9 Best Wet-Dry Vacuums of 2025

The Vacmaster VOM205P punches well above its weight for compact cleaning, delivering 2 peak HP suction in a featherlight 6-pound frame. Its wall-mountable design is a game-changer for garages, workshops, or apartments where floor space is at a premium. With 100 air watts of suction and a 14-foot cleaning reach, it tackles spills, sawdust, and debris with surprising authority—making it a space-saving powerhouse for quick cleanups.

In real-world testing, the Vacmaster shines in tight spots and elevated areas thanks to its balanced top handle and onboard storage for hose, cord, and six included accessories. It effortlessly vacuums wet coffee spills or dry drywall dust, and the blower function helps clear leaves from patios. While the 2.5-gallon tank limits runtime on larger jobs, it’s more than sufficient for spot cleaning. The dust-sealed switch resists grime buildup, but the small capacity means frequent emptying during heavy use.

Compared to bulkier models like the Shop-Vac 8-gallon, the Vacmaster trades capacity for ultra-portability and smart storage—ideal for homeowners with limited space or those needing a secondary vac. It’s not built for marathon jobs, but as a quick-response solution, it outperforms expectations. It offers better organization and wall-mount versatility than the CRAFTSMAN 2.5-gallon model, despite similar power.

The Tineco iFLOOR 2 redefines convenience with its all-in-one vacuum-mop system, making it a standout for pet owners and busy households. Its dual-tank design ensures you’re always mopping with fresh water, while the 90% water recovery rate leaves floors dry in minutes—no sticky residue or puddles. The self-propelled drive reduces effort, gliding smoothly across hardwood, tile, and laminate with effortless maneuverability, solving the pain point of heavy, drag-prone cleaners.

During testing, it handled cereal spills, muddy paw prints, and pet hair with impressive efficiency. The self-cleaning function flushes the roller and tubing automatically, eliminating the mess of manual cleaning—a major win for hygiene. However, it struggles slightly on thick area rugs and requires monthly filter maintenance to maintain suction. The cordless design offers freedom of movement, but the runtime limits whole-home cleaning without recharging.

Against pricier models like the Shark HydroVac AW261, the iFLOOR 2 delivers 90% of the performance at half the cost, making it the smart budget pick for hard-surface floors. It lacks the dual brushrolls and cordless range of premium units but excels in simplicity and value. For those prioritizing low maintenance and one-step cleaning, it outshines bulkier corded competitors.

The Shark HydroVac WD161 dominates corded cleaning with its 3-in-1 vacuum-mop-self-clean system, delivering deep cleaning without the bucket. Its Stain Boost mode doubles solution output for tough spills, while the continuous self-cleaning brushroll prevents dirt redeposit—keeping floors truly clean. The 12 oz. odor-neutralizing concentrate is a game-changer for pet homes, actively reducing smells instead of masking them.

In real use, it transitions seamlessly from dried ketchup to wet juice spills, with strong suction capturing debris and liquid in one pass. The rinsing dock cleans the system automatically, and the dual-tank filtration makes emptying quick and sanitary. However, being corded limits range, and the unit is heavier than cordless rivals. It performs best on sealed floors but can refresh area rugs by lifting surface dirt and odors.

Compared to the Tineco iFLOOR 2, the WD161 offers more power and deeper cleaning, but sacrifices portability. It’s a direct competitor to the AW261 but lacks cordless freedom. For users who want maximum cleaning power without battery anxiety, it’s the best corded option, delivering Shark’s signature performance in a hard-surface specialist.

The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly workhorse built for quick cleanups in the garage, car, or workshop. With 2.5 peak HP and a compact 2.5-gallon tank, it delivers solid suction for its size, making light work of sawdust, spilled oil, or post-project debris. Its friction-fit hose and tight-space accessories let it reach into engine bays or under workbenches where larger vacs can’t go.

In practice, it handles both wet and dry messes reliably, and the included filter bag improves dust containment. The cord wrap and carry handle make storage and transport easy, though the 1-1/4” hose restricts airflow compared to wider models. It lacks advanced features like blowers or onboard drains, but for basic shop tasks, it’s dependable and affordable. It’s outclassed by larger CRAFTSMAN models on big jobs but excels in light-duty portability.

Against the Vacmaster VOM205P, it offers similar capacity and power but without wall-mounting or blower functions. It’s a better fit for mobile, hands-on users who need a simple, rugged vac. For DIYers on a tight budget, it delivers CRAFTSMAN durability without the premium price, making it the best budget portable for small-scale work.

The Shop-Vac 5922805 is a jobsite beast, engineered for large-scale messes with its 8-gallon tank and 4.5 peak HP motor. Its 95 CFM airflow devours wood chips, drywall dust, and even sewage, while the blower function clears leaves or insulation debris with ease. The dual-caster system and top/side handles make it surprisingly mobile for its size, rolling smoothly across garages and basements.

