Top 15 Best Cordless Shop Vacs To Buy in 2024

The best cordless shop vac must clean quickly and efficiently without leaving out debris or losing on suction power. Lightweight and easy portability are the next essential features of a cordless shop vac after the suction power. Making sure these qualities requires proper research.

When these three main features are well-knit into a vacuum along with other advantages, then you can consider buying that vacuum for your worksite purposes. If you do not understand the essential characteristics of the shop vacuum, you will end up buying useless devices only to be packed up.

Stay with me till the end, where I provide you with the ultimate buying guide after the reviews. By the end, you will completely understand the shop vacs and be a pro for your upcoming purchase.

Cordless Shop Vacs Vs. Corded Shop Vacs

The cordless shop vacs are comfortable to carry from one spot to another, to take it up on a ladder or to reach under a shelf. At the same time, the corded models top in suction power, where they are continuously powered and work without interruption.

On the other hand, the cordless shop vacs can perform where there is no possibility of having electric power getting the job done in adverse conditions. Though corded lack defense in this aspect, they have the advantage of plug and play and do not need monitoring of battery power.

Several such directions are better in each of them. Your need and facilities decide which type of shop vac suits you best.

Best Cordless Shop Vac Comparison Chart 2022

All the best cordless shop vacs listed below differ slightly, but that makes a massive difference for some jobs. Therefore, I am listing the crucial values for weighing them against each other for your convenience.

Which Are The Best Cordless Shop Vacs?

The best cordless shop vacs are available from Milwaukee, and Makita that has excellent suction power, compact size, and apt price advantages. Besides, Dewalt also has outstanding performance similar to the top two performers with just a slight difference.

Check out below what each of the best cordless shop vacs has to offer.

• Best Overall – Milwaukee 0880-20 Cordless Shop Vac
  “Lithium-Ion battery, in-built blower, on-board hose, and accessory storage, toolbox design, high airflow, HEPA rated filter.”
• Best Budget – Makita LC09Z Cordless Shop Vac
  “Ultra-compact size, comfortable to carry, ergonomic design, longer run time, lightweight, fast cleaning, powerful suction, power selection buttons.”
• Best Dewalt – Dewalt DCV580H Cordless Shop Vac
  “Durable and flexible hose, reusable filter, wet-dry functionality, crevice tool, and wide nozzle tool attachments, integrated hose, instructions manual.”
• Best Corded/Cordless – Dewalt DCV581H Cordless Shop Vac
  “Corded and cordless working, large tank capacity, high-performance motor, on-board storage, washable filter with 99.97% efficiency HEPA rated.”
• Best Handheld – Milwaukee 0882-20 Cordless Shop Vac
  “Powerful motor performance, handheld cordless vacuum, power tool, Lithium-Ion battery, 2 Extension rods, and multiple accessories.”
• Best for Woodworking – PORTER-CABLE PCC795B Cordless Shop Vac
  “Long hose, versatile functions, on-board tool storage, lithium-ion battery compatible, cleans quickly, washable cartridge filter.”
• Best Industrial – Milwaukee M18 Cordless Shop Vac
  “Lightweight, portable, toolbox style, wet/dry capability, cordless operation, HEPA rated filter, on-board accessories.”
• Best for Car Detailing – RIDGID WD0319-VT1708 Cordless Shop Vac
  “Compact sized, excellent suction power, bent crevice tool, brush extension, handheld model, expandable hose, 3-gallon capacity.”
• Best for Drywall Dust – RYOBI 3 Gallon Cordless Shop Vac
  “18 V Battery operated, lightweight, powerful suction, 3-gallon capacity, a long hose, reusable filter, 2 accessories, wet/dry, and blower.”
• Best With HEPA Filters – Bosch GAS18V-3N Cordless Shop Vac
  “HEPA filter, extra runtime, sustained suction, efficient operation, a high-performance cordless motor, extension tubes, a long hose, on-board tools.”
• Best Wet and Dry – DEWALT DCV517B Cordless Shop Vac
  “Portable vacuum. Washable filter, it comes with a charger and battery, less downtime, wet/dry filter, long run-time.”
• Best for Dust Collection – Makita XCV11Z Cordless Shop Vac
  “Brushless motor, high-performance suction, lithium-ion battery, 2-gallon capacity, wet/dry debris extractor, battery level indicator.”
• Best Crafstman – CRAFTSMAN CMCV002B Cordless Shop Vac
  “The suction power of 35 CFM, HEPA filter, requires a 20V battery, wet/dry functions, crevice tool, wide nozzle tool, long flexible hose.”
• Best 20 Volt – Vacmaster DVTB201 Cordless Shop Vac
  “Flexible crevice tool, HEPA filter cartridge, shoulder strap, quick charger, High capacity battery, on-board storage of accessories.”
• Best Heavy-Duty – CRAFTSMAN CMCV002B & CMCB204 Cordless Shop Vac
  “Cordless vacuum with battery, portable, 2-gallon capacity, long runtime, professional-grade energy cells, HEPA rated filter.”

