EGO Power+ Shop Vacuum Review: Cordless Wet/Dry Vac Reviewed

If you already own EGO Power+ lawn tools, you know the 56V battery platform is versatile. The question is whether that versatility extends to a shop vacuum that can handle sawdust in the workshop, mud in the car, and water from a clogged gutter downspout. The EGO Power+ 9-gallon cordless wet/dry shop vac is designed to meet these challenges and earn a spot in your garage or truck bed.

Verdict: A thoughtfully designed cordless shop vac that delivers genuinely useful suction for most jobs around the house, workshop, and car. The trade off is noticeable weight and a premium price that makes most sense if you are already on the EGO battery platform. 8.5/10.

Best for: EGO battery owners who need a capable wet/dry vac in a workshop, attic, pool area, or vehicle where outlets are scarce.

Skip if: You value lightweight portability above all else or demand the sustained suction of a corded vac for long sessions.

At a glance

What we liked

Self-cleaning filter keeps suction strong

One of the biggest frustrations with any shop vac is watching suction drop as the filter loads up. EGO built in a filter cleaning function that knocks dust off the filter with a button press. This feature means users rarely need to stop, remove the filter, and tap it clean by hand. During extended cleanup of drywall dust and sawdust, the cleaning button can be pressed occasionally to maintain steady suction throughout the session. This small feature makes a real difference when working without interruption.

LED light and remote nozzle for dark spots

The included crevice tool features an LED light at the tip, which is useful for locating small debris or screws in dark or tight spaces such as under a workbench or car seat. The nozzle also has a remote control that allows switching power modes without returning to the unit. This thoughtful design makes cleaning in tight, dark spots far less frustrating compared to typical shop vacs where the power switch is on the drum.

Onboard storage keeps everything together

The hose, wand, and all attachments stow directly on the unit, preventing loss between jobs and allowing the entire vac and accessories to be carried in one trip. The storage design is tidy and attachments click in securely enough to avoid rattling loose during transport in a truck bed or SUV.

Cordless freedom changes where you can use it

The obvious advantage of a cordless shop vac is the ability to use it where outlets are unavailable. This includes attics, pool areas, driveways, muddy jobsites without power drops, and rental cars needing cleaning at the lot. The EGO vac runs on the same 56V battery that powers other EGO tools, so existing users benefit from high convenience by grabbing a charged battery and going.

Where it falls short

Heavy with the 56V battery installed

The large 56V battery adds noticeable heft to the unit. Carrying it up stairs, lifting it into a truck bed, or maneuvering it around tight spaces can become tiring. Owners consistently mention the weight as a drawback. If the vac remains mostly on the same floor and parked during use, the weight is manageable. However, frequent hauling requires factoring in the extra effort.

Turbo mode drains battery quickly

Turbo mode provides roughly 20 minutes of runtime, sufficient for focused tasks like vacuuming a car interior or cleaning a single workspace, but insufficient for extended heavy use. Having a spare battery is advisable for longer projects. ECO and standard modes offer longer runtimes up to 60 minutes but with reduced suction, so users must balance power and runtime.

Premium price for a cordless shop vac

This vacuum costs more than many corded shop vacs with similar or larger capacity. The price reflects the cordless convenience and integration with the EGO battery ecosystem. For those without existing EGO tools, the upfront cost including battery and charger may be harder to justify. For current EGO owners, the shared battery and charger investment makes the price more reasonable.

Real-world performance

Workshop sawdust and drywall dust

Owner feedback indicates that on ECO mode, suction is adequate for surface sawdust but may struggle with heavier debris piles. High mode handles fine joint compound dust and wood shavings effectively without slowing down. The self-cleaning filter function helps maintain suction by allowing quick filter cleaning mid-job. The 9-gallon drum capacity is sufficient to avoid frequent emptying during typical workshop cleanup sessions.

Car interior after a muddy weekend

Users report that the LED crevice tool facilitates cleaning under seats and in narrow gaps. On high mode, the vacuum effectively removes dried mud crumbs and debris from carpeted mats in one pass. The remote nozzle control allows power adjustments without bending over. Battery charge typically decreases from full to about 60 percent after a full interior cleaning.

