10 Best Quiet Shop Vacuum
If you are tired of scrubbing and cleaning waste in your workshop or workstation manually, we’ve got a deal for you; The shop vacuum cleaner. This device is going to sort out the mess for you within minutes. Shop Vacuums have powerful motors capable of suctioning dirt, small and large debris than your usual cleaner can. Therefore, whatever kind of waste is littering your base, get yourself a quiet shop vacuum and you won’t regret it.
It is the desire of every professional to work in a clean and conducive environment. To help you realize this dream, we’ve prepared a well-detailed purchase guide. Besides, we’ve also reviewed the 10 best quiet shop vacuums, which eases your search further. So, even if you know less about shop vacuums, don’t fret. You can utilize this guide to get the best products.
How Many Decibels Is A Shop Vac?
Different shop vacuums have varied noise levels ranging from the quietest to the loudest. The range starts from 55dB for the super-quiet models and the medium models between 65-70 decibels. Any model above 75dB is considered loud.
Top 10 Best Quiet Shop Vacuum For Properly Cleaning Your Workplace
1. Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor
Festool 583492 is our number one quiet shop vacuum owing to its many features and functionalities. If you are looking for a premium and quiet model, this meets the threshold. It is a wet and dry vacuum best for woodwork workshops. It is well equipped with a standard HEPA filter capable of filtering up to 99.99% particles. For more conducive work sites, Festool 583492 has a dust extractor and a collapsible dust bag.
It is also compact and lightweight. With the addition of wheels, you’ll find this shop Vac a worthy investment. You can easily move it around your home or wherever it is you want it. The 62dB noise level is a great property as you won’t have to battle the deafening noise.
The 11.5 feet hose gives you enough flexibility. It covers most room sizes, and therefore you won’t have to purchase an extension. Its motor is powerful enough to suction airflow at the rate of 137CFM.
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Pros
- Comes with HEPA technology filters
- It is super quiet
- It uses an antistatic hose
- Has an automatic water level detector
- Has a self-cleaning collapsible dust bag
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Cons
- Doesn’t have an exhaust port
- It is expensive
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2. Vacmaster VWM510 Quiet Shop Vacuum
Vacmaster VWM510 quiet shop vacuum is powered by a 10 AMP motor capable of moving 81CFM of air with only 74dB noise. In addition to the high suction power, this device has a blower. It’s one of the most lucrative vacuums with remote control. As long as you are within 40 feet range, you don’t have to switch it manually.
With a 5 Gallon capacity, it is highly portable with a carrying handle. It is also wall-mountable. So, if you have limited space in your workshop, this is the right choice. Its wall bracket doesn’t need any expertise to install. You can have your unit up and running within minutes. Just as it is easy to install, it is also easy to detach.
Coming with a 20 feet cord and 10 feet hose, this unit can reach a better part of your space. You, therefore, may not have to purchase extensions. Its HEPA cartridge filter is washable. You won’t have to replace it every time it clogs.
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Pros
- Comes with many accessories
- It has a remote-control feature
- It has a powerful suction
- Uses a high-quality HEPA filter
- It is wall-mountable, which saves on space
- It is easy to mount and un-mount
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Cons
- The flex hose tends to shrink when in use
- It is bulky
- No means to establish a water level
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3. Ridgid Wd1450 14-Gallon 6-Horsepower Wet/Dry Quiet Shop Vacuum
This is another powerful shop vac. With 14 gallons capacity and 6 peak horsepower, Ridgid WD1450 is one of the high-capacity shop vacuums. It is also equipped with soundproof technology, reducing the noise t a great extent.
The fine dust filter on this Vac is so effective. It is capable of filtering both wet and dry particles. It is a rare combination not found on many vacs. For blowing sawdust and other particles, Ridgid WD1450 has a blower. It will also enable you to clean the constricted and unreachable points in your workshop.
The 20 feet cord attachment is long enough to reach a wide circumference. If your needs are affordability, long cord, and easy maneuverability, you have an option here.
The 360-degree wheels mounted on this Vac allow it to move and turn easily. In terms of noise, the unit is a bit noisy. Its noise level ranges between 85 to 87dB.
