Best portable air compressors [The most quiet]

How much PSI is needed for air tools?

Air compressors are classified according to how much pressure they deliver, which is measured in pounds-per-square-inch or “PSI”. Low-pressure air compressors (LPACs) pump out a maximum of 150 PSI. Medium-pressure air compressors (MPACs) put out from 151 PSI to 1,000 PSI, while high-pressure air compressors (HPACs) pump out 1,000 PSI or more. 

Air compressors are also rated according to cubic-feet-per-minute or CFM. Compressors with higher CFM ratings can pump put air consistently for longer periods, so you can hold the trigger down while working. This is useful for tools such as die grinders, which require constant airflow.  

But not all tools and applications require a high CFM rating. If you only need to pump out the air in short bursts, you could make do with a lower CFM compressor, which will be a cheaper alternative. This could be a more economical option if you need your compressor to power an impact wrench. However, a high CFM rating compressor will let run more than 1 tool at the same time. 

PSI ratings also often relate to the size of the compressor tank. Compressors with higher PSI ratings usually don’t require a large tank to hold the compressed air. You could, therefore, opt for a smaller compressor with a higher PSI rating if you are working in a small space. 

Of course, you should always consider the PSI requirements of the tools you plan to use. Check out this table for the recommended PSI requirements of some of the most common tools that use air compressors.

Oil or oil-less air compressor?

Traditionally, air compressors had to rely on oil to lubricate the piston chamber. This system worked well for the most part, but it did have some drawbacks. The oil in the chamber tended to mix with the compressed air being pumped out, which isn’t always an ideal scenario. 

The oil in air compressors also has to be changed periodically, depending on the design of the mechanism and how often the compressor is used. In general, oil-injected compressors require more maintenance than their oil-less counterparts. 

Oil-free compressors use self-lubricating materials such as Teflon, which means that there is no need to lubricate the system. Apart from being comparatively low maintenance, oil-less compressors are also generally cheaper and lighter than oil-injected compressors. 

Oil-free compressors aren’t always the best choice for every application. Although they serve well for DIY and infrequent home use, they do tend to dry out over time.

This is why air compressors used in industrial settings are almost always oil-injected models. Oil-free compressors also tend to generate more noise than oiled compressors, so keep that in mind if you are shopping for an air compressor for home use.

What is the quietest air compressor?

Like most power tools, air compressors generate quite a bit of noise. In general, oiled air compressors run quieter than oil-less compressors, making them better suited for home use, especially if you have to keep the noise to a minimum.  

California Air Tools makes some of the quietest air compressors on the market. The 6-gallon 5510SE emits only 60 dB of noise, which makes it an excellent choice for DIYers that have babies or young children at home.

The company’s CAT-1P1060S model is even quieter, putting out only 56 dB of noise during use.

The CAT-1P1060S operates at only 58 decibels

Best air compressor for DIY and the home or garage

When choosing an air compressor for your home garage, some of the most important factors to consider are size, ease of use, maintenance, and versatility.

You should go for a compact and lightweight unit that is easy to store and move around, and which doesn’t take up too much space. It should also be easy to use and reasonably low maintenance, so an oil-less design might be the best option. 

Power isn’t really a major concern if you are shopping for a home garage air compressor. Unless you are planning on driving rivets in your garage, a modestly-powered compressor should do just fine. 

Makita and DeWalt make excellent air compressors that are priced and made for professional use. Depending on how much work you expect your compressor to do,  the Makita or the DeWalt might pay of.

Otherwise for the in the DIY’ers garage and around the house a cheaper option that performs is the Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 a 6 Gallon 1HP quiet 68 Decibel portable air compressor.

Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 best home and garage air compressor

Best air compressor for builders

If you are a builder, you will need an air compressor that delivers enough pressure for the most demanding jobs. You will also want to match the power of the motor with a tank that can hold a good amount of pressurized air before the compression mechanism has to kick in again. 

When shopping for a heavy-duty model, the most important factors to consider are air pressure/volume and electrical requirements. Many compressors that have enough power for heavy-duty applications will probably require 220V, so make sure that the circuit can handle it without tripping the breaker. 

