Quiet Shop Vac: Top 7 Quietest Shop Vacs for Garage and Workshop

A quiet shop vac is designed to clean your garage, workshop, or job site without causing noise pollution, unlike traditional shop vacs.

A vacuum cleaner is an important tool for any workshop or job site. They are designed to clean sawdust, pieces of scrap materials such as small nails and small pieces of metals, something that normal household vacuum cleaner cannot achieve.

In this guide, I’ll be revealing to you some of the best quiet shop vacuum cleaner as well as the factors that you should consider before choosing one. Let’s get started.

What is the Quietest Shop Vac?

The quietest shop vac is Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor with a noise rating of 62 decibels (dB) on the low setting.

It features an adjustable suction, and an automatic tool starts with a tool triggered or manual on-off switch. Its suction force can be adjusted when using wet or dry.

It comes with 11 ½ ft anti-static hose that’s both flexible and kink-resistant to help minimize static cling and shock hazards.

The unit also boasts a low center of gravity, large wheels for maneuverability, and an ergonomic design that allows you to move it effortlessly around the workshop/job site. It also features one HEPA primary filter that’s positioned over the collection area.

It can be converted to a wet shop vac to drain water in your basement and will automatically shut in case water gets into the working parts.

Features:

• HEPA filters
• Automatic tool start & stop
• Convenient carry handle
• Sys-Dock
• Anti-static hose
• Automatic water level sensor
• Cord storage
• Large wheels
• Self-cleaning filter bag

A-List of Quiet Shop Vacs for Jobsite and Construction Sites

Shop vac noise levels are measured in decibels. Most household shop vacs have decibels range between 70-80 dB, and commercial vacuum cleaners are above 85 decibels.

To give you a basic understanding of the loudness for each vac, below is a simplified example.

• Quiet shop vacs operate below 70 decibels. You can have a conversation with your friend below this range.
• 70-85 decibels, you’ll need to raise your voice when talking to someone
• 85 dB and above- you’ll need to shout to communicate effectively

Use this noise decibel chart to get a better understanding.

1. FEIN Turbo II Vacuum Cleaner

The FEIN Turbo II is slightly louder than Festool above but quieter than traditional shop vacs. It has a noise rating of 66 decibels.

It offers powerful suction and quiet operation to help you keep your workspace clean without causing induced hearing loss.

The unit boasts a 151cfm flow rate and offers 98.4 inches of water lift with a capacity of 8.4 gallons. It comes with an 18ft power code and 13ft hose for long-range operation without having to move it around. And just in case you need to move it around the job site, the four swivel wheels will make this activity possible.

It has an auto-start feature that allows the vacuum cleaner to turn on automatically. This is a great option, especially when vacuuming dust from power tools.

It also features built-in storage with accessory holders as well as hose and cord hook.

Key features:

• 4-gallon wet/dry vacuum
• 151 cfm flow rate and 98.4 inches of water lift
• Quiet operation- 66 dB
• 13-foot hose and 18-foot cord
• AutoStart outlet

2. Makita VC4710 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

 

Powered by a 12 AMP motor, Makita VC4712 produces a 135-cfm airflow with an airlift of 92 inches.

The motor unit of this shop vacuum is constructed with high-quality sound-absorbing materials, which reduces the operating noise levels to 59 decibels.

It has 12-gallon for dry vacuuming and 8-gallon for wet vacuuming and two small 360 degrees turning wheels for easy maneuverability and two large fixed rear wheels.

The vacuum is available in two styles. A standard version and one sold with a w/angle grinder.  It features a 16-ft long anti-static hose and a 24 ½ft cord to help you reach the furthest corners of your job site without moving the entire vacuum.

Upon purchase, you get a 30-day return period and a 1-year limited warranty.

Key features:

• 12 AMP motor
• 135 CFM of suction
• An automatic filter cleaning system
• Variable speed control dial
• Wet and dry shop vac

3. DeWalt DXV10P Quiet Poly Wet Dry Vacuum

According to the manufacturer, the DeWALT DXV10P Quiet Poly is up to 50% quieter than traditional shop vacuum cleaners.

It’s predominantly yellow in colors with some black finishes.  The unit is equipped with a powerful 5.5 peak horsepower motor to give you enough amount of suction for any Jobsite cleanup job.

It’s equipped with durable rubberized casters for smooth and easy swiveling. The 20’ power cord allows you to reach even the farthest end without moving the unit.

Additionally, the unit features a built-in blower port that’s powerful enough to blow debris and sawdust from any workshop. It also comes with built-in accessory storage where you can store all accessories neatly organized.

Lastly, this unit features a large built-in tank drain that makes it easy to remove any liquids picked up during the cleaning process.

Key features:

• 360 degrees rotation casters
• Wet/dry/blow vacuum cleaner
• 10-gallon capacity
• 20’ power cord
• 5 peak horsepower
• 50% quieter than regular shop vacs

4. Vacmaster VWM510 5 Wall Mount Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

The Vacmaster VWM510 5 is a 5-gallon wet/dry vacuum cleaner considered a perfect combination of performance and convenience.

It is equipped with a whisper-quiet 2-stage (74 decibels) motors capable of handling any job either at home, garage, workshop or jobsite. The unit comes with a remote control setting that allows the use to turn on and off the unit from the end of the contoured handle.

It comes with a 20ft power cord and a 21ft hose to help reach the farthest distances without moving the unit.

This wet/dry vacuum comes with a wide array of attachment which can be stored on-board the unit to ensure that you’re always prepared for any task.

