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A portable air compressor can be found in a garage, or as an energy source for building, engineering, and painting jobs. Compressed air can be used to drive power tools including spray guns for painting, and simply inflating tiers.
Bigger tools require a bigger compressor, while for smaller jobs, like powering a finishing brad nailer for trim work you will find a more portable lighter trim compressor easier to move and transport around.
What is the best compressor? The Makita MAC700 its a good mix between a large tool and a trim compressor. For quieter operation, California air tools might be a better choice running with a quiet 60db engine it is available in many different tank sizes. For DIY projects and pumping up tiers, the Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 is good value.
Best portable air compressor
#1 Best general purpose air compressor
Makita MAC700 2.6 gallon 2.0 hp
- Big Bore pump and cylinder system builds up pressure quickly
- Low noise for such a powerful system
- The large automotive-style filter increases air intake
- Runs cooler than most other similar compressors
- Could be a bit heavy for a portable compressor
#2 Best builders portable air compressor
Makita MAC5200 5.2 gallon 3.0 hp
- Has a 3.0 HP motor that pumps out 6.5 CFM of compressed air at 90 PSI
- Oil-lubricated pump reduces operating temperatures for less wear
- Cast-iron cylinder design prolongs pump life
- Easy storage and portability
- Has to be plugged directly into a power outlet
#3 Best Dewalt compressor
Dewalt D55146 4.5 gallon 1.6hp 225-psi
- Pumps out 80% more usable air than other high-performance air compressors
- Quick recovery after the tank is fully discharged
- Has 10-inch foam tires that allow for easy transport
- Space-saving design
- Can be a bit too heavy for one person to lift
#4 Best DIY garage air compressor
Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 1.0 hp 8 gallon, portable quiet 68 decibels
- One of the quieter air compressors on the market, emitting only 68 dB
- The oil-free dual-piston pump ensures long life and maintenance-free operation
- Can be used for a variety of jobs including inflating, spray painting, stapling, nailing, and even bolting
- Has to refill every few minutes
#5 Best Dewalt air compressor tool
Dewalt D55151 1.1HP 4 gallon oiled twin air compressor
- Has a 1.1 HP high-output motor
- Has a unique 4-gallon twin-stack tank
- Low voltage start-up reduces the risk of blowing breakers
- Ergonomically-designed for easy handling
- Could use more PSI for heavy-duty jobs
#6 Best Dewalt pancake air compressor
Dewalt DWFP55126 6-gallon 165 psi pancake compressor
- Works well even off an extension cord
- Has an efficient motor that starts up quickly even in cold weather
- Has a large 6.0-gallon tank
- Delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
- Has two universal couplers
#7 Best Senco portable air compressor
Senco PC1010 1hp 1 gallon portable compressor
- Peaks at 1 HP
- Lightweight and designed for portability
- Ideally-suited for DIY renovation and home improvement
- Puts out 20 to 44 drives per minute
- Not really suitable for anything more than light jobs
#8 Best Bostitch compressor
Bostitch BTFP02012 oil-free 0.8 hp 6 gallon
- High-efficiency motor starts up even in cold weather
- Fairly quiet performance
- Works well even off an extension cord
- Has two universal couplers for use with two tools
- Noise when depressurizing the tank is quite loud
- The plastic construction doesn’t inspire much confidence
#9 Best porter-cable air compressor
Porter-cable C2002-WK oil-free air compressor
- Pancake-style tank design helps ensure stability
- Large 6-gallon tank
- Extended run time due to the 150 PSI tank pressure
- Has factory installed air coupler and plugs
- A bit loud during use
- Weighs considerably more than other similar air compressors
Quietest air compressor review
#1 Best quiet 2hp air compressor
California Air Tools 8010A oil-free 2hp quiet 60 decibels
- Quiet operation at only 60DB
- Has a low-maintenance dual-piston pump system
- Has a much longer life cycle than most other compressors
- Oil-free design lets you use the compressor in almost any environment
- Has a large 8.0-gallon tank
- Generates a bit of heat during use
#2 Best California air tool compressor
California Air Tools 10020C oil-free 2hp portable quiet 70 decibels
- Low starting amp requirements allows for easy startups
- Easy Start Valve feature allows the motor to spin freely under no-load conditions
- The tank holds compressed air for weeks without leakage
- Runs pretty quietly
- A bit expensive
- The 8010A model is 10 DB quieter for the same HP
#3 Best low noise air compressor
California Air Tools CAT-4620AC oil-free 2hp aluminum twin tank quiet 70 decibels
- The motor and tank are exceptionally well-built
- High performance and low noise
- Compact design
- The compressor builds up pressure quickly
- Frame and control panel construction isn’t exactly robust
- Heavier than it looks
#4 Best aluminum quiet air compressor
California Air Tools CAT-4610AC oil-free 1hp aluminum twin tank quiet 60 decibels
- You can barely hear it during use
