The Best Shop Vacuum Under $100
Need a wet/dry shop vacuum for under $100? Our roundup of top-rated models includes picks from CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, and Vacmaster, each scored by performance, capacity, and real user feedback.
By Lucy Gardner
Updated September 15, 2026
Finding a capable shop vacuum that cleans both wet and dry messes without breaking the bank can feel like a challenge.
Whether you need to tackle sawdust in a home workshop, soaked carpets in a basement, or leaves in a garage, a reliable wet/dry vac is essential for any workspace.
In 2026, the best shop vacuum under $100 offer impressive suction, durable tanks, and convenient features that rival more expensive models.
At BestProducts, we evaluate each model by analyzing specifications, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. We then score every product on our 0, 10 BP Score system to help you make an informed choice.
Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best shop vacuum under $100, each vetted for performance, value, and real-world usability.
| Award | Product | BP Score About BP ScoreThe BP Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on performance, design and build, ease of use, and value. It reflects independent research and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |
CRAFTSMAN CMCV002B 2 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
|
9.9/10 | $98.22 | Buy |
| Best Premium |
STANLEY SL18701P-10A 10 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
|
9.9/10 | $99.99 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
Vacmaster VJH1211PF 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
|
9.9/10 | $98.98 | Buy |
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
|
9.9/10 | $99.99 | Buy | |
| Best Value |
STANLEY SL18116 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
|
9.8/10 | $99.97 | Buy |
DEWALT DXV04T 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
|
9.7/10 | $94.99 | Buy | |
Vacmaster VFB511H 5-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
|
9.6/10 | $98.99 | Buy | |
ECOMAX 6-Gallon 4 HP Wet-Dry Shop Vacuum
|
9.5/10 | $99.99 | Buy |
CRAFTSMAN CMCV002B 2 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
This cordless 2-gallon wet/dry vacuum delivers 35 CFM of suction for quick cleanup of small spills and debris. It features a 7-foot-8-inch hose for reach and onboard storage to keep accessories handy. Ideal for those who need portability without a cord.
Pros
- 35 CFM suction power for debris pickup
- Portable 2-gallon tank for wet and dry use
- 7 ft 8 in hose for extended reach
- Onboard hose and accessory storage
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
STANLEY SL18701P-10A 10 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
This shop vacuum combines a 6 peak horsepower motor with a 10-gallon polypropylene tank for strong suction on wet and dry debris. Its 3-in-1 wet, dry, and blow functions, plus a 24-foot cleaning reach, make it a versatile choice for job sites, garages, and basements.
Pros
- Powerful 6 peak HP motor
- Large 10-gallon tank capacity
- Versatile wet, dry, and blow functions
- Long 24-foot cleaning reach
- Convenient onboard accessories storage
- Easy liquid draining via large drain port
Cons
- Peak horsepower rating not operational HP
- Tank capacity is total volume, not usable capacity
Vacmaster VJH1211PF 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
This heavy-duty shop vac from Vacmaster combines a rugged 12-gallon polypropylene tank with a potent 5.5 peak HP motor, plus thoughtful organization features like on-board hose and accessory storage. Its 27-foot cleaning reach and versatile conversion to a blower make it suitable for both workshop and cleanup tasks.
Pros
- Powerful 5.5 peak HP motor
- Rugged 12-gallon polypropylene tank
- Includes 9 accessories for versatile use
- On-board storage for hose, cord and accessories
- Converts to blower for outdoor cleanup
Cons
- Heavy weight at 24.1 pounds may limit portability
- Large footprint (17.32x17.32 inches) requires storage space
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
This CRAFTSMAN shop vac is built for medium-duty cleanup in garages, workshops, and job sites. It features a blower port for clearing debris, an oversized drain for easy liquid disposal, and a Qwik Lock system for fast filter changes. The included 7-foot hose and several nozzles make it a versatile choice for everyday messes.
Pros
- Versatile for wet and dry pickup
- Blower port for clearing debris
- Oversized drain for easy liquid emptying
- Quick filter changes with Qwik Lock system
- Includes multiple nozzles and extension wands
Cons
- Short 7-foot hose limits reach
- No caster wheels or handle for mobility
- 9-gallon capacity may be small for large jobs
STANLEY SL18116 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
The STANLEY SL18116 is a versatile 6-gallon wet/dry vacuum with a 4 peak HP motor and stainless steel tank. It offers a 3-in-1 function for vacuuming wet or dry debris and blowing leaves, with a 16-foot cleaning reach. Ideal for small cleanup tasks in the garage, workshop, or vehicle.
