TOP-10 Best Air Compressors Compared | 2022 Useful Buyer’s Guide

What is the best air compressor? The majority of the modern air compressors with advanced features are designed for powering a wide range of pneumatic tools. Besides they are offered numerous prominent functions which make them suitable for usage at the production and construction sites. Of course, a field of application is strictly determined by the capacity and type of the compressors. However, the state-of-the-art options are highly versatile tools capable of satisfying the needs of both regular customers and professionals. Moreover, the modern air compressors can be operated in any weather conditions without compromising the efficiency and quality of any particular job.

Types of air compressors

There are a lot of classifications of air compressors. However, I would like to give you a better insight into the most common types of air compressors to be considered when looking for an option suitable for your particular application: powerful air compressors for workshops and garages, and portable air compressor for cars and trucks.

• Portable air compressors for home garage. This type of equipment is distinguished by its mobility, medium capacity, and maintenance-free design. The residential-grade air compressors commonly generate the average pressure in the range of 90-120 PSI. This type of compressor is usually used in small workshops, garages, and on some construction sites. 

A low noise air compressor like Hyundai HY7524 produces considerably less noise compared to conventional piston compressors, making it ideal for home, workshop or garage use where loud noises can be disruptive to customers, family or staff.

• 50L air compressors. These compressors demonstrate greater performance in comparison with the above-mentioned tools. Such units are suitable for residential- and professional-grade applications. The capacity of its tank allows the accumulation of more air which is refilled on a constant basis for keeping the required pressure in a pneumatic system.

Thus, the airflow generated by such units is significantly higher in comparison with air compressors of a smaller capacity. They ensure a highly-efficient operation of numerous pneumatic tools. For example, Hyundai 50L air compressor for workshops provides an air displacement of 11CFM / 300 Litres per minute at a maximum pressure of 100PSI.

• Portable air compressor for car. Such compressors are also known as tyre inflators. They are very compact and lightweight units. One of the distinguishing features of the tyre inflators is the ability to run by various power supply sources. Thus, they can be powered by a standard electric outlet, a DC outlet in your car, and by means of a rechargeable battery. The latter makes this tool highly portable as it can be used anywhere, at home or on the way. With the help of this tool, you will inflate even the flat tyre of your car easily and quickly. Besides, it will handle blowing up of various inflatables used in everyday life and on holidays.

• Air compressor for truck tyres. In general, these tools have the same concept of operation as the tyre inflators for cars. However, they should work for tyres within the wide pressure ranges and differ with higher efficiency. You should bear in mind, that filling the truck tyres requires higher PSI and CFM and considerably depends on the type of your vehicle, in particular, on its capacity. On average, the advanced models of such portable air compressors should be able to generate at least 1–2 CFM.

Buyer’s Guide: Сlassification | How Air Compressors Differ

Air compressors are classified by the principle of operation. In particular, they can be distinguished by a pressurizing method which is actually the baseline. In this regard, there are two types available:

• Positive displacement - including reciprocating, rotary, and diaphragm air compressors
• Dynamic air compressors – including centrifugal and axial flow air compressors.

During the operation of a positive-displacement compressor, its chamber is gradually filled with air which is further compressed due to a forced volume reduction. Air reversing is prevented by subsequently opening and closing valves.

The principle of operation of the dynamic air compressors is in the rotor vane action. Pressurizing can be achieved by various methods which differ by compressed air properties, compression settings, etc. This allows adopting the unit for a particular task. The variety of dynamic air compressors are deemed as professional-grade equipment due to their higher capacity in comparison with positive displacement compressors.

• Reciprocating piston compressors are the most common option on the mass market. They were the first type of compressors developed, thus they are the best to demonstrate the principle of a positive displacement functioning. Its crankshaft assembly ensures a reciprocating motion of a piston inside a cylinder.  Some air compressors are equipped with a dual-piston setup for higher flow and/or pressure.

Besides, piston compressors come in single-stage and two-stage designs. The single-stage units pressurize the air in one pace before its storage. This type of compressor is suitable for powering most the pneumatic tools, caulking, spray and glue guns, and undoubtedly for inflating tyres and rafts.

