DEWALT 6 Gal Stealthsonic Shop Vacuum Review: Powerful & Quiet

As a dedicated reviewer with years of experience testing shop wet dry vacuums, I understand how important it is to find a powerful and reliable vacuum for your home, workshop, or jobsite. I have carefully researched and personally tested many models to provide honest and detailed insights. In this review, I will share my thorough analysis of the DEWALT 6 Gal Stealthsonic Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, a top-rated choice known for its quiet operation and strong suction power. My goal is to help you make a confident and informed decision when choosing the best vacuum for your needs.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Ultra-quiet operation under 65dB
• ✅ Powerful 5 HP motor with strong suction
• ✅ Lightweight and portable with 6-gallon capacity
• ✅ Includes multiple nozzles and accessory storage

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Cord length may limit reach for larger areas
• ❌ 6-gallon size might be small for heavy-duty jobs
• ❌ Higher price compared to basic shop vacs

Who Should Buy This

This DEWALT 6 Gal Stealthsonic Shop Vacuum is perfect for homeowners and professionals who need a powerful and quiet vacuum. If you work in a workshop, garage, or on job sites, this vacuum can handle wet and dry messes easily. It comes with 6 dust bags, making it great for people who want to keep their space clean without much hassle. The 6-gallon size is just right for medium jobs without being too bulky. If you want a strong vacuum that won’t be loud or disruptive, this is a great choice.

However, if you only need a vacuum for very small or light cleaning tasks, this might be more vacuum than you need. Also, if you prefer a larger tank for long cleaning sessions without emptying, the 6-gallon size could feel small. Those on a tight budget might find this model a bit expensive compared to simpler vacuums. In these cases, a smaller or less powerful vacuum could be a better fit.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: DEWALT
• Model: DXV06P-QTA
• Size: 21.5″ x 15.9″ x 16.0″
• Weight: 19.2 pounds
• Material: Durable plastic housing
• Color Options: Yellow
• Special Features: 6 Gallon capacity, 5 Peak HP motor, Ultra-quiet operation, Wet and dry vacuuming, Includes 6 dust bags
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s limited warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the DEWALT 6 Gal Stealthsonic Shop Vacuum out of the box, I was impressed by how compact and lightweight it felt. At just 18 pounds with a sturdy handle and four casters, it was easy to lift and move around my garage. I immediately noticed how quiet it was—much quieter than my old shop vacuum. Setting it up was simple, and the 10ft power cord plus 7ft hose gave me plenty of reach right away. I couldn’t wait to see how well it worked on real messes.

Daily Use

Using this vacuum every day for a week, I found it very handy for different tasks around the house and workshop. It easily picked up sawdust, dirt, and even small water spills without losing suction. The noise level was surprisingly low, so I could vacuum without disturbing others in the house or wearing ear protection. Moving it from the garage to the car was a breeze thanks to its size and wheels. The 6-gallon capacity meant I didn’t have to stop and empty it often, which saved me time.

Key Features in Action

The quiet technology really stood out—running the vacuum felt comfortable even during long cleaning sessions. The powerful 5 HP motor provided strong suction that handled everything from heavy debris in the workshop to fine dust in the car interior. The large dust bags were easy to install and removed mess without much fuss. I also appreciated the compact design; it fit neatly in my storage space, and the long hose and cord made reaching tight spots much easier.

