Quivr Pressure Washer vs Ryobi – What’s Better for Car Detailing?

Jimbo Balaam on

The Quivr pressure washer looks slick, but does it outperform trusted options like Ryobi for car detailing? We tested them side-by-side to find out.

Quivr Pressure Washer vs Ryobi – What’s Better for Car Detailing?

Quivr Pressure Washer vs Ryobi – What’s Better for Car Detailing?

There’s no shortage of pressure washers marketed to detailers—but two names keep popping up: Quivr and Ryobi.

We tested both side by side to answer the real question: which one delivers better foam, control, and overall value for washing cars?

Quick Comparison

Feature Quivr Ryobi (1800 / 2300 PSI)
PSI / GPM Unknown exact ratings (claims 2.0 GPM) 1800 PSI / 1.2 GPM or 2300 PSI / 1.2–1.4 GPM
Price ~$379 $99–$299 depending on model
Foam Cannon Compatibility Compatible with Quivr & aftermarket Compatible with all major foam cannons
User Base Influencer-driven Tested by tens of thousands of detailers

Foam Cannon Performance

We paired both machines with The Super Soaper and a standard foam cannon using the same dilution ratio.

  • Quivr: Decent foam, moderate dwell. Inconsistent trigger behavior reported.
  • Ryobi: Consistent thick foam, smooth fan pattern. Better for small garages and home use.

Verdict: Both work—but Ryobi with Super Soaper gave more consistent foam, and costs far less.

Portability & Noise

  • Quivr: Lightweight, small form factor. Louder than expected. Higher pitch noise.
  • Ryobi: Compact and quiet. Easy to store. Cord and hose are longer and more flexible.

For mobile setups or tight spaces, Ryobi is easier to live with long-term.

Warranty & Support

  • Quivr: 1-year warranty, limited support, no widespread parts availability
  • Ryobi: 3-year limited warranty, full Home Depot return support, easy parts/service

What Actually Matters: Soap + Technique

In both cases, using The Super Soaper made the biggest difference in foam output and panel cleaning—not the washer itself.

Most of your results will come from the soap, dilution, and foam cannon—not the pressure washer brand.

If your current machine supports at least 1.2 GPM, upgrade your soap and cannon before spending $300+ on a new setup.

Foam More, Spend Less

Before upgrading your pressure washer, try The Super Soaper. It’s the fastest way to level up foam thickness, dwell time, and rinse performance—no matter what machine you use.