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Pros
- It has a long cord
- It is easily maneuverable
- Has a quality dust filter
- The noise reduction technology is a great addition
- Has quickly accessible accessory storage bag
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Cons
- It is noisy
- Doesn’t have a muffler attachment
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4. Shop-Vac 5989700 Stainless
This shop vac has a 6.5 horsepower and a 12 AMP motor. Capable of blowing air at the rate of 150 CFM, it can also lift 72” liquids. Unfortunately, Shop-Vac 5989700 doesn’t indicate its noise level. For ease of emptying, it has a draining mechanism. It is also well endowed with maneuvering features: large fixed wheels and 360-degree front casters.
You can clean a wide area with this model. It has an 8 feet hose pipe and 18 feet cord. The total length translates to about 30 feet. It uses a U cartridge filter, a Type R foam sleeve, and a filter bag. There is also an inbuilt accessory storage bag. The accompanying attachments include extension wands, wet/dry nozzle, and crevice tool. This device has one of the longest warranties stretching up to 5 years.
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Pros
- Easy to move around due to the wheels and casters
- It is very durable
- It has the longest warranty period up to 5 years
- Has a sturdy design
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Cons
- Doesn’t include the noise level
- The accessory storage bag is of low quality.
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5. Dewalt DXV10P Wet Dry Quiet Shop Vacuum
DeWALT DXV10P has a 10AMP motor, which gives it enough power to lift big particles. Even though it doesn’t indicate its noise level, this shop vacuum claims to be 50% quieter. Its 5.5 horsepower moves air up to 90CFM. However, it omits its water lift capability.
Additionally, this Vac comes with a portable blower. This is useful for blowing light materials such as sawdust or dry leaves. When it comes to moving it around, DeWALT DXV10P has four 360-degree casters. These make it easily movable, with the lower edge drainage system easing the emptying process.
The hose length and the cord combined cover about 30 feet from the plug-in point. Its cartridges are also washable. However, they are not HEPA-equipped. The detachable accessory bag is one of the major strengths of this Vac.
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Pros
- Has enough suction at the wand
- Highly maneuverable due to the wheels
- Has a detachable accessory storage bag
- It comes with many attachments
- It is easy to use
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Cons
- It is noisy
- The blower port isn’t well designed
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6. Nilfisk ALTO Aero 26-21 6.6 Quiet Shop Vacuum
This is a German product, from design to its manufacturing. It is a powerful dust extractor powered by a 1,000W and 13 AMP motor.
It blows not less than 125CFM air and 84″ liquid lift. With a 64dB noise level, it is one of the quietest Vac.
Designed with four wheels, ALTO is very easy to move. Two fixed rear and two front casters that can rotate 360 degrees make this possible.
It doesn’t have a draining system for use with wet dirt. You have to detach the canister from the power unit to empty it. It has a HEPA filter that is easy to wash and reuse.
Also, it comes with many accessories that include the tool holder, extension wand nozzle, and dust bag. If you are looking for another versatile shop vac, this is a great option.
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Pros
- Easily maneuverable
- Comes with several attachments
- Has a powerful suction
- Its design is compact
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Cons
- Doesn’t have a draining system
- The hose is a little bit thin.
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7. Makita VC4710 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
This is an amazingly quiet wet/dry shop vacuum operating at 59dB. It has a 12AMP motor with 135 CFM suction. Such high power gives it the ability to take on challenging environments. The unit is lightweight and highly portable.
About the filter, the device has a self-cleaning mechanism. So, you don’t have to worry about clogging. It is very durable, made possible by the blowback feature. It allows high user control since you can use it for different functionalities with different accessories.
The wide-set off-rear wheels and the steel caster front wheels make it stable and easily maneuverable. These amazing features put this model among the most popular types.
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Pros
- It is super quiet
- Uses a powerful 12AMP motor
- It has a rocket valve for separating the reverse airflow
- Very maneuverable due to its caster and rear wheels
- Its filter has a self-cleaning mechanism
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Cons
- Not very durable
- Most customers complain the self-cleaning feature is not working.
