Tools

DEWALT STEALTHSONIC Shop Vac Review: Power Meets Quiet

Is the DEWALT STEALTHSONIC Shop Vac worth it? Our in-depth review covers performance, noise levels, and real-world use for home and job sites.

Todd Bandel

02 Nov 2025 • 11 min read

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Most shop vacs sound like a jet engine taking off in your garage, and their prices can also be a deterrent. The noise alone can make you think twice about tackling that sawdust pile or cleaning out your car. But what if you didn’t have to choose between powerful suction and preserving your hearing?

Many users have recently purchased the DEWALT STEALTHSONIC Shop Vac thanks to attractive deals and positive reviews, making it a popular buy for those seeking value and performance.

The DEWALT 5-Gallon StealthSonic wet/dry vacuum promises exactly that. It’s built for serious cleanup jobs but engineered to run quieter than your average household vacuum. Whether you’re a weekend warrior working on home projects, a contractor moving between job sites, or someone who needs to vacuum their workshop without disturbing the entire neighborhood, this machine deserves a closer look.

In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the STEALTHSONIC. From its innovative noise-reduction technology to real-world performance in garages, workshops, and vehicles, you’ll get the complete picture of what this shop vac can (and can’t) do, and why it’s a smart buy for anyone looking for a good deal on a quieter, high-performance shop vac.

DEWALT 5 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Wet/Dry Shop Vac

4 Peak HP Powerful Suction, 50% Quieter & 3X Longer Life, 17 Ft Reach, Portable Ultra Quiet Vacuum for Garage, Car, Workshop, Jobsite, DXV05P-QT

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What Makes the STEALTHSONIC Different

Quiet Operation That Actually Works

The standout feature here is right in the name. DEWALT’s STEALTHSONIC technology significantly reduces operating noise compared to traditional shop vacs you might find in stores.

The noise level is much lower than most other shop vacuums, making it ideal for indoor use, especially when using a floor brush, and minimizing disturbance in workshops. We’re talking about a noticeable difference, the kind that lets you vacuum your garage early in the morning without waking up your family or annoying your neighbors, and it really sucks up debris efficiently.

This matters more than you think. Loud shop vacs don’t just cause hearing fatigue. They make you avoid using them, which means cleanup gets delayed and the mess piles up. A quieter machine removes that psychological barrier, so you don't have to guess when to use it.

Suction Power That Doesn't Compromise

Here’s the thing about “quiet” products: they often sacrifice performance. Not this one. The STEALTHSONIC delivers strong suction that handles both wet and dry debris. Wood shavings, metal filings, spilled liquids, drywall dust, it pulls them all up efficiently.

The 5.5 peak horsepower motor provides enough grunt for demanding jobs, while the 5-gallon capacity means fewer trips to empty the tank. This vacuum really does suck up everything from fine dust to larger debris with ease. That’s the sweet spot for most users: large enough to be useful, compact enough to stay portable.

Built for Movement

Shop vacs need to go where the mess is. The STEALTHSONIC features 360° rubberized casters that glide smoothly across concrete floors, wood decks, and uneven surfaces. The wheels won't scratch your floors, and they handle transitions between different surfaces without getting stuck.

The top-mounted handle makes it easy to lift and carry when stairs are involved. It's a small detail, but one you'll appreciate when you're hauling this thing up from the basement or loading it into your truck through the door.

Wet Dry Vacuum Capabilities

When it comes to versatility, the DEWALT STEALTHSONIC truly stands out as a wet-dry vacuum built for real-world demands. Whether you’re cleaning up dry debris in your garage, tackling fine dust in your workshop, or dealing with unexpected spills on the jobsite, this vac is engineered to handle it all with ease, and it comes with great support.

One of the highlights is its fine dust cartridge filter (HEPA filter), which does an excellent job of trapping smaller particles that can clog lesser vacuums. This means you can confidently clean up after sanding, woodworking, or even auto auction cars without worrying about dust escaping back into your workspace. The included utility nozzle and extension wands make it simple to reach into tight corners, under workbenches, or across wide garage floors, giving you plenty of flexibility for tough jobs.

