Best Pressure Washers: Expert Recommendations for 2025

A pressure washer is a pressure washer, right? Hardly. There’s a wide range of choices with different PSI ratings, motors, pumps, and more. Choosing the best pressure washer for your specific needs opens up a mind-numbing number of models. Fortunately, we’ve reviewed dozens of pressure washers over the years. I’ll help you sort through the options and get the right model for you.

Best Pressure Washers: Our Top Picks

• Best Gas: Simpson 3600 PSI ALH3425
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• Best Electric: Ryobi 3000 PSI RY143011
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• Best Cordless: EGO 56V 3200 PSI HPW3200
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• Best Hybrid: Greenworks 60V 3000 PSI PR3000HYB
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• Best 2000 PSI: Ryobi 2000 PSI RY142022
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• Best 3000 PSI: Simpson Powershot 3300 PSI PS3228
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• Best 4000 PSI: Simpson Powershot 4200 PSI PS4240
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• Best for the Money: Simpson Pressure Washers
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Learn More By Jumping to These Sections

• Best Pressure Washer Accessories, Soaps, and Detergents
• How We Made Our Choices
• What to Look for While You’re Shopping
• Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

You Might Also Enjoy

• How to Use a Pressure Washer
• Pressure Washer Nozzles and Tips – How to Use the Right One
• What is PSI Max on a Pressure Washer?

Best Gas Pressure Washer

Simpson’s AL3425 is about as perfect a balance as you can hope for in a pressure washer. At 3600 PSI with 2.5 GPM, it has the CETA-certified performance to handle all but the toughest tasks. Its Honda GX200 engine and AAA triplex pump ensure you get legit commercial-grade reliability while keeping the overall weight and fuel consumption in check.

The corrosion-resistant aluminum frame is a nice bonus. It’s also made in the USA using global materials.

If you’re a homeowner looking for a premium model that won’t let you down, there’s no doubt you’ll love this one. However, the frame design is a bit different than most residential models and takes a bit more length to store. This is very much a nod to professional needs, which sometimes require lower clearance during transport or easier lowering and lifting.

Speaking of Pros, this is an affordable mid-range model you can rely on for your business. Paired with a surface cleaner, it does a nice job on driveways and sidewalks, but you’ll notice it takes a little longer than something with higher pressure and water flow. Considering the price is several hundred dollars less than something in the 4000 PSI/3.5 GPM range, it’s a solid pressure washer to start with.

Best Electric Pressure Washer

It’s been a few years since electric pressure washers finally hit the 3000 PSI performance mark, and Ryobi’s offers the best all-around package if you’re looking for a corded model.

Its high performance comes from a brushless motor—technology that also gives the motor a longer life than brushed models. Delivering 1.1 GPM at 3000 PSI, you get legit mid-range residential gas performance. While the flow rate isn’t quite as high as gas, you’ll notice how much faster you can clean whether you’re using a standard nozzle or surface cleaner.

The design is solid as well. The 35-foot hose reaches farther than the 25-foot ones that come with most electric models, keeping you from having to reposition as often. A 5-in-1 nozzle makes switching between spray patterns much easier. The large wheels are also great for rolling over both hard surfaces and grass.

Of course, better technology and higher performance come with a higher price tag, and at $399, the downside of this model is that it is out of reach of some budgets.

Best Cordless Pressure Washer

You have to hand it to EGO; when they enter the market, they don’t do so quietly. Their first-generation cordless pressure washer left everyone else in the dust not only in performance but also with its innovative design.

Using two 56V batteries, it’s able to operate at higher power levels than 120V corded units. At 3200 PSI and 1.2 GPM, it’s the most powerful electric pressure washer short of jumping to the 240V corded class and going WAY up in price.

Managing battery runtime is a concern on any cordless pressure washer, and EGO accomplishes it with three power levels. In ECO mode, you can run up to an hour using two 6.0Ah batteries. What’s super-cool is that there’s a remote control built into the wand, so you can adjust on the fly to prioritize performance or runtime.

With a relatively compact housing for its brushless motor and pump plus a telescoping handle, the storage footprint is a bit smaller than most traditional designs.

One downside to the design is that it uses smaller wheels. The unit rolls great over hard surfaces, but it’s not as easy as large wheel designs on grass. The bigger hesitation for most folks is the price tag. Not everyone has the budget to afford this level of performance and technology. EGO doesn’t sweeten the value a bit by including a siphon hose and foam cannon, though.

