The Best Electric Paint Sprayer — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison
Not requiring a compressor, the electric paint sprayer category is ideal for DIYers and trade-pros who demand effortless set-up, straightforward preparation, and headache-free cleaning. Including everything you need to start power-painting, this versatile range includes units as diverse as handheld HVLP’s through to externally-driven airless tools. Catering for the infrequent home-user and daily-use contractor, there’s a machine for every paint medium and project size.
- Adjustable spray-fan width.
- Upgraded iSpray nozzle format.
- User-tailorable material volume flow.
- Arrives with 0.85 and 1.5-quart paint cups.
- Lock-N-Go permits fuss-free dismantling and rapid cleaning.
Top Turbine Products from Each Category
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Best HVLP Electric Spray Gun
|
Best HVLP Electric Spray Gun
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
Best Airless Electric Power Paint Sprayer
|
Best Airless Electric Power Paint Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
Best Cordless Electric Power Sprayer
|
Best Cordless Electric Power Sprayer
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
Best Professional Electric Spray Guns
|
Best Professional Electric Spray Guns
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
Best Budget Electric Spray Machine
![]() |
Best Budget Electric Spray Machine
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon |
Electric HVLP
Electric Airless
Electric Cordless
Electric Professional
Electric Budget
Electric Paint Sprayer Reviews and Buying Guide
These remarkably versatile tools cover a whole gamut of machines — from compact home-use HVLP handheld models through to mighty airless industrial-grade behemoths.
What Are Electric Sprayers?
Generally speaking, the electric spraying niche covers every power-coating machine that isn’t pneumatic.
These units are distinctive in that with one purchase, you have everything you need straight-outta-the-box to crack on with your painting projects. This separates these tools from pneumatic sprayers, which in addition to the gun, require ownership of an air hose, couplings, regulators, and a compressor.
Typically running from a mains power supply — although there are some cordless examples such as the Neu Master — these machines propel paint via an electrically driven turbine or hydraulic pump.
Admittedly, there are some exceptions — such as the gasoline-fueled Graco GH230 — but even these commercial-grade units allow you to switch from gas to electric at the flick of a switch.
Furthermore, there are manual paint sprayers — like the Chapin — that propel paint via a hand pump. However, as they’re the same price as many budget electric machines, they’re strictly for technophobes, retrophiles, and masochists — or members of the Amish community.
Types Of Electric Spraying Machines
While the electric power-painting category encompasses a vast array of models to suit different experience levels and applications, there are still only two main electric formats — HVLP and airless.
For an in-depth comparison, check out my HVLP vs Airless article. But, if you just want a brief overview, I have outlined the differences below.
HVLP Electric Sprayers
These machines utilize a high volume of air delivered at a low pressure to propel the coating medium — hence HVLP. Requiring 10 PSI or less, compared to the 50-90 PSI of a standard pneumatic (not electric) gun, they’re seriously efficient — with a minimum overspray meaning less wastage and mess.
An electrical power source drives a fan (the turbine) or a series of fans to push the paint into the nozzle tip, where it is atomized into a fine mist and then propelled onto your target surface. The higher number of fans (or ‘stages’ for the initiated), the more brawny the power output — permitting the machine to drive higher density mediums.
These units are the most popular electric sprayers for the home DIYer due to their fuss-free operation, affordability, and low project-preparation requirements. They’re particularly suited to small to medium-scale jobs, such as revitalizing tired furniture, painting doors and ceilings, and staining shelving.
The HVLP electric category includes compact and portable handheld units as well as large externally-driven turbine machines.
Airless Electric Sprayers
Electricity powers an internal motor, which in turn, pressures the paint inside the hydraulic system — which then pumps the coating medium into the spray gun. This highly-efficient system creates seriously hefty internal loads — typically around 3000 PSI.
This mighty output permits airless electric units to both propel the most viscous of liquids and provide rapid coverage — the speediest in the entire power-painting category.
Hence, these sprayers are typically used for large-scale projects — permitting the DIYer or trade-user to finish their work in a timely manner. Furthermore, their ability to drive dense paints makes them ideal for the most common wall and fence mediums such as latex and chalk.
