Whether you hate painting or simply want a smoother finish, the best paint sprayer is a handy tool to have in your DIY kit, helping to achieve a professional-grade finish every time.
Not only can paint sprayers deliver impressive results, but they're much faster than traditional brushes and rollers and are suitable for a wide range of projects, from sheds and fences to cabinetry and walls.
If you're sold on the idea of a paint sprayer but aren't sure which model to choose, we've rounded up six of our favourites below, comparing all the specs you need to know. Our top pick? The Bosch PFS 3000-2 All Paint Spray System.
The Quick List
Tight on time? Fear not – we've put together a speedy overview of all the paint sprayers on this list, along with handy quick links to more detailed reviews.
Best overall paint sprayer
A doddle to use and super versatile, this sprayer is suitable for the majority of projects making it the perfect all-rounder. It comes with a selection of interchangeable nozzles for all kinds of paints and varnishes – plus its large capacity tank means less refilling.
Best cordless sprayer for small projects
This sprayer is ideal for small projects and works well with water-based and solvent-based finishes. It also comes with an air jacket designed to prevent the paint from spreading around too much.
Best cordless paint sprayer
Cordless tools are always a little easier to use than those with long, trailing wires and this Katsu paint sprayer is no exception. Powered by a Lithium-ion battery, it is capable of expelling approximately four litres of stain, varnish or paint on one full charge.
Best multi-use paint sprayer
With three spray patterns and four nozzles, this sprayer also comes with an impressive 1200ml capacity container. Another bonus is that it can be used with a variety of coverings, including thinned latex pints, stains, sealers, enamel, varnish, and more.
Best premium paint sprayer
Thanks to its powerful motor, this paint sprayer can cover 15 square metres in less than five minutes. Be aware that it is pretty heavy, although it has a handy integrated carrying handle. This is a pretty serious piece of kit.
Best budget paint sprayer
Costing little more than a good set of paint brushes, this sprayer is a great budget option that delivers on performance. It is hand-powered so requires a little elbow grease, although the 4L capacity means little is required in the way of refilling.
The best overall paint sprayer
Versatile, easy to use, and ideal for most paint projects, this paint sprayer from big brand Bosch is a major all-rounder.
A set of colour-coded interchangeable nozzles allow you to switch from wall paint to thicker lacquers, and it glazes quickly and easily. The large 1000ml capacity paint container means that you can save time on refills, and when you have to refill, the Bosch SDS system makes it fast and simple.
The 650W motor pumps through paint fast enough for you to cover around two square metres a minute, but this can leave a lot of spray in the air, especially indoors. It's best therefore to take the motor with you wherever you are spraying.
It’s not lightweight at over 4kg, but a shoulder strap is included to make it easy to keep on the move. For something less heavy, try the KATSU Cordless Paint Sprayer Gun instead, which weighs just 1.1kg.
The best paint sprayer for small projects
Have you got a small project you want to spray paint but don’t want to break the bank? Then this budget paint sprayer could be just what you are looking for.
The Wagner W100 is well-suited for windows, fences and furniture, and it can cope with low-viscosity (thin) water-based and solvent-based finishes, such as wood stains, varnishes, and oils.
With an 800ml paint tank, 280W motor and three-way adjustable paint jet, you can achieve a fast, smooth finish in whatever direction you are working in, but you will need regular refills.
There is the added bonus of an air jacket that encloses the spray jet so the paint doesn’t spread too far and means there is minimal masking work needed.
If you're planning on using a gloss paint, we'd recommend the NEU MASTER Fence Paint Sprayer or Wagner Airless ControlPro 250M Paint Sprayer instead.
The best cordless paint sprayer
If you don't have an electrical outlet nearby to power up your paint sprayer, then a cordless machine can be very handy – and they don't get much better than this sprayer gun from KATSU.
Powered by a Lithium-ion battery, you can take this paint sprayer anywhere – just remember to fully charge it before you start painting.
With a paint cup capacity of 800ml, you can get an average of five cups of paint spraying before you need to recharge the battery. That’s around four litres of wood stain, varnish, or emulsion – more than enough to get a few fence panels or walls painted in one go.
The KATSU sprayer also comes with two nozzles for different finishes, adjustable air and paint flow, and variable paint width to help make sure that you get the finish that you want.
If you're working with gloss, try the NEU MASTER Fence Paint Sprayer or Wagner Airless ControlPro 250M Paint Sprayer instead.
The best multi-use paint sprayer
While the capacity of the EU MASTER Fence Paint Sprayer is a massive tick in the plus column, there's more to it than just that. It also comes with four different nozzles ranging from 1.0mm to 3.0mm, making it ideal for thin finishes such as varnish and wood stain, as well as emulsion and oil-based paints such as gloss and chalk-type paints.
It can hold up to 1.2 litres and comes with a viscosity measuring cup, cleaning brush and needle. In addition, it has an adjustable flow control knob and a 6.65ft cord, plus the 10 strainers that come with it help to filter the impurities of diluted paint.
Considering all of these fantastic features, we think it is very reasonably priced at under £50, which includes all of the additional attachments and accessories mentioned above.
For something easier to use, try the Bosch PFS 3000-2 All Paint Spray System instead.