Top 15 Best Cordless Shop Vac Reviews in 2022

Find the reviews of the best cordless shop vacs below of the 15 top products in this category. You will not find a better and comprehensive list of these devices anywhere else.

1. Milwaukee 0880-20

(Best Overall)

The wet and dry vacuum by Milwaukee operates with 18 V Lithium-Ion or Nickle Cadmium slide-on batteries. Its cordless functionality, along with the toolbox design, allows the ease of transport and storage. This vacuum poses a powerful motor with strong suction power and HEPA rated filter for efficient filtering.

You can store accessories comfortably on-board, including the flexible hose that gives you handy access to crevice tool and wide utility nozzle in a snap. The vacuum has a runtime of 30 + minutes when M18 9.0 battery pack is used to power the vacuum. It also has an in-built blower facility.

Key Features:

• Certified HEPA filter
• 2-gallon capacity
• 45 CFM suction power
• 6 ft flexible hose
• On-board tool storage
• In-built blower

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	Crevice tool, wide utility nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless, Wet-Dry, Blower
Warranty	5 Years
Brand	Milwaukee

Watch the working of Milwaukee 0880-20 Cordless Shop Vac here:

2. Makita LC09Z

(Best Budget)

The compact vacuum by Makita is lightweight and hence easy on the operator’s shoulder. It comes with a padded shoulder belt and several useful attachments for various uses. The bagless two-stage cloth filtration provides you with efficient filtration, and even the disposal of debris is easier.

The soft brush accessory helps in lifting the dust from the tiniest creases or textures surfaces quickly. This vacuum serves as a cordless shop vac as well as a portable vehicle or home upholstery vacuum. You need to use 12 V battery from the max CTX series for protection from voltage surges and maximum performance.

Key Features:

• 500 ml/330ml capacity
• 46 CFM suction capacity
• 13-5/8” vacuum length
• 33 minutes run time
• 3-speed pushbuttons

Product Specifications:

Filter type	2 stage cloth filtration system
Accessories	Soft Brush, Upholstery Nozzle, Blower Nozzle Attachment, Rubber Crevice Nozzle, Floor Mat Nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless, Dry, Blower
Warranty	3 years
Brand	Makita

See how Makita LC09Z Cordless Shop Vac works:

3. Dewalt DCV580H

(Best Dewalt)

The 18v/20v vacuum by Dewalt is a cordless vacuum with excellent suction power useful to clean sawdust and similar particles effectively. It has all its accessories on-board allowing you to use them easily when required. You can carry the vacuum effortlessly due to its compact design.

The hose is fully integrated into the device, and hence no suction is lost due to the faulty connection of the hose. This vacuum’s heavy-duty hose is tough made and lasts long. It has the HEPA rated filter useful for both wet/dry operation, and you need not change the filter each time you switch roles from dry to wet.

Key Features:

• 2-gallon tank capacity
• Fully integrated 5 ft hose length
• 31 CFM suction Power
• Washable, reusable filter
• Crush resistant hose

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	Crevice tool, Wide nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless, Wet-Dry, Blower
Warranty	3 year limited, 1-year free service, 90 days money-back guarantee
Brand	Dewalt

Find the working of Dewalt DCV580H Cordless Shop Vac:

4. Dewalt DCV581H

(Best Corded/Cordless)

Dewaltshop vacuum comes with a crush-resistant and heavy-duty hose of 5 feet length integrated into the vacuum. It can function with a cord and without a cord giving you the flexibility to use it at your convenience. The comprehensive nozzle tool and the crevice tool are stored onboard for quick access.

The HEPA rated filter works 99.97% efficiently and filters up to 0.3micron-sized particles effectively. Hence the fine dust particles resulting from the sawing, buffing, grinding, and other workshop actions are cleaned meticulously by this HEPA shop vacs. You can also switch from vacuuming to blower mode quickly.

