Which Airbrush Should You Choose in 2025? A Clear, No-Nonsense Guide for Miniature Painters
If you’re standing in front of your desk (or scrolling on your phone at 1am… we’ve all been there) wondering “Which airbrush should I buy in 2025?”, you’re not alone.
Between the dozens of models, the confusing specs and the prices that jump from £40 to £300 in a blink, choosing an airbrush can feel… messy.
So let’s cut through the noise.
No fluff. No intimidating jargon.
Just a practical guide built for real miniature painters – beginners who want a smooth start, and experienced hobbyists who want to upgrade without regret.
Ready ? Let’s breathe a bit of clean air into this whole topic.
What Do You Actually Need From an Airbrush ?
Before talking brands, ask yourself something simple : What do you want to do with it ?
Because honestly, the “best” airbrush totally depends on your goals. Basecoating an entire Warhammer army isn’t the same as shooting ultra-fine highlights on a 32mm face. And if you’re like me, sometimes you want both.
Here’s the quick version :
- Basecoats & zenithal : you want an easy-to-clean, reliable, 0.3–0.4 mm nozzle.
- Smooth blends & gradients : gravity feed, dual-action, 0.2–0.3 mm.
- Detail work (OSL, small highlights): 0.2 mm or finer, but only if you like fiddling with thinning ratios.
And let me just say it : don’t chase ultra-fine nozzles if you’re just starting out. I tried that at the beginning – it clogged every 10 minutes. I almost threw the airbrush out the window. 0.3 mm is the sweet spot for most miniature hobbyists.
Single or Dual Action : Which One Makes Sense in 2025?
If you’ve never touched an airbrush before, this distinction looks obscure. But the truth is simple :
Single-action : you press the trigger, the airbrush sprays. That’s it. Simple, predictable… and kind of limited.
Dual-action : you press for air, pull back for paint. Slight learning curve, but ten times more control.
Honestly ? In 2025, dual-action is the way to go. Even beginners get used to it after a couple of sessions. Your blends will look better, your paint won’t spider on you as often, and you’ll outgrow single-action in about two weeks anyway.
So unless you’re restoring train models in your garage with a 1980s vibe (respect if you are), just pick dual-action now and save yourself an upgrade later.
The Best Airbrushes for Miniature Painting in 2025 (Based on Real Use)
Here’s the part everyone scrolls for.
These recommendations come from actual hobby usage – from painters who spray at 1 bar, thin paint until it looks like semi-skimmed milk, and occasionally shoot Vallejo primer too thick because they’re in a hurry.
1. Iwata Eclipse HP-CS – The Most Reliable All-Rounder
If someone stole all my gear and I had to re-buy one airbrush tomorrow, it would be this one.
It’s tough, smooth, predictable. A real workhorse.
Why it works :
- 0.35 mm nozzle = perfect for miniature work
- Forgiving with thinning and pressure
- Easy maintenance (the needle practically cleans itself… almost)
It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the one that makes you say “ahhh, that’s how it should feel” the first time you pull the trigger.
2. Harder & Steenbeck Evolution – Great Control, Great Feel
If you want finesse without going full pro-level, the Evolution sits in that sweet middle zone.
The modular design is brilliant – you can swap needle sizes in minutes without feeling like you’re performing surgery.
I love the tactile feel of the trigger. It’s crisp. You always know how much paint you’re pulling.
3. Badger Patriot 105 – Best Budget-Friendly Option
This thing is the “friendly neighbourhood airbrush.” Affordable, reliable, easy to fix, and replacement parts don’t cost a kidney.
It’s not a detail monster, but for priming and smooth basecoats, it absolutely delivers.
4. Harder & Steenbeck Infinity – For Painters Who Want Ultimate Precision
If you’re already comfortable with airbrushing and want the sort of control that lets you spray highlights the width of a hair, the Infinity is a joy.
The quick-adjust trigger stop is addictive. At first you don’t think you need it… then you try it for edge highlights and suddenly you can’t live without it.
How Much Should You Spend on Your First Airbrush ?
Here’s a question I get constantly : “Do I really need to spend £200?”
Short answer : No.
Longer answer : spend enough that your airbrush doesn’t fight you. Cheap £25 kits from marketplaces look tempting, but they often leak, clog, or spray like a wet garden hose. It’s frustrating and ruins your learning curve.
A realistic budget for beginners in 2025:
- £80–£120 for a good starter airbrush
- £60–£100 for a compressor (tank recommended – trust me, your ears will thank you)
Anything above that is comfort, durability, and precision – which you might want eventually, just not mandatory on day one.
Which Needle Size Should You Choose ?
Honestly, I used to obsess over this. 0.2 mm or 0.3 mm ? Which makes me a better painter ?
Spoiler : neither. Your thinning ratios matter more than the needle.
For most miniature painters :
- 0.3–0.35 mm → ideal starter size
- 0.2 mm → great once you master consistency
If you’re painting armies, terrain or doing zenithal priming : stay around 0.3 mm.
If you love high-end display models and ultra-smooth blends : the 0.2 mm will eventually call your name.
What About Compressors ? (Because Yes, It Matters)
Your compressor is half the experience. A bad one pulses, overheats, vibrates across the room… the whole drama.
Look for :
- a tank (yes, seriously, it stabilises airflow);
- a pressure regulator you can adjust easily ;
- quiet operation – under 50–55 dB if possible.
I once used a tankless compressor in a tiny apartment. It rattled so much my neighbour knocked to ask if I was drilling something.
Don’t be me. Get a tank.
So… Which Airbrush Should You Choose in 2025?
If you want the simple TL;DR:
- Best overall : Iwata Eclipse HP-CS
- Best for beginners : Badger Patriot 105
- Best for precision : Harder & Steenbeck Infinity
- Most versatile upgrade path : Harder & Steenbeck Evolution
But the real “best” is the one that makes you want to sit down, turn on the compressor, and paint that squad you’ve been procrastinating on for months.
And honestly ? When you find the right one, you’ll feel it immediately – the trigger moves just right, the spray is smooth, and suddenly the idea of painting 60 cultists doesn’t feel like a punishment.
Final Tip Before You Buy
If you can, hold the airbrush before purchasing. Even five seconds.
Your hand will tell you faster than any spec sheet.
And if that’s not possible, start with something reliable and forgiving. You can always upgrade once you know what you actually enjoy doing with it.
Alright – your turn.
What do you want to achieve with your airbrush ?
Because now you know exactly which path to take.