10 Best Air Compressors – Our Top Picks and Reviews

An air compressor is a handy device that uses atmospheric air to produce energy to power various pneumatic tools. It can help inflate your car tires, paint your garage with a spray gun, make holes in softwood in DIY projects, etc. The best air compressors are ideal for your home, workshop, or job site.

Many people think air compressors are only for large-scale industrial use, though they’re ideal for powering many tools. So, they can be used for domestic purposes as well as by individual professionals. They also reduce touchpoints and keep your appliances clean.

But which is the ideal air compressor for you? Our team of experts has tested the most popular options available on the market – and we have curated a list of products. Read our air compressor reviews and complete the guideline before you invest in this machine.

10 Best Air Compressors

• Best Overall – CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor
  “Low-maintenance, light and portable, user-friendly”
• Best Portable – PORTER-CABLE C2002-ECOM Air Compressor
  “Excellent quality, affordable price, ideal for traveling”
• Best Quiet – California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor
  “Extremely quiet, long-lasting, perfect for indoor use”
• Best Compact – Milwaukee M18 2840-20 Air Compressor
  “Remarkable mobility, great for outdoors, low noise level”
• Best Pancake – Metabo HPT EC914S Air Compressor
  “Versatile, multi-purpose, powerful”
• Best Cordless – DEWALT DCC020IB Air Compressor
  “Easy to carry and store, accurate inflation, perfect for night use”
• Best 6 Gallon – BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Air Compressor
  “Swift and easy functions, ideal for light/medium-duty jobs, Enduring”
• Best Heavy-Duty – DEWALT DWFP55126 Air Compressor
  “Short recovery time, ideal for professionals, durable”
• Best Home – Makita MAC210Q Air Compressor
  “High-quality, ideal for indoor/outdoor use, noiseless”
• Best Oil-Free – California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor
  “Sturdy, great for heavy-duty tasks, large tank capacity”

Best Air Compressor Reviews

Each of the above products comes with its own set of unique features and advantages that cater to the needs of different users. Let’s dig a little deeper into the top picks listed above and take a look at the unique characters that make each of these a must-have in its own category.

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1) CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Pancake
• Pressure – 150 PSI
• Capacity – 6 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎2.6 cfm
• Power – ‎0.2 Horsepower
• Weight – 32.5 lb

Features and Benefits

The CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor is one of the highest-rated air compressors. It is most often used as a powerful tool for drilling, nailing, spraying, and airbrushing, with domestic and professional uses alike.

The device has two couplers to support two users simultaneously. One of the biggest advantages of the appliance is its lightweight and small body with a large handle, making it a portable machine. The device also offers a quick recovery time, thanks to the 2.6 cfm rating at 90 PSI.

The minimal downtime while carrying out any project. The pressure level of 150 PSI, coupled with 0.2HP power, delivers impressive speed and efficiency. It also has a striking air capacity of 6 gallons, allowing it to work longer. The combination of power, durability, and convenience of use makes it the best overall air compressor.

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2) PORTER-CABLE C2002-ECOM Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Pancake
• Pressure – 150 PSI
• Capacity – 6 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎2.6 cfm
• Power – ‎0.2 Horsepower
• Weight – 31.3 lb

Features and Benefits

The PORTER-CABLE C2002-ECOM Air Compressor packs a generous storage capacity of 6 gallons and power in a compact body – along with a quick recovery of 2.6 cfm at 90 PSI for fast working. So, it is perfect for harsh weather conditions.

The added advantage is its super-light body of 31.3 lb. It is powered to operate at 0.2 HP and delivers a pressure of 150 PSI, an excellent combination for a small air compressor. Thus, it is the best portable air compressor, perfect for RV owners and campers who can use it on the go.

Besides handling a sudden flat tire, it can tackle light and simple tasks like pressure cleaning or using a finishing nailer. You’ll love the air pressure’s low-Amp motor of 120V. It helps the machine take a short time to start even if you use an extension cord or during cold weather.

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3) California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Hot Dog
• Pressure – 120 PSI
• Capacity – 1 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎1.2 cfm
• Power – ‎0.2 Horsepower
• Weight – 29 lb

Features and Benefits

Using air compressors indoors can be quite a pain because of the noise – but not when it comes to California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor. Its 110V motor runs at only 1680 RPM, producing a noise level of only 56 decibels.

Thus, it is the best quiet air compressor and is about as loud as a quiet conversation. That means you’ll hardly notice it’s on while using other tools and equipment, even within the garage or indoor workshop. Its 0.6HP motor combines with an impressive recovery rate of 1.2 cfm at 90 PSI.

This makes it powerful enough for a variety of projects like cleaning, drilling, nailing, spraying, etc. As long as you don’t force it to perform industrial work, it won’t overheat and take only about 15 minutes as recovery time. Its small tank capacity of 1 gallon gives it a compact size and greater portability due to its light body.

