Cordless Shop Vac

C leaning your garage might be a challenge if you lack the proper gear for the chore at hand. Irrespective of the sort of mess that requires handling, whether it is dry or wet, a shop vac can handle the job. There are sufficient models already available, so you have a few options to pick from. However, if you are here, it means that you are solely interested in battery-operated vacuums that are exponentially more fitting to maneuver as they do not require plugging in an outlet to run. Thus, you are not restricted when you clean, which comes particularly in handy with large-size spaces. As you likely figured out on your own up to this point, in the following, we will rate and evaluate the best cordless shop vacs, so stick with us if you want to make an informed purchase.

Top 9 Cordless Shop Vacs Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Dimension	CFM	Capacity	Battery Type	HEPA Filter	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Dewalt DCV580H	13.1 x 17.2 x 12.3 inches	33.55	2 gallons	18V/20V		3 years, 1-year free service, and 90-day money-back guarantee	Check Price
	2. Milwaukee 0880-20	16.92 x 12.12 x 8.46 inches	45	2 gallons	18V		5 years	Check Price
Our Choice	3. DEWALT DCV517B	8.4 x 6.4 x 17.7 inches	35	0.5 gallons	20V		3 years, 1-year free service, and 90-day money-back guarantee	Check Price
Best for Heavy-duty	4. Ryobi P770	23.50 x 19.50 x 24.3 inches	80	6 gallons	18V		3 years	Check Price
	5. Makita XCV11Z	10 x 16 x 11 inches	57	2 gallons	MAK 18V		3 years	Check Price
Best Budget-friendly	6. PORTER-CABLE PCC795B	17 x 11.9 x 13.9 inches	34	2 gallons	20V		3 years, 1-year free service, and 90-day money-back guarantee	Check Price
	7. RYOBI P3240	19 x 12.8 x 10 inches	45	3 gallons	18V		3 years	Check Price
	8. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCV002B	16.8 x 13.8 x 11.4 inches	35	2 gallons	20V		3 years	Check Price
	9. Dewalt DCV581HR	13.1” x 17.2” x 12.3”	31	2 gallons	18V/20V		3 years, 1-year free service, and 90-day money-back guarantee	Check Price

1. Dewalt DCV580H

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Design

It is lightweight enough to not cause back pain when carrying it as it weighs merely 10.8 pounds. Likewise, as it measures 13.1” H by 17.2” W by 12.3” D, you won’t have trouble finding a storage spot for it either. The total capacity is 2 gallons, which is sufficient to impede you from discharging it absurdly often. It works with any 18V and 20V batteries. It comprises a HEPA filter that guarantees clean, bacteria-free air after you vacuum as it traps polluting particles.

Power and Warranty

The battery provides 25 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted use, so there is sufficient time to finish cleaning irrespective of how large the space is. It offers 1.85 HP, so it handles heavy-duty use like a pro, picking up the most stubborn debris in its path in its first pass. You can convert it into a 33.55 CFM blower when you need one to clear the greeneries in your path. It is covered with full 3-year assurance, 1 year of free service, and it likewise comprises a 90-day money-back guarantee that grants full reimbursement if you are dissatisfied with the acquisition and desire to return it.

Accessories

The purchase includes a heavy-duty 5’ long hose that is fully integrated and for which you have enough on-board storage room when the unit is idle. The diameter is 1-1/4”, so it does not clog, irrespective of how large the collected waste is. In the bundle, you also receive a crevice tool to vacuum narrow spaces, as well as a wide nozzle tool for quick clean-up.

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2. Milwaukee 0880-20

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It measures 16.92” L by 12.12” H by 8.46” W and weighs a mere 10.1 pounds. As it is among the more reliable models when it comes to suction power, there is likely no mess that it cannot handle, and its 2-gallon volume cuts on the time lost on discharging it, irrespective of how big the muddle is. To run it, you need any 18V slide-on battery. It features onboard storage to keep everything tidily in place when you are not using it, saving space due to this design aspect. It comprises a 6’ hose with a 1-1/4” diameter that reaches all areas without any effort. You can even connect other accessories to the hose, like the listed utility nozzle that makes the clean-up process quicker, or the crevice tool that comes in handy for narrow spaces.