While there are a few handheld electric airless sprayers — such as the Graco 17M363 — these machines typically feature an external hydraulic pump system, that is usually stand or cart-mounted.
I know what you’re thinking — if there are only two types of electric spray painters, why is this article longer than a George R. R. Martin novel?
This is because manufacturers have developed machines to suit a plethora of applications, projects, and user-requirements. This can make selecting your ideal electric sprayer somewhat challenging — an issue I will address in the next section.
How to Choose the Perfect Electric Spray Painting Machine?
While not exhaustive, here are the key factors you should consider when picking out the ultimate electric power painter.
HVLP or Airless
Handheld or Externally Driven
The downsides are they lack the power of externally-driven turbine and hydraulic units — making them less suited for rapid coverage and propelling thicker paints. Furthermore, the external-powerhouse sprayers allow for fatigue-free operation — since there’s no paint container nor engine in the gun itself, making it remarkably lightweight to wield.
Cordless or Corded
Both airless and HVLP electric sprayers exist in handheld cordless formats. Driven by hefty lithium-ion cells, these machines increase working freedom — permitting you to operate away from mains power sources. Furthermore, by ditching the cord and additional extension cables — they reduce the likelihood of snagging, trips, and strangulation.
However, there are some disadvantages to these battery-fueled sprayers. The main issue is that they carry substantial weight, with the gun housing the turbine or pump, paint container, and the cell itself — making them less than ideal for extended projects where hand stamina may be problematic.
Additionally, you’re restricted by the running time of the battery — meaning frequent breaks for recharging — unless you invest in an army of back-up power packs.
Paint Cup or Direct Draw
Naturally, this does bring with it the downside of weight — the larger the volume of the container, the more paint it holds and therefore the greater the mass you have to wield with one hand.
External hydraulic units, however, feature no cup in the gun. Instead, paint is drawn into the shooter via a suction hose that attaches to the original painting medium container. This makes for significant weight reduction, allowing you to crack on with larger jobs without suffering fatigue.
That said, always ensure the suction tube is secured tightly onto the paint can — wandering or jumping hoses are the enemy of the electric airless sprayer, which can lead to Jackson Pollock-esque artwork on your walls, floors, or carpets.
Pro, DIY, or Budget Grade Machine
Although all my top picks below include only the best electric paint sprayers for sale in the market — there are some differences in standards.
Budget electric sprayers allow an easy-on-the-pocket entry into the power-painting tool category. Ideal for casual use, they’re particularly suited to infrequent home DIYers who will be switching on their machine just a few times per year.
While the coat provided by these affordable electric sprayers will be more than satisfactory — they lack the ultra-atomization required for fine-finishing work. However, they are highly versatile, with units such as the Tacklife SGP15AC advanced electric spray gun coming complete with four interchangeable tips to suit thin and thick mediums.
DIY electric sprayers provide a greater level of durability than their budget counterparts, typically boast additional features that permit extensive tailorability, and usually offer a higher power output than lower-end units — allowing for more speedy coverage.
For example, the DIY-centric Magnum X5 promises a mighty 3000 PSI, comes complete with a pro-grade SG2 gun, and permits user-adjustment of spray pattern, size, and PSI delivery. Furthermore, DIY units such as these are suitable for once-a-week use — ideal for you to crack on with your project at the weekend.
Professional electric sprayers are the ultimate power-painting tools. These hardcore units target the extreme DIYer or trade contractor — rated for daily use, they can withstand serious abuse and extensive throughput.
Most of these machines permit enhanced user-tailorability, upgradeability, and access to a vast array of spare components — the downside being these behemoths of the electric spraying world come at a premium price point.
HVLP Electric Paint Spray Gun
HVLP Electric Paint Gun Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon |
Our Picks of the Best HVLP Electric Paint Sprayers
- The ultimate machine in our electric paint sprayer reviews.
- Tailorable volume flow control.
- Bespoke Lock-N-Go system for effortless cleaning.
- Adjustable spray widths.
- Includes two paint containers.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- The ultimate machine in our electric paint sprayer reviews.
- Tailorable volume flow control.
- Bespoke Lock-N-Go system for effortless cleaning.
- Adjustable spray widths.
- Includes two paint containers.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- 400-watts of pure turbine power.
