Choosing between HVLP and airless paint sprayers depends on your project: HVLP excels at fine finishes on furniture and cabinets, while airless sprayers power through large surfaces like walls and fences. We tested both types to find the best paint sprayers for every DIY scenario.
Quick Pick: Best Paint Sprayers 2026
| Award | Model | Price | Rating | Why We Picked It | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall HVLP | Wagner Flexio 590 | $191 | 4.2/5 (3,014) | Versatile turbine sprayer handles everything from stain to latex, two spray cups included | Buy Now |
| Best Airless for DIY | Wagner Control Pro 130 | $231 | 4.1/5 (3,308) | High-efficiency airless with low overspray, covers up to 500 sq ft in 15 minutes | Buy Now |
| Best Pro Airless | Graco Magnum X5 | $342 | 4.6/5 (6,005) | Industry-standard airless sprays up to 75 unthinned gallons/year, 0.015″ tip for thick coatings | Buy Now |
| Best Cordless | Graco Ultra Cordless | $666 | 4.0/5 (740) | Battery-powered airless delivers freedom for hard-to-reach areas and outdoor projects | Buy Now |
| Best Budget HVLP | HomeRight Finish Max | $62 | 4.2/5 (18,474) | Entry-level HVLP perfect for small projects, incredibly popular with nearly 20K reviews | Buy Now |
Best Paint Sprayers: Individual Reviews
Wagner Flexio 590 — Best Overall HVLP Sprayer
Pros
- Two paint cups (1.5 qt and 32 oz) for different project sizes
- X-Boost turbine adjusts for thin stains or thick latex
- Detail Finish Nozzle produces fine finish on furniture
- iSpray nozzle handles larger surfaces efficiently
- Excellent finish quality with minimal overspray
Cons
- Turbine unit is heavy to carry around job sites
- Not ideal for exterior walls or large decks
- Requires thinning some paints for optimal flow
The Wagner Flexio 590 dominates the HVLP category with versatility that covers 90% of DIY finishing projects. The X-Boost turbine provides 10 speed settings, letting you dial in the perfect pressure whether you’re spraying water-thin stain on a deck or heavy latex on kitchen cabinets.
What sets the Flexio apart is the dual-nozzle system. The Detail Finish Nozzle produces the smooth, professional finish you want on furniture and trim, while the iSpray nozzle tackles walls and fences faster. Both nozzles allow pattern adjustments from horizontal to vertical to round, giving you control over every spray angle.
The two-cup system is smarter than it sounds. The 1.5-quart container handles big jobs without constant refills, while the 32-ounce cup keeps weight down when you’re working overhead on ceilings or detail work. At around $191 (at time of writing), it’s priced between budget and pro models — fair value for a sprayer this capable.
Wagner Control Pro 130 — Best Airless for DIY Projects
Pros
- High Efficiency Airless technology reduces overspray by 55%
- Sprays unthinned latex directly from the can
- 25-foot hose provides excellent reach
- Variable pressure control adjusts to material thickness
- Covers up to 500 sq ft in 15 minutes
Cons
- Too much power for small furniture projects
- Cleanup takes longer than HVLP systems
- Heavier than turbine-based sprayers
The Control Pro 130 brings professional airless performance to DIY budgets. Wagner’s High Efficiency Airless technology is the key difference — it cuts overspray by 55% compared to traditional airless sprayers while maintaining the speed advantage. You still get walls and decks done fast, but you’re not wasting paint in the air or coating everything nearby.
The 25-foot hose is longer than most competitors provide, letting you cover large rooms without moving the base unit. Variable pressure control means you can spray thin stains at lower pressure or push thick latex at full power without clogging. The stationary cart design is smarter for indoor work than handheld airless models — less arm fatigue over long sessions.
Setup is straightforward: attach the hose, drop the suction tube into a paint can, prime the system, and spray. At around $231 (at time of writing), it costs less than the Graco Magnum X5 but handles the same unthinned materials. The tradeoff is duty rating — this is built for homeowners tackling a few rooms per year, not contractors running 40 gallons per week.