It comprises the CleanStream filtration technology, which is composed of a washable and reusable filter that aids clear the air of impurities during the vacuuming process and that saves you money in the long-run as it does not necessitate routine substitution. It is even equipped with a HEPA filter that catches allergens and dust particles to create a proper habitat for allergy sufferers and other sensitive individuals. The built-in blower port permits it to function as a 45 CFM blower when you need it to. Lastly, we must highlight the 5-year assurance provided as it covers repair costs if needed within this period.

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3. DEWALT DCV517B

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This is the most compact entry in our top, measuring only 8.4” by 6.4” by 17.7” and weighing a mere 4.5 pounds. Thus, you can even pick it up with one hand to vacuum tables and other tall surfaces if you need to, not having to limit yourself to using it solely for cleaning the floors. It boasts a 0.5-gallon dirt holding volume. It requires any 20V MAX battery to run, but you have to acquire this part separately as the bundle does not include it.

To help purify the air, it comprises two filters – a reusable filter that saves you money, and a Gore HEPA filter that clears the air of bacteria and microorganisms. Woefully, apart from the filters, you do not get any other auxiliary items, which is a downside considering that other products include these from the get-go. The warranty is 3 years long, and you also receive a 1-year free service period, as well as a 90-day money-back assurance for full reimbursement if you return the unit.

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4. Ryobi P770

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While still a portable option, it is not as lightweight or small as some of our other entries. This model measures 23.5” D by 19.5” H by 17.25” W, and it weighs 24.3 pounds. Among its main highlights is the 7′ long hose that permits you to reach difficult areas to assure that the whole space is cleaned spotless. The accessories comprise a floor nozzle, a crevice tool, and 2 extension wands. It can be transformed into an 80 CFM blower to get rid of driveway greenery much easier. What impresses is the 6-gallon capacity that guarantees you won’t find yourself discharging it too often. It sucks up wet and dry debris without effort, which adds to its versatility seeing how you can clean anything with it. For power, it requires an 18V battery.

The reusable filter cleans the air passing through the unit and saves you money as replacement is not required with time. It features two 8” wheels that add to its mobility and let you move around with it effortlessly, while the smaller back wheel rotates to 360 degrees to permit the unit to swivel as needed, avoiding objects much easier due to it. To protect your investment, the product is backed with a 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

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5. Makita XCV11Z

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Design-wise, it measures 10” W by 16” L by 11” H, which makes it simple to handle and saves storage space. The 2-gallon capacity suffices to ensure little time is lost on emptying it. The built-in blower hose lets you convert it into a 57 CFM blower at any time you need to. On a full battery, it runs for up to 60 minutes before it requires charging. It necessitates an 18V MAX battery to run, but as it is not included with the purchase, you have to spend extra money on this part. As it is fitted with a LED battery indicator, you are kept informed regarding the status of the battery so that you know when the time comes to charge it beforehand.

There are two speeds to use and tailor its performance to the task at hand. The integrated tethering hooks it features lets you attach a shoulder strap to more easily transport it while cleaning. The large top handle is another plus seeing how it allows a quick lift, while the on-board storage offers an appropriate space for storing accessories. It makes an estimated 76 dB when it runs, which is reasonable for a vacuum. It comprises a HEPA filter that traps microorganisms in the air to make it safer for you to breathe. Moreover, as the filter is washable, it helps you save money in the long-run as there are no replacement costs to worry about. Furthermore, a 3-year assurance is provided against defects in manufacturing to cover you financially if repairs are needed.

