Table of Contents
Portable pressure washers are very versatile when it comes to both outdoor and indoor cleaning. You may feel the need to clean the cars, buildings, driveways, patio, and the exteriors of a wide range of objects at any point in time. Nothing serves you better for this purpose than one of the best small pressure washers in the market.
These are used to clean places which are hard to reach without wasting time & energy. You may experience issues in carrying a bulky pressure washer device from place to place. A lightweight and portable pressure washer is the right solution to it.
Buying a good portable pressure washer requires a little homework, but don’t worry – we did it for you.
After tens of hours of poring through technical specifications and customer reviews for the most popular portable pressure washer, we rounded up the list of top 10 portable pressure washers currently in the market.
These pressure washers are top-rated and expert-recommended with thousands of positive feedback and a well documented product history, so you’re sure to be in safe hands.
Our picks are listed in the table below along with the specifications that set them apart from the pack. Our FAQ section covers everything you need to know while choosing a portable pressure washer.
Without further ado, let’s discover the perfect portable pressure washer that is suitable for your needs.
| Pressure Washer | Pressure Washer Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Greenworks 1500 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Stanley SHP2150 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Sun Joe SPX3000 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | AR Blue Clean AR112 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Sun Joe SPX3001 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Karcher K2 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Greenworks 1600 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | WORX WG625 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
  | Sun Joe SPX4000 |
| Check Price on Amazon |
1. Greenworks 1500
The first thing that comes to after seeing this pressure washer is how compact and lightweight this unit is; it weighs only 16.3 pounds. Powered by 1500 PSI at 1.2 GMP, this unit is easily capable of tackling moderate cleaning jobs.
The flexibility of its placement is commendable. You can use it in both horizontal and vertical positions without any marked change in its productivity. By this option, you can adjust the position of the portable pressure washer according to your needs.
If you are habituated with deep cleaning, this mini power washer has a useful soap applicator for you. Regardless of the type of cleaning job you wish to perform, you can rest assured of the best performance.
Two detachable nozzle tips of this portable pressure washer make it easy to remove dirt and grime when you are on the go. You can attach these tips and use them rotationally as per your requirement. Instead of having just one tip with a complex attachment feature, this feature makes it a little easy for users to switch over to a new tip as per their requirement.
With a power cord that is 35 feet long, you can cover a larger area without any hassle. It comes with a safety feature for extra protection.
The unit isn’t above issues, though. It is vulnerable to breakage and prone to developing wear and tear over time. While other units also display the same behavior at some point in time, you need to be a little careful while handling this one. Its durability depends on how you use it.
Apart from a loud motor, the sound of which can be annoying to the ears until you get used to it, the unit also lacks wheels. It can be a disadvantage if you need to move the portable pressure washer a lot, but because of its extra lightweight you can easily lift the unit from one place to the other.
Specifications
| Weight | 16.3 pounds |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 17.1 x 9.4 inches |
| Pressure | 1500 PSI |
| GPM | 1.2 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 1800 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Has enough power for handling light to moderate cleaning tasks
- Easy to set up and use
- Safety feature added to the cord for extra protection
Cons
- Low-quality hose connector
- Not durable; prone to wear and tear and leakage
- Has a loud motor
- Doesn’t have wheels which may increase the manual workload for carrying the unit
2. Stanley SHP2150
Stanley SHP2150 is a handheld power washer unit for cleaning the surfaces of driveways, yards, and houses. It is a cost-effective solution for performing cleaning tasks swiftly. This portable pressure washer is a valuable addition to the list of the best portable power washers due to its power-packed performance for handling light to medium cleaning tasks with considerable ease.
It is lighter weight and is supported by two wheels made of rubber. As a result, you can move the unit from one place to another without much effort.
The 25-feet long hose further adds to the ease of use of the pressure washer. The unit comes with four nozzles in a single package. You can connect these nozzles quickly to the unit effortlessly. Plus, the nozzles’ presence makes it easy to adjust the pressure settings as per your needs.
Sometimes you may need a higher pressure output for a powerful performance. On the other hand, you may need to lower it for removing dust and dirt from sensitive surfaces. The pressure nozzles of the unit allow you to tweak the pressure settings according to your needs. It comes with a detachable cannon using which you can wash your car quickly.
The next noticeable factor of the machine is its compact size. Whether you have ample of space for storing it or not, you can house this pressure washer machine without much difficulty in any space. Unlike most other units from different brands with similar functionalities, this unit does not occupy a lot of space.
