Last Updated On February 4th, 2021
Airbrushes can be used for many different types of art projects because they allow you to paint on a myriad of surfaces. Airbrushing has become common for use with cake decorating, body painting, nail art, painting miniatures, models, detailing automobiles, murals, and painting on paper as well. The wide range of versatility associated with airbrushes also means they come in a wide variety of options that can make choosing the best airbrush seem like a daunting task. However, with our help, we can make finding a great airbrush fun, informative, and dare we say, easy too.
We did the research and refined the results, now all you have to do is read through our top 10 picks and buyer’s guide to learn everything you need to know about airbrushing and find out which airbrush will be joining your collection of art supplies and tools.
Best Airbrush Reviews – Top 10 Picks
1. Iwata Neo CN (Editor’s Choice)
Our number one Editor’s Choice is the Iwata Neo CN airbrush. Iwata is known for producing the best airbrushes available on the market today and their Neo CN makes a great choice for beginners, pros, and everyone in between.
Features
Iwata’s Neo CN airbrush features a dual-action push-down trigger with a gravity feed. It comes with two interchangeable funnel-shaped cups in a 1/3 oz and 1/16 oz size in order to help you mix paint and apply precise amounts. The gravity feed design style is good for painting in greater detail because it can function well at lower air pressure levels. This airbrush is also fairly lightweight making it easy to hold for extended periods of time.
The Neo CN airbrush comes equipped with a 0.35mm needle and nozzle combination that enables medium-sized paint spray and finer detail spray patterns. It produces excellent quality paint spray patterns and different sized needle nozzle combos can easily be purchased and attached to create different sized spray patterns.
To operate, you will need to attach a compressor with 5-35 PSI, however, Neo recommends using compressors that are smaller and produce 20 PSI max to achieve the best possible spray results.
With the Neo CN airbrush by Iwata, you may find it easy to release too much paint with the easy-to-pull trigger at first but once you get the hang of it, you should be fine. There are also reports of the nozzle breaking easily during reassembly and the airbrush possibly clogging faster than expected so make sure to clean it regularly, and carefully.
Dimensions: 11.43 x 3.81 x 19.69 cm
Weight: 226.8 g
- Outstanding build quality
- Highly responsive air and paint control
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- 2 interchangeable paint cup sizes
- Easy to pull trigger may take some practice
- More fragile nozzle can break if not careful
- May clog occasionally
2. Iwata Eclipse HP-CS (Luxury Choice)
Our top luxury option is the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS airbrush gun. It features the high-quality craftsmanship consumers have come to expect from Iwata products and makes a great choice for anyone who paints with heavier acrylics and Textile colours.
Features
The Iwata Eclipse HP-CS airbrush has a dual-action push-down trigger design with a gravity feed. Iwata products are known for their responsive controls and with the Eclipse HP-CS, you may begin to understand why. It comes with a permanently attached 1/3 oz funnel-shaped feed cup on the top of the airbrush that creates better flow and easier cleaning. It has a wider opening that makes it better suited to denser paint and comes with a screw-on cap to prevent possible paint spills.
The Eclipse HP-CS features a 0.35mm needle and nozzle combination that produces a fine to medium paint spray pattern. It has a drop-in nozzle that is self-centring for easier use, even if you aren’t an experienced airbrush artist. This Iwata spray gun is made with chrome plating and brass parts, hence our previous nod to its high-quality build.
Possible drawbacks to the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS design include a longer cleaning process due to the lengthier disassembly and reassembly process and the solid build results in a bit of added weight which may make it more uncomfortable to hold for longer periods of time. Also, other models may be better at producing fine lines and fine details.
Dimensions: 15.49 x 6.71 x 2.79 cm
Weight: 272.16 g
- High capacity paint flow
- Reputable Iwata brand
- Good for heavier acrylics and Textile colours
- Responsive paint controls
- Luxury quality
- Cleaning process may be longer than others
- May not be the best for fine lines
- Heavier design could be uncomfortable if using for longer periods
3. Ganzton SP180K Kit (Best Value)
If you’re looking for the best budget airbrush available, the Ganzton SP180K airbrush kit could be just what you need. It comes with everything you need to get started, minus the power source, and comes in a convenient art case to keep all of its parts organised and easy to access.
