Pressure washers are the best tool for eliminating stains quickly from your home or commercial property. Sun Joe (sometimes referred to as Joe Brands) and Greenworks are two of the best value brands in the market. Each company sells basic electric pressure washers, so it may be difficult to tell them apart initially.
At a basic level, the Greenworks vs Sun Joe pressure washer debate is simple: Greenworks is the durable, longer-term option, while Sun Joe is the most budget-friendly choice.
In this guide, we’ll compare Sun Joe vs Greenworks pressure washers to help you decide. However, both brands are limited in their intended use cases. They will struggle with difficult stains like rust, oil, and grease.
Instead, we recommend a third option for residential and commercial use: Hotsy. As the industry-leading brand for over 5 decades, Hotsy produces industrial-quality power washers that are durable, effective, and simple to use.
RJP Hotsy New Jersey is the only authorized retailer in the Garden State. Our friendly team will analyze your cleaning needs and set you up with the perfect model, whether it’s the best simple cold water residential machine or a gas-powered industrial behemoth that can eradicate “impossible” stains plaguing your property.
Overview of Sun Joe Pressure Washers
We’ll need to look at each company individually before we explore how to choose a pressure washer brand.
The first half of the Sun Joe vs Greenworks pressure washer debate concerns the ideal budget-friendly option. Sun Joe is a line of the popular Joe Brands family of products, which sells other appliances under different names, like Snow Joe and Aqua Joe.
Sun Joe’s power washers are electric and cold-water, contributing to their low sticker price.
Popular Models
Sun Joe’s models cost $130 to $400, making them convenient for any budget. When you compare Greenworks vs Sun Joe pressure washers, the latter is far cheaper, despite both being considered budget options.
The brand’s flagship model is the SPX4800, which features 2500 PSI (pounds per square inch) and 1.1 GPM (gallons per minute). It has color-coded nozzles, an onboard detergent tank, and a weight of around 48 pounds for maximum portability.
On the opposite end of the size spectrum, Sun Joe’s SPX205E-XT weighs 13 pounds and has 1500 PSI and 1.2 GPM. Most of their models feature 2-year warranties.
Benefits and Considerations
Price point is the primary factor distinguishing Sun Joe vs Greenworks pressure washers. Sun Joe is just about the cheapest power washer available. They’re also relatively simple to use, though that’s a feature common to most residential models.
The heaviest Sun Joe model is just over 47 pounds. Transporting them is easy and relatively stress-free.
However, there are significant drawbacks to Sun Joe.
First, these machines are among the weakest of any brand. Even when comparing Greenworks vs Sun Joe pressure washers (Greenworks is another relatively low-power company), the former’s models are sometimes doubly effective.
2500 PSI is barely enough to handle moderate-duty tasks like sidewalks and parking lots. You’re out of luck if you need to deal with a tough stain like oil, grease, or rust.
GPM is also shockingly low on Sun Joe machines. 2.0 GPM is practically a bare minimum for almost every task–lower GPM values mean you’ll waste water and take extra time to lift stains out of your surfaces.
The low price tag on Sun Joe machines can be a double-edged sword. These machines aren’t very durable, and you’ll have to deal with repairs and replacements sooner than you’d like. The risk of wear and tear is higher if you’re trying to stretch these models past their limits (which isn’t a high bar to clear).
Overview of Greenworks Pressure Washers
The other side of the Sun Joe vs Greenworks pressure washer debate is a stalwart of the residential electric pressure washer market. You can find Greenworks and its signature green-and-black designs in garages nationwide.
Like Sun Joe, Greenworks only sells cold-water electric models. However, the brand has successfully positioned itself as a solid option in the residential space.
Popular Models
The first contrast between Greenworks vs Sun Joe pressure washers is their power levels.
Greenworks’ flagship power washer is the 80V, 3000 PSI model. For $800, you receive a machine capable of reaching 3000 PSI and 2.0 GPM. While this is still too slow for most industrial tasks, it’s enough power for many residential jobs.
