The Best Water Guns of 2026

Nothing says summer fun like an old-fashioned water war. From Super Soakers to water pistols, water guns have come a long way since we were kids, and they keep getting better. We've covered the best Nerf guns and the best inflatable water slides for kids to make summer a truly memorable one. This time, we did some serious testing to see which of these bad boys below are truly the best water guns for kids.

The water gun that blew the competition (ahem) “out of the water” is the X-Shot Water Warfare Epic Fast Fill by Zuru. Its fast-fill technology puts kids at the top of their water combat game. For smaller kids that don’t have the muscle to handle the X-Shot’s 34-ounce water capacity, the Nerf Super Soaker DinoSquad Dino-Soak Water Blaster ran a close second.

While the X-Shot water gun and the Dino-Soak took top honors, there were some seriously close contenders. Most models we tried offered cool features like double-barreled drenching or sustained spraying, so we have lots to say about each toy.

---

Other Water Guns We Tested

How We Tested for The Best Water Guns

There are hundreds of soaker guns on the market. We selected our pool from top sellers with the best reviews, then we pitted them against each other. We had testers ranging from age 3 to mid-40s and tested for ease of use, fun factor, water capacity, pump action, and distance of shooting streams.

The Tester

I'm Janelle, and I'm the parenting writer here at Reviewed. I also happen to love a good water war and have been shooting Super Soakers and water guns since the early 1990s. While I’m not sure there is any certification for expertise in water combat, I’d probably consider myself an expert on all things Super Soaker and beyond.

I’ve tested toys and products for Reviewed for three years and love to nerd out on the nuances of each product.

My lab assistant for testing was 8-year-old Henry. We recruited as many friends (kids and adults) as we could to test the soakers on numerous occasions. (As you can imagine, recruitment wasn’t much of a challenge.)

The Tests

First and foremost, when we tested for the best water guns, we looked for playability; we tested the distance and the velocity of water streams for each.

We filled each water gun with water and food coloring, then measured 30 feet to test the distance and accuracy of each water stream. Those that hit the 30-foot mark with accuracy rose to the top of the list.

We also tested the ease with which each soaker could be refilled, asking each child to refill the blasters without assistance. If it was too difficult for a child of the manufacturer's recommended age to figure out without help, we docked the soaker in our scoring.

Finally, we tested for weight and ease of carrying. We weighed each soaker after filling it, and we also observed the kids objectively to determine how long a child could use a soaker—particularly the heavier ones—before deciding if it was too heavy for extended water blasting.

How does a water gun work?

The way a water gun works depends on the type of soaker it is. There are several kinds, including squirt guns, pressurized reservoirs, and motorized pumps. The basic mechanism, however, stays the same: you have your pump, which compresses the air into a chamber when you press down, the pressure of which causes the water to jet out. The water itself is stored in the water gun's tank or water reservoir. When you pull the trigger, the water flows through the barrel and exits through the nozzle, directing the water.

How to Choose the Right Water Gun for Your Kid (or You)

Which water gun has the largest water tank?

For a compelling piece, we preferred a water capacity of 24 to 35 ounces. Kids will need a minimum of 24 ounces to stay in the game without needing to refill constantly. Still, anything around 35 ounces is generally too heavy for kids to manage while running around.

How much does the water gun weigh?

If the weight of a soaker is too heavy, kids (and adults) will get fatigued by playing. If you want a soaker that’s over our recommended 35-ounce capacity, we encourage you to look for ones with alternative handle options to accommodate the weight.

Which is the best water gun for its size?

Likewise, a soaker that’s too large for the child you are buying for will prove unwieldy. Since soaker battles aren’t the kind of activity you play when standing still, any soaker you buy should be at a scale your child can easily manage.

What is the most powerful water gun?

When it comes to firing water, you’re going to want to test the action on your water gun. Many water blasters put added tension on the pumps to enhance a soaker’s drenching capabilities. While this is generally a great thing, a worn-out pump arm can be a real buzzkill on the battlefield. We recommend looking for a soaker with an action that your child can manage during long play sessions.

More Articles You Might Enjoy

• 12 Inflatable water slides that are 100% worth the cost
• The Best Kids' Sleeping Bags
• The Best Nerf Guns
• The Best Kids Scooters