Ridgid vs Milwaukee vs Makita Shop Vacs: Power Source First
Last reviewed October 31, 2026. Prices were listed by the retailer as of Oct 30, 2026 and can change. Confirm the current price and availability on the retailer's page before you buy.
Before comparing tank sizes or hose attachments, the first decision is how the vacuum gets its power. A plug-in model and a battery model are different purchases, and a battery model also commits you to a battery platform, which tends to shape the next several tools you buy. This page compares the wet/dry vacs and dust extractors listed for Ridgid, Milwaukee and Makita with that choice up front.
The catalog lists the three sides very differently. Ridgid has 6 models, all typed as wet/dry vacs, priced from $229.00 to $719.82 with a median of $262.38.
Configuration matters for cost. Of Milwaukee's 38 models, 29 are listed as kits, 7 do not state a configuration and 2 are bare tools. A bare tool is listed as the tool only, so a battery and charger would be a separate cost if you are starting a platform from scratch. Brushless motors are stated in the listing for 66% of Milwaukee models and 85% of Makita models; the Ridgid listings carry no brushless figure.
Keep in mind that a listed price range can cover several variants of one model, and that a few listings, such as a pack of debris bags filed under a Ridgid model number, may not be a vacuum at all. Read each listing before relying on its spec line.
At a glance
| Ridgid | Milwaukee | Makita | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Models listed | 6 | 38 | 14 |
| Price range | $229 to $720 | $229 to $1,499 | $249 to $2,079 |
| Median price | $262 | $559 | $704 |
| Battery platforms named in listings | none named | M18 (38) | LXT 18V (8), XGT 40V (5) |
| Cordless models stating a brushless motor | n/a (no cordless models) | 66% of 38 | 85% of 13 |
| Most common configuration | n/a | kit (29), bare tool (2) | bare tool (11), kit (2) |
| Listings stating batteries, charger or case | 0% | 24% | 14% |
| Tool types covered | Wet/dry vac (6) | Wet/dry vac (38) | Wet/dry vac (14) |
Models listed
The example models show the split clearly. Ridgid's examples are plug-in style listings with capacity and motor current stated, such as the 14 gal RV2400A at 11.5 A and the 1.5 gal HDB600 at $229.00, with no battery platform. Milwaukee's examples are M18 cordless units from 2 gal to 2.5 gal, from $239.00, some stating a brushless motor and some listed as kits with batteries. Makita's examples include 18V LXT and 40V XGT 2 gal HEPA extractors, listed as tool only from $249 and $329.00.
Ridgid
Ridgid 6 Qt. (1.5 Gal.) NXT Backpack Vacuum Cleaner with Filters and Shop Vacuum Attachments for Dry Applications HDB600
$229.00 · Size / capacity: 1.5 gal
Ridgid 14 Gal. 2-Stage Commercial Shop Vacuum Wet Dry Vac with Fine Dust Filter, Professional Hose and Accessories RV2400A
$286 to $358 · Size / capacity: 14 gal · Motor current: 11.5 A
Ridgid Genuine VF3702B Wet Dry Vac Premium Wet and Dry Debris Bags for Select 12-16 Gal. Shop Vacuums, Size A (12-Pack)
$240 to $720 · Size / capacity: 16 gal
Milwaukee
Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT Cordless 2.5 Gal Wet/Dry Vac w/AIR-TIP 1-1/4 in. - 2-1/2 in. Right Angle and Magnetic Nozzle (6-Piece)
$239.00 · Kit · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M18 · Size / capacity: 2.5 gal
Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 2 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum with M18 XC Starter Kit with Two 5.0Ah Batteries and Charger
$249 to $279 · Kit · Voltage: 18 V · Battery platform: M18 · Size / capacity: 2 gal · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Milwaukee M18 18-Volt 2 Gal. Lithium-Ion Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum with M18 18-Volt 2.0 Ah Lithium-Ion Compact Battery
$259.00 · Kit · Voltage: 18 V · Battery platform: M18 · Size / capacity: 2 gal · Battery capacity: 2 Ah
Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 2.5 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum with PACKOUT Compact Debri/Dust Separator
$269.00 · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M18 · Size / capacity: 2.5 gal
Makita
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2 Gal. HEPA Filter Portable Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum, Tool Only
$249 to $554 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: LXT 18V · Size / capacity: 2 gal · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Makita 40V max XGT Brushless Cordless 2 Gallon HEPA Filter Portable Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum, Tool Only
$329.00 · · Voltage: 40 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: XGT 40V · Size / capacity: 2 gal · Battery capacity: 8 Ah
Makita 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 2.1 Gallon Dry Dust Extractor, Tool Only
$499.00 · · Voltage: 36 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: LXT 18V · Size / capacity: 2.1 gal · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Handheld Brushless Cordless Vacuum Kit 2.0Ah 18V 4.0Ah LXT Lithium-Ion Battery
$508.00 · Kit · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: LXT 18V · Battery capacity: 4 Ah · Weight: 2.7 lb
Which one fits you
Choose Ridgid if...
- you want to compare listings that carry no battery platform, since none of the 6 Ridgid models lists one
- you are shopping near the entry price tier, with a $229.00 low and a $262.38 median
- you prefer a short catalog, as only 6 models are listed, all typed as wet/dry vacs
Choose Milwaukee if...
- you want the broadest listed range on one platform, with 38 models all on M18
- you want kit listings, since 29 of 38 are listed as kits and one example lists 2 batteries and a charger
- you value a stated brushless motor, which appears on 66% of Milwaukee models
Choose Makita if...
- you want a choice between two platforms, with 8 LXT 18V models and 5 XGT 40V models
- you already own Makita batteries and are happy buying bare tools, as 11 of 14 are listed that way
- you want the highest share of stated brushless motors, at 85% of models
Frequently asked questions
Should I pick the battery platform before the vacuum?
If you are going cordless, yes. The platform decides which batteries and chargers you can reuse. The catalog lists Milwaukee on M18 for all 38 models, and Makita on LXT 18V for 8 models and XGT 40V for 5. Ridgid lists no platform on its 6 models.
Does a bare tool include a battery?
No. A bare tool is listed as the tool only. Makita's examples, such as the XCV11Z and GCV14Z, are listed as tool only with no battery or charger stated. Kit listings may include them, so check each listing's contents.
Which brand lists the most brushless models?
By share of models, Makita, with a brushless motor stated for 85% of its models versus 66% for Milwaukee. The Ridgid listings carry no brushless figure. A brushless motor is a motor type; the listings do not say it makes a specific model perform better.
How do prices compare across the three?
Ridgid ranges from $229.00 to $719.82 with a $262.38 median. Ranges can include variants and accessories, so confirm on each listing.