For those who value easy storage and organization, the STEALTHSONIC comes with a handy accessory bag that keeps all your attachments, the utility nozzle, extension wands, and more- right where you need them, so you no longer have to hunt around the shop for lost tools or misplaced parts. The built-in design also makes transport a breeze, whether you’re moving the vac between your garage, workshop, or jobsite, or placing it in a bucket for easy storage.

If you’re dealing with both wet and dry messes, the STEALTHSONIC’s strong suction power ensures you can handle everything from sawdust to spilled water without missing a beat. The built-in tank drain makes emptying liquids quick and mess-free so that you can get back to work faster. And for those who want to take dust management to the next level, this vacuum is compatible with popular accessories, such as the Dust Deputy separator, which helps reduce filter clogging and extends your vacuum's life.

Compared to other vacuums on the market, such as Craftsman or Ridgid, the DEWALT STEALTHSONIC offers a quieter operation without sacrificing performance. Its durable construction and quality components mean it’s built to last, even through repeated use on tough jobs. With a typical price range of $120–$140, it’s an affordable investment for anyone interested in a high-quality wet-dry vacuum that delivers on both power and quiet.

Whether you’re cleaning cars, maintaining your workshop, or keeping your jobsite tidy, the DEWALT STEALTHSONIC’s range of functions, easy storage, and compatibility with a variety of hoses and attachments make it a practical and enjoyable tool to own. If you’re looking for a vac that’s built for performance, convenience, and quiet operation, this model is sure to impress and is definitely easy to figure into your budget.

Real-World Benefits Across Different Uses

Home and Garage Cleanup

For homeowners, this shop vac shines during seasonal cleaning, home improvement projects, and general maintenance. Cleaning out your garage? Done. Vacuuming the basement after a renovation? Easy. Quiet operation means you can work during reasonable hours without feeling guilty, and you might have seen this in video reviews.

The wet/dry capability is instrumental. Spilled paint, tracked-in snow, or flooding from a water heater, the STEALTHSONIC handles liquids as well as it does sawdust.

Workshop Applications

DIYers and woodworkers will find that this machine keeps pace with their projects. Connect it to power tools for dust collection, clean up your workbench between tasks, or tackle the accumulated debris at the end of a build session. Some users connect the vac to a dust separator using a sturdy bucket and a tight-fitting lid to prevent collapse and maximize dust collection.

The 10-foot power cord and 6-foot hose provide decent reach without constant unplugging. You won’t cover an entire workshop from one outlet, but it’s sufficient for most setups, including cleaning around and under work tables.

Car Detailing

Auto enthusiasts appreciate how this shop vac tackles vehicle interiors. The attachments reach into tight spaces between seats, the suction pulls dirt from floor mats and upholstery, and the wet capability handles spills and mud.

The quieter motor also means you can detail your car in a residential driveway without drawing attention or risking complaints. That's a real advantage if you live in an apartment complex or a densely populated area, and many users are impressed by this feature.

Job Site Performance

For contractors and tradespeople, reliability and portability matter most. The STEALTHSONIC is built tough enough for job sites, with a durable construction that withstands the bumps and drops of professional use.

The reduced noise is a major plus when working in occupied buildings or noise-restricted areas, and it offers excellent value for its price. You can clean up without disrupting clients or violating site regulations, which is a significant sign of this vacuum's effectiveness.

Design Details That Matter

Smart Switch Placement

The power switch sits within easy reach at the top of the unit. You won't need to bend down or fumble around to turn it on and off. It's a simple ergonomic choice that makes repeated use more comfortable.

Included Attachments

DEWALT includes several attachments that extend the vac's versatility:

A crevice tool for tight spaces and corners
A utility nozzle for general-purpose cleaning
A gulper nozzle for large debris
A wet nozzle designed explicitly for liquid pickup

These accessories conveniently store on the unit itself so that you won't lose them or waste time searching through your garage.

Tank Access and Cleaning

The top-mounted latch system makes tank emptying straightforward. Pop it open, dispose of the contents, rinse if needed, and you're back in business. The 5-gallon capacity strikes a balance; it holds enough to be practical without becoming too heavy to carry when full.

