The 7 Best Garden Sprayers of 2023

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From watering to spraying weeds, these garden sprayers can handle it all

The Spruce / Alli Waataja

Whether you’re fertilizing a flower garden, killing off weeds, or eliminating troublesome pests, a garden sprayer is an incredibly useful tool. Rather than hiring a professional, garden sprayers are an affordable and effective solution to applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

"When reviewing a potential sprayer for purchase look at things like tank size, battery operation, adjustable nozzle for power, telescopic wands that extend to make getting inside branches easier, [and] a drain valve at the bottom of the tank to easily empty the tank, etc," says Melissa Lallo Johnson, a master gardener and the host of the vlog Art of Gardening. "Additional perks in some of the sprayers now are measuring cups and product enhancements like backpack straps, wheeled carts, and more."

We researched the best garden sprayers in a variety of categories, evaluating products based on their capacity, maneuverability, ease of operation, and overall performance. There are many designs available, depending on your needs—from handheld sprayers ideal for smaller applications to wheeled sprayers that make it easy to cover any entire yard.

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Seven nozzles for versatility

Large pump handle for easy operation

Pressure-release valve for added safety

Adjustable carrying strap

Wand holder isn't very secure

Loose wand holder

D.B. Smith's Contractor Max Sprayer earns the top spot in our roundup because it is easy to use and extremely versatile. One of the biggest selling points is that it comes with seven nozzles–brass adjustable, jet stream, foaming, poly adjustable, and three fan volumes (high volume wide, low volume wide, and low volume narrow). With such an excellent selection of spray patterns, you can perform a variety of gardening and other household tasks.

Depending on the spray you choose, this sprayer is delicate enough to be used as a watering tool, yet powerful enough to hose off concrete. The 21-inch spray wand provides a good amount of reach and maneuverability, and it has a lockable trigger to deliver a continuous stream. With a 2-gallon tank, it has a generous capacity for a handheld manual pump sprayer. The tank doesn't need to be refilled all that frequently, but it does get pretty heavy once it's full. Luckily, this unit comes with an adjustable strap for convenient carrying.

Thanks to a large handle, this sprayer is easy to pump. Plus, the valve lets you safely release pressure before removing the pump, preventing accidental chemical spills and injuries. This unit comes with a wand holder, but it may not fit very securely. And in case you experience defective parts, you can take advantage of the one-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $60

Dimensions: 20.9 x 9.4 x 8.8 inches | Capacity: 2 gallons | Number of Nozzles: 7 (brass adjustable, jet stream, foaming, high volume wide fan, low volume wide fan, low volume narrow fan and poly adjustable)

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Very affordable

Ideal for small tasks

Ergonomic handle

Easy-to-fill tank

Requires frequent refills

Short wand

This affordably priced garden sprayer from Chapin International is a great option for fertilizing small areas. It has a 12-inch spray wand, and while it only has one nozzle, you can adjust the spray from a cone to a straight stream. Although the wand is pretty short, the 34-inch hose will help you reach difficult spots. The ergonomic handle allows for easy pumping and carrying, and it locks into place for added stability.

Thanks to a funnel top, the Chapin sprayer is easy to fill: All you need to do is unscrew the pump cap and add fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide. You may go through the water in the tank fairly quickly, but that's not a big surprise considering it's a light-duty sprayer. The good news is that the tank is translucent, so you know exactly how much liquid you have left.

The Chapin 20000 delivers a solid performance and a decent amount of convenient features for an incredibly low price. Note that it is available in two larger sizes—a 2- or 3-gallon sprayer—so you can choose which option best suits your needs.

Price at time of publish: $15

Dimensions: 7.63 x 7.63 x 15.25 inches | Capacity: 1 gallons | Number of Nozzles: 1 (adjustable)

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Battery-powered

Sprays up to 24 gallons per charge

Large tank capacity

Sits on wheels for easy transporting

Expensive

If you don't want to lug around a heavy garden sprayer, this wheeled model from Scotts is an excellent alternative. The tank is mounted on a rolling cart, and you can easily pull it around via the top handle. This battery-powered sprayer has a large, 3-gallon tank, and it can spray up to 24 gallons per charge. The electric pump is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which means there is no manual pumping required—another major convenience.

This unit only has one nozzle, but it can be adjusted to create a fan, stream, or cone spray. The 21-inch wand allows you to access hard-to-reach areas, and it has a locking trigger for continuous spraying. It also comes with a three-year warranty if you encounter any problems or defects. The Scotts Wheeled Sprayer is significantly pricier than other options, but it has two big advantages: portability and a battery-powered pump for nearly effortless operation.