Best Hybrid Pressure Washer

If you want the best of both corded and cordless worlds, Greenworks’ 60V hybrid electric pressure washer is the way to go. Capable of using either 60V batteries or corded AC for power, you can choose between cordless convenience and unlimited runtime.

With 1.1 GPM at 3000 PSI, it shares the performance lead among corded models and has an ECO mode that steps down to 2200 PSI when you want to conserve battery power. You can also use a siphon hose if there’s no pressurized water source available.

There aren’t any surprises in the design. Greenworks maintains an open-frame style with this one, so it’s very familiar if you’re already used to electric pressure washers.

Price is the biggest concern for most shoppers. At $649.99 for the kit, this model has a premium price tag to go with its premium technology and performance. However, it does have a lengthy warranty to back it up.

Best 2000 PSI Pressure Washer

When you’re looking at the 2000 PSI range, there’s no reason to consider gas models. This class is firmly in the grip of electric pressure washers, and there are quality cordless options as well. I prefer the lower price and infinite runtime of corded options.

While low cost is appealing in this group, avoid the cheap brands vying for your hard-earned money. I’d rather spend my budget on a brand with a proven track record that I trust. $200 gets you a solid balance of price and performance from several of the manufacturers we recommend, and Ryobi’s RY142022 is the most appealing.

With 1.2 GPM at 2000 PSI, you have the cleaning power you need for most household chores, and you can add a surface cleaner to make driveway and sidewalk cleaning faster. A PWMA certification backs that performance, and Ryobi doesn’t play games with PSI Max* and GPM Max* like some brands.

In addition to the performance for the price, I also like the design of this model. It stores all your accessories neatly and has a more compact storage footprint than most models.

The downside is that it has small wheels, so it doesn’t roll as easily over grass. On the other hand, it’s only 29 pounds, so it’s easy enough to carry if you need to.

Best 3000 PSI Pressure Washer

Simpson’s PS3228 has similar components as the aluminum frame AL3425 that I also recommend. However, there are some differences that make this one the best choice in the 3000 PSI pressure washer class.

It starts with a Pro-grade build that includes a Honda GX200 engine and AAA triplex pump. Its 3300 PSI is on the lower side for professional gas models, but the 2.5 GPM keeps things moving along better than you’ll find from homeowner models.

By going with a traditional steel frame instead of aluminum and giving up a few hundred PSI, the value proposition is compelling at $569, considering the AL3425 is $699. That price is also well under the $1000+ you can expect to pay for a Honda-powered 4000 PSI unit.

So, if you’re looking for something in the low- to mid-3000 PSI range, I really like the quality and reliability the PS3228 offers for the price.

Best 4000 PSI Pressure Washer

You don’t have to break the $1000 mark to get a 4000 PSI pressure washer, but if you want the best, you’re going to have to push your budget to four figures.

My top choice is Simpson’s PS4240. Powered by a beefy Honda GX390 engine and a AAA triplex pump, it can produce 4200 PSI and 4.0 GPM. Equally important, it has the reliability to thrive in the high-hour use Pros put their pressure washers through.

That engine and pump combination comes with a weight penalty, though. At 136 pounds dry, you’ll be much happier rolling it on or off a trailer than lifting it on and off a tailgate.

Even though the PS4240 is nearly $1100, if you look at what’s available from other brands using the same engine and a triplex pump, Simpson’s price is lower. Once again, they’re beating the competition when it comes to value.

Best Pressure Washers for the Money: Simpson Pressure Washers

In my opinion, no other brand offers the kind of value across the board that Simpson does. They consistently deliver pressure washers with higher quality than competitors at the same price point. For example, it’s not uncommon to get a Honda engine at the same price or lower than other brands charge for an OEM engine. Additionally, they seem to have a solution for every application—one of the reasons why they appear so many times on our list.

Part of the reason they’re consistently ahead of their competitors is due to the supply chain. They own their pump brand and recently launched their in-house CRX engine brand. Since there are fewer components they have to rely on third parties for, they can keep their prices lower. The fact that most of their pressure washers are made in the USA with global materials is icing on the cake.

How We Made Our Choices

Best Gas Pressure Washer

The best overall gas pressure washer has to have a balance of performance, quality, portability, and value. Even though there are models with amazing performance, most people don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on them. On the other hand, cheap pressure washers might sell a lot of units but offer a disappointing experience.

Best Electric, Cordless, and Hybrid Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers are still pushing the boundaries of what a brushless motor can do. In these categories, we’re looking for performance first, followed by quality, and then price. Ease-of-use features are a bonus.

