9 Best Budget Pressure Washers under $200 – Reviews & Top Picks 2024
- Pete Ortiz
- Last updated:
It’s easy to think that pressure washers are all expensive and tough to operate. They’re mostly suitable for hardcore home handymen or contractors, right? Wrong.
In fact, you’ll discover that some of the best pressure washers under $200 perform like more expensive units. These pressure washers will let you deep clean your sidewalks, walls, car, patio, or anywhere else without all the excessive elbow grease and sweat that traditional scrubbing would require.
Plus, they can do it all without breaking the bank. What’s not to like? We’ll examine some of the best affordable pressure washers available today, so you can decide which model appeals to you.
A Quick Glance at Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Electric High Pressure Washer |
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Best Value
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Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer |
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Sun Joe SPX1000 1450 Electric Pressure Washer |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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GreenWorks GPW1602 Pressure Washer |
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AR ANNOVA REVERBERI AR390SS Electric Pressure Washer |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 9 Best Budget Pressure Washers under $200
1. Sun Joe SPX3000 2030 Electric High Pressure Washer – Best Overall
The Sun Joe 2030 Electric High-Pressure Washer has a lot to like, starting with its overall versatility. Since it’s powered by a 1,800-watt motor, it can produce a little over 2,000 psi or churn through about 1.76 gallons per minute. The working pressure is closer to 1,450 psi, but that’s still plenty for most cleaning tasks.
We really like the fact that it comes with twin 0.9-liter detergent tanks. Throw some good detergent in there, and you have an excellent cleaning solution for the toughest grease and dirt. Other excellent features round out its value, including a TSS or “total stop system” that will automatically shut off the pump when you release the trigger. This can save you from an unfortunate accident where you drop the hose, and it spins out of control.
Then you have to consider all the accessories you get with the purchase, including a 34-inch extension wand and a 35-foot power code with water protection. An additional needle-shaped cleaning tool and five “quick connect” spray tips are included. Ultimately, it has everything you can imagine in a general-use pressure washer.
The only thing to keep an eye on is the plastic screw that connects to the water hose/outlet. This is significantly more fragile than the rest of the pressure washer, so check to ensure you didn’t get a defective unit before going to town with your new high-pressure hose. Despite that, this is the best overall budget pressure washer available this year.
- Comes with twin detergent tanks
- Has good accessories for variable cleaning tasks
- Good hose length
- Easy to maneuver with large wheels
- Has an automatic stop function
- Connector piece can be a little flimsy
2. Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer – Best Value
The Stanley SHP2150 Electric Pressure Washer has a lot of value, especially since, in addition to its regular cleaning potential, it works with an attached detergent bottle to create a foam spray perfect for cleaning away ingrained grit and dirt on the toughest surfaces. It provides powerful cleaning and is a perfect pressure washer for outdoor surfaces, appliances, or vehicles.
The pressure washer comes with a 25-foot pressure hose (a little shorter than the last pressure washer on our list), plus four quick connect nozzles and a 2-year limited warranty, which covers you from any manufacturer defects. It manages 2,150 psi on average, and we especially like that this pressure washer is designed for leakproof connections.
The wheels are maneuverable, but remember that the main directing wand is short. This, coupled with the slightly shorter pressure hose length, means you may need to get creative with reaching distant targets.
Still, most users will find a lot to like about this pressure washer, and the hose/wand length is a minor quibble with an otherwise excellent machine.
- Can create soapy foam spray
- Doesn’t leak water
- Good pressure across the board
- Has a variety of additional nozzles
- Wand and hose are a little shorter than other pressure washers
3. Sun Joe SPX1000 1450 Electric Pressure Washer
Sun Joe returns once again with their SPX1000 1450 Electric Pressure Washer. Like the last, it also runs on electrical power and can provide around 1,450 psi of water pressure. Keep in mind that that is the maximum load, whereas the typical load is closer to 1,150 psi.
Still, this makes it suitable for driving away grit and grime from hard surfaces, and it can even be used for wooden services without the threat of damaging the material. It also comes with the total stop system we saw with the last Sun Joe pressure washer, so it’ll automatically shut off when the trigger isn’t engaged. The spray wand is easy to adjust to direct the spray, and it works with a twist nozzle so you can control water pressure instantaneously.
All in all, it’s incredibly similar to the other Sun Joe electric pressure washer and is best used as a lower-power and lower-priced alternative if you’re more budget-minded but still want something that should serve you well for a few years.
