With a vacuum cleaner, getting rid of all the dust either at home or in the shop is a seamless task. Unlike home vacuum cleaners, shop vacs are designed ready to deal with tough cleaning. But you and I know that the noise created by a vacuum cleaner can be pretty annoying.
In this article, I’m going to examine in details some of the quietest shop vacs. Some of these products are affordable while others are expensive, but they are worth every penny if you truly value silence.
What is a Quiet Shop Vac?
A Shop Vac is a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner that is designed for heavy duty vacuuming task that can’t be achieved by standard vacuum cleaners. They are powerful and are usually used for sweeping up sawdust, wood shavings, and other small bits of debris from workshop floors or carpentry workbenches.
What to consider when buying the quietest shop vac
Below are some of the key considerations you should consider if you want the right ultra quiet shop vac.
· Power
The priority should be power. Unlike home vacs, shop cleaners must have the power to handle regular cleanings in a day without affecting their efficiency. The best shop vacuum cleaners have a motor with a 6.5 Peak Horsepower (PHP) rating, and this rating determines how powerful the vacs motor is.
Another important power factor you should consider is the Air Power rating which determines how the vac can pick up heavier objects other than dust. The vacuum cleaner of your choice should be able to pick up heavy debris.
· Shop-Vac Cords
Going for shop vacs with longer cords is important. While you can use a cord extender, its always good to opt for longer cords as this will save you some extra bucks you’d spend buying an extender. The quality of the cord also plays a very crucial role, and so you should check it out first before buying.
· Shop vac noise ratings
Unlike other vacuum cleaners, shop vacs can be noisy. If you truly appreciate silence or work in an environment where silence is the key then is very important to invest in an option that generates least decibels. Shop vacuum cleaners with noise ratings below 70 decibels are perfect in this case.
· Type of filters used
Some shop vacuum cleaners have a standard filter whereas others are equipped with two filters. Vacs fitted with cartridge style filters are ideal for general purpose cleaning while ones with foam filters are best for liquids. But you can always get an extra filter for your shop vacuum.
ultra quiet shop vacuum cleaner comparison chart
| Image | Name | Capacity and Power | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
  | CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 | 16 gallon & 6.5 Peak Hp | See price on Amazon |
 | Makita VC4710 Wet/Dry Vacuum | 12 gallons & 12 AMP motor | See price on Amazon |
  | Ryobi 6 Gal. Cordless Vacuum | 6 gallons | See price on Amazon |
  | Shop-Vac Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum | 5-Gallon & 4.5 Peak HP | See price on Amazon |
  | Vacmaster VQ607SFD | 6 Gallon and 3 Peak HP | See price on Amazon |
  | DEWALT DCV581H 18/20-Volt MAX Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry Vacuum | See price on Amazon | |
  | CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum with Attachments | 20 gallon and 6.5 Peak Hp | See price on Amazon |
Best quietest shop vac reviews
1. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595
The oversized drains make it easier to empty liquids and the modern day technology design ensure that the units can deal with all daily modern day cleaning requirements. Some of the accessories included with this product upon purchase include car nozzle, extension wands, utility nozzle, wet nozzle, dust collection bag and Qwik Lock.
2. Makita VC4710 Wet/Dry Vacuum
The Makita VC4710 is one of the most powerful and ultra quiet shop vac on the market today. It boasts a 135 CFM suction power and a 12 AMP powerful motor. These features make this unit handle some of the toughest jobs with ease.
Is this shop vac cleaner soundproof? Well, the materials that enclose the motor/ materials used to design the motor chamber are made of soundproofing material for silent operation even when handling tougher jobs. With a noise rating of 59 decibels, it’s fascinating how silent this heavy duty machine can be.
This unit is also lightweight, and portability is not an issue. It equipped with an automatic filter cleaning system, so you’ll never have to worry about the filters unless when replacing them. It’s also equipped with large rear wheels and small front wheels to lower the centre of gravity and for improved stability and movement.
3. Ryobi 6 Gal. Cordless Vacuum
This cordless wet/dry shop vacuum boasts a powerful 80 CFM for reliable performance. The 360 degrees mobility and the multi-size-no tip wheel keep the unit balanced when rolling over thresholds and cords. It’s also equipped with multiple carrying handles for portability while the removable top makes emptying debris, dust and liquid straightforward and mess-free.
If you have limited space, you don’t have to worry any more thanks compact design for this wet/dry vac makes it space efficient. My neighbour Peter bought this unit and used it for small to medium cleaning jobs. Additionally, this ultra quiet shop vacuum is the perfect choice for those who love silence.
4. Shop-Vac Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum
The Shop-Vac 5989300 5 is designed for heavy-duty cleaning featuring a 4.5 peak horsepower motor and 5-gallon stainless steel. The side and side carry handles, and accessory storage makes this unit portable while the full circumference tank makes it maneuverable.
It comes with a wide range of accessories for versatility. They include; 3 extension wands, foam sleeve, 7-foot hose, filter bag, crevice tool and a floor nozzle. It’s designed to handle household cleanings as well as heavy duty cleaning often needed in workshops, cars or commercial areas. Its unique design meets all the modern day requirements, and it’s also designed to compliment any space. A secure latch system holds the lid and the tank together while the tool storage space provides an ambient space where you can stash accessories and other small cleaning tools. If you’re dealing with leaves, dust, pine straw or other bulkier dirt, then this is the vacuum cleaner unit I’d recommend to you.
