DeWalt Wet Dry Shop Vacs: Cordless, Compact and Big Tank

Best for
Quick cordless cleanups around a setup

The DEWALT 20V MAX Shop Vacuum Wet and dry vac (DCV581H) is the only cordless model here. It runs on a 20V MAX battery or on a cord, so you can grab it for a quick cleanup and plug it in when the battery runs down. It is sold as a tool only, so the battery and charger are extra.

The tank holds 2 gallons, which DeWalt pitches for jobs like emptying a toilet or clogged pipe. It comes with a HEPA filter that is washable and reusable, a wide gulper nozzle, a crevice tool and onboard accessory storage. The hose is 5 feet long and 1-1/4 inches in diameter, and the listing shows two power levels and an 80 dB noise rating. It also lists a “maximum suction” of 31 feet, a figure that does not follow standard suction units, so we would not compare it to the others.

This DeWalt 20V MAX shop vacuum suits owners already on the 20V platform who want to clear dust from a PC desk or a car interior without a cord. For anything bigger than spot cleaning, the tank fills fast and a corded model is more practical. See our guide to the DeWalt cordless wet dry vacuum options for more battery choices.

Best for
Compact vac that carries like a toolbox

The DEWALT 4 Gal. 5.0 HP Poly wet/dry vacuum (DXV04T) is the compact corded pick. DeWalt describes a toolbox shape with an easy carry handle, so it sits on a shelf rather than rolling around the floor. It still has 5.0 peak HP, the same as the StealthSonic and 9-gallon models.

It uses a fine-dust cartridge filter for small, dry debris and wet materials, a large water-resistant on/off switch, a built-in 20-foot power cord and accessory storage. The listing shows two wheels, a single speed and an 80 dB noise rating, and it does not specify hose length or which accessories are included beyond the title’s “hose and accessories.” This DeWalt 4 gallon shop vac suits a small garage or apartment storage space where footprint matters more than capacity.

Best for
Big garage and outdoor messes

The DEWALT 12 Gal. 5.5 HP Poly wet/dry vacuum (DXV12P) is the capacity and power leader. It has the largest tank at 12 gallons and the highest listed rating at 5.5 peak HP from a single-stage motor. DeWalt notes that peak horsepower is an industry comparison term, not operating horsepower.

The specs call out a large drain port, a blower function and a listed maximum suction of 85 inches, the same figure as the 9-gallon model. It has a 20-foot cord and a 7-foot hose, and it is rated for indoor and outdoor use at 80 dB. This DeWalt 12 gallon shop vac suits big cleanups: water in a basement, leaves in a garage or a full shop floor of sawdust. The trade-offs are size and noise, so if you share the space or care about volume, look at the StealthSonic.

• 12-gallon tank, 5.5 peak HP
• Blower function and large drain port
• 20 ft cord and 7 ft hose
• Indoor and outdoor rated

Best for
Game-room garages and shared spaces

The DEWALT STEALTHSONIC Wet Dry Shop Vac (DXV06P-QT) is the one to consider if your garage is also where you play, stream or hang out. DeWalt says its quiet motor is 50 percent quieter and lasts three times longer than its current model, and the listed noise level is 65 dB, well below the 78 to 80 dB of the other corded vacs here.

It has a 5 HP motor and a 6-gallon tank. Reach is over 17 feet thanks to a 10-foot cord, a 7-foot, 1-7/8 inch hose and two extension wands. It rolls on four 360-degree rubberized non-marring casters, which matters on finished garage floors or mats. The accessory kit is the most complete here: washable cartridge filter, disposable dust bag, foam filter for wet pickup, floor brush, round brush, utility nozzle, crevice nozzle, tool adaptor and accessory bag.

This DeWalt StealthSonic shop vac suits anyone who wants to clean without drowning out a conversation or a game. Its 10-foot cord is shorter than the 20-foot cords on the 4 and 12-gallon models, so plan on an extension cord for larger rooms.

Best for
Mid-size shop needing blower and drain

The DEWALT 9 Gallon Wet Dry VAC (DXV09PA) sits between the 6 and 12-gallon models with a 9-gallon tank and a 5 peak HP motor. Its built-in blower port can clear sawdust and leaves, and three extra nozzle adaptors convert it into an air pump.

DeWalt lists an upgraded, more flexible hose, a 10-foot cord with cord wrap, rubberized casters, strong carry handles, a water-resistant switch, an accessory bag and a built-in tank drain for emptying liquids. It stands 22.25 inches tall and is rated at 78 dB. The listing oddly names uses like apparel, quilting and nursery, and it lists indoor use only while also recommending outdoor use, so treat those fields loosely. This DeWalt 9 gallon wet dry vac suits a working garage where you want blower function and easy draining without a full 12-gallon drum.

Best for
Mid-size garage and vehicle cleaning

The DEWALT 6 Gal. 4.0 HP Poly wet/dry vacuum (DXV06PL) is the plain 6-gallon option. It has a 4.0 peak HP motor, a cartridge filter and a canister design, with recommended uses covering hard floor, carpet, rugs, garages, trucks and vans. The listing rates it at 79 dB.

The listing is thin. It does not specify cord length, hose length or the exact accessories included. This DeWalt 6 gallon shop vac suits someone who wants mid-size capacity for garage and vehicle cleaning without paying for the StealthSonic’s quiet motor. If quiet operation matters, the StealthSonic offers the same tank size with a lower noise rating. For lighter car detailing, a DeWalt handheld vacuum may be all you need.