The Best Hose-End Sprayers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Master your landscaping routine with one of these premium hose-end sprayers, all of which excelled in our hands-on testing.
We understand that when it comes to fertilizing a yard, maintaining a row of shrubbery, tending to a flower bed, or nurturing a vegetable garden, handheld spray bottles may not be sufficient for the task. That’s why we decided to test today’s best-selling hose-end sprayers and provide our readers with comprehensive insights into how each one performed.
Hose-end sprayers harness the force of water pressure to efficiently dispense pesticides and fertilizers over large yards, gardens, and landscaping within minutes. These devices typically consist of a plastic container attached to a nozzle that connects to a standard garden hose. The nozzle effectively blends the chemicals from the container with water, enabling precise spraying onto targeted areas of the landscape. Our favorite is the Ortho Dial N Spray Hose-End Sprayer thanks to its smart design, customizable options, and anti-backflow device.
Ahead, discover the most important features to look for when shopping for one of these handy sprayers, and find out how the following models earned a spot on our lineup of the best hose- end sprayers.
- BEST OVERALL: Ortho Dial N Spray Hose-End Sprayer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Chapin G390 32-Ounce Lawn & Garden Hose-End Sprayer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR GARDEN: Miracle-Gro Liquid Concentrate Garden Feeder
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH FERTILIZER: Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Garden Feeder
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTIPURPOSE: Willcrew Hose Nozzle Sprayer & Car Wash Mitt
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOAMING: Twinkle Star 5-Nozzle Pressure Washer Foam Lance
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Hose-End Sprayers
Before selecting hose-end sprayers for our hands-on tests, we extensively researched more than 30 different models, paying close attention to user ratings. We considered brand—after all, names like Ortho, Chapin, and Miracle-Gro have earned a reputation for manufacturing high-quality products. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate smaller manufacturers or niche brands if the sprayer offered beneficial features and had high consumer approval.
In actual testing, we put each hose-end sprayer through its paces outside in a back or front yard. Most models connected to standard garden hoses, but we tested one foam sprayer with a pressure washer. We used a water pressure of 45 pounds per square inch (PSI) with each garden-hose sprayer, which we consistently measured using a water-pressure meter. We filled the garden-hose sprayers with the recommended fertilizer, while the foam sprayer was tested using an automobile-cleaning solution. We tried dilution settings and tested every spray pattern the sprayer offered to determine how well it functioned.
Using a rubric-based scoring system, we evaluated each sprayer. The better the sprayer performed, the higher the score. After testing, we added the points to determine which sprayers earned a place in the lineup and which didn’t. You can find another sprayer that didn’t quite make the grade under the Also Tested section below.
Testing Stats | |
Products tested | 8 |
Time spent testing | 1 hour each |
Tests performed | 8 to 9 |
Price range | $7 to $30 |
Our Top Picks
Below are the garden hose-end sprayers that excelled in our hands-on testing. This comprehensive lineup features a range of models in varying types, functions, and price points. Whether you’re seeking a versatile all-purpose sprayer or a specialized solution for specific gardening needs, you will find a valuable addition to your collection of gardening accessories among these top-performing options.
Best Overall
Ortho Dial N Spray Hose-End Sprayer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Handle Comfort 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Spray patterns: 3
- Dilution settings: 14
- Connects to: Standard garden hose
What We Like
- 3 spray patterns provide versatility for different application scenarios
- 14 dilution settings allow for customization of the strength of the solution
- Anti-backflow device prevents solution from flowing back into the hose
What We Don’t Like
- Spray coverage might not be adequate for large lawns or commercial use
The Ortho Dial N Spray hose-end sprayer is a convenient and efficient tool for spraying liquid concentrates, such as weed killers, insect killers, fungicides, and fertilizers. With its easy-to-use design, this sprayer eliminates the hassle of mixing and measuring to prevent making a mess.
This garden hose-end sprayer offers just three spray patterns but covers most application bases. By twisting the ring at the front of the sprayer, we could select either a broadcast spray pattern, a strong jet stream, or a shower pattern for delicate foliage. Each worked well, but we discovered that our pattern selection had to be precise—you have to feel a little “click” when twisting the ring to ensure you get the pattern you want. If the ring fails to click into place, water dribbles profusely.
This durable Ortho sprayer offers 14 dilution settings from 1 teaspoon to 8 ounces per gallon of water. Simply use the adjustable dial on the sprayer’s side to customize solution strength to match application instructions on the fertilizer’s packaging. The sprayer’s anti-backflow device prevents any solution from flowing back into the water hose, ensuring it doesn’t contaminate the water in the garden hose. The ergonomically designed trigger and extended-grip handle are pretty standard, and they are similar in comfort to all the others we tested.
Read our full review: Ortho Dial N Spray Hose-End Sprayer
Get the Ortho hose-end sprayer at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Ortho.
Best Bang For The Buck
Chapin G390 32-Ounce Lawn & Garden Hose-End Sprayer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Handle Comfort 3.5/5; Performance 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Spray patterns: 1
- Dilution settings: None
- Connects to: Standard garden hose
What We Like
- Universal fit for easy attachment to any standard garden hose
- Built-in anti-siphon feature prevents backflow to prevent contamination of the water supply
- Capable of handling water-soluble chemicals as well as concentrated liquid products
What We Don’t Like
- No dilution adjustment—dilution is controlled by measuring the product before adding it to the tank
- On/off thumb lever is not as ergonomic as the design of some spray models
- Only offers a downward fan spray pattern, which isn’t practical for elevated or direct spraying
Tend to your lawn and garden without spending a lot of money. We found the affordable Chapin G390 lawn and garden sprayer a durable and reliable option for various spraying needs in our yard. It has a 32-ounce chemical-resistant poly tank and a universal fitting to attach easily to any standard garden hose.