Furthermore, it saves more space by allowing users to lower the handle. If you need to store in a place that does not have an extended height, this feature proves to be useful.
With all these advantages, the unit also has some downsides. Before you make your purchase decision, it makes sense to consider them.
It lacks the arrangement to configure the pressure of the engine. Though the nozzle helps you to exercise some sort of control over the pressure output, it is usually a good idea to do it from the point of origin i.e. the motor than doing it when it already generates a certain unit of pressure.
Further, controlling the nozzle of this unit can be a challenge in itself. You are more likely to come across this challenge if you do not have much experience of using a pressure washer. Due to this feature, it may not be as much useful on sensitive surfaces as it is on hard surfaces.
Specifications
| Weight | 25.6 pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.6 x 13.6 x 26.8 inches |
| Pressure | 2150 PSI |
| GPM | 1.4 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 3010 units |
| Hose Length | 25 feet |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Easy to maintain
- Durable
Cons
- Lacks the system to control pressure
- The nozzle keeps changing which affects the output
- Not ideal for use on sensitive surfaces
3. Sun Joe SPX3000
Sun Joe SPX3000 is a reliable and portable pressure washer unit that packs versatile performance elements with power. You can use it to perform cleaning tasks relating to homes, buildings, vehicles, and driveways.
Its ability to store two distinct detergents in two fully functional dual detergent tanks allows it to clean dirt, dust, and even the stubbornest of all stains without any difficulty.
With two of its rear wheels and a 34-inch extension spray wand, you can reach areas that are generally inaccessible for cleaning. The super maneuverability due to both makes it pretty straightforward to eliminate even the stubbornest of the stains while performing difficult cleaning work.
The unit comes with several useful accessories in the package. These include a garden hose adapter, GFCI protection, and removable detergent tanks. All these accessories support the system well to make it the best portable power washer.
The five spray nozzles of the unit come in handy for configuring the resulting pressure based on your needs. It enables you to exercise your control over the resulting output.
Other than the aforementioned features, the portable pressure washer also has an adaptor and a hose of a sizeable length. The total stop system of this machine can make any of its owners feel proud of owning it.
Among other things, this safety lock switch powers off the machine automatically when the trigger is not active. As a result, it not only saves energy but also increases the lifespan of the pump. Apart from all these, this unit is considered as one of the best electric pressure washers.
Speaking of the downsides of this portable pressure washer, there are two drawbacks that are worth consideration.
Assembling the unit can take time, especially if you do not have much experience in setting up the parts of a portable pressure washer. Plus, you may find it a little tricky to move the machine from one place to the other over a large area.
Specifications
| Weight | 31 pounds |
| Dimensions | 15.6 x 13.5 x 33.9 inches |
| Pressure | 2030 PSI |
| GPM | 1.76 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 3572 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Has the ability to select detergent on its own
- Has large-sized wheels for extra maneuverability
- Lightweight
- Has a portable design
- Provides good pressure output
Cons
- Assembling the unit can be time-consuming
- Little difficult to move machine in covering long distance
4. AR Blue Clean AR112
This portable pressure washing unit is tailor-made to get rid of tougher stains on dirtier surfaces. It produces a pressure of 1600 PSI at 1.58 GPM which is just about enough for a stellar performance for removing dirt even on difficult surfaces.
It contains stainless steel plungers that make it one of the noteworthy features of the portable electric power washer. However, you do not need to worry about its corrosion. Even as the plungers consist of steel, they are less likely to react to the atmospheric oxygen to show the signs of corrosion.
You can fit the spray gun as well as use it in conjunction with the other components without any hassle. Beyond shade of a doubt, this is one of the best features that promote the user-friendliness of the portable high pressure washer and make it an obvious choice for cleaning needs.
It works well in conjunction with the other accessories that come with it in a single package. These include a lance, a pressure hose, and a detergent bottle. The total stop system shuts down the portable pressure washer when it is not in use. Also, due to this arrangement, it saves power.
One of the downsides of the unit is that it does not have wheels. So, a user will need to rely on their muscular strength to carry it from one place to the other. However, the good thing about this unit is that it isn’t bulky. This buffers the drawback to a large extent.
The pump of this unit featuring 3 axial-piston wobble plates needs some careful handling. Plus, it is less likely to last long. That is to say, you can’t rely on this unit to serve you for a long time.
