Multiquip MVC88VTHW
A heavy pro plate for paving crews. Homeowners will not need this much machine.
Amazon $3,348.05$3,348.05
The Multiquip MVC88VTHW is the better plate compactor overall, rated 3.6 to 3.4. The Multiquip MVC88VTHW leads on warranty, plate and build. The WEN 56096 costs $2,748.06 less ($599.99 vs $3,348.05).
WEN 56096
#11 in Plate compactorsFull review
A light, low-cost plate for homeowners laying a patio or walkway base. It rolls on its own wheels and carries a two-year home warranty.
Amazon $599.99$599.99
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Multiquip MVC88VTHW for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty), plate (408 sq in (19.7 x 20.7 in) vs 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in)) and build (name-brand engine, water tank vs wheel kit included).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every plate compactors plate compactor; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Multiquip MVC88VTHW | WEN 56096 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 18 $992.90 per 1,000 lbf ($3,348.05, 3,372 lbf credited) | 82 $227.27 per 1,000 lbf ($599.99, 2,640 lbf credited) |
| Force 25% | 62 3,372 lbf | 38 2,640 lbf credited of 3,350 lbf claimed (capped at 20 lbf per lb of its 132 lb) |
| Plate 10% | 83 408 sq in (19.7 x 20.7 in) | 18 244 sq in (13.8 x 17.8 in) |
| Build 15% | 70 name-brand engine, water tank | 30 wheel kit included |
| Warranty 20% | 100 3-year warranty | 67 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Multiquip MVC88VTHW | WEN 56096 | |
|---|---|---|
| Compaction | ||
| Claimed force | 3,372 lbf | 3,350 lbf |
| Credited force | 3,372 lbf | 2,640 lbf (capped) |
| Plate or shoe | 19.7 x 20.7 in | 13.8 x 17.8 in |
| Vibrations per minute | 6,000 vpm | 5,700 vpm |
| Travel speed | 82 ft/min | 125 ft/min |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | Honda GX160 | WEN 196cc |
| Power | - | 6.5 hp |
| Build | ||
| Water tank | Yes | No |
| Water tank size | 13.7 qt | - |
| Wheel kit included | No | Yes |
| Weight | 229 lb | 132 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |