Playing with colorful water guns promises action, fun, and cooling off for people of all ages. However, these summer toys, available in thousands of variations, are not only manually operated. Even the pressure principle of the Super Soaker developed in the 90s is a thing of the past. Modern water guns work with an electric pump, effortlessly shooting water out of the barrel.
Here, we have taken a closer look at products such as inflatable pools, solar lighting with a lounge effect, and misters for cooling off on the terrace. We have also delved into smart irrigation options and improved Wi-Fi reception in the garden, offering solutions.
How they work
Traditional water guns use a manual pump to propel water, which is activated by a trigger lever, for example. The water from the tank is then shot through a nozzle. While this works fine, it only allows for short bursts of water and limited range. The distance the water shoots also depends on the force applied. Small children are at a disadvantage here. Blasters with pump handles, like the Dinosquad water gun currently priced at €11, also depend on force but are suitable for longer ranges. The advantage of this variant is the unbeatable low price.
In party multipacks, you can find simple mini water guns for less than a euro. Systems like the Supersoaker, which appeared in the 90s, promise more action. By pumping before shooting, excess pressure is built up in the water tank, and the water is only released upon pulling the trigger. The advantages over regular water guns are the greater range (with sufficient pressure) and the ability to deliver large amounts of water without interruption. However, the effort required to pump it up should not be underestimated and can be a real damper on the fun, especially for small children.
Additionally, pressure and range decrease during use, necessitating frequent pumping. Electrically powered or pump-action water guns offer solutions. The functioning of electric water guns is comparable to that of traditional water guns, with one difference: a small, electrically driven motor does the work. The user simply has to pull the trigger and the water shoots out of the barrel. In the past, we have compared cheap battery-operated models to the world’s most powerful water gun, the Spyra One (guide). The premium water blaster Spyra One, equipped with a rechargeable battery, USB-C charging port, and single-shot function, is undoubtedly the coolest, but also by far the most expensive, water gun. Since no one wants to have a water fight alone, an alternative to the Spyra, which costs around €170, had to be found.
While the electric water guns shown here do not have a single-shot function like the Spyra, they are significantly cheaper, starting at €13, making them perfect for the next garden party. For our tests, we exclusively selected models with rechargeable batteries instead of relying on battery-operated solutions.
Differences
Although the water guns may appear similar at first glance, the differences lie in the details. Let’s start with the batteries. The models Udbrud Water Gun, Vatos Burst, and Water Battle Space use single-cell Li-Ion batteries with 3.7 volts. The variants Ungh Superior and Pixata Water Blaster rely on double-cell batteries with 7.2 volts. However, this does not affect the shooting behavior.
The batteries of the Udbrud Water Gun and Water Battle Space are the easiest to access, as no tools are required for removal. The Vatos Burst, on the other hand, has a rubber seal, making its battery somewhat water-resistant. The Udbrud Water Gun and Pixata Water Blaster models are equipped with a soft plastic cap for added safety, but this solution is not completely watertight. The batteries of the other models are practically unprotected, so all electric water guns are only suitable for use outside of the water. Nevertheless, the batteries of all the models survived our tests with soaked clothes and fully saturated water guns.
Next, let’s talk about the water tanks, which differ not only in their capacity. While the models Ungh Superior and Water Battle Space have built-in tanks, the other blasters have removable water containers. Filling the integrated tank of the Superior model is no problem and actually the most convenient. To fill the tank, simply hold the tip of the water gun in water and press the trigger forward. The pump will automatically draw water into the tank, just like with the expensive Spyra One.
However, with the Space model, the tiny built-in tank needs to be manually filled. While this works great under the faucet, it is a real problem in the garden. Holding it directly in a bucket of water would not be a good idea because of the unprotected battery, so you would need a measuring cup to fill it or direct access to a water source. The Udbrud Water Gun and Vatos Burst models even come with two tanks for the customers. The Water Gun, with its larger included tank, allows for shooting the longest.
