The best air compressors of 2024
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If you’ve got a garage full of stuff you need to inflate, it might be worth adding an air compressor to the mix. Air compressors can be used to inflate tires (or other inflatables) as well as to operate pneumatic tools. Most air compressors are easy to use, relatively affordable, and complete their jobs quickly. Many compressors are also, essentially, maintenance-free and should last for years. Here are the best air compressors available at Amazon.
$159 at Amazon
Key Features
6 gallon capacity
Maximum pressure of 165 PSI
2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
High flow regulator
2 universal couplers
Noise level: 78.5 dBA
Oil-free pump
This DEWALT Pancake Compressor has a 6 gallon tank capacity and reaches a maximum pressure of 165 PSI. The compressor has two universal couplers and a high flow regulator to maximize its performance. It weighs 30 pounds and is easy to carry if it needs to be moved.
$169.00 at Amazon
Key Features
6 gallon capacity
Maximum pressure of 150 PSI
2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
Noise level: 78.5 dBA
Includes 13 piece accessory kit
2 couplers
Oil-free pump
The CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor has a high-performance motor that has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. It has a 6 gallon tank capacity and quick recovery time of 2.6 SCFM (square cubic feet per minute) at 90 PSI. This compressor includes two couplers that allow it to operate two items at once. This product includes a 13 piece accessory kit with your purchase.
$239.95 at Amazon
Key Features
12 volt motor
Can fill tires up to 35”
Maximum pressure of 150 PSI
2.3 SCFM @ 0 PSI
Includes an anti-vibration tray
This VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor Kit has a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI and a 33% duty cycle. The 12-volt motor includes direct dual clamps that attach to your vehicle’s battery along with a 40-amp inline fuse. This air compressor is great for vehicles and can inflate tires up to 35”.
$215.84 at Amazon
Key Features
8 gallon capacity
1 horsepower motor
Maximum pressure of 120 PSI
2.2 CFM @ 2.2 PSI
Includes air filter and wheel kit
Noise level: 60 dBA
Oil-free
This California Air Tools Steel Tank Air Compressor has a high 8-gallon tank capacity. Its motor supplies 1 horsepower and reaches 1,680 RPM. It comes with a wheel kit, air filter, output pressure regulator and is oil free. It’s fairly quiet and operates at 60 dBA.
$24.99 at Amazon
Key features
#1 best-seller rank on Amazon (over 71,000 user ratings)
Inflates at a rate of 35L/Min
Programmable for automatic fill-ups
Integrated LED light for better night-time visibility
Comes with one replacement fuse and 3 additional nozzles
Great for cars, bikes, balls, and inflatables
This AstroAI portable air compressor comes with three nozzles and will work with any Schrader valve on cars, SUVs, motorcycles, and bicycles. It can pump up tires at a speed of 35 L/Min and can inflate 195/55/R15 tires from 0 to 35 psi in under 5 minutes. The gauge is professionally calibrated to show a reading within 1.5% of your actual tire pressure and is even programmable, so you can just set your desired pressure and let the machine do the work. It’s got a large, backlit screen that displays pressure units like PSI, kPa, BAR or KG/CM. There’s also a built-in flashlight for if you’re working in the dark. The included accessory adapters will also allow you to also use this inflator on balls, air mattresses, balloons, and other small inflatables.
$84.99 at Amazon
Key Features
Includes 110V AC and 12V DC/cigarette lighter power inputs
Comes with rechargeable battery pack and charger
Has both a high-pressure and large-volume mode
Can inflate anything from car and bike tires to air mattresses and floats
Up to 20 minutes of continuous use
Up to 160 PSI in high-pressure mode
Can inflate a flat tire from 0 to 36 PSI in 5 minutes
Large digital screen
This 160PSI AstroAI tire inflator is a bit more heavy duty than the option above. Thanks to its high-pressure and large-volume modes, it can fill things like car tires as well as air mattresses. It has a large digital screen to give you all the information you’ll need while using the device and can be used for up to 20 minutes continuously. It also comes with a rechargeable battery option making it totally portable.
$56.09 at Amazon
Key Features
20v rechargeable lithium-ion battery
12V DC adapter
Maximum pressure of 100 PSI
Automatic real-time monitoring
Auto shut-off
Built-in LED light
This AVID POWER Tire Inflator Air Compressor has an internal 20V lithium-ion battery power source and offers a maximum pressure of 100 PSI. It can be used as a cordless compressor, or powered with its 12V DC adapter if the battery is low. There is a screen that offers real-time monitoring of your PSI while inflating. There is also a LED light that is very helpful when using this compressor in the dark.
How do air compressors work?
According to Quality Compressor, “air compressors work by forcing atmospheric air under pressure to create potential energy that can be stored in a tank for later use.”
What can an air compressor be used on?
Air compressors can be used for many different vehicles, devices and appliances. They are most commonly known for filling car tires, but work just as well with bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and any other vehicles with inflatable tires. They are also a great choice for flotation devices and bounce houses. Compressors can be used on pneumatic equipment and power tools as well.
Are there any drawbacks of air compressors?
Air compressors have many great benefits, but they are not without a few disadvantages. Some of them are quite loud and can potentially annoy nearby neighbors. The risk of air leaks can result in a drastic loss of pressure or even an explosion in rare instances.
