DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Quick take: The Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum costs $10 less.
Which one to buy
For most buyers, the battery already in the truck makes this decision: both are bare tools, $180 for the DeWalt and $199 for the Milwaukee, and neither includes a battery or charger. If you're on neither platform, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon is the stronger vacuum. It lists 50 CFM against the DeWalt's 31, and its owners say that difference shows on real jobsite debris; one who tried a DeWalt 20V cordless vac said it couldn't pick up anything heavier than drywall dust.
The DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless/Corded has one thing the Milwaukee lacks: it also runs off a wall cord, so a dead battery never stops the job. Its owners like that, along with how quiet it is and the tools stored onboard, but call its suction weak, say it struggles on fine drywall dust and pet hair, and complain that its washable HEPA filter clogs quickly. Its 2-gallon tank and short hose keep it to spot cleanup.
Milwaukee owners describe it as quiet for a shop vac at 87 dB, with two speeds that trade suction for runtime and a design that clips into PACKOUT storage. They also note a small tank, no automatic filter cleaning, a stacking feature that can be awkward to use in place, and some who find 50 CFM unimpressive next to corded extractors. Warranty is unclear: the Milwaukee is given 1 year against DeWalt's 3, while its owners cite Milwaukee's 5-year tool coverage, so confirm before buying.
On M18 batteries, buy the Milwaukee. On DeWalt 20V, the DeWalt is the sensible add-on for light cleanup, and its cord is a real backup. Starting fresh, the Milwaukee's suction is worth the extra $19.
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum
The better pick if you already run DeWalt batteries and want a light-duty vac that can also plug into the wall.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Suits you if you are on M18 or starting fresh and want noticeably stronger cordless suction for jobsite debris.
| Spec | DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum | Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$199 | ~$189 |
| Type | Wet-Dry Shop Vac | Wet-Dry Shop Vac |
| Suction | 31 CFM | 50 CFM |
| Battery | — | 30 min |
| Navigation | — | — |
| Filtration | Gore Wet/Dry HEPA filter, washable and reusable, 99.97% at 1 micron | Certified HEPA filter, washable and replaceable |
| Cordless | Yes | Yes |
| Bagged | No | No |
| Noise | — | 87 dB |
| Dustbin | 2 gal | 2.5 gal |
| Water tank | — | — |
| Self-empty dock | No | No |
| Auto mop washing | No | No |
| Hot water washing | No | No |
| Obstacle avoidance | No | No |
| Carpet detection | No | No |
| Auto mop lifting | No | No |
| Multi-floor mapping | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Dimensions | — | — |
| Weight | — | 11.3 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
Pros & cons
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum
- ✓Runs on a 20V MAX battery or plugs into the wall — genuine dual-power flexibility
- ✓Gore HEPA filter rated 99.97% at 1 micron, and it's washable
- ✓Small and light enough to keep in a truck cab for quick spills
- ✓3-year limited warranty plus 1 year of free service
- ✓One owner reported 4 years of daily jobsite use with no failures
- ✗Battery and charger sold separately — the real cost is much higher than the tool-only price
- ✗Battery runtime is the top owner complaint; roughly 24 minutes in independent testing on a mid-size battery
- ✗2-gallon tank empties often on anything beyond a quick job
- ✗HEPA filter clogs fast on fine dust like drywall sanding and needs frequent cleaning
- ✗No published weight or dimensions
Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
- ✓Clicks directly into PACKOUT cases and carts — no separate carrying solution needed
- ✓87 dB is noticeably quieter than a typical corded shop vac
- ✓Under 12 lbs and genuinely portable
- ✓HEPA filter is both washable and replaceable
- ✓Tradespeople call it the best suck-per-dollar among battery-powered shop vacs
- ✓On-board storage keeps the hose and nozzle attached
- ✗Bare tool only — no battery or charger included, and M18 batteries are a real added cost
- ✗Battery drain is heavy; some reviewers note much shorter runtime than advertised on smaller batteries
- ✗Included hose is frequently called too short
- ✗Only a 1-year warranty versus 3-5 years on corded competitors in this category
- ✗No wheels or casters — this mounts or carries, it doesn't roll
- ✗Several reviewers note it can't fully replace a corded shop vac for heavy wet cleanup
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum: common questions
Which cordless shop vac has more suction?▾
The Milwaukee, listed at 50 CFM against the DeWalt's 31. Milwaukee owners say it handles real jobsite debris, while DeWalt owners describe its suction as weak, especially on pet hair and fine drywall dust.
Can either one run from a wall outlet?▾
Only the DeWalt. It runs on a DeWalt battery or plugs into AC power, which its owners value as a backup when packs are drained. The Milwaukee is battery-only.
What warranty comes with each?▾
The DeWalt carries a 3-year limited warranty. The Milwaukee is given 1 year, but its owners refer to Milwaukee's 5-year tool warranty, so check the coverage on the box or at the retailer before you buy.