Graco Magnum X5 — Best Pro-Grade Airless
Pros
- Rated for up to 75 gallons per year — true contractor duty
- Stainless steel piston pump handles abrasive materials
- PowerFlush adapter connects to garden hose for fast cleanup
- Adjustable pressure up to 3000 PSI
- Industry-standard 515 RAC IV tip included
Cons
- Overkill for occasional furniture refinishing
- Generates significant overspray on fine detail work
- Louder than HVLP or HEA airless models
The Graco Magnum X5 is the paint sprayer pros actually buy when they’re spending their own money. The 75-gallon annual rating isn’t marketing fluff — the stainless steel piston pump genuinely handles the repetitive stress of contractor use. We’ve seen these units run 5+ years on job sites with nothing more than routine cleaning.
The X5 sprays everything without thinning: latex, oil-based enamels, stains, sealers, even elastomeric roof coatings that would choke lesser sprayers. The 0.015″ spray tip pushes thick materials at up to 3000 PSI, giving you the pressure needed for proper atomization of heavy-bodied paints. Pressure adjustment lets you dial it back for thinner materials without tip changes.
PowerFlush is the feature you don’t appreciate until you’re cleaning up at 8 PM on a Friday. Snap a garden hose onto the adapter and flush water through the entire system in 2 minutes instead of the usual 15-minute disassembly and scrubbing routine. At around $342 (at time of writing), it costs more upfront but delivers lower cost-per-gallon over its lifetime than cheaper airless models that fail after 20 gallons.
Graco Ultra Cordless — Best Cordless Airless
Pros
- DeWalt 20V MAX battery powers true airless performance
- No compressor, no cords — total portability
- PermaStroke piston pump designed for long service life
- Ideal for outdoor furniture, fences, sheds
- Sprays up to 1 gallon per charge with 5.0Ah battery
Cons
- Premium price at $666
- Batteries sold separately (uses DeWalt 20V system)
- 32 oz hopper requires more frequent refills than corded models
The Graco Ultra Cordless solves the biggest airless sprayer problem: cord management on job sites. Running a 25-foot hose plus a 50-foot extension cord around a fence or deck is a pain. Battery power eliminates both, giving you the freedom to work anywhere without tripping over cables or hunting for outlets.
This isn’t a compromised cordless tool — it’s a real airless sprayer running on battery power. The PermaStroke piston pump delivers enough pressure to spray unthinned latex and stains with proper atomization. You get approximately 1 gallon of coverage per charge with a DeWalt 5.0Ah battery, which handles most furniture and small structure projects.
The catch is cost and battery compatibility. At around $666 (at time of writing), it’s double the price of the Wagner Control Pro 130. You’ll also need to buy DeWalt 20V MAX batteries separately if you don’t already own them. But if you already have DeWalt cordless tools and you paint outdoor projects regularly, the convenience premium makes sense. Painting a fence in the back 40 without running 200 feet of extension cord is genuinely worth paying for.
HomeRight Finish Max — Best Budget HVLP
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at around $62
- Nearly 20,000 reviews prove it works
- Brass spray nozzle resists corrosion and wear
- Three spray patterns: horizontal, vertical, round
- Perfect first sprayer for beginners
Cons
- 450W motor lacks power for thick latex
- Requires thinning most paints
- 27 oz cup size means frequent refills on larger projects
The HomeRight Finish Max has 18,474 Amazon reviews because it delivers exactly what budget buyers need: a functional HVLP sprayer that costs less than two gallons of quality paint. It won’t compete with the Wagner Flexio’s adjustable turbine or dual nozzles, but it sprays chalk paint on furniture, stain on decks, and thinned latex on small projects without drama.
The brass nozzle is smarter than the plastic tips found on cheaper competitors. It maintains consistent spray patterns over time and doesn’t corrode when you’re spraying water-based finishes. The three-pattern adjustment (horizontal, vertical, round) covers most DIY needs. Material flow control lets you adjust paint volume without changing air pressure.
Expect to thin latex paint to get smooth results — the 450-watt motor doesn’t push thick materials as well as turbine sprayers. But for chalk paint, milk paint, stains, sealers, and polyurethane, it works fine straight from the can. At around $62 (at time of writing), it’s the logical starting point if you’re refinishing furniture or tackling small interior projects. You can always upgrade to the Wagner Flexio later if you start painting entire rooms.
Paint Sprayer Buying Guide
HVLP vs Airless: Which Type Do You Need?
HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayers use a turbine or air compressor to atomize paint at low pressure, typically 10 PSI or less. They produce excellent finish quality with minimal overspray, making them ideal for furniture, cabinets, trim, and any project where surface smoothness matters more than speed. HVLP sprayers work best with thin materials like stains and sealers, though higher-end models like the Wagner Flexio handle latex with proper thinning.