Features
The Ganzton SP180K airbrush gun features a double-action push-down trigger and a gravity feed cup with a 9cc capacity. The paint cup also comes with a screw-on lid for better paint containment and easier mixing. To enable multiple paint spray pattern thicknesses, including fine details, this airbrush comes with 0.2mm, 0.3mm, and 0.5mm stainless steel needles. The gun is constructed using durable copper.
Included in the Ganzton airbrush kit you will get a braided fabric hose that has a 1/4 inch connection and a removable 1/2 inch adapter with a quick-release connector for fast and easy operation when paired with a compressor limited to 15-50 PSI of pressure.
The kit also comes with a paint dropper for a precise internal mix, a wrench, and an oil-water separator. It features an easy disassembly process that makes cleaning easy as well.
Be aware, the reason for great value on this kit may become apparent when using the lower quality needle nozzles that come included. However, they can easily be upgraded if you think it is necessary. Additionally, we do not recommend this airbrush kit for professional use, and it doesn’t excel when it comes to thinner spray patterns with fine detail.
Dimensions: 24.4 x 19.2 x 6.2 cm
Weight: 800 g
- Complete starter kit
- 3 needle sizes for variable coverage
- Convenient carry case
- Great value
- Quick-release connector for easy cleaning
- Lower quality needle nozzles may not be ideal
- May not be recommended for pro use
- May not be the right choice for fine detail
4. Badger Patriot 105 (Best Stainless Steel)
The Badger Patriot 105 is our top choice for an airbrush with a top-quality stainless steel build. It also does an excellent job producing a consistent medium paint spray pattern suitable for all types of artists.
Features
The Badger Patriot 105 airbrush has a responsive dual-action push-down trigger and a gravity feed paint cup. The cup comes with a spillproof paint cap that also allows an internal mix and has a 1/3 oz capacity. The Patriot has a comfortable design and weight that is ergonomically balanced so you can use it for extended periods of time without tiring too easily.
This gravity-fed airbrush comes with a mounted 0.5mm needle and nozzle combination that features a two angle needle tip for a more consistent, accurate paint spray pattern. The Patriot design also includes Badger’s patented easy access needle removal system which helps to make cleaning and reassembly as easy as possible.
Badger backs the Patriot airbrush with a 1-year craftsmanship warranty and a lifetime labour warranty which is probably one of the main reasons they have become so popular as an airbrush company. This particular model operates an air compressor at 30 PSI or lower.
Keep in mind, Badger products feature a unique hose connection, specific to Badger, that isn’t a standard size. Also, this dual-action airbrush is not ideal for fine detail work and has a highly sensitive trigger that may take some getting used to at first. However, mastering the trigger action will be worth the extra effort when you see how masterfully it allows you to manipulate the spray pattern.
Dimensions: 15.88 x 10.8 x 5.72 cm
Weight: 243 g
- Ergonomically balanced
- Easy needle removal
- Lifetime labour warranty
- Spillproof cup cap
- 2 angle needle tip
- Unique hose connection may not be compatible with other brands
- May not be ideal for fine detail work
- Highly sensitive trigger may take some getting used to
5. Timbertech ABPST01 (Best Kit)
The Timbertech ABPST01 is another great option on our list if you are looking for the best airbrush kit. The airbrush gun has a well-balanced weight that is comfortable to hold and allows a smooth spray pattern with an easy push and pull back trigger.
Features
The Timbertech ABPST01 is a dual-action airbrush with a gravity feed that features smooth trigger action. The paint colour cup on top is permanently attached, has a 0.2-ounce capacity, and comes with an optional cover to prevent paint spills and speed up the mixing process.
This gravity feed airbrush kit comes with a variety of paint nozzle needle sizes that make it suitable for all types of spray paint projects, including painting miniatures and fine art. The sizes included are 0.2mm, 0.3mm, and 0.5mm.