Two-stage compressors pressurize the air in two stages, as the name implies, to double the pressure value. Thus, the two-stage units are more powerful and efficient in comparison with their single-stage counterparts. Consequently, they can be used for more challenging tasks like powering bigger pneumatic tools and for supplying various manufacturing facilities with compressed air.

Depending on the position of cylinders, the piston reciprocating compressors come in horizontal and vertical designs. A tank of a vertical air compressor is pre-assembled on its motor. The base of a vertical unit can be stationary and wheeled. This type of compressor requires less space, thus it is more suitable for operation in some tight working area.   In spite of the fact that horizontal models have a bigger footprint, they are highly maneuverable due to their well-balanced design. This configuration allows transferring a unit from one location to another easily and safely.

Besides, air compressors are distinguished by a cooling type.  When a piston reciprocating unit is in operation, friction between metallic elements occurs. The moving parts are located tightly in relation to each other, and inevitable wear occurs as a result of their engagement. The easiest way out of this situation is the usage of lubrication. That is the addition of oil. The latter creates an invisible film between the cylinder and piston walls. Oil also reduces friction and prevents parts from early wear and from corrosion. Overall, oil-based compressors are more reliable and durable in comparison with oil-free counterparts.

In this regard, you could have a particular concern in relation to the reasonability and applicability of oil-free air compressors.  However, during the operation of an oil-based compressor, particles of oil penetrate the generated compressed air. It’s fine with a pneumatic wrench, for instance. As oil drops will lubricate the joints. Thus, it will be easy to screw and unscrew them. But, the same situation is not admissible for a spray gun. Otherwise, you will have a deplorable result, as a car painted with a mixture of paint and oil will hardly represent a high-quality result. That is, oil-free compressors supply absolute pure air to a pneumatic system. Overall, they will save you time, as they come in a maintenance-free design and money. However, they are less reliable due to lower life service, capacity, and power than the oil-based compressors.

Also, air compressors can differ in a power source. There are three options available: driven by an electrical motor or powered by a gas engine or a rechargeable battery.

What Should You Know When Purchasing an Air Compressor for Home Garage? 

When purchasing your first air compressor you should look for a number of key features that will ensure the correctness of your choice which will contribute to the achievement of successful results in any project. Below are some of the most common features the average consumer should consider before making a purchase.

• Horsepower. Horsepower is a term that basically means how much output or power the device can produce. It is also useful for determining the overall capacity of the item. You want to make sure you have an air compressor that has enough horsepower for the tasks you will need without buying one that is significantly larger than what is needed.
• Air Pressure. Air pressure I measured in PSI which represents pounds per square inch of pressure. PSI is used to measure the amount of air pressure the device can produce, transport and store.
• Cubic Feet Per Minute. The cubic feet per minute, which is abbreviated as CFM shows how much air a compressor can continuously produce in a particular period of time. A minimum 1-2 CFM rating of around 90 PSI is needed to successfully run most types of pneumatic tools on various job sites.

• Storage Tank Size. Another important factor anyone planning to purchase an air compressor should consider is the size of the storage tank. The models with a larger tank have a larger reserve of air to be supplied, thus ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted operation of a pneumatic system. Therefore these units do not need to run as often as similar units with smaller tanks.
• Duty Cycle. It determines the time needed for cooling down of an air compressor after each run. For instance, if your air compressor has a 100% duty cycle, then it can be continuously operated with no risk to be overheated.
• Cost. Before making the final decision and getting a particular unit, you should carry over, a so-called, comparative analysis of what you want and what you really need. This is highly important, as the more powerful and versatile the air compressor is, the pricier it may be.

Testing & Customers Reviews

We found reviews from real YouTube bloggers about the products from our article.

Justin Bailly JBTV: "So I needed a compressor and I wanted one that wasn't that big and I also wanted one that wasn't very noisy at all. Hyundai HY5508 really is super silent. It's got a little air filter which really really does muffle the sound of the motor. I did actually accidentally start this when I first got it without putting the air filter on and it was a bit louder but not too bad. But once you put that filter on it really does lower the noise. That's even quieter than the wife's hairdryer.

