Top portable wet/dry vacuum cleaners in 2021
If you can’t take the time to go through a plethora of portable wet dry vac reviews, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. We’ve done our research on the topic and have gone through hundreds of consumer reports and reliability surveys. In the end, we came to the conclusion that the unit you ought to consider is the Shop Vac 2021000 as it is easy to work with and can be used for a variety of applications. Because of its unique design and features, this model can be utilized both for your car and for your home. Also, the fold-down top carry handle is comfortable to hold in your hand. The 6-ft power cord that this product has been outfitted with is another advantage as you won’t have to use any extension cables or go through a lot of trouble during your cleaning routine. If the Shop Vac 2021000 is no longer available, you should give the Shop-Vac 2030100 a shot.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice

The product is suitable for cleaning both wet and dry dirt. It is portable and lightweight, meaning you can take it with you anywhere you go. The fold-down top carry handle ensures easy carrying, without putting extra pressure on your hands or wrists. It comes with various accessories that allow you to get rid of ashes, dirt, spilled drinks or food, and even pet hair.
The power cord is not very long, meaning you’ll need an extension cord if you plan on using it to clean your car or narrow spaces.
This item is both portable and powerful, making it a cost-effective option for all users.
2nd Best
The vacuum has a total capacity of 1.5 gallons, enough to help you clean your car or a few rooms before having to empty the dirtbag. It is delivered with various accessories which allows you to enjoy a customized cleaning experience in and outside your house. The product comes with reusable filters. The fold-down carry handle is a great feature, too.
Some customers complained about the item being too noisy. You may want to wear a pair of earplugs if you have sensitive ears.
Compact and lightweight, the vacuum is great for picking up wet or dry dirt.
Also To Consider
This item is affordable and powerful at the same time. It is delivered with a series of useful accessories, including a 2-in-1 nozzle and crevice tool, a 4-feet hose, and a cord wrap. It is lightweight and easy to carry thanks to the convenient handle. It works great when having to remove wet or dry dirt from the kitchen, the balcony, the car or the terrace.
Some of those who ordered the product weren’t very pleased with the plastic construction, claiming it won’t resist impacts or accidents.
You can easily convert this unit into a blower, which makes it great for removing leaves.
A short buying guide
Looking for the best portable wet dry vac? If that’s the case, you’ve reached the home of electric brooms and vacuum cleaners, so we’re pretty sure that you’ll be able to make the right call once you go over our buyer’s guide. It’s rather comprehensive and is packed with all the factors that you ought to take into account if you want to get as much value for every penny spent.
Capacity
One of the first details that you ought to bear in mind is the capacity of the tank that the wet dry vac has been outfitted with. On the one hand, opting for a bigger one is a great idea if you intend to clean several rooms at a time before having to empty the container. On the other hand, the bigger the capacity, the heavier will the product be, and therefore, the harder will you find it to utilize.
Size and portability
As previously discussed, whether or not the product is, indeed, portable remains a matter of personal preferences. Some people might simply not have the right physical attributes for them to carry a 1.5-gallon vac from one spot to the next. Therefore, it is important to keep an open mind so as to understand that the best portable vacuum cleaner is that which is best correlated with the features you’re looking for.
Portability also refers to the length of the power cord, believe it or not. You need a model that comes with a power cable of at least 6 feet so as to avoid using too many extension cords or having to change the outlet time and again.
Filters
Another detail that you should pay some attention to is whether the filter that the model has been outfitted with is reusable and washable. Normally, this feature shows up on most good portable vacuums, but it’s still worth mentioning as it can help you save some money in the long run.
What types of accessories come with the main unit?
To make the most out of your purchase, you need to ensure that the product comes with at least several accessories that you can utilize in your home at your car. For example, a crevice tool and a gulper nozzle are two extras that you should be on the lookout for. The diameter of the main hose also needs to be given some thought to especially if you intend to collect bigger debris.
The main takeaway here is that these extras increase the value you will be getting for the money you will spend. Besides, you won’t have to purchase any accessory separately, so you will even be able to save some time.
4 Best Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaners (Updated Reviews) in 2021
Given the broad variety of products available for sale these days, we thought of giving you a helping hand. You’ll find some of the popular choices out there showcased below. They’re convenient, versatile, and easy to use.
1. Shop-Vac 2021000
As one of the most sought after alternatives that we came across, this choice is probably worth considering.
The 2021000 comes with most of the critical features that you should look for in a portable shop vacuum cleaner, in that it is both lightweight and capable of excellent performance. You will be able to utilize this product both in your home and your car.
The 6-ft power cord that the model has been outfitted with is another advantage that is worth mentioning. Besides, the unit comes with a fold-down top carry handle that will enable you to carry it conveniently.
From what we have gathered by going through the reviews acquired by this alternative, it appears to be worth every penny.
It’s capable of doing a great job in a myriad of situations and speaks to the needs of boaters, DIY-ers, and users who just want to clean their living environment.
