Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

---

Best Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Head-to-Head – 3-6 Gallon Capacity

Welcome to part two of three in our Best Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Head to Head . In Part 1 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 five manufacturers.
Below are the models we evaluated, along with their manufacturer specifications:
• Festool
• Hilti
• Makita 03
• Stihl 60
• Stihl 100
Festool Vacuum
Model: 577069
Voltage: 36 Volts
Capacity: 3.96 gallons
Weight w/ batteries: 29.04 Lbs
AC/DC Option: NO
Noise dB: 75 dB
Hose Diameter: 1-¼”
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 Diameter:
Hose Length:
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 Diameter: 1-¼”
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 Diameter: 1-¼”
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 Diameter: 1-¼”
Hose Length: 7.8 Ft
Cordless Vacuum Testing Criteria
For the Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Head-to-Head, we evaluated the tools in the following categories:
1. Air Volume (CFM)
2. Suction (Water Column)
3. Debris Pick Up Performance
4. Filter Performance
5. Battery Performance
6. Noise
7. Price
8. Weight with batteries
9. Ergonomics & Features
All testing was carried out by our Tool Lab team, a group of seasoned professionals who rely on these tools every day. Their jobsite experience ensures the thought, accuracy, and repeatability that define our hands-on testing