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4) Milwaukee M18 2840-20 Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Hot Dog
• Pressure – 135 PSI
• Capacity – 2 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎1.2 cfm
• Power – ‎2 Horsepower
• Weight – 35 lb

Features and Benefits

Milwaukee M18 2840-20 Air Compressor is a great air compressor for outdoor tasks, thanks to its cordless design. It’s ideal if you’re a DIYer handling light/medium duty tasks, a vehicle owner with frequent needs to change a car or bike tires, or a pro looking for a mobile backup.

It has a suitcase-style handle and a small body, though it should have been slightly lighter. Another great feature is the quick-connect system that lets you lock it in place by pushing the air hose inlet without using the collet. It has a massively powerful motor of 2 HP that delivers a pressure of 135 PSi.

Thus, it is the best compact air compressor, packing enough power for carpenters, plumbers, etc. You will also love the recovery rate of 1.2 cfm at 90 PSI, allowing it to take a quick start even in cold weather conditions. At 69 decibels, this is, by far, one of the quietest of all battery-powered air compressors.

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5) Metabo HPT EC914S Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Pancake
• Pressure – 200 PSI
• Capacity – 6 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎4 cfm
• Power – ‎2 Horsepower
• Weight – 35 lb

Features and Benefits

The Tank by Metabo HPT is a high-end compressor, which, at 200 PSi, offers 25% more pressure than regular pancake air compressors. It is also engineered to deliver 30% more airflow at 4 cfm. It combines power with pressure, as the 2HP motor has a 200 PSI rating for greater speed and efficiency.

Also, it has a recovery time of 4 cfm, which allows it to start quickly and complete your job faster. It weighs 41 lb, which might seem like a downside for a high tank capacity of 6 gallons – but think about it this way. This machine is comparable to twin-stack compressors that are much heavier than 41 lb – making the tank a 22% lighter choice.

You can hook five brad nailers, three finish nailers, two framing nailers, two siding nailers, or roofing nailers to this machine. And it is powerful enough to handle roofing, framing, or siding, making it the best pancake air compressor on the market.

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6) DEWALT DCC020IB Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Vertical
• Pressure – 160 PSI
• Capacity – 1 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎2 cfm
• Power – ‎1 Horsepower
• Weight – 5.5 lb

Features and Benefits

The DEWALT DCC020IB Air Compressor is a mini air compressor primarily used for inflating anything from football to tires – and everything in between. In its cordless mode, you can use it outdoors, powered by a 20V battery.

What makes this the best cordless air compressor is its triple power source, i.e., it is also a corded/cordless machine. So you can use 12V DC and 110V AC points to run it on electricity. Its 1-gallon tank gives it a small and light body that makes it easy to use, carry, and store.

Even in a small package, it packs a power of 1 Hp, a pressure rating of 160 PSI, and a superb recovery time of 2 cfm at 90 PSi for greater speed. A great feature is the screw-on chuck that reduces leakage when the hose is removed from the object being inflated. The advanced inflator’s digital gauge makes pressure adjustment convenient, while the auto-shutoff feature maintains accurate inflation.

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7) BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Pancake
• Pressure – 150 PSI
• Capacity – 6 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎2.6 cfm
• Power – ‎0.8 Horsepower
• Weight – 29 lb

Features and Benefits

BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Air Compressor is a popular choice among DIYers, home hobbyists, and vehicle owners and a great backup on job sites. What makes it the best 6-gallon air compressor is the excellent combo of quality, durability, and portability – at a great price.

The device is designed for a short recovery time of 2.6 cfm at 90 PSI, even in cold weather conditions or while using extension cords. Thus, it allows you to complete your jobs faster – with the added advantage of prolonged run times.

It operates at a power of 0.8 HP and an impressive pressure of 150 PSI. It’s a highly efficient machine with the ability to handle brad nailers, staplers, and other basic tools, Besides, it can occasionally power impact wrenches or frame nailers. It has a 15 amp motor that doesn’t require a new outlet for higher amperage.

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8) DEWALT DWFP55126 Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Pancake
• Pressure – 165 PSI
• Capacity – 6 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎2.6 cfm
• Power – ‎0.9 Horsepower
• Weight – 30 lb

Features and Benefits

Looking for a good air compressor to extend support beyond the hobby projects in your garage shop? Then, DEWALT DWFP55126 Air Compressor is the best heavy-duty air compressor you can buy. Though it’s not for industrial use, it has the ability to smoothly handle any mid-level pro air tool you may need on your job site.

You use it for a brad nailer, framing nailer, impact wrench, impact hammer, or airbrush – or connect it to a blaster for cleaning. It can operate for a long time, thanks to its 6-gallon tank capacity. Its 165 PSI rating combines with a power level of 0.9 HP for impressive efficiency.

It indicates that it’s more capable of handling demanding tools and tasks with ease. Also, it is designed for quick recovery and fast start-up, with 2.6 cfm at 90 PSI, thus giving you a chance to get more done in a short time.

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9) Makita MAC210Q Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Hot Dog
• Pressure – 135 PSI
• Capacity – 2 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎2.2 cfm
• Power – ‎1 Horsepower
• Weight – 45.2 lb

Features and Benefits

Makita MAC210Q, a ground breaking air compressor from a trusted manufacturer, is hugely popular among carpenters. What makes it the best home air compressor is its quietness. It works at only 60 decibels, which is barely as loud as a whisper, making it ideal for enclosed areas.

