Single-stage, piston-type air compressors are the most common models for home use and work well for many applications. An electric motor or gasoline engine drives a piston, which compresses air and forces it into a storage tank. As the piston forces more air in, the air pressure rises. Once the pressure reaches a specified level, the compressor stops running. As you use the stored air to power a tool, the compressor restarts to build the air pressure back up.
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Two-stage compressors have two pistons. The first compresses the air and pushes it through a check valve to the second piston, which compresses it further and delivers it to the tank. These compressors are usually heavy-duty, commercial models that can deliver a greater volume of air at higher pounds per square inch (PSI) levels. They're good choices for continuous use in shops or if you need to power multiple tools at once.
Stationary air compressors are large air compressors for a garage or workshop. These high-horsepower models with large storage tanks allow for longer periods of uninterrupted use. They typically have a vertical design that reduces the amount of floor space they require.
A portable air compressor is more compact than a stationary model. It has a smaller storage tank and handles or wheels that allow you to easily move it to different work areas. Portable air compressors are good for light, quick applications, such as airbrushing and powering most types of nail guns. They come in several styles so you can choose the best portable air compressor for you:
Always follow the air compressor and air tool manufacturers' instructions for use, maintenance and safety.
Electric compressors are the most common type of air compressor. These require less maintenance than gasoline-powered models, are quieter and work in any dry area with a ready electrical supply. Electric compressors are suitable for working indoors. Many home-use compressors function on 120-volt household current, but larger models may have different requirements. A portable electric compressor requires a suitable extension cord, which limits mobility. Follow the manufacturer's specification for extension cords and see Power Cord Safety Tips. Depending on the model, inflators plug into a 120-volt household outlet or a 12-volt vehicle accessory outlet.
Gasoline-powered air compressors are a good choice for outdoor work areas where electricity is limited or unavailable. A gas air compressor typically has more horsepower than an electric model, so it can generate greater PSI.
Don't use an electric compressor in a wet or damp area. Don't use a gasoline-powered compressor indoors or in a confined or unventilated area.
The horsepower (HP) rating for a compressor indicates the power output of the engine or motor. Higher horsepower creates greater air pressure, measured in PSI. Higher PSI means the compressor can store more air in the tank, allowing you to operate air tools longer. Cubic feet per minute (CFM) and standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) describe the volume of air a compressor delivers at specific PSI levels. The CFM value changes as PSI changes. As you lower the PSI output, CFM increases. A compressor with a higher CFM rating can deliver more air and is better suited for heavier applications, such as operating air wrenches and framing nail guns.
Compressor manufacturers rate storage tank size in gallons. Smaller tanks — around 4 to 6 gallons — are sufficient for many projects, such as airbrushing and operating brad nailers or nail guns. Larger tanks store more compressed air at higher pressures. They're suited for larger tasks that require sustained air flow, such as automotive work and remodeling projects.
While horsepower indicates a compressor's power output, CFM ratings at specific PSI levels determine what tools the compressor will power.
To choose the right air compressor for tools, you should understand the air compressor features that can handle your jobs and simplify your work:
Air hoses must meet the specifications of the compressor and the tools you plan to use.
The right parts and accessories are crucial to completing your projects safely and efficiently. Some of the main types of air compressor parts include:
If you just bought a new air compressor or you're in need of multiple parts, you can also look into accessory kits that are designed for a variety of tools or repairs.
The cost of a quality air compressor can vary greatly depending on the model, the size, the volume of air it holds and a variety of other features. The average price can range anywhere from $100 to $15,000 or more. So, if you’re trying to determine your budget, make a list of all the must-haves and try to find the best model at the right price point.
The decibel (dBA) rating of an air compressor varies depending on the type of compressor and the power source. Electric air compressors lack a fuel-powered engine, so they often make less noise than gas-powered models. Quieter air compressor models operate anywhere from 50 to 70 dBA. However, louder compressors can operate at more than 90 dBA.
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A portable air compressor is a convenient means to keep your car’s tires properly inflated. Maintaining the right tire pressure is not only a matter of safety but can help improve fuel economy and save money in the long run.
We’ve tested several types of portable air compressors, from lightweight pancake compressors to handheld tire inflators.
To find the best portable air compressors, we looked for options that can fit in your trunk, are easy to use, and quickly inflate car tires.
We named the Ryobi ONE+, Kobalt Air Compressor, DeWalt Pancake Compressor, Viair 450P-RV, and Slime Tire Inflator as the best-rated portable air compressors on the market in .
