Top 15 Best Portable Wet Dry Vacs To Buy in 2020

Let me tell you why you should know which are the best portable wet dry vac models. First of all, long are the days when shop vacs were large, robust, and hard to store in the house.

Luckily, things have changed during the years and due to the technological advancements, now you can enjoy some efficient, modern vacuum cleaners. So the modern ones are lightweight, have great power and additional features to help you clean the floors.

Today is about the portable wet dry vacuums, one of the most performant cleaning products on the market. They make less noise, they perfectly vacuum, and also clean using the power of steam.

There is no reason why you should not have this type of vacuum cleaner in your home, especially if you love seeing the floors sparkling clean.

In this article, I brought together some of the top models of portable wet dry vacuums, with pros, cons, and personal experience. Moreover, you can read a comprehensive buying guide, to help you choose the most suitable wet dry vacuum cleaner.

Why Go With A Portable Wet/Dry Vac?

First things first, let’s understand better the difference between wet and dry vacuum cleaners and the general ones.

The main contrast is the centrifugal chamber. So, when it comes to wet dry vacuum cleaners, all the dust and water are socketed right into the centrifugal chamber.

Then the motor produces a high speed running, so the water is all gone into the collecting bucket. In the end, all those light impurities will enter the dust bag.

On the other hand, the very obvious difference is the cleaning method. The portable wet dry vacuum uses water, so there will be no dust escaping into the air, and the floors will be better sanitized.

But that sounds like an industrial model. What should you care about portability in this case? For many reasons actually.

Maybe, you want to start a company that cleans people’s houses, garages and driveways. Do you wish to carry a very bulky model? Wouldn't it be better if you could have a portable wet dry vacuum cleaner that returns the same results? I bet it would.

However, nowadays, people start to embrace the DIY trend and prefer cleaning their property on their own. And truth be told, with the right tools, you won’t need to hire specialised cleaners to come do your jobs.

Yet, when buying a wet and dry vac model, you will need to think about the space you have for depositing it. My bet is that it is not as generous. This is why a small, powerful and portable vac will make your life easier.

Furthermore, when the fight for saving the planet is bigger than ever and with it the trend of co-owning objects has become more and more popular.

This being said, if you wish to share a wet and dry vac with your neighbours and friends, you most likely will want a model that is portable and easy to carry around from one house to another.

What Are The Best Portable Wet Dry Vac Models?

The best portable wet dry vac models are from brands such as Vacmaster, Stanley or Craftsman due to their durability, strong suction and cleaning reach.

Moreover, other brands like Dewalt and Makita offer cordless models that take portability to a different level.

Let’s check them all out.