The motor runs at only 1750 RPM, which makes it possible for this compressor to maintain its quietness. It is a compact air compressor with a tank capacity of 2 gallons. It packs a 1HP power rating with a remarkable pressure level of 135 PSI. The 2.2 cfm at 90 PSI gives it the ability to start quickly.

Yet, the device can withstand the challenges during transportation and on job sites, thanks to its roll-cage construction. It is also equipped with a long-lasting motor and a dual-piston pump for trouble-free performance.

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10) California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor

Specification

• Type – Vertical
• Pressure – 200 PSI
• Capacity – 10 gallon
• Air Flow – ‎4 cfm
• Power – ‎2 Horsepower
• Weight – 82.5 lb

Features and Benefits

Are you looking for a high-capacity air compressor that doesn’t require the hassle of manual lubrication? Then, California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor is the best oil-free air compressor for you to tackle a wide range of tasks on job sites.

This air compressor comes with a 10-gallon tank and dual-piston pump system that together deliver longer run times of 30-60 minutes. You can also expect a prolonged machine life of 3000+ hours, which is significantly higher than many competitors.

Another great feature is its noise level of only 70 decibels, thanks to its motor running at only 1680 RPM. It is equipped for fast air delivery at 200 PSI, combined with an incredible power level of 2 HP. It also comes with a short recovery time of 25 seconds, operating at 4 cfm at 90 PSI. Thus, it offers a quick start at low temperatures to help you finish your tasks faster.

If you would like to get reviews of other power tools, kindly visit our Guide page.

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Tips for Picking the Best Air Compressor

Now you know about the best air compressors on the market. But it’s important for you to know the factors to considered while choosing a air compressor.

Based on Types

While buying an air compressor, you can choose the machine based on its type or shape. They are as follows.

Pancake Air Compressor – Shaped like fluffy pancakes, these are medium-duty air compressors for tire inflation and to power domestic or semi-professional tools. Pancake air compressors usually have a capacity of 6 gallons or less.

Hot Dog Air Compressor – Equipped with small, horizontal tanks shaped like sausages, these air compressors tackle small jobs like inflating bicycle tires or handling DIY project tools. Hot dog air compressors are no more than 3 gallons.

Twin Stack Air Compressor – With two horizontal cylinders stacked on top of each other, these air compressors offer longer run times, making them ideal for medium-grade commercial projects. Twin-stack air compressors are quite heavy.

Wheelbarrow Air Compressor – With two horizontal cylinders that are placed side by side and a wheel in between them for mobility, these are designed for longer run times and more capacity. Wheelbarrow air compressors can be bulky.

Vertical Air Compressor – Designed with single high-capacity tanks that stand upright, these air compressors combine capacity and recovery speed without wasting floor space. Vertical air compressors take up much more floor space.

Power Source

Air compressors may be powered by batteries or electricity. Which power source you pick depends on whether you want to use them on the road or for outdoor tools – or for indoor workshops or job sites where you can take advantage of available power sockets.

Pressure and Volume

The pressure rating, indicated by PSI, is the air pressure capacity on a square inch of space. Small/medium compressors have a 120-200 PSI rating. CFM/SCFM describes the air volume at different PSI levels. High-volume output is better for heavy-duty tools.

Tank Capacity

Tank storage indicates the amount of air that an air compressor can store. The higher the air storage capacity, the longer you can use the machine without interruptions. For serious domestic or non-industrial professional use, 6-10-gallon tanks are excellent.

Size

Air compressors are of different shapes and sizes. If you want to travel frequently with the compressor or move it around the job site a lot, a compact machine is the best. Large compressors have more stability and power, but they’re harder to move or store.

How to Use an Air Compressor Safely?

You can use air compressors safely by taking the following steps

• Always place the machine on a flat surface for more stability.
• If it is an electric air compressor, place it well within reach of the power socket and plug the machine in.
• If you have an oil-based machine, check the oil gauge and ensure the oil tank is full.
• Use oil that’s free from detergents or any additive that might be present in automotive oil.
• Turn the drain valve near the bottom to the closed position.
• Turn on the air compressor and run it till the pressure gauge indicates that it has reached its highest capacity (marked in PSI).
• Adjust the air control valve to hit the recommended PSI level required for your tool or use.
• Connect one end of the air hose securely to the machine (using the screw-on system or quick-connect fitting). Use a wrench if required.
• Connect the other end of the hose to your air tool for use.
• Once you’re done using the tool, turn off the compressor before detaching the tool and then the air hose. Then, turn off the power outlet and disconnect the compressor.
• Ensure that the air compressor is completely air-free. Release all moisture by tipping it so that the release valve is down. Then store the machine safely.

Air compressors differ from one another depending on the models, design, purpose, brand, and more. But their elementary working principles are similar.

Remember that picking the best air compressors on the market is not enough. You must use the right machine for the right purpose – and follow the given safety guidelines.