Best OverallRIDGID
16-Gallon 6.5 HP Wet/Dry Vac
4.8/ 5
Handled standing water and drywall dust without the filter loading up, and the hose resists kinking.
Pros
- Strong suction
- Big capacity
- Good filtration
Cons
- Bulky to store
$130-$180
At Amazon
A shop vac is the tool you use after every other tool. We tested suction, filter clogging with drywall dust, and how well each handled standing water.
| Pick | Award | Rating | Price | Jump to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16-Gallon 6.5 HP Wet/Dry Vac RIDGID | Best Overall | 4.8 | $130-$180 | Read |
5-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac Shop-Vac | Best Compact | 4.3 | $60-$90 | Read |
18V LXT Cordless Wet/Dry Vac Makita | Best Cordless | 4.5 | $150-$220 | Read |
12-Gallon Vac with HEPA Filter Vacmaster | Best for Dust | 4.4 | $120-$170 | Read |
6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac Craftsman | Best Budget | 4.1 | $55-$85 | Read |
Handled standing water and drywall dust without the filter loading up, and the hose resists kinking.
Light enough to carry upstairs for a single room cleanup and cheap enough to keep in the car.
No cord to drag around a job site, and suction held up well on sawdust cleanup.
The HEPA filter matters if you sand drywall indoors; far less fine dust escaped back into the room.
Covers garage sweeping and car interiors for the price of a few takeout meals.
We vacuumed 5 gallons of water, a bucket of drywall dust, and coarse sawdust with each unit, tracking filter clogging and hose kinks.
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