The 80V is compatible with Greenworks batteries and features an integrated stop system to prevent overheating.
The smallest Greenworks option is their 1800 PSI corded model, which boasts 1.1 GPM for just $140. Their pressure washers have a 3- or 4-year warranty, a testament to their slight advantage in durability over Sun Joe.
Benefits and Considerations
Consistency is a big win for Greenworks vs Sun Joe pressure washers. While they aren’t the most powerful brand on the market, Greenworks provides enough cleaning power to handle most basic tasks.
Greenworks products are also user-friendly, including swappable accessories and nozzles.
The primary issue with Greenworks is that it sits in a limbo between entry-level and premium. Their machines are relatively cheap, but don’t have enough power to handle tough commercial tasks. You can invest in the next tier of brands like DeWalt, Ryobi, or Westinghouse for slightly more money. (You can check out our comparisons of these brands here: Greenworks vs Ryobi pressure washer and DeWalt vs Westinghouse electric pressure washer.)
Despite the win in durability when comparing Sun Joe vs Greenworks pressure washers, you still get what you pay for with the latter. You’re likely still looking to replace or perform extensive repairs on a Greenworks model after a couple of years.
Sun Joe vs Greenworks Pressure Washer: Which is Better for Your Cleaning Needs?
The Sun Joe vs Greenworks pressure washer debate pits two budget brands against one another in essential categories. Both can help you experience power washing for the first time.
Build Quality and Lifespan
Greenworks has a slight advantage over Sun Joe in terms of build quality. Both brands use plastic components, which are susceptible to wear and tear over time.
The internal components of Greenworks are durable in the long run, thanks to features like intelligent PCBA, which adapts motor speeds for efficiency. Sun Joe lacks this feature but does share the TSS (Total Stop System), which helps prevent overheating.
Greenworks models last 2 to 4 years, while Sun Joe machines are closer to 1 to 3 years. The warranties for each brand follow this, as Sun Joe typically has a 2-year warranty while Greenworks has 3- and 4-year options.
Note that both brands are below the industry average overall. For example, if you compare the lifespan of commercial vs residential pressure washers, the former can last several years, or even decades, with the best brands.
Motor Technology and Cleaning Power
Greenworks has a proprietary TruBrushless motor. They tend to run cool, and many models sit in the 2500 to 3000 PSI range. Sun Joe’s power washers have standard universal or induction electric motors prone to overheating. Most of their models sit in the 1500 to 2500 PSI range.
Neither brand can handle tough commercial stains. Cleaning tasks like rust, biofilm in maritime settings, and restaurant grease require a PSI of above 3000 and at least 4 GPM if you want the job done quickly.
Portability, Hose Management, and Storage
Sun Joe power washers are lightweight. The heaviest model weighs 47 pounds, but Sun Joe also has several smaller options weighing less than 20 pounds. This makes them incredibly portable–some can even be carried while you work!
Greenworks units are heavier by comparison. Their largest model is 66 pounds, while others are in the 30-40 pound range.
Hose management is a different story. Sun Joe products use 20ft hoses that kink or wear down easily, while Greenworks has 25ft kink-resistant hoses.
Each brand has different storage benefits. Sun Joe’s power washers are small, which makes them easier to store in your garage or warehouse. Conversely, they have little room to store accessories or extra hoses.
Greenworks models do have extra on-board storage for equipment, but also occupy more physical space.
Price vs Value Comparison
While these two brands are relatively close in price, there is a gulf in value between Sun Joe vs Greenworks pressure washers.
Let’s look at their flagship models. The Sun Joe SPX4800 costs $400 and provides 2500 PSI and 1.1 GPM. Greenworks’ equivalent, the 80V 3000-PSI model, has 3000 PSI and 2.0 GPM for $750. It also has a 4-year warranty compared to a 2-year warranty for the SPX4800.