Price at time of publish: $156

Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 26 inches | Capacity: 3 gallons | Number of Nozzles: 1 (adjustable)

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Inexpensive

Perfect for small jobs

Ergonomic handle

Anti-clog filter

May require frequent refills

Pump can b e challenging

A handheld sprayer, like this model from Chapin, is ideal for small gardening tasks that don't require a telescopic wand. Users find this sprayer particularly helpful for watering flowers, targeting weeds (without requiring you to get on your hands and knees like other weeding tools), and applying pesticides to specific areas. The inexpensive price tag is certainly appealing as well. It has one spray nozzle, which can be adjusted to produce a fine mist or a stronger stream. Despite its compact size, it still has a powerful spray.

The handle should provide a comfortable grip and reduce fatigue as you work through your garden. There is also a filter in the tank that prevents clogs and allows for continuous spraying. That said, this one-handed sprayer has a fairly limited capacity—just 48 ounces—which means you’ll likely run out of water pretty quickly and it requires a lot of pumping during application. Despite its limitations, this sprayer is still a solid choice for smaller jobs. Plus, it could easily fit on a garden tool organizer without taking up much space.

Price at time of publish: $30

Dimensions: 11.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Capacity: 48 ounces | Number of Nozzles: 1 (adjustable)

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Large tank capacity

Ideal for bigger jobs

Padded harness straps

Delivers up to 150 psi

Quite heavy when full

Lacks padding in lower back region

If you're looking for an easy-to-carry garden sprayer, this 4-gallon design has backpack straps that are padded for extra comfort. It has an internal pump, so you don't have to worry about chemicals leaking down your back. Although the harness features padded chest straps and a padded back strap, the latter could use some extra cushioning. It does lack padding for the lower back, which may become uncomfortable if you wear it for a long period of time. It's also worth noting that this unit gets pretty heavy once it's full—about 45 pounds. We recommend placing it on a higher surface so you can get it on without straining to lift it.

The D.B. Smith Field King Backpack Sprayer comes with an excellent selection of convenient features. It has a 21-inch poly wand that's ideal for most applications, and four nozzles—two flat fans, an adjustable brass nozzle, and a foaming nozzle—allowing you to create more precise spray patterns. The internal piston pump can also be adjusted to reach up to 150 pounds per square inch. Thanks to a horizontal pump that sits at waist level, pressurizing the tank is quick and easy. With its impressive tank capacity and long reach, this unit is well suited for bigger jobs, such as treating a large yard.

Price at time of publish: $122

Dimensions: 15 x 22.5 x 9.5 inches | Capacity: 4 gallons | Number of Nozzles: 4 (2 flat fans, 1 brass adjustable, and 1 foaming nozzle)

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No pumping required

Long-lasting battery

Convenient charging

Pressure release valve for added safety

Lacks a carrying strap

Heavy to carry when full

You won't have to worry about manual pumping with this battery-powered sprayer from Scotts, which allows you to tackle large jobs without interruption. It's equipped with a lithium battery, which is located at the base of the handle, and it can spray up to 12 full tanks per charge. When you run out of juice, all you need to do is plug the included charger into the base. This sprayer only comes with one nozzle, but it can be adjusted to create a fan, stream, or cone spray.

The 21-inch wand is an ideal length for most tasks, and the built-in clasp allows you to easily store it. When full, the tank weighs about 18 pounds, and users say it can be heavy and cumbersome to maneuver. A shoulder strap would be a welcome addition to make it easier to carry. On a high note, the pressure-release valve allows you to safely release chemicals without any accidental spills or leaks.

Price at time of publish: $86

Dimensions: 8 x 9.75 x 20.75 inches | Capacity: 2 gallons | Number of Nozzles: 1 (with 3 spray patterns)

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Can be used indoors and outdoors

Easy to maneuver

Shoulder strap for carrying

Non-tip base

Only two spray settings

Only comes in bright orange

With a tank capacity of 1.35 gallons, the Vivosun sprayer is equipped to handle many gardening applications yet is small enough to maneuver easily. Another advantage to this compact unit is that it can be used indoors as well. The tank has a large bowl and funnel design at the top, which makes it easy to fill. The translucent design, complete with a calibrated scale, allows you to easily monitor the liquid level. You can release any built-up pressure in the tank by simply pulling on the safety valve. This sprayer is bright orange, which isn't our first choice color-wise, but it certainly wouldn't get lost in a garage or storage shed.

The Vivosun has an adjustable, heavy-duty shoulder strap, which can be used as a backpack. It also has an ergonomic handle that makes it comfortable to carry. The 22-inch wand provides plenty of reach to perform a variety of tasks and makes this sprayer an essential gardening tool. Thanks to a thickened base, this sprayer won't tip over when it's placed on the ground. Perhaps the only drawback to the design is the nozzle: It only has two spray settings, a fine mist, and a powerful stream, so it's not as versatile as other models.

