A backpack sprayer is an indispensable tool for pest-control specialists, gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners looking for a convenient way of applying fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many more types of chemicals. While there are various types of these devices, battery-powered ones give their owners the advantage of the ease of use. In addition, battery-powered devices make your life much easier by reducing the need to manually pump up the pressure or drag the cord behind you wherever you go. However, with so many available options, it can be hard to find the best battery-powered backpack sprayers.
Therefore, I’ve put together this review to weed out products worth your attention. I’ve tested dozens of backpack sprayers, and now I present the ones that stood up to the expectations and proved to work great. So, stick with me, and you will get tips on what features to consider when you search for an optimal backpack sprayer.
Battery-powered backpack sprayers comparison table
What to look for when choosing battery backpack sprayers?
Pressure rating
The amount of pressure the backpack sprayer produces through its nozzles is usually measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). This parameter is essential for an effective sprayer operation. When the pressure is too low, the tool won’t be able to produce an even spray of its contents. At the same time, a too-powerful sprayer will generate an excess of mist, which may be redundant for smaller yards. The average pressure level for a battery-powered garden sprayer is 70 PSI. The smallest models can have as little as 40 PSI, while commercial or professional sprayers will deliver around 150 PSI.
So, you may consider a device with more than 70 PSI when you have a large yard with many hard-to-reach areas. In case you have a small or mid-sized yard, you will be more than satisfied with a rating between 40-70 PSI.
Battery life
The greatest advantage of a cordless backpack sprayer is that you can use it freely without the hassle of dealing with cords and manually pumping up the pressure. However, checking whether the battery lasts long enough to let you work in the garden or yard without interruptions is important. Therefore, I recommend considering the sprayer with a battery that can last at least a few hours.
Tank capacity
You can find backpack sprayers with a tank capacity ranging from 2 to 7 gallons. Which option will work better for you depends on the usage scenarios. Consider a medium-sized tank (4 gallons) for domestic use. A smaller-capacity sprayer (2 gallons) will totally satisfy your needs if you have a small yard or garden. If you are looking for a professional backpack sprayer for commercial use, you will come across options with large tanks (5-7 gallons) with a wheeled cart to let you move it around.
Spray distance
The spray distance varies among backpack sprayers. You are more likely to find tools with a spray range from 10 feet to 30 feet. The further the item sprays, the easier it will be to cover hard-to-reach places and spray the large area in one go.
Spray nozzles
Different types of nozzles offer various spraying modes and patterns. The nozzle can make a difference depending on what type of work you perform. So, if you plan to use the backpack sprayer in multiple ways, it is better to look for options with several nozzles.
Best battery-powered backpack sprayer reviews
MY 4 SONS M4 – best overall
Meet MY 4 SONS M4, one of the most powerful backpack sprayers that offers great control and reliability for a wide range of your spraying needs.
Its lead-acid battery delivers 6-8 hours of operation on a single charge, which is around 200 gallons. This is four times more than in Chapin 63924, allowing you to work for extended periods. The battery is standard, so you can find one for a replacement pretty easily in local stores. Also, the battery comes out easily to be recharged with an included charger.
This battery-operated sprayer has a variable pressure switch, so you can choose between 20-70 PSI. This is an optimal range to ensure even spraying. In addition, it easily sprays 30 feet, letting you cover a larger area with less effort.
Thanks to a wide lid, you can effortlessly refill the tank, while the filter will keep the dirt and debris away. Also, there are pockets for wands and accessories. The thick straps are comfy and soft, so do not rub your shoulders.
I like that MY 4 SONS M4 comes with a variety of nozzles. However, some nozzles with a lot of back pressure resulted in a slight leakage of the plastic wand.
FlowZone Typhoon 2.5 – premium pick
The FlowZone Typhoon 2.5 backpack sprayer has become a favorite tool among professionals for a good reason. It has a variety of features that help gardeners or pest control specialists do their job easier.
The greatest advantage of FlowZone Typhoon 2.5 over Field King 190515 is the 5-position pressure dial that lets you pick the right pressure level. By the way, this sprayer can extract up to 115 PSI, which is almost three times more than an ordinary device delivers. Because of the 4-gallon tank capacity, you can work for extended periods without frequent refilling.