Also, you may not get the best feel even after investing in the pressure washer as it involves a plastic feel. But with that said, it is still a reliable product given the price at which it is available in the market.
Specifications
| Weight | 18.2 pounds |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 10 x 18 inches |
| Pressure | 1600 PSI |
| GPM | 1.5 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 2528 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Powerful performance
- Total stop system
- Cost-effective
- Saves power
Cons
- Less-durable pump
- Doesn’t have wheels
- Has a cheap plastic feel
5. Simpson Cleaning MSH3125
This product is one of the most reliable pressure washing units from Simpson – a name synonymous with quality on the list of the leading pressure washer manufacturers – that runs on gas. It is simple to operate, yet powerful.
The powerful Honda GC190 engine makes it possible to achieve one of the highest cleaning power units among the existing power washers available in the market.
It is one of the best gas pressure washers, that produces the inimitable pressure output within a short notice for difficult tasks of cleaning. You can rely on this feature to complete arduous cleaning tasks, that generally take hours, in a quick time.
Generally, you would expect such a powerful motor to increase the weight of a pressure washer. However, this product is an exception on this front.
Despite its ability to offer powerful performance, it does not increase the weight of the system. Thus, alongside great output, you also get the ability to maneuver the machine as per your requirement.
As far as moving the unit is concerned, you can move it by holding its handle just like you do with a trolly. In conjunction with wheels, this arrangement works like a charm and makes the machine truly portable by nature.
While the dimensions of the power washer may make it seem like a big deal to store it in a limited space, it has amazing flexibility to help users cope with the problem. Depending on the availability of space, you can decide if you want to store it in a horizontal or vertical position.
It has the best water flowing capacity. This feature further enhances the ability of the machine to be productive and yield desirable results.
In conjunction with the 25-feet long hose, the spray gun makes it easy to reach out to problematic areas. Using these two features of the pressure washer, you can clean the external surfaces of difficult-to-clean areas.
All these handy features do not put the unit above the shortcomings, though.
Going by the powerful features of this portable electric power washer, not having an internal detergent tank is a major downside. In Layman’s terms, it is akin to having a powerful smartphone or a laptop with a poor battery backup. This drawback cancels out the majority of its positives.
The other thing you would notice with this unit is the lack of an option to configure the pressure output. Yes, it has an incredibly powerful engine that can take away the most durable stain on hard surfaces. But on soft exteriors, you would need to reduce the PSI units. This is precisely where the product from the Simpson brand lags behind its competitors.
Specifications
| Weight | 65 pounds |
| Dimensions | 34.8 x 21 x 23.2 inches |
| Pressure | 3200 PSI |
| GPM | 2.5 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 8000 units |
| Hose Length | 25 feet |
Pros
- Powerful engine
- Best water flow
- Numerous nozzles for spraying at different angles
- Useful spray gun to reach out to difficult areas during cleaning tasks
Cons
- Lacks a built-in detergent tank
- Does not have the option to minimize PSI for less-rigid surfaces
6. Sun Joe SPX3001
Sun Joe – a brand that represents quality at a reasonable price – exceeds its buyers’ expectations with the innovative SPX3001 portable pressure washer with a water tank. It comes with a lighter weight with considerable dimensions.
Given that the unit comes with as many as five soap nozzles, you can expect a wide range of cleaning options for removing dirt from several surfaces. The size of the spray tips of this unit ranges from 0 to 40.
The machine shuts down automatically when you stop engaging its trigger. Total stop system feature makes it possible. This feature proves beneficial to a user in two ways. Apart from saving them in power bills, the feature also promotes the lifespan of the pump of this unit.
The soap tank comes with an increased capacity. What it means is that you can bank on this unit to operate smoothly even as you do not fill the tank gradually. Once you fill it up, it works for a longer duration. As such, it is particularly useful for people on the go.
With a considerably long spray wand and extension, you can reach out to the unreachable areas with ease while performing your cleaning tasks. Thus, you can put aside your worry of not being able to reach out to difficult cleaning areas at bay.
This pressure washer is relatively quiet compared to the other units of its range. If you prefer quiet cleaning sessions, this is the unit on which you may want to rely.
Speaking of the not-so-impressive features of this portable pressure washer with tank, the majority of the fault lines lie with the hose. The hose is made of stiffened rubber. As such, it may not last for too long unless you adopt the best practices of using the hose.
If you ever feel the need to attach a longer hose reel, you cannot do it with this unit. It is usually the best for a user to stick with the one that comes with the actual package. The hose has an issue in storing a reel greater than 20 feet which is the length of the reel by default.