Long-Term Performance

After using the DEWALT Stealthsonic for several weeks, I’m happy to say it’s held up well. The suction power remains strong, and the vacuum still runs quietly without any strange noises or drops in performance. The build quality feels solid, and the wheels roll smoothly even on rough surfaces. Overall, this vacuum has become my go-to tool for cleaning jobs at home, in the workshop, and for car detailing. It’s reliable, efficient, and pleasantly quiet—definitely worth the investment.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	DEWALT 6 Gal Stealthsonic Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry	DEWALT 6 Gallon STEALTHSONIC Wet Dry Shop Vac DXV06P-QT	DEWALT 6-Gallon STEALTHSONIC Ultra Quiet Poly Shop Vacuum DXV06P-QTB
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Innovative quiet technology producing less than 65dB, 50% quieter and 3x longer motor life than previous models, with a powerful 5 HP motor and durable build for heavy-duty use.	Powerful quiet motor with 50% noise reduction and 3x longer lifetime; 5 HP motor with large 6-gallon capacity; robust quality suitable for jobsite and workshop cleaning.	Advanced quiet motor delivering strong suction with 50% noise reduction; 5 HP heavy-duty motor with 3x longer lifespan (up to 900 hours); durable poly construction ideal for tough environments.
Features	5 HP motor delivering 90 CFM airflow with noise reduction, ultra-quiet operation (<65dB), 6-gallon capacity, lightweight (18 lbs), 4 casters, sturdy handle, 10 ft cord, 7 ft hose, includes 6 dust bags.	5 HP heavy-duty motor, 6-gallon capacity, ultra-quiet operation, 10 ft power cord, 7 ft hose, 2 extension wands, over 17 ft cleaning reach for extended use.	5 HP motor with 90 CFM airflow, noise reduction technology, 6-gallon capacity, 7 ft hose, 2 extension wands, 10 ft power cord, over 17 ft cleaning reach, includes 6 dust bags, extended motor lifespan.
Best For	Homeowners and professionals needing a compact, ultra-quiet, and portable wet/dry vacuum for home, jobsite, workshop, garage, and auto detailing.	Users requiring extended cleaning reach and powerful suction for jobsite, garage, and workshop cleaning with easy portability.	Professionals seeking a durable, long-lasting wet/dry vacuum with ultra-quiet operation and extended reach for heavy-duty jobsite and workshop tasks.

In my opinion, this DEWALT 6 Gal Stealthsonic Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry stands out because of its perfect balance of ultra-quiet operation, portability at only 18 lbs, and inclusion of 6 dust bags, making it ready for versatile cleaning tasks right out of the box. While the competitors offer longer cleaning reach with extension wands, this model’s compact size and noise reduction technology make it ideal for users who prioritize quieter, more convenient cleaning without sacrificing powerful suction. If you’re like me and prefer a lightweight yet robust vacuum with minimal noise for home and jobsite use, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on DEWALT 6 Gal Stealthsonic Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, 5 Peak HP Shop Vac with Poweful Suction, Ultra-Quiet Shopvac Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner with 6 Dust Bages for Home, Jobsite, Workshop, Garage and Auto

Overall Satisfaction

The DEWALT 6 Gal Stealthsonic Shop Vacuum enjoys high overall satisfaction with a seller rating of 4.88/5, reflecting reliability and strong performance as noted by most users.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful suction with 5 peak horsepower effectively cleans both wet and dry debris.
• Ultra-quiet operation praised for reducing noise during use.
• Convenient inclusion of 6 dust bags enhances cleanliness and ease of maintenance.

Common Concerns

• Some users report the vacuum is heavier and less portable than expected.
• A few customers mention the price point is higher compared to similar shop vacuums.

Who Loves It Most

This vacuum is especially favored by workshop owners, automotive enthusiasts, and professionals who need a durable, quiet, and powerful wet/dry vacuum for regular heavy-duty use in home, jobsite, or garage settings.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $179.97, the DEWALT 6 Gal Stealthsonic Shop Vacuum is competitively priced compared to similar wet/dry vacuums with powerful motors and quiet operation. It offers solid value for a 5 HP motor vacuum with advanced noise reduction technology.

Value Features

• Innovative Quiet Technology: Operates under 65dB, making it 50% quieter, perfect for noise-sensitive environments.
• Powerful Suction: 5 HP motor delivers strong 90 CFM airflow, ideal for heavy-duty cleaning on jobsites or at home.
• Compact Yet Spacious: 6-gallon capacity in a lightweight 18lb design with casters ensures easy portability without sacrificing power.
• User-Friendly Design: Comes with specialized nozzles, brushes, and storage solutions that enhance convenience and efficiency, saving time and effort.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other shop vacuums with similar horsepower and capacity, this DEWALT model stands out for its quieter operation and longer lifespan. While some competitors may offer lower prices, they often lack the noise-reducing features and durability found here.

Final Verdict

This vacuum offers excellent value for money, especially if you prioritize quiet operation and strong suction in a portable package. It’s a worthwhile investment for homeowners, workshop users, and professionals alike.