10 Best Professional Airless Paint Sprayers

So, you’ve got a painting job coming up, and you’re nervous about it.

We totally understand! Whether you paint for a living or only when required around the house, executing that perfect home-catalog-ready paint coat can be much trickier than it looks.

If you’ve ever tried painting a wall using traditional methods like brushes and rollers, you’ll know exactly what we mean. From loose brush hairs to brush marks and dripping, it only takes a second’s inattention for hours of hard, back-breaking work to go wrong.

But don’t despair! Since 1958, a tool has been available on the market to minimize your painting pains – and today, it’s more affordable and widely available than ever before!

Professionals and DIY-enthusiasts alike can really benefit from a professional-grade airless paint sprayer to help maintain evenness and accuracy during painting.

We know that finding the best tool for the job can be stressful, especially if said job is part of your livelihood. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of the 10 best professional airless paint sprayers for either commercial or personal use!

If you have any further questions about airless paint sprayers and similar painting tools, feel free to check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ section down below!

Top 10 Best Professional Airless Paint Sprayers

Graco Magnum 262805 X7 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer

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It was difficult to choose a top product from the incredible range of airless paint sprayers currently on the market. Still, the impressive construction and functionality of Graco’s Magnum X7 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer made picking a favorite easier. 

This airless paint sprayer features fully-adjustable pressure levels, controllable through an ergonomic, sizeable rotary dial. This allows for flexibility and precision in terms of controlling the paint flow, which makes this machine suitable for applying coats of all thicknesses. 

The Magnum X7 is robust enough to handle unthinned paint, so you don’t have to apply multiple coats of diluted paint to get the results you want. This paint sprayer delivers thick, even coats of paint that will make all your neighbors jealous. 

One of the most useful features of the Graco Magnum X7 is its connection options. The appliance connects to a suction tube so flexible that it allows for spraying directly out of your 1 or 5-gallon paint bucket! 

Moreover, the sprayer comes with a Powerflush adaptor which can be used to connect the appliance to a hose for an easy cleaning process! With that being said, it’s worth taking your time and letting the Powerflush function run for longer than seems necessary because the nozzle might still become clogged.

Cleaning isn’t the only potential issue that the Magnum X7 tackles. Thanks to the continuous spray function, even if your nozzle does become blocked, you can simply reverse the IV SwitchTip to keep working!

PROS

• Fully-adjustable pressure – Complete control over paint flow 
• Suitable for unthinned paint – Apply thick coats of paint easily 
• Large, ergonomic controls – Comfortable and intuitive to operate 
• Powerflush adaptor – Connects to a hose for easy cleaning 
• Continuous spraying function – Reverse the nozzle to keep spraying in the event of a blockage 

CONS

• Some instances of clogging – Powerflush may not always be sufficient for cleaning

Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

Not far behind its successor in terms of performance is Graco’s earlier paint sprayer model: the Magnum X5. 

While the Magnum X7 is a great heavy-duty tool for large paint jobs (like exterior house painting), the X5 is a more affordable option for indoor spaces. 

DIY enthusiasts will love the combination of professional functionality and user-friendliness that the Magnum X5 has to offer! 

Firstly, the X5 is much lighter than the X7, so you don’t need to be a regular at the gym just to get it up the stairs. 

The Magnum X5 also has a lower spray rating, releasing 0.27 gallons of paint per minute. A lower rating may instinctively seem like a negative, but for indoor projects, it’s actually much more practical.

There’s less risk of overspray and paint dripping, which is well worth spending a little more time for.

Like the Magnum X7, the X5 is suitable for use with unthinned paint for thicker, glossier coats right off the bat.

It also shares the later model’s Powerflush function and flexible, ergonomic suction tube for direct bucket-to-wall spraying. Additionally, it has the same reversible nozzle tip for continuous spraying. 

However, we wouldn’t recommend this sprayer to anyone for whom speed is a priority. You need to take your time with every aspect of this machine, from set-up to clean-up.