Price at time of publish: $36

Dimensions: 17.09 x 7.36 x 7.32 inches | Capacity: 1.35 gallons | Number of Nozzles: 1 (adjustable)

Final Verdict

Our Best Overall pick, D.B. Smith Contractor Max Sprayer, hits all the marks: It's easy to use and includes seven nozzles, allowing users to perform a multitude of gardening and household tasks. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Chapin International 20000 Garden Sprayer is a great option for light-duty gardening tasks.

Tank capacity determines how much liquid the pump sprayer can hold. One-handed sprayers can be as small as 0.33 gallons, while handheld sprayers typically hold up to 2 gallons. Larger models, such as backpack and wheeled sprayers, usually fall within the 3- to 6-gallon range. Our Best Backpack pick, the D.B. Smith Field King 190328, has a 4-gallon tank, making it the largest option in our roundup.

Another component to consider is the length of a pump sprayer's wand. A longer wand will provide more reach, and it will also prevent harmful chemicals from coming into contact with your skin. Most pump sprayers have wands that range from 18 to 22 inches in length. Some handheld models, however, have significantly shorter wands—12 inches or less.

A backpack sprayer is equipped with straps, allowing users to carry the sprayer on their backs. This type of sprayer usually has a greater capacity than a handheld sprayer. The backpack design redistributes the weight, making it easier to carry.

As the name suggests, the tank of a wheeled sprayer sits on top of a wheeled frame for optimal maneuverability. Users can easily pull the sprayer around the yard without having to physically lift it. Wheeled sprayers are usually larger than handheld and backpack sprayers, which makes them well-suited for larger applications.

A handheld sprayer is ideal for smaller jobs such as fertilizing a flower bed or treating weeds on a walkway. A handheld sprayer with a piston system must be pumped manually to achieve the right amount of pressure in the tank. With this type of sprayer, the pump and handle are often one and the same.

A battery-powered sprayer eliminates the need for manual pumping. Instead, the battery powers the pump, which in turn maintains the appropriate amount of pressure in the tank. Battery-powered sprayers are more expensive than handled sprayers, but they’re also a lot more convenient. Our Best Battery-Powered pick, the Scotts 190567 Sprayer, can spray up to 12 full tanks per charge.

The nozzle, which is located at the end of the wand, controls the spray as well as the output of the pump sprayer. Most nozzles are adjustable, allowing users to change the spray pattern from a wider arc into a narrower stream. Some pump sprayers include multiple nozzles, which the user can swap out for a more precise spray pattern. Typically, a foaming nozzle, an adjustable nozzle, and fan nozzles are among the selection. Our Best Overall pick, the D.B. Smith Contractor Max Sprayer, includes five nozzles (one poly, one brass, two flat fans, and one foaming), allowing you to do everything from fertilizing lawns to washing down cars.

Pump sprayers are operated by a manual piston system or a battery-powered pump. A sprayer with a piston system needs to be pumped manually to pressurize the tank. A battery-powered sprayer has a motor that powers the pump automatically, eliminating the need for any manual effort. Our Best Battery-Powered pick, the Scotts 190567 Sprayer, has a removable lithium-ion battery and can spray up to 12 full tanks per charge.

How do I maintain my garden sprayer?

According to Melissa Lallo Johnson, a master gardener and the host of the vlog Art of Gardening, you should rinse your sprayer after every application. "Fill the tank and set the handle to a lock position and allow all contents to empty from the sprayer," she advises. Johnson also recommends storing the sprayer with the lid cracked, or even off, for a few days to allow it to dry inside.

How do I use a garden sprayer?

When it comes to ease of operation, Johnson prefers a battery-operated garden sprayer. "Pump sprayers are exhausting and make applications very difficult, especially in larger areas," she says. "Battery-operated sprayers come in a variety of sizes and power and some have a battery life of up to eight hours."

Most garden sprayers attach to a regular garden hose. The unit itself is equipped with a tank that you can fill with fertilizer, pesticide, or herbicide. Once the solution is in the sprayer, you can dilute it with water. You can then pressurize the tank by pumping air into it. Some garden sprayers need to be pumped manually, but battery-powered models will do the pressurizing automatically.

Can I use a garden sprayer on flowers?

You can use a garden sprayer to treat flowers, however, you may want to adjust the spray to a finer mist so you don't damage them. Johnson recommends applying a foliar spray to flowering plants on the leaves. Nutrients that are particularly beneficial to flowering plants include worm teas, fish and seaweed fertilizers, and iron fertilizers.

This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. When selecting the best garden sprayers for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their capacity, maneuverability, ease of operation, and overall performance. McHugh also took hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites into consideration. For expert insight, she interviewed Melissa Lallo Johnson, a master gardener and the host of the vlog Art of Gardening based in Kansas City, Missouri. Her vlog and podcast feature influential gardeners from around the world.