The most convenient vacuum cleaner used in a workshop is the cordless shop vac compared to a heavy vacuum. With the lightweight design, you need not plug it in and make using it a breeze.
However, there are different models available, each offering you practicality. For this reason, you can find the best cordless shop vac reviewed. With the comparison, you can make an informed choice when in need of buying one.
To save you all the hassles, we have also included a FAQ section to help answer your questions.
Table of Contents
10. Makita XCV11Z LXT Brushless Cordless Wet/Dry Shop Vac
Here we have the best overall cordless shop vac by a recognizable brand. You get an efficient vacuum cleaner with a powerful motor with an airflow rate of 57 CFM with a 27-inch water lift.
Furthermore, it comes with a HEPA filter to help remove pollutants in the workspace. The vac works with an 18V lithium-ion rechargeable battery for up to an hour on a full charge. Moreover, it has an LED indicator light to inform you when it is time to charge it again.
Even portability is of no concern and weighs 10lbs made with different carrying handles. The only problem with the product is that you need to buy the battery separately but remains a powerful option.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- Equipped with a BL brushless motor with 57 CFM and 27-inch water lift
- Works with an 18V LXT lithium-ion battery not included
- Dimension 10.67-inches (L) x 16.93-inches (W) x 12.32-inches (H)
- Outfitted with a HEPA filter cleaning system
- Provides up to an hour of use on a full charge
- Designed with a LED indicator light
- Lightweight at 10lbs available in a blue/white color
What we like:
- Can use it for wet/dry vacuuming
- Durable motor and lightweight
- Equipped with shoulder strap and handles
What we do not like:
- Battery not included
9. Milwaukee 0880-20 Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum
For the best valued cordless shop vac, this one from Milwaukee is what you need. The vacuum has exceptional power to pick up debris in the shop. You get a constant airflow and versatile to use for wet/dry vacuuming.
Furthermore, it comes with a blower port to use as a blower and powered with a Ni-Cad 18V battery. You can get up to an hour of use on a full charge. The included filter is reusable, and you can wash it when it gets dirty.
Portability is not an issue with this shop vac as it has a toolbox structure with handles. Compared to other models, this one is a bit short, and the battery is sold separately.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- Works with Li-ion and Ni-Cad 18V battery sold separately
- Dimension 22.5-inches (L) x 11.5-inches (W) x 15.75-inches (H)
- Outfitted with a HEPA filter cleaning system
- Provides up to an hour of use on a full charge
- Toolbox design for transport with on-board storage
- Available in red/black with a five-year warranty
What we like:
- Compact and versatile to use
- Comes with a reusable filter
- Offers a decent power
- Value for money
What we do not like:
- Has a short power cord for charging the battery
8. DeWalt Max Vacuum Wet/Dry
Here we have a premium choice shop vac from De Walt to use for heavy-duty cleaning at worksites. The best part of this vacuum cleaner is the crush-resistant hose making it a great option to have.
Furthermore, it works with the DeWalt 20V battery, and if you have one of their cordless tools, the battery will work. Moreover, it has a HEPA filter to remove allergens and needs no replacing as you can wash it after every use.
It has a two-gallon tank that does not need emptying often and has an ergonomic design with a three-year warranty. The drawback is that the battery does not charge when you make use of the power cord.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- Can use it corded or cordless
- Works with the DeWalt 20V MAX battery
- Dimension 17.25-inches (L) x 12.31-inches (W) x 13.31-inches (H)
- Equipped with a HEPA filter cleaning system
- Fitted with a five-foot crush-resistant hose with onboard storage
- Available in black/yellow color with a three-year warranty
What we like:
- Durable with a powerful motor
- Easy to use and reusable filter
- Equipped with handles for transporting
What we do not like:
- Expensive compared to other cordless shop vacs
7. Ryobi Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum
This Ryobi model is an excellent choice for use in large workspaces with its cordless design. You can use it as a wet/dry vac and has a six-gallon capacity that does not need emptying often.
While it has a considerable design, you can maneuver it easily with the notable no-tip wheels and carrying handles. Onboard it has a storage area for the accessories and takes up little space with the compact structure.
The drawback is the loud noise but remains an excellent tool for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- Six-gallon wet/dry vacuum with 80 CFM power
- Made with a no-tip wheel to keep it stable
- Equipped with storage for accessories
- You receive a floor nozzle, crevice tool, and extension wands
- Multiple carrying handles with removable top
- Dimension 23.5-inches (L) x 19.5-inches (W) x 17.2-inches (H)
- Green/black color design
What we like:
- Compact for transporting
- Onboard storage
- Has a powerful motor
- Easy to clean
What we do not like:
- Very loud when used
6. Craftsman Cordless Shop Vac
The CRAFTSMAN shop vac is a reliable option if you are on a budget and worth checking out. The cordless vac works with a 20V rechargeable battery and delivers 35 CFM of suction power.
As with most brands, this one also does not include the battery, and you need to buy it separately. However, you can save on the costs if you already have a tool from the brand. Furthermore, it has a two-gallon tank to work for a time before it needs emptying.
Like the other cordless shop vacs, this one also has a HEPA reusable filter with a three-year warranty. The main concern is that the batteries are expensive.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- Two-gallon tank with 35 CFM suction power
- Equipped with an extended 7.8-foot hose
- Works with a 20V battery not included
- Outfitted with a HEPA filter cleaning system
- Available in a red/black color with a three-year warranty
What we like:
- It has a durable construction
- Equipped with a long hose and easy to use
- Fitted with a storage compartment
- Can use it for wet/dry vacuuming
What we do not like:
- Battery not included and expensive
5. DeWalt DC5158 Portable Cordless Shop Vac
Here is another convenient wet/dry shop vac from DeWalt. It has a small design to use as a handheld vacuum. The lightweight of six pounds makes it easy to use in hard to reach spots. Furthermore, it comes with dual-cleaning to use with a rubber hose or utility nozzle.
