The Best Wet-Dry Vacuums for Effortless Cleaning

Vacuuming and mopping are two chores that most of us do everything in our power to put off. First, you have to lug a heavy vacuum out of your closet and struggle to maneuver it into all the nooks and crannies of your home, all the while fighting with the cord to make sure it doesn’t get tangled around furniture. Then, you’ve got to fill up a bucket of water and swipe a mop all over the house. All of that alone is exhausting — and if you have stairs in your home, well, that’s another story...

That’s why a wet-dry vacuum combo is a game changer. Not only does it completely eradicate one step, but it also minimizes the amount of equipment you have to stuff into a closet or a corner of your home. Just like any household appliance, there are lots of wet-dry vacuums on the market, and picking the right one can be overwhelming. Depending on things like the layout of your space, whether you need a special vacuum for pet hair or allergies, and how many people live in your home, the features you’ll get the most out of will vary. We’ve taken out the guesswork by putting a wide variety of wet-dry vacuums to the test, rating them on their ease of setup, noise level, effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, capacity, ease of emptying, and value.

Best Overall: Ecowell Lulu Quick Clean P05 Wet Dry Vacuum

The Ecowell Lulu Quick Clean P05 is our top pick for the best overall wet-dry vacuum. It combines affordability, effectiveness, and convenience in one package. Setting up this vacuum is a breeze, taking just under two minutes to get it out of the package and ready to use. The dual tanks separate fresh water from dirty water, ensuring that you don't spread dirt around while cleaning. The suction power is excellent, making quick work of liquid messes and heavy debris. For tougher spots, there's a button to release extra water and cleaning solution. The self-cleaning bristles, easy emptying water reservoir, and battery-operated motor are additional features that you'd typically find in more expensive vacuums. Overall, the Ecowell Lulu Quick Clean P05 offers great value for its price.

Best Overall Runner-Up: Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac

The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus is our runner-up for the best overall wet-dry vacuum. It excels in maneuverability, making it easy to move from surface to surface. It cleans up messes quickly and efficiently on tile, hardwood floors, and even carpets. The vacuum setting is excellent on carpets and leaves them fully dry, eliminating the need to tiptoe around. The cordless design adds to its portability, allowing you to clean without the hassle of cords. While it is a bit more expensive than our top pick, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus offers a great balance of performance and convenience.

Best Smart: Tineco Floor One S5 Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you're looking for a smart wet-dry vacuum, the Tineco Floor One S5 is the top choice. This vacuum performs a thorough cleaning, even reaching into grout lines on tile floors. It's user-friendly, with easy emptying and cleaning of the collection bin. The cordless design and strong battery life make it hassle-free to use. While it is at a higher price point, the advanced technology and convenience features make it worth the investment.

Best Cordless: Roborock Dyad Pro

Say goodbye to tangled cords with the Roborock Dyad Pro, our top pick for the best cordless wet-dry vacuum. This vacuum has strong suction that picks up various textures with ease across tile and hardwood floors. Its design allows it to easily maneuver under furniture and into tight spaces. The long battery life ensures that you can clean your entire house without worrying about recharging. While it doesn't work on carpets, the Roborock Dyad Pro is a great choice for anyone looking for a cordless wet-dry vacuum.

Best Quiet: Dreametech H11 Max Wet and Dry Vacuum

If you value a quiet cleaning experience, the Dreametech H11 Max is the vacuum for you. It is the quietest vacuum we tested, making it perfect for those who don't want to disturb others in the household or enjoy listening to music or watching TV while cleaning. Despite its quiet operation, it doesn't sacrifice performance. It effectively cleans hardwood and tile floors, and the smart detect technology adjusts suction and power levels for specialized cleaning. While it doesn't work on carpets, the Dreametech H11 Max offers a long battery life and user-friendly features.

Easiest to Maneuver: Bissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac

The Bissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro is our top pick for the easiest to maneuver wet-dry vacuum. Its user-controlled solution dispenser allows for a thorough cleaning without wasting any product. The vacuum's design and technology make it easy to control, and it works surprisingly well on carpets. While it lacks a brush roll dryer, it offers excellent maneuverability and portability.

In conclusion, a wet-dry vacuum combo is a game changer for anyone looking to simplify their cleaning routine. The variety of options available ensures that you can find the perfect vacuum for your needs. Whether you prioritize affordability, smart features, cordless operation, quietness, or ease of maneuverability, there's a wet-dry vacuum out there for you. Say goodbye to the hassle of lugging around heavy vacuums and buckets of water, and say hello to a more efficient and convenient cleaning experience.