This dual-action airbrush system comes with a 2-metre fabric air hose featuring an 8mm internal thread and two interchangeable adapters in a 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch size. The Timbertech airbrush also comes with a jaw spanner to make exchanging nozzles easier and four long pipettes so you can add a specific amount of paint directly to the colour cup without creating overflow. An air compressor with 15-50 PSI of air pressure is recommended for operation.
The Timbertech ABPST01 airbrush system does come with lots of small parts which can make for a lengthier cleaning process. You may also want to take note that it doesn’t feature a quick release adapter and the less durable nozzles have a tendency to break so be careful not to overtighten when screwing them in place.
Dimensions: 25.8 x 20.6 x 8.4 cm
Weight: 700 g
- Complete beginner kit
- 3 needle and nozzle sizes
- Fabric hose with adapter
- Dual-action trigger
- Balanced weight
- May have a lengthier cleaning process
- May not feature a quick release
- Nozzles may be less durable
6. Harder & Steenbeck Ultra D
Harder & Steenbeck’s Ultra D airbrush is next up on our best airbrush list. Harder and Steenbeck is another highly reputable brand when it comes to airbrushes and the Ultra D doesn’t disappoint with its smooth spray action and top quality German craftsmanship.
Features
The Ultra D by Harder & Steenbeck is a dual-action airbrush that is gravity fed. It has an integrated 2ml cup and also comes with a 5ml plug-in cup for additional paint. The design of this gravity-fed airbrush also allows you to connect paint bottles directly to the suction connection so you can cover large areas without having to pause and refill the paint cup frequently.
Harder & Steenbeck include a 0.2mm and a 0.4mm needle nozzle combination with the Ultra D airbrush to facilitate a paint spray pattern suitable for fine details, model painting, and more. For added convenience, the airbrush also features a quick connect and release function and comes with a convenient carry case to keep all of the parts in order.
You may experience less traction on the Ultra D airbrush’s trigger leading to the possibility for less control when your hands are wet. Other cons include the larger paint cup featuring a drop-in attachment style making it less secure, and a slightly less ergonomic design that may twist or lean forward in your hand and feel less balanced.
Dimensions: 17.78 x 11.68 x 3.56 cm
Weight: 907 g
- German made
- 2 needle nozzle sizes
- 2 cup capacities
- Protective carry case
- Smooth spray action
- Less traction on the trigger may be harder to control paint flow
- Larger paint cup may be less secure
- Design may not be the most comfortable
7. Abest New Professional Kit
The Abest New Professional Kit makes a great choice for artists with a beginner to intermediate airbrush skill level. We also like its unique red and silver coloured gun design that facilitates superior air pressure manipulation.
Features
The Abest New Professional airbrush features dual push and pull trigger action and a gravity feed to hold the airbrush paint and control the paint flow. The gravity-fed cup disassembles for easier cleaning, has a 9cc capacity, and comes with a cover for optional use.
A big bonus feature incorporated into the Abest airbrush design is the additional Micro Air Control Valve on the front of the gun that enables better airflow manipulation and a more precise paint spray pattern. Combined with the included 0.2mm, 0.3mm, and 0.5mm needle nozzle combos, you can use this airbrush to paint miniatures, fine art, body art, cake decorating, and more.
The New Professional Kit also comes with a 1/8″ connection fabric hose so you can attach it to an airbrush compressor with a 15-50 PSI operating pressure. A quick coupler, nozzle wrench, a precision eyedropper, and a mini-filter complete the Abest kit’s contents.
Unfortunately, the Abest New Professional airbrush kit comes with less durable nozzles that may not be made from stainless steel, but some kind of alloy instead. Consumers also report a more fragile connector than usual and the gun having the tendency to clog more quickly than expected so make sure you clean it regularly if you decide this is the airbrush for you.
Dimensions: 22.8 x 19 x 5.2 cm
Weight: 340 g
- Good for beginner to intermediate use
- Precise paint control
- Micro Air Control Valve
- 3 needle nozzle sizes
- Quick coupling fabric hose
- Less durable nozzles could break easily
- Connector may be fragile
- May clog faster than normal