5. Vacmaster 6 Gallon, 3 Peak HP
If you want a vac cleaner that gives a professional look that can be used at the office, in the garage or at home, the Vacmaster 6 gallon wet and dry vacuum cleaner is the perfect choice for you. It’s ultra-lightweight and portable; this means you can carry it from your house and stash it in the car when you need to clean the office or your storage room or the garage.
The motor delivers a three peak horsepower, that powerful enough (though not powerful enough) for all your simple cleaning household projects. It comes with a 12 feet long cord and a 7 feet long hose which makes cleaning large spaces simple. The onboard accessory storage offers more space where you can store cleaning tools. The weather-resistant design means you can use the Vacmaster vacuum under any weather condition without worrying about any wear or tear.
6. DEWALT DCV581H Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry Vacuum
The best thing about the DEWALT DCV581H is the fact that it can provide both corded and cordless operation and can be powered by either an AC outlet or an 18v or 20v MAX battery. When powered by a battery it provides a 33.55 CFM and a 1.85 peak horsepower. It should do basic garage or household cleaning jobs.
I would recommend this vacuum for those who prefer the convenience and not performance. It is small, ultra lightweight, and also ergonomically designed. All the tools and hose can be integrated into the vac body without any protrusions. It’s a good vac for bringing when you have a small job to do. If you’re undertaking a soundproofing project, you can use this machine to clean the mess. It can pick up light stuff like wood shavings or drywall dust. The only downside is that it can pick up or floor sweep metal items like nails or screws, but it’s one of the quietest vacuum cleaners on the market.
7. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 Heavy-Duty Shop Vac
With a 6.5 peak horsepower, this units does a fantastic job in heavy-duty cleanups in the garage, shop or on the job site. The 20- gallon drum provides enough space to stash large messes without the need to empty it regularly. The oversized built-in drain on this wet/dry vacuum makes it easier when emptying liquids. Accessories included with this shop vac unit include a crevice tool, Qwik lock filter, two extension wands, wet nozzle, dust collection bag, muffler, utility nozzle and car nozzle. The only downside with this heavy-duty vacuum cleaner is that it’s quite bulky.
Why are Shop Vacs So Loud?
The motor – The motor is the most important part of a vacuum cleaner. It creates suction and provides the force that moves the dirt from your carpets to the collection bin.
But it also creates all of the noise you hear. The louder your vacuum, the stronger your motor is.
Generally speaking, a more powerful motor means a more robust vacuum cleaner, but you don’t want one so powerful that it feels like it’s trying to suck up your furniture along with the dirt.
Faulty Brush Bearings- The main cause of loud sounds is the brush bearings. The bearings are what hold the motor shaft in place and allow it to turn at a certain rate of speed, which creates suction. If there is any tension on the bearings, they will make noise as they rub against each other. If this happens, you need to replace your bearings with new ones if you want to make your vacuum quieter.
This can be done by removing the front cover from your vacuum cleaner and then removing the two screws that hold the bearing in place.
Once you do this, you should be able to take out both bearings and replace them with new ones.
You just need to line up your old bearings with your new ones and put them back in their place. Then you can put back together all of the parts in order to complete this task.
How to Make a Shop Vac Quieter
All vacuum cleaners make a little bit of noise. However, this noise can be reduced with these simple, DIY methods.
Remove the Clogs
The next time you vacuum, always check the hose and filter to make sure there are no clogs. If there is a clog, it will cause a very loud noise when the machine sucks in air. The only way to fix this problem is to clean out the clogs from the hose and filter.
Buy a Quieter Vac Cleaner
If you are not able to reduce the noise that your vacuum cleaner makes, then it may be time to consider buying a quieter vacuum cleaner. There are many different types of vacuums that make less noise than most standard vacuum cleaners. You can find more information about these types of vacuum cleaners on websites like Amazon or Google Shopping.
Build an Enclosure for Your Vacuum
If you find that your vacuum cleaner is too noisy, another option is to build an enclosure for it. This will reduce the sound of the appliance while still allowing you to use it with ease. It will also protect the vacuum from damage and keep the noise inside so it doesn’t disturb anyone else in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Db Is A Shop Vac?
The noise level of your average household, everyday vacuum cleaner ranges between 70-80 dB. On the other hand, quieter shop vacs operate at a range below 70 dB.
How Loud Is a Wet/Dry Vac?
Most single-stage vacuums are 79 dB or louder, but you’ll be glad to know that there are a few that are quieter at 77-78 dB. I would highly suggest wet shop vacuums for those who want a quieter operation.
Why Is My Shop Vac Making a Loud Noise?
Your vacuum may be running louder than normal if the filter is dirty. When a vacuum becomes too full of dust, it will work harder to create suction and run noisier. To fix this problem, clean the filters when they are dry or change them often for optimal performance. This should reduce your vacuum’s sound level to its normal range again
Final Thoughts on Quietest Shop Vac
Even though shop vacs have made it cleaning easier in modern day workplaces, they’ve come at a cost. They do cleaning job to almost perfection but in most cases contribute to noise pollution in work scenario. The quietest shop vac has to not only deal with heavy-duty cleaning tasks but also they do it without causing “noise havoc.”
From the reviewed products above, my favorite ultra quiet shop vac is the Makita Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum. It’s a heavy duty cleaning machine, easy to use and comes with a wide array of accessories. With only 59 decibel rating, great user reviews and ease of use, it’s the best pick in my list. You can also read my reviews on the ultra-quiet window air conditioner and some of ultra quiet bed frames.