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8. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon Quiet Shop Vacuum
It is a low-volume vacuum with a large tank capacity. While no disclosure of the decibels, most reviewers place it at around 73dB. Certainly, it isn’t the quietest, but it deserves this position in this category. You can easily cover a larger surface area due to its 20 feet long cord. The 16-gallon capacity is also a good one for large areas.
You can easily convert it to a blower by switching to its high-speed exhaust port. It is best for very dirty workplaces since it can pick relatively large debris. Nonetheless, its cartridge filter is not HEPA certified.
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Pros
- Has a large capacity
- Its power cord is long
- It comes with several accessories
- Its big tube can suck different debris and dirt
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Cons
- It is bulk
- It doesn’t have a HEPA filter.
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9. FEIN Turbo II Quiet Shop Vacuum Cleaner
This is a great option if you want a quiet and powerful shop vacuum. Its noise level is rated at 66dB, which is relatively low. Designed for both dry and wet surfaces, FEIN Turbo II can easily lift 98.4″ of water.
Its tank capacity and tenacity make it a good choice for the most challenging situations, for example, in your garage and small construction sites.
Unlike most other shop vacs, this one comes with a permanent textile filter—no extra cost on filter replacements. There is also a dust bag for dry vacuuming only.
The additional accessories that include two cords of different sizes are good for extension purposes.
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Pros
- It has a sturdy design
- Also easy to use
- It is very quiet
- Has a very durable textile filter
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Cons
- Doesn’t have variable suction
- In most products, the auto start feature works only with 6A tools.
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10. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 6 Gal. Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum
Tired of cords and staying restricted in areas with power? This cordless unit will give you the freedom to carry it off-grid. It is meant for both dry and wet surfaces so it’ll serve you wherever you take it. Its compact nature and lightweight materials make it a worthy competitor in this category. The 360-degree mobility also is another important addition.
The onboard accessory storage space holds additional attachments such as floor nozzle, extension wands and crevice tool among others. You can also place the hose pipe here when not using it. In case of any deficiency in terms of efficiency, the unit is covered by a three-year warranty. So, you can just take it back to the manufacturer for replacement or refund.
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Pros
- It is very hardy
- Has a compact shape
- It is cordless
- The 360-degree wheels make very maneuverable
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Cons
- It relies on batteries
- Doesn’t come with battery charger
- It has a small tank capacity
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What to Consider When Buying Quiet Shop Vacuum?
You not only need a quiet shop vacuum; you need a device that best satisfies your needs. For that to happen, weigh in on the following factors;
Types of Shop Vacs
It is essential to pay attention to the type of your Vac, depending on your needs. Where you want to use your device should play a critical role in your final decision. The major types of shop vacuum include;
- Wet/ Dry – Wet and dry shop vacs are dual units. They are designed to work on both dry and wet surfaces. That means they can suck liquids on the surfaces and solid debris. Some of their major distinguishing features are the long cords and attachments for both surfaces. Some models also have wheels to facilitate easy maneuverability.
- Wall Mountable – These vacuums are stored off the ground, specifically on the wall. They are space-efficient hence are the best in space-limited workshops. They have wall brackets to hold them together with any additional attachments.
- Cordless/Portable–These are compact vacs that are easy to carry around. Instead of power cables, cordless vacs use either internal or external batteries to run.
- Plastic tank – Vacuum cleaners with plastic tanks are the lightest and most versatile vacs you can get in the market. They are also cheap compared to their steel counterparts. The good thing with them is that they don’t easily suffer dents and scratches. Therefore, you can easily transport them without suffering major physical damages.
- Stainless tank vacs –These are more expensive and heavier vacuums. Unlike plastic ones, stainless tank vacs can suffer dents and scratches during transportation. Even though they are moisture-resistant, they take longer to dry.
Power
Your Vac’s power rating determines its strength and efficiency when cleaning your room. It should be among the first features to consider. Horsepower or PHP are the units of measurements used for motor strengths. The strongest shop vacs have ratings from 6.5 PHP and above.
The Airpower influences the efficiency of vacs cleaning capability-determines how best the vacuum picks the bulky waste. Especially in shops where you expect heavy debris such as metallic parts like bolts and screws. Thus, you should ensure your Vac’s power is enough to clean your space comfortably.