• Best Overall: Vacmaster 12-Gallon 5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “Extra large drain port; integrated accessory storage; concentrator nozzle; air/noise diffuser; foam wet filter.”
• Best Budget: WORKSHOP 2.5 Gallon 1.75 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “Flat-bottom design; 10-foot power cord; large ergonomic carry handle; 4-foot hose; corded electric.”
• Best Small: DEWALT 4 Gallon 5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum
  “4 gallon toolbox; onboard vac accessory storage; ultra-flexible hose; extra long power cord; washable & reusable cartridge filter.”
• Best Shop: CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “Dual-flex technology; built-in blower port; wet/dry vac; 180-degree mobility; qwik lock filter.”
• Best Stainless Steel: Vacmaster 6 Gallon 3 HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Cleaner
  “Stainless steel tank; dust sealed switch; on-board accessory storage; easy transport design; large drain port.”
• Best with HEPA Filter: Makita 2 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “Efficient HEPA filter; LED battery indicator; Lithium Ion battery; BL Brushless Motor; integrated tethering hooks.”
• Best Blower: Stanley 12 Gallon 6 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “Strong suction; safety buoy technology; 3-in-1 multifunctional; lightweight and compact design; sturdy handle.”
• Best with Water Pump: Shop Vac 12 Gal 5.0 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “Built in water pump; two extension wands; type U cartridge; type F filter bag; wet dry vacuum.”
• Best for Car Detailing: Vacmaster 4 Gallon 5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “HEPA material exhaust filter; on-board storage; 3 extension wands; automatic cord rewind; multi-surface floor nozzle.”
• Best for Pets: Oxford Street 7000PA 12 V Handheld Wet Dry Vacuum
  “7000PA powerful suction; no dead angles; USB cable charge; 4 functional accessories.”
• Best for Gutter Cleaning: WORKSHOP 12-Gallon 5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “Qwik Lock Filter; Dual-Flex hose; large drain port; 180 degree flexibility; integrated blower; wet nozzle.”
• Best for Car: LOZAYI 5000PA Wet Dry Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
  “Upgraded HEPAfilter; portable handheld; 75 decibels; 360 degree cyclone technology; 100W motor powerful.”
• Best for Home: CRAFTSMAN 4 Gallon 5.0 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “Dust-sealed on/off switch; cartridge filter; accessory storage; accessory caddy; pos-I-lock hose; 20-foot power cord.”
• Best Corded: Stanley 3 Gallon 3 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
  “Powerful vacuuming function; long life cycle; non-woven filter; large transfer switch; extra large drain port.”
• Best Cordless: Dewalt 2 Gallon 31 CFM Wet Dry Vacuum
  “Cordless operation; washable and reusable filter; crush-resistant; on-board hose & accessory storage.”

Best Portable Wet Dry Vac Comparison Chart 2020

The best portable wet dry vac chart will help you compare the models and understand the differences between them. Be sure to give it a look.

Top 15 Best Portable Wet Dry Vac Reviews in 2020

The best portable wet dry vac review section is just about to start. Take a comfortable sit and make sure you don’t miss anything.

1. Vacmaster 12-Gallon 5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Overall)

The first vacuum cleaner I want to present is manufactured by Vacmaster. It has the capacity of converting into a handheld blower and ease your household cleaning.

It is a corded model, but has a very big cleaning reach. With its cord and hose, you can reach up to 19 ft.

Another aspect that I want to mention is that even though it comes with many accessories such as a concentrator nozzle, an utility nozzle or a blower adapter, the vacuum cleaner has an integrated accessory storage that will help you store everything.

Key Features:

• Integrated accessory storage
• Extra large drain port
• Handheld blower

Product Specifications:

Color	Blue
Product Dimensions	18.44 x 20.52 x 24.49 inches
Power Source	Power cord
Voltage	120 Volts
Cleaning Reach	19 ft
Watts	1260
Brand	Vacmaster

Personal Experience:

I love the fact that this drain port is extra large and therefore it is so very easy to drain. For a video presentation, I recommend the video below:

2. WORKSHOP 2.5 Gallon 1.75 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Budget)

The wet dry vacuum cleaner from Workshop is a compact and therefore portable model. Moreso, has a large ergonomic handle for making the carrying process much easier.

The vacuum cleaner has a flat bottom design which gives it the stability it needs, preventing any tipping over events.

Finally, all the attachments can be kept on-board. This way not the storage is very practical, but you also have everything you need at hand.

Key Features:

• Stable flat-bottom
• On-board storage
• Ergonomic carry handle

Product Specifications:

Color	Black/Grey/Yellow
Product Dimensions	15 x 14 x 12 inches
Power Source	Power cord
Voltage	Not specified
Cleaning Reach	14 ft
Watts	Not specified
Brand	Workshop

Personal Experience:

If I were to pick just two things I love about this model I would go with the price and great cleaning reach.

But check out the next video, for a better understanding.

3. DEWALT 4 Gallon 5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best Small)

Small is sometimes desirable and because of that I want to share with you a great model from DEWALT. This here is a 4 gallon portable toolbox that can be taken along whenever you need it.

Furthermore, it has onboard accessory storage that will help you have everything at hand. The motor is strong enough to offer the suction you need for any kind of task.