It’s still quicker than using a brush – and much more ergonomic – but it’s not for painters who want to cut corners.

PROS

• Sprays 0.27 gallons per minute – Less risk of paint dripping 
• Lightweight – Easy to handle 
• Works with unthinned paint – Thicker coats 
• Powerflush adapter – Quick and easy hose cleaning 
• IV Switch Tip – Continuous spraying when clogged 

CONS

• Long set-up process – Can feel complicated at first use

Titan ControlMax 1500 0580005 High-Efficiency Airless Paint Sprayer

Looking for the best bang for your buck? We’ve got just the thing. Titan’s ControlMax 1500 is not only an impressive paint sprayer but a surprisingly affordable one, too!

The speed of the paint flow can be controlled using a rotary dial, allowing flexibility in terms of both coverage and pace. 

With all of these professional features, you might expect the Titan ControlMax 1500 to be one of the most expensive models on our list, but the opposite is true! It’s one of the most affordable, and it’s the perfect budget-friendly option for DIY-ers seeking professional quality at home. 

What’s more, this paint sprayer will last you longer than other competitor appliances. Its lifespan is estimated to be 3 times longer than the average competitor paint sprayer thanks to its replaceable fluid chamber. 

Better still, the ControlMax 1500 produces 55% less overspray as a result of its use of advanced HEA (High-Efficiency Airless) technology. That means less mess and, crucially, less waste! 

The main pitfall of this paint sprayer, however, is its nozzle. The nozzle clogs up easily and has a tendency to spray inconsistently. This may be a quality control issue since not all customers have this experience, but it’s worth thinking about adapting the machine with a replacement nozzle. 

PROS

• 3 x longer lifespan than competitor models – Highly durable 
• 175 gallons per year – Suited to regular, heavy-duty use 
• Variable speeds – Controllable pace and coverage 
• 55% less overspray – High efficiency 

CONS

• Inconsistent spraying – Less high-quality nozzle 

Graco Magnum 257025 Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer

Ease of use is crucial in a professional-grade airless paint sprayer. If you paint for a living, a sprayer that’s easy to operate will make your life much less stressful. On the other hand, if you’ve never used a paint sprayer before, it’s even more important for the appliance to be easy to handle. 

Graco’s back to save the day again with the Magnum Project Painter Plus! This is undoubtedly one of, if not the most, practical airless paint sprayers on the market. 

The first thing that stood out to us about the Magnum Project Painter Plus was the built-in storage compartments! Using these compartments, you can take all your painting equipment and accessories with you wherever you go!

The Magnum Project Painter Plus also has an optimal hose length capacity of 50 ft. This is actually lower than the hose capacity of some of Graco’s other models, but it has the unexpected benefit of making this sprayer more ergonomic to use.

50 feet is more than enough length to reach most problematic areas inside a room without being weighed down or encumbered by a longer hose length. 

In a similar vein to Greco’s other airless paint sprayers, the Project Painter Plus features a flexible tube for spraying from the bucket and a Powerflush adapter for hose cleaning. The paint flow is, of course, adjustable, so you can tailor the speed to suit your project. 

Another plus point of this airless paint sprayer is that, in the grand scheme of paint sprayers, it’s quite affordable! The price is technically mid-range, but it still beats out most professional paint sprayers on cost-effectiveness. 

However, this isn’t the most durable airless paint sprayer on the market. It’s only recommended for about 50 gallons of use per year.

PROS

• Adjustable pressure – Full control  
• Built-in storage compartments – Convenient 
• 50 ft hose capacity – Optimal reach 
• Mid-range price point – Relatively affordable 

CONS

• Only recommended for 50 gallons per year – Not the most durable

HomeRight Power Flo Pro 2800 Airless Paint Sprayer

Ever flicked through home decor catalogs and wondered how they achieve that show-home, glossy coverage? Well, they’ve probably got access to the highest quality paints and dedicated hours to applying coat after coat. 

