Air compressors are a surprisingly useful tool. Whether you need to add air to your vehicle’s tires, blow out a sprinkler system, paint the outside of your house, or require rapid nailing with a nail gun, an air compressor makes life so much easier. There are so many different types, though. You first should establish your needs with this tool.
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Buying Guide
Before you go out and buy the first portable air compressor that a friend recommends, figure out your guidelines for your needs.
- What an air compressor does: Air compressors can do anything from refill tires to power nail guns, so be realistic about your needs and what type of tasks for which you need an air compressor.
- Uses for an air compressor: A hand-held air compressor will work much differently than one with a giant tank or a “pancake” air compressor. Decide what you will be doing with your compressor.
- Considerations to look for: “oil-less” pumps will provide cleaner air, and many electric models will be the quietest. Pancake air compressors (even when electric) will often be loud but are highly portable while still being robust.
- Types of air compressors: The primary categories we will cover are hand-held or for tires only, larger tank air compressors, twin tanks, and pancake air compressors.
Buying Recommendations
Budget Portable Air Compressors
Check out our top picks for budget friendly air compressors.
1. AUTSCA Electric Portable Air Compressor – Editor’s Pick
For an affordable air compressor used on small projects, we like the compact size and low noise from this electric unit.
Tank Size: n/a
Noise (in Decibels): 110
Weight: 4.15 lbs
Warranty: 6 months
- Hand-held and lightweight
- Comes with carrying case
- Ideal for adding air to tires, basketballs, and pool toys
- Electric
- Has a safety lock to prevent accidental use
- Short warranty
- Not for bigger projects
- ▲ LED screen and Three units - The compressor has three units of measurement: PSI, BAR, KPA. It can be used as a pressure gauge to show the current tire pressure, to see the air pressure consumption and the progress of the inlet. You can preset the required pressure and it will turn off automatically once this value is reached.
- ▲ Excellent material, efficient - Heat-resistant and flame-retardant materials, copper hose at the end, which ensures firmness and prevents the hose from overheating and slipping during use. The inflation air pressure is - 50L / min, and the inflation work is completed more effectively (Not suitable for truck tires)
- ▲ Multiple forms of use - Comes with a rechargeable 2200 mAh rechargeable battery and a car charging cable. The air compressor can be used in both wireless and cable operation.
2. AstroAI Portable Air Compressor
Tank Size: n/a
Noise (in Decibels): not listed
Weight: 3.48 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
- Overheat protection
- Inflates up to 35 liters per minute
- Extremely accurate pressure gauge
- Lightweight and compact
- Electric
- Does not support Presta valve, LT, HT and truck tires
- Not the quietest on the market
- INCREASED SAFETY: Properly inflated tires provide better performance in all weather conditions; prevent crashes, tire explosions, and premature tire wear; INTEGRATED IN-LINE FUSE prevents overloading the air compressor, making it safer for everyone to use. NOTE: Please ensure the current of your automobile cigarette lighter is from 10 to 15 amps to avoid automobile fuses from blowing
- ADVANCED ACCURACY: Professionally calibrated to always return a reading within 1% of the pressure of your tire. No more guessing! The final inflation value will be 0. 5-1. 5 PSI higher than the preset value; When inflation is finished, it perfectly solves the problem of reduced pressure after removing the valve connector, thus making inflation more accurate
- EASY AND QUICK: Simply turn your vehicle on, plug in the air compressor, and inflate! A high-flow pump inflates your tires up to 35 Liters per Minute, putting you back on the road quickly; includes a storage case for added conveninece
3. EPAuto Portable Air Compressor
Tank Size: n/a
Noise (in Decibels): not listed
Weight: 1 lb
Warranty: none
- Ultra-lightweight
- Can plug into 12V DC or cigarette lighter with socket plug
- Ideal for car tires up to mid-size vans and SUVs
- Comes with carrying case
- Built-in bright-torch LED flashlight
- Electric
- Does not support LT, HT or any truck tires
- No manufacturer warranty
- INCREASED SAFETY: Properly inflated tires provide better performance in all weather conditions; prevent crashes, tire explosions, and premature tire wear; INTEGRATED IN-LINE FUSE prevents overloading the air compressor, making it safer for everyone to use. NOTE: Please ensure the current of your automobile cigarette lighter is from 10 to 15 amps to avoid automobile fuses from blowing
- ADVANCED ACCURACY: Professionally calibrated to always return a reading within 1% of the pressure of your tire. No more guessing! The final inflation value will be 0. 5-1. 5 PSI higher than the preset value; When inflation is finished, it perfectly solves the problem of reduced pressure after removing the valve connector, thus making inflation more accurate
- EASY AND QUICK: Simply turn your vehicle on, plug in the air compressor, and inflate! A high-flow pump inflates your tires up to 35 Liters per Minute, putting you back on the road quickly; includes a storage case for added conveninece
Premium Portable Air Compressors
These air compressors are our premium picks.