Another great aspect of it is its reusable filter that you can wash and reuse as many times you want.

Key Features:

• Ultra-flexible hose
• Reusable filter
• On-board vac accessory storage

Product Specifications:

Color	Black/Yellow
Product Dimensions	2.5 x 15 x 19 inches
Power Source	Power cord
Voltage	120V
Cleaning Reach	27 ft
Watts	140 watts
Brand	DEWALT

Personal Experience:

Yes, this model can also be turned into a blower and yes, it works great. Need a better visualization of what you just read? Watch the next video:

4. CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Shop)

This next model is more of a heavy duty model. Eleven so, this doesn’t mean it is not a portable one. But let’s focus for a second on its great capacities.

First of all, it has a very powerful motor that will be perfectly suited for large projects such as on the jobsite or why not in your own garage.

It comes with a built-in blower port that will help you remove the leaves from your porch or driveway.

Finally, it is equipped with an oversized drain that will easy your emptying process.

Key Features:

• 180-degree mobility
• Built-in blower port
• Oversized drain

Product Specifications:

Color	Red
Product Dimensions	21.31 x 21.31 x 23.81 inches
Power Source	Power cord
Voltage	120V
Cleaning Reach	27 ft
Watts	1440 watts
Brand	Craftsman

Personal Experience:

No matter how much you take care of your work space, you will still need a trusted friend for the cleaning times. And I can assure you that you won’t regret spending your money on this Craftsman model.

Want a video? Check out below:

5. Vacmaster 6 Gallon 3 HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Stainless Steel)

If you prefer stainless steel wet & dry shop vacuum cleaners, I have just the thing for you and it is from the Vacmaster portfolio.

This beauty here has a capacity of 6 gallons and a motor of 3 HP. This means that it is perfect to take along for outside jobs and still have the power to support any difficult task.

Moreso, you will be able to store all its accessories on board and have it with you at every moment.

Finally, you will notice that the vacuum cleaner comes with a locking hose and a dust sealed switch

Key Features:

• Dust sealed switch
• Stainless steel body
• Locking hose

Product Specifications:

Color	Silver
Product Dimensions	14.8 x 13.2 x 20.5 inches
Power Source	Power cord
Voltage	120V
Cleaning Reach	19 ft
Watts	97 watts
Brand	Vacmaster

Personal Experience:

You don’t need me to tell you that this is a great vacuum cleaner. If you look at its price, you will realize in no time that this is probably one of the greatest value for money offers ever.

6. Makita 2 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best with HEPA Filter)

HEPA filters. I don’t know a single person who would prefer otherwise. This is why I want to take a minute of your time and discuss this next Makita device.

It comes with a very powerful motor that is capable of delivering 57 cfm. Furthermore, when it comes to water lifting, it can lift up to 27 inches of water.

Since it is equipped with a HEPA filtering system, it can capture up to 99.97% of allergens, leaving the air around you better.

Lastly, it runs on a battery that can work for 60 minutes before it will need to be recharged.

Key Features:

• Efficient HEPA filter
• BL Brushless Motor
• Lithium Ion 5.0 Ah battery

Product Specifications:

Color	Blue
Product Dimensions	10.67 x 16.93 x 12.32 inches
Power Source	Battery
Voltage	18V
Cleaning Reach	Indefinite
Watts	0 watts
Brand	Makita

Personal Experience:

I personally love the fact that this is a battery powered device. I know that some of you would prefer otherwise, but portability is simply not the same with a cord.

I have prepared a video below:

7. Stanley 12 Gallon 6 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Blower)

This Stanley vacuum cleaner is actually the first one of the list. You will be able to read about a smaller model a little later. But for the time being, let’s focus on this one.

It has a strong suction, providing a very high performance. Even more amazing is its powerful rear blower port that can instantly convert your vacuum into a blower and clean your driveway.

With a great cleaning range and a compact design, this vac can be taken along for any task you might have in mind.