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6. PORTER-CABLE PCC795B

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This is a 2-gallon volume product that successfully cleans any space due to its high suction force. The long 7.67’ hose provides access even in hard to reach areas for a thorough cleaning. The accessories we like most, however, are the nozzle and the crevice tool that help you reach every nook and cranny to thoroughly clean up the entire area. For ease of maneuvering and storing, it measures 17” W by 11.9” H by 13.9” D and weighs only 9.2 pounds. It can be utilized as a 34 CFM blower to keep the driveway free of leaves when autumn comes. It necessitates a 20V MAX battery to run. Woefully, there have been a few complaints regarding the fact that it goes through the battery too quickly, so expect to recharge it more often than you would other models.

It features a reusable filter that might not be as efficient as HEPA filters are but still does a decent job at clearing the air pulled in of impurities. A 90-day money-back guarantee is provided to let you test the product and receive full reimbursement in case you are dissatisfied with it for any reason at all. When it comes to backing, it is covered by the producer for 3 years as of buying it, and you are granted a 1-year free service period as well. Just use it as instructed in the accompanying manual to not void the warranty arrangement.

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7. RYOBI P3240

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The flat-top design eases your work when maneuvering it, and it lets you stack it for space-saving storage. It measures 19” W by 12.8” D by 10” H, and weighs only 10.9 pounds. The 3-gallon capacity lets you mind your business when cleaning rather than having to take breaks to empty it at an absurd pace. Count on it for wet and dry debris alike, so you have no limitations when it comes to use. The extendable 6’ long, 1-1/4” diameter hose makes it easy for you to access any area with it. To the hose, you can attach the included nozzle or crevice tool to make sure no area is left unattended and that a thorough cleaning takes place.

While it might not include a HEPA-grade filter, it does integrate a standard washable filter for air pollution reduction. The extra perk with this filter is that it saves you money on replacements in the long-run. An 18V battery is needed for it to run. You can turn it into a 45 CFM blower, expanding the uses that you can succumb it to seeing how it even helps get rid of the leaves and greenery that pile up on the driveway when autumn comes. For free repairs, you can rely on the manufacturer to provide them during the first 3 years after you buy the product.

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8. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCV002B

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You are sure to never strain your back when cleaning with this unit, even if you carry it in your hand wherever you go seeing how it only weighs 9.48 pounds. Moreover, it measures 16.8” H by 13.8” W by 11.4” D, so it does not take up much space when stored either. The 2-gallon plastic tank is pretty standard and ensures you won’t empty it compulsively often, regardless of how messy your workspace gets. It delivers a powerful 35 CFM suction that ensures it picks up any dry or wet spill in a single pass. The HEPA filter ensures fumes and dust are no reason to worry when you vacuum, trapping 99.7% of dust and allergens in the room to create a safer habitat for you.

It even includes a washable foam filter for further air purification, a money-saving extra as it won’t necessitate replacement. The 7.8’ long hose is 1-1/4” in diameter, which prevents it from clogging even when it sucks up larger-size debris. To save storage space, you can wrap the hose around the unit. It includes two accessories, namely the crevice tool and the wide nozzle. These added tools enhance versatility in use, and you can store them on-board for safekeeping. Furthermore, from the moment of purchase, it is backed with a 3-year warranty against defects.

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9. Dewalt DCV581HR

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As it weighs only 12 pounds, you won’t have much trouble moving around with it. It measures 17.2” W by 12.3” D by 13.1” H to easily fit in any space for storage. The plastic canister hides a 2-gallon capacity so that you vacuum uninterrupted. What makes it different is that you can pick whether you want to use it as a corded or a cordless vacuum, which adds to its versatility. It includes a HEPA filter that eliminates allergens, dust, and airborne specks to make the room safer for you to be in, even if you are sensitive to air pollutants. Lastly, we must mention that a 3-year warranty is granted by the producer, having you covered when it comes to repair costs.