The Makita MAC5200’s 5.2-gallon tank and 3.0 HP motor make it a good choice for heavy-duty work. Also consider the Makita MAC700, which has a 2.6-gallon tank and a 2.0 HP motor.

The Makita MAC700 2.6 Gallon 2.0 HP best trade air Compressor

What size air compressor is needed to run what air tools?

Size is another important consideration when choosing an air compressor. Bigger air compressors take up more space and are more difficult to move around. But if you need plenty of air pressure and have a sufficiently large work area, you might want to go for a compressor that is as large as is practical.

If you have to use your tools in different areas of your workplace, you could get a long hose that allows you to direct the pressurized air where you need it. 

It is always better to have more–rather than less–pressurized air available on hand. If space is an issue, get a smaller air compressor by all means. But be aware that you give up some power and performance in exchange for portability and a smaller footprint. For most DIYers and even professionals, an air compressor with a two, to a six-gallon tank should be sufficient for most jobs.

Painters and DIY’ers commonly make use of a portable compressor for their air spray gun and their orbital air sander.

How does an oil-free air compressor work?

Most standard air compressors use oil to lubricate the cylinder walls and allow it to move freely.

Oil-free or oil-less compressors do not use oil and instead, rely on self-lubricating materials that would enable the pistons to slide back and forth in the cylinder. These compressors may also use grease to lubricate the sealed bearings.

Many oil-free air compressors also have specially designed air ends that generate pressurized air without needing oil in the compression chamber. This results in, compressed air that is totally free of oil.

Oil-free air compressors may come in air-cooled and water-cooled designs, and offer the same functionality as oil-injected compressors.

What to look for before buying a portable air compressor?

Durability

An air compressor should be durable enough to handle the most heavy-duty tasks without breaking down or leaking. They should also be resistant to overheating even when running for long periods.

Brand

Brands such as Makita, DeWalt, and California Air Tools make some of the best air compressors on the market. Models from these brands generally deliver excellent performance and have proven durability and reliability.

Horsepower

Air compressors with higher horsepower ratings allow you to pump more air. This is especially important if you need to have an abundant supply of pressurized air for demanding jobs. 

Capacity

A higher capacity tank will allow you to store more compressed air so that the motor doesn’t have to be constantly working. This reduces wear-and-tear on the engine and prolongs the life of your compressor.

Decibel rating (DB)

Compressors with lower decibel ratings emit less noise. This is an important quality for home workshops and DIY applications where you might need to operate the compressor while other people are in the house.

Tips for using a portable compressor

If you are using a gas-driven air compressor, make sure that your workspace is adequately ventilated. Better yet, take your compressor out to your carport, driveway, or yard, and work outdoors. Gas compressors emit harmful toxins such as carbon monoxide, so you want to avoid exposing yourself to risk if you can avoid it. 

Check to see that there aren’t any leaks in the air hose, the attachments, or the air tank. Any leaks will keep your compressor from working to its full potential and force the motor to work harder than it should. 

Finally, make sure that your compressor has the proper PSI and CFM ratings for the tools you will use and the job you need to do. A properly-rated compressor will ensure optimal performance and prevent you from over-stressing the components when doing heavy-duty jobs.

For roofers, delicate sheet metal cutting jobs can be improved by using a small and easy to control air nibbler like the Ingersoll rand air nibbler paired with a decent portable compressor.

Comparing the top air compressors

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best small air compressor that combines power and portability, the Makita MAC700 is a no-brainer.

Its 2.0 HP motor combined with the Big Bore pump cylinder and piston system delivers high output and sufficient power for most jobs without being too noisy. 

California Air Tools’ 8010A is a great choice for quiet operation and low maintenance, but it still provides enough power for most jobs at home or in the workplace. It also has a long life cycle, giving you more than 3,000 hours of reliable service. 

And if you really must have the quietest air compressor around, you can’t do any better than California Air Tools’ CAT-1P1060S. Emitting only 56 dB of noise, this is as quiet as an air compressor can get while still delivering excellent performance.