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10 Best Garage 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

DEWALT Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, Cordless and Corded Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner Shop Vac 20V MAX, Portable Shopvac, Tool Only (DCV581H)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,409
Suction Power
Filtration System
Portability

Most important from
8152 reviews

Suction Power
Delivers surprisingly strong suction for a battery-powered vacuum, nearly matching a 5-gallon shop vac in power.
Filtration System
Filter is easy to remove and clean, built to last longer than traditional bag-style filters.
Portability
Lightweight at just over 9 pounds, making it easy to carry around for portable cleaning jobs.
Attachments and Accessories
On-board accessory storage and included tools like the crevice tool enhance convenience and versatility in tight spaces.
Noise Level
Low noise level combined with decent suction power creates a user-friendly experience without excessive disturbance.

The DEWALT DCV581H is a compact and portable wet/dry vacuum that suits garage or workshop use well. Its 2-gallon tank offers a decent capacity, enough for typical jobs like clearing clogged pipes or small cleanups without constant emptying. The vacuum runs on 20V MAX power, delivering solid suction with 1.85 horsepower, which should handle both wet and dry debris effectively. A highlight is the washable HEPA filter, which helps trap fine dust and can be cleaned for reuse, saving you money on replacements.

Portability is enhanced by on-board accessory storage and a single handle, making it easy to carry around. The included 5-foot heavy-duty hose and attachments like the crevice tool and wide nozzle add versatility for tight spaces and larger surfaces. It operates at about 80 decibels, which is moderately loud but typical for shop vacuums.

One downside is that the battery and charger are sold separately, so if you want cordless operation, you'll need to invest extra. Also, its small size limits capacity compared to larger shop vacs, so it may require frequent emptying during heavy use. This vacuum is well suited for users needing a portable, flexible wet/dry cleaner for light to medium garage tasks, especially if they already own compatible DEWALT batteries.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,409
Suction Power
Filtration System
Portability

Most important from
8152 reviews

Suction Power
Delivers surprisingly strong suction for a battery-powered vacuum, nearly matching a 5-gallon shop vac in power.
Filtration System
Filter is easy to remove and clean, built to last longer than traditional bag-style filters.
Portability
Lightweight at just over 9 pounds, making it easy to carry around for portable cleaning jobs.
Attachments and Accessories
On-board accessory storage and included tools like the crevice tool enhance convenience and versatility in tight spaces.
Noise Level
Low noise level combined with decent suction power creates a user-friendly experience without excessive disturbance.
#2

Vacmaster 2.5-Gallon* 2 Peak HP Wall Mountable Wet/Dry Vacuum – VOM205P 1101

Rating
9.8
Suction Power
Capacity
Portability

Most important from
5316 reviews

Suction Power
Strong suction delivers effective cleaning for car interiors and typical household debris without needing more power.
Capacity
Small tank capacity means it's best suited for light to moderate messes rather than large or heavy-duty jobs.
Portability
Lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for quick cleanups and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The crevice tool angle could be improved for better access to tight spots, though included attachments are generally useful.
Wet/Dry Capability
Works well for dry vacuuming tasks like stairs, offering good value with a well-made and compact build.
Noise Level
Noise level is moderately loud, so using ear protection is advisable for extended vacuuming sessions.

The Vacmaster 2.5-Gallon Wall Mountable Wet/Dry Vacuum is designed for people who need a compact and portable solution for quick cleanups in garages, workshops, or small spaces. It offers strong suction with a 2 peak horsepower motor and 100 air watts, which is quite good for its size, making it effective at picking up both wet and dry debris. Its 2.5-gallon capacity is on the smaller side, so it’s best suited for light to moderate messes rather than heavy-duty or large jobs.

One of its standout features is the wall-mount design, which helps save floor space and keeps the vacuum handy but out of the way. Weighing just over 6 pounds and with a balanced top handle, it’s very easy to carry around. The vacuum includes six useful attachments, like a crevice tool, which makes cleaning tight spots easier. It also has a long 14-foot hose and cord, allowing decent reach without needing to move the unit often. The cartridge filter is standard and effective for basic dust and debris, but it may need regular cleaning to maintain performance. Noise level is moderate at 65 dB, so it won’t be too loud during use.

A nice bonus is the vacuum can convert into a blower, adding versatility for different tasks. However, the relatively small tank means frequent emptying for bigger jobs, and it's not cordless, so you’ll need a power outlet nearby. This vacuum suits those wanting a lightweight, easy-to-store unit for everyday wet or dry cleaning in small areas rather than heavy garage floors or workshops.

Rating
9.8
Suction Power
Capacity
Portability

Most important from
5316 reviews

Suction Power
Strong suction delivers effective cleaning for car interiors and typical household debris without needing more power.
Capacity
Small tank capacity means it's best suited for light to moderate messes rather than large or heavy-duty jobs.
Portability
Lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for quick cleanups and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Attachments and Accessories
The crevice tool angle could be improved for better access to tight spots, though included attachments are generally useful.
Wet/Dry Capability
Works well for dry vacuuming tasks like stairs, offering good value with a well-made and compact build.
Noise Level
Noise level is moderately loud, so using ear protection is advisable for extended vacuuming sessions.
#3

Shop-Vac 9303511 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum, 2.5 Peak HP, 1.25 Inch Diameter x 4 Foot Hose, 12 Ft Cord Length, Wall Mounted, Includes Filters, Ideal for Jobsite, Garage, Car & Workshop

