Quiet shop vacuum cleaners are made to clean larger spaces such as a garage, workshop or job sites without the inconvenience or hassle that comes with regular shop vacs.
Workshop vacuum cleaners are great for collecting dust , wood shavings or even potentially dangerous materials like nails or small pieces of metals.
They are more specialized than regular vacuum cleaners. They have a more powerful suction to collect unconventional materials whereas regular vacuum cleaners cannot.
Unfortunately, with more power comes more noise!
Our ultra quiet shop vac reviews list the best quiet shop vacuum cleaners on the market.
Here are the top 7 quietest shop vacs on the market:
OUR TOP PICK
Our top pick for quietest shop vac is the FEIN Turbo I Vacuum Cleaner which is an auto start vacuum for power tools meaning that your vacuum can turn on automatically. It delivers plenty of suction power at a low noise output of just 66dB.
The powerful suction has a 98.4” of static water lift making it perfect for picking up heavy metal debris as well as liquids. Perfect for large and smaller spaces, this cleaner has an incredibly quiet motor and is one of the most powerful options in this guide.
The onboard storage can hold the cord and other accessories meaning that you can travel and clean larger areas with having to lift multiple items as well as the cleaner.
This cleaner comes with everything you need to work with larger surface areas. The 13 foot hose allows you to reach areas that may be difficult to get to and the 18 inch cord allows you to move around easily without the cleaner getting tangled.
Making the cleaning experience quicker and easier, this is ideal for corporate spaces that may consist of multiple rooms.
The bypass cooling function helps to extend the overall lifespan of the vacuum itself and stops it from becoming overheated from long periods of use.
Pros
- The powerful suction has a 98.4” of static water lift making it perfect for picking up heavy metal debris as well as liquids
- The onboard storage can hold the cord and other accessories meaning that you can travel and clean larger areas with no hassle
- The bypass cooling function helps to extend the overall lifespan of the vacuum itself and stops it from becoming overheated from long periods of use
Cons
- The hose is a little stiff
EDITORS CHOICE
Our second choice for quietest shop vac is the Vacmaster VWM510 Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum. It has a 2 stage motor which provides a powerful suction and quiet operation (74dB) making it a great choice for those who want a shop vac that is as quiet as possible.
Equipped with everything you need to thoroughly clean any environment, this cleaner comes with an onboard hose, cord as well as accessory storage for extra convenience.
The cord is 20 foot long and comes with cord storage so you can reach a larger surface area without having to disconnect the cleaner and connect it in another plug.
This is one of the best options on our list if you are looking to cover a larger space or are working with a commercial space. As well as the essential accessories, you will also receive a remote control handle, extension wands, variety of different nozzles, tool caddy and filters.
This makes it an incredibly versatile machine that can be adjusted depending on the surface that you are cleaning and what you are wanting to pick up.
With the various nozzles catering for solids or liquids, you can be sure that you won’t damage the cleaner.
Pros
- Has a 2 stage motor which provides a powerful suction and quiet operation
- Equipped with everything you need to thoroughly clean any environment, this cleaner comes with an onboard hose, cord as well as accessory storage for extra convenience
- The cord is 20 foot long and comes with cord storage so you can reach a larger surface area
Cons
- High price point
BEST VALUE
Our third choice is the STANLEY SL18115 Wet/Dry Vacuum which features a powerful motor providing industry leading performance with maximum suction power which is ideal for heavy duty pickup.
We couldn't find a dB output figure for this vacuum but it's quiet enough that you could still talk to someone next to you while using it.
This is a perfect choice for both wet and dry pickups and the blower power and instantly converts the vacuum into a powerful blower which is great if you are working in a garage or outdoor space.
The strong handle means that this choice is perfect for carrying around which is ideal if you have a large corporate space with multiple rooms.
The large on/off switch has a water resistant design which makes for both safe and quick access. There is also a convenient built in power cord wrap to reduce the chances of getting tangled.
