Our top picks across electric, gas and cordless — ranked by what they clean best and who they suit.
Most homeowners are best served by a mid-range electric (1,800–2,300 PSI): it handles cars, decks, patio furniture and light concrete with no fuel or engine maintenance. If you’re clearing long driveways, two-storey siding or prepping surfaces for paint, a gas washer around 3,000+ PSI and 2.5 GPM cuts the work time dramatically. Cordless units are rinse tools rather than deep cleaners — brilliant where there’s no outlet or tap.
| Model | Type | Max PSI | GPM | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe SPX3000Best overall value | Electric | 2,030 | 1.76 | $ | Amazon |
| Simpson MegaShot MSH3125Best gas overall | Gas | 3,200 | 2.5 | $$$ | Amazon |
| Ryobi RY142300Best electric for power | Electric | 2,300 | 1.2 | $$ | Amazon |
| Westinghouse WPX3200Best gas value | Gas | 3,200 | 2.5 | $$ | Amazon |
| Kärcher K1700Best for cars | Electric | 1,700 | 1.2 | $ | Amazon |
| DeWalt 20V MAX Power CleanerBest cordless | Cordless | 550 | 1.0 | $$ | Amazon |
| Simpson PowerShot PS3228Best pro-grade | Gas | 3,300 | 2.5 | $$$ | Amazon |
| Greenworks 1500 PSIBest compact | Electric | 1,500 | 1.2 | $ | Amazon |
The long-running benchmark for homeowners: enough pressure for decks, patios and cars, two onboard detergent tanks, and a price that undercuts most rivals.
Honda-powered and built on a welded steel frame, the MegaShot is the gas washer we point most buyers toward for driveways, fences, siding and paint prep.
A brushless electric that pushes into gas-like territory for driveway work while staying quiet enough for early-morning cleaning.
Comparable output to premium gas units at a friendlier price, with an onboard soap tank and a sensible accessory kit.
Kärcher’s entry model pairs a well-judged pressure range with a vario wand and a rotary nozzle — a strong match for regular car and SUV washing.
Draws from a hose or a bucket, runs on the DeWalt batteries you may already own, and handles outdoor furniture, bikes, boats and grills anywhere.
A step up for heavy, frequent use — commercial-grade engine and pump for owners who clean multiple properties or rental units.
A small, stackable unit for balconies, patio furniture, bikes and cars — the right tool when storage space matters more than raw power.
For most people: the Sun Joe SPX3000 balances price and capability. For big surfaces: the Simpson MegaShot’s 2.5 GPM flow does the job in a fraction of the time. For portability: the DeWalt power cleaner goes where hoses and cords can’t.
Not sure? Read how to choose a pressure washer.