It's very compact. Very small. Very narrow. Can really fit into any kind of area in your workshop. And it's got this brilliant handle on it. It's really not too heavy but a nice mobile carrying handle as well. The air compressor is powered by this 550 watt motor which is a 240 volt power supply. The total pressure of the air tank is 7 bar and that is good enough for your staple guns and for inflating tyres and your air gun and all sorts. This is an 8 liter air tank but it can displace air at 120 liters per minute. It's oil free. It's maintenance free. It's absolutely perfect. The lead's not that long to be honest. It's a bit rubbish really. I'm loving it. I think i paid about 120 pounds for this on amazon. It wasn't a bad deal at all. it's so small and it's easy to carry, easy to hide away. Fantastic."

Fix It Now: "I'm on the 18 volt platform and I have a lot of equipment and a lot of things that always have flat tires. Makita DMP180Z is a good solid robust unit. Pretty nice size. It's not too big. It'll definitely fit in your toolbox and back your car your trunk backseat all that kind of stuff.

Should you buy it? Absolutely. Buy it. If you're already on the Makita 18v old platform it's a very good tool to have in your kit. You know some people are Makita people some people are Milwaukee Dewalt. I think that whatever platform you're on stick with that platform. If they have a tool similar to this on that platform stay there. But if you're already on the Makita platform and you're thinking about it definitely get it. It seems to be pretty robust. I put all my body weight on the top handle when I was pumping up that tractor tire a few times and didn't budge at all. And I'm about 250 so you can get an idea. That it's pretty stout tool.

The only thing I wish that this did have is just that auto on until it got some pressure and then auto off. It does not have that so you do have to hold that trigger the whole time and that could be problematic if you're on the side of the road and you need to get air in a tire and you don't want to sit on the side of the road you have to sit there with traffic passing you by while you're pumping up your tire. I don't like that. So that would be the only improvement I would bank on this. I think that the size is good. I think that it pumps well. It's not the fastest thing in the world. It's not gonna beat your pancake compressor. It's not gonna beat your big stand compressors but this is a convenience tool if you're out by the pool and you pump up some some pool toys or you're trying to get a job done out in the yard and you got some flat tires on your equipment. If your guys are into biking and stuff bicycles motorcycles this is definitely a good thing to have."

Trying To Build Stuff: "This is the best air compressor ever and let me tell you why. If you're using a lot of power tools you kind of enjoy the occasional break from all the noise, right? You don't want to use ear protection. That's why I love Stanley Fatmax Silent Air Compressor. Because you don't need them. I've used a few air compressors before. They all sound horrible. This one is so quiet. I mean I can watch TV while having this on.

It's really handy piece. It weighs a little bit but it's still portable. It's about 16 or 17 kilograms. It's got a handle. It's so versatile. As long as you don't need it for super professional work this is gonna do the trick just fine. I used it for cleaning up some greenhouse plastic stuff. I use it to to clean my workbench and for those kind of purposes. It's great. I would recommend this one to anyone who's interested in having a quiet air compressor that fills your basic needs for compressed air. I would totally get this one over and over again."

Air Compressors Reviews

The below-mentioned models have different capacity and power suitable for different applications.  Besides, such characteristics as design and weight are also important, which is why you will also find here portable and lightweight models that are easy to carry around.

• 60 gallon air compressor. This type of air compressors is very similar to 30 gallon units in the design and principles of operation depending on a model, of course. The advantage of the 60 gallon compressor is a higher tank and thus higher storage capacity needed to power higher CFM tools. The downside of it is the bigger size and weight in comparison with the 30 gallon counterparts. Also, it will be an issue to find a proper storage space in your garage or workshop due to its larger footprint. Thus, I would recommend 60 gallon air compressors for commercial- and industrial- grade applications, when simultaneous operation of several pneumatic tools is needed. Such compressor will handle similar tasks with no hassle. 

• Commercial air compressor. Most commercial air compressors come in a bulky and heavyweight design, thus the majority of them belong to the class of stationary equipment. Commercial-grade units are more powerful capable of providing higher CFM at higher PSI rates, due to larger tanks with an increased storage capacity. The capacity and performance of such compressors will be suitable for those construction or production facilities, with multiple job locations to be moved frequently from one to another. In such cases portable commercial air compressors become an awesome option to meet your needs.  These models are typically less powerful with lower storage capacity in comparison with the stationary counterparts, though the portable units offer a great opportunity of mobility. By the way, gas-powered models would be preferable for these purposes even if they are pricier than the electric compressors in this class. 

