Shop-Vac 5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac vs Ridgid HD06001 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

The Ridgid HD06001 is the stronger vacuum: a bigger 6-gallon tank, a more powerful 3.5 peak HP motor, a 10-foot cord and a wider 1-7/8-inch hose, plus built-in accessory storage. The Shop-Vac is lighter and simpler, with a 5-gallon tank and a 6-foot cord, and it ships with more filters and wands in the box. Owners of both brands praise suction and durability; Ridgid's NXT line is the more common pick for workshop and garage work, while the Shop-Vac suits light household and car cleanup.

• Choose the Shop-Vac if you want a lighter, simpler vac for car interiors, small spills and light garage cleanup and you value the extra filters and wands included.
• Choose the Ridgid if you need more suction, a larger tank and a longer cord for serious workshop, garage and yard cleanup.