Airless sprayers use a piston pump to force paint through a small tip at high pressure (1500-3000 PSI). The pressure itself atomizes the paint — no air involved. Airless sprayers excel at large surfaces like walls, fences, decks, and siding because they apply thick coatings fast without thinning. The tradeoff is more overspray and less control on fine detail work.
Choose HVLP if: You’re refinishing furniture, painting cabinets, or doing detail work where finish quality matters. You don’t mind thinning paint for optimal results. You want minimal overspray in confined spaces.
Choose airless if: You’re painting walls, fences, decks, or exterior siding. You want to spray thick latex or elastomeric coatings straight from the can. Speed matters more than ultra-smooth finish. You’re comfortable with masking to control overspray.
Key Features to Consider
Adjustable pressure control lets you dial in the right power for different materials. Thin stains need less pressure than thick latex. Variable control prevents runs on vertical surfaces and gives you flexibility across projects.
Spray pattern adjustment changes the fan shape from horizontal to vertical to round. Horizontal patterns cover walls faster. Vertical patterns work better on narrow trim and fence pickets. Round patterns concentrate material for spot work.
Hose length determines your working radius. HVLP sprayers typically have 6-12 foot hoses. Airless models range from 15-50 feet. Longer hoses reduce how often you move the base unit but add weight to manage.
Container size affects refill frequency. Small 16-27 oz cups keep weight down for overhead work and detail projects. Larger 1-2 quart containers reduce interruptions on big jobs. Airless sprayers often draw directly from 1-gallon or 5-gallon paint cans.
Cleanup systems vary widely. Basic models require complete disassembly and manual cleaning. Better units have flush ports or PowerFlush systems that connect to a garden hose. Cordless models are trickiest to clean since you can’t submerge the battery compartment.
How Much Should You Spend?
Under $100: Budget HVLP sprayers like the HomeRight Finish Max handle small projects and thin materials. Expect to thin paint, refill frequently, and upgrade eventually if you paint regularly.
$150-250: Mid-range HVLP and entry airless models like the Wagner Flexio 590 and Control Pro 130 offer better motors, larger containers, and improved spray control. This is the sweet spot for DIYers who paint multiple rooms per year.
$300-400: Pro-grade airless sprayers like the Graco Magnum X5 deliver contractor durability and higher duty ratings. Worth it if you’re tackling whole-house repaints or regular large projects.
$500+: Cordless airless and premium HVLP models sacrifice some performance for convenience. The Graco Ultra Cordless costs double a corded equivalent but eliminates extension cords on outdoor jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do paint sprayers use more paint than rollers?
HVLP sprayers use roughly the same amount of paint as rollers when properly adjusted. Airless sprayers can use 20-40% more paint due to overspray, but they complete projects 3-4x faster. The time savings usually outweigh the material cost on large projects like exterior walls or fences.
Can you spray latex paint without thinning it?
Airless sprayers handle unthinned latex without issues — that’s their primary advantage. HVLP sprayers typically require thinning latex paint 10-20% with water for optimal flow, though high-power models like the Wagner Flexio 590 can spray some latex paints unthinned at maximum turbine setting.
How long does it take to clean a paint sprayer?
HVLP sprayers take 10-15 minutes to clean with proper disassembly and flushing. Airless sprayers require 15-20 minutes unless they have PowerFlush systems, which reduce cleanup to 2-5 minutes. Budget extra time for your first few cleanings until you learn the disassembly sequence.
What’s the difference between HVLP and airless overspray?
HVLP sprayers produce minimal overspray because low pressure reduces bounce-back and airborne mist. Airless sprayers atomize paint at high pressure, creating significant overspray that requires careful masking. Wagner’s High Efficiency Airless technology reduces overspray by 55% compared to traditional airless, splitting the difference.
Can one sprayer handle both stain and latex paint?
Yes, most HVLP and airless sprayers handle both, but you need thorough cleaning between materials. HVLP sprayers perform better with stain due to lower viscosity. Airless sprayers handle latex more efficiently. The Wagner Flexio 590 is the best single sprayer for both applications due to its adjustable turbine and dual nozzle system.
Are cordless paint sprayers worth the premium price?
Cordless sprayers like the Graco Ultra make sense if you regularly paint outdoor structures (fences, sheds, furniture) far from outlets or if you already own compatible batteries. For indoor projects or work near power sources, corded models deliver better value with lower upfront cost and unlimited runtime.
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