Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Best Cordless Shop-Vac Vacuum Head-to-Head – 3-6 Gal Capacity

ARTICLE: aconcordcarpenter.com/best-cordless-wet-dry-vacuum-head-to-head-3-6-gal-capacity.html

Welcome to part two of three in our Best Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Head-to-Head. In Part 1 of the series, we previously tested large-capacity vacuums in the 6+ gallon capacity category. In Part 3, we will be testing the smallest hand-carried vacuums, and there are a lot of them.

For this head-to-head, we are testing 5 wet/dry medium-sized vacuums, on wheels, from four manufacturers.

Below are the models we evaluated, along with their manufacturer specifications:

Festool
Model: 577069
Voltage: 36 Volts
Capacity: 3.96 gallons
Weight w/ batteries: 29.04 Lbs
AC/DC Option: NO
Noise dB: 75 dB
Hose Length: 11.5 Ft

Hilti Vacuum
Model: VC-4LX 22 T15
Voltage: 22 Volts
Capacity: 3.96 gallons
Weight w/ batteries: 18.6 Lbs
AC/DC Option: NO
Noise dB: 81.5 dB
Hose Length: 10 Ft

Makita
Model: GCV03PM
Voltage: 40 Volts
Capacity: 4.0 gallons
Weight w/ batteries: 25.08 Lbs
AC/DC Option: NO
Noise dB: 70 dB
Hose Length: 5.5 Ft

STIHL 60 Vacuum
Model: SEA 60
Voltage: 36 Volts
Capacity: 3.2 gallons
Weight w/ batteries: 19.74 Lbs
AC/DC Option: NO
Noise dB: 75 dB
Hose Length: 7.2 Ft

STIHL 100 Vacuum
Model: SEA 100
Voltage: 36 Volts
Capacity: 3.2 gallons
Weight w/ batteries: 21.32 Lbs
AC/DC Option: NO
Noise dB: 76 dB
Hose Length: 7.8 Ft

TimeStamps:
00:22 Intro
00:48 Vacuums Tested
01:15 Test Criteria
02:30 CFM Test
03:50 Battery Performance
04:13 Water Column (Suction Test)
05:00 AirWatts
05:05 Dirt Box Test
06:05 Dirty Filter (Water Column Test)
07:30 Decibels
08:01 Weight
08:10 Ergonomics / Features
10:40 Best Vacuum
11:44 Best Value
12:14 Pricing
13:35 Conclusion