Key Features:

• 31 CFM suction power
• 2-gallon capacity
• 5 ft flexible, fully integrated hose
• Blower facility
• On-board storage of tools

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	Crevice tool, Wide nozzle
Vacuum type	Corded/cordless, Wet-Dry
Warranty	3 years
Brand	Dewalt

Check this to see Dewalt DCV581H Cordless Shop Vac review:

5. Milwaukee 0882-20

(Best Handheld)

The compact power tool vacuum by Milwaukee is an ergonomically designed handheld vacuum. It has a high-performance motor and does not allow the dust to escape when you use this vacuum while working with your tools. It’s wet/dry usability makes it versatile at the job site.

Place the vacuum over the trash can and just click a button to open the lid that dumps the contents right into the bin. Thus, you can empty the debris in a snap without the need to touch them or to open the complete vacuum. The extension rods provided with this vacuum are convenient.

Key Features:

• 2-gallon capacity
• 40 CFM suction power
• 4 ft hose length
• Ergonomic handle
• Wet/dry portable cum lightweight

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	2 Extension Wands, Crevice Tool, Floor Tool
Vacuum type	Cordless – Tool Only, Wet-Dry
Warranty	5 Years
Brand	Milwaukee

Know how Milwaukee 0882-20 Cordless Shop Vac works:

6. PORTER-CABLE PCC795B

(Best for Woodworking)

Porter-Cable features the most extended hose of the cordless shop vacs and has an on-board facility to wrap the hose securely when not in use. Also, other accessories are available on-board for grabbing them quickly. It cleans up the dirt and debris, including small wood chips and sawdust from your working space.

The wet functionality allows you to suck water out where you need to work and cannot just empty the water in any other way, for instance, a toilet bowl. The two-gallon tank is ample for this portable vacuum. The motor offers powerful suction that helps in cleaning the dust quickly and effectively.

Key Features:

• 34 CFM suction power
• 7.8 feet long hose
• 2-gallon tank capacity
• Wrap around hose design
• On-board tool storage

Product Specifications:

Filter type	Washable cartridge
Accessories	Crevice tool, Wide nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless – Tool Only, Wet-Dry, Blower
Warranty	3 years
Brand	Porter-Cable

See the demo of PORTER-CABLE PCC795B Cordless Shop Vac here:

7. Milwaukee M18

(Best Industrial)

The stackable toolbox design of the Milwaukee wet/dry shop vac helps in storing and transporting it easily. You can organize the accessories efficiently as the onboard storage space provides space for both tools and hose. On a standard M18 0.9 lithium-ion battery, it gives a run time of approximately 30 minutes.

The in-built blower port allows you to use this vacuum as a blower as well. HEPA filtration keeps the fine particles inside the vacuum and keeps the surrounding air clean by not allowing them to escape. The sizeable 2-gallon tank stores lot of debris and helps you to work continuously.

Key Features:

• 45 CFM suction Power
• 6 ft flexible hose
• 2-gallon capacity
• Crevice tool
• HEPA filter

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	Crevice tool, Wide nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless – Tool Only, Wet-Dry
Warranty	5 Years
Brand	Milwaukee

Review of Milwaukee M18 Cordless Shop-Vac is here:

8. RIDGID WD0319-VT1708

(Best for Car Detailing)

The Ridgid handheld shop vac has in-built accessory storage as well as a provision for storing the expandable hose securely. This set up ensures that your vacuum stays in one piece when you need to carry it to work or in between locations of work. The hose expands from 2 FT to 7 FT comfortably.

Two other useful accessories are accompanying this vacuum. One is the upholstery tool with a brush and a bent car nozzle. Both of these are useful in cleaning up your workspace as well as in detailing your car or truck to keep it clean. The proprietary filter used in this vacuum is of high quality.

Key Features:

• 3-gallon capacity
• 2ft to 7 ft extendible hose
• 60 CFM suction power
• Extension wands
• Ergonomic handle

Product Specifications:

Filter type	VF4000 Qwik Lock filter Cartridge
Accessories	Dusting brush, car nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless – handheld, Wet-Dry
Warranty	Life Time
Brand	Ridgid

Demo of RIDGID WD0319-VT1708 Cordless Shop-Vac is here:

9. RYOBI 3 Gallon

(Best for Drywall Dust)

The wet/dry vacuum cum blower helps in cleaning the dust and debris at the worksite. You need to vacuum the large debris and the fine dust and finally finish off with the blower to get a super clean place. This all in one tool will help you perform all these tasks seamlessly.