So, for less than double the price, Greenworks lasts longer, cleans almost twice as fast, and has extra cleaning power.
Comparing Specific Sun Joe and Greenworks Models
Here’s a closer look at how a couple of models from each brand stack up.
Sun Joe SPX4800:
- 2500 PSI, 1.1 GPM
- 1-gallon detergent tank
- 5 quick-connect nozzles
- 20 ft hose
- 47 lbs
- 35ft power cord
- 2-year warranty
- MSRP $400
Greenworks 80V 3000-PSI:
- 3000 PSI, 2.0 GPM
- Open steel frame
- 25ft kink-resistant hose
- 80V battery that works with other Greenworks products
- 4-year warranty
- MSRP $750
Sun Joe SPX3500:
- 2000 PSI, 1.1 GPM
- 40.6oz detergent tank
- 2-year warranty
- MSRP $280
Greenworks 3000-PSI Corded:
- 3000 PSI, 2.0 GPM
- ECO mode at 2200 PSI
- Corded or battery options
- 4-year warranty
- MSRP $700
As you can see, Greenworks machines are more powerful, albeit at a higher cost. But thanks to their build quality and longer warranty, they are better suited for the long run.
However, Greenworks and Sun Joe aren’t your only two options. In fact, plenty of residential and commercial brands outperform these two across several key metrics.
One company goes above and beyond to help homeowners and businesses streamline cleaning: Hotsy!
Hotsy is the leading brand in the industry, with a track record dating back over 50 years. There are over a hundred variations of pressure washers from Hotsy, each perfectly suited for different use cases in commercial and residential settings.
For example, here are the specs for the flagship cold-water electric model:
Hotsy BDE 505009:
- 5000 PSI, 5.0 GPM
- 230V and 460V options
- 50ft kink-resistant hose
- Steel cage frame supported by smooth wheels
- Belt drive, triplex pump for state-of-the-art cleaning power and durability
- ETL safety certified
- 7-year pump warranty
Hotsy also sells hot water and gas models, like the 800 series:
- 2300 PSI and 4.0 GPM (four times the cleaning of the leading Sun Joe model!)
- 208V
- 50ft kink-resistant hose
- 28in wheelbase
- 7-year triplex pump warranty
Greenworks and Sun Joe are entry-level models, and they can only clean a limited number of stains. Instead, choose the best power washer so there’s nothing you can’t handle.
Invest in Better Quality and Outcomes With a Pressure Washer From RJP Hotsy!
RJP Hotsy is the only home for Hotsy pressure washers in New Jersey. We’re proud to be the state’s only authorized retailer, helping businesses like Ryder, Phillips 66, and the Phillies since 2016.
We have the best cold and hot water pressure washers in New Jersey, all from Hotsy’s diverse product line. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will help you find the perfect fit for your home or business.
You won’t have to worry about the differences between electric vs gas pressure washers or direct drive vs belt drive pressure washers yourself; just tell your team about the stains you encounter, and we’ll do the rest!
We also offer pressure washer leasing in NJ and pressure washer rental in NJ, so you can choose the best option for your budget.
We’re also the #1 home for pressure washer maintenance and repair, including Hotsy warranty servicing. With the durability of Hotsy products and our support, you’ll have a machine that lasts for decades.
Final Thoughts on Greenworks vs Sun Joe Pressure Washer
Sun Joe and Greenworks are two of the better budget-friendly pressure washer brands. They are decent choices for homeowners, but they don’t have the power or long-term durability for complex cleaning tasks.
Instead, we recommend Hotsy for all of your power washing needs. Hotsy is the trusted retailer for thousands of businesses worldwide, with quality products and stellar customer support.
The only place to find Hotsy’s premium hot and cold water pressure washers in New Jersey is at RJP Hotsy. Stop by our New Egypt store or give us a call to learn more about how a Hotsy model will transform the way you clean.