a car can be challenging, especially if you’re looking for a cordless model. We enjoyed using the DEWALT DCV517M1 20V MAX Cordless Vacuum, because it’s lightweight and easy to operate, and it can still hold a decent amount of debris. While this vacuum does require recharges after each use, we found that it had sufficient battery power to get through several car cleanings during our testing period. It has a wide utility nozzle that’s great for clearing off rubber floor mats and seats. The hose also has a slim, angled nozzle that can be used to clean corners and under seats.
It’s convenient that you don’t have to keep track of separate attachments for this vacuum, but we do wish it had an accessory for cleaning carpets, as it’s not the best for removing hair. The narrow hose opening also limits the size of debris that this vacuum can handle. However, it can pick up small liquid spills, which is great for busy families with little ones in tow. This vacuum is also very easy to empty, and the HEPA filter is great at removing fine particles as it cleans.
Price at time of publish: $203
Vacuum Capacity: 0.5 gallons | Air Volume: 151 CFM | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Hose Length: 1 foot | Filter Type: Washable HEPA filter
Best Small Capacity
Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry Vacuum
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ryobi-18v-one--3-gal-project-wetdry-vacuum--a202057c9e8944128977dc9342efb5d9.jpg)
Amazon
Onboard accessory storage
Exhaust port can convert to blower
Flat top allows for stacking in storage
Not most effective on wet messes
Cannot pick up large debris
Sometimes a smaller shop vacuum is all you need to tackle minor debris and messes around your home or garage. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3-gallon Project Wet/Dry Vacuum is equipped with on-board attachment storage. It can convert to a blower, and it easily stores until its next use. We enjoyed using this vacuum around the home to clean up paint chips, dust, and hair. While it does work on wet spills, we found the suction wasn’t as impressive as other models. The side exhaust port can easily be turned into a blower function with the utility nozzle and the hose, which also makes this vacuum cleaner great for blowing leaves off a front porch or clearing cold ashes from a fire pit.
We also appreciate this vacuum’s flat top, which allows it to easily fit into a small storage closet and support other items stacked on its top. The hose nozzle does limit the size of debris this vacuum can pick up, but we don’t consider that a major flaw, as it is a more compact model. Overall, this vacuum is a great option for someone who is looking for a compact vacuum cleaner to support their home renovation projects.
Price at time of publish: $125
Vacuum Capacity: 3 gallons | Air Volume: 45 CFM | Weight: 15 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Hose Length: 6 feet | Filter Type: Cartridge
The Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon 5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is our top choice for shop vacs, because it offers plenty of suction with 106 CFM but keeps things quiet with 71-decibel operation. It also features a detachable blower for quick clean-up. If you’re looking for a cordless shop vac that is portable and compact, then consider the Ryobi 40V 10 Gal. Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum. It’s powered by a lithium-ion battery that can run for up to 45 minutes on one charge. It’s also lightweight and comes with unique attachments to thoroughly clean any mess.
Other Options We Tested
Ridgid 16 Gal. 6.5-Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum: Although this model was previously our pick for best large capacity, we found that it didn’t quite impress us as much as other models during testing. However, this vacuum’s suction power and locking attachments are still a great value and did perform well during testing. We just wish this vacuum came with a separate foam wet filter, as described in the manual, so it could better handle wet spills.
Vacmaster Beast 14 Gal. 6.5 HP Wet/Dry Vac: After testing, we knew why this vacuum was named the “Beast.” It managed to suck up pebbles and clogged water from a basement drain pipe, plus its durable wheels and padded push handle are features that we didn’t find on any other model. However, this vacuum is also a beast to maneuver, and we think anyone with a shorter or petite frame would struggle to push the 28-pound canister up a flight of steps.
