Best Air Compressors
Best Home Shop/Garage Air Compressor
Best Portable Tire Inflator
Best Painting Air Compressor
Best Quiet Air Compressor
Best Air Compressor Accessories
How do air compressors work?
An air compressor works by sucking in air, compressing it, and keeping it under pressure until it releases it through a pneumatic tool, like a drill or paint sprayer. Smaller air compressors are great for inflating bicycle tires bike and balls, as well as supporting power tools. Larger air compressors can supply continuous air pressure for longer, so they’re often used for spray painting projects or automotive repairs.
We evaluated our favorite air compressors based on factors like cubic feet per minute (CFM), tank size, portability, pounds per square inch (PSI), loudness, and power type (gas vs. electric).
Your guide to choosing the best air compressor
Air compressors come in a variety of sizes and capabilities suited to different goals. Maybe you’re looking for a compressor to keep around the house for a variety of smaller projects, like pumping up your bike tires. In that case, a compressor with a small tank, quiet motor, and medium CFM will probably do.
On the other hand, someone looking for a heavy-duty model for commercial projects will probably require a compressor with a larger tank, higher CFM, and portable design. Here are a few things you should consider to help you make your choice.
Standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM)
One common specification for air compressors is the CFM value. This measurement describes the volume of air a compressor can deliver at a specific PSI setting (pounds per square inch). A compressor with a low CFM rating may require time to fill back up with air as you’re using it, while a high-CFM compressor will be able to supply air throughout your project.
Tasks that require continuous airflow, like spray painting or sanding, are best done with a high-CFM compressor. In general, opting for a compressor with a high CFM rating is a more versatile choice because it will allow you to do more types of projects.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
An air compressor’s PSI measurement is the amount of pressure it’s able to exert when the tank is fully charged. Most at-home projects don’t require a compressor with a high PSI capability, so 90-150 PSI is pretty standard and versatile. Even compressors that achieve less than 90 PSI will work fine for projects like inflating bicycle tires, sports balls, and even car tires.
A PSI capability that’s higher than 150 is unnecessary for most people, but if you’re looking to use your compressor for automotive repairs or other industrial projects, you may need that kind of power.
Tank Size
Every air compressor has a holding tank for air that it’s sucked in and compressed. Tanks typically range in size from one to six gallons, which is perfect for many at-home projects.
Tasks that require continuous airflow, like spray painting and sanding, are better off with a larger tank. A large tank can also make up for a lower CFM — rather than being able to suck in air quickly, your compressor will be able to internally store more air.
Keep in mind your intended use when choosing a tank size — A larger tank may be less portable and require wheels if you want to move it, rather than simply being able to hold it by a handle. Every feature has a tradeoff, so it’s all about striking a perfect balance.
Power Type
Like many tools, air compressors are typically powered either by gas or electricity. There are perks for each, depending on your needs.
- Electric air compressors are either plugged into an outlet with a cord or battery-powered. The main advantage of an electric air compressor is portability. They’re smaller than gas-powered compressors and much quieter, too. On the flip side, they aren’t capable of the same power output at gas-powered air compressors. If you’re just using it for DIY projects around the house, an electric compressor should be fine.
- Gas air compressors are tougher than their electric counterparts, generally with higher horsepower, PSI, and CFM. Plus, you don’t have to connect them to an energy source as you do with electric compressors. However, they’re typically bulkier, which can be problematic if you’re taking it on the go.
Best Home Shop/Garage Air Compressor
This compressor offers a great blend of utility and affordability. Offering 150 max PSI and 2.6 SCFM (at 90 PSI), this air compressor is both powerful and quick to recover. The tank size is good too, at 6 gallons.
If you’re looking for a compressor that can handle all of your DIY projects, this one has enough power to handle nearly anything while maintaining a relatively small size. This compressor is built in the U.S. and designed to be maintenance-free, with an oil-free pump and high-performance motor that easily starts in cold weather.
It comes with bells and whistles, too. The accessory kit features 13 pieces, including a PVC hose, tire chuck with plug, and tire gauge.
Best Portable Tire Inflator
If you’re looking for an air compressor to keep in the trunk of your car for emergencies, this is a great option. It comes with an attachment that you can plug directly into the cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle to power it. The safety features are a nice touch, too. An auto shut-off feature prevents over-inflation, and it will also shut off if it overheats.
Though it doesn’t support truck tires, it’s suitable to inflate tires on bikes, sedans, and midsize SUVs, as long as the engine size is under 3.5 liters. Beyond tires, it comes with short-cone, long-cone and needle adapters that are great for inflating sports and recreation equipment.
Best Painting Air Compressor
With 165 max PSI and 2.6 SCFM (at 90 PSI), this air compressor is able to support tools for a long time while recovering quickly, making it perfect for jobs that require continuous airflow. The high-efficiency motor makes it suitable even for cold weather and extension cord use.
If you’re worried about the loudness of a heavy-duty air compressor, fear not. The 75.5 dBA noise level keeps your work environment relatively quiet. And a plethora of additional features make your life easier: two universal couplers allow for two simultaneous users, a cord wrap for storage, a removable console cover to protect controls, and a ball drain valve for tank draining.
Best Quiet Air Compressor
Three features stand out about this air compressor: the tank size, the wheel kit, and the sound. First, the tank capacity is pretty large, which helps the compressor hold more air and run for longer. It’s just large enough that it might be inconvenient to transport, except it comes with wheels so you can roll your compressor wherever it needs to go.
The main selling point is the sound. The sound level is 60 dB, significantly quieter than most models. If you plan to use the compressor for a long time or indoors, a quiet option like this one can be a game-changer.
And though it’s quiet, it still brings the power. It’s capable of 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI, which is only slightly lower than what louder models offer.
Best Air Compressor Accessories
These add-ons for your new air compressor are perfect for all kinds of cleaning. With these accessories, you’ll have the ability to shoot a stream of compressed air accurately to help with a variety of tasks. If you work in an industrial site, the nozzles can effectively blow powder and dust off of your work station. It can also help you banish dust bunnies from hard-to-reach corners.
The set comes with three different nozzles, all sized for different applications. The base of all three nozzles is the blow gun, which is made of steel and copper screw accessories. The gun has an adjustable air flow nozzle, which can be interchanged with two longer nozzles.