Best 2000 PSI, 3000 PSI, and 4000 PSI Pressure Washers

While we’re targeting these specific PSI levels, we’re really talking about a range around those numbers. Performance and quality are the number one priorities, followed by features and price.

Best Pressure Washers for the Money

Because pressure washers have such a large range to choose from, this category highlights a brand. We’re looking for a lineup that consistently provides higher performance, better quality, and more helpful features than its competition at the same price point.

Best Pressure Washer Soaps, Detergents, and Accessories

Even though most pressure washers inject soap and detergent after the pump, nearly all of them come with the same warning: never use bleach.

Instead, look for products that are specifically made for pressure washers. You’ll extend the life of your accessories and connectors, and get your cleaning done faster than with water alone.

Best Vinyl Siding Cleaner for Pressure Washers

Simple Green Oxy Solve House and Siding Cleaner

When those siding-covered walls aren’t looking as good as they should, the best vinyl siding cleaner for pressure washers is Simple Green’s Oxy Solve House and Siding Cleaner.

It’s pre-concentrated for pressure washers, is non-toxic, and biodegradable. This cleaner uses peroxide to bring back colors, avoiding the need for bleach. We like the environmentally-friendly mix here, and it seems to work as well as other options that aren’t.

Price: $23.99/gallon

Best Concrete Cleaner for Pressure Washers

Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Concentrate

When your driveway needs a chemical hand to release stains, Simple Green’s Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Concentrate is the way to go. Its peroxide-forward formula cleans and brightens without using bleach, while remaining safe for your lawn and any plants that catch the overspray.

As the name indicates, you can use this for almost any outdoor cleaning, including wood, plastic, metal, and vinyl, in addition to concrete. In fact, it’s this versatility that’s why I like it over Simple Green’s concrete-specific formula. If you’re only going to buy one pressure washer cleaning agent, this should be it.

Price: $23.99/gallon

Best Car Soap for Pressure Washers

Chemical Guys Hydro Suds Ceramic Car Wash

When it comes to car cleaning, we trust the Chemical Guys and recommend their Hydro Suds Ceramic Car Wash formula as the best car soap for pressure washers. It’s a pH-neutral high-foam formula that excels in foam cannons. SiO2 is infused, applying a water-beading coating that has the added benefit of extending the life of ceramic coatings for those of you who use them.

Price: $49.99 for 1 gallon

Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner

Simpson 20-Inch Industrial Surface Cleaner

To make quick work out of concrete cleaning, you need a surface cleaner. For professionals who need to be as efficient as possible, we’ve had a lot of success with Simpson’s 20-inch industrial surface cleaner. It has a robust build that has stood up to years of use with minimal maintenance.

You can find even larger and more robustly built surface cleaners from brands like Mi T M, but they’re a lot more expensive. There’s certainly a place for them, but I recommend starting with Simpson’s more affordable model. You can always upgrade later, or you might find that spending less gives you everything you need.

Price: $379

Need a surface cleaner for home use? Try Karcher’s 15-inch model for pressure washers up to 3200 PSI.

Best Pressure Washer Foam Cannon

Chemical Guys Big Mouth Foam Cannon

When it comes to foam cannons, I like the performance I get from Chemical Guys’ Big Mouth Foam Cannon. It does a great job of producing thick suds that coat our vehicles and the wide opening is easier to fill than other models I’ve used.

There are a couple of caveats, though. This one works best if you have a pressure washer flow rating of around 2.0 GPM and needs a minimum of 1.4 GPM. That’s typically going to require a gas model. This foam cannon is also more expensive than others.

Price: $89.99

What to Look for When You’re Shopping

Pressure Washer vs Power Washer: Aren’t They the Same?

We find pressure washers and power washers to be very similar, and you’ll see them with similar PSI/GPM ratings. There’s one major difference, though—power washers have a heating element and pressure washers don’t.

That makes power washers better for cleaning stuck-on messes such as oils and greases. They’re also more expensive and require more maintenance, which is why many Pros and homeowners opt to use a pressure washer with a chemical detergent instead.

PSI vs GPM

Every pressure washer and power washer comes with two numbers: a PSI rating and a GPM rating. PSI, or pressure (pounds per square inch), is usually what gets the most attention, but they’re both important.

PSI tells you the maximum force the water is going to hit your surface with. Higher pressure means more cleaning force. You’ll get the most pressure from your 0º tip and it reduces (or disperses) as you move to your wider angle tips.

GPM (gallons per minute) is a measure of the maximum water flow. More water flow means more water is hitting the surface. This removes material more quickly. Some models have a flow control valve on the pump if you want to reduce water flow.