In real-world use, it handled a flooded basement corner and post-renovation cleanup with minimal strain. The 7-foot lock-on hose and three extension wands extend reach without leaks, and the foam sleeve and cartridge filter provide reliable filtration. However, it’s noisy at full power and lacks onboard drain—emptying liquids requires tipping. It’s overkill for small homes but unbeatable for contractors or serious DIYers.

Compared to the CRAFTSMAN 16-gallon, it offers less capacity but better maneuverability. It’s not as feature-rich as premium shop vacs but delivers raw power and durability at a mid-range price. For those tackling big, messy jobs regularly, it strikes the perfect balance of power and portability, outperforming smaller vacs in tank size and suction stamina.

The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 is a heavy-duty titan, built for demanding jobsites and large workshops with its 6.5 peak HP motor and 16-gallon tank. Its Dual-Flex hose resists kinking and allows 180-degree swivel, making it highly maneuverable despite its size. The built-in blower port and oversized drain streamline outdoor cleanup and liquid disposal, eliminating the hassle of manual siphoning.

During testing, it powered through sawdust piles, wet drywall slurry, and flooded garage floors without overheating. The POS-I-LOCK hose system stays secure under high pressure, and the Qwik Lock filter simplifies maintenance. However, its bulk makes storage a challenge, and it’s overkill for small homes. It excels in continuous, high-volume use but lacks smart features like self-cleaning or digital displays.

Against the Shop-Vac 8-gallon, it offers double the capacity and more power, making it the best heavy-duty option for pros. While heavier and less portable, it delivers unmatched endurance and suction. For serious builders or renovators, it provides industrial-grade performance with CRAFTSMAN’s 3-year warranty, outlasting smaller vacs in long-term durability and tank capacity.

The Shark HydroVac AW261 is the undisputed king of cordless floor care, combining 3-in-1 vacuum-mop-self-clean power with true freedom of movement. Its dual brushrolls and dual solutions deliver pro-level cleaning on hardwood, tile, and rugs, while the cordless design lets you clean room-to-room without outlet hunting. The LED display shows battery life and tank levels, and the rinsing dock ensures the unit is always fresh for the next use.

In real testing, it removed coffee stains, pet hair, and sticky spills in one pass, with the Stain Boost mode tackling set-in messes effortlessly. The antimicrobial treatment prevents mold in the roller, and the dual-tank system keeps cleaning hygienic. It handles edges well but not as precisely as the iFLOOR 5. Runtime is solid, though large homes may need a recharge.

Compared to the corded WD161, it offers equal cleaning power with full portability. Against the Tineco iFLOOR 5, it has better multi-surface versatility but less edge precision. For those seeking the ultimate all-in-one, it delivers best-in-class performance, features, and convenience, justifying its position as the best overall wet/dry vacuum with superior battery, tools, and self-maintenance.

The Tineco iFLOOR 5 Breeze sets a new standard for edge cleaning, with a brush head that reaches within 0.20 inches of baseboards—nailing dust bunnies and pet hair where most vacs fail. Its flat scraper design ensures the roller stays clean during use, and the 30% larger water tanks mean fewer refills for large homes. The one-press self-cleaning and centrifugal drying keep maintenance mess-free, making it ideal for users who hate touching dirty parts.

In practice, it excels on hardwood and tile, removing sticky spills and tracked-in dirt in one pass. The dual-tank system maintains cleaning purity, and the cordless design enhances mobility. However, it lacks self-propulsion, requiring more user effort than the iFLOOR 2. It’s optimized for hard floors only and doesn’t refresh area rugs like Shark models.

Compared to the Shark AW261, it offers superior edge cleaning and larger tanks but less suction power and surface versatility. For users with baseboard dust issues or tight corners, it’s the best edge-cleaning solution, outperforming all others in precision and reach, even if it sacrifices some overall cleaning breadth.

The DREAME G10 Pro is a self-propelled powerhouse, designed to pull itself forward with minimal user effort—making large-area cleaning feel almost effortless. Its 35-minute runtime covers most homes on a single charge, and the dual-tank system ensures fresh water cleaning every pass. The one-press self-clean function handles roller and tubing maintenance automatically, delivering true hands-off upkeep.

In testing, it tackled cereal, mud, and pet accidents with ease, and the wide cleaning path reduced passes on large rooms. The North American floor optimization ensures compatibility with hardwood, marble, and vinyl. However, edge cleaning is decent but not elite, and the handle installation requires precision to activate self-cleaning. It’s quieter than most but lacks odor-neutralizing features.

Against the Tineco iFLOOR 2, it offers longer runtime and self-propulsion, but fewer smart features than the iFLOOR 5. Compared to the Shark AW261, it matches performance at a lower price. For users who hate pushing heavy cleaners, it’s the best self-propelled option, combining endurance, automation, and ease of use in a single, high-value package.