The Best Paint Sprayer for Your Next Project

Painting can be a do-it-yourself project, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The old method of using paintbrushes or rollers for big jobs takes a lot of time and effort. Plus, when you use those tools, it’s often difficult to get even coverage in all of the small spaces and corners.

Paint sprayers offer the speed of professional painting and the ability to apply an even coat. A sprayer uses power to emit a fine mist of paint particles onto the surface of whatever you’re painting, so it can reach even the most difficult spot with a clean, even layer.

Sprayers come in a variety of sizes, types, and costs to fit any project and any budget. It’s important to read paint sprayer reviews and figure out which will be the best tool for your needs.

The 5 Best Paint Sprayers

• Best overall: HomeRight Super Finish Max Extra Power Painter
• Best on a budget: Scuddles Paint Sprayer
• Best for big projects: Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer
• Best professional-grade paint sprayer: Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer
• Easiest to use: REXBETI Ultimate-750 Paint Sprayer

Methodology: We compiled this list by researching top-selling paint sprayers on Amazon and reviewing key features from the manufacturer. We selected our top five paint sprayers based on price and real customer reviews.  

HomeRight Super Finish Max Extra Power Painter: Best Overall Paint Sprayer

When you need a versatile paint sprayer that’s lightweight and easy to use, the HomeRight model is a perfect choice. It’s compact but comes with a variety of features that you would find in higher-end paint sprayers.

With 450 watts of power and a turbine motor, this high-volume low pressure (HVLP) sprayer is efficient without the need for an air compressor. Its 40-ounce container allows you to paint large areas without refilling, and it works with both oil-based and water-based paints.

This paint sprayer comes with three spray tips (but you have the option to purchase three more). Each tip creates a different spray pattern. An adjustable knob also allows you to control the width and intensity of the spray, so you can paint everything from small craft projects to larger areas that many HVLP sprayers cannot handle.

The sprayer includes a brass needle and nozzle, which doesn’t wear out as quickly as products with plastic parts and provides a smoother and more even paint finish.

Price: $109.00

Reviews

This product has a rating of 4.1 stars from more than 2,800 reviewers on Amazon. Overall, reviewers agree that the product is easy to use and easy to clean, and gives you a smooth paint finish, even for a novice painter. The product is useful for everything from smaller projects to major remodeling and can save thousands over the cost of hiring a professional painter.

Several reviews do note the importance of following the instructions, which are provided with the product, to avoid some of the negative experiences reviewers report, like sputtering or chunks of paint.

Pros and cons

Scuddles Paint Sprayer: Best Paint Sprayer on a Budget

The Scuddles Paint Sprayer is one of the best available in the $50 price range. Most budget paint sprayers don’t offer much in terms of versatility and features, but this HVLP paint sprayer has 1,200 watts of power and three spray patterns to choose from, so you get a smooth finish that looks professional. It’s a versatile tool for both indoor and outdoor projects.

The Scuddles Paint Sprayer also comes with three nozzle sizes for various paints and varnishes, up to 2.6 mm to accommodate thicker paints like latex or chalk paint. It comes ready to use right out of the box and even includes extra replacement parts, like straws and nozzle caps.

You can also purchase additional paint canisters if you plan to use multiple colors and don’t want to clean it between each application.

Bonus: The extra-long power cord makes it convenient for large rooms or outdoor painting, so you don’t have to keep moving it to a new outlet during bigger projects.

Price: $49.99

Reviews

The Scuddles Paint Sprayers has a rating of 4.1 on Amazon with more than 550 reviews. Overall, reviewers rate it as very easy to use right out of the box and a great way to save time on painting projects, both large and small. If you have never used a paint sprayer before, reviewers recommend that you practice a little bit on something besides your final project to get the hang of it, since it can spray a lot of paint very quickly. People highly recommend this product as a great value for the money.

Pros and cons

Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer: Best for Big Projects

This Graco model is the perfect solution for large DIY and at-home projects. Graco is a trusted brand in both home and professional paint sprayers, and this gives you a professional look without the professional price tag.

The sprayer comes with a 25-foot hose (it can accommodate up to a 50-foot hose) and connects directly to a one-gallon or five-gallon bucket of paint, so you don’t have to keep refilling a smaller canister during larger projects. The paint flow settings make it easy to adjust for any area, and although people note that the tip is prone to clogs, it has a special reverse-tip design component that quickly clears clogs. It is heavier than some of the handheld sprayers, but you can leave the heavy part on the ground and use the long hose to reach anywhere you need.