Lastly, despite the moderate weight of the pressure washer, the addition of water to the top part makes it weigh heavier than the bottom. If you wish to operate with it over a larger area, there are chances that the top part may topple due to an imbalance in the weight of the top as well as the bottom part.
Specifications
| Weight | 32 pounds |
| Dimensions | 14.4 x 16.5 x 33.5 inches |
| Pressure | 2030 PSI |
| GPM | 1.76 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 3572 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Total stop system
- Motor with incredible power for a powerful performance
- Long extension wand for a wider reach
- Does not need a lot of water in its operational mode
- Produces relatively lesser sound than other portable pressure washers
Cons
- The stiffened rubber-based hose is not durable
- The hose cannot house a reel longer than 20 feet
- The unit becomes top-heavy with the addition of water to it
7. Karcher K2
Karcher K2 is a useful and movable pressure washer product for light and moderate cleaning tasks. It produces a cleaning power of 2000 units when you take its PSI and GPM into consideration which is good enough to support these kind of tasks.
It is useful for handling small projects such as cleaning the garage floor or washing the external surface of a car. Compared to the other units, Karcher K2 saves a lot of water. Thus, you can operate a little longer with this unit without the worry of using up a lot of water.
The ground fault circuit interrupter of this small portable pressure washer separates it from the handheld pressure washing units of other variants. It only operates when you press the trigger, resulting it saves a lot of power.
The easy-to-adjust pressure wand constitutes another useful feature of this machine. Using this feature, you can configure the pressure output as per your needs for a wide range of cleaning tasks. You can adjust the pressure output by either turning the wand collar to the direction for maximum or minimum pressure.
When you consider the weight of this pressure washing machine, it is just 14.5 lbs. As a result, moving the machine from one place to the other is a breeze.
The unit has an issue with the hose connector and tank, though. The hose connector, instead of being made of a metal part, involves plastic. Thus, you don’t get the premium feel even as you count it as one of the best units taking all the other features into consideration.
Another downside of this unit is the lack of a built-in tank. As a result, you may experience hassle while using soaps or detergents while performing cleaning operations.
Specifications
| Weight | 14.5 pounds |
| Dimensions | 19.8 x 9.8 x 11.8 inches |
| Pressure | 1600 PSI |
| GPM | 1.25 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 2000 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable wand enables easy control of pressure settings
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
Cons
- Has a plastic connector to the hose
- Does not have a built-in tank
8. Greenworks 1600
Greenworks 1600 is a plug-based portable pressure washer with a reliable and powerful motor. It has a 35-feet long power cord that allows you to move freely over a longer diameter while performing any cleaning task.
Though its flexible cord allows you to move freely, it needs a power outlet. As such, it isn’t suitable for use in parks or gardens. However, you can use it at home.
Even if you do not have huge storage space for storing this unit, you do not need to worry about it. The small lightweight design of this portable electric pressure washer allows users to store it conveniently without worrying about space-related constraints. It is so compact that you can even store it in a cupboard without cramping for space.
To top it up, it also has lighter weight. Thus, you can move this unit from one place to the other without any hassle. If you ever feel the need to clean the external surface of your staircase, this is the unit on which you may want to put your money.
Unlike the majority of the other units that are available in the market, it does not need constant maintenance. If you are on the go, this can prove to be a point of advantage for you. For those who need to perform cleaning tasks with consistency, there cannot be a greater blessing than this feature.
Another remarkable feature of this piece is that it does not need manual restocking or refueling. It operates without any interruption as long as it gets proper water and power supply.
This feature is aptly aided by its capacity to generate 1600 PSI pressure at 1.2 GPM. Owing to this configuration, you can expect a power-packed performance from this easy-to-carry electric pressure washer. Even if you use it on difficult-to-clean surfaces it removes durable stains with clinical precision.
While the pressure washer has so many positives, it also has its share of downsides.
For instance, it lacks an internal detergent tank. Due to the lack of it, you may have to carry a detachable detergent tank every time you decide to move the unit from one place to the other. If you feel the need to do it on a daily basis, it can be a problem.
Plus, its power-cord range is restricted. Despite allowing you to move freely over a greater length, the fact remains that you can move within a certain range. While it may not be a problem at the time of performing a cleaning task within a specific area, it can be problematic if you do it over a larger area.