Wet pickup from a pool cover and downspout

The vacuum handles wet pickup effectively, including standing water on a pool cover and clearing clogged gutter downspouts. The drum fills with water without strain on the unit. Users must remove the dry filter bag or install the wet filter screen before switching to wet mode, as standard for wet/dry vacuums. The wet pickup capability is reliable for a cordless unit.

How it compares to alternatives

DEWALT 6-gallon cordless shop vac. This competitor offers lighter weight and a lower entry price with a smaller capacity. It uses the DEWALT FlexVolt battery platform. For DEWALT tool owners, this vac may be a more natural fit. The EGO vac provides larger capacity and a self-cleaning filter, features not found on the DEWALT model.

Milwaukee M18 wet/dry vac. Another well-regarded cordless option, smaller at 6 gallons and built on Milwaukee's M18 battery system. Owners praise its build quality and portability. The trade off is shorter runtime per charge compared to the EGO, and the Milwaukee platform also represents a premium investment.

If cordless capability is not required, a corded shop vac from brands like Vacmaster or Shop-Vac offers similar or better suction at roughly half the price and without battery concerns. The limitation is cord length and outlet availability. For sustained high suction during daily heavy use, corded units remain preferable.

Who should buy it

This vac is for the EGO ecosystem owner. If your garage already contains EGO mower, trimmer, or blower tools, this shop vac is a natural extension. It uses the same batteries and charger, providing reliable cordless cleaning anywhere on your property without extension cords. The 9-gallon capacity suits workshop cleanup, car detailing, and household wet pickup.

Skip this if you need the lightest possible shop vac or plan to run it for hours on turbo mode. The weight and battery drain on high power settings mean a spare battery is advisable. A corded vac or smaller cordless unit from another platform may be better suited.

At this price point, the vacuum offers thoughtful design details: LED crevice tool, remote nozzle control, onboard storage, and self-cleaning filter. These features distinguish it from generic cordless shop vacs. Whether they justify the premium depends on usage frequency.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the battery last on a single charge?

With the included 5.0Ah battery, runtime is up to 60 minutes on ECO mode, 30 minutes on high, and 20 minutes on turbo. Owner reports align closely with these figures. Actual runtime depends on surface type, debris load, and power mode.

Does it handle wet pickups as well as dry?

Yes, it is a true wet/dry vacuum. Owners have used it to drain water from spas and clear AC drain clogs without issues. Remember to remove the dry filter or install the wet screen before switching to wet mode, as detailed in the manual.

Is the filter easy to clean?

The built-in filter cleaning function removes dust with a button press, reducing the need for manual tapping. The filter is accessible and straightforward to remove for deeper cleaning. This self-cleaning feature is a strong selling point.

Will my existing EGO batteries and charger work with this vac?

Yes. It runs on any EGO 56V ARC Lithium battery, and the included charger is the standard EGO charger. Batteries from other EGO lawn tools swap directly into this vac. The included 5.0Ah battery provides a solid starting runtime, with larger capacity batteries extending it further.

Is the remote on the nozzle durable?

The remote control on the nozzle allows toggling power modes without returning to the drum. It is reported to be solid and responsive, with no durability issues noted by owners. It is weather resistant for workshop and car cleaning use but not designed for submersion.

How loud is it compared to a corded shop vac?

It is quieter than most corded shop vacs, especially on ECO mode. High and turbo modes produce a noticeable hum but not the piercing whine common to many corded units. Ear protection is recommended for extended use, particularly in enclosed workshops.

Bottom line

The EGO Power+ 9-gallon cordless shop vac delivers on its promise: cordless wet/dry cleaning with genuine suction and thoughtful details that enhance usability. The self-cleaning filter, LED tools, and onboard storage distinguish it from generic cordless shop vacs. Weight and price are trade offs, but for those already invested in the EGO battery ecosystem, this vacuum is an easy recommendation. For a deeper look at how products are tested and rated, see our review methodology.