Pros
Since it is a portable device, this vacuum cleaner is lightweight and compact. Moreover, it delivers outstanding performance, and you can use it for both home and car cleaning.
The unit is equipped with a six-foot power cord and a fold-down top carry handle that makes carrying the vacuum very convenient.
You will also get some accessories to help you out with your cleaning tasks like a gulper nozzle, crevice tool, a tool holder, a foam sleeve reusable disc filter, and a four-foot hose.
What is more, this is a wet and dry vacuum outfitted with a 1 Peak HP motor with a one-gallon tank.
The fact that it is wall mountable is another advantage. You will also get wall brackets for the vacuum and the accessories.
Cons
The cord is not long enough for activities such as car cleaning or reaching narrow spaces.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($54.99)
2. Shop-Vac 2030100
This 1.5-gallon 2.0-HP vac is another model that you should bear in mind, and that’s because of a number of reasons.
On the one hand, it comes with a variety of accessories that you wouldn’t get if you were to select a different alternative. For example, the box contains a 4’ by 1.25” hose, a crevice tool, as well as a gulper nozzle.
In addition to all of this, you might want to be aware of the fact that the product comes with reusable filters.
Given that it is a compact option, you might be interested in giving it a try, especially as it is wall-mountable and comes with an easy-to-use fold-down carry handle.
While most of the feedback that we analyzed about this model is favorable, some argue that it needs an exhaust diffuser. Although the cord measures 6 feet, it might not be enough for some users.
Pros
The 1.5-gallon 2.0-HP vacuum cleaner comes with multiple helpful accessories such as a gulper nozzle, a 4-foot by 1.25-inch hose, as well as a crevice tool.
Another advantage of buying this model is the fact that it comes with reusable filters that you will not have to purchase separately.
The unit is portable and it has a fold-down carry handle to make things easy, and it is also wall mountable. This means that you can install the vac to always be at hand for quick cleaning jobs.
This model is also a great option because it can convert into a powerful blower, as it is equipped with a blower port.
Cons
Some customers mentioned that this model should also have an exhaust diffuser.
Also, the six-foot cord may not be long enough for every cleaning activity, so you might need to purchase an extension cord in order to reach narrow spaces or to clean your car.
Buy from Amazon.com
3. Vacmaster VP205
It would have been unfair to leave out this model considering that it is one of the most budget-friendly choices that we were able to track down.
Aside from the affordability factor, you might want to know that the VP205 comes with a series of accessories that make it an all around good purchase.
The box contains the 4-ft hose, an 8-ft power cord complete with a cord wrap, as well as a bunch of other extras.
Some of these include a 2-in-1 nozzle and a crevice tool. As is the case with most of the models designed for the same purpose, this one boasts a convenient handle.
The applications for which the Vacmaster proves its worth are next to endless.
It can be used for any wet and dry pickup, but it also comes in handy when accidents have happened in the kitchen or your balcony.
Pros
Even though this model delivers high performance and it comes with a variety of useful cleaning accessories, it is also very affordable, which is a great advantage.
In addition to the vacuum itself, you will also receive a 2-in-1 nozzle, crevice tool, as well as a four-foot hose, and an eight-foot power cord.
The convenient fold-down handle allows you to easily carry the unit around.
You can use the unit for both wet and dry applications, and it is great to have for quick daily cleaning activities. A foam filter sleeve is also included.
This model can also be used as a blower, and the conversion is fast and easy.
Cons
Some buyers mentioned that the plastic construction of this unit does not seem very sturdy, and it may not hold in case of accidents or impacts.
A few comments were also made about the hose being too stiff and also short.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($47.75)
4. VacLife Handheld Vacuum
For people looking for battery operated vacuum cleaners portable options, we have a recommendation you might be interested in. First of all, even though it is a cordless model, the unit is outfitted with a sturdy motor capable of generating remarkably powerful suction. It is an excellent option for both home and car cleaning.
What is more, this unit has a double use, meaning that it can be utilized for both wet and dry surfaces. The VacLife Handheld Vacuum comes with three distinct nozzles in order to meet all of your car cleaning requirements. Moreover, the LED lights help you reach darker areas with ease.
The detachable dust cup is super-easy to remove, clean, and reattach, which is extremely convenient. The long-lasting battery is another great feature. You get 30 minutes of continuous use on a single charge, and it takes between 3 and 4 hours to fully charge.
Pros
Despite its compact design, you will be amazed by the strong suction power this model has. It can remove deep dirt very easily. It is a great choice for daily home cleaning and for car cleaning.
This unit comes with a number of useful accessories such as a dust brush tool, a crevice tool, a rubber jar tool, or an extension hose. Moreover, the LED lights allow you to clean darker spaces.
The wet and dry double use is a feature that not many vacuums on the market have. Usually, these options are large and very expensive.
The stainless steel HEPA filter is washable and very durable, while the dust cup is detachable for easy trash dumping and cleaning.
The long-lasting battery offers 30 minutes of continuous operation on a single charge.
Cons
If you do not clean the filter thoroughly, the suction power will lose its strength very fast.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($49.99)