Specifications
| Weight | 16 pounds |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 17.1 x 9.4 inches |
| Pressure | 1600 PSI |
| GPM | 1.2 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 1920 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Produces strong steams of water with consistency
- Lightweight
- The sizeable length of the power cord
- Well-protected and powerful motor
Cons
- Lacks and internal detergent tank
- Restricted power cord range limits options of usage
9. WORX WG625 20V
Despite not being the best unit, the WORX WG625 definitely features as one of the top rated portable pressure washer units in the market. Most buyers opine that it is the mini version of the unit featuring 40V for a reason.
When you consider its pressure and GPM outputs, it leads to an approximate cleaning power of 170 units. It is clearly inadequate for the driveways. However, you can still clean the exteriors of cars with the resulting cleaning power.
The nozzle and garden hose of this unit operate together to deliver a higher pressure. On average, it produces about five times the pressure that you would anticipate on the surface.
The unit pulls water with ease from different sources. These include freshwater sources, lakes, pools, and buckets.
It operates on a battery. You can charge it to the full from the beginning in just about 5 hours which is quite acceptable even when you are on the go.
WORX WG625 20V is one of the best pressure washing units for outdoor. Apart from the lighter weight, it also has a light hose. Both these features come together to make it an ideal and portable machine for outdoor settings.
Speaking of the downsides, it has a very low-pressure output which is not suitable for high-level cleaning tasks. Also, it is not recommended for any other cleaning task apart from the ones like washing the driveways & exterior of cars.
Specifications
| Weight | 3.7 pounds |
| Dimensions | 5.2 x 20.3 x 9.7 inches |
| Pressure | 320 PSI |
| GPM | 0.53 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 170 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Has a battery with a good backup and less charging time
Cons
- Has a very low power
- Produces very low-pressure output
10. Sun Joe SPX4000
Sun Joe SPX4000 is one of the best portable pressure washers available in the online stores. Its cleaning power of 3573 units (approximately) makes it a powerful unit for both commercial and personal use.
It has a sturdy build. With its supporting wheels, that are capable of moving in almost all kinds of surfaces, you don’t need to worry about tugging the unit. Generally, it takes a lot of effort to carry heavy units with tugging. In the case of this unit, tugging is next to impossible due to its heavier weight.
You can keep varying the pressure output for different tasks. The unit allows you to tweak the pressure settings to guarantee the best results.
The feature of the safety lock switch shuts down the system when the trigger is not operational. This way, it saves you money in terms of power bills. Plus, it also prolongs the lifespan of the machine.
However, the product isn’t as durable as it appears on the surface. Its components are prone to developing damages. Added to it, the bulky weight of the unit makes tugging next to impossible.
Specifications
| Weight | 27.8 pounds |
| Dimensions | 22 x 18 x 36.64 inches |
| Pressure | 2030 PSI |
| GPM | 1.76 GPM |
| Cleaning Power | 3572 units |
| Hose Length | 20 feet |
Pros
- Five distinct spray tips
- Comes with numerous accessories
- Includes a safety lock switch
- Pressure select technology
- Removes stubbornest of stains from difficult surfaces
Cons
- Heavy in weight
- Not too durable
- Metal involved in the pump head does not look too premium
FAQs
What should you look for in the best portable pressure washer?
There are a number of considerations for choosing the best pressure washer. You need to factor in the maneuverability, weight, cleaning power, size, and operational efficiency of a pressure washer. In addition, you also need to find out if a unit has a built-in tank for housing detergent.
Can you run a portable pressure washer from a bucket?
Yes, it is possible. Some units make it possible. The WORX WG625 20V pressure washer unit is a case in hand.
What is a good PSI for a portable pressure washer for home use?
While PSI requirements are likely to vary from one use to the other when it comes to home use, an output ranging between 1800 PSI and 2000 PSI is considered to be the best for home use.
What’s more important in a portable pressure washer PSI or GPM?
Both are equally important for pressure washers in general. You need to use both these components to find out the overall units of a pressure washer. The number of cleaning units separates the best compact pressure washer from the rest.
Final Verdict
From the above, it is clear that the Greenworks 1500 stands out as one of the best portable pressure washers on the list of the leading options. Its pros outweigh its cons. However, individual choices may vary depending on user requirements.
Before you finalize your purchase decision, we recommend that you take into consideration the pros and cons of all the units mentioned above. Thereafter, weigh the positives and negatives of each product with regard to your requirements to identify the best option that ticks all the boxes of your needs.