If you’ve ever stood in the cleaning aisle staring at the giant wall of glass cleaners, you’ve probably seen two names pop out over and over again: Sprayway and Windex.

Both have their loyal fans, both promise streak-free shine, and both are easy to find in stores.

But which one’s actually better?

I tested them out head-to-head so you don’t have to keep guessing.

In this Sprayway vs Windex guide, I’ll share what I found when comparing them side by side.

#1 Main Ingredients

Sprayway is known for its foaming glass cleaner that comes in an aerosol can. The foam is designed to cling to surfaces, so you don’t get a ton of dripping down your mirror or window.

One of the big highlights is that Sprayway’s formula is ammonia-free.

That makes it a safer option for tinted glass, certain plastics, or coated surfaces that don’t react well to ammonia.

Windex, on the other hand, is famous for its original ammonia-based formula. That ammonia gives it a strong cutting power on grease, fingerprints, and grime. But it can also mean more caution when using it on delicate surfaces.

Windex does have ammonia-free versions and vinegar-based formulas, so you can pick what fits your needs best.

So right off the bat, Sprayway feels a little gentler, while Windex leans on raw power from ammonia.

#2 Cleaning Effectiveness

At the end of the day, cleaning power is what matters most.

Both Sprayway and Windex can handle everyday dirt, fingerprints, and smudges on glass.

Sprayway’s foam hangs on the glass for a bit longer, giving you time to wipe it clean without rushing. That clingy texture makes it especially nice for vertical surfaces like shower doors or tall windows. You don’t have to keep chasing drips down the glass.

Windex, with its liquid spray, cuts through grease really fast.

It’s a classic for kitchen messes and mirrors. If you spray it on and wipe right away, you’ll usually get a shiny, streak-free finish.

The only hiccup is that in hot weather or direct sun, Windex can dry super quickly and leave streaks behind if you don’t wipe fast enough.

In my tests, both got glass spotless, but Sprayway felt a little easier to control. Windex was faster though, so it depends on what kind of mess you’re tackling.

#3 Versatility

Here’s where the two start to split a bit.

Sprayway is great for glass, mirrors, chrome, and even stainless steel.

Because it’s ammonia-free, you can use it on tinted windows and certain plastics without stressing about damage. That makes it a flexible choice for cars, home windows with UV coatings, and even things like acrylic tables.

Windex is super versatile too, but you have to pay attention to which version you grab.

The original ammonia-based spray isn’t recommended for tinted glass or delicate surfaces. However, Windex also sells vinegar-based, outdoor, and ammonia-free versions that give you more options. It just takes a little more picking and choosing.

So Sprayway is simple (one safe-for-most option), while Windex is broader but requires you to choose carefully.

#4 Prices

Windex is usually cheaper than Sprayway.

You can grab a bottle almost anywhere, and it’s often a couple bucks less than Sprayway.

Sprayway, being in an aerosol can, usually costs a little more per ounce. You’re paying partly for the foam technology and that pressurized can. It’s not a huge price jump, but if you’re cleaning a lot of windows, the difference adds up.

If you’re on a tight budget, Windex is friendlier to your wallet. Sprayway feels more like a “treat yourself” cleaner that you might keep for mirrors and special spots.

#5 Ease Of Use

This is where Sprayway shines.

The foam clings to the glass, so you’re not wiping like crazy to catch drips. It gives you more time to spread it evenly and then polish it off. It feels slower in a good way.

Windex, though, is quick and straightforward. Spray, wipe, done. You just have to be ready to wipe fast if you don’t want streaks forming.

For flat, horizontal surfaces, Windex is easy. For big vertical ones, Sprayway is less hassle.

Both are easy enough, but the style of application makes the experience feel different.

#6 Smell

Sprayway has a distinct, almost sweet smell.

Some people like it, some don’t. It’s not super strong, but you’ll definitely notice it when you spray.

Windex’s original formula smells like ammonia - sharp and chemical. If you’re cleaning in a small bathroom with no fan, it can get overwhelming. The ammonia-free versions smell less intense, but they still carry that “cleaner” vibe.

Personally, I found Sprayway’s scent more tolerable.

Windex can feel harsh after a while, especially in enclosed spaces.

Also Read: Proper Ways In Cleaning Windows

#7 Residue And Streaking

Nobody wants to clean a mirror and then stand back to see streaks all over it right?

Sprayway does a great job of leaving surfaces streak-free, especially since the foam gives you more time to wipe it down. It’s forgiving and you don’t have to be lightning-fast with your cloth.

Windex is also very good at streak-free results, but the ammonia means it can flash-dry too quickly if you’re not wiping fast enough.

In normal conditions, it’s fine. In direct sunlight or on hot windows, it can leave lines.

In my side-by-side test, Sprayway edged out Windex just slightly on streak control.

#8 Product Line

Sprayway mostly sticks to its classic foaming glass cleaner, though it has expanded into other cleaners like stainless steel and multi-surface sprays.

But glass is where it really shines, and that’s the core of the brand.

Windex, on the other hand, has a huge lineup. You’ll find the original blue liquid, ammonia-free versions, vinegar-based sprays, outdoor glass sprays that hook up to your garden hose, and even wipes.

If you like options, Windex gives you plenty.

So if you want a one-size-fits-all glass cleaner, Sprayway keeps it simple. If you like a whole shelf of choices for every task, Windex has you covered.

Should I Get Windex Or Sprayway?

The best choice really depends on what you’re cleaning and how you like to clean.

If you want a budget-friendly, widely available cleaner that gets the job done fast, Windex is your pick. Just make sure you choose the right version if you’re working on tinted or coated glass.

If you’d rather have a foam that clings, less dripping, and no ammonia worries, Sprayway feels like the easier and safer option.

It’s especially nice for cars, mirrors, and tall windows where you don’t want liquid running everywhere.

So it comes down to speed vs control, and cost vs comfort.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Sprayway and Windex is that Sprayway is an ammonia-free, foaming glass cleaner that clings to surfaces, reduces drips, and is safer for tinted or coated glass.

Windex, on the other hand, is usually cheaper, widely available, and powerful at cutting through grease and grime, but its ammonia-based formula can streak in hot conditions and isn’t ideal for tinted or delicate surfaces.

Both deliver shiny, streak-free glass. Your choice depends on which style you like better: the gentle, foam-controlled clean of Sprayway, or the quick, classic power of Windex.

Sprayway Vs Windex (Tested & Compared)