Using FlowZone Typhoon 2.5, you can spray for around three hours on a single charge to a distance of over 30 feet. I was disappointed to receive a broken charger. Luckily, I could bring the battery back to life with another compatible charger.
Chapin 63924 – budget
When you appreciate mobility, the Chapin 63924 backpack sprayer is a product you should pay close attention to. It weighs less than MY 4 SONS M4, so it will provide comfort as you work.
This machine features a 24-volt lithium-ion battery that ensures two hours of uninterrupted work. It allows you to spray up 58 gallons (220 liters) on a single charge. The 4-gallon (15 liters) translucent tank is enough to ensure you avoid frequent refilling. As Chapin 63924 extracts 35-40 PSI of even and pretty strong pressure, you can expect it to spray out even the last drop from the tank.
I like the wide opening for easier filling and cleaning. With the metal base rails, you can keep the sprayer upright on its own. As you put this product on your back, your shoulders won’t hurt because of the padded straps. However, I wish the hose could be a bit longer. An extra 1-2 feet would make a great difference.
Field King 190515 – also a great choice
Would you like to buy a backpack sprayer with a generous amount of padding? Then, the Field King 190515 will provide you with the comfort you crave for.
Thanks to the heavily coated straps and back, you will feel no fatigue or shoulder pain at all, even when the sprayer is full. With an in-built handle and wand storage mechanism, you can easily carry Field King 190515 around. The poly wand and the powder-coated steel frame look durable, but I am not sure whether they are resistant to aggressive chemicals. I used a weed killer, and the sprayer started leaking out of the back where the pump is.
Four included nozzles let you set different spraying patterns. The 18-volt lithium-ion 2.1 amp battery delivers an extra hour of operation compared to FlowZone Typhoon 2.5. So, you can spray 50 gallons of liquid within 4 hours, all on a single charge. This product’s pressure has been pre-set at 40 PSI, but you can lower the pressure if you work in smaller areas. The sprayer can reach a distance of 24 feet on the highest pressure setting. However, note that it works only when the tank is more than half full. The pressure is inconsistent when the contents go to less than half.
Sprayers Plus 105Ex
The Sprayers Plus 105Ex is an improved version of the well-known 105E to make spraying your garden or yard easier and more comfortable. The new model has not only taken all the advantages of the old version but also corrected some of the shortcomings. After testing the Sprayers Plus 105Ex, I can say that it is one of the best battery-powered garden sprayers I have ever worked with.
The commercial-grade 20-volt lithium-ion battery has a battery level indicator, which allows you to monitor the battery life. The sprayer’s pump maintains a consistent 40 PSI to cover your household needs. It is smaller than Field King 190515 but still provides a stream spraying of up to 33 ft. horizontally and 23 ft. vertically.
This product works great, but I have a few suggestions for improvement. First, the straps are nearly unusable for plus-size people. You can’t extend them to make them fit your chest right. Then, I would appreciate seeing a clip or any other sort of mechanism for holding the wand when not in use. Without it, the hose and wand are just dangling all over.
Comparing battery-powered sprayers to other types
I have prepared a visual table for you, which describes the pros and cons of each type:
Now that we have the facts laid out let’s consider which type of backpack sprayer suits your needs better:
- For small-scale tasks: If you’re a hobbyist gardener or have a modest garden to tend to, the manual battery sprayer for agriculture could be your go-to. They’re simple, budget-friendly, and lightweight. However, be prepared for some physical effort and more frequent refills.
- For large-scale applications: When tackling substantial projects, such as a vast lawn or commercial farming, the gas-powered backpack sprayer shines. Its high capacity and pressure are perfect for the job. Just keep in mind the noise, emissions, and maintenance involved.
- For versatility and eco-friendly solutions: The battery-powered backpack sprayer strikes a balance. It’s convenient, mobile, and environmentally friendly. While the initial cost may be higher, it saves you time and effort in the long run. However, be mindful of battery life and the slightly increased weight.