But most of us don’t have the time for that. Luckily, you can achieve pretty much the same quality of results with HomeRight’s Power Flo Pro Airless Paint Sprayer! 

The Power Flo Pro does, indeed, have a powerful flow, operating at an impressive 2,800 psi. For context, this is close to the upper threshold for airless paint sprayers. As a result, this sprayer is capable of delivering thick coats of paint in record time. 

With that being said, you don’t necessarily need to work at such high speeds. If you want to take your time achieving perfection, you can adjust the pressure to control your coverage and spray pattern. 

The nozzle is chrome-plated for durability as well as being reversible for the rare occasion where a blockage occurs. 

If you need to move locations with your airless paint sprayer, you can do so easily and ergonomically with the built-in carry handle. 

Unfortunately, the 25 ft hose that comes with the sprayer could present a problem for larger projects or exterior paintwork, so we’d primarily recommend this appliance for indoor painting. 

PROS

• Chromed nozzle – Highly durable construction
• Adjustable pressure – Fine-tune coverage and pattern
• 2,800 psi – High pressure for thick coverage 
• Reversible tip – Keep working through blockages 
• Carry handle – Portable 

CONS

• 25 ft hose – May be too short for some painters’ needs

Wagner 0580678 Control Pro 130 Power Tank Paint Sprayer

Sometimes, if you have a work schedule to stick to, you may need to prioritize speed above all else when it comes to your paint sprayer. That’s where models like Wagner’s Control Pro 130 come in handy. 

The Control Pro 130 is capable of painting a wall at 3 times the speed of traditional methods. It sprays at a rate of 0.24 gallons per minute, which is very respectable. 

However, thanks to HEA technology, the sprayer is able to minimize overspray by 55%, so you won’t find yourself cleaning paint off your coffee table for a week after painting or running out of paint faster than intended. 

This paint sprayer’s high speed and efficacy aren’t just down to its internal technology. The appliance also features built-in handles for effortless portability, plus a spill-proof lid to prevent accidents, so you have less to clean up afterward. 

Like the HomeRight paint sprayer, this sprayer only has a 25 ft hose. If you’re planning on working indoors or on smaller projects exclusively, this shouldn’t be an issue, but this isn’t necessarily the best choice for large areas.

PROS

• 3 x the speed of brushes and rollers – Quick, efficient coverage 
• 55% less overspray – Reduced waste 
• Built-in handles – Easily portable 
• Spill-proof lid – No more mess 

CONS

• 25 ft reach – Not much room to move

Wagner 0580001 Control Pro 170 Paint Sprayer

If you’re specifically interested in an airless paint sprayer with a powerful motor and equally powerful painting capability, Wagner has another model that might suit you. 

The Control Pro 170 is a more recent version of the Control Pro 130. While the two models are very similar in a lot of ways, the 170 has a few extra design features and functions that help it to stand out in its own right. 

While this sprayer only operates at a relatively average 1,500 psi, it has a 0.60 horsepower motor that delivers a powerful, consistent spray of unthinned paint. 

However, Control Pro 170 isn’t just powerful internally: it’s also built like an ox. The all-metal spray gun is an excellent indicator of this sprayer’s durability. It won’t be worn down by friction, which is just as well because this paint sprayer can withstand up to 300 gallons of use per year!

Like Wagner’s other models, the Control Pro 170 uses HEA technology to control overspray, reducing mess and inaccuracy by 55%. And speaking of mess, the Control Pro 170’s sturdy feet keep it from overbalancing, minimizing the risk of spillage. 

However, if you want to rely on tube flexibility to enable easy out-of-bucket spraying, this may not be the appliance for you. The hose is quite stiff, which makes it less ergonomic to work with overall.

PROS

• All-metal spray gun – Durable construction
• 0.60 HP motor – Consistent coverage 
• 300 gallons per year – Optimal longevity
• 55% less overspray – Cleaner and easier to use 
• Sturdy base – Stable 

CONS

• Stiff hose – Reduced ergonomics 

Graco Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer

From what we’ve seen of wired airless paint sprayers so far, a restrictive cord can be the downfall of an otherwise excellent appliance. 