- Pretty affordable overall
- Has automatic shut-off system
- Includes wand twist control for pressure
- Very easy to maneuver due to small size
- No detergent tanks
- Pressure could be a little better
4. GreenWorks GPW1602 Pressure Washer
The GreenWorks GPW1602 Pressure Washer is a portable and lightweight machine with a motor that can produce 1,600 psi max (or closer to 1,200-1,300 psi on average). But more important is its flexibility; it can be used horizontally or vertically thanks to its small size and compact design. It includes a 20-foot pressure hose, which is shorter than average but suitable given its miniaturized design.
It also includes a soap applicator so you can mix soap with pressurized water. This enables you to clean any dirty surface without too much effort. An additional two nozzle tips and a detergent bottle are included with the purchase, and you get a 35-foot power cord with water protection for exterior outlet use.
The downside? The motor is definitely on the lighter side, and it’s not uncommon for the pressure washer to sputter and start if you run it for a long time. The psi ratings may even drop below 1,100, depending on the power outlet you use.
Still, it’s a decent choice if you are primarily pressure washing for residential needs and don’t need to worry about having the highest-power machine in the neighborhood.
- Pretty affordable
- Has soap applicator for total cleaning
- Comes with a detachable detergent bottle
- Very lightweight and portable
- The psi can dip too low sometimes
- Hose isn’t very long compared to most others
5. AR ANNOVA REVERBERI AR390SS Electric Pressure Washer
The AR ANNOVA REVERBERI AR390SS Electric Pressure Washer is a higher-powered device than the last, with 2,000 psi max and around 1,600 average. It also comes with an environmentally friendly design. Despite using 40% less power than a regular garden hose, it is incredibly efficient. It’s easy to assemble and move around, thanks to the treaded tires on either side.
If you want to combine the pressurized water with your favorite soap, the AR390SS has a 30-foot pressure hose and a 48-ounce detergent tank. It also comes with four pressure washer nozzles for different pressure values.
The downside is that it’s relatively heavy at 40 pounds and a little pricier than most washers on this list. Consider it if you want a long-lasting pressure washer with efficient performance and don’t mind spending a little extra money to get it.
- Has detergent tank
- Very efficient motor
- Good psi
- Very easy to assemble
- Good nozzle variety
- Pricier than average
- A little heavy
6. Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer
The Karcher K1700 Electric Power Pressure Washer can top out at 1,700 psi, but it’s a little lower for average performance. It includes an on/off switch down by your foot instead of relying on a nozzle or button near the machine’s center. This makes it easy to stop and start your pressure washing duties if you face frequent interruptions, like if you primarily pressure wash at home.
It includes three nozzles: one for maximum cleaning power, another all-purpose nozzle, and a final nozzle for mixing with detergent. It includes a detergent tank, which can be removed for cleaning or filling. Interestingly, it also comes with a removable bin to store the additional nozzles and other accessories.
The high-pressure hose only extends to 20 feet, however. Ultimately, it’s a good electric pressure washer, but the distinctions that separate it from the others don’t greatly mitigate that downside. Still, if you don’t need a long-reaching hose, it might be a great pressure washer for you.
- Has removable detergent tank
- Uses a convenient foot-based on/off switch
- Has removable storage bin
- Power cord stored smartly
- Hose length is a little short for some
Also See: Best Commercial Pressure Washers
7. PAXCESS 2150 Electric Pressure Washer
The PAXCESS 2150 Electric Pressure Washer has a 1,800-watt motor that can generate up to 2,150 psi or 1.5 gallons per minute. Granted, that is the maximum performance, but the pressure washer will certainly be able to produce a good chunk of fast-flying water for most cleaning needs on average. This is bolstered by the adjustable pressure nozzle that comes with the purchase, which means you don’t have to bother fitting different nozzles onto the hose or wand.
It also comes with a removable detergent tank to clean the tank or fill it inside the house. The hose is 26 feet long, and the pressure washer comes with a hose reel that will prevent you from creating kinks. It also makes wrapping the hose up at the end of the pressure washing session a lot easier.
The total stop system will automatically shut the machine off when you release the trigger. All in all, it’s a solid and high-powered cheap pressure washer. But keep in mind that the machine tends to tip over thanks to its lightweight, and although the psi rating is impressive for the cost, sometimes the motor sputters and delivers an underwhelming performance.
- Has an easy-to-adjust nozzle
- Includes removable detergent bin
- Has hose reel
- Automatically shuts off when trigger is released
- Some occasional pressure issues
- Can tip over from time to time
8. WestForce Electric Pressure Washer
The WestForce Electric Pressure Washer is the highest-powered machine on our list, topping out at 2,800 psi with 1.76 gallons per minute. At maximum power, it’ll be able to grind away even the toughest dirt and debris from any type of surface you can imagine, including fences, bricks, cars, and more.