Key Features:

• 2 extension wands
• Safety buoy technology
• 3-in-1 multifunctional

Product Specifications:

Color	Black
Product Dimensions	17.5 x 17.5 x 23.6 inches
Power Source	Power corded
Voltage	120V
Cleaning Reach	22 ft
Watts	840 watts
Brand	Stanley

Personal Experience:

This vacuum cleaner comes with something called ‘safety buoy technology’ that will automatically turn your machine off if the water level exceeds a safety point. And yes, I love this feature.

8. Shop Vac 12 Gal 5.0 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best with Water Pump)

The Shop vac wet and dry vacuum cleaner is here for many reasons but mostly because of its great water pump. But what makes it so special, you might ask.

Well, it has the capacity of moving very large amounts of water, pumping them in a different location. Due to this feature, it is a great device to have around when you struggle with broken pipes or flooded basements.

The vacuum cleaner is also very high up the list thanks to its accessories that will come handy regardless of your needs.

Key Features:

• Water pump
• Two extension wands
• Onboard tool holder

Product Specifications:

Color	Black/Red
Product Dimensions	18.25 x 18.25 x 24.5 inches
Power Source	Power corded
Voltage	120V
Cleaning Reach	20 ft
Watts	1356 watts
Brand	Shop Vac

Personal Experience:

I hope that you won’t have to deal with flooding very often, but if you do, this wet and dry shop vac will be the best friend you could have.

9. Vacmaster 4 Gallon 5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Car Detailing)

Let’s check out another Vacmaster vacuum cleaner. This one is equipped with HEPA filters, leaving the air purified every time you use it. Moreso, It comes with a 2 stage motor that provides great suction.

Even though you have a strong motor, the cleaning process is done with little noise, giving you the possibility to work without disturbing anyone around.

Lastly, you get an on-board accessory, hose and cord storage that will keep everything tidy and at hand’s reach.

Key Features:

• Round dust brush
• HEPA Filter
• 2-Stage Motor

Product Specifications:

Color	Blue
Product Dimensions	17.1 x 13.2 x 17.3 inches
Power Source	Power corded
Voltage	120V
Cleaning Reach	25 ft
Watts	960 watts
Brand	Vacmaster

Personal Experience:

There aren’t many things left to say regarding this vacuum cleaner. It is portable, does its job great and in silence.

Want a second opinion? Check it out below:

10. Oxford Street 7000PA 12 V Handheld Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Pets)

Do you have pets and need a portable wet and dry vacuum? Don’t worry because I have just the thing for you.

This handheld Oxford Street model is powerful (7000PA suction power) and supports both wet and dry tasks. It is probably one of the best devices you can have around you anywhere you are. It is a great addition to your home, car or office.

It can be charged using a USB cable and with a full charge of 3-4 hours will work for 30 minutes straight.

Last but not least, it comes with HEPA filters, so be prepared to say goodbye to allergens.

Key Features:

• No dead angles
• HEPA filters
• USB cable charge

Product Specifications:

Color	White
Product Dimensions	14.96 x 4.72 x 4.33 inches
Power Source	Battery
Voltage	12V
Cleaning Reach	Indefinite
Watts	120 watts
Brand	Oxford Street

Personal Experience:

I love everything about this little handheld vacuum cleaner. It is extremely portable and can even support wet cleaning. So, yeah, I do recommend it.

11. WORKSHOP 12-Gallon 5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Gutter Cleaning)

The second Workshop vacuum cleaner of the list is of a great capacity 0 12 gallons. Made from a very high quality copolymer drum it will resist any possible cracks and will not rust in time.

The filters can be changed. This is why it has a system that will permit you to do so with ease and without losing precious time.

It comes with a built-in accessory storage for the accessories. This will help you store everything without forgetting an important part at home when moving with this vac to clean different places.