The accessory storage casters helps you to keep your tools organized and provides ease of movement in any direction so you needn’t carry a lot at one time. Draining is also made easy thanks to the built in tank drain.
This vacuum has been made with a variety of environments in mind making it an extremely versatile machine that can be used in the home as well as the workplace.
Available in a variety of sizes, you can purchase the size that is best suited for your own workspace.
Pros
- Features a powerful motor providing industry leading performance with maximum suction power which is ideal for heavy duty pickup
- This is a perfect choice for both wet and dry pickups and the blower power and instantly converts the vacuum into a powerful blower
- Available in a variety of sizes, you can purchase the size that is best suited for your own workspace
Cons
- Replacement bags for the vacuum cleaner can be quite expensive
RUNNER UP
Our fourth pick is the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 Wet/Dry Vac which is a heavy duty machine that provides a powerful 6.5 peak HP which gives more suction power for larger projects in a variety of environments such as the garage, shop and job sites.
The extra power does mean more noise so it's not the quietest shop vac on our list. That being said, at around 85dB it's not the loudest shop vacuum we've seen either.
The built in blower port allows you to quickly clean leaves and grass clippings in your garage or outdoor space for versatility.
The oversized drain allows you to conveniently empty any liquids making this one of the most powerful shop vacuum cleaners on the market.
It’s ability to pick up a variety of different items including heavier metals as well as liquids and blowing away unwanted materials such as grass and leaves.
What makes this our top pick is the quietness of the motor which means you can clean your space without the disturbance of any noise.
The dual flex technology allows for 180 degree mobility so you won’t suffer from any hand fatigue and can get the job done quickly. It will also mean that you can resist any kinking from the hose.
This vacuum comes with everything you need including a dual flex hose, two extension wands, utility nozzle, cat nozzle, wet nozzle, qwik lock filter and a dust collection bag so you needn’t worry about any further spending.
Pros
- The built in blower port allows you to quickly clean leaves and grass clippings in your garage or outdoor space for versatility
- The oversized drain allows you to conveniently empty any liquids
- The dual flex technology allows for 180 degree mobility so you won’t suffer from any hand fatigue
Cons
- Castors are a little small
RUNNER UP
Our fifth choice is the Vacmaster VF408 Wet/Dry Floor Vacuum which boasts a 2 stage motor which provides a powerful suction with quiet operation.
The HEPA material exhaust filtration system helps to provide clearer air and provide a consistent result with no problem.
The 18 foot power cord has an automatic cord rewind to avoid any tangling and fuss when moving around with the cleaner.
The product also comes with complete organization thanks to the onboard hose, cord and accessory storage so you can have full convenience and do the job quickly and efficiently.
This product also comes with an array of accessories including a 7 foot hose, 3 extension wands, a 2 in 1 utility nozzle and brush, crevice tool, round dust brush, multi surface floor nozzle, tool caddy, washable cartridge filter, HEPA material exhaust filter and a foam wet filter.
No matter what environment you are working with or what size it is, this shop vac will see you through many years of heavy use.
Pros
- The HEPA material exhaust filtration system helps to provide clearer air and provide a consistent result with no problem
- The 18 foot power cord has an automatic cord rewind to avoid any tangling and fuss when moving around with the cleaner
- The product also comes with complete organization thanks to the onboard hose, cord and accessory storage so you can have full convenience and do the job quickly and efficiently
Cons
- The suction isn’t as powerful as the other options on this list
RUNNER UP
Our sixth recommendation is the MOOSOO Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry which is a portable vacuum and perfect for both large and small spaces. We couldn't find a dB figure for it but we would describe the noise output as "medium".
It gets a little loud when using the maximum power setting.
With a powerful suction and rechargeable battery, this cleaner has been made with convenience in mind to ensure that the cleaning process is quicker and easier.
The blower function allows you to remove any grass and leaves from the garage and outdoor work areas with ease. The versatility of this product means that you can use it in a variety of environments with no problem.