If you’re planning on using an airless sprayer to complete large-scale projects and don’t want to be held back by a cord, why not try out a cordless paint sprayer? 

The Graco Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer runs on lithium batteries, which are included with the purchase along with the required charger. 

As we’ve mentioned, the biggest benefit of this cordless paint sprayer is its portability. Without the cord tethering you to the nearest power outlet, you’re free to move wherever and whenever you need to.

Plus, because the gun is so lightweight, you’ll never feel fatigued from carrying it around. 

However, this paint sprayer doesn’t just bring portability to the table. One of our favorite features of the Graco Ultra Cordless sprayer is the FlexLiner bag system, which allows for spraying in any direction.

This is a level of extra control that isn’t seen in many stationary paint sprayers. 

The Ultra Cordless also uses SmartControl technology to enable adjustable pressure levels, further enhancing the level of painting control that this sprayer makes possible. 

If you do decide to opt for this cordless sprayer, be aware that the batteries are not high-capacity, so you may need to interrupt your work for a charging session, depending on how large your project is. 

PROS

• Lightweight and cordless – Highly portable 
• FlexLiner System – Multi-directional spraying 
• SmartControl technology – Adjustable pressure control
• Batteries and charger included – No additional purchases 

CONS

• Low-capacity battery – Doesn’t allow for much use between charges

Wagner Spraytech Power Painter Plus Airless Paint Sprayer

Many painters (even professionals) find it difficult to maintain accuracy when using a stationary paint sprayer. However, cordless models like the Graco Ultra can be expensive and need battery maintenance. 

If you want to experience all the convenience of a handheld paint sprayer without the hassle of battery charging, we recommend the Wagner Spraytech Power Painter Plus!

This is a handheld, corded model suitable for executing professional-quality work. We did notice straight away that the electric cord is very short, making this machine a little restrictive to use.

However, for small and medium-sized projects, you can trust this paint sprayer to yield incredible results. 

The Wagner Power Painter Plus features a dual tip that allows for a wider spray pattern and, as a result, more even coverage. 

We were also impressed by the EZ tilt suction tube, which is flexible enough to stay inside the paint bucket no matter the movement of the gun itself. This allows for ergonomic painting directly from the bucket. 

This paint sprayer works with just about any paint you can think of, from stains to latex paints. Any paint you use will look professional using this handheld sprayer – and thanks to the twist-lock cup, the risk of spillage is kept to a minimum. 

PROS

• Handheld – Easy and ergonomic to use 
• Multi-paint compatibility – Works with oil and latex paints 
• Dual tip – Better coverage 
• EZ tilt suction tube – Spray straight from the bucket 
• Twist-lock cup – No mess 

CONS

• Very short cord – Quite restrictive 

Himalaya Airless Paint Sprayer Spray Gun

Finally, we come to the Himalaya Airless Paint Sprayer. This one doesn’t have quite as many rave reviews as some of the other models we’ve reviewed in this article, but it’s a powerful, functional unit for professionals or DIY-ers on a budget. 

This airless paint sprayer has a maximum pressure rating of 3,000 psi, which is right at the upper end of the spectrum for airless sprayers. 

Despite it being so powerful, however, you don’t have to worry about an excess of overspray. Himalaya has reduced the overspray by 55% compared to competitor models, so you can expect minimal mess and maximum efficiency! 

Thanks to its built-in carry handle, the Himalaya Airless Paint Sprayer is portable and easy to maneuver, despite its rugged, durable metal frame. 

Plus, because the sprayer is equipped with a non-kink hose, the machine feels intuitive and ergonomic to use without the constant burden of untangling. 

The only reason why this airless paint sprayer doesn’t rank higher on our list is that it appears to suffer quite regularly from quality control issues. Customers have reported damage on arrival as well as malfunctions soon after first use. 