How We Tested the Shop Vacs
We tested 20 shop vacuums in our own homes and applied them to real-world scenarios where they’re most useful and necessary. After unboxing and noting the ease of setup for each of the shop vacuums (including charging batteries for any cordless models), we cleaned as many of the following areas as possible—a garage, car floor, car trunk, basement, woodshop, or shed—and kept track of each vacuum’s effectiveness on different surfaces and debris. We also noted the noise level of each vacuum and considered whether ear protection was necessary. On top of testing how dry debris was filtered through the vacuums’ components, we looked at the filter(s) provided and washed them (if applicable) before testing each vacuum’s capabilities with wet debris. When sucking up wet debris or puddles of water, we noted whether the vacuum’s suction weakened and how quickly the vacuum cleaned up the mess. While measuring effectiveness, we also considered the vacuums’ maneuverability and portability. We monitored how the caster wheels gilded and noted any supplementary handles that the vacuum had for carrying. For both wet and dry debris, we assessed the ease of emptying, noting any pain points of the emptying process or especially helpful features. Lastly, we considered the overall value of each shop vacuum and determined whether we would recommend the model to friends and family.
What Is A Shop Vac? Do You Need One?
In the plainest terms, a shop vac, also commonly referred to as a wet-dry vacuum (not to be confused with wet-dry vacuums that clean tile floors—more on that below), is designed for heavy-duty cleaning that standard household vacuums cannot handle. They're most often used on construction sites and in workshops to suck up nails, saw dust, wood chips, and other destructive debris that would tear apart your beloved stick or upright vacuum. Most models are also equipped to handle wet debris and liquids. There are plenty of brands that offer iterations of this heavy-duty cleaning tool, but Shop-Vac is the most notable. This brand is so revered for its vacuums that the name has become synonymous with the entire product category. While we have not had the chance to test any models from Shop-Vac, we can tell you they offer similar capacities as the models listed in our roundup. Shop-Vac models also tend to be more expensive—thanks to brand awareness—and are more difficult to find at common retailers like The Home Depot or Lowes.
If you're completing home renovations or have a personal workshop out of your garage, a wet-dry vacuum can be an indispensable tool for quickly cleaning up large amounts of debris. Their high horsepower make them ideal for sucking up large scraps and the caster wheels allow them to be easily pulled around a large floor plan. If you're looking for a household vacuum that can trap dust and fine particles, we recommend checking out our roundup of best vacuums for allergies or best canister vacuums, which are all designed with advanced filtration systems and often come in bagged models, sealing allergens, pet hair, and dust inside.
Now, back to the term "wet-dry vacuums," you may be more familiar with the household vacuums that act as a mop and vacuum in one. Those models are often available in stick and upright variations, and they are not constructed to handle heavy-duty cleanups. However, they are also a useful and powerful cleaning tools for households with hardwood, laminate, tile, or vinyl flooring. You can check out our roundup of the best wet-dry vacuums for household use to learn more about that specific cleaning tool.
What to Look for in Shop Vacs
Capacity
Shop vacs are available in small (2 to 6 gallons), medium (6 to 14 gallons), and high capacities (14 to 18 gallons). You should consider which capacity will best suit your lifestyle and home project needs. The medium capacity is suitable for most cleaning needs, and it’s sufficient for both indoor and outdoor cleaning tasks that homeowners face. However, if you’re a home contractor or find yourself often demoing a lot of areas of your home, a high capacity shop vacuum will save you time and offer more space for long projects.
Air Volume
Air volume, or "air watts," refers to the suction power of your shop vac. A higher air volume is essential if you plan to vacuum heavier objects, like nuts and bolts. A vacuum’s air volume also determines its effectiveness at lifting water and wet debris, so you should, again, consider your needs before purchasing a shop vacuum.
Material
In addition to size, you’ll be faced with another choice: plastic or stainless steel tank. Plastic tanks are lighter and less prone to dents, but stainless steel tanks are often easier to clean and more durable for sucking up cold ash, nails, large wood chips, and other destructive debris. While all of the models listed in our roundup feature plastic tanks, we did test the Vacmaster Beast 14 Gal. 6.5 HP Wet/Dry Vac, which has a stainless steel tank. Keep in mind that the material that a vacuum’s tank is constructed of will also affect the overall weight of the vacuum.
Attachments
The type and number of attachments may vary among shop vacuum models, but some of the most frequently offered attachments are a utility nozzle, wet nozzle, and crevice tool. Extension wand attachments are also often provided when you purchase a shop vac. They are essential if you want to reach into tight spaces or overhead areas to clear cobwebs, dust, and more.