Price: $241.80

Reviews

With 4.3 stars on Amazon, this product is easy to use and provides you with the look and feel of a professional paint job without the cost of hiring a painter. Many say it’s a powerful product, so there’s some overspray. But, reviewers say, if you prep the area properly and read the instructions, this tool can save a lot of time and hassle. Overall, reviewers like that this provides a very professional finished look for large projects.

Pros and cons

Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer: Best Professional-Grade Paint Sprayer

Even if you’re not a professional painter, sometimes you need a heavy-duty paint sprayer to complete your DIY projects. This other Graco model is the ideal solution for homeowners and painters who need the highest quality. It’s versatile enough for smaller projects like furniture but powerful enough to accomplish large projects, like an exterior.

With its adjustable pressure nozzle to control the output and features like suction that connects directly to a one-gallon or five-gallon paint bucket, this is easy to use for projects of all sizes. It’s also powerful enough to use without thinning the paint.

It comes with a 25-foot hose, but you can purchase up to a 75-foot hose for hard-to-reach areas. Cleaning up is simple with a built-in garden hose port to flush out extra paint with water.

Price: $319.00

Reviews

The Graco Magnum X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer is the highest reviewed of Amazon’s best-selling at-home paint sprayers, with a 4.5 rating and more than 800 reviews. Many discuss the importance of proper prep and reviewing the instructions before you use the sprayer. A large number of reviews praise it as a great tool for beginners and experts alike. Several reviewers note how easy it is to clean, and how beneficial it is for large projects like painting an entire house.

Pros and cons

REXBETI Ultimate-750 Paint Sprayer: Easiest to Use

This REXBETI model makes the top of the list for ease of use. It has a powerful 500-watt motor and a high-capacity container (1,000 mL) that leave a super smooth finish on any project.

Its nozzle includes three different spray modes that you can change just by turning the dial, and the 750 mL/minute capacity makes tackling projects quick and easy. Assembling and disassembling the unit for cleaning is also simple and intuitive, and you can quickly switch between paint colors by purchasing additional reserve canisters. Plus, the super-lightweight body and six-foot power cord allow you to move freely around and project space.

Price: $69.99

Reviews

More than 1,100 reviewers on Amazon give this paint sprayer an overall 4.3 rating, citing its ease of use, especially for someone who is not a professional painter. While it may take a little bit of practice to get the hang of the spray pattern and get a smooth finish, it’s easy to master, even for first-time users. Reviewers especially appreciated how much time they could save on large projects, and how easy it is to clean and store after use.

Pros and cons

*Pricing information as of 05/13/2020

Things to Consider When Shopping for Paint Sprayers

Paint sprayers can vary widely in terms of quality and features, so before you purchase, it’s important to consider these factors:

• Project size: You don’t need a professional-grade paint sprayer if you only plan to use it for small craft projects. On the flip side, you don’t want a small hand sprayer if you are going to paint your house exterior. Check to make sure the size of the sprayer matches the size of your project.
• Versatility: If you want to use your sprayer for everything from small crafts to larger DIY interior painting, make sure it’s versatile enough to do both.
• Nozzle variety: The best paint sprayers come with at least three different nozzle sizes, but some have more. More paint nozzles mean more choices for various projects and applications.
• Price: For professionals or those with a lot of projects, a more expensive and higher-end sprayer may be a better investment. If you only plan to use it from time to time, a smaller handheld sprayer can fit your needs at a lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a paint sprayer cost? 

Paint sprayers range in cost from around $50 to over $300. Higher-end paint sprayers come with more features, while lower-end sprayers are usually handheld and come with a small canister that you refill as you use it. Less expensive paint sprayers also usually have smaller motors.

What is the best paint sprayer for home use? 

The best paint sprayer for home use depends on what you plan to use it for. Smaller or less expensive paint sprayers are ideal for crafts of small DIY projects. Larger and more expensive paint sprayers are better for big projects, like painting an entire home’s interior or exterior. Be sure to check paint sprayer reviews to determine if the one you want will match your needs.

Is a paint sprayer worth it? 

If you have a sizable project, a paint sprayer can save a significant amount of time. They’re ideal for hard-to-reach areas or small nooks that you can’t get with a traditional brush. The even application of paint sprayers also gives a professional look with a lot less effort than rolls or brushes.

Is a paint sprayer easy to use? 

Most paint sprayers designed for DIY projects are easy to use right out of the box. They come with instructions, and it’s important to follow those instructions exactly to avoid problems. Many of the less expensive paint sprayers also require that you thin your paint or do other prep work to avoid clogs or problems.