When using this shop vac, something that stands out is the noiseless operation and has a HEPA reusable filter. However, it does come at a cost for convenience as it has a small half a gallon tank that needs regular cleaning.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- Made with dual-cleanup modes with the front nozzle or using the hose
- Dimension 8.44-inches (L) x 17.69-inches (W) x 6.38-inches (H)
- Outfitted with a HEPA filter cleaning system
- Outfitted with durable on/off switch
- Need to buy the battery charger and battery separately
- Half a gallon tank and available in a yellow/black color
What we like:
- Easy to use with the handheld design
- Offers you the dual cleanup
- Excellent suction power and noiseless
What we do not like:
- Battery not included with a small tank
4. Ridgid Cordless Wet/Dry Shop Vac
This cordless shop vac you can use anywhere to keep your workshop clean from dust. You can use it for cleaning the car or at a job site where no power is available. It has a three-gallon capacity and is powered with a rechargeable 18V battery system.
Furthermore, it has onboard storage for accessories with a locking hose that expands to seven feet. You get a dusting brush, car nozzle, and cartridge filter as with most cordless shop vac brands you need to buy the charger and battery separately and need to replace the filter.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- Dimension 9.3-inches (L) x 16.3-inches (W) x 16-inches (H)
- Outfitted with a replaceable filter
- Powered with an 18V battery sold separately
- It has a three-gallon capacity
- You receive a long hose with a car nozzle and dusting brush
What we like:
- Can use it for wet/dry vacuuming
- Lightweight with carrying handle
- Works just as well as a corded vac
What we do not like:
- Battery not included and more suitable for light-duty cleaning tasks
3. ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner
While not as big as the rest of the cordless shop vacs this one remains a powerful option with its handheld design. The vacuum cleaner offers a 110W suction power while the sleek design with an LED light makes it a worthwhile contender.
It comes with a HEPA reusable filter with a flat bottom body and compact in your hand. The container has a transparent structure and needs no battery as you can plug it into the car’s lighter. Alternatively, you can use it with the 16-foot power cord.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- It comes with three different nozzles, a filter cleaning brush, and a carrying bag
- Two power options for using with the car’s lighter or the power cord included
- 110W of suction power with LED light and HEPA filter
What we like:
- Reusable HEPA filter
- Portable with handheld design
- Easy to use and clean
What we do not like:
- Not as powerful as other cordless shop vacs on the list
2. Evereze Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Shop Vac
This shop vac has a brushless motor to deliver up to 38 CFM suction power with an 80-inch water lift. You can also use it as a blower making it one of the best cordless shop vacs available to consider.
The battery detaches and provides up to 20-minutes of use and included. You can buy an optional battery for a longer run time. Furthermore, it has a HEPA filter you can wash and reuse.
Moreover, it comes with a 2.6 gallon wet/dry capacity that is perfect to use at home or in a business.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- It comes with a 2.0Ah battery, charger, wide nozzle, crevice tool, three tubes, shoulder strap, and hard floor brush
- Equipped with a 2.6 gallon capacity with blower
- Outfitted with a HEPA filter cleaning system
- Designed with a LED indicator light
- Available in a red/black color
What we like:
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Can use it for wet/dry or as a blower
- Easy to use and clean
What we do not like:
- Not a big capacity and may not be powerful enough for heavy-duty tasks
1. Snapper Cordless Electric Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
Last on the list we have this wet/dry cordless shop vac from Snapper. You get a run time of 24-minutes when fully charged with the 2.0 lithium-ion battery not included. It has an airflow of 75 CFM to use wet or dry.
Furthermore, it comes with a six-foot hose for hard to reach places, and it is dual-battery capable for extended run time. Moreover, it has a turbo function making it a great option to have in the workshop.
Cordless Shop Vac at a glance:
- Works with an 82V MAX lithium-ion battery not included
- Equipped with castor wheels for mobility
- It comes with a tool caddy, floor tool, brush tool, round tool, extensions tubes, and crevice tool
- Dimension 19.29-inches (L) x 17.91-inches (W) x 20.27-inches (H)
- Available in a red-black color
What we like:
- Powerful motor with reasonable capacity
- Long extension hose
- Easy to use and clean
What we do not like:
- Battery not included
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Cordless Shop Vac:
Here you can find answers to the frequently asked questions related to the product.
There are a couple of things to consider as seen here:
The battery capacity – most shop vacs with a cordless design works with an 18 or 20V battery. These types of batteries provide a longer run time on a full charge. Also, look at how long it takes to charge the battery as well.
CFM – the cubic feet per minute is also essential as the higher the number, the more suction power it has. When choosing a wet/dry model also look at the water lift capacity.
You can find the filter vac equipped with a HEPA filter you can wash and reuse while others need replacing.
Tank capacity – you need to decide the purpose of the cordless shop vac you want to buy. As the tank’s size determines how many times you need to empty it regularly.
When you work in a workshop, the hose length needs to reach difficult cleaning spots and is essential.
While there are some main features to look at, you also need to consider the noise, if it has accessory storage and size.
When you use a regular vacuum cleaner, it is better at filtering dust while the shop vac has an advanced motor for heavy-duty jobs. Furthermore, you can find them equipped with a HEPA filter.
Final Thoughts
When you invest in a cordless shop vac, you get the portability and versatility to use it anywhere. All of the shop vacs on the list come with durable construction made for heavy-duty tasks. So if you want to get the cleaning tasks done in your workshop, invest in one of these models today.