Additionally, it comes with a foam sleeve filter and a washable cartridge filter but unfortunately isn’t set up for a HEPA system.

The accessories included with this unit include round brush nozzle, removable brush, crevice tool, car tool, 11ft crushproof hose, and an air/noise diffuser.

Key Features:

• 2-year warranty
• 20-ft power cord and 21 ft hose
• Easily converts to a blower
• Remote control switch
• Wall-mount frame

5. Nilfisk ALTO Aero 26-21 6.6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Nilfisk ALTO Aero is a 6.6 gallon wet/dry vacuum with a maximum of 127 cfm airflow and an 84- inch maximum water lift.

It is engineered in Germany for reliability, highest-quality cleaning, and durability. It features an exciting AutoStart feature and a flat-top design for convenience.

The maximum noise generated by this shop vac is 64 decibels. It has two small front 360 degrees casters and two large fixed rear wheels. In addition, it’s equipped with an 11ft hose for good.

Accessories included with this vacuum cleaner include aluminum extension wand, tool holder, universal nozzle, tool adapter, suction brush, dust bag, and wet-dry floor nozzle. You get a 2-year warranty with this unit.

6. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum

The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 is equipped with a powerful 6.5 peak horsepower that provides the extra power needed to handle large objects in jobsite, garage, and workshop.

The unit features a built-in blower port that allows for quick cleaning of grass clippings and leaves in your workshop and backyard.

Additionally, it comes with a built-in oversized drain for easy emptying of liquids collected. It’s equipped with a 2 ½ inch diameter dual flex technology hose for 180-degree mobility without kinking.

Accessories that come with the Craftsman Heavy-Duty shop vac include 2-1/2 in. X 7 ft. Pos-I-Lock Dual-Flex Hose, Utility Nozzle, 2 Extension Wands, Car Nozzle, Wet Nozzle, Qwik Lock Filter, and Dust Collection Bag.

7. Vacmaster VF408

The Vacmaster VF408 comes in six different styles with varying capacities and horsepower.  The lower range being a 2.5-gallon two horsepower and the highest being a 6 gallon with 3 horsepower motor.

It’s a wet/dry vacuum cleaner explicitly made with a quiet operation factor in mind, thanks to the two-stage industrial motor that takes the credit for keeping cleanup process quiet.

It’s sturdy as it is quiet.

It’s compact enough, making it ideal for storing away indoors. It comes with an on-board storage bucket where you can store your accessories and tools within reach.

It’s both a wet and dry vacuum and hence can handle any job from the workshop into the home. The vacuum is lightweight (17 pounds) and is fitted with a top handle for easy transport. It’s equipped with a HEPA exhaust filter that provides clean air when in use.

Quiet Shop Vac Buyer Guide: Important Factors to Consider

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a quiet shop vac. Below are the main factors to take into consideration to help you get a shop vac that meets your specific requirements.

Quiet Shop Vac Decibels

As earlier mentioned, traditional shop vacs are quite noisy. If you’ll be using your vacuum cleaner in an environment that requires total silence, then you have to invest in a unit that emits the least noise.

While all the shop vacs in this guide all operate quietly, there are two that stand out from the rest. They include:

• Makita VC4712- noise ratings 59 decibels
• Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor

Ideally, anything with decibel levels below 70 would better, but below 65 decibels would be the best.

Tank Size/Capacity

The capacity of the shop vac should be sufficient enough to accumulate dust and dirt throughout your cleanup process.

If you’re dealing with an ample space that needs a cleanup, then a larger tank capacity would be the best.

However, if you’ll be using the vacuum to clean your car or a small workshop, a small or medium tank capacity would serve you better.

If you want one for commercial space, then a shop vac with a bigger tank capacity would meet your requirements.

Power

Power is one of the important factors to prioritize over other features. Powerful shop vacs have motor ratings above five peak horsepower (PHP).

Additionally, the AirPower rating is also another important factor. It tells how effective a vacuum cleaner can pick up heavier objects.

This feature is important, especially if you intend to up the vacuum cleaner to pick up screws, bolts, and heavy debris in your workshop.

Also, consider the suction pressure- this is important when cleaning liquid messes.

Shop-Vac Accessories

Accessories, in this case, include hose and cords.

In most cases, when buying a shop, vac people tend to forget about the hose. This little detail may compromise everything.

A hose that’s too thick can be tough to handle, and one that’s too thin may compromise suction. While you can always replace the hose, it’s important to choose one that won’t compromise your cleanup process.

On the other hand, you should pick a vac with a longer cord to help you reach the farthest corners with ease. The quality of the cord is something you should take into consideration as well.

Simple Ways to Quiet Shop Vac

There are ways you can implement today to make your shop vac quieter. I will highlight some of the hacks you can try to make your vacuum cleaner the quietest.

• Muffle the vacuum exhaust outlet
• Regularly clean the air filter
• Build a soundproof enclosure for your vacuum cleaner
• Try noise-canceling headphones

Final Thoughts on Quiet Shop Vac

A quiet shop vac will not only make your Jobsite/ workshop/ garage cleanup process easier but will also make it quieter.

They are perfect for both commercial and home cleanup activities.

Which is your favorite pick? If you’re still stuck, you can choose one from the below recommendations.

• Makita VC4712- noise ratings 59 decibels
• Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor

My favorite pick is Festool. I’m quite impressed by its heavy-duty cleaning and functionality as well as ease of usage. It’s compact enough and won’t take much of your storage space.