Performance Metrics

Cleaning Reach

With a 10-foot power cord and 6-foot hose, you get about 16 feet of total reach from any outlet. This covers most small-to-medium workspaces adequately. For larger areas, you'll need to relocate to different outlets or use an extension cord.

Motor and Capacity

The 5.5 peak HP motor provides solid suction across both wet and dry applications, making it an excellent replacement for conventional vacuum. Peak horsepower can be a marketing number, so what matters more is real-world performance, and this vac delivers consistent results across different types of debris.

The 5-gallon tank capacity is ideal for most users. It's large enough that you won't constantly stop to empty it into a bucket, but not so large that the unit becomes unwieldy or difficult to maneuver.

Noise Levels

While DEWALT doesn’t publish exact decibel ratings, user reports and videos consistently note that the STEALTHSONIC operates noticeably quieter than standard shop vacs you might find in any store. It’s comparable to a regular household vacuum rather than the typical shop vac roar. In comparison, cheap shop vacs are often much louder, making the STEALTHSONIC a better choice for those seeking quieter operation.

What Customers Are Saying

Customer feedback on the STEALTHSONIC trends is overwhelmingly positive. Many customers who have bought the STEALTHSONIC report high satisfaction with its performance and quietness. Users frequently mention:

The Good:

Significantly quieter than expected while maintaining strong suction
Durable construction that holds up to regular use
Excellent maneuverability thanks to the caster design
Effective for both wet and dry applications
Good value for the price point

The Not-So-Good:

Some users wish for a longer hose for extended reach
The 5-gallon capacity may be limiting for huge jobs
A few reports of the attachments being difficult to swap quickly

The criticisms are relatively minor and often preference-based rather than quality issues. Most buyers report high satisfaction and would purchase again, as evidenced by their feedback.

How It Stacks Up Against Competitors

Versus Standard Shop Vacs

Traditional shop vacs from brands like Shop-Vac and Craftsman typically offer similar capacity and power at lower price points. However, traditional vacuums lack the noise-reduction technology. If quiet operation isn't a priority, you might save money with a conventional model. But if you value working without hearing protection or disturbing others, the STEALTHSONIC justifies its premium price.

Versus Other Quiet Models

Ridgid and Vacmaster, available at Lowe's, also offer quieter shop vac models. The DEWALT generally receives higher marks for build quality and suction power, though individual experiences vary. DEWALT's reputation for durability and its extensive service network give this model an edge for professional users.

Versus Larger Capacity Units

If you need more than 5 gallons, DEWALT and other manufacturers offer larger shop vacs. However, bigger tanks mean heavier units and reduced portability. The 5-gallon size represents the sweet spot for versatility.

Is the DEWALT STEALTHSONIC Right for You?

This shop vac excels when you need:

Strong suction without the typical shop vac noise
A portable unit that moves easily around your workspace
Reliable wet and dry cleaning capability
Durability for regular or professional use
A mid-size capacity that balances usefulness with maneuverability
Efficient dust collection for CNC machines, handling the minimal debris output from CNC routing

It may not be the best choice if you're looking for a vacuum that offers power and a unique hook for storage.

Budget is your primary concern, and noise doesn’t bother you
You regularly need to vacuum extensive areas (you might want a bigger tank or longer hose)
You need specialized features like HEPA filtration for fine dust

The Bottom Line

The DEWALT 5-Gallon STEALTHSONIC Wet/Dry Shop Vac delivers where it counts, and here's the hook: it’s genuinely quieter than a standard shop vac. It's genuinely quieter than standard shop vacs without sacrificing the suction power you need for real cleanup jobs. The build quality feels solid, the design includes thoughtful touches that make it easier to use, and it performs well across a range of applications.

For homeowners, DIYers, and professionals who value both performance and peace of mind (and ears), this shop vac is worth the investment. It transforms cleanup from a dreaded chore into a task you can tackle anytime without disrupting your household or workspace.

If you're tired of shop vacs that sound like they're auditioning for a monster truck rally, the STEALTHSONIC offers a better way forward.

Thank you for reading!

Your friend,

Todd

💪🧹🔇⚙️🛠️🚧🧽🌪️🏠🔋

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