The lightweight cordless tool with the long hose and powerful suction offers you extreme flexibility to clean anywhere. You can reach out to higher places where you cannot lift the heavy vacuum, quickly and easily with this vacuum. The handle is sturdy enough to last for an extended period.

Key Features:

• 6 ft hose
• 45 CFM suction power
• 3-gallon capacity
• Wet/dry and blower
• On-board tool storage

Product Specifications:

Filter type	Washable reusable
Accessories	Crevice tool, utility nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless – Tool Only, Wet-Dry, Blower
Warranty	3 years
Brand	Ryobi

For working of RYOBI 3 gallon, Cordless Shop-Vac, check this:

10. Bosch GAS18V-3N

(Best With HEPA Filters)

Bosch’s amazingly designed shop vac carries all its tools onboard despite the excess number of tools. Its design also has another purpose of rationalizing the airflow, which is achieved using the unique structure of the vacuum. The runtime of the vacuum is countable as 4 minutes for each volt of the battery.

The filter is washable and reusable, allowing you to improve the vacuum performance with a clean filter. The handle offers a comfortable grip, and the extension tubes allow you to reach much more than other vacuums can. The other accessories provided along with the extension tubes are all housed on the vacuum itself.

Key Features:

• 1.6-gallon capacity
• 51 CFM suction power
• 5.25 ft hose length
• Rational airflow technology
• Operates on 18V battery

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	3 extension tubes, crevice nozzle, floor nozzle, elbow
Vacuum type	Cordless – Handheld, Wet-Dry
Warranty	3 years
Brand	Bosch

Watch the Bosch GAS18V-3N Cordless Shop Vac review:

11. DEWALT DCV517B

(Best Wet and Dry)

This bundle of vacuum tool, battery, and charger together are useful if you are looking for a complete kit. The vacuum has a high-quality HEPA filter capable of handling both wet and dry debris. Its hose is durable as it is made of heavy-duty rubber and can handle both large and small fragments.

The charger has three led indicators that allow you to check the power in the battery. This 20V battery gives 33% more runtime than the 18V battery, and also it is lighter in weight. It does not have memory nor self-discharge, increasing productivity, and reducing downtime.

Key Features:

• 39 CFM suction power
• 3 ft hose length
• ½ gallon capacity
• Lightweight battery
• No self-discharge

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	Charger
Vacuum type	Cordless, Wet-Dry
Warranty	3 year limited, 1-year free service, 90 days money-back guarantee
Brand	Dewalt

Know how DEWALT DCV517B Cordless Shop Vac works:

12. Makita XCV11Z

(Best for Dust Collection)

The Makita cordless vacuum features advanced features like an LED battery charge indicator to show how much charge is remaining in the battery. Its HEPA filter effectively filters the 0.3-micron dust with an efficiency of 99.97%. The motor delivers a 57 CFM suction power.

As the motor is brushless, the vacuum does not heat up rapidly and operates at a cooler temperature. Further, this ensures the vacuum’s long life, as well as the filter cleaning system, plays a significant role in the durability of the vacuum. Ergonomic handle for comfortable portability of the vacuum.

Key Features:

• 2-gallon capacity
• 57 CFM suction power
• 6.5 ft hose length
• 60 minutes runtime
• LED battery charge indicator

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	Crevice tool, Wide nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless – Tool Only, Wet-Dry, Blower
Warranty	3 years
Brand	Makita

Check the demo of Makita XCV11Z Cordless Shop Vac here:

13. CRAFTSMAN CMCV002B

(Best Crafstman)

Extraordinarily long and flexible hose for cleaning larger areas as well as unreachable areas efficiently. The button placed on the handle is comfortable to operate with one finger while holding the vacuum. Accessories along with the hose are all accommodated on the vacuum comfortably.

It is useful to clean up both dry and wet debris easily due to powerful suction. HEPA rated filter keeps the allergens and fine dust away from you, offering you the fresh air to breathe. It is a powerful, versatile, and easily portable cordless Shop-vac that works on a 20V battery.

