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Any homeowner will tell you that it takes a bit more than a brand new lawn mower to keep weeds and pests from overtaking your landscaping. Whether you’re tackling crabgrass, dandelion, or grubs, the good news is you can keep them all at bay with the help of a garden pump sprayer.
These sprayers are designed to apply herbicides, pesticides, and other types of lawn chemicals or weed killers exactly where they're needed. Most sprayers can hold several gallons of liquid at once, allowing you to cover more ground, and some even have advanced features like multiple nozzles and trigger locks to make lawn care less of a chore.
Best Garden Pump Sprayers
What to Consider
When shopping for a garden pump sprayer, first think about the amount of ground you have to cover. You’ll want a sprayer large enough that it won’t need to be refilled every 20 minutes, but not something that’ll needlessly weigh you down. Non-professional garden sprayers are typically made of polyethylene plastic and/or stainless steel, and can hold anywhere from a few ounces to several gallons stored in tank that you wear on your back. The most basic sprayers are manual pumps, but there are also higher-end battery-powered options.
There are several other features to consider, depending on the style of sprayer you choose. Generally speaking, things like adjustable or extra nozzles, locking triggers, telescopic wands, and ergonomic handles will make operation easier and more convenient, especially if you're maintaining a large property. Also, note that some garden sprayers aren’t made for acid-based solutions or other corrosive chemicals.
How We Selected
While conducting our research, we combed through countless customer reviews and consulted expert gardening sources. All of the garden pump sprayers we feature are from top brands, with average customer ratings of at least 4 stars. We cover every major style used by non-professional gardeners—from small handheld options ideal for potted plants to large-capacity sprayers for large yards—and offer products to consider across price points, from value-packed to premium picks.
For more great additions to your lawn care arsenal, check out our coverage of the best garden hose reels, compost tumblers, and lawn dethatchers!
Pros
- Battery-powered
- Rolling cart prevents lifting
- Locking trigger
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
- Power Source: Battery
- Capacity: 3 gallons
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 26 inches
- Wand Length: 21 inches
If you’re tired of carrying around your pump sprayer but don’t want to strap it to your back, either, this option is the perfect solution. The tank is mounted on a rolling cart with a top handle that you can simply pull around your yard.
The battery-powered sprayer can hold up to 3 gallons of herbicides, pesticides, or other liquid chemicals, and it sprays up to 24 gallons per charge. It features a large nozzle with fan, stream, or cone spray options, and the heavy-duty wand has a comfortable grip that can lock on for continuous spraying. Plus,
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Adjustable nozzle
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Some customer say pump isn't efficient
Key Specs
- Power Source: Manual
- Capacity: 48 ounces
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
- Wand Length: N/A
Garden pump sprayers with a simple design, like this one from Chapin, are perfect for treating potted plants, as the task doesn’t require a telescopic wand. The company knows a thing or two about how to make top-notch lawn and garden products, as they've been in business for more than a century.
The 48-ounce compact sprayer has a simple twisting nozzle, an in-tank filter to prevent clogging, and features a comfortable ergonomic handle and a tight-fitting lid. Plus, it’s designed for use with the most common fertilizers and produces 20-foot-plus streams. The only caveat is that some customers say it takes a lot of pumping during application.
Pros
- Good value
- Multiple sizes
Cons
- No pressure-release valve
Key Specs
- Power Source: Manual
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.6 x 15.3 inches
- Wand Length: 12 inches
It may not look as eye-catching as some others we cover, but this pump sprayer does the job—and does it well. It features a translucent 1-gallon tank and funnel top, along with a comfortable handle and an in-tank filter to prevent clogging.
Its spray flow rate ranges from .4 to .5 gallons per minute, and it can be filled with a range of commonly used pesticides, fertilizers, and weed killers. A twisting nozzle allows you to adjust the spray to your application needs, and if you have a larger area to cover, the garden sprayer is also available in 2- and 3-gallon sizes.
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Pros
- Adjustable wand length
- Trigger lock
- Safety value
Cons
- Not for acidic or corrosive solutions
Key Specs
- Power Source: Manual
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Dimensions: 15.9 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches
- Wand Length: 20-36 inches
If you’re looking for a 1-gallon portable garden pump sprayer with a telescopic wand, this option is an excellent choice. Its translucent container is made of durable polyethylene plastic and it features a brass wand that can reach up to 3 feet away.
There’s also an ergonomic handle with a locking trigger for long spraying sessions, a twisting nozzle with a 360-degree rotating head, and a safety valve that automatically lowers pressure if it exceeds 2.5 bars.
The handy, adjustable carrying strap is a nice extra. Keep in mind that this sprayer isn’t intended for acidic or corrosive solutions.
Pros
- Long, well-made wand
- Four nozzles
- Chemical-resistant seals
Cons
- Mixed reviews on quality of nozzle seals
Key Specs
- Power Source: Manual
- Capacity: 2 gallons
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 22 inches
- Wand Length: 28 inches
There’s a lot to like about Solo’s 2-gallon garden sprayer. It’s well-priced and lightweight, with a translucent high-density polyethylene tank and an easy-to-fill funnel top. It features a 28-inch wand said to be “unbreakable” (and which has a locking shutoff valve so you can take a break from your task), plus four nozzles with chemical-resistant seals, though some customers report leaking.
There’s also a spot to set the nozzle when you aren’t using it and a removable shoulder strap. Do note that it can’t be used with acid-based solutions.