Pros
- Large 6-gallon capacity reduces frequent emptying
- Powerful 4.0 peak HP motor
- 3-in-1 vacuum, wet/dry and blow
- 16-foot cleaning reach for convenience
- Includes multiple accessories and filters
Cons
- Weight of 14.85 lbs may be cumbersome
- Peak horsepower rating does not reflect real-world power
- Hose length only 6 feet (extendable with wands)
DEWALT DXV04T 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
For portable cleanup duty, the DEWALT DXV04T delivers 5.0 HP suction in a compact 4-gallon poly tank. It comes with a hose and accessories, making it a good choice for small workshops or car interior use.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight at 13.23 lbs
- Powerful 5.0 HP motor
- Rust-resistant poly tank
- Includes hose and basic accessories
- Trusted DEWALT brand
Cons
- Small 4-gallon capacity limits large jobs
- Poly tank less durable than steel alternatives
Vacmaster VFB511H 5-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
This 5-gallon wet/dry vac packs a 320-air-watt motor and 20kPa suction, with a high-efficiency filter that captures fine dust down to 1 micron. Its 25-foot cleaning reach and nine accessories provide versatility for car, utility, and crevice tasks, while on-board storage keeps everything organized.
Pros
- 320 air watts and 20kPa suction power
- High-efficiency filter captures 1 micron particles
- 25-foot reach with kink-resistant hose
- Nine accessories for various tasks
- On-board storage for hose, cord, and tools
Cons
- 15.4-pound weight may be heavy for some
- 5-gallon capacity may require frequent emptying for large jobs
ECOMAX 6-Gallon 4 HP Wet-Dry Shop Vacuum
Quiet operation with 80% noise reduction and a 900-hour service life make this shop vacuum a durable, low-disturbance option for garage, workshop, or job site use. Its 6-gallon capacity and 17-foot cleaning reach balance portability with fewer emptying trips.
Pros
- Very quiet for a wet-dry vac
- Long motor lifespan
- Lightweight for its capacity
- Good cleaning reach
- Comes with a full accessory kit
Cons
- Only 6-gallon tank
- Motor peak HP rating may not reflect sustained performance
Best Shop Vacuum Under $100 Buying Guide
Capacity and Tank Size
The tank size directly affects how much debris you can collect before emptying. For small workshops or quick cleanups, a 2- to 6-gallon tank is often sufficient.
Larger garages or job sites may benefit from a 9- or 12-gallon model, which reduces downtime. Popular options from CRAFTSMAN and Vacmaster offer a range of sizes under $100.
A bigger tank also means more storage for accessories when the vacuum is not in use. Many units include onboard tool storage, which is a handy feature for keeping hoses and nozzles organized.
For advice on choosing the right capacity, see our large rollable shop vacuum guide.
Suction Power and Motor Performance
Motor power is often expressed in peak horsepower (PHP), which indicates the maximum suction potential. In the under-$100 segment, you’ll typically find 4.0 to 6.0 PHP motors.
Models like the STANLEY 10 Gallon offer 6.0 PHP for heavy-duty wet pickup, while the STANLEY SL18116 provides 4.0 HP for general tasks.
Higher peak horsepower often translates to better airflow and faster cleanup, but it can also increase noise.
Look for vacuums with a blower function, which extends the tool’s versatility by allowing you to clear leaves or sawdust from tight areas. For more details on suction, browse our guide to shop vacuums with greatest suction.
Portability and Storage
A shop vacuum’s portability matters if you move it between rooms or jobs. Features like integrated handles, durable casters, and cord wrap help make transport easier.
Compact models (2-5 gallons) are ideal for tight spaces, while wheeled 9-12 gallon units roll smoothly over rough floors. The DEWALT DXV04T is a 4-gallon poly vac that balances size and mobility.
If you frequently work in small areas, consider a cordless option like the CRAFTSMAN 20V Max (tool only) for true portability. For more options, check our best small shop vacuum and best mobile shop vacuum guides.
