We Tested 9 of the Best Paint Sprayers of 2024 and These 4 Were Our Favorites (2024)

Paint sprayers are helpful tools for tackling any DIY painting project. They can be used to paint small items, like a frame or accent chair, or larger areas, like room walls or an exterior fence.

“While there is more prep work, paint sprayers are superior to rollers because they create a more even coat with fewer drip marks. They are also faster than the traditional rolling technique”, says Catherine Hart, a professional mural artist.

To find the best paint sprayers on the market, we tried several options at home. In addition to Hart, we also consulted Tracey Amadio, CEO of Porch Daydreamer, for additional insight.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer is the best paint sprayer to consider. The versatile pick is lightweight and can tackle many home projects. We found it easy to set up and intuitive to use and appreciated the two cleaning options.

Our Testing Process

To find the best paint sprayers, we tested nine products at home. Each pick was evaluated for their performance, design, and features.

Testing began by unpackaging and preparing the sprayer for use. Then, we used the sprayers, noting the type of paint, how long the setup, painting, and clean-up process took, ease of use, evenness, comfort, and more.

While using each paint sprayer we also considered the evenness of the paint, if we could use the sprayers in different positions, and if the sprayer ever sputtered or clogged. Once testing concluded, we evaluated if we thought the price was reasonable given our testing experience.

What to Know About Paint Sprayers Before Shopping

Size

When choosing a paint sprayer, consider that the weight of the sprayer doesn’t account for the paint that will go into it. Therefore, if you think you’ll have difficulty holding a paint sprayer for an extended amount of time, you’ll want to consider lightweight options, like the HomeRight Paint Sprayer, our best budget pick.

Type

There are three main types of paint sprayers on the market:

• Airless: Powered by an electric motor, these force paint out of the tip via pressure. These can paint larger surfaces.
• High-volume low-pressure (HVLP): This type produces less pressure and is best for smaller jobs or more detailed paint.
• Pneumatic: These are used by commercial painters but are not for most DIY needs. The devices use compressed air to dispense paint.

Flow Rate

The flow rate indicates how much paint can run through your sprayer per minute. Bigger jobs may do best with a faster flow rate but will also run through more paint, so make sure you have enough to finish the project you’re working on.

Operating Pressure

Operating pressure is measured in PSI and refers to how much pressure runs through the paint sprayer. The PSI will differ based on the type of paint sprayer you’re using. For example, our best overall pick, the Graco Magnum Paint Sprayer, is an airless model and the PSI is 3,000 PSI. However, the HomeRight Paint Sprayer, our best budget pick, is an HVLP style and operating pressure is 450 PSI.

Spray Tip Size

​​The tip size of the paint sprayer impacts how much paint is released from the tip. Some sprayers come with multiple tips, while others only have one. To determine the best tip size, you’ll need to judge both the size of your project and the type of paint you are using.

Some sprayers can handle thick paints, while others will need them thinned. Always refer to the user guide, which will help you determine the best application method for your needs.

Other Paint Sprayers We Tested

Graco 17G180 Magnum ProX19 Cart Paint Sprayer

The Graco 17G180 Magnum ProX19 Cart Paint Sprayer worked well in our tests but the sprayer is much larger and more expensive than other picks we tried. It’s also best suited for larger paint jobs, so it may not be the most helpful option for more homeowners.

Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

The Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer is more expensive than the Graco Magnum Paint Sprayer, our best overall pick, but we didn’t see much difference in quality, ease of use, or performance between the two.

Titan Tool ControlMax ‎Airless Paint Sprayer

A benefit of the Titan Tool ControlMax Airless Paint Sprayer is that it’s a portable cart design, so it’s helpful if you need to move around an area, like painting all four sides of a shed or a long fence. Overall, we found it worked well as a paint sprayer. The only downside is that once paint is loaded, you must lift the paint can while rolling the cart, which we found difficult.

Your Questions, Answered

How much do paint sprayers cost?

Paint sprayers are offered at a variety of price points, with some options being about $60 and others being upwards of $600. If you’re new to using paint sprayers or don’t think you’ll use it often, the Graco Magnum Paint Sprayer is our best budget option. For a more expensive and advanced pick, the Graco’s Cordless Paint Sprayer, our best cordless option, is over $700.

In addition to the gadget, you’ll need to budget for the paint and protective materials, including tarps, tape, safety goggles, and masks.

Are paint sprayers easy to use?

Paint sprayers are easy to use but require learning to get the hang of the gadget. Always read the complete instruction manual, watch videos about using your exact model. Armadio recommends you always start with testing the model on a piece of cardboard.

Precaution should be taken when using a paint sprayer. Always wear protective eyewear and a mask that is at least an N95 or has its filtration system. Create as much ventilation as possible when working on indoor projects by opening windows and running an air purifier.

Also, safely cover any surface you are not painting. “The particles are getting blown out into the air, they literally dry in the air before they actually fall. Anything with a horizontal surface is going to get a layer of finely mystified paint,” says Amadio.

What are the benefits of using a paint sprayer?

Paint sprayers provide a faster, more even layer of paint and allow you to paint large areas more time more efficiently than a roller or brush. Paint sprayers can also reach crevices more evenly than a brush.

Who We Are

Maya Polton is an experienced freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens who has written for a wide variety of publications. She also spoke with mural artist Catherine Hart and Tracey Amadio, CEO of Porch Daydreamer, for advice and feedback on how to use paint sprayers.

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.