Key Features:

• Qwik Lock cartridge filter
• Built-in hose storage
• Tough copolymer drum

Product Specifications:

Color	Grey
Product Dimensions	18.75 x 20 x 24 inches
Power Source	Power corded
Voltage	120V
Cleaning Reach	22 ft
Watts	Not specified
Brand	Workshop

Personal Experience:

This vacuum cleaner is backed up by an amazing warranty. If this isn’t enough proof of its great quality I don't know what is.

12. LOZAYI 5000PA Wet Dry Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Car)

The next vacuum cleaner is mostly suited for people looking for the best portable vacuum for cars.

Manufactured by Lozayi, this handheld vacuum cleaner has a great suction power of 5000PA and makes almost no noise. With a stainless steel HEPA filtration system and also a 360 degree cyclone technology, this little vac will leave the air in your car purified and with no allergens.

Finally, this is a corded model, so there is no risk of losing suction of the battery to run out right in the middle of your cleaning process.

Key Features:

• Stainless steel HEPA filter
• 360 degree cyclone technology
• Transparent trash container

Product Specifications:

Color	Black
Product Dimensions	13.38 x 4.13 x 4.33 inches
Power Source	Power corded
Voltage	12V
Cleaning Reach	16.4 ft
Watts	100 watts
Brand	Lozayi

Personal Experience:

I just love wet and dry handheld vacuum cleaners. They are so easy to use, so lightweight and always ready to clean your car.

13. CRAFTSMAN 4 Gallon 5.0 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best for Home)

I promised you another Craftsman vacuum cleaner and here it is. However, this time is a smaller model that is perfect for your house chores.

Even if it has a smaller tank, it still has a very powerful motor, making it great for any job you might have around the house, your garage and why not even on your jobsite.

The accessory storage is right beneath the body, keeping everything in order and ready to be used.

Key Features:

• Extra long power cord
• Easy to use on/off switch
• Accessory storage

Product Specifications:

Color	Red
Product Dimensions	19.5 x 13.5 x 17.1 inches
Power Source	Power corded
Voltage	120V
Cleaning Reach	27 ft
Watts	900 watts
Brand	Craftsman

Personal Experience:

Yes, this is an amazing device to have around the house. It can save you lots of time and frustrating moments. For an unboxing experience, watch the video below:

14. Stanley 3 Gallon 3 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner

(Best Corded)

The final two products of the list are dedicated for all readers. I know that there is a very big discussion regarding corded vs cordless. So, to make everybody happy, I chose 2 amazing devices for each of the groups to appreciate.

So, let’s start with the corded model. The winner of the crown here is from Stanley and even though it is a small size vacuum cleaner it has just enough suction power for you to finish any task you might have.

From a portability point of view, you will not be disappointed in this fellow. It is very easy to be taken along and to give you a very small secret. You can even unplug it if you want. Yes, for 300 hours, this can also be a cordless model.

Key Features:

• Corded and cordless capacities
• Large transfer switch
• Extra large drain port

Product Specifications:

Color	Black/Yellow
Product Dimensions	14 x 11 x 15.9 inch
Power Source	Power corded/Battery
Voltage	120V
Cleaning Reach	At least 10 ft
Watts	1200 watts
Brand	Stanley

Personal Experience:

I truly love the fact that this model is the perfect choice regardless if you prefer working with corded or cordless vacuum cleaners. You can simply have it both ways.

15. Dewalt 2 Gallon 31 CFM Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best Cordless)

The last one on the list is a cordless vacuum cleaner from Dewalt. Its power can be taken from either a 20V or a 18V battery.

With a 31 CFM, you can literally make use of it any way you want. But please consider that this is a portable wet and dry vacuum cleaner and not suited for extremely heavy duty tasks.

Another great feature that I want to add here is that this is a very compact model that has on-board storage for its accessories and hose. This will make its transportation much easier.

Key Features:

• On board storage
• Wet & dry operations
• Compact design

Product Specifications:

Color	Black/Yellow
Product Dimensions	17.25 x 12.31 x 13.12 inches
Power Source	Battery
Voltage	20V
Cleaning Reach	Indefinite
Watts	Not specific
Brand	Dewalt

Personal Experience:

I am aware that you need to buy the battery and the charger separately, but if you do want a cordless vacuum cleaner for your wet and dry jobs, this here is the one you want.

Best Portable Wet Dry Vac Buying Guide

Willing to buy one of the best portable wet dry vac models? Then it’s time to know the main features you should consider when making this purchase:

Cleaning Length

I know that when people think about portable vacs, they tend to confuse the notion of ‘portable’ with the notion of ‘cordless’. That is extremely false. There are so many great models that are corded and yet portable.

However, the aspect that needs to be taken into consideration is its cleaning length. This measurement is done by summing up the length of the cord and the one of the hose. The bigger the length, the better.

Usually, the length size goes hand in hand with the price you pay on the vac. Try and imagine how much distance you need to clean from a plug and see if it is worth spending extra or not.

Portability

This might seem redundant since you are reading an article about best portable wet dry vac cleaners, but I want to make sure you don’t miss anything.

There are some models of wet and dry vacuum cleaners that come with wheels. This makes it super easy to move them around. I recommend you don’t ignore this aspect when choosing your vacuum cleaner.

However, there are some very small models that look like toolboxes and don’t really need wheels. They have carrying handles and are very easy to be taken along.

Regardless of what kind of model you pick, be sure it is easily carried from one place to another.

Cleanup Tools

In order to reach every tiny corner and clean each surface, you need some proper cleanup tool. Most of the portable wet/dry vacuum cleaners come with a nuzzle, so you can remove all the bulky debris.

Moreover, you will get a crevice nozzle as well, for all the tight spots in the house. The most advanced models have a special nozzle for can interiors, which makes them so versatile. Look for a dusting brush too, and a squeegee attachment for picking up the spills.

Storage Space

As stated at the beginning of the article, usually these wet and dry vacuum cleaners tend to be somehow bulky. That means extra storage space.

Think how much of your deposit space you can offer your new device. This is a very important factor you need to take into consideration.

Portable wet and dry vacuum cleaners are smaller in size and easier to store. However, keep in mind that usually, the smaller they get, the less power they have.

Try to balance these aspects and find the best model for your needs. As a tip, look for models that have built-in storage for their accessories. That will win you some extra space.

Off-the-Wall Designs

Since I have reached this point, I want to mention a design that is worth your time. This is a very convenient feature, as you can clip some models right on the wall or onto a shelf, making it easy to store your device.

Dust Bag

When you choose a portable wet dry vacuum, it’s important to consider a dust bag that goes all around the filter. Considering this feature, it will make the switch from dry to wet very easily.

Some models of vacuum cleaners include bags already, while others need you to buy them separately.

Now, when it comes to prices, think twice when choosing the very expensive bags. My experience has concluded that even standards bags will securely hold a pile of debris and other dirt when vacuuming.

Filter

The last thing you want when vacuuming is all the dust to go back in the air, right? As such, look for a pleated cartridge filter, which most of the models have.

Only then it will be faster to change them, and there will be no dust leaks anymore. Just to make sure you will never be out of filters, it is better to check the availability of them before making the final purchase.

Pump

When you are using a wet-dry vacuum, you might know that you need to empty the canister very often. But not if you have a pump. This little detail will help you empty the vacuum without even lifting all the product and carrying it around the house.

FAQs

If I’ve forgotten some details about the best portable wet dry vac models, then the answers at the most frequent questions might give you all the information.

My Top Pick

Needless to say that portable wet dry vacuum cleaners are easy to use, easy to store, and do a great job in terms of cleaning. As soon as you follow all the features in my buyer’s guide, it is impossible not to have a good-quality, yet performant machine.

Since it is the time to say goodbye I feel the need to say once again that my top pick is Vacmaster 12-Gallon 5 HP Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner. Many people say that it is bulkier than other models but for me it is the best mix of power, portability and of course, price.

Please let me know your thoughts or questions in the comment section below.