- Draws less current than other similar compressors
- Lighter than most other models as well
- Recharges quickly
- Instructions could be a lot clearer
Best portable trim compressor
#1 Quietest trim compressor
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S 0.6 hp 1 gallon light & quiet 56 decibel portable trim air compressor
- Single piston pump design provides a good balance between power and efficiency
- One of the quietest air compressors on the market rated at 56 DB
- Can still be used with a wide variety of tools
- Lightweight and easy to transport, making a perfect trim compressor
- Suited for small jobs
#2 Best Dewalt trim compressor
DEWALT DWFP55130 2.5 gallon quiet 71.5 decibel
- Handles most light jobs easily
- 2.5 gallon trim compressor
- Reasonably well-built for the price
- Stainless steel valve components would have made it a better compressor
- You need to limit run times to prolong tool life
#3 Best home garage portable air compressor
Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 6 gallon 1hp quiet 68-decibel air compressor
- The vertical orientation makes it easier to carry around
- Perfect also for DIY and general home use
- Bigger sized 6 gallon trim compressor can be used for a bigger variety of jobs
- Low noise, more like a quiet hum
- Using it with longer hoses makes it difficult to use the air regulator knob
#4 Best portable Makita trim air compressor
Makita AC001 compact trim air compressor
- Compact and lightweight for anyone to carry easily
- You could barely hear it when it’s on
- Top-performing brand
- Works great with most nailers
- Not suitable for heavy-duty jobs
#5 Best Hitachi air trim compressor
Hitachi EC28M oil-free 1 gallon quiet 59 decibel portable air compressor
- Even quieter than many refrigerators
- Small and easy to move around
- Inflates tires and like a champ
- Sometimes leaks air through the on/off switch
#6 Best portable Dewalt air compressor
DEWALT D55140 1-gallon 71 decibel trim compressor
- Works well off most power outlets, even truck outlets
- Small but powerful
- Works nicely with brad guns
- Loads much faster than other 12-volt compressors
- HO-ring might need to be repositioned to prevent leakage
#7 Best Senco portable trim compressor
Senco PC0968 oil-free 2.5-gallon 1.5hp trim compressor
- The durable powder-coated frame is very resistant to chipping
- Discharge hose is protected by rugged braided stainless steel
- Has a machine-constructed regulator body
- The motor does not vibrate against the frame
- The location of the tank pressure gauge makes it a bit hard to read
#8 Best Senco portable air compressor
Senco PC1010N .5Hp trim portable air compressor
- A more compact version of the earlier PC1010N
- Very quiet during use
- Improved gauge protection
- The regulator knob tends to leak if set lower than 50 PSI
#9 Best DIY trim compressor
Bostitch CAP1512-of oil-free 1.2 gallon 1.5 hp trim compressor
- A very lightweight and compact unit
- Goes from empty to full quickly
- Powerful enough to drive most trim guns and even power framing nailers
- Not exactly quiet
Introduction
An air compressor is a motor-equipped device that uses fuel or electricity to generate pressurized or compressed air. The air is collected in a storage tank. The more air there is in the tank, the higher the pressure.
With most air compressors, the mechanism that generates pressurized air shuts off automatically when the pressure in the tank reaches a specific limit.
The compressed air then remains in the tank until it is needed, at which time a valve releases it. When the pressure reaches a specific lower limit, the compression mechanism again turns on automatically until there is sufficient air in the tank.
Many devices and everyday household appliances contain some sort of air compressor. You will find them in everything from pneumatic drills to air-conditioning systems, and in power tools and air-driven machines.
In nearly every construction site, builders use air compressors to sand wood, nail boards, and beams, and to operate jackhammers and grinders. Finishers and interior decorators also use them to paint walls.
DIYers and woodworkers also have many uses for air compressors. They can be used for carpentry, building shelves or furniture, and making crafts. Air compressor-powered nailers are usually lighter than industrial models, making them better suited for light DIY work.
The first motor-driven air compressor was designed in England in 1799 by George Medhurst. This early version of the modern-day compressor was used for mining rock and ore. By 1852, Isambard K.
Brunel had developed his version of an air compressor, which was used to force out mud and water at the Chepstow railway bridge worksite. Thomas Cochrane also came out with his own compressed air driven rock drill in 1857, which was used for tunneling.
Interestingly enough, some form of the hydraulic compressor had existed since the early Roman period. These machines were used for forging metal, relying on a system of water running down through a pipe. By 1650, Otto von Guericke of Germany developed an air pump with a piston and a cylinder, which paved the way for modern air compressor designs.