Keeping track of loose attachments can be a hassle, so onboard attachment storage is a must for busy families and households. Some models feature a toolbox-like top that stores attachments. Other models, like many of the vacuums listed in this roundup, have snap-on storage for wands, nozzles, and more. Our best portable pick, the DEWALT DXV09PZ 9 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac, has a storage bag that hooks onto the back of the vacuums. This bag not only provides ample room for all of the vacuum’s attachments, but also allows for easy storage of the vacuum hose when not in use.
-
How do shop vacs work?
Shop vacs function in the same way as any other vacuum, though shop vacs typically collect debris in a bucket instead of a bag. An electric motor drives a fan, which pulls air in from inside the bucket. That forms a vacuum inside the collection bucket, creating a significant amount of suction at the intake port or the open end of the vacuum hose to pull in air and any debris caught in the vacuum's suction.
-
How many HPs should you look for in a shop vac?
For home renovation debris such as drywall dust and saw dust, a vacuum with 3.5 peak horsepower (HP, meaning the output of the motor) to 5 HP should be sufficient. If you plan to use your wet-dry vacuum for wet spills, be sure to check the water lift, which is a measure of the maximum suction force of the vacuum when the hose is blocked. The higher the value of the water lift, the denser the object (or spill) the vacuum will be able to suck up.
-
Is stainless steel or plastic better for a shop vac?
As mentioned above, the drum material on a shop vac is a vital consideration before purchasing. While both plastic and stainless steel will be able to withstand wear from smaller wood chips and saw dust, a stainless steel shop vac will be better suited for cleaning up broken glass, cooled fireplace ashes (if applicable—be sure to check the manufacturer's guide before using a shop vac in this way), and nails or screws. Consider the type of projects you'll be completing around your house to help you determine the type of material that works for you.
-
Why do shop vacs blow dust?
If you find that your shop vac is blowing dust out of the blower port and back into the room, then you need to make sure the filter is installed properly. Another cause could be that there is a hole in the filter or that the dust is too fine for the filter to catch. A fully clogged filter will also have issues catching any dirt or dust sucked into the vacuum, so replace the filter regularly.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Emma Phelps, updates writer for The Spruce, researched and evaluated testing feedback to write this roundup. She evaluated our team’s feedback for each vacuum to provide product descriptions that reflect our hands-on experience during testing. She also researched key features of shop vacuums and considered their performance over time, based on testing feedback. Phelps writes articles for various topics across The Spruce’s library but specializes in content relating to home improvement, organization, and decor.
This roundup has been updated to offer additional purchasing and brand context for the term "shop vac."
What Is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-backpack-vacuums-of-2023-tout-2ffe28a057cb4feb8d707952842b18b9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/The-best-wet-dry-vacuums-5224946_final-bb157f09533247c2b59a6c6b6f30e731.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-9-best-ash-vacuums-of-2022-tout-4e46c5c3be4840a08207aa053b428d38.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-use-a-shop-vac-for-water-5081535-01-ba6add11c48944c7b18ca1a26c167b7f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/commercial-vacuums-tout-6efab6c842594be98a1b92ef88f31f5c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-7-best-car-vacuums-recirc-badge-4e10a5e964414555861cb91775de2118.jpg){kind=icon}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shark-group-shot-phoebe-cheong-photo-01-31917b2053fc46158b6d4545c92a0c03.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vacuum-cleaners-test-eureka-lightweight-cordless-amazon-dburreson-261-43cbe08548e14f52b954d12c7daac45c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-8-best-vacuum-for-carpet-recirc-badge-03236603f36849dc9c20c32efcfd6260.jpg){kind=icon}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-primary-vacuums-dburreson-001-fd7e77c9683f42fe9be42f03c7d4b977.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/black-and-decker-powerseries-2-in-1-cordless-stick-vacuum-phoebe-cheong-photo-01-6b18657001454e10a94bb9638867c6d4.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Mop-for-Laminate-Floors-SPR-tout-24e876ab412e40adb9fb8ba493f30a9d.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-hoover-complete-performance-bagged-upright-vacuum-at-amazon-dburreson-007-37779bf017c14004905e549d8992887d.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-8-best-dustbusters-recirc-badge-15cd63f0a40144ecad1907c5ea97c8b5.jpg){kind=icon}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dyson-v11-animal-handheld-phoebe-cheong-photo-04-f86ad933506a48adafa3bba4d797d43f.jpg)