One of the notable features of this sprayer is its capability to handle water-soluble chemicals. With this sprayer, we could add granulated fertilizer to the tank and apply it uniformly to our lawn. It also accepts liquid fertilizer and features a measurement guide on the side of the tank for accurate dilution. Like many hose-end sprayers we tested, the Chapin G390 has a built-in anti-siphon feature that ensures backflow prevention to keep from contaminating the water in the hose.
While the Chapin G390 performed well in our testing, it has a couple of minor downsides worth mentioning. The sprayer features a thumb lever on top, which feels less ergonomic than a traditional trigger design. We prefer a trigger-type sprayer for convenience. Plus, it offers only one spray pattern, limiting the versatility of application options. It’s best suited to lawns and low-growing flowers and shrubs due to the downward angle of the spray.
Considering its budget-friendly price point, the Chapin G390 hose-end sprayer is a reliable choice for those seeking a durable and practical sprayer for their yard. While it may have some minor ergonomic considerations and limited spray-pattern options, it delivers satisfactory performance in terms of spraying capability and ease of use.
Get the Chapin G390 hose-end sprayer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best For Garden
Miracle-Gro Liquid Concentrate Garden Feeder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Handle Comfort 4/5; Performance 3.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 3.8/5
Product Specs
- Spray patterns: 3
- Dilution settings: 0 (accommodates a 1.5-pound Miracle-Gro bag)
- Connects to: Standard garden hose
What We Like
- 3 spray patterns for custom product application to different plants
- Covers a significant area in a short amount of time, providing efficient feeding
- Offers the option to store unused solution in the plastic tank for future feeding
What We Don’t Like
- Lock lever on the top required significant force and was difficult to use; may not be as user-friendly as some other sprayers
- Feeder tends to leak if the hose fitting is not tightly secured, indicating potential issues with the inside washer
From a name well known in the gardening world comes the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder, which features trigger-lock technology to allow for easy one-handed feedings. Similar in design to our Best Overall pick, the Miracle-Gro sprayer has three spray patterns (broadcast, shower, and jet). All three functioned well in our tests.
Using the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder is a simple three-step process. First, add Miracle-Gro water-soluble plant food to the tank. Next, connect the feeder to the hose. And finally, start the fertilizing process by squeezing the trigger, which causes water to fill the tank and dilute the product.
In testing, the locking mechanism on the top of the Garden Feeder was somewhat challenging to operate. It tended to stick and required too much force to engage with just a thumb, which diminished its ease of use. Furthermore, we noticed that the sprayer tended to leak unless we tightened the hose fitting securely. This led us to suspect that the inside washer might not be of the highest quality.
The instructions suggested cleaning the jar by turning the feeder upside down after use and running water through it. This process took less than a minute, but the sprayer can also be stored with unused fertilizer still in the tank if desired.
Get the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder hose-end sprayer at Amazon (sprayer only) or with fertilizer included at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Miracle-Gro.
Best With Fertilizer
Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Garden Feeder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Handle Comfort 4/5; Performance 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Spray patterns: 3
- Dilution settings: 0
- Connects to: Standard garden hose
What We Like
- Offers 3 spray patterns for custom applications—broadcast, shower, and jet
- Quick cleaning by turning the feeder upside down and running water through the jar
- Straightforward process for connecting, filling, and operating the feeder
What We Don’t Like
- Lock lever on the top can be challenging to maneuver, requiring significant force
The Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Garden Feeder offers functionality and a design that’s similar to the preceding product on our list, the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder. With trigger technology for one-handed feedings, this sprayer provides convenience and efficiency. It also includes three spray patterns—broadcast, shower, and jet—which all performed well during testing.
However, we encountered a familiar challenge with the lock lever on the top of the Garden Feeder. It proved to be difficult to maneuver, requiring considerable force to operate. The lack of ease of use, especially with the need for extra pressure, was a notable drawback.
Using the Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Garden Feeder is a straightforward three-step process. Fill the tank with fertilizer (the first fertilizer feeding is included), connect the sprayer to the hose, turn on the water, and start spraying.
We followed the instructions to clean the sprayer after use, which required us to turn it upside down and run water through the jar. This rinsing took less than a minute and cleared out all the fertilizer residue.
Get the Miracle-Gro Performance Organics hose-end sprayer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, True Value, or Miracle-Gro.
Best Multipurpose
Willcrew Hose Nozzle Sprayer & Car Wash Mitt
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Handle Comfort 5/5; Performance 4/5; Durability 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Spray patterns: 8
- Dilution settings: Graduated via manual dial
- Connects to: Standard garden hose
What We Like
- Versatile sprayer suitable for car washing, watering garden or hanging plants, or bathing pets
- Graduated dial allows for adjustable dilution of soap and water
- Trigger lock-on function reduces hand fatigue during extended use
What We Don’t Like
- Removable pressure-