While there are differences in range, they are only marginal and were not noticeable during our test water fights. The Spyra clone shoots the farthest and with the most water – it offers a range of about eight to nine meters. Vatos Burst and Water Battle Space have the least power, with a range of about six to seven meters. The biggest differences, however, lie in the noise level of the pumps. The Pixata Water Blaster is the loudest, while the pumps of the Udbrud Water Gun and Water Battle Space models are quieter.
Ranking
1st Place: Ungh Superior
The small clone of the Spyra, the Ungh Superior water gun, priced at around €21, performed the best. While the small variant does not have a single-shot function like the original, it is our number one compared to the other test models. This colorful blaster impresses with its longest range and the largest amount of water shot, as well as its tolerable noise level and very convenient suction function for filling the tank. The only criticisms are the stolen appearance and the battery, which can only be accessed with tools.
2nd Place: Udbrud Water Gun
Second place goes to the Udbrud Water Gun, priced at around €20. This water gun comes with two water tanks and a pair of goggles. We liked the long playtime with the large tank, the low noise level, and the fact that the battery can be easily replaced without tools. However, on our test device, the trigger lever became slightly jammed after about a week of heavy use. The water gun would fire continuously until the lever was pressed again.
3rd Place: Vatos Burst Water Gun
Even the cheapest electric water gun in the test field made it to the winners’ podium. The Vatos Burst water gun, priced at just under €13, impresses with a tolerable noise level and good overall performance. It also includes a second spare tank. While this model does not have the longest range, it is only about 1 to 1.5 meters behind the winner. The battery is also only accessible with tools.
4th Place: Water Battle Space
We actually really like the Water Battle Space water gun. It offers good range, consistent shooting, low noise level, and a price of around €12. The battery can be replaced without tools. However, this water gun only performs well as long as the tank is full. Due to its small volume, the tank quickly empties, and refilling requires access to a water tap or a container for filling from the top. In terms of handling, this water gun falls short compared to the winner.
5th Place: Pixata Water Blaster
The Pixata Water Blaster, priced at €19, looks good and delivers an excellent shot. It also has a good tank size and range, comparable to the higher-ranked models. However, refilling the tank takes what feels like an eternity, and this water gun is also the loudest by far. The noise it makes when the pump is active resembles a Nerf battle more than a water fight. Tools are also required to access the battery. If you want to protect your ears, you should choose a different water gun.
Alternatives
Amazon and Aliexpress alone offer dozens of different electric water guns in various sizes and price ranges. Apart from the design, there are hardly any differences to be expected compared to the tested models. If you’re looking for an alternative, consider whether batteries or rechargeable batteries are used. The batteries should be easily accessible and reasonably protected. Additionally, the water gun should have either automatic suction or a removable water tank. Those looking for more power currently have to rely on a manual model with a pressure tank or the expensive Spyra water gun.
Conclusion
With prices ranging from €10 to €25, we can wholeheartedly recommend the affordable electric water guns. Traditional water guns often cost even more. In particular, children benefit from the convenient operation. Since all the devices offer comparable performance, they also level the playing field for users of different ages. The youngest ones can finally keep up with their older siblings and parents. In terms of fun factor, the audacious Spyra clone Ungh Superior takes the lead. At around €21, this model is not as cheap as some competitors, but the convenient operation, low noise level, and long range make the extra cost worthwhile. Second and third place choices are also solid, offering good value for money.
Although the last two water guns are also affordable and have a decent range, they fall behind in terms of handling and noise level in direct comparison. Can the tested models match the €170 Spyra water gun? Regarding water quantity, shooting power, and range, the answer is no. However, when it comes to the fun factor in the next water fight, the affordable alternatives perform just as well as the original, which can cost up to ten times as much.
Additionally, it should be considered that a water fight is only truly fun when the playing field is leveled. And those who battle with the Spyra are simply at an advantage. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase several comparable models or stick with the classic, non-powered water gun. Our guides “Pools for the Garden: Variations, Accessories, Care & Ambience” and “Cooling the Terrace and Balcony Cheaply with Misters” also promise assistance on hot summer days.
