5 Best Milwaukee Vacuums of 2025

Don’t let its compact size fool you—the Milwaukee 0960-20 packs a serious punch for a budget-friendly powerhouse. With a 42 in. water lift and a 1.6-gallon capacity, this M12 FUEL model delivers impressive suction in a palm-sized package, making it ideal for tight job site cleanups or quick garage spills. Its stackable design is a game-changer for contractors who need to maximize truck space, while the on-board accessory storage keeps nozzles and hoses from getting lost between tasks. If you’re tired of lugging around bulky vacs for small messes, this is your precision cleanup partner.

In real-world use, the vacuum handles dry debris like sawdust and drywall dust with ease, and it’s surprisingly capable on wet spills—though its smaller tank means frequent emptying on larger jobs. The brushless motor ensures longer runtime and cooler operation, and it runs efficiently on any M12 battery, giving users flexibility without added cost. While it won’t replace a full-sized shop vac, it excels in portability and spot cleaning, especially in HVAC ducts, under cabinets, or inside vehicles. Just don’t expect deep-cleaning performance on thick carpet or heavy sludge—it’s built for agility, not brute force.

Compared to the Milwaukee 0880-20, this model trades some capacity and 18V power for ultra-compact convenience, making it a smarter choice for electricians or plumbers who already rely on the M12 ecosystem. It’s not as powerful as the M18 models, but for targeted cleanup where size and weight matter, it’s unmatched. When value, size, and Milwaukee’s reliability converge, the 0960-20 stands out as the most practical mini-vac in the lineup, especially for pros who need a secondary cleanup tool without breaking the bank.

The Milwaukee 0880-20 is a workhorse in a toolbox, blending rugged utility with the freedom of cordless operation. Designed with a tool-box style body, it doubles as both vacuum and storage unit—perfect for moving from job to job without losing accessories. It runs on any Milwaukee 18V REDLITHIUM battery, giving it serious runtime flexibility, while the HEPA-rated filter ensures cleaner air output, a must for indoor job sites or allergen-sensitive environments. For contractors who need a do-it-all cleanup companion, this vacuum delivers where others cut corners.

Performance-wise, it handles wet drywall slurry, sawdust piles, and even small liquid spills with confidence, thanks to its strong motor and reusable filter system. The built-in blower port is a clever bonus—flip a switch and use it to clear debris from corners or machinery. At 1.5 gallons, the tank isn’t the largest, but it’s manageable, and the on-board hose storage keeps everything tangle-free. However, the suction, while solid, doesn’t match newer M18 FUEL models, and the older design lacks the noise-dampening features of recent releases.

Against the M18 FPOVCL, the 0880-20 feels more utilitarian than high-tech—fewer performance upgrades, but rock-solid reliability. It’s less about raw power and more about versatility and durability, making it ideal for electricians, HVAC techs, or handymen who value function over flash. While it’s not the quietest or strongest, it remains a trusted, field-proven performer that bridges the gap between storage and suction better than most in its class.

Step into the future of job site cleaning with the Milwaukee 0885-20, a game-changing backpack vacuum built for conquering large, dusty environments with zero fatigue. With a 40-minute runtime and 1-gallon HEPA-filtered capacity, it’s engineered for extended shifts in warehouses, construction zones, or commercial buildings where mobility and air quality are critical. The 3-in-1 design lets you switch between backpack, handheld, and floor modes, making it incredibly adaptable—whether you’re vacuuming ceilings, stairs, or sprawling concrete floors. For pros drowning in dust, this is a breath of fresh, filtered air.

In testing, the backpack configuration shines: balanced weight distribution and an ergonomic harness prevent shoulder strain, even after hours of use. The suction is strong enough to pull fine particulates from unfinished drywall jobs, and the cordless freedom eliminates tripping hazards and extension cord drag. However, the 1-gallon tank fills quickly on heavy jobs, requiring frequent stops to empty—especially compared to canister-style vacs with larger capacities. It’s also one of the pricier options, but the HEPA filtration and wearable design justify the cost for health-conscious professionals.

Next to the Milwaukee M18 FPOVCL, the 0885-20 trades raw power for unmatched mobility and comfort, making it the superior choice for all-day, large-area cleaning. While the FPOVCL offers more suction and a bigger tank, it can’t match the ergonomic efficiency of wearing your vacuum. If you’re cleaning schools, data centers, or multi-room renovations, this is the ultimate endurance machine—where runtime, filtration, and ease of movement outweigh sheer tank size.

The Milwaukee M18 2 Gal. vacuum is a no-nonsense, work-ready performer wrapped in a clever tool-box style shell—making it one of the most practical vacs for tradespeople who live out of their trucks. With a 2-gallon capacity and a 2.8 Amp motor, it delivers solid suction for both wet and dry messes, from post-renovation dust to spilled coolant in the garage. Its standout feature? The integrated handle and rugged casing that lets you stack it with other tools or toss it in the back of a van without fear of damage. For anyone who values durability and easy transport, this model hits all the right notes.

In real use, it powers through dry debris and moderate liquid spills with ease, and its lightweight build (for a 2-gallon vac) makes it easy to carry up ladders or between job sites. It runs on any M18 battery, giving users full access to Milwaukee’s ecosystem, and the cordless design eliminates tripping hazards. However, it lacks advanced features like a blower port or HEPA filtration, and the motor noise is on the higher end—nothing unexpected, but noticeable in quiet environments. It’s a workhorse without the bells and whistles, best suited for users who want reliability over refinement.

Compared to the 0880-20, it shares the tool-box DNA but offers more capacity and modern M18 compatibility. Against the FPOVCL, it’s less powerful and quieter, but also more affordable and equally portable. If you need a rugged, no-fuss vacuum that fits seamlessly into your tool organization system, this is the go-to for practical, everyday job site cleanup—where form follows function, and durability wins every time.

Meet the Milwaukee M18FPOVCL—a quantum leap in cordless vacuum performance that delivers up to 70% more suction and runs up to 2X quieter than its predecessors, redefining what a job site vac can do. With 50 CFM airflow and a 47 in. water lift, it generates serious cleaning power, easily pulling fine dust, metal shavings, and wet debris into its 2.5-gallon tank. The ultra-quiet operation is a revelation—perfect for occupied buildings, offices, or early-morning cleanups where noise matters. For pros who demand maximum performance with minimal disruption, this is the new gold standard.

In field testing, the vacuum consistently outperforms older Milwaukee models, handling thick drywall dust and standing water with equal ease. The larger tank reduces emptying frequency, and the optimized motor efficiency extends battery life—even on high suction mode. It works with all M18 REDLITHIUM batteries, and the cordless design enhances mobility across sprawling sites. The only real limitation? Its size—it’s bulkier than the 0880-20 or M12 models, making it less ideal for tight crawl spaces or vehicle interiors. But for general job site cleanup, it’s nearly unbeatable in power-to-noise ratio.

Stacked against the 0885-20 backpack model, the FPOVCL wins on suction and capacity, but loses on wearability and all-day comfort. Compared to the 0880-20, it’s significantly more advanced in every metric—quieter, stronger, and more efficient. If you’re looking for the best overall Milwaukee vacuum where performance, volume, and user comfort converge, the FPOVCL delivers a premium experience that justifies its place at the top of the lineup.