- Brass tip offers greater durability than its nylon competitors.
- Adjustable material flow dial.
- Three user-selectable spray fan patterns.
- Fatigue-busting handle.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- 400-watts of pure turbine power.
- Brass tip offers greater durability than its nylon competitors.
- Adjustable material flow dial.
- Three user-selectable spray fan patterns.
- Fatigue-busting handle.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Robust hardcore construction.
- Incorporated handle for portability.
- Mighty two-stage turbine.
- Teflon coated gun and container.
- Affordable pro-grade unit.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Robust hardcore construction.
- Incorporated handle for portability.
- Mighty two-stage turbine.
- Teflon coated gun and container.
- Affordable pro-grade unit.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Variable volume flow control.
- Multi-medium compatible.
- Removable filters.
- Low overspray.
- Possibly the best DIY electric air spray gun for mammoth work.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Variable volume flow control.
- Multi-medium compatible.
- Removable filters.
- Low overspray.
- Possibly the best DIY electric air spray gun for mammoth work.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- 4.9 ounces per minute delivery.
- Dual paint containers — 1 and 1.5-quarts.
- Fatigue-busting handle.
- Mains lead protector.
- User-changeable filters.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- 4.9 ounces per minute delivery.
- Dual paint containers — 1 and 1.5-quarts.
- Fatigue-busting handle.
- Mains lead protector.
- User-changeable filters.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Airless Electric Spray Painting Guns
Airless Electric Spray Paint Gun Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon |
Our Picks of the Best Airless Electric Spray Painter
- Pro-level lightweight spray gun.
- Three times faster than a roller.
- Multi-medium compatible.
- SureFlo feature permits effortless priming.
- Cart-mounted or floor-stand options.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Pro-level lightweight spray gun.
- Three times faster than a roller.
- Multi-medium compatible.
- SureFlo feature permits effortless priming.
- Cart-mounted or floor-stand options.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Floor-standing.
- Flush system for effortless cleaning.
- Multi-paint-density compatible.
- Lightweight for an external hydraulic machine.
- A wide availability of spare parts.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Floor-standing.
- Flush system for effortless cleaning.
- Multi-paint-density compatible.
- Lightweight for an external hydraulic machine.
- A wide availability of spare parts.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Cart-mount for fuss-free transportation.
- Generous 25-foot hose.
- PowerFlush for swift cleaning.
- Effortless priming.
- 125 gallons per year throughput.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Cart-mount for fuss-free transportation.
- Generous 25-foot hose.
- PowerFlush for swift cleaning.
- Effortless priming.
- 125 gallons per year throughput.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Floor-standing powerhouse.
- Rated for indoor and outdoor use.
- Reversible tip for fuss-free blockage clearance.
- 25-foot hose.
- Saves 30 percent of effort on trigger pull.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Floor-standing powerhouse.
- Rated for indoor and outdoor use.
- Reversible tip for fuss-free blockage clearance.
- 25-foot hose.
- Saves 30 percent of effort on trigger pull.
- Prosumer grade.
- Detachable HEA gun.
- Minimal bounceback, overspray, and pooling.
- 25-foot hose.
- Works with 2-in-1 paints.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Prosumer grade.
- Detachable HEA gun.
- Minimal bounceback, overspray, and pooling.
- 25-foot hose.
- Works with 2-in-1 paints.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Cordless Electric Stain Sprayer
Cordless Electric Spray Paint Machine Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon |
Our Picks of the Best Electric Paint Gun Without a Cable
- Compatible with thin and dense paints.
- Soft-grip handle.
- Suitable for both inside and outside work.
- Quick-lock feature for swift cleaning.
- Targets small-to-medium projects.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Compatible with thin and dense paints.
- Soft-grip handle.
- Suitable for both inside and outside work.
- Quick-lock feature for swift cleaning.
- Targets small-to-medium projects.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Durable nozzle shield.
- Complete with two DeWalt batteries.
- Includes six FlexLiners.
- 60-mesh filter to prolong pump life.
- Arrives with a storage case.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Durable nozzle shield.
- Complete with two DeWalt batteries.
- Includes six FlexLiners.
- 60-mesh filter to prolong pump life.
- Arrives with a storage case.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- No-tool pump replacement saves downtime.