1. Powermate Vx Electric Air Compressor – Editor’s Pick
If you’re looking for a robust air compressor with a large tank that also runs quieter than many competitors, we love Powermat’s Vx Electric Air Compressor.
Tank Size: 80 gallons
Noise (in Decibels): not listed, but on the lower side
Weight: 354 lbs
Warranty: 2 years limited
- Durable cast-iron body
- Electric with oil-lubricated pump for quieter performance
- Ideal for use with spray guns, hammers, ratchets, and nail guns
- Large tank for long airflow before refilling
- Extremely heavy
- Expensive
- Powerful 240-volt, 15 Amp motor delivers 4.7 HP
- 155 psi maximum pressure
- Provides 14 CFM at 90 psi for longer run times on air tools such as ratchets, impacts, spray guns and hammers
2. Makita 3.0 Hp Air Compressor
Tank Size: 5.2 gallons
Noise (in Decibels): Roughly 110
Weight: 88 lbs
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
- Hand cart/dolly style body with wheels and tall handle
- Comes assembled
- Suitable for use with some tools
- Electric with oiled pump
- Not ideal for frigid weather (runs less smoothly in the cold)
- Can be moved, but a little heavy
- Cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston is engineered to provide faster recovery time for improved performance
- Powerful 3.0 HP motor produces 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI for increased productivity
- Pump is oil-lubricated for cooler running temperatures and reduced wear
3. BOSTITCH Stack Tank Air Compressor
Tank Size: 4 gallons
Noise (in Decibels): 90.2
Weight: 58 lbs.
Warranty: 1 year limited
- Starts quickly even in cold weather
- High-quality construction and durable materials
- On the quieter side
- Protective roll bar
- Maintains high PSI well
- More difficult to precisely adjust pressure output
- The noise is a higher frequency than some air compressors
- Oil-lubricated pump with cast iron cylinder delivers 3.8 SCFM @ 90PSI* to support multiple tools
- Powerful induction motor and cold start valve for fast and easy starts
- Upgraded industrial quality pressure switch and regulator for durable operation
Best Portable Air Compressors for Cars and Tires
These air compressors are ideal for cars and tires.
1. Kensun AC/DC Digital Air Compressor – Editor’s Pick
Excellent customer reviews, a reasonable price, and a durable yet compact design make this one of our favorites to keep in a vehicle if needed.
Tank Size: 6 gallons
Noise (in Decibels): not listed, but comparable to an average tire pump
Weight: 5 lbs.
Warranty: 2 years
- Compact and lightweight enough to keep in the trunk of a car
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Both AC and DC compatible
- Long cord to reach around to each tire
- Screw connection to a tire can be difficult
- Lower PSI than some compressors
- FAST INFLATION: With Kensun's advanced engineering, the 120W solid metal motor provide superb power, which will make your tire inflation super-fast and easy.
- AC/DC FOR CAR AND HOME: Kensun’s unique AC/DC switching with 12V car cigarette light plug as well as 110V wall plug for home outlet makes this inflator more useful since you can use it anywhere.
- AUTO SHOT-OFF DIGITAL GAUGE: Unit shuts off automatically when preset pressure is reached. Large, bright, back-lit LCD display with unit conversion (PSI/Bar/KPA) makes this unit super easy and safe to operate.
2. VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor
Tank Size: 5 gallons
Noise (in Decibels): not listed, but quieter than many
Weight: 8.5 lbs.
Warranty: 1 year
- Oil-less engine
- Quieter than many air compressors
- 25-foot air hose
- Easy-to-attach tire nozzle
- A little expensive
- The zipper can break easily on carrying bag
- HIGH PERFORMANCE OFFROAD COMPRESSOR (Model: 40043, 12V, 150 PSI, 35" Tires) - The 400P Portable Truck Air Compressor is 12V heavy-duty electric air compressor for offroad enthusiasts. Its powerful, direct drive gearless motor and maintenance-free operation are perfect for tackling tough terrain. Ultra-compact and storable in its own carrying case, it's an essential tool for any off-road adventure, combining reliability with convenience.