• Industrial air compressor. Industrial air compressors are the most powerful class of compressors available on the current market. These compressors come in a robust design to withstand the heavy-duty projects of any industrial site for long periods of operation. This type of equipment is highly applicable at different process flows in various technical branches. The enterprises of light and heavy industries, auto services companies and large manufacturers.

1. DEWALT DWFP55126

Dewalt is the name that has been associated with the high quality and reliability in the world of power tools for a long time. The Dewalt DWFP55126 6-gallon pancake compressor is not an exception! This model is equipped with a powerful 10-Amp motor delivering 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI. The maximum pressure can reach 165 PSI, thus the unit should be arranged at least 12-inch away from the walls or other surfaces due to the high air flow. The unit is suitable for any ambient conditions, thus it could be easily started-up in cold weather.

The high flow regulator and couplers enhance the performance of this air compressor by adjusting the flow rate efficiently and quickly.

This model comes in a lightweight but sturdy design ensuring its reliable and durable operation. Besides, the noise level of the DWFP55126 is lower in comparison with the similar models in its class.

Features

• Pressure Max (PSI): 150
• Air flow (CFM): 2.6
• Type: Corded
• Weight (lbs):  32.5
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.9

DEWALT DWFP55126 has small dimensions but great performance! I bet, this is one of the best options among other 6-gallon tools, which pushes the upper limits in its class.

2. PORTER-CABLE C2002

This model from a reliable manufacturer has proven to provide good performance for a variety of tasks and needs for homeowners and small business owners. It is a 1-horsepower, oil-free compressor with a convenient short, compact design making it easier to use in a variety of locations that have limited space.

The unique design also makes transporting the item simpler and easier. With a 150 PSI capacity 6 gallon tank, the Porter-Cable C2002 allows for longer continuous usage time when using power tools. The 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI gives this unit a fast recovery time. It also has a water drain valve to rid the unit of any moisture buildup. The durable rubber feet keep the unit in place during transport or usage.

Features

• Pressure Max (PSI): 150
• Air flow (CFM): 2.6
• Type: Corded
• Weight (lbs):  31.3
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 19 x 19 x 18

The Porter-Cable C2002 model is an ideal product worth purchasing for most consumers due to a larger storage tank and higher flow rate than many similar products on the market.

3. BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT

This model is an impressive product indeed. With a 6-gallon tank and 150-PSI maximum capacity, this compact device packs quite a punch. The high-performance motor provides an impressive 2.6 CFM. The Brad Nailer has the ability to drive 5/8” — 2” nails allowing versatility for a whole range of different applications.The straight finish nailer can drive 1-¼” — 2-½” nails. There is also an impressive heavy-duty crown stapler with the ability to sink 3/8” Crown staples that are ¼” — 9/16”.

Features

• Pressure Max (PSI): 150
• Air flow (CFM): 2.6
• Type: Corded
• Weight (lbs):  43.5
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 21.1 x 19.5 x 18

The Bostitch BTFP3KIT model comes with a versatile kit of pneumatic tools included. Thus it becomes a worthy tool set in one package.

4. CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K

Craftsman is a highly recognizable brand in the U.S. with a big experience on the power equipment market. They have a broad selection of air compressors for various applications. The 6-gallon CMEC6150K is one of the awesome units which belong to the class of the high-capacity units. This air compressor generates 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI. The ability to deliver up to 150 PSI to ensures its suitability for various heavy-duty applications. This model features an oil-free pump which considerably simplifies its maintenance and increases the overall service life.

This comes in a lightweight and a compact pancake design, thus making it portable and convenient in use. It is a highly resistant compressor to the ambient conditions. Therefore, it starts up quickly in cold weather with no hassle.

One of the main benefits of this model is the 13-piece accessory kit delivered together with the device. The set comprises an air hose with plug and coupler, blow gun, rubber tip, three inflator adaptors, tyre gauge, etc. Overall, you’ll get all necessary stuff to proceed with your work immediately.

Features

• Pressure Max (PSI): 150
• Air flow (CFM): 2.6
• Type: Corded
• Weight (lbs): 32.5
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.9

The Craftsman CMEX6150 6-gallon air compressor offers an awesome performance and portability.  This compressor becomes an indispensable tool in your garage or workshop for powering your pneumatics and blowing up different inflatables. And all this is at the reasonable price.