The best premium paint sprayer
If you fancy going all out on your latest DIY paint project then this powerful airless paint sprayer could just be what you're looking for.
It's great for painting walls and ceilings quickly – it has the potential to cover 15 square metres in less than five minutes. Just think, you could have your whole house done in a day. But be warned, it isn’t cheap.
The Wagner is a compact stand-mounted unit that weighs in at a hefty 7.6kg. But it’s not meant to be a mobile unit, it stays stationary and pulls paint directly from the can – so there's no annoying refills.
When you do need to move it, a useful integrated carrying handle makes it easy to move to a new location. A nine-metre hose means you can reach around standard-sized rooms with no trouble at all.
It's compatible with water and solvent-based finishes such as emulsions, gloss, varnishes, acrylic paints, wood stains and primers, and the lightweight spray head and reduced spraying pressure gives greater control when finishing on metal, wood, brick and plaster.
If you're on a smaller budget, the Bosch PFS 3000-2 All Paint Spray System is much cheaper.
The best budget paint sprayer
This Cuprinol paint sprayer is well worth a look if you want to cover your fence panels and shed without paying much more than you would for a set of decent brushes.
A two-in-one tool, it combines a sprayer for speed and ease with a brush to give control over the finish. Compatible with Cuprinol One Coat Sprayable Fluid and Garden Shades (available on Amazon), the unit is hand powered and needs a little effort to get the pressure up. If the spray splutters you just need to keep pumping.
But when ready, you can paint a fence panel in less than five minutes and thanks to its 4L capacity, you won’t be refilling it too often.
If you're looking to paint more surfaces than just your fence and shed, the NEU MASTER Fence Paint Sprayer is our top pick.
How to choose the best paint sprayer
Picking the best paint sprayer for your latest project depends very much on the task at hand. Are you spray painting kitchen cabinets? Are you looking to spruce up your walls and ceilings? Or giving your garden fence a fresh coat of paint? Consider these factors when choosing your machine.
But first, you'll need to consider the type of paint sprayer. There are three to choose from: airless, High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP), and compressed.
“Airless spray is perfect for large-scale areas, such as exterior walls and fences. This is because it forces paint through a tiny nozzle at high pressure, meaning it’s perfect for spraying large areas very quickly," says Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com.
"Air sprays operate at a lower pressure and have a more controlled spray, which makes them well-suited for smaller items, such as furniture or cabinets. They’re also easier to physically control, which may benefit first-time users.”
You can then give more thought to features, adjustable flow, pattern control, power options and interchangeable tips.
Feeling indecisive? Here's a comparison of our favourite paint sprayers:
Model | Price | Type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
From £85 | Airless | 1000ml | |
From £55 | HVLP | 800ml | |
From £25.99 | HVLP | 800ml | |
From £49.99 | HVLP | 1200ml | |
From £471.45 | Airless | N/A | |
From £41.23 | Hand pump | 4000ml |
With almost a decade of experience on the front line in construction as a multi-trader, Andy is uniquely placed in the construction industry to help bridge the gap between tradespeople and product managers with his role at MyBuilder.com.
How we test the best paint sprayers
Here at Homebuilding.co.uk we like to get our hands dirty and trial as many products as possible, but in the instances where we aren’t able to, such as with the best paint sprayers, we leave no stone unturned to provide you with the crucial information you need to know before buying.
Our team is passionate about DIY and home improvement (which probably won’t be a surprise) so we already have knowledge about the brands that make these sprayers. Moreover, we have taken into account user reviews when compiling this buying guide.
There's a lot to consider to ensure you buy the best paint sprayer, and we’ve scanned the pros and cons of each model in this buying guide to ensure you feel confident in choosing the right product for your home.
FAQs
Are paint sprayers better than brushes and rollers?
One question all DIYers will be asking about paint sprayers is, ‘Are they better than the best paint rollers and brushes?’ The answer is both yes and no. A paint sprayer will help create a smoother, more professional-looking finish and is quicker to apply. But there is an art to paint spraying, so you might need a few practice runs before you start.
You will definitely need more prep time, especially if painting indoors. Windows, doors, and furniture will need to be covered as the spray can travel in the air. If you are using water-based paint, warm water does the job.
Is it worth investing in a paint sprayer?
If you want a professional-looking finish, then yes, it's worth investing in a paint sprayer. However, you'll need to make sure you take care of your equipment.
"My advice is to choose the application method that best suits the project. A paint sprayer can be a fantastic tool when used appropriately, but it is not a shortcut to a better finish. Good preparation, quality materials and careful application remain the biggest factors in achieving professional-looking results," says Victoria Yardley, Co-Founder of Victory Colours.
What are the different types of paint sprayer?
The main types of paint sprayer are airless, high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) and air powered (pneumatic). Airless paint sprayers are good for large projects and HVLP paint sprayers are for small jobs whereas air powered paint sprayers are more powerful, and tend to be used by professionals.
If you're keen to try one of the best paint sprayers, make sure you read our guide on how to spray paint wood – it has all the practical information you'll need. Or, if you're not quite ready to do it yourself, find out how much a kitchen repray costs.
Edited by Beth Murton.
We regularly review our buying guides to ensure the products are relevant, available and up to date. This page was last updated in June 2026 by Megan Milstead.