One way to compare one pressure washer’s power to another is simply to multiply the two values together. Here’s an example:

	Pressure	Flow	Cleaning Power
Model A	3000 PSI	2.2 GPM	6,600
Model B	3100 PSI	2.1 GPM	6,510
Model C	2800 PSI	2.3 GPM	6,440

Even though Model A didn’t have the highest PSI or GPM rating, it has the most overall cleaning power.

How Much Pressure Washer Power Do You Need?

There are several general classes we consider when it comes to pressure washer power. What level you need is based on what you’re hoping to do with it. Keep in mind, that you can always use a wider nozzle to reduce the pressure and clean faster, but you can’t make an underpowered pressure washer do more.

Under 500 PSI

• Washing vehicles
• Patio furniture (including wicker)
• Screens

Under 2000 PSI

• Shutters
• Grills
• Patio/lawn furniture
• Screens
• Lighter mildew/mold
• Limited cleaning on concrete/asphalt

2000 – 3000 PSI

• Decks
• Fences
• Pavement
• Concrete (driveways and sidewalks)
• Cleaning with smaller surface cleaner attachments
• Siding
• Stains
• Lighter mildew/mold

3000 – 4000 PSI

• Concrete (driveways and sidewalks)
• Cleaning with larger surface cleaner attachments
• Pavement
• Siding
• Fences
• Decks
• Deeper stains
• Mildew/mold
• Paint prep
• Paint stripping/graffiti removal (at the top of the range)

4000+ PSI

• Paint stripping/graffiti removal
• Concrete (driveways and sidewalks)
• Cleaning with the largest surface cleaner attachments
• Pavement
• Siding
• Fences
• Decks
• Deeper stains
• Mildew/mold
• Paint prep

Gas, Electric, or Battery?

As you consider what kind of power plant you want on your pressure washer, there are some significant trade-offs.

Commercial or Residential?

When we talk about the difference between commercial and residential gas pressure washers, it boils down to two major components: the engine and the pump.

Commercial pressure washers use commercial-grade engines, such as the Honda GX series. Residential models use lighter-duty engines that are fine, but not built for the high-hour daily use Pros need.

The other piece of the puzzle is the pump. The best pressure washer pump is a triplex pump on pressure washers for professional use while residential models use an axial cam design.

Some residential electric models use an integrated pump, but we prefer a separate axial cam design since it’s easier to replace when the time comes.

Pressure Washer Nozzles

Every pressure washer needs a set of nozzles, a hose, and a wand. Most use a standard quick connector, making a replacement pretty easy to acquire if you need it.

A lot of pressure washers come with 0º, 15º, 25º, 40º, and soap nozzles, though some may come with one or two less. That grouping covers the vast majority of applications you’ll come across. They’re color-coded and most models have a key on the frame you can reference. Even if it doesn’t, the angle is marked on the nozzle itself.

Nozzles are pretty inexpensive if you need to replace them. However, they have a PSI rating. Make sure you don’t buy one rated for less than what your pressure washer delivers.

Pressure Washer Hoses

The hose that comes with your pressure washer is going to be paired intentionally by the manufacturer. Like the nozzles, they’re rated for a particular PSI. When looking for a replacement, use that rating as a guide and get as close as you can to what your model has.

You don’t want to put more pressure through a hose than it’s rated for. On the other hand, getting a hose that’s rated for a lot more pressure than your pressure washer produces can reduce your performance, especially if you move up in diameter.

When in doubt, check your manual to see what hose diameter and length are appropriate for your exact model.

Pressure Washer Wands

Pressure washer wands are probably the most vulnerable part of the entire system. Because they are tubes by nature and need to be light enough to effectively use, they’re also prone to bending, pinching, or flat-out breaking off if they get stepped on.

The best way to avoid damage is to hang the wand off the ground when you’re not using it and try to avoid leaning it against the wall or trailer.

Sooner or later, you’re going to need a replacement, though. Like the other accessories we’ve been discussing, they have a PSI rating to them. Stick with the same diameter tube and quick connect nozzles (most are a 1/4-inch tube with 1/4-inch QC), and you should be good to go.

The last thing to look for is the connection to your spray gun—the threads need to match. Most are M22 connections and you can always double-check your manual to be sure.

Using Well Water

Most pressure washers need a pressurized water supply, even though the pump and the engine take it to another level. Water coming from well pumps often doesn’t have enough pressure and might not work with some pressure washers. Double-check the manual to be sure, and email the manufacturer if it’s not clear.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

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We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review hundreds of individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.