Portability
You don’t want to purchase a unit that will give you a headache to move around. In this regard, you need to consider the materials used in the construction of the vacuum keenly. The design also will play a critical role in the device portability. Some vacs may be slightly heavyweight but equipped with handles and wheels. Such additions enhance portability. Therefore, it’s upon you to determine the level of portability you desire on your vacuum.
Noise Levels (dB)
Shop-vac noise can be exceedingly annoying. If silence is your top priority, you should be careful with the noise levels rated in terms of decibels. The most silent vacs range 55dB, with the loudest ones above 75dB. Ideally, a shop vac at a range of 70dB, which is the medium sound, can make a good choice.
Size, Design, and Accessories
Aesthetics and design may not be an important factors for everyone. But, if you are a fan of those, you can go for them pretty well. There are several vacs with beautiful designs and elegant colors. Depending on where you want to use your Vacuum, you can get varied sizes of beautiful vacuums, ranging from mini, small, medium, and large.
The additional accessories are a plus t your Vac as they’ll make your work easier. For example, the brackets for storage and auction heads are crucial.
Hose Thickness and Length
Before buying a vac, you should check on the hose gauges. How thick your hose determines the suction it can withstand. However, it shouldn’t be too thick or too thin either. The overly thick hose may be hard to hold when cleaning. The thin ones, on the other hand, may easily get cut by the waste you clean. Therefore, you should ensure that the thickness is comfortable enough with corresponding sturdiness.
In terms of length, you should consider having a long enough hose for flexibility. You don’t want to be moving the tank after every minute. The length should allow you to clean a considerably large circumference. With length, though, you can always go for an extension if all the other factors click.
Tank Capacity
The capacity of your vac tank is crucial to avoid inconveniences. It should be big enough for its intended place of work. If you are buying it for commercial purses or a big industrial area, vacs with big tank capacity are preferable. This way, you won’t have to keep adding water now and then.
However, if your focus area is a car or a small office, there is no need to buy a bulky vac. You should always ensure that you don’t waste a lot of money on a too big tank that you don’t need.
Shop-Vac Cords
Inspect the materials used to make the cord. The materials will determine how durable your Vac will be. Again, its length is of importance. Get a cord that will give you the freedom to cover, if not the entire room, a good percentage. Too short cords may force you to buy extra extensions at additional costs.
Quiet Shop Vacuum Decibels
To avoid the vacuums’ deafening noise, it’s important to choose the least decibels’ units. This may mean settling for small units with less powerful motors. In case your target shop doesn’t indicate the decibels, it’s good to inquire. However, most brands include this information in their products.
Filters
Filters are important components of a shop vac. The quality of filters reflects in the quality of work that the Vac leaves behind. You can choose the type of your machine filter from the two major types. That is the foam and cartridge.
Foam filters are basically used with water and other liquid substances. On the other hand, cartridge filters are a general-purpose type you can use with any material. Therefore, depending on the materials, you expect to encounter, choose the best standard filters for your Vac. Whatever type of filter you pick, you should ensure that it complies with the HEPA technology. A good filter shouldn’t release dust into the environment.
Durability
You don’t want to spend your hard-earned cash on a unit that will crash in the next few months. Be considerate of the materials used to build the Vac as they are what majorly determine the durability. The steel vacs have the longest lifespan. They are capable of enduring extremely harsh weather conditions as they perform their work.
Plastic and rubber shop vacs are a bit delicate. They can’t last long as steel models. However, if you go for those made with high-quality plastics and rubber, they can give you better service.
Blowers
Blowers are an important feature that allows you to clean areas that are hard to reach. Different models have different designs to incorporate blowers. Some have a switch that doesn’t require you to move the hose. Other models use a release mechanism to remove the hose from the canister to use as a blower.
Warranty
It’s obvious that the longer the warranty given by your seller, the better. Before making your final decision, consider the warrant durations plus the terms and conditions. Most warrants range between 2 to 3 years. You should also read all the terms and conditions to understand the viability of the claimed warrant. Some companies offer very superficial warrants that may not cover the crucial elements. In such a case, that would be a red flag to warrant your reconsideration.