Builders like to spray compressed air to clean formwork before concrete is about to be poured. However, a cordless Makita blower will do the job as well. The most popular tools builders like to run on a portable air compressor is their air brad nailer and finishing nail gun.
If your unsure about the difference between a bradder and a finishing gun click here to find out more.
Features
- Thermal protection. Automatically turns off the motor to prevent overheating.
- Oil-free pump. Reduces the cost of maintenance and prevents oil from mixing with the compressed air.
- Multiple couplers. It allows you to switch to different tasks without having to disconnect the attachment each time.
- Belt-drive system. It provides quieter performance than a direct-drive system.
- Air-cooling system. Keeps the mechanism cool and prolongs motor life.
- Adjustable exhaust. Lets you direct the air exhaust where you want.
- Roll cage. Reduces the risk of damage to the compressor.
- Ball valve drain. It allows you to drain the compressor tank, which prevents rust and leakage.
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.
| Air Tools | CFM | PSI |
|---|---|---|
| Bradder | 0.3 | 90 |
| Framing Nail Gun | 2.2 | 90 |
| Staple Gun | 6.36 | 90 |
| Air Blowing | 2.5 | 90 to 100 |
| Nibbler Tool | 4 | 90 |
| Air Spray | 6 to 18 | 90 |
| Impact Wrench | 7 | 32 to 35 |
| Inflating Tires, Balls, inflatable Mattress | 5 to 7 | 90 |
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
| California Air Tools 8010A | Makita MAC700 | California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 2.0 (peak) | 2.0 | 0.6 |
| Capacity (gallons): | 8 | 2.6 | 1 |
| Decibels: | 60 | 80 | 56 |
| Weight: | 37.25 lbs. | 52 lbs. | 20 lbs. |
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.
Makita MAC700 review
The Makita MAC700 has a 2.0 HP motor that drives Makita’s own Big Bore pump cylinder and piston system.
This innovative design results in higher air output and overall better performance with much less noise than other air compressors. With the MAC700, you get comparable power and performance as the most rugged industrial machines, in a much more convenient and portable package.
The MAC700 has many other features that make it a top-rated portable air compressor for DIYers and professional builders and welders.
It has a copper-finned discharge tubing that improves heat dissipation and reduces water build-up in the tank.
Add to that the large industrial air filter that increases air intake and improves efficiency, and you have a powerful air compressor that can handle pretty much any job.
Pros:
- Long-lasting pro brand
- Powerful enough to get jobs done
- Top build quality
Cons:
- Reasonably quiet but there are quieter compressors for smaller jobs
#1 Top portable air compressor
California Air Tools 8010A review
California Air Tools’ 8010A delivers ultra-quiet performance in a lightweight and low-maintenance package. Its 1.0 HP (2 HP peak) motor packs enough power for even demanding jobs, but spins at only 1680 RPM.
This results in an efficient system that emits only 60 dB of noise. There is also much less wear-and-tear on the entire mechanism resulting in longer tool life.
The 8010A features an oil-free dual-piston pump system designed for maximum performance and durability.
California Air Tools claims that the compressor has a life cycle of more than 3000 hours, which is much longer than that of other air compressors.
The 8010A also has a huge 8.0-gallon tank, which makes it an excellent choice for extended usage.
Pros:
- Quietest 2HP compressor
- Big enough to get the jobs done efficiently
#2 Best quiet air compressor
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S review
If low-noise performance is what you are looking for in an air compressor, California Air Tools’ 1P1060S is exactly what you need.
It emits only 56 dB of noise, making it one of the quietest units available according to many portable air compressor reviews.
Like the 8010A, the 1P1060S runs at only 1680 RPM, which reduces noise as well as wear-and-tear.
The .6 HP motor isn’t the most powerful you will come across, but it should be more than sufficient for most DIY jobs.
It also has an oil-less design, so it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance even with regular use.
Pros:
- The quietest compressor you can find
- perfect for small jobs such as trim work, inflating tiers
Cons:
- For big jobs, you need a bigger compressor
#3 Best trim air compressor
References:
- How much air pressure is required for different air tools, retrieved from, https://www.quincycompressor.com/know-much-pressure-need-given-situation/
- Reasons to use air tools, retrieved from, https://www.vmacair.com/blog/air-tool-pressure-5-reasons-use-right-psi-air-tools/
- CFM requirement for air tools, retrieved from, https://www.vmacair.com/blog/many-cfm-need-run-air-tools-air-tools-cfm-usage-chart/
- Oilless air compressor information, retrieved from, https://www.quincycompressor.com/how-do-oil-free-air-compressors-work/
- Air compressor history, retrieved from, http://www.bookrags.com/research/air-compressor-woi/#gsc.tab=0
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