Like many of the others, it also features a total stop system to shut off the pump when the trigger is released. Even better, it includes protections for overheating and overcurrent, so it’s also one of the safest pressure washers on the market. A UL-listed GFCI plug prevents any electrical leaks, and you also get a 2-year warranty and a 45-day money-back return policy when you purchase the washer.
It uses interchangeable nozzles instead of a single, adjustable nozzle. Additionally, the maximum pressure is challenging to reach without plugging the pressure washer into a generator. Ultimately, it’s best to think of the maximum psi as a possibility instead of a given.
- Has good theoretical maximum psi
- Includes multiple safety protections
- Has a suitable hose length
- Automatically shuts off pump when trigger is released
- Max psi is closer to 2,000 psi or so
- Switchable nozzles are clunky to swap out
9. WEN PW19 Variable Flow Electric Pressure Washer
The WEN PW19 Variable Flow Electric Pressure Washer is the most affordable pressure washer we’ve looked at so far, and that’s because of its tiny size. It only has a 13-amp motor and can produce pressure washing at about 1.6 gallons per minute. The design focus is obvious; it’s meant to be a portable and mobile pressure washer instead of a high-powered machine.
Since you can carry it relatively easily from place to place, it’s best used for light cleaning instead of heavy-duty pressure washing of ingrained dirt and oil. It comes with a 16.5-foot hose and a detergent bottle, but you have to apply the detergent separately instead of mixing the detergent with your water spray as it comes out.
Still, it may be a good model for cleaning your car or a home that isn’t too dirty already. We’d only recommend it if you want something lightweight and mobile and aren’t concerned too much with overall power.
- Comes with detergent bottle
- Very lightweight
- Includes adjustable nozzle
- Small
- Short hose
- Not as powerful as other pressure washers
- Detergent must be applied separately
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Budget Pressure Washer Under $200
Buying the best pressure washer is more than selecting the one with the lowest price tag. Remember these factors to guarantee you get a pressure washer that’s right for your needs.
Overall Power
Check out the overall and average power for a pressure washer. Most brands advertise their maximum psi or watts, but what you want to focus on is the average psi, which is more representative of the kind of pressure you’ll enjoy when you use the machine.
Generally, higher psi is better for removing caked-on dirt and debris, but it may not be necessary depending on what you want to use the pressure washer to clean. Any psi ratings over 1,200 are usually enough for casual household cleaning, while psi ratings over 1,500-1,800 are better for heavier-duty cleaning.
Hose/Cord Length
The hose and cord length will determine how far you can reach and how easy it is to spray down hard-to-see areas like the roof of your house or car. Longer hoses are usually better but keep in mind that pressure washers with longer hoses may be more challenging to move around. Most cables hover around 35 feet in length.
Detergent Integration
Some of the best affordable washers will include detergent bins. They allow you to pour the detergent directly into the machine, where it mixes with the water for efficient cleaning. However, others may have a detergent bottle, requiring you to spray the detergent or soap onto the surface before spraying it. Either design can work, but the machines with detergent bins are a little more user-friendly and convenient.
Nozzles/Adjustment
Some washers use switchable nozzles to provide various spray patterns or pressure levels. Others use a single nozzle that can be twisted to change the pressure. Twist nozzles are a little easier to use and let you change the pressure quickly, but swappable nozzles can also work and are often attached to affordable pressure washers.
This variable ultimately boils down to the level of convenience you are looking for while washing.
Other Features
Lastly, double-check to see if a pressure washer includes accessories or features. For instance, some of the best pressure washers will have automatic pump shut-offs if the trigger is released, which conserves water and power. Others may include additional nozzles or needle cleaners.
None of these features can make or break a pressure washer by themselves, but they’re good to consider and can help you pick between two pressure washers that are otherwise quite similar.
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Conclusion
As our reviews show, the Sun Joe 2030 Electric High-Pressure Washer is the best pressure washer under $200, thanks to its excellent psi ratings and the detergent tanks built into its design. This makes cleaning even ingrained dirt and debris a lot easier. Add the excellent accessories and an automatic shut-off system, and you have an excellent cleaning machine.
Still, each of the washers is valuable to some extent. Consider your options carefully to ensure you grab the pressure washer ideal for your home or job, and you’ll be spraying away dirt and grime in no time.
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