- EXPLORE WITHOUT LIMITS: Trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, Offroad Vehicles, 4x4s, Side-by-Sides, RVs, Motorcycles, Road Bikes & Mountain Bikes. *Instructions: Attach the battery clamps to your vehicle’s battery and start the engine. Connect to a valve stem and turn the unit on. When required, use the included bicycle Presta valve adapter.
- INCLUDED COMPONENTS: 12V mini air compressor tire inflator has a 25 ft 5-in-1 inflator/deflator air hose with inline 100 PSI gauge, 8 ft power cord, deluxe dual-compartment carry bag, 3 inflation tips (3/16" nozzle, 5/16" nozzle, and needle adapter), and Presta Valve Adapter. Features: Aluminum I-Beam sand tray, thermal overload protector, 40-Amp inline fuse holder, press-on tire chuck.
3. BOSTITCH Air Compressor Kit
Tank Size: 6 gallons
Noise (in Decibels): 80
Weight: 29 lbs.
Warranty: 1 year limited
- Fill tires rapidly
- Easy to carry around
- Can be used with smaller power tools, also
- Several compatible accessories available
- Vibrates a lot (we recommend a mat underneath)
- A little pricey for tire use only
- OIL-FREE: Requires no daily maintenance and eliminates risk of oil stains on work surfaces.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: 29 lb. weight and narrow tank diameter make unit easy to carry/store.
- HIGH FLOW REGULATOR AND DUAL COUPLERS: Maximizes air tool performance
Best Portable Air Compressors for Tools
Learn more about our top picks for tools.
1. DEWALT Air Compressor Kit with Brad Nailer – Editor’s Pick
The high quality, excellent performance, and reliable name of this pancake air compressor make it our top pick for use with tools.
Tank Size: 6 gallons
Noise (in Decibels): 75.5
Weight: 37.9 lbs.
Warranty: 1 year limited
- Comes with a brad nail gun
- Oil-less motor for cleaner output
- Ideal for a job site compressor
- Electric
- Loud when releasing air
- Not the most budget-friendly
- DEWALT DWC1KIT-B Brad Nailer: 18 gauge nails from 5/8 to 2-inch length drive capability
- DWFP55126 Compressor: 2.6 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI pump, 6-gallon tank, 165 max PSI
- Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment: Allows for proper setting of nail heads
2. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free Air Compressor
Tank Size: 6 gallons
Noise (in Decibels): not listed
Weight: 31.3 lbs
Warranty: 1 year limited on components
- Starts quickly in cold weather
- Oil-less electric pump
- Handle and console cover protects outer components
- Affordable
- On the louder side
- Vibrates a lot, best with a mat or padding underneath
- 150 psi max tank pressure of the portable air compressor allows more air in the tank for longer tool runtimes
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 psi of the electric air compressor allows for quick compressor recovery time, per ISO1217
- 6 gal Pancake style tank of the PORTER-CABLE air compressor is made for stability, includes water drain valve and rubber feet
3. Craftsman Pancake Air Compressor
Tank Size: 6 gallons
Noise (in Decibels): 78.5
Weight: 32.5 lbs.
Warranty: 1 year limited
- Excellent value for product quality
- Comes with two adapters for tires
- Two couplers for two users
- Starts well in cold weather
- Confusing instructions for setup
- Loud like most pancake compressors
- The portable air compressor is proudly made in the USA with Global Materials in Jackson, Tennessee
- PORTABLE: 6 gallon capacity maximizes portability and stored air for CRAFTSMAN air compressor
- NO MAINTENANCE: Durable, oil-free pump of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for long-life and no maintenance
Final Thoughts
Air compressors come in all shapes and sizes, from handheld to giant, heavy units with large tanks. Be realistic about your air compressor needs. If you aren’t likely to use it with power tools, and only need to inflate some tires, you can go much smaller (and usually more affordable).
If you want a reliable compressor for tools but need to move it around frequently, we recommend a pancake air compressor. They can be loud, but they get the job done, and you can still lift them off the ground. Check out your favorites today.
Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API