HVLP or airless—which paint sprayer should I buy?

Across the reviewers we read, the rough rule is: HVLP (handheld or stationary turbine) for fine finishes on cabinets, doors, and furniture where overspray and finish quality matter; airless for fences, decks, exteriors, and large interior walls where speed and the ability to spray thick unthinned paint matter. HVLP units are slower but waste less paint; airless units are fast but require more masking, more cleanup, and use more material.