
Running these analyses costs money. Buy through my links to help keep lights on! I may get a small commission.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Reddit Reviews
I have a Milwaukee packout vacuum that I thoroughly enjoy. It’s only 2 gallons though I believe. They make a dual battery version that’s a similar size to a rigid shop vac you would buy at HD. Though tbh, this person was probably using a corded vacuum. It would have to stay on for a really long time to suck everything out.
I have **a lot** of experience with power tools. The Milwaukee vacs are really good. For cordless shop vacuums probably the best
I use packout vacuum, cordless Ridgid shopvac (discontinued),and the m18 shopvac all with bags and filters removed. HD and Amazon sell bags for all kinds of vacuums. I install cabinets so packout is on my tracksaw. M18 on mitersaw, and Ridgid on m18 tablesaw.. I sweep and use m18 and Ridgid because they have more volume . I bolted on a crate on top of my m18 for packout compatibility (before the packout vacuum was released)...crate holds accessories and the hose.
I currently have several but my Milwaukee m18 pack out vac gets the most use. It’s pricey but awesome. After that, ridgid makes really nice ones. Go for about 5hp and the smaller hose for general house cleaning.
Surprised number 7, the Milwaukee pack out is on here. I have one and the hose detached from the unit after only using it 3 times. After doing some research, that’s actually a super common problem. It would be a great portable shop vac otherwise.
If you're going to milwaukee, then get the milwaukee? I've got the packout vac and love it.
I have a Milwaukee M18 Fuel shop vac, I use it all the time from cleaning up after projects, giving the truck a quick vacuum, basement cleanups, the stairway landing where we take our shoes off, garage clean ups, work benches, Since it’s cordless, small and lightweight it gets used for all kinds of quick things.
I use a m18 fuel vacuum. Definitely not cheap if you don’t own the batteries
And that Milwaukee suitcase shop vac is dog shit. We buy em at work, and they are okay in a pinch but they're far worse than an actual corded HEPA vac
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Cleaning stairs

Top pick
SEBO - AIRBELT E3 Premium
Best for Deep cleaning thick carpets

Top pick
SEBO - AIRBELT E3 Premium
Best for Hardwood and delicate floors

Top pick
SEBO - AIRBELT E3 Premium
Best for Heavy pet shedding

Top pick
SEBO - AIRBELT E3 Premium
Best for Long-term durability (buy it for life)

Top pick
Numatic International - Henry Canister Series
Best for Quick daily maintenance

Top pick
Dyson - V15 Detect Series





