Best Shop Vacuum Under $150 (2026)

Compare the picks

Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 22 October 2026. “Not stated” means the listing does not give the figure.

How we scored them

Each vacuum is scored out of 10 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, with the weights published on our How We Pick page. None of the four listings states an electrical safety listing, so every vacuum scores zero on safety, which pulls all scores down.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

What the listings tell you

We read 4 shop vacuum listings under $150. Three state a CFM figure: 85, 65 and 49. All 4 state a tank size, from 4 to 9 gallons. All 4 state a noise figure, though the CRAFTSMAN listing gives 2 different ones. Three state a concrete warranty term; the Vacmaster states none. None states a UL, ETL or CSA listing. Two listings contradict themselves: the CRAFTSMAN spec table disagrees with its title on capacity and power, and the RIDGID spec table lists a 0.04 inch maximum suction next to a 4.25 peak HP motor.

On reach, the Vacmaster lists a 25 ft cleaning reach, the DEWALT lists 17 ft, the RIDGID lists a 1-7/8 in. x 8 ft hose, and the CRAFTSMAN bullets list a 1-7/8 in. x 7 ft hose while its spec table says 5 ft. On accessories, the Vacmaster lists 11, the DEWALT kit includes a floor brush, crevice nozzle, tool adaptor, cartridge and foam filters and an accessory bag, the CRAFTSMAN lists a hose, 2 wands and 3 nozzles plus a filter and dust bag, and the RIDGID lists a hose, 2 wands, a utility nozzle and a filter. Empty weights run from 14 lb to 16.5 lb, with the RIDGID stating no weight.

Buying guide: best shop vacuum under 150

Tank size sets how often you empty it

The CRAFTSMAN lists 9 gallons in its title, the DEWALT and RIDGID list 6 gallons, and the Vacmaster lists 4 gallons. A bigger tank means fewer trips to empty it during a big cleanup, and it matters most for wet pickup: the CRAFTSMAN pairs its 9 gallon tank with an oversized drain. The 4 gallon Vacmaster suits cars and small shops where the vac has to store in a corner. One caution: the CRAFTSMAN spec table lists 2.5 gallons against the 9 gallon title; trust the title and bullets, which agree on 9. A full tank of water adds real heft on top of the empty weights here: 15.5 lb for the CRAFTSMAN, 16.5 lb for the DEWALT and 14 lb for the Vacmaster. Wheels matter for that reason, and the RIDGID lists 360-degree caster wheels while the DEWALT lists durable casters.

CFM and suction: read what is actually stated

CFM tells you how much air the vac moves. The DEWALT states 85 CFM, the Vacmaster 65 CFM and the CRAFTSMAN 49 CFM; the RIDGID states no CFM figure, so rank it on its other stated specs instead. Suction is patchier: the CRAFTSMAN lists 50 inches of lift and 68 inches maximum suction, the Vacmaster lists 15 inches maximum suction, and the DEWALT states no suction figure at all. The RIDGID spec table lists 0.04 inches maximum suction, a figure that does not square with its 4.25 peak HP motor; treat that row as a listing slip. Peak HP numbers here run 4, 4.25, 4.25 and 5; treat them as peak figures, not working power. For airflow, only CFM lets you compare directly, and only 3 of the 4 listings give one.

Noise, hose reach and where you plug in

The DEWALT states 65 dB, the lowest stated noise figure of the four; the Vacmaster states 72 dB and the RIDGID 75 dB, while the CRAFTSMAN spec table lists both 72 dB and 80 dB. If the garage shares a wall with the house, the DEWALT’s stated 65 dB is the easiest to live with; the listing calls out its STEALTHSONIC technology and a lifespan three times longer than standard shop vacuums. For reach, the Vacmaster lists a 25 ft cleaning reach with a 7 ft hose, the DEWALT lists a 17 ft reach from a 10 ft cord plus a 7 ft hose and 2 extension wands, the RIDGID lists a locking 1-7/8 in. x 8 ft hose, and the CRAFTSMAN bullets list a 1-7/8 in. x 7 ft hose while its spec table says 5 ft. For blowing leaves and debris off the driveway and sidewalk, the CRAFTSMAN and RIDGID both list blower ports. All four run on 120 volts; the CRAFTSMAN draws 8.3 A and the Vacmaster 8 A.