8. Makita MAC2400

Makita as a reliable manufacturer of power tools offers one more outstanding item among other portable job site air compressors. It outdoes the competition with a cast iron pump having a big bore piston and cylinder. The 2.5 Horsepower 4 Pole motor stands out above all the others with more power and smoother operation. The motor works at only 1730 RPM providing lower noise and improved reliability.

The Makita MAC2400 has a faster recovery time and better performance than the competition. The motor is also designed for low AMP startup to prevent tripping circuit breakers. The 4.2-gallon twin tank design can supply a stable 130 PSI and deliver 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI and 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI providing enough pressure to correctly use two nail guns simultaneously. The pump is oil-lubricated which prevents overheating and reduces wear on parts. Its motor also has thermal overload protection.

The device has a protective roll-cage for those unexpected incidents that are all too common on job sites. The unit has a large industrial type air filter which allows increased airflow and better efficiency. It was built for tough jobs with a durable cast iron cylinder that is oil cooled allowing decreased wear and will add years to the life of the pump.

Features

• Pressure Max (PSI): 130
• Air flow (CFM): 4.8
• Type: Corded
• Weight (lbs):  81
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 20 x 18 x 18.8

With its high performance the Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP is the best portable air compressor available for the money on today’s market. It can deliver industrial power and improved performance for those tough job site conditions.

9. VIAIR 400P

VIAIR Corporation is the U.S. based company which was founded in 1998. They offer a broad selection of DC air compressors and inflators for residential and industrial purposes.

400P Automatic is VIAIR’s first portable tyre inflator with a shut-off function. This powerful tool is capable of pressurizing up to 150 PSI. Thus, the 400P inflates tyres of 35-inches maximum in a short period of time. The high efficiency is obtained due to its 33% duty cycle. The latter means 20-minute continuous and interrupted operation without risk of overheating or overloading the tool.

Being a user-friendly option, this model comes with a gas station-style gun for better convenience during tyre inflation. Besides, this portable air compressor also comes with a 25-feet hose, durable dual battery clamps, 3 inflation tips, and a heavy duty tray. The latter has vibration isolators that control the level of vibrations generated by the tool.

Features

• Pressure Max (PSI):  150
• Power supply: 12v DC
• Type: Corded
• Weight (lbs): 8.50
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 11.25 x 4.00 x 7.00

In general, the VIAIR 400P is a reliable and powerful air compressor for on- and off-road applications. The efficiency it can grant will definitely outweigh the costs you’ve born.

10. RYOBI P737

The Ryobi Tools is a well-known brand worldwide. Currently it belongs to the Techtronic Industries, which owns a number of reliable equipment and tools manufacturers with a solid reputation like Craftsman, Milwaukee, AEG, etc.

The 18V RYOBI P737 cordless air compressor enhances your mobility with no restrictions by a power cable or extension cord.  This battery-powered unit shares the Ryobi ONE+ batteries with numerous tools of this range from this manufacturer.

This model comes with an integrated pressure gauge for better accuracy of measurements. This model is distinguished with its compact size from the counterparts in its class. It comes with an ergonomic pistol grip handle which is very convenient while operation and transportation. Besides, this inflator is delivered with high-pressure nozzles of different sizes to suit various applications.

Features

• Pressure Max (PSI): 150
• Air flow (CFM): 0.95
• Type: Cordless
• Weight (lbs): 2.5
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 9 x 2.9 x 6.4

The RYOBI P737 is the ideal option among other cordless air compressors for cars or other inflatables due to its light weight, ergonomics and affordability. It will suit your needs not only around the house but outdoor, at any remote locations or when being on the way.

It is true that air compressors power a wide range of pneumatic equipment and tools over multiple fields of application. In order to get an air compressor suitable for your needs, you'll welcome an opportunity to arm yourself with the right knowledge. Thus, this guide will answer the most common questions that arise when selecting a device for residential- or professional-grade purposes. You will get to know about such features like an overall capacity of the item and how to measure the amount of pressurized air a device can produce, transport and store. At the end, I hope, you’ll become a fully-aware person in this matter who knows all pros and cons of various types of the air compressors. And thus, you will be able to find your perfect tool in a flash.

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