EGO Vacuum: Cordless Wet/Dry Models Compared
Our EGO vacuum lineup is two cordless wet/dry vacs on the 56V POWER+ platform: a compact 3-gallon model and a 9-gallon model. Here is how they differ and which jobs each suits.
Data last updated:
Compared by verified specification — see how we compare.
1 vacuum matches
- Brand: ego
1 vacuum matches
- Brand: ego
★ ratings are average shopper ratings from online retailer listings.
If you are looking at an EGO vacuum, the choice comes down to two cordless wet/dry vacuums: a compact 3-gallon model and a larger 9-gallon one. Both are battery-powered shop vacs on EGO's 56V POWER+ platform, aimed at garage, workshop, job-site and spill cleanup rather than everyday household floor care. This page compares them on the specs we can confirm so you can decide which model page to open.
What EGO vacuums are available?
Our EGO lineup is limited to these two wet/dry vacs. Both run on EGO's 56V batteries, which are sold separately with the tool-only versions, so an existing EGO battery can double as your power source. Both use a brushless motor and a wireless remote control, and both offer selectable power modes.
It is a very small brand lineup. If you want an upright, stick or robot vacuum, you will need to look at other good vacuum brands. Other makers are in the shop vac guide.
EGO 3-gallon vs 9-gallon wet/dry vac compared
| POWER+ 56V 3-Gallon | POWER+ 56V 9-Gallon | |
|---|---|---|
| Tank capacity | 3 gal (11.4 L) | 9 gal (34 L) |
| Maximum runtime listed | Up to 90 min (ECO, 5.0Ah battery) | Up to 60 min (ECO, 5.0Ah battery) |
| Power modes | ECO and Turbo | Low, High and Turbo |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Wireless remote | Yes | Yes |
| Weight, tool only | about 11.7 lb (5.31 kg) | See the model page |
Maximum runtime is the manufacturer's best case, in the lowest-power mode. Turbo drains the battery much faster. The 9-gallon listing, for example, gives 60 minutes on ECO but 30 on High and 20 on Turbo with a 5.0Ah battery, and the 3-gallon model is listed at up to 35 minutes on Turbo. Your own runtime will depend on the battery size and the mode you use.
The 9-gallon model also has a drain plug, which helps when you are emptying a full tank of liquid. EGO states a 5-year limited tool warranty and a shorter 3-year battery warranty on its 9-gallon page.
Which EGO vacuum fits which job?
Choose the 3-gallon model if you want something compact for a car, a workbench or a stairwell, and you mostly handle small spills, sawdust or debris. Its smaller tank fills sooner, but that is the trade for the lower size and weight. For vehicle interiors specifically, our car vacuum guide covers purpose-built options.
Choose the 9-gallon model if you clean up larger messes: a flooded utility room, a renovation, or a full garage. The larger tank means fewer trips to empty it, but it has a shorter listed runtime than the smaller model, and a bigger tank generally means a bulkier machine to move around.
Open the compact EGO wet/dry vac or the large-tank EGO wet/dry vac page for full specs.
If you already own EGO outdoor tools, the shared battery platform is the main practical advantage of either model. If you do not, you will need to buy a battery and charger as well, which changes the overall cost compared with a plug-in shop vac.
Drawbacks to weigh before choosing
- Battery and charger are extra on the tool-only versions, and runtime depends heavily on which battery you use.
- Cordless limits. A long job may mean swapping batteries, especially in Turbo.
- Some figures are approximate. Some figures come from secondary sources, so confirm them against the manufacturer's page for the exact kit you are buying.
- Not a household floor vacuum. Neither model is presented here as a daily carpet or hardwood vacuum.
Because runtime depends on the battery, the cordless vacuum battery life page explains what to look for.
What an EGO wet/dry vac will not replace
A wet/dry vac handles liquids and messy debris, but it is not a substitute for a household machine. For hair-heavy homes, a dedicated vacuum for pet hair is a better fit. For ground-in stains in rugs and upholstery, a carpet steam cleaner that extracts as well as washes is the right tool. And if you want a general starting point across all categories, our best cleaning vacuum overview is the place to begin.
Before you buy, a guide on using a shop vac covers dry and wet jobs, and the garage and workshop vacuums page suits the same kind of cleanup.
Does an EGO wet/dry vac come with a battery?
Not in the tool-only versions. EGO's 9-gallon page lists a 'Wet/Dry Vacuum Only' configuration with no battery or charger, plus a separate kit that includes a 5.0Ah battery and charger. The 3-gallon model is reported as a bare tool with the battery sold separately, and any EGO 56V battery works with it. The runtimes quoted for both models assume a 5.0Ah battery, so a smaller pack will run for less time. Check the exact kit name before buying, since the same vacuum is sold with and without a battery.
How long do EGO cordless wet/dry vacs run on a charge?
The 3-gallon model is listed at up to 90 minutes in ECO mode and 35 minutes in Turbo, using a 5.0Ah battery. The 9-gallon model is listed at up to 60 minutes on ECO, 30 on High and 20 on Turbo with the same size battery. These are manufacturer figures, not independent tests, and the shorter times in the higher power modes are the realistic expectation for heavy cleanup. A smaller battery will give shorter runtimes still.
Can EGO wet/dry vacs pick up water?
Yes. Both of our EGO models are cordless wet/dry vacuums, meaning they are designed to pick up liquids as well as dry debris. The 9-gallon model also has a drain plug, which makes emptying liquid from its 34 L tank easier. A wet/dry vac is meant for spills and utility cleanup, though, so it is not a replacement for a carpet cleaner that washes and extracts from rugs or upholstery.