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Filtration System
Portability

Most important from
279 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum’s suction power is impressively strong, described as feeling like it could 'suck the chrome off a bumper,' making it highly effective for tight, hard-to-reach spaces.
Filtration System
Users appreciate the availability of compatible disposable filter bags and accessory kits that expand the vacuum’s usability for various cleaning needs.
Portability
Its lightweight and compact design make it exceptionally easy to carry and maneuver, turning tasks like hair-cut cleanup into a surprisingly pleasant experience.
Attachments and Accessories
The inclusion of useful accessories and a wall mount enhances convenience and storage options, although onboard cord storage would improve tidiness further.
Wet/Dry Capability
This model offers excellent versatility, handling both wet and dry messes with ease, making it a reliable all-around tool for garage, car, and workshop cleaning.

The Shop-Vac 9303511 is a compact and lightweight wet/dry vacuum designed for garages, workshops, cars, and jobsites. It features a 2.5 peak horsepower motor and 60 CFM airflow, providing strong suction suitable for typical garage cleaning tasks such as picking up dirt, debris, and small liquid spills. Its 2.5-gallon tank is relatively small, making it easy to carry and store, though it may require frequent emptying during larger cleanups.

Equipped with a HEPA filtration system that includes both a foam cage filter and a filter bag, the vacuum effectively traps fine dust and allergens, contributing to cleaner exhaust air. Portability is enhanced by the vacuum's light weight of just 8.5 pounds and the option to wall-mount it. The 1.25-inch diameter, 4-foot hose, along with accessories like a utility nozzle, crevice tool, and onboard storage, provide flexibility for reaching tight spots and various surfaces.

Powered by a 12-foot cord, it eliminates concerns about battery life, though the cord length may limit coverage in larger areas without nearby outlets. Designed for both wet and dry pickups, this Shop-Vac model offers versatility for handling spills and dry debris. It has a single power level, which means suction cannot be adjusted for quieter or more energy-efficient operation. This vacuum is a solid choice if you need a lightweight, portable wet/dry vacuum with reliable suction and useful accessories for small to medium garage or workshop tasks, while those needing larger capacity or quieter operation might consider other models.

Rating
9.7
Suction Power
Filtration System
Portability

Most important from
279 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum’s suction power is impressively strong, described as feeling like it could 'suck the chrome off a bumper,' making it highly effective for tight, hard-to-reach spaces.
Filtration System
Users appreciate the availability of compatible disposable filter bags and accessory kits that expand the vacuum’s usability for various cleaning needs.
Portability
Its lightweight and compact design make it exceptionally easy to carry and maneuver, turning tasks like hair-cut cleanup into a surprisingly pleasant experience.
Attachments and Accessories
The inclusion of useful accessories and a wall mount enhances convenience and storage options, although onboard cord storage would improve tidiness further.
Wet/Dry Capability
This model offers excellent versatility, handling both wet and dry messes with ease, making it a reliable all-around tool for garage, car, and workshop cleaning.

Buying Guide for the Best Garage Vacuums

Choosing the right garage vacuum can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean and organized workspace. When selecting a garage vacuum, it's important to consider various factors that will ensure it meets your specific needs. Here are some key specifications to look out for and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. This is important because a vacuum with strong suction power will be able to clean more thoroughly and handle larger debris. Suction power is often measured in air watts (AW) or cubic feet per minute (CFM). For light cleaning tasks, a lower suction power may suffice, but for heavy-duty cleaning, such as in a workshop or garage with lots of debris, higher suction power is recommended.
CapacityThe capacity of a garage vacuum refers to the size of its dustbin or bag. This is important because a larger capacity means you can clean for longer periods without needing to empty the vacuum. Capacities can range from small (around 2-5 gallons) to large (over 10 gallons). If you have a large garage or frequently generate a lot of debris, a vacuum with a larger capacity will be more convenient. For smaller spaces or less frequent use, a smaller capacity may be sufficient.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a garage vacuum determines how well it can trap dust and allergens. This is important for maintaining air quality, especially if you have allergies or respiratory issues. Look for vacuums with HEPA filters for the highest level of filtration. Standard filters are suitable for general cleaning, but if you need to capture fine dust and allergens, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is recommended.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the vacuum around your garage. This is important if you need to clean different areas or if you have a large garage. Consider the weight of the vacuum and whether it has wheels or a handle for easy transport. Lightweight and compact models are easier to maneuver, while larger models may offer more power but can be more cumbersome to move.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your garage vacuum. This is important for tackling different cleaning tasks, such as reaching tight spaces or cleaning upholstery. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush nozzles, and extension wands. Consider what types of cleaning tasks you will be performing and choose a vacuum that comes with the appropriate attachments.
Wet/Dry CapabilityWet/dry capability refers to the vacuum's ability to handle both liquid spills and dry debris. This is important if you need a versatile vacuum that can clean up a variety of messes. Wet/dry vacuums are ideal for garages where spills and wet debris are common. If you only need to clean dry debris, a standard dry vacuum may be sufficient.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a garage vacuum is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the vacuum will be during operation. This is important if you are sensitive to noise or if you will be using the vacuum in a shared space. Quieter vacuums are generally more pleasant to use, but they may have less power. Consider your tolerance for noise and the environment in which you will be using the vacuum when making your choice.

FAQ