This is by no means the experience of Hiamalya’s entire customer base since over 60% of customers report being fully satisfied with the product. However, it’s still worth bearing in mind that this purchase could be a gamble, especially as a professional. 

PROS

• Low price point – Budget-friendly 
• 3,000 psi – Powerful pressure levels 
• 55% less overspray – Cleaner operation
• Non-kink hose – Ergonomic reach 
• Built-in handle – Portable 

CONS

• Quality control issues – Some reports of premature malfunctioning 

Best Professional Airless Paint Sprayers Buyer’s Guide

As you can see, there’s no shortage of professional-grade airless paint sprayers on the home improvement market.

However, with so many to pick from, we understand the selection process might seem daunting. 

To find out more about the main features to prioritize when choosing a professional airless paint sprayer, keep reading! 

Durability 

Assuming you’re a professional, one of the most important features of a painting tool is bound to be durability. You’ll be depending on this appliance for your trade, so the last thing you want is it to fall to pieces on you. 

Even if you’re not a professional, you’ll still have spent a significant amount on an expensive tool, so durability will be one of the keys to your overall satisfaction. 

There are two ways to ascertain how durable an airless paint sprayer is before purchasing. The first is the physical construction, and the second is the recommended usage limit. 

In terms of construction, you should be looking for one thing first and foremost: metal. In this case, the harder, the better. 

Because the pressure inside your airless paint sprayer will be rising to high levels with each use, the machine’s nozzle will be experiencing a lot of friction.

The best way to ensure that the pressure doesn’t get too much for your paint sprayer is to prioritize machines with chromed metal nozzles. The chroming process hardens the metal, making it even more wear-resistant. 

Also, look out for metal framework as an indicator of strength and longevity. 

The recommended usage limit is also a good way to figure out how durable an airless paint sprayer is.

Most reputable paint sprayer manufacturers will provide a recommendation for how much use their appliance can handle per year. This is usually expressed in gallons. 

For example, a sprayer’s product guidelines might state that it’s suitable for dispensing 300 gallons of paint per year. On the other hand, another appliance might only be recommended for 100 gallons of use per year. 

Therefore, you should also consider the durability of an airless paint sprayer from the perspective of how many of your projects and of what size require a paint sprayer each year.

Pressure Rating 

An airless paint sprayer’s pressure rating is an excellent indication of how well it performs. Generally speaking, the higher the pressure rating, the more paint the gun will put out per minute. This leads to faster, thicker coverage, which is what we all want from a paint sprayer. 

However, evaluating a paint sprayer isn’t quite as simple as ‘more pressure = better.’ A lot of it comes down to adjustability and environment. 

For one thing, a highly pressurized spray of paint isn’t always going to be what’s best for every project.

There might be a legitimate reason why you want or need a thinner coating of paint. Additionally, you may simply prefer to take your time and focus on accuracy and neatness rather than powering through the job as fast as possible. 

This is why adjustable pressure is crucial for any airless paint sprayer. The easiest and most ergonomic way to adjust pressure seems to be via a rotary dial, so this is the kind of system we’d recommend. 

In most cases, the maximum pressure rating for airless paint sprayers is around 3,000 psi. This rating makes for a very high-pressured operation and will allow you to cover large surfaces in a matter of minutes, if not seconds. 

However, 3,000 psi isn’t the best pressure level for smaller surfaces or more detailed work. You’re more likely to experience overspray and dripping at higher pressures, which is why the ability to take the pressure down a notch is a vital function. 

Ease of Use 

If you’re thinking about buying an airless paint sprayer, we can only assume it’s for the purpose of making your painting projects easier to execute. A word of warning, though: not all airless paint sprayers are the ergonomic energy-savers they claim to be. 

The two main culprits when it comes to substandard ease of use in airless paint sprayers are cables and hoses. 

A short cable can be very restrictive when you’re trying to paint a large surface area. Even 25 ft cords can present a problem if you’re painting the outside of a house or multiple rooms with limited power outputs.