The large 2.64 gallon means that you can use it in both small and large areas without having to empty the cleaner. The 3 in 1 function means that you can remove wet and dry debris as well as switching to the blower function. You can use this cleaner both inside or outdoors.
The powerless brushless motor delivers a 17KPA powerful suction as well as 500 hours lifespan thanks to the lithium ion battery which is included. With a choice between a high and low speed, you can get the job done efficiently and quickly.
The compact and portable design makes it ideal for larger areas thanks to the onboard storage and hose organizer which helps to avoid any tangling or fuss.
The overall cleaner weighs 6.6 pounds making it easy for anyone to carry and the stable, flat bottom prevents the small shop vacuum from tipping over.
The high density HEPA filtration system includes a heap exhaust filter which collects 99.99% of fine particles such as dust and pollen whilst also providing purified air and an excellent cleaning experience.
Pros
- With a powerful suction and rechargeable battery, this cleaner has been made with convenience in mind to ensure that the cleaning process is quicker and easier
- The large 2.64 gallon means that you can use it in both small and large areas without having to empty the cleaner
- The powerless brushless motor delivers a 17KPA powerful suction as well as 500 hours lifespan thanks to the lithium ion battery which is included
Cons
- Can take a while for the battery to charge
RUNNER UP
Our seventh recommendation is the Bissell 2035M Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner which boasts a powerful 11 amp motor which can be used for both wet and dry cleaning making it versatile for a majority of environments and workspaces.
The 6 gallon capacity is perfect for big and small areas and will always give consistently fantastic results. This cleaner has a blowing function which allows you to clear dirt and debris from porches, garages and doorways.
Another handy feature the blowing feature can do is blowing up inflatable mattresses and toys with the included tools.
The 2 stage filtration system has been designed to help extend the lifespan of the filter itself whilst also making the cleaning process quicker and easier.
The specialized auto tool kit includes a crevice tool, prevision blowing and suction tool, precision wet suction tool, upholstery brush and detailing and inflatable nozzle tools.
Whatever you are wanting to use the vacuum cleaner for, you have everything provided with the machine to ensure you will get the best results.
With a dirt cup capacity of 23 liters, you can work on larger areas without having to empty the cup frequently.
Pros
- Powerful 11 amp motor can be used for both wet and dry cleaning making it versatile for a majority of environments and workspaces
- This cleaner has a blowing function which allows you to clear dirt and debris from porches, garages and doorways
- The 2 stage filtration system has been designed to help extend the lifespan of the filter itself whilst also making the cleaning process quicker and easier
Cons
- No 360 degree rotation
Quietest Shop Vac Buying Guide
When researching which quiet shop vac cleaner is the best one for you, it’s always important to get to grips with some of the related technical terms.
In order to make a fully informed decision, you have to consider the quiet shop vacuum’s decibel rate, the tank size and capacity, the power, additional accessories and your budget.
Once you’ve looked through all of this, you’ll be in a place where you can make that important decision, saving you any disappointment and potential extra spendings.
Quiet Shop Vacuum Decibels
When you’re researching quiet shop vacuum cleaners, the first thing you’re probably thinking about is how quiet they are.
You want to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth, especially if the environment where you work has to be kept quiet. You’ll need to make sure you are looking at a product that is going to produce as little noise as possible.
The recommendations that we have made in this article all operate extremely quietly but if it paramount that they are as quiet as possible then our top two options are the best ones to consider.
A good generalization to remember is that a cleaner set at a decibel level of less than 70dB is great. The quietest shop vac will emit below 65dB.
Tank Size and Capacity
The next factor you need to consider is the tank size and capacity as you want to make sure that the vacuum is capable of cleaning up all of the excess materials in your space.
This is especially important if you are cleaning in a larger space and need to make sure that it is capable of handling your everyday requirements.