The portable air compressors in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at customer reviews, inflation power, and reliability.
Our product testing team ordered portable air compressors that best met these standards. We try to test products in a variety of styles and price ranges to recommend air compressors for a range of needs.
When you purchase a Ryobi ONE+, you get nothing but the inflator itself. The batteries are sold separately or as a bundle. You’ll need to purchase a battery charger separately.
You can see how the Ryobi ONE+ performed in each of our testing categories below:
Below are the pros and cons of the Ryobi ONE+:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
While easy to use, the Ryobi doesn’t inflate as quickly as bigger air compressors. It took a minute and 30 seconds to add 10 lbs. per square inch to our test tire. That said, if you’re only keeping this around to maintain tire pressure in a single vehicle, this slower inflation rate isn’t much of an issue.
We like the digital psi reader, which is helpful for precise filling. Checking the reading of the Ryobi against our test car’s tire pressure monitor showed the Ryobi’s reading to be accurate.
Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (around 500 ratings)
Many reviewers keep the Ryobi in their vehicle or garage to top off and maintain tire pressure. One reviewer notes that the battery maintains its charge well. This person keeps it in their car and it holds a charge for months while stored.
The most prevalent complaint about the Ryobi is that the battery charger is not included. This was not obvious to everyone who purchased this tire inflator, so some were frustrated that they had to purchase a separate item to use their tire inflator.
The Kobalt portable air compressor is compact and user-friendly. It can be powered either by plugging it into an AC outlet or your car’s DC cigarette lighter. As with the Ryobi, this air compressor is good for inflating tires only, and will not run air tools.
This air compressor is a good choice for a tire inflator to keep in your car. While a little bigger than the Ryobi ONE+, it has the advantage of not needing a charged battery.
Nothing other than the inflator itself is included with the Kobalt Portable Air Compressor. The compressor itself features a digital display and two power cords (one for AC and one for DC).
You can see how the Kobalt Portable Air Compressor performed in each of our testing categories below:
Below are the pros and cons of the Kobalt Portable Air Compressor:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
We love the design of the Kobalt. Not only does it look good, but it is very intuitive and easy to use. The digital psi readout is accurate and matched the readout of our test vehicle’s pressure sensors.
This was the slowest-acting compressor, taking a minute and 50 seconds to add 10 psi to our test tire. However, this was the easiest-to-use compressor, because all you need to do is set the desired psi and press the start button. The Kobalt automatically shuts down once the proper psi is reached.
Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (over 1,200 ratings)
Many reviewers purchase this gauge for a quick and easy tire inflator. The Kobalt is light and easy to store and it attaches easily.
Some downsides mentioned are that the air hose is a little short. A couple of reviewers also don’t like that the hose cover doesn’t secure in place. There is a plastic piece that covers the air hose when stored, but it does not click into place and the hose can easily fall out if not coiled perfectly.
While it stretches the limits of “portable” at 30 lbs., this relatively quiet air compressor could reasonably fit in a trunk for job site transportation. It isn’t difficult to maneuver and is capable of running a variety of air tools. A high-flow regulator maximizes the performance of these tools. And if you need to inflate a tire, the DeWalt can do so in no time. It’s also backed by a one-year warranty.
The DeWalt pancake air compressor doesn’t include any extras or attachments. In fact, you’ll need to purchase these attachments separately to use this compressor for any job, even inflating a tire.
You can see how the DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor performed in each of our testing categories below:
Below are the pros and cons of the DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor:
For more information, please visit Electric Portable Air Compressor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
It took the DeWalt only 25 seconds to inflate our test tire from 30 to 40 psi, making it the fastest of the air compressors on this list. Operation is straightforward once the machine is plugged in. Because it did not come with any inflation tools, we used the inflator that came with another of the air compressors we tested and it attached seamlessly to the DeWalt.
Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 (around 6,500 ratings)
A lot of users say they like this compressor because it is light and easy to use. It’s a great tool for small projects and runs quietly compared to other air compressors with a similar tank size.
There are a couple of reports from reviewers who received faulty products. In some cases, compressors arrived with pieces detached.
This kit can inflate large tires up to 150 psi and does so quickly. Another useful feature is that it can operate on a continuous run cycle, so no need to wait for it to pressurize every 30 minutes.
