Best Shop Vacuum Under £100
Finding a reliable wet/dry vacuum that handles workshop dust, garage spills, and car interiors without breaking the bank is tough. We have analysed specs, owner reviews, and brand reliability to find the best shop vacuum under £100.
Quick answer
The Bosch Gas 18V-20-4 is the best overall cordless shop vacuum under £100 for its strong suction and flexibility. If you need a corded mains-powered option for heavy use, the Sealey Wet & Dry Vacuum 15L offers the best value and power for the price.
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Research updated June 2026.
Bosch Gas 18V-20-4
Best cordless shop vacuum under £100 for portability and strong suction.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch Gas 18V-20-4 | Overall / Cordless | 20L / 18V | 4.6/5 | Under £100 |
| Sealey Wet & Dry 15L | Best Value Mains | 15L / 1000W | 4.4/5 | Under £100 |
| Stanley Wet & Dry 12L | Budget Pick | 12L / 1200W | 4.2/5 | Under £100 |
| Einhell TC-VC 18-20 Li | Best for Dust Extraction | 20L / 18V | 4.3/5 | Under £100 |
| Draper Wet & Dry 20L | Large Capacity | 20L / 1200W | 4.1/5 | Under £100 |
Bosch Gas 18V-20-4
Best OverallPros
- Excellent suction for a cordless model
- Compact and portable design
- Automatic filter cleaning system
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Short runtime on high power
The Bosch Gas 18V-20-4 is a standout cordless shop vacuum that delivers impressive performance for its size. It uses Bosch's 18V battery system, which means it shares batteries with a wide range of other Bosch tools. Owner reviews consistently praise its strong suction for picking up dust, debris, and even small amounts of water.
Its automatic filter cleaning system keeps suction strong for longer, which is a feature usually found on more expensive models. The main downside is that the battery and charger are not included, which adds to the cost if you are not already in the Bosch ecosystem. It is best for quick clean-ups around the workshop or car.
Sealey Wet & Dry Vacuum 15L
Best Value MainsPros
- Strong suction for its size
- Good build quality for the price
- Includes blower function
Cons
- Short power cable
- Filter can clog quickly with fine dust
The Sealey Wet & Dry Vacuum 15L is a solid mains-powered option that offers great value. It has a 1000W motor that provides strong suction for both wet and dry pickups. Owner reviews highlight its reliability and sturdy construction, making it a good choice for regular garage or workshop use.
It includes a blower function for clearing debris from hard-to-reach areas. The short power cable is a common complaint, and the standard filter is not ideal for very fine dust without a dust bag. It is a straightforward, no-fuss vacuum that gets the job done without costing a lot.
Stanley Wet & Dry Vacuum 12L
Budget PickPros
- Very affordable price
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Good suction for basic tasks
Cons
- Small capacity
- Plastic build feels less durable
The Stanley Wet & Dry Vacuum 12L is the most budget-friendly option in this guide. It is a simple, lightweight vacuum that is easy to carry around the house or garage. Owner reviews say it works well for small spills, dust, and car interiors, offering decent suction for its size.
The 12L capacity is small, so it fills up quickly for larger jobs. The plastic construction is not as robust as the Sealey or Bosch models, but it is perfectly fine for light-duty use. It is a good entry-level shop vacuum for those on a tight budget.
Einhell TC-VC 18-20 Li
Best for Dust ExtractionPros
- Works with Einhell Power X-Change batteries
- Large 20L capacity for a cordless model
- Good for connecting to power tools for dust extraction
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Suction drops off as battery drains
The Einhell TC-VC 18-20 Li is a cordless shop vacuum that excels at dust extraction when connected to power tools. It is part of the Einhell Power X-Change system, so it shares batteries with many other Einhell tools. Owner reviews appreciate its ability to keep a workspace clean when used with a sander or saw.
Its 20L capacity is generous for a cordless vacuum, allowing for longer cleaning sessions. The main drawback is that battery and charger are sold separately, and suction performance decreases as the battery runs low. It is a great choice for those already using Einhell tools.
Draper Wet & Dry Vacuum 20L
Large CapacityPros
- Large 20L capacity
- Powerful 1200W motor
- Includes accessories for various tasks
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than other models
- Filter can be difficult to clean
The Draper Wet & Dry Vacuum 20L is a mains-powered option that offers a large capacity for bigger clean-up jobs. Its 1200W motor provides strong suction for picking up debris, water, and dust. Owner reviews note that it is a robust machine that handles heavy use well, making it suitable for workshops and garages.
It comes with a range of accessories, including a crevice tool and wet nozzle. The main downsides are its weight and bulk, which make it less portable than smaller models. The filter also requires regular cleaning to maintain performance. It is a good choice if you need a large capacity vacuum for big jobs.
What to check before buying a shop vacuum under £100
When choosing a shop vacuum under £100, the first thing to consider is whether you need a cordless or mains-powered model. Cordless models offer portability but require a battery and charger, which may add to the cost. Mains-powered models offer constant power but are limited by the power cable length.
Capacity is another key factor. A 12L to 15L vacuum is fine for small jobs and car cleaning, while a 20L model is better for larger workshop tasks. Also check the suction power, measured in watts or air watts, and the type of filter. A cartridge filter is easier to clean than a standard foam filter.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a budget shop vacuum
A common mistake is buying a cordless vacuum without factoring in the cost of a battery and charger. This can push the total cost well over £100. Always check if the battery is included or if you already have compatible batteries from other tools.
Another mistake is ignoring the filter type. Some budget vacuums use filters that clog very quickly with fine dust, reducing performance. Look for models with a washable cartridge filter or an automatic filter cleaning system for better long-term use.
FAQs
What is the best shop vacuum under £100 for car cleaning?
The Bosch Gas 18V-20-4 is the best shop vacuum under £100 for car cleaning due to its cordless design and strong suction.
Is a cordless shop vacuum under £100 worth it?
Yes, if you already have compatible batteries. The Bosch Gas 18V-20-4 and Einhell TC-VC 18-20 Li offer good performance for the price.
What is the most powerful shop vacuum under £100?
The Stanley Wet & Dry 12L and Draper Wet & Dry 20L both have 1200W motors, offering the most power in this price range.
Can I use a shop vacuum for wet spills?
Yes, all the models in this guide are designed for wet and dry pickup. Always remove the dust bag before vacuuming liquids.
How do I clean the filter on a budget shop vacuum?
Most models have a washable cartridge filter. Rinse it with water and let it dry completely before reusing.
What capacity shop vacuum is best for a garage?
A 20L capacity, like the Draper Wet & Dry 20L, is best for a garage as it can handle larger debris and spills.
Is the Sealey Wet & Dry 15L good for fine dust?
It works for fine dust but may require a dust bag to prevent the filter from clogging quickly.
Does the Bosch Gas 18V-20-4 come with a battery?
No, the Bosch Gas 18V-20-4 is sold as a tool only. You need a Bosch 18V battery and charger.
Can I connect a shop vacuum to a power tool?
Yes, the Einhell TC-VC 18-20 Li is designed for dust extraction and can be connected to compatible power tools.
What is the warranty on these shop vacuums?
Warranty varies by brand. Bosch and Einhell typically offer 2 years, while Sealey and Draper offer 1 year.
Our verdict
For the best overall shop vacuum under £100, the Bosch Gas 18V-20-4 is our top pick for its strong cordless performance and portability. If you prefer a mains-powered model for heavy use, the Sealey Wet & Dry 15L offers the best value and reliability for the price.