- Commercial-grade carbide piston.
- Hefty tip protector.
- Includes batteries, charger, and carry case.
- 60-mesh filter.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- No-tool pump replacement saves downtime.
- Commercial-grade carbide piston.
- Hefty tip protector.
- Includes batteries, charger, and carry case.
- 60-mesh filter.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Complete cord-free spray kit.
- Choice of 1.5, 1.8, and 2.2 mm tips.
- Portable design.
- Ideal for small-scale DIY projects.
- Fatigue-busting handle.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Complete cord-free spray kit.
- Choice of 1.5, 1.8, and 2.2 mm tips.
- Portable design.
- Ideal for small-scale DIY projects.
- Fatigue-busting handle.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Two-year guarantee.
- Extensive ventilation slits for cooling.
- Durable paint container.
- Fuss-free cleaning.
- Ideal for cordless newbies.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Two-year guarantee.
- Extensive ventilation slits for cooling.
- Durable paint container.
- Fuss-free cleaning.
- Ideal for cordless newbies.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Professional Electric Paint Spraying Machines
Professional Electric Paint Guns Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | |
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon |
Our Picks of the Best Electric Paint Sprayers for Professionals
- Lengthy 50-feet of hose.
- Targets the property renovation market.
- Fluctuation-free pressure spray.
- QuikAccess valve.
- Ideal elastomeric paint sprayer.
- Robust quad-feet stand.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Lengthy 50-feet of hose.
- Targets the property renovation market.
- Fluctuation-free pressure spray.
- QuikAccess valve.
- Ideal elastomeric paint sprayer.
- Robust quad-feet stand.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Comprehensive information from the digital display.
- In-built gun-docking station.
- Automatically adjusts for altitude and barometric pressure.
- Comprehensive five-year guarantee.
- Proprietary QuadraClean filters increase turbine longevity.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Comprehensive information from the digital display.
- In-built gun-docking station.
- Automatically adjusts for altitude and barometric pressure.
- Comprehensive five-year guarantee.
- Proprietary QuadraClean filters increase turbine longevity.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Four-stage commercial-grade turbine.
- Variable medium flow.
- 25-foot non-kinking hose.
- Ideal electric auto paint sprayer.
- Affordable electric professional sprayer.
- Ultra-fine atomization from the 1.3 mm tip.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Four-stage commercial-grade turbine.
- Variable medium flow.
- 25-foot non-kinking hose.
- Ideal electric auto paint sprayer.
- Affordable electric professional sprayer.
- Ultra-fine atomization from the 1.3 mm tip.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Effortless pump removal and replacement.
- Non-kinking reinforced 50-foot hose.
- Adjustable pressure system.
- Durable non-corroding stainless steel pump.
- Cart-mounted.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Effortless pump removal and replacement.
- Non-kinking reinforced 50-foot hose.
- Adjustable pressure system.
- Durable non-corroding stainless steel pump.
- Cart-mounted.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Weighs 25 pounds — lightweight for a commercial machine.
- 13-feet of paint hose.
- Rapid replacement filters.
- Rust-busting anodized gun.
- Three spray fan styles.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Weighs 25 pounds — lightweight for a commercial machine.
- 13-feet of paint hose.
- Rapid replacement filters.
- Rust-busting anodized gun.
- Three spray fan styles.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Budget Electric Spraying Machines
Cheap Electric Paint Sprayer Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon | ||
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon |
Our Picks of the Best Electric Spray Gun on a Budget
- Versatile multi-medium 515 tip.
- Adjustable pressure output.
- Handle for fuss-free transportation.
- Knurled grip.
- 0.24 gallons per minute delivery.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Versatile multi-medium 515 tip.
- Adjustable pressure output.
- Handle for fuss-free transportation.
- Knurled grip.
- 0.24 gallons per minute delivery.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- 25-foot hose.
- Suitable for larger-scale DIY work.
- Affordable for a 3000 PSI electric sprayer.
- Delivery of 0.32 gallons per minute.
- Easy to set-up, operate, and clean.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- 25-foot hose.
- Suitable for larger-scale DIY work.
- Affordable for a 3000 PSI electric sprayer.
- Delivery of 0.32 gallons per minute.