This kit includes a number of attachments to get you started out of the box. Along with the Viair Compressor, this kit also includes:
You can see how the Viair 450P-RV performed in each of our testing categories below:
Below are the pros and cons of the Viair 450P-RV:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
It only took the Viair 50 seconds to add 10 psi of pressure to our test wheel. The included attachments are all quality-built, and we were especially impressed with the high-quality carrying case, which conveniently stowed the entire kit.
We did find the instructions poor and mostly unhelpful. While we were able to figure out how to use this compressor, it took us a few failed attempts before connecting the required parts in the proper order.
Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 (over 4,800 ratings)
A lot of reviewers give this compressor a full 5.0 stars. Many praise it for its fast inflation speeds and easy use. Some appreciate the continuous run cycle, especially those that need to inflate several tires at once. This is an especially popular compressor for those with RVs or high-psi tires.
Some people are frustrated that the chuck heads do not lock onto the tire air valves. Most aren’t bothered by this because the tires inflate so quickly that it isn’t too much trouble to hold them down yourself. This could be annoying for an especially long inflation, however.
The Slime tire inflator comes with:
Another feature of the Slime is that it has a built-in LED light.
You can see how the Slime Tire Inflator performed in each of our testing categories below:
Below are the pros and cons of the Slime Tire Inflator:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Because you need to connect it to your battery, the Slime takes a little longer to set up than some other gauges. It’s also worth noting that it does not work with hybrid batteries, so if you drive a hybrid vehicle, you’ll want to pick something else.
The inflator head screws into the tire valve, making for a more secure fit. We found the analog gauge to be less precise than the digital gauges that we tested, though generally accurate (within a couple of psi).
It took the Slime 35 seconds to inflate our test tire by 10 psi, making it one of the faster tire inflators.
The final thing that we noted during testing is that the included carrying case is made of flimsy plastic. It is good enough to keep the unit protected during storage, but not an especially impressive case.
Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (over 1,600 ratings)
Reviewers consider this inflator a reliable compressor excellent for roadside emergencies. Compared to battery-powered or 12.0-volt inflators, the Slime inflates especially quickly. Reviewers also appreciate the twist-on connector which is easy to attach.
Air compressors will have a maximum pressure per square inch as well as a maximum output measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). When using an air compressor to inflate tires, these metrics determine how quickly it can pump up your tire. Most air compressors are capable of inflating a tire, even those with low maximum psi and CFM outputs.
A portable air compressor should be portable. While larger compressors may offer higher psi and CFM, they may not be so easy to lug around. If you’re looking for a portable compressor to keep in your car to inflate tires in an emergency, choose something lightweight.
Portable air compressors can run on battery power or an AC current. Those that you need to plug in are typically more powerful, but less portable. Some air compressors can run off DC current by connecting directly to your car’s battery. This type of compressor requires that you pop the hood, but has the advantage of being useful on the side of the road.
The best portable air compressors are items that can easily fit in a trunk, truck bed, or back of an SUV. When it comes to size, portable air compressors usually come in a handheld format or a console-style design.
Both versions are more than capable of refilling flat tires, but form factor can be a priority for customers wanting to save space.
It’s worth noting that some vehicles now include tire pumps built into the car itself. The feature is popular among vehicles that are off-road capable since dropping tire pressure by a few psi can lead to better performance on some surfaces while overlanding.
When your wheels are low on air pressure and you’re out in the middle of nowhere, the last thing you want to do is risk ruining your tires. With a great all-around compressor like the Viair 450P-RV or a super portable option like the Ryobi ONE+, you won’t have to worry about your tires again.
Below are some common frequently asked questions about best portable air compressors:
We tested each air compressor by timing how long it took to inflate a tire from 30.0 psi to 40.0 psi. We followed the included instructions (if there were any) and took notes on build quality, ease of use, and quality of additional attachments. Each air compressor was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on inflation speed, ease of use, and portability.
Inflation Speed
You don’t want to be stuck waiting by the side of the road for very long while your tire air compressor does its thing. Our inflation speed score is a reflection of how quickly each air compressor could inflate our test tire. The air compressors that worked fastest scored best in this category.
Ease of Use
Our ease of use rating is based on the relative convenience of each air compressor. Those with simple operating instructions and that require little setup score best in this category. Air compressors that offer automatic inflation to a specific psi and easy-to-read displays also score better in this category.
Portability
A good air compressor should be portable enough to take on the go in case of emergencies. Lightweight and compact air compressors score best in this category. We also award better ratings to air compressors that include useful carrying bags or storage bags.
How We Score Products
Every portable air compressor we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
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*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
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