A small or medium tank capacity is suitable for those who have a small space or workshop that doesn’t take long to clean whereas a larger commercial space is going to need a bigger tank capacity.
This will ensure that you’re not going to have to empty the container multiple times whilst cleaning.
Power
The third thing you need to think about is the vacuum’s power. On average, a powerful motor should have around five peak horsepower, also known as PHP.
Another important power factor is the AirPower rating as it will inform you on how well the cleaner can collect heavier objects such as small pieces of metal.
If you need the cleaner to pick up screws, bolts and debris in your workshop then you want to make sure that your vacuum is going to do the job.
Also look at the suction pressure which will allow you to clean any liquid messes.
Additional Accessories
The penultimate aspect you have to consider are the additional accessories that may come with the vacuum cleaners. The majority of the time, this will mean the hose and cords.
Even something as having the right nozzle to clean dust from your garage door opener can be handy.
You want to make sure that it has a cord and hose that is long enough to reach as much space as possible. This is something you have to think about if you are working in a large space.
If you work in a smaller workshop, then this may not be a priority but it can serve as a major convenience as you won’t struggle to move the cleaner around as much.
Making sure the hose isn’t too thick is important because then it will be hard to handle and can cause hand fatigue if using for longer periods of time.
Budget
Lastly, always think about your budget because the prices can vary greatly depending on the model itself.
Rather than just going for the cheapest option if you are on a tight budget, always look at what features the product has and base your budget on that. This way, you’re going to avoid any disappointment as well as knowing what to expect when it arrives.
As you can see from the recommendations in this guide, there are many shop vacuum cleaners available that boast high quality without forcing you to empty your bank account.
With so many different models available, it’s important to base your budget on what you want to get from the product so you can search with your requirements in mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a quiet shop vacuum cleaner not only allows you to clean quietly and efficiently but they have a greater suction power that allows it to pick up an array of materials that regular vacuums cannot.
If you use a workshop or own a business then these are essential as they will maintain the high quality of your working area making it safe for everyday use whilst also meaning that you have as little waste on the floor at all times.
If you don’t use the cleaner regularly or don’t invest in one, then you’re going to be making that space potentially dangerous for yourself or your employees if you are a business owner.
Shop vacuum cleaners can therefore prevent any damage or injuries in the long run and because they are so easy to run, require very little fuss.
Despite their name, they can be used in a variety of environments including the home so you can get even more use out of it.
A great investment that is made for regular use, these shop vacuum cleaners will last you years meaning that you’re making a great saving in the long run as you won’t have to replace them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you change the shop vac filter?
Shop vac filters should be cleaned and changed every three months on average. If you are using the vacuum regularly then this may have to be more often.
If your vacuum cleaner has a pleated filter that cannot be washed then you will have to replace it at least once a year to ensure that your vacuum doesn’t get blocked or damaged in the long run.
Is a shop vac more powerful than a regular vacuum?
Shop vacuum cleaners tend to be more powerful than regular home vacuums because they have stronger motors that are designed to suck up heavier objects.
With strong lifting and suction capabilities, they can remove liquids and dust particles easily. On the other hand, regular home vacuums can only suck smaller particles.
Can I wash my shop vac filter?
This depends on the shop vac that you have purchased. The description of the product will usually state whether the filters it comes with are washable.
If your vac filters can be washed then simply clean it with water thoroughly whilst applying the same amount of pressure.
Always make sure it has been dry completely before putting it back in the cleaner. This will avoid any overheating or damage that can occur when you switch the cleaner on.
If you don’t then it may clog the machine or make the filter unusable as well as damaging your cleaner.
Can you use a shop vac as a regular vacuum?
Shop vacs can be used as a regular vacuum cleaner as they can handle the majority of surfaces, boast a more powerful suction and have a larger capacity so you don’t have to constantly empty the tank.
They can cost considerable more than a regular vacuum but it is all dependent on how often you plan on using it and what surfaces you’ll be using it on.