Greenworks vs Stihl Pressure Washer
Both of these are corded electric pressure washers built for the same kind of jobs, so the real question is how much pressure you need versus how much you want to spend. Here's how the Greenworks GPW1501 and Stihl RE 90 PLUS actually compare.
Quick answer
The Stihl RE 90 PLUS is the stronger machine at 1,800 PSI with a metal pump head and a 3-piece accessory set, aimed at buyers who want durability for regular use. The Greenworks GPW1501 is the budget pick at 1,500 PSI, priced well under half the Stihl, and is plenty for most driveway, patio and car-washing jobs done a few times a month.
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Research updated August 2026.
| Specification | Greenworks GPW1501 | Stihl RE 90 PLUS |
|---|---|---|
| Max Pressure | 1,500 PSI | 1,800 PSI |
| Flow Rate | 1.2 GPM | 1.2 GPM |
| Motor | 13 Amp | 12.5 Amp |
| Pump Head | Plastic | Aluminum |
| Design | Upright, hand-carry | Upright, wheeled |
| Typical Price | $120–$150 | ~$260 |
| Best For | Light-to-medium jobs, occasional use | Regular use, tougher grime |
Same job, different budget and durability
Unlike a lot of brand-vs-brand matchups where one product doesn't really belong in the comparison, the Greenworks GPW1501 and Stihl RE 90 PLUS are both corded electric pressure washers aimed at homeowners, so this is a fair fight. The gap between them is less about what they can clean and more about how hard you can lean on them and for how long.
Greenworks GPW1501: budget pick that covers most jobs
The GPW1501 runs 1,500 PSI at 1.2 GPM off a 13-amp motor, in a compact upright design you can carry with one hand. It typically sells for $120 to $150 depending on which accessory bundle you get (spray tips, turbo nozzle, or surface cleaner versions all exist). At this price it uses a plastic pump, which is the main thing separating it from the Stihl: fine for washing the car, the deck furniture and light driveway dirt a few times a month, less suited to daily or heavy commercial-style use.
Stihl RE 90 PLUS: built for more regular use
The Stihl RE 90 PLUS runs 1,800 PSI at the same 1.2 GPM flow rate, but with an aluminum pump head instead of plastic, which is the real reason it costs roughly double at around $260. It comes with an adjustable flat-jet nozzle, a rotary nozzle, and a detergent sprayer, along with wheels for moving it around. The extra pressure helps on tougher jobs, but the bigger practical difference is that the metal pump is built to handle more frequent use without wearing out as fast.
Which one actually fits your use case
- Washing the car, bikes, and outdoor furniture: the Greenworks handles this easily and saves you over $100.
- Driveways, patios, and decking done a few times a season: either works, but the Stihl's extra pressure cuts the time it takes.
- Weekly use or tougher grime (paint prep, heavy mud, commercial-adjacent use): the Stihl's metal pump is built for that kind of repeat use; a budget plastic-pump washer will wear out faster under that load.
- Tight budget, occasional use: the Greenworks is the more sensible buy. You're not paying for durability you won't use.
What's in the box
The Stihl RE 90 PLUS ships with an adjustable flat-jet nozzle, a rotary nozzle, and a detergent sprayer, plus the wheeled frame. The Greenworks GPW1501 comes with a set of spray tips (the exact tips depend on which listing you buy, with turbo-nozzle and surface-cleaner bundles also available), though it doesn't include wheels in the base upright design.
What each one actually costs to own
The sticker price gap is the main story here: roughly $120 to $150 for the Greenworks versus about $260 for the Stihl, so the Stihl costs close to double. That premium buys a metal pump head that should hold up longer under repeated use, plus more pressure for cutting through tougher dirt faster. If you're pressure washing a handful of times a year, the Greenworks pays for itself in the price difference alone. If you're the kind of owner who'll use it weekly or lean on it hard, the Stihl's build quality is more likely to justify the extra cost over a few years.
FAQs
Is the Stihl RE 90 PLUS worth double the price of the Greenworks?
If you'll use it regularly or need to cut through tougher grime, yes — the aluminum pump and higher pressure hold up better over time. For occasional light cleaning, the Greenworks covers the same jobs for less.
Is 1,500 PSI enough to clean a driveway?
Yes, for typical dirt and light staining. Heavily ground-in grime or large areas will take longer at 1,500 PSI than at 1,800 PSI, but both machines can do the job.
Does the Greenworks GPW1501 come with wheels?
No, it's an upright hand-carry design. The Stihl RE 90 PLUS includes a wheeled frame, which matters more once the unit is loaded with a full detergent tank.
What's the difference between a plastic and metal pump head?
A metal (aluminum) pump head generally dissipates heat better and holds up longer under frequent or heavy use. Plastic pumps, like the one in the Greenworks GPW1501, are fine for occasional home use but wear out faster under regular demand.
Do both machines use the same water flow rate?
Yes, both are rated at 1.2 GPM. The pressure difference (1,500 vs 1,800 PSI) comes from the pump and motor, not the amount of water moving through the machine.
Our verdict
Buy the Greenworks GPW1501 if you're washing the car, bikes, and furniture a few times a month and want to spend less. Buy the Stihl RE 90 PLUS if you clean regularly, want more pressure, or want a metal pump built to last longer under real use.