EGO 3-Gallon Compact Wet-Dry Vacuum Review: Class-Leading Suction

EGO’s Second-Iteration Wet-Dry Vac Offers a More Compact 3-Gallon Solution

In 2024, EGO released its first wet-dry vacuum, the 9-gallon WDV0900. It received very high marks in our review, with the strongest overall performance we had seen from a cordless vacuum thus far. Now, in 2026, EGO released the newest addition to the lineup, the 3-gallon WDV0300 wet-dry vacuum. I’m taking a deeper look at this vac to see what benefits the compact size brings to the table for 56V Power+ users.

EGO 3-Gallon Wet-Dry Vacuum Performance

Power Source and Runtime

Like all EGO equipment, the EGO WDV0300 wet-dry vacuum is powered by a 56V Power+ battery. Since this is the same platform that powers the brand’s outdoor power equipment, these batteries have the advantage of a larger capacity, with packs going up to 12.0Ah. This translates into a few benefits—namely, longer runtimes and higher power output.

For runtimes, EGO claims up to 90 minutes on ECO mode, or up to 35 minutes on Turbo using a 5.0Ah battery. While I didn’t have a 5.0Ah pack on hand, I put the runtime to the test using a fresh 4.0Ah battery in both speeds, with the following results:

• ECO: 98:56
• Turbo: 29:56

In ECO mode, my runtime test with a 4.0Ah battery actually surpassed EGO’s claims for what it can do with a 5.0Ah battery by more than 8 minutes, coming in at 1 hour, 38 minutes. For the Turbo mode test, the vac ran for just shy of 30 minutes with a 4.0Ah battery, which is a little higher than we would expect based on EGO’s 5.0Ah runtime estimates.

Cleaning Power

At the top end of its two speed settings, the EGO 3-gallon cordless wet-dry vacuum can produce up to 85 CFM and 60 inches of water lift using its brushless motor. EGO claims it’s the most powerful cordless model in its class, and on paper, that adds up.

We compared these specs to other 3-gallon cordless models from Ridgid, Greenworks, and Ryobi, and found that EGO comes out on top in both airflow and water lift. This can be primarily attributed to the larger 56V battery, which can deliver more power and boost suction performance.

Here’s a look at the main data points side-by-side:

During my testing, I picked up some wood shavings in our shop that had slipped between the crevices in the floor. Using the crevice tool, the vacuum made quick work of collecting the debris, especially in Turbo mode. This model is for both wet and dry messes, so it should serve you well for medium-duty cleaning and smaller messes.

Since it includes a variety of nozzles (including a brush attachment), I can also see it being useful for dusting off window blinds, window sills, and between couch cushions and car seats.

There are some limitations, however. For larger messes, I’d recommend stepping up to EGO’s 9-gallon cordless wet-dry vacuum. Not only is the performance higher for more demanding cleaning tasks, but the capacity is much larger, saving you from emptying the canister as frequently.

EGO 3-Gallon Wet-Dry Vacuum Design

Form Factor

The EGO WDV0300 vacuum weighs 11.6 pounds as a bare tool. EGO batteries are quite hefty, so the weight goes up by quite a bit with the battery attached. With a 4.0Ah pack equipped, the vacuum weighs in at around 16.3 pounds.

While EGO nixed the wheels we saw in the 9-gallon vac, this 3-gallon model doesn’t necessarily need them. The design team stuck with a compact frame with the WDV0300. The weight, even with the battery equipped, shouldn’t be too limiting for most people. It also features a top handle for easy transport between work areas.

Onboard Storage

Like many wet-dry vacs, the WDV0300 includes onboard storage for the hose and accessories. You get a wide utility nozzle for cleaning up larger debris, and a two-in-one crevice/brush tool for detail cleaning. Also included is a power tool adapter to allow you to connect a tool right to the hose for dust collection.

The 7-foot hose and all of the included accessories are stowed directly on the vacuum to make cleanup and storage a breeze.

The crevice/brush tool isn’t a new design, but I appreciate it nonetheless. It features a sliding mechanism that transforms the tool from a brush to a standard crevice tool with one motion. The two-in-one design really comes in handy here, especially since the compact nature of the vacuum leaves limited space for additional storage.

Wireless Remote

Taking a cue from some of the more advanced shop vacs we’ve reviewed, the EGO WDV0300 includes a wireless remote that attaches to the end of the 7-foot vacuum hose. This lets you activate the vacuum without stopping your workflow to press the on/off button on the vacuum itself.

Interestingly, the remote is equipped with an LED light to make dust, dirt, and liquid messes more visible. This is a feature that seems unique to EGO’s wet-dry vacuum remotes—it’s also present on the 9-gallon model. After using it, I found that it really comes in handy for catching hidden debris in dark areas like seat cushion crevices and floorboards.

The vacuum comes with a USB-C charging cord to keep the remote charged up. I prefer this over dealing with coin batteries commonly found in wireless vacuum remotes from other brands.

Filter Cleaning

Like EGO’s 9-gallon wet-dry vacuum, this 3-gallon model has a filter cleaning mechanism. This is a notable inclusion, as, while they aren’t uncommon on jobsite dust extractors, we rarely see filter cleaning functions on wet-dry vacs.

Here, the filter cleaning mechanism is similar to the 9-gallon vacuum. You simply insert the nozzle end of the vacuum hose into the self-cleaning plug and press the self-cleaning button to knock dust and debris off the dry filter. EGO recommends pressing and holding the filter cleaning button for 3 seconds, for a total of five times, to properly clear the filter and restore proper suction.

Additional Highlights

• Hose converts to blower when connected to air outlet port
• Includes dust bag for dry-only cleaning

EGO 3-Gallon Wet-Dry Vacuum Price

This vacuum retails for $249 as a bare tool, which comes loaded with an internal filter and includes a dust bag to get you started with dry cleaning. Currently, there are no kit options available, so be sure to pick up an EGO 56V battery and charger if you’re not already on this platform. EGO backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

For EGO users looking for a truly compact and portable wet-dry vacuum that packs more of a punch than other brands, the 3-gallon model is worth considering. Its performance level is higher than what we typically see with this class of vacuum, and EGO’s cordless design means you won’t need to manage a power cable while you clean.

There are some trade-offs to consider, primarily in the price point. It’s more expensive than other models in its class for the bare tool. The EGO 9-gallon wet-dry vacuum is only around $80 more at the time of writing, and it comes with more of the premium bells and whistles we like seeing in shop vacs—plus it’s triple the capacity. However, if you don’t need the larger model and you’d like to keep the budget lower while expanding your EGO roster, the 3-gallon model should serve you just fine for most cleaning tasks.

Specifications

• Model: EGO WDV0300
• Tank capacity: 3 gallons
• Motor type: Brushless
• Max air volume: 85 CFM
• Max water lift: 60 inches
• Max runtime: 90 minutes (with 5.0Ah battery)
• Two power modes
• Remote-compatible
• Hose length: 7 ft