Pros
- Metal wand
- High-efficiency pump
- Multiple nozzles
Cons
- Nozzles may drip
Key Specs
- Power Source: Manual
- Capacity: 2 gallons
- Dimensions: 8 x 9.8 x 20.8 inches
- Wand Length: 21 inches
This 2-gallon garden pump sprayer is a significant step up from the Solo in price and in features. For starters, it has a high-efficiency pump, a trigger lock to keep your hand from cramping while spraying, and an in-line filter with ample surface area to prevent clogging.
Other highlights include durable Viton seals and gaskets and a 21-inch stainless steel wand, plus four nozzles to swap out and a pressure relief valve for extra safety.
The sprayer has a stability base that will keep it from tipping over when not in use, and there’s even a spot for the nozzle to prevent it from dripping on the ground, though some customers say it isn't always foolproof.
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Pros
- No pumping required
- Large nozzle
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
- Power Source: Battery
- Capacity: 2 gallons
- Dimensions: 8 x 9.75 x 20.75 inches
- Wand Length: 21 inches
If you’re over manual garden sprayers and have more to spend, a battery-powered model is the way to go.
This 2-gallon capacity model from the well-known garden-care brand Scotts has a lithium-ion battery—and you can fill the tank up 12 times before it needs to be recharged. There’s a 21-inch wand with a nozzle that has three settings—fan, stream, and cone spray—that has a designated storage spot.
Other highlights include a pressure value, a shutoff with Viton seals to extend the life of the pump sprayer, and an in-line filter to prevent clogging that’s easy to clean.
Pros
- Good value
- Multiple nozzles
- Locking trigger
Cons
- Backpack may be too heavy for some
Key Specs
- Power Source: Manual
- Capacity: 4 gallons
- Dimensions: 15 x 22.5 x 9.5 inches
- Wand Length: 21 inches
Using a handheld garden pump sprayer isn’t efficient if you have a lot of ground to cover. For larger yards, you’ll want something that holds more than 3 gallons, and the best way to haul it is on your back.
This ergonomic backpack has a 4-gallon capacity and features an internal piston pump for powerful spray, along with a 21-inch wand. There are also four nozzles to switch out, including an adjustable brass option, two flat fans, and a foaming nozzle. Plus, its adjustable padded straps have both a waist belt and chest-cinch strap, ensuring a comfortable fit as you work around the yard.
Due to the nature of its design, this pump sprayer may be too heavy for some at full capacity.
Pros
- Battery-powered
- Stainless steel wand
- Organizational pockets
- Several nozzle attachments
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
- Power Source: Battery
- Capacity: 4 gallons
- Dimensions: 23 x 8 x 16 inches
- Wand Length: Not listed
With more to spend, this backpack sprayer is top of the line—a battery-powered unit that’s said to run up to 8 hours on a single charge, which equals roughly 200 gallons of liquid.
Chances are, that’s probably overkill unless you’re a professional, but it’s nice to know you can spend the better part of a morning or afternoon working without having to worry you’ll run out of juice.
Other highlights among features on this high-end backpack include a stainless steel adjustable wand with a locking handle and a bevy of nozzle attachments, plus thick shoulder pads and organizational pockets for small items.
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Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Easy setup and adjustment
Cons
- Hose connection can leak
Key Specs
- Power Source: Manual
- Capacity: 32 ounces
- Dimensions: 3.91 x 9.83 x 7.62 inches
- Wand Length: N/A
It doesn’t get any more straightforward than this cheap option, but the convenience of attaching the sprayer to your garden hose means you'll have to drag the hose around your yard. That said, the sprayer has an impressive 14 dilution settings to adjust the flow of concentrate to get the right chemical-to-water ratio.
The attachment also features a large dial that’s easy to adjust, and there's a comfortable trigger, along with three different spray patterns. Another plus is that it weighs less than a pound. But the main drawback of using this type of garden pump sprayer is that the hose connection may leak.
Pros
- Durable, all-metal construction
- Funnel opening
Cons
- Heavier than most
Key Specs
- Power Source: Manual
- Capacity: 2 gallons
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 19 inches
- Wand Length: 12 inches
Plastic pump sprayers can be somewhat flimsy, and if you’re looking for a more solidly made option that can withstand bangs and bumps, this metal sprayer from Chapin is worth the expense.
The 2-gallon tank is made from durable steel, and even the 12-inch wand and nozzle are built from brass. The sprayer features a 4-inch funnel-shaped opening that makes it easier to clean and fill, and it’s compatible with common fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides. Also, the adjustable nozzle has a lock for continuous spraying, plus a filter to prevents debris from clogging the hose.
Just keep in mind that this pump sprayer is substantially heavier than similarly sized plastic options, weighing over 6 pounds when empty.
Pros
- Gas-powered for ultra-fast application
- Solid spray range
- Padded straps
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
- Power Source: Gas
- Capacity: 5 gallons
- Dimensions: 21 x 17 x 26 inches
- Wand Length: Not listed
For heavy-duty pesticide or herbicide applications, this 5-gallon gas-powered backpack sprayer will get the job done quickly and efficiently.
It works up to seven times faster than traditional pump sprayers, covering up to one acre in as little as 15 minutes. It gets its muscle from a 1.8-horsepower engine, and features dual nozzles that let you cover twice as much ground in one pass.
Other highlights include a 30-foot spray range, a dial that allows you to adjust the pressure, and a quick-empty cap for draining extra fluid when you’re done working. The padded straps are a definite plus for added comfort.
Camryn Rabideau
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.