Key Features:

• 2-gallon capacity
• 35 CFM capacity
• 7.8 ft hose length
• Wet/Dry and blower
• Multiple accessories

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	Crevice tool, Wide nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless, Wet-Dry, Blower
Warranty	3 years
Brand	Craftsman

For more info on CRAFTSMAN CMCV002B Cordless Shop-Vac, see this:

14. Vacmaster DVTB201

(Best 20 Volt)

The multipurpose vacuum has versatile functions owing to its multiple accessories. It comes with the unique three-piece inflator adaptor set, which helps in inflating several inflatable items quickly. The extension wands help you in cleaning hard to reach places quickly and easily.

It comes with a padded shoulder strap to facilitate the carrying of the vacuum while carrying or working and keeps your hands free for other tools. The utility nozzle has two in one action as it has a brush that is removable to turn it into an upholstery tool. It comes with a battery and a charger.

Key Features:

• 4-gallon capacity
• 59 CFM suction power
• 6 ft hose length
• Removable shoulder strap
• Washable HEPA filter

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	2 X Extension Wands, Car/Utility Nozzle with Brush, Flexible Crevice Tool
Vacuum type	Cordless, Wet-Dry, Blower
Warranty	5 years
Brand	Vacmaster

Find the review of Vacmaster DVTB201 Cordless Shop Vac here:

15. CRAFTSMAN CMCV002B & CMCB204

(Best Heavy-Duty)

The heavy-duty suitable 20V battery and the shop vac combination allows quick cleaning of debris on the job site. This vacuum’s power cells are of professional-grade, ensuring high capacity and better performance resulting in longer battery life.

It has a long flexible hose for easy reachability of otherwise inaccessible places. The HEPA filter takes care of your health by keeping the air quality intact or better through fine filtration of particles.

Key Features:

• 2-gallon capacity
• 35 CFM suction power
• 7.8 ft hose length
• 20V max 4Ah Lithium-Ion battery
• 3-LED charge indicator

Product Specifications:

Filter type	HEPA
Accessories	Crevice tool, Wide nozzle
Vacuum type	Cordless – Tool Only, Wet-Dry, Blower
Warranty	3 years
Brand	Craftsman

Check out the demo of CRAFTSMAN CMCV002B & CMCB204 Cordless Shop Vac here:

Ultimate Buying Guide On Best Cordless Shop Vac

When purchasing the best cordless shop vac, the below information will help you to be well equipped with the knowledge of what to look for.

Suction Power

The suction power of a shop vac should be high as it needs to do the job quickly and efficiently. If it is slow and does not pick up well, then it defeats the purpose of using a vacuum at the job site. Hence choose a vacuum with a high motor performance for good suction power.

Battery Compatibility

Some vacuums are compatible with any batteries, and few need only proprietary batteries. If you already own few batteries and do not want to invest in them right now, then you need to be sure if the vacuum is compatible with your battery.

Tank Capacity

Debris collection tank capacity should be large enough for accumulating reasonable dust but compact enough for the vacuum to be portable. Here the balance is the key for a cordless shop vac tank capacity.

Filter

Reusability of the filter is a good option as you need not replace it very often, and your filter performance does not decline due to clogging. Also, the particulate filtering capacity should be taken into account as you do not want the debris flying all over the place.

Hose Length

The longer, the better, but your vacuum must accommodate it on-board otherwise, you will end up carrying multiple things when you need a vacuum. The flexibility and durability of the hose also matter along with the connectivity to the vacuum.

Accessories Storage

Storing the accessories on or inside the vacuum keeps them handy as and when you need them. When they are placed securely with the vacuum, you need not bother where they are when you need them or where to keep them after your use. You can simply open the case and grab them or toss them off when done.

Weight

Cordless vacuums offer the flexibility to carry the vacuums along, and most of them have a handle or shoulder strap for this purpose. Usually, you need to bear the weight of the vacuum as you work using these shop vacs. Therefore, the lightweight of the device is an ideal choice.

FAQs

You always have a little more to know even after knowing many things about Shop vacs. This section adds a few more critical queries that everyone usually has on shop vacs.

My Top Pick

I am impressed by the Milwaukee 0880-20 Cordless Shop Vac due to its decisive action and the great functionalities it offers. Please check the detailed review above to know more about this vacuum. Also, you will find more of such top-notch quality devices listed one after the other chronologically.

All these products are listed after a thorough scrutiny of their various qualities in all aspects. Make sure to check all of them thoroughly before you buy your Cordless Shop-Vac.