When utilized as a cordless unit, it requires an 18V or 20V lithium-ion MAX battery to run. There are several accessories included that make it easy to clean all nooks and crannies with it. The crush-resistant 5’ long hose has a 1-1/4” diameter that guarantees it won’t get stuck when picking up dirt. Seeing how the suction force is 31 CFM, you can rely on it even for clearing the toughest mess you ever made. The crevice tool and wide nozzle tool add to its vacuuming potential. Moreover, free service is provided for 1 year, while within the first 90 days of acquiring it, you can return it and be fully reimbursed if you do not wish to keep the product.

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How To Clean The Filter

You might think that a shop vacuum is pretty similar to a regular type one, or at least have some aspects in common. While it is true that both types share the same common goal, to aid you in cleaning, their maintenance is different, especially when filters are involved.

When your vacuum starts to lose power, it’s time to check the filter’s condition, as it is a major key player when your appliance’s performance is affected. Depending on the filter type, you must clean it in a different manner. Usually, there are two main types: dry filters and wet filters.

Dry Filters

They are reusable, therefore, once you finish cleaning, you can reuse them, saving money in the process. When it comes to the cleaning procedure, there are several methods that you can turn to:

• Tap – Slap the handle, and let the dust and debris fall into the dust drum. However, this will work only if your filter is not heavily weighed down by debris.
• Remove and tap – Similar to the previous method, this requires to take the filter out. Once removed from the unit, tap on all its sides – or use a soft brush – and get rid of all the debris stuck in there.
• Air – Use the force of compressed air and blow the debris away from the filter. However, make sure the air pressure is not strong enough to damage the filter in the process.
• Wash – Rinse it until the water pouring from it is completely clean. Then, let it air dry completely. Once it is fully dried, you can reassemble the vacuum.

Wet Filters

They are used whenever you plan on vacuuming wet debris, like paint or water. Make sure to unplug the power cord, and remove the filter from the vacuum. Run water through it and tap it lightly to help remove any stuck debris. When it’s completely clean, let it air dry completely, then reassemble it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Cleaning a garage or workspace can pose a serious issue as, without the right equipment, you will spend hours on it and likely won’t end up with the expected result. This is why you need a shop vac, the unit’s design specially catering to this use as it can pick up both wet and dry debris alike without much effort. Surely, by now, after reading our reviews, you have decided on which unit to take home, but if you’re still between options, let’s revise some of the standout models quickly:

Best Overall : Dewalt DCV580H
This is a medium-sized unit with a 2-gallon capacity that delivers sufficient suction force to pick up any debris in its path. It comes with a hose, a floor nozzle, and a crevice tool, so you’ll have access to every nook and cranny. Moreover, it is compatible with any 18V or 20V battery, so you can straightforwardly adapt it to your cleaning needs. Compact and lightweight, you won’t have a hard time maneuvering it around.

Our Choice : DEWALT DCV517B
If you’re looking for a compact unit, which can be easily used with only one hand, this is what you need. Smaller than other vacuums, it offers you the capability to effortlessly pick up any above-floor debris. It can work with any 20V battery, and it comes with a power of 35 CFM. Additionally, you’ll benefit from its HEPA filter, so there will be no dust, allergens or dust bits in the air when you use it.

Best for Heavy-duty : Ryobi P770
It can stock up to 8 gallons of debris, be it wet or dry, and it has a strong power of 80CFM. It comes with 3 wheels, for increased maneuverability and transportability, and it also has a swivel feature. In this way, you can easily evade all objects in your way, while cleaning. Furthermore, it can convert into a blower, when needed.

Best Budget-friendly Cordless Shop Vac : PORTER-CABLE PCC795B
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to make a financial effort and spend hundreds of dollars on a vacuum, then you should consider PORTER-CABLE PCC795B. It combines the low asking price with high-quality service, guaranteeing you’ll benefit from a 2-gallon capacity, several accessories to reach all nooks and crannies, as well as a washable cartridge filter. Even more, it can support any 20V MAX battery, therefore it will provide you with up to 34 CFM.