The quietest shop vac you can buy comes with multiple components to keep your workshop healthy as well as clean. You have multiple options for design and quality that you can choose from. Before you make your final choice, do your homework and make sure that the quiet shop vac you select meets the needs of your work and any employees you employ.
| Shop Vac | Photo | Operating Noise Level | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita VC4710 |  | Under 59 dB | See details at Amazon.com |
| Makita VC4210L |  | Under 60 dB | See details at Amazon.com |
| Festool 583492 CT 26 E |  | Under 62 dB | See details at Amazon.com |
| Nilfisk ALTO Aero 26 HEPA |  | Under 64 dB | See details at Amazon.com |
| FEIN Turbo II HEPA |  | Under 66 dB | See details at Amazon.com |
Quietest Shop Vac 2024
The list of vacuums below covers some of the best shop vacuums for their decibel levels and cleaning ability. Compare the stats of each one and consider what you need for your shop.
Makita VC4710 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
The Makita VC4710 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is a powerful, multi-functional vacuum to use in any shop. The vacuum has a twelve-amp motor that produces up to one hundred thirty-five CFM of power when you switch it on. With the wet application, you can have ninety-two inches of water lift that take on even the most challenging cleaning jobs.
The assembly of the shop vac puts the motor into a specially designed chamber that helps muffle any noise it produces. The chamber absorbs that noise of the motor keeping the decibel level around 59 decibels. The motor construction uses lightweight materials that help produce strong suction along with quiet operation.
The shop vac is lightweight at only twenty-seven pounds and comes with an automatic filter cleaning system. The blowback feature extends the life of the vacuum by set interval timing to keep the filter operating at its peak performance at all times. A built-in Rocket valve uses reverse airflow to keep the filter free of debris and easy to clean out when full.
Pros
- The Makita Shop vacuum has a long hose.
- The bags for the Makita shop vac are very cost-effective.
- The design of the shop vac helps it be almost dustless.
Cons
- The motor can burn out after a couple of years of use.
- The wiring can become faulty after a couple of years.
Makita VC4210L 11 Gallon Wet/Dry HEPA Filter Dust Extractor/Vacuum
The Makita VC4210L 11 Gallon Wet/Dry HEPA Filter Dust Extractor/Vacuum comes with a twelve amp motor that produces a strong one hundred forty-eight CFM of suctioning power. The vacuum produces ninety-two inches of water lift to give you wet leaning the power it requires. Combined with extreme suction, the vacuum comes with a two-stage filtration system to trap everything you need to clean up.
The two-stage suction system captures up to 99.95 percent of particles measuring two microns in size and larger. The filters and motor provide efficiency in how you can clean up a job. An added HEPA filter helps capture an additional 99.97 percent of particles measuring three microns in size and larger.
The vacuum features wet and dry suctioning with a power outlet start and a controlled stop setting. A ten-second delay occurs, so you can clean debris that remains between cleanings. The design of the vacuum fits the needs of woodworkers, small shops, and contractors alike.
Pros
- The vacuum has a class H HEPA air filter to catch almost everything.
- The vacuum provides a steady, strong suction.
- You can use the vacuum for dry and wet jobs.
Cons
- Only one bag comes with the shop vacuum.
- The motor can burn out quickly with regular use.
Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor
The Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor lets you adjust the amount of suction required for the job. Designed with a trigger, the shop vacuum lets you switch between different modes of force for different applications. The Festool is a wet and dry vac for all kinds of cleanups.
Built with a sys-dock and garage for the hose, the Festool vacuum is easy to transport from one job to another. The vacuum comes with an almost twelve-foot long host designed to be an anti-static hose that gets all debris in the containment bag. The hose is flexible and kink-resistant, which makes it ideal for getting into tight places.
The shop vacuum comes with large wheels and a low center of gravity, which makes it easy to move and position for your job. The frame is ergonomic and balanced, which ensures the vacuum does not tip over during a cleanup. A HEPA filter attaches to the main collection area for complete filtration into a self-cleaning bag.
The self-cleaning filter and bag are collapsible to eliminate dust collecting and to cake between uses. The design helps ensure a strong suction every time you turn on the vacuum. The force will come on strong and work for a longer bag life through efficiency.
Pros
- The HEPA filter can help you meet health compliances in your workshop
- The variable speed dial ensures you have the proper amount of suction for any job.
- The length of the hose helps get into cracks for all the dust.
Cons
- The Festool shop vac is not cost-effective.
- The vacuum could have more power for some jobs.
Nilfisk ALTO Aero 26-21 6.6-Gallon Hepa Filter Wet/Dry Vacuum
The Nilfisk ALTO Aero 26-21 6.6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is a go-tool tool for cleaning up your shop. The shop vacuum features a twenty-five-liter container capacity with one hundred twenty-seven CFM. The vacuum has an eighty-four-inch water lift to blast away any type of mess.
