Paint like a pro with an airless paint sprayer

Best airless paint sprayers of 2023

Painting with a brush or roller can take a lot of time, plus it requires skills to create a smooth finish. To make quick work of large jobs and achieve professional results, you need an airless paint sprayer.

This useful painter's tool uses a piston to spray paint over large surfaces with powerful force. This guide is packed with the information you need to decide whether an airless paint sprayer is the best option for your painting projects. It also includes our favorite models to guide you as you shop.

Types of airless paint sprayers

There are two main types of airless paint sprayers, both of which have their strengths and weaknesses.

Handheld airless paint sprayers are compact units that house the spray gun, paint supply, and motor in one device. The small size of these paint sprayers makes them easier to maneuver than larger sprayers.

These sprayers are generally inexpensive and may have different nozzles to create different spray patterns. The size of handheld sprayers makes them highly portable since they have no hose attached.

That said, handheld paint sprayers have limited capacity, usually 28 ounces of paint. This means that frequent refills are necessary for larger jobs, and the paint cup adds weight to the gun.

A stand-mounted airless paint sprayer, also called a cart-mounted sprayer, is the ideal choice for a larger paint job due to the increased capacity and lightweight design.

Since the gun is a separate unit from the paint can or bucket and motor, it is much lighter and easier to use for long stretches. This makes these sprayers the best option for beginners or large paint jobs. However, they are also a good choice for small jobs like painting furniture.

You will need to prime the pump before each use with a stand-mounted airless paint sprayer, and the extra power means there is an increase in overspray. The hose also limits how far away from the cart you can be.

Portability of airless paint sprayers

The weight of an airless paint sprayer can range from 10 pounds to as much as 60 pounds with cart-mounted models. While larger models are usually wheeled, they can still be difficult to move from one room to the next or up and down staircases.

Power of airless paint sprayers

The horsepower and maximum pressure vary greatly among airless paint sprayers, with the most powerful commercial airless paint sprayers clocking in at around 1 hp and 3,000 psi. The flow rate is another major factor—this is the measurement of the amount of paint per minute a gun can spray.

Best airless paint sprayers

Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

The lightweight design of this paint gun allows you to use it for long periods without fatiguing. It is a good first-time airless paint sprayer due to its user-friendly features. Some thicker paints may need to be watered down, though.

Available at Amazon

Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter

This airless paint sprayer stands out for its compact design, which makes it a good option for beginners. The pump does not run constantly, which reduces noise and wear. We love how easy it is to clear blockages due to the design of the gun.

Available at Amazon and Home Depot

Fairly compact and easy to use, this paint sprayer earns rave reviews for creating smooth finishes for excellent results. It boasts a powerful motor that gets jobs done fast and efficiently.

Available at Amazon

Ideal for pros, the Magnum X7 includes a cart for effortless maneuverability. It also has the ability to hold a 5-pound bucket of paint. With adjustable pressure, it's easy to get perfect results with all types of paint.

Available at Amazon and Home Depot

This portable sprayer is constructed to prevent overspray of paint, which cuts down on messes and simplifies cleanup. It functions well with most types of paint, including latex.

Available at Amazon and Home Depot

With a tank that holds 1,5 gallons of paint, the Pro 130 makes it possible to finish large jobs quickly. Proprietary high efficiency airless technology means that you’ll get minimal overspray while you work.

Available at Amazon and Home Depot

If you’re a professional painter, you need an airless paint sprayer that's built to handle major painting jobs. This model can accommodate up to 50 gallons of paint, has a durable stand, and offers adjustable pressure settings.

Available at Home Depot

Made with a Triax triple piston pump, this paint sprayer is designed to last for years even with frequent use. Pro-level controls make it suitable for small and large jobs. These features and more make it a worthwhile investment for professionals.

Available at Home Depot

Other top airless paint sprayers

The Stark 650W Airless Paint Sprayer can work with up to five gallons at once.

If you are looking for an airless paint sprayer for major jobs, check out the Wagner Control Pro 170.

The Etosha Airless Paint Sprayer is built for exterior painting.

RichYa's Airless Paint Sprayer comes with two nozzles.

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