Budget
This is a significant contributor to the kind of shop Vac you are going to buy. A higher budget means more features and accessories on your shop vac. However, there are many cheap products with equivalent functionalities to high-end ones. So, it is upon you to ensure that you get the best product within your budget category.
Brand
The brand is important for authenticity purposes. There are many manufacturers today, some of whose products haven’t been certified for safety. Therefore, it is important to check the background of the brand and how reliable their products are. This is where the customer reviews come in. if you find many complaints about the brand, you better avoid it. Also, check for certifications by various bodies so that you are sure of what you are buying.
Maintenance
Remember, for maximum durability of your shop vac; maintenance is a must. Your Vac should be an easy one to clean and dry. Additionally, it shouldn’t be complex to detach and assemble its components. A good shop vac should have a properly detailed user manual with illustrations on how to maintain it. It’s prudent enough to detest any poorly documented equipment.
How to Quieter Your Current Shop Vacuum
The shop vacuum noise can become a nuisance to your neighbors, and more importantly, you need to protect yourself. Fortunately, there are a couple of methods you can use to minimize this noise. Some of them include;
- Cleaning the filters: Dirty filters can block free airflow resulting in rising in noise level. If you haven’t cleaned your filters for a long time, remove and wash them. In case you use the non-reusable type, it’s time to get new ones. This process gives you time even to unclog the hose to open the air paths.
- Connect a muffler to the exhaust: A muffler’s task is to reduce the noise level. Therefore, you can design a muffler and attach it to the exhaust from PVC pipes or other recommended materials.
- Build a soundproof cabinet: You can your shop Vac an insulated cabinet. When doing this, you should also consider the fact that it will need air to operate. So do not seal off the cabinet completely.
- Use a long hose attachment: Some considerable noise level emanates from the turbulent air exiting the exhaust pipe. If you add an extra length of vacuum hose and move it further away, it can reduce the noise.
- Install variable speed controller: The use of a speed controller reduces the amount of power drawn per unit time. Consequently, this reduces the corresponding noise from the unit.
FAQ
Why Are Shop Vacs So Loud?
The shop vac noise is a result of many factors. One; due to the motor’s principle of operation. The vacs create a low-pressure area in the canister to establish suction. The motor has to spin the fan(s), and they produce noise.
The other thing is the dirty filters. If there is air blockage when the motor attempts suctioning, it will try harder to force air pass. The result is more noise. The problem of blockage anywhere, whether in the filter or the hose, will increase noise.
In the event a fan breaks down, it’ll also lead to increased noise. The reduced suction will also force the motor to work extra harder to compensate for the suction.
What is the Noise Level of a Quiet Shop Vacuum?
Any shop vacuum between 55 to 70dB noise level can be said to be quiet. The noise level above that range is too loud.
What Is the Difference Between a Shop Vac and a Regular Vacuum?
The main difference between the shop vac and the regular Vacuum is strength. Shop vacs are more powerful and are used to clean massive wastes and debris. The standard vacuum cleaners can only clean dirt, dust, and light particles.
As you would expect it, the shop vacs are also louder than the regular vacs. This is occasioned by the power they have to draw to carry out their function.
What Is the Difference Between a Shop Vac and a Steam Mop?
Steam mops make it easy to eliminate stains and clean without detergent or chemicals. Steam vacuum cleaners are beneficial if they’re compatible with your type of carpet. They give you to vacuum up debris and wash the carpet fibers with an individual machine. Instead of a traditional floor vacuum, buy a shop-vac to clean your house/apt. Unlike a shop vac, it can clean the carpet well, and it’s easier to use. It does everything from carpet to hardwood floors, laminated floors, and never needs a filter.
Are Shop Vacs More Powerful?
Yes. Shop vacs are powerful and bulkier compared to regular vacuums. They have more powerful motors to enable them to clean heavier and tougher particles.
Can You Use a Shop Vac Without a Filter?
Yes. You can use a filterless vacuum, although only when in open places or pulling liquids. Otherwise, you’ll be destroying your device.
Warm-Up
Now that we have given you a detailed review and guide on quiet shop vacuum, it’s now your turn to purchase not only the best unit but also the super quiet model. You don’t have to struggle with cleaning sawdust and other industrial waste. The shop vacuums reviewed here will give you excellent services.