Designed with an autostart, the vacuum comes with flat-top, so you can plug in small tools to use around your shop when you need the extra length of cord. Built with top-quality German engineering, the vacuum has a power and strength that will last while ensuring you get your projects cleaned up.
The vacuum has a push and clean feature. As you push the vacuum around your shop, the built-in semi-automatic filter provides strong suction for maximum efficiency and a complete clean. The vacuum comes with an almost twelve-foot hose as well as an extension and a suction brush to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Pro
- The rubber hose fits most types of power tools.
- The vacuum comes with a HEPA filter.
- The vacuum has incredible power for its size.
Con
- The hose is too narrow for some power tools.
- The vacuum does not have a cord rewind feature.
FEIN Turbo II HEPA Vacuum Cleaner Set
The FEIN Turbo II HEPA Vacuum Cleaner Set has an almost eight and half-gallon capacity for wet or dry vac needs. The vacuum has a powerful suction feature that uses 98.4 inches of static water lift to clean. The vacuum comes with everything you need to clean all sorts of surfaces.
The vacuum has onboard storage for the cord and all accessories that make cleaning up a shop go more quickly. A thirteen-foot hose and eighteen inches of cord let you take your shop vac anywhere and always reach your mess. The vacuum also comes with a by-pass cooling feature that helps protect the motor and extend the life of the vacuum.
The vacuum is very quiet, with a maximum noise level of only sixty-six decibels. The ultra-strong air filter helps dampen the sough will providing the maximum airflow of up to one hundred fifty-one CFM. When the filter is full, you can fold out the filter and tap it empty.
Pro
- The vacuum is very quiet while being very powerful.
- The vacuum can capture even small particles.
- The vacuum is very cost-effective.
Con
- The main control switch can burn out.
- The filter can clog and require repairs.
What Should You Look For in a Shop Vac?
The best vacuum for your shop comes with multiple components that make the vacuum effective for short and long-term use. You need to understand the main components you want for your shop vacuum, so you are purchasing the model that will keep your shop clean.
Size
The size of your shop vac needs to match the types of jobs you will be doing. A small shop vac is fine for smaller establishments that do not make a huge mess. If you are working in a woodshop, you will need a large vacuum than if you are doing only basic clean up. Wood shavings and unending wood dust need a large vacuum to capture it all.
Performance
The kind of performance you want for your shop vacuum should be the way you want it to be for the next couple of years. There are three different ways to understand the built-in power of your shop vac and different ways technology has improved upon the design for the best effect.
Sealed Pressure
Sealed Pressure suction is something you need to know if you want to use the wet vac feature of your vacuum. The pressure testing starts by measuring the inches of water the vacuum will lift into glass tubing. If your vacuum has a rating greater than seventy-five, than you have a high-end wet vac function.
Cubic Feet Per Minute
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) are a number you will want to pay attention to. The numbers will tell you how much sucking power the vacuum can achieve when cleaning up dry dust and debris. The most powerfully setting will have the inner valves wide open, and the number should coincide with this setting.
Air-watts or Air Power
If you have a shop that ends up with loose nuts, bolt, and screws, you will want to know about the air-watts. The air-watts number lets you know how powerful the vacuum is when picking up these dropped bits. A large number indicates that amount of airflow when you need to suck up those lost bolts and how much power it has. A larger number means it is stronger.
Decibels
For a very quiet shop vacuum, you need to look at the number of decibels the shop vac has. A good quality vacuum will have seventy of fewer decibels of sound produced. Make sure you know what the number is for peak operating, as many will only put minimal operation decibels on their description, making the vacuum appear quieter than they are.
Filters
The right kind of filter or filters can help make the vacuum safer to operate as well as quieter. Many shop vacuums will come with a filter you can shake out or a HEPA air filter to help reduce the instances of pollen or other allergens in your shop
HEPA Filter
A HEPA air filter is one of the best things any air filtration can have. The HEPA filter can capture up to 99.97 percent of bacteria down to 0.3 microns in size. If you have allergies and you are working in an environment that causes you breathing problems than you will want to have a HEPA air filter on your shop vacuum
Regular Filter
A regular filter can catch most of the regular detritus that accumulates around a work zone. If you are adding a shop vacuum to a business workshop that a regular filter may be too weak to capture everything that you need to keep your business healthy for your employees. The regular filter should be fine for home garages and shops where health regulations are not a concern.
Final Thoughts
Buying a shop vacuum is a must for anyone working in a dusty, dirty shop. The right shop vacuum will keep your shop tidy and easy to work through multiple projects and years. The best quiet shop vac of our picks is the Festool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor.
The Festool Shop Vac suits all shop needs for wet and dry cleanups. It comes with a HEPA air filter and multiple tools to trap the dust and air particles around your shop. The Festool is a quality vacuum you will use for years without a problem.