- Easy to set-up, operate, and clean.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- 3000 PSI — impressive for a low-price unit.
- Compatible with undiluted paints.
- Ideal for novice electric airless DIYers.
- Comfort-grip spray gun.
- Low-noise.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- 3000 PSI — impressive for a low-price unit.
- Compatible with undiluted paints.
- Ideal for novice electric airless DIYers.
- Comfort-grip spray gun.
- Low-noise.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- In-built hook for hanging storage.
- Complete with filling funnel and a cleaning needle.
- 500-watt turbine output.
- Multi-medium compatible.
- 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm tips.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- In-built hook for hanging storage.
- Complete with filling funnel and a cleaning needle.
- 500-watt turbine output.
- Multi-medium compatible.
- 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm tips.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Suitable for infrequent home DIY work.
- Durable for a budget machine.
- Includes a viscosity cup for perfect dilution.
- Straightforward dismantling.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Features
- Suitable for infrequent home DIY work.
- Durable for a budget machine.
- Includes a viscosity cup for perfect dilution.
- Straightforward dismantling.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Conclusion
With no requirement for an additional compressor, hoses, or couplings — you can crack on with your home improvement projects straight after unboxing. With units ranging from casual-use budget handheld HVLP machines through to hardcore airless pro-grade models — there’s a sprayer for every level of experience and type of application.
When selecting your perfect unit — above all else, consider what paint types you will be using and the size of your projects.
For small-to-medium jobs that require thin stains or sealers, check out the HVLP handhelds. For more expansive work that demands a thicker medium, consider an airless machine or external turbine. And, when attacking the mother-of-all projects with the densest of mediums — take a look at the pro-grade HVLP and hydraulic units.
Compressor-powered guns may provide a super-fine finish for antique furniture and car resprays — but, for general simplicity, affordability, and tailorability, I suggest investing in an electric paint sprayer.
Spray Paint Gun Electric FAQs
Q: What Is An Electrostatic Paint Sprayer?
An electrostatic paint gun positively charges specialty covering mediums, allowing it to adhere to metal surfaces. In much the same way that a rubber balloon will stick to the wall after being rubbed, it enables this ‘static’ paint to cling to awkwardly shaped surfaces that may be challenging to cover with a standard sprayer.
An electrostatic paint sprayer has a loyal following in the commercial automotive sector — although they’re rarely used in home DIY scenarios, as they cost the same as a small car. However, if you are looking for an electrostatic paint sprayer for sale, I’d recommend checking out the Graco 233747.
Q: How to Use an Electric Paint Sprayer?
Knowing how to use electric paint sprayer depends on the type of machine you’re using. For detailed info relevant to your own power-painting tool, check out my guides on either using an airless unit or operating an HVLP sprayer.
.
Q: What Is An Electro Airless Paint Gun?
This gun, manufactured in 1968, was one of the first electric hydraulic painting machines to hit the market. Available in two models, the 2300 and 2400, this unit was discontinued in 1970.
Today, you can purchase a used electric paint sprayer of this type from vintage stores and auction sites. While unimpressive compared to modern machines, they have a faithful following by antique paint gun collectors (yup, there is such a group).
Q: What Is An Electromagnetic Paint Sprayer?
They don’t exist. However, many people use the term electromagnetic when they are, in fact, looking for an electrostatic sprayer.
Q: Where Can I Find a Chicago Electric Paint Sprayer?
The Chicago sprayer line was exclusively sold by Harbor Freight. However, virtually all of these models have now been discontinued. That said, you can still purchase old stock of the Chicago electric spray gun kit — although there is no back-up of spare parts since it has been dropped from production.
Q: What’s a Good 5 GPH Electric Paint Spray Gun?
If you’re looking for a machine with a relatively low output, I’d suggest checking out the five gallon-per-hour Krause & Becker handheld sprayer.
Q: What Is the Best Electric Painting Machine?
In my opinion, the Wagner FLEXiO 5000 with its twin nozzle heads, choice of two paint cups, and multi-medium compatibility is the ultimate electric sprayer on the market.
Q: What Size Compressor Do I Need for an Electric Spray Painter?
Driven by either an electric turbine or hydraulic pump, these machines don’t need a separate compressor.