DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
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Quick take: The DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum costs $19 less.
| Spec | DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum | Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$180 | ~$199 |
| 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 | — | 12 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
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