Filters and accessories

The Vacmaster is the only one here with a HEPA filter; the other three list cartridge filters. See our cartridge vs bag shop vacuum comparison for how the two styles differ. The DEWALT includes both a cartridge filter and a foam filter, and foam suits wet pickup. The CRAFTSMAN uses its Qwik Lock filter fastening system for quick changes and lists compatible filters CMXZVBE38751 and others, plus dust bag CMXZVBE39970. On accessories, the Vacmaster lists 11, the DEWALT kit adds a floor brush, crevice nozzle, tool adaptor and an accessory bag, the CRAFTSMAN lists 2 locking extension wands with utility, car and wet nozzles, and the RIDGID lists a hose, 2 extension wands, a utility nozzle and a filter. The Vacmaster adds on-board storage for the hose, cord and accessories, which keeps a small garage tidy.

Corded power: what 120 volts means

All four run on 120 volts, so any standard garage outlet powers them. The CRAFTSMAN draws 8.3 A and the Vacmaster 8 A; the RIDGID lists 8.3 A as well. There is no battery, no charge time and no runtime limit: a corded vac runs as long as the job does. Oddly, the CRAFTSMAN and Vacmaster spec tables list battery charge times on corded electric vacs, 4 hours and 30 hours; ignore those rows, since both listings state corded electric power. If the outlet is far from the work, pick by reach: the Vacmaster’s 25 ft and the DEWALT’s 17 ft decide how often you move the vac.

Warranty terms, stated plainly

The RIDGID states a lifetime warranty, the DEWALT 3 years of limited coverage, and the CRAFTSMAN a 3 year limited warranty. The Vacmaster states no warranty term, so it scores zero on warranty. The CRAFTSMAN warranty runs through Emerson Tool Company, and the RIDGID warranty covers material and workmanship defects for the life of the tool. A stated term is the only warranty you can count on; a warranty link with no term is not one. Keep the receipt and register the tool if the maker asks.

Garage Fit Check

• Parking spot. The DEWALT measures 14.9 x 13.77 x 23.11 inches, the Vacmaster 17.2 x 13.3 x 17.5 inches, the CRAFTSMAN 16.61 x 18.42 x 24.28 inches and the RIDGID 17.7 x 17.7 x 17.1 inches; check the corner where the vac will live.
• Power. All four run on 120 volts. The CRAFTSMAN draws 8.3 A and the Vacmaster 8 A, so a standard garage circuit handles them.
• Reach. The Vacmaster lists a 25 ft cleaning reach and the DEWALT a 17 ft reach; map the farthest corner of the garage and the driveway from the nearest outlet.
• Filters on day one. The Vacmaster ships a HEPA filter; the other three list cartridge filters. Confirm which filter the box actually includes.
• Wet jobs. The CRAFTSMAN lists an oversized drain for emptying liquids, and the CRAFTSMAN and RIDGID list blower ports for clearing debris.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size shop vacuum do I need for a home garage?

The four here run from 4 to 9 gallons. A 6 gallon vac covers cars, small shops and most garage cleanups; the 9 gallon CRAFTSMAN suits big wet or dusty jobs with fewer emptying trips; the 4 gallon Vacmaster suits cars and tight storage. Match the tank to the mess, not the motor, and remember the CRAFTSMAN spec table disagrees with its own title on capacity.

Is a higher peak HP better?

Not by itself. Peak HP is a peak figure, and the listings here range from 4 to 5 peak HP while CFM ranges from 49 to 85. Compare CFM for airflow and the stated suction or lift for pull; the Vacmaster lists the highest peak HP at 5 but the DEWALT lists the highest CFM at 85. A bigger tank often matters more than a bigger peak HP number.

Can these vacuums pick up water?

All four are wet/dry vacs. The CRAFTSMAN lists an oversized drain for emptying liquids, and the DEWALT listing covers liquid spills. Empty and dry the tank after wet pickup so the filter and tank stay in good shape, and use the foam filter on the DEWALT for wet work.

How loud are these shop vacuums?

Stated noise runs from 65 dB on the DEWALT to 75 dB on the RIDGID, with the Vacmaster at 72 dB. The CRAFTSMAN spec table lists both 72 dB and 80 dB, so treat its noise as uncertain. A lower stated dB is easier to live with in an attached garage, and the DEWALT’s STEALTHSONIC listing is the only one aimed at quiet operation.

Do any of these have a HEPA filter?

Only the Vacmaster states a HEPA filter. The other three list cartridge filters. See our HEPA vs standard shop vacuum comparison for what the filter type changes. The CRAFTSMAN also lists a compatible dust bag, CMXZVBE39970, for dry pickup.

Related: our best shop vacuum roundup, the best shop vacuum under 100, the best shop vacuum for car detailing, the best shop vacuum for metal shavings, and the cyclone vs standard shop vacuum comparison. Also see cartridge vs bag shop vacuum and HEPA vs standard shop vacuum.