Therefore, we’d recommend choosing a model with a cable at least 25 ft long, if not longer. 

Hoses can be equally detrimental to ergonomic paint sprayer use. Ideally, a hose should be flexible and kink-free in order to enable direct bucket-to-wall spraying. If your hose is too stiff, it’s unlikely to stay in the bucket at the correct angle while you work. 

And speaking of correct angles, one of the best features to prioritize in terms of ease of use is multi-directional spraying. This kind of use is enabled by builds such as Graco’s FlexLiner bag system, which allows for consistent paint flow even when the nozzle is turned upside down. 

If you’re looking for complete control and freedom of movement, as described above, a handheld sprayer might be ideal for you. These typically aren’t as robust or heavy-duty as other models, but they’re excellent for maintaining control and accuracy. 

If you do opt for a handheld model, make sure to consider whether a corded or cordless model will work best for you. A corded unit can be restrictive but doesn’t require interruptions for battery charging.

Conversely, a cordless sprayer will allow freedom of movement but may not be able to complete larger projects on a single charge. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between a professional and non-professional airless paint sprayer?

Whenever the word ‘professional’ is used to describe an appliance, confusion tends to follow. 

Customers want to know whether this professional-grade appliance is also suited to home use and whether it’s safe to be used by non-professionals. Do home DIY-ers really need professional-grade tools? 

We’d like to clarify that despite being considered ‘professional’ paint sprayers, the airless paint sprayers in our selection are all suitable for non-commercial use.

You don’t have to be a painting pro to handle them – but the quality of your paintwork will certainly make you look like one! 

In the context of paint sprayers, the word ‘professional’ simply means that they are robust, durable, and functional enough to be used repeatedly on commercial projects.

The term is an indication of product quality and functionality and not a restriction on who can use the product. 

How does an airless paint sprayer work?

Airless paint sprayers contain an electrical motor, which powers a piston inside a cylindrical structure.

The piston’s movements create high pressure levels inside the paint sprayer, which causes the paint to be forced out through a tube in the form of small droplets.

What is the difference between an airless and HVLP paint sprayer? 

On your internet-wide search for paint sprayers, you’ll probably also have encountered HVLP paint sprayers. But what’s the difference? 

As we explained above, an airless paint sprayer works using an electrical motor and resultant high pressure caused by piston action. 

An HVLP sprayer, on the other hand, operates at low pressure. They use air from an air inlet to separate the paint into tiny droplets and force them through the hose. 

Because HVLPs operate at lower pressure levels, they’re typically better for painting small or detailed areas because there’s less risk of excess paint running. However, they also tend to be more expensive and difficult to set up because of the requirement for an air inlet. 

How should I clean my airless paint sprayer? 

An airless paint sprayer will definitely make the actual painting process much easier for you, but what about the cleaning process? 

Well, this will vary depending on what paint sprayer you ultimately opt for, but the good news is that cleaning an airless paint sprayer isn’t typically too difficult.

However, you do need to make sure you’re doing it right and not skipping any steps, or you could end up with a clogged, less functional appliance. 

If you’re lucky enough to own a paint sprayer with a Powerflush adaptor, cleaning your paint sprayer will be very simple. All you need to do is fit the adaptor onto the connection port and attach it to a garden hose.

When you turn the hose on, water will flow through the internal chamber and nozzle, clearing out any residual paint. 

However, if your sprayer doesn’t have a built-in flush system, you might need to spend a little extra time cleaning. Most of the time, the process will involve turning off the machine completely before turning down the pressure and opening the valve. 

Then, you’ll need to disassemble the sprayer. Take out the filter and unscrew the nozzle and wash both components thoroughly. Once you’ve done this, you can move on to flushing the system.

Use a bucket of water and allow the suction tube to pull water into the chamber. A second bucket can be used to collect the remaining paint via the priming tube. 

As always, make sure to read the individual guidelines for your paint sprayer for a detailed and model-specific care guide.