The Best Wet/Dry Vacuums We’ve Ever Tested

Best Overall

DeWalt 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac

$160
$130 at Amazon


$185
$130 at Walmart


$119 at Lowe’s

Based on our test results, this wet/dry vacuum from DeWalt was just about perfect, making it our top pick. It took us just 10 minutes to assemble, thanks to the clear instructions, and we only needed a screwdriver to attach the wheels. We loved the extension wand and versatile vacuum attachments that let us clean even the tightest nooks and crannies, and the accessory storage bag is convenient and sturdy. It doesn’t fall off while the vacuum is in use, although it does need to be removed to empty the vacuum.

We found that this vacuum was ideal for dirt, leaves, cobwebs, garage debris, and even a clogged sink. It easily picked up everything we tested it on, with the exception of hard-to-remove dog hairs from low-pile carpeting that even some pet-specific vacuums can struggle to get on the first pass. The 7-foot hose was flexible and sturdy, and together with the 10-foot cord, we were able to reach every space we needed to clean. The 9-gallon capacity was more than big enough for average use, and it was easy to empty and to clean. The drain plug on the front of the canister also easily unscrews for fast and mess-free liquid emptying.

The noise level is average for its size and suction power, and we didn’t need to use ear protection. The only slight design flaw seemed to be hose storage. The rubber latch that connects the hose to the vacuum body allowed the hose to dangle a little, and there was limited clearance under the handle where the nozzle was supposed to fit. Still, we found the hose storage similar to that of other shop vacs, and the hose wrapped securely around the canister body for easy storage, even without fitting exactly like the manual diagram showed.

Capacity: 9 gallons | Hose Length: 7 feet | Weight: 22 pounds | CFM: 90

Best Budget

Armor All Wet/Dry Vacuum

$72
$61 at Amazon


$60
$40 at Walmart

This budget vac stood out because it didn’t feel or work like a budget buy. Instead, it’s a steal with its five attachments (including detailing brush and deluxe car nozzle), two filters (a reusable cloth and foam filters for wet applications), and ample suction power in a petite package. Setup was simple, as it was already assembled—all we needed to do was remove the attachments and place them in the on-board storage locations on the canister.

This device performed well in a variety of tests, including wet and dry cleanup, and it excelled in hard-to-reach spaces due to its smaller size. But the long hose, generous cord length, and extender attachment made it feel anything but small. We could reach everywhere we needed to clean, and the 2.5 gallon canister was lightweight and easy to carry and maneuver. While it has one of the smallest canister sizes we tested, it was still big enough for minor projects, household cleanup, auto detailing, and similar tasks. It also has a handy auto-shutoff feature that kicks in when it’s vacuuming liquids so the tank won’t overfill.

We did notice the seal between the top and the base doesn’t feel tight, but while the two parts of the unit shook a little during use, no dust or debris escaped. We liked that it doesn’t require collection bags, which will cut down on future costs, but could be a downside for users who want that option. The unit also doesn’t come with a fine-dust filter, and we weren’t able to find one by the same manufacturer that fit this exact vacuum. However, after six months, we’re still returning to this shop vac for car detailing and other small jobs.

Capacity: 2.5 gallons | Hose Length: 6 feet | Weight: 7 pounds | CFM: 53