The 10 best pressure washers of 2026, as tested by Consumer Reports

A pressure washer delivers a concentrated stream of water powerful enough to strip years of built-up grime from decks, patios, driveways, and siding in a fraction of the time a scrub brush requires. Gas models produce the highest pressure and flow, while electric and battery-powered options offer quieter, lower-maintenance alternatives for lighter jobs. Choosing the wrong type for the task at hand can mean inadequate results or, in the case of zero-degree nozzles, a genuine safety risk.

Consumer Reports tested 16 pressure washers on cleaning performance, psi and flow rate, and noise to find the best of 2026.

Credit: Bauer

Priced at $350, the Bauer 23142E-B is available mainly at Harbor Freight stores. Consumer Reports says it tops the ratings for electric pressure washers, with a maximum pressure of 3,000 psi and a flow rate of 1.1 gallons per minute. CR notes it offers excellent cleaning and substantial pressure, and rates it very effective at removing stains, relatively quiet, and easy to use. It comes with five replaceable nozzle tips, an onboard soap tank, a 35-foot power cord, and a 25-foot hose.

Credit: Ego

At $700, the Ego HPW3204-2 is one of the pricier battery-powered models in this roundup. Consumer Reports rates it very effective at cleaning and notes it delivers a high pressure output of 3,200 psi at 1.2 gallons per minute. CR points out that the manufacturer claims up to 60 minutes of run time per charge with two included 6.0Ah batteries, though online users report shorter run times. A handheld pressure control with Eco, High, and Turbo modes lets the user dial in output, and a wand-mounted display shows the remaining battery charge.

Credit: Ryobi

The Ryobi RY143011 costs $399 and runs on standard 120-volt household current. Consumer Reports says it performs exceptionally well in both cleaning and power, reaching a maximum pressure of 3,000 psi, and rates it very effective at removing stains and relatively quiet. CR notes it comes with six replaceable nozzle tips, an onboard soap tank, a 35-foot power cord, and a 35-foot hose.

Credit: Greenworks

The Greenworks PW80L420 is priced at $695 and runs on battery power, producing a maximum of 3,000 psi at two gallons per minute. Consumer Reports rates it very effective at removing stains with a wide spray angle, and awards it high marks for quiet operation both near the unit and at a distance. CR gives it top scores for cleaning and places it among the highest-rated battery models in this test group.

Credit: Ego

Weighing 30 pounds and priced at $450, the Ego HPW2105 is the most portable battery option in this group. Consumer Reports says it does a very good job of cleaning, with a maximum pressure of 2,100 psi at a flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute, and rates it very quiet from a distance. CR notes its compact design and 6.0Ah battery, and the machine includes a siphon hose, five quick-release spray tips, a soap applicator nozzle, and a 25-foot hose.

Credit: Westinghouse

The only gas model priced under $350 in this group, the Westinghouse WPX3400 costs $349. Consumer Reports calls it a great balance of price and performance, with top-notch cleaning and the power to remove stains effectively. CR notes it comes with five nozzles and a very wide spray angle, but lacks an automatic trigger lock and is noisy enough that CR recommends ear protection. At that price, it is among the most affordable gas models to earn a top score in this test.

Credit: DeWalt

At 23 pounds and $350, the DeWalt DWPW2600 is one of the lightest electric models in Consumer Reports' tests. CR says its rectangular, low-profile shape keeps it stable in use, and the machine earns top marks for cleaning despite a pressure rating of 2,600 psi, which is lower than several other models in this group. According to CR, it includes five replaceable nozzle tips, a soap dispenser bottle, a 25-foot hose, and a 35-foot power cord, and the frame accommodates both horizontal and vertical storage.

Credit: Lowe's

Sold exclusively at Lowe's $LOW and priced at $750, the Kobalt KPW 4280-06 is the most expensive model on this list. Consumer Reports says it does a very good job of cleaning, with a maximum pressure of 3,000 psi and a flow rate of two gallons per minute. CR notes it comes with two 4.0Ah batteries, a dual-port charger, five quick-release spray tips, a siphon kit for drawing water from pools or lakes, and a 25-foot hose.

Credit: Ryobi

The Ryobi RY80589 is a gas-powered model priced at $399 with a claimed maximum pressure of 3,300 psi and a flow rate of 2.4 gallons per minute. Consumer Reports says it earns top marks for both cleaning and power, and rates it very effective at removing stains. CR notes that, like all gas models, it requires hearing protection, and the machine comes with four nozzles and a 35-foot hose.

Credit: Hart Tools

Sold at Walmart $WMT for $288, the Hart HW80544 is the least expensive gas model in this group. Consumer Reports says it does a great job, with a maximum pressure of 3,100 psi and a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute, and notes it rates very effective at removing stains with a very wide spray angle. CR notes it weighs just under 65 pounds and is fairly noisy, making hearing protection advisable, and the machine includes four nozzle tips, an onboard soap dispenser, and a 25-foot hose with a three-year warranty.