Filtration and Noise Level
Filtration is crucial for maintaining air quality, especially when collecting fine dust. Many budget shop vacuums use a reusable foam or pleated filter, while some include a HEPA option for allergy sufferers.
The ECOMAX Ultra Quiet emphasizes low noise and efficient filtration, making it a good choice for indoor use.
Noise levels typically range from 70 to 85 decibels. Quieter models (around 65dB) are available but often at a higher price. For noise-sensitive environments, look for added insulation or a muffler. Our wet dry shop vacuum guide includes more on filtration and noise.
Accessories Included
The accessories that come with a shop vacuum can greatly expand its usefulness. Standard inclusions often are a hose, crevice tool, wet nozzle, and squeegee. Some models add a cartridge filter, foam sleeve, or car cleaning kit.
The Vacmaster Professional Beast Series comes with a crevice tool and utility nozzle for versatile cleaning.
If you need specialized attachments like a floor brush or extension wands, check compatibility with the brand’s accessory line. For broader advice, our large shop vacuum guide covers accessories in depth.
Why You Should Trust Us
BestProducts is an independent review site dedicated to helping you find the best products without bias. We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.
Every product is scored on our BP Score system (0, 10), which weighs specifications, performance metrics, reliability, and user satisfaction.
Our team of editors has years of experience in home improvement and workshop equipment. We analyze hundreds of reviews from trusted sources and real users to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
This method ensures our recommendations are both thorough and transparent. For more about our process, see our complete shop vacuum guide.
We are committed to editorial independence. Our reviews are not influenced by manufacturers or retailers, and we may earn a commission when you purchase through links on our site. This does not affect our ratings or the products we choose to feature.
Final Thoughts
- Best Overall: CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac, With a strong 4.25 PHP motor, a large tank, and a high BP Score, this model balances power, capacity, and price perfectly for most tasks.
- Best for Portability: CRAFTSMAN CMCV002B 20V Max 2 Gallon (Tool Only), This compact cordless vac excels in tight spaces and offers excellent runtime for a battery-powered shop vac under $100.
- Best for Heavy-Duty Wet Pickup: Vacmaster VJH1211PF 12-Gallon 5.5 PHP Wet/Dry Vac, The largest capacity in our roundup, ideal for big jobs where you need prolonged suction and minimal emptying.
- Best for Quiet Operation: ECOMAX Ultra Quiet 6 Gallon 4 HP Shop Vacuum, Despite its modest power rating, this vac operates at a lower decibel level, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a shop vacuum under $100?
Focus on tank size, motor power (peak HP), portability features (wheels, handles), and filter quality. Also consider if you need wet pickup capability and the type of accessories included. Reading our medium sized shop vacuum guide can help narrow your choices.
Is a cordless shop vacuum as powerful as a corded one?
Generally, corded models offer more consistent suction and higher peak horsepower. Cordless vacuums like the CRAFTSMAN 20V Max provide convenience and portability but may have shorter runtime and less power. They are best for quick cleanups rather than large jobs.
Can I use a shop vacuum for wet spills?
Yes, all models in our roundup are wet/dry capable. Be sure to remove the dry filter and install the foam sleeve or use the dedicated wet nozzle. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper wet pickup procedures.
How important is the filter type?
Filters affect both air quality and suction. Reusable foam filters are easy to clean, while pleated cartridge filters capture finer dust. HEPA filters are best for allergy sufferers. Our cordless shop vacuum guide covers filter differences in more detail.
What size tank is best for home use?
For typical home workshops and garage cleanups, a 6- to 9-gallon tank strikes a good balance between capacity and portability. Smaller tanks (2-4 gallons) suffice for quick jobs or tight spaces, while 12-gallon tanks are better for construction debris or larger workshops.
Are shop vacuums noisy?
Most shop vacuums operate between 70, 85 decibels, which is similar to a typical lawn mower. Quieter models exist, such as the ECOMAX Ultra Quiet, but they often cost more. Wearing ear protection is recommended when using any shop vacuum for extended periods.
About the author
Lucy writes about air compressors and shop vacuums for BestProducts, judging airflow, tank capacity, suction, and noise in a working garage. She helps readers power their tools and clean up afterward.