Sun-Joe vs Greenworks Wet Dry Vacuum
Two of the biggest names in cordless outdoor power equipment go head-to-head in the wet/dry vacuum arena. We compare Sun-Joe and Greenworks shop vacs across power, battery ecosystem, portability, and real-world owner feedback to help you choose the right cleanup companion.
Quick answer
For most homeowners, the Greenworks 24V 4-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum wins on runtime and battery compatibility across a wider tool range. The Sun-Joe 24V 5-Gallon Wet Dry Vac takes the lead for larger capacity and a slightly lower entry price. Choose Greenworks for ecosystem flexibility; pick Sun-Joe for raw volume.
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Research updated June 2026.
| Specification | Sun-Joe 24V 5-Gallon | Greenworks 24V 4-Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Large debris, heavy-duty DIY | Battery ecosystem, general cleanup |
| Capacity | 5 gallons | 4 gallons |
| Voltage / Power | 24V (2.0 Ah battery) | 24V (4.0 Ah battery) |
| Peak Airflow | 30 CFM | 36 CFM |
| Peak Water Lift | 40 inches | 45 inches |
| Filtration | Washable foam + cloth filter | Washable foam + cartridge filter |
| Hose Length | 6.5 ft | 6 ft |
| Weight (with battery) | 9.2 lbs | 8.5 lbs |
| Battery Included | Yes (2.0 Ah) | Yes (4.0 Ah) |
| Charger Included | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years | 4 years |
| Rating (Owner Avg) | 4.2 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Sun-Joe 24V 5-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum: The Volume Leader
Sun-Joe brings its trademark orange to the shop vac market with a 5-gallon cordless model that prioritizes capacity. It ships with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger, making it ready to work out of the box. The 30 CFM airflow and 40-inch water lift are adequate for most workshop spills and outdoor debris, though not class-leading.
Owner reviews on Amazon and Home Depot average 4.2 stars out of 5, with praise for the large tank and decent suction on dry debris. Common complaints center on battery runtime — the 2.0 Ah pack lasts roughly 15-18 minutes under load — and the somewhat stiff hose that can kink during tight maneuvers. The washable foam and cloth filter system works well for dry pickup but requires more frequent cleaning during wet use.
The Sun-Joe vac is also compatible with the company's 24V battery line, which includes a string trimmer, leaf blower, and chainsaw. However, the Sun-Joe 24V ecosystem is smaller than Greenworks, so you may have fewer shared-battery options down the road.
Greenworks 24V 4-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum: The Ecosystem Champion
Greenworks counters with a 4-gallon model that runs on a 4.0 Ah battery, delivering roughly double the runtime of the Sun-Joe — about 30-35 minutes of continuous use. It also boasts slightly better specs: 36 CFM airflow and 45 inches of water lift, translating to stronger suction on both wet and dry materials.
Owner ratings average 4.4 stars, with consistent praise for the battery life and the Greenworks 24V ecosystem, which spans over 50 tools including mowers, trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws. The cartridge filter is easier to clean and maintain than Sun-Joe's cloth option. Downsides include a 4-gallon tank that fills faster during big jobs, and a slightly higher price point for the kit. Some users also note the blower port could be more powerful for clearing debris.
The Greenworks vac is quieter than many corded alternatives, a bonus for indoor use. Its 6-foot hose is paired with a 12-foot power cord (for the charger), offering decent reach in a garage or workshop.
What to Check Before Buying a Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum
Before choosing between Sun-Joe and Greenworks, consider these factors:
Battery ecosystem: If you already own tools from either brand, sticking with the same battery platform saves money and reduces charger clutter. Greenworks has a significantly larger 24V lineup than Sun-Joe.
Capacity vs. portability: A 5-gallon tank holds more but is heavier when full. The 4-gallon Greenworks is lighter and easier to carry up stairs or into tight spaces.
Runtime needs: The Greenworks 4.0 Ah battery offers roughly double the runtime of Sun-Joe's 2.0 Ah pack. If you frequently clean large areas, longer runtime is critical.
Filtration type: Washable foam filters are fine for light use, but cartridge filters (Greenworks) handle fine dust better and are easier to clean.
Warranty length: Greenworks offers a 4-year warranty versus Sun-Joe's 2 years, reflecting different confidence levels in long-term durability.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Wet Dry Vacuum
Ignoring battery compatibility: Buying a vac from a brand whose other tools you don't own can lock you into a small ecosystem. Always check what else runs on the same battery.
Overlooking filter maintenance: Washable filters need regular cleaning to maintain suction. Neglecting this is the top cause of poor performance in owner reviews.
Choosing capacity over portability: A 5-gallon tank full of water weighs over 40 pounds. If you move the vac often, a 4-gallon model is more practical.
Forgetting hose length: A 6-foot hose is standard for cordless vacs, but if your workspace is large, consider buying an extension hose separately.
FAQs
Which wet dry vacuum has better suction, Sun-Joe or Greenworks?
Greenworks has slightly better specs with 36 CFM and 45-inch water lift versus Sun-Joe's 30 CFM and 40-inch lift. Owner reviews confirm Greenworks feels stronger on wet pickup.
Can I use Sun-Joe 24V batteries in Greenworks tools?
No, Sun-Joe and Greenworks use proprietary battery platforms that are not interchangeable. Stick with one brand for ecosystem compatibility.
How long does the battery last on the Sun-Joe 5-gallon vac?
The included 2.0 Ah battery provides roughly 15-18 minutes of continuous runtime under normal load. A larger 4.0 Ah battery can extend that to 30-35 minutes.
Is the Greenworks wet dry vacuum good for car detailing?
Yes, its 4-gallon tank and strong suction make it suitable for car interiors, though the 6-foot hose may require you to move the unit around the vehicle.
Which brand has a better warranty?
Greenworks offers a 4-year warranty compared to Sun-Joe's 2-year warranty. This suggests Greenworks has higher confidence in its product durability.
Can I use these vacs for wet pickup only?
Both vacs handle wet and dry pickup. You must remove the cloth or paper filter for wet use to avoid clogging and motor damage.
Are replacement filters easy to find for both brands?
Yes, both Sun-Joe and Greenworks sell replacement filter kits on Amazon and their own websites. Greenworks filters are slightly more widely stocked.
Which vac is quieter during operation?
Both cordless models are quieter than most corded shop vacs. Owner reviews indicate the Greenworks runs slightly quieter at similar suction levels.
Can I use a larger battery on the Sun-Joe vac?
Yes, Sun-Joe's 24V platform includes 4.0 Ah and 5.0 Ah batteries that fit the vac, extending runtime significantly. These are sold separately.
Which vac is better for fine dust collection?
The Greenworks cartridge filter captures finer particles than Sun-Joe's cloth filter. For drywall dust or fine sawdust, Greenworks is the better choice.
Our verdict
For most users, the Greenworks 24V 4-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum is the better overall pick thanks to superior runtime, stronger suction, a broader battery ecosystem, and a longer warranty. Choose the Sun-Joe 24V 5-Gallon if you need the extra capacity and already own Sun-Joe 24V tools, or if budget is your primary concern.