Best Air Compressor Reviews 2023
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Looking for the Best Air Compressor Reviews of 2023? Great news, you have found an excellent resource that offers unbiased reviews of the top air compressors available today.
Whether you need a large stationary compressor for your garage or shop or prefer an ultra-portable, super-quiet air compressor that you can operate inside your home without waking the dead, we can help. You'll find roundup comparison reviews of popular styles of compressors including pancake and twin stack models, ultra-quiet compressors, 12 Volt portable inflators, and more. Each top pick includes a detailed review which not only lists the best features of the product but also describes its major weaknesses.
Finding the best unit for your specific needs and budget can be greatly simplified by using our detailed Air Compressor Buying Guide. If you already know the type and size of compressor you need then you can skip to our top 3 picks from the most popular categories listed below. For more detailed reviews and a larger selection of choices go to the specific category detail page.
For any compressor be sure to check out our article on How to drain your air tank and keep water out of your air lines.
Our most popular air compressor review categories are:
Also check out our Pneumatic Air Powered Tool Reviews. We review and rate the most popular brands & models including air impact guns, air ratchets and more.
Top 3 Quiet Air Compressors
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 California Air Tools 8010 | Quietness 60 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 2.2 CFM Tank Size 8 Gallon | Good Combination of Power and Low Noise. Great Amazon Reviews! | |
 DeWALT DWFP55130 | Quietness 71.5 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 3.0 CFM Tank Size 2.5 Gallon | 200 PSI - Highest Pressure of the Top 5 Quiet Air Compressors We Reviewed. Heavy Duty, Multiple, Simultaneous Air Nailer Support. | |
 California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S | Quietness 56 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 1.2 CFM Tank Size 1 Gallon | The Quietest We Reviewed, Only 56 dB. Portable, Small & Light Weight, Only 29 Lbs. Excellent Compressor for Tire Inflation. |
Portable Air Compressors - Top 3
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Porter Cable C2002 Portable Pancake Air Compressor | Quietness 82 dBA CFM @ 90 PSI 2.6 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | Inexpensive Only 30 Lbs. Very Portable Integrated Cord Wrap | |
 Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor | Quietness 79 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 4.2 CFM Tank Size 4.2 Gallon | Rugged Design Heavy Duty- Cast Iron Pump Good Power vs Portability | |
 DeWALT D55146 225-PSI Hand Carry Compressor with Wheels | Quietness 78 dBA CFM @ 90 PSI 5 CFM Tank Size 4.5 Gallon | Powerful 5 CFM - 225 PSI Portable, Hand Carry or Wheel Around |
Top 3 Tire Inflators
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor | Power 12-V 15-A CFM @ 0 PSI 1.26 CFM Max Tire Size 31" | Plugs Into 12 V Power Outlet Great Amazon Reviews! | |
 VIAIR 88P Portable Air Compressor | Power 12-V 20-A CFM @ 0 PSI 1.47 CFM Max Tire Size 33" | Direct 12 Volt Battery Clamps Inflate 33" Tires | |
 EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Tire Inflator | Power 12V 15A CFM @ 0 PSI 1.06 CFM Max Tire Size Midsize SUV | Least Expensive Reviewed Thousands of 5 Star Reviews . |
2023 Best Quiet Compressor
California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet Review
CAT-8010 Best Quiet Compressor 2023
The California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0-HP 8Gallon Steel Tank Air Compressor is our top pick in the 2023 Best Quiet Air Compressor category.
We picked this unit because it had the best combination of quality, power, low noise level and of course price. You can read our full CAT-8010 review here.
CAT-8010 air compressors use the new California Air Tools SP series motor/pump, which is easily repairable. The new one horsepower SP-9413 pump increases the compressor's duty cycle allowing for longer continuous run times without overheating. The thermally protected AC motor spins at a lower 1680 RPM which creates less noise and increases life of the unit. The oil-free, dual piston pump provides high performance with minimal routine maintenance requirements and features a 3000-hour life cycle before repair rating.
It takes only 165 seconds to fill the 8-gallon air tank from empty to 120 PSI, then the recovery time from 90 PSI back to a full 120 PSI is around 60 seconds.
The unit is rated at 2.2 CFM @ 90 PSI or 3.1 CFM @ 40 PSI, which is great for inflating car or truck tires and provides enough capacity to enough to run most air nailers and some small air ratchets and impact wrenches. If you need to run large air tools that require high CFM, such as air sanders and grinders, then you should opt for a considerably larger compressor.
California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor Owners-Manual - PDF
California Air Tools 8010 Specifications
Our CAT-8010 Ratings
Quietness
60 decibel is an excellent sound rating for a 1 horsepower unit. One of the quietest compressors in this comparison.
Quality
California Air Tools is a leader in the quiet air compressor industry, and the quality built into the 8010 is no exception.
Cost
The 8010 pricing is competitive for a 1 HP quiet 8-gallon compressor and usually retails between $200 to $250.
Overall Rating: 4.5
This is great ultra quiet portable air compressor that still produces ample power. If 2.2 CFM of airflow is sufficient for your needs, this is a compressor you should seriously consider. If you are looking for a good quiet air compressor that won't break the bank or your eardrums, then the CAT 8010 is an excellent choice. We gave the California Air Tools 8010 an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
California Air Tools CAT-8010
ASIN: B00WM1VPKE - EAN-13: 0743369780120
2023 Best Portable Compressor
Porter Cable C2002 Portable Pancake Review
2023 Best Portable Compressor - Porter Cable C2002
The Porter Cable C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor is our top pick in the 2023 Top Portable Air Compressor category.
The Porter Cable C2002 pancake compressor has been a best seller for years, primarily due to high performance per dollar that this model offers. The 0.8 HP motor coupled with a low maintenance oil free pump provides 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI for faster recovery. The pancake style 6-gallon air tank is pressurized to 150 PSI which allows for longer usage periods between compressor cycles.
The C2002 features a robust design with shrouding protecting the compressor's vital components and controls, while still maintaining good portability weighing only 34 lbs. Other notable features include an integrated power cord wrap and dual factory installed quick-connect air couplings allowing you to operate two air nailers at the same time.
One item we think could be improved upon is the noise level. The Porter Cable C2002 emits 82 dBA using the ISO3744 standard, which is somewhat louder than many competitive models, however given the lower cost of the C2002 this is a trade-off that many are willing to take.
Currently, we don't recommend that you buy the Porter-Cable C2002-WK combo package which adds a 13-piece accessory kit to the deal. The low-quality accessory kit combo adds around $50 to the price and in our opinion is a poor value. Many of the negative reviews that this compressor receives are regarding the cheap accessories such as the air chuck which fails to fully depress the tire's valve preventing you from inflating the tire. We feel your money would be better spent buying the C2002 compressor only deal and spending the $50 or so that you'll save on a good quality air hose and accessories.
Porter Cable C2002 Specifications
Our PC C2002 Ratings
Quietness
82 dB is not quiet by any stretch, however it is not deafening either.
Quality
This is a good quality compressor considering the low price tag.
Cost
The C2002 is priced competitively, usually retails $100 - $150.
Overall Rating: 4.5
If you are looking for a budget portable compressor, then the Porter Cable C2002 is an excellent choice. We gave the Porter Cable C2002 an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
Porter Cable C2002 Pancake Air Compressor
ASIN: B000O5RO1Y - UPC: 885911004619
2023 Best Tire Inflator
VIAIR 85P 12V Inflator Review
VIAIR 85P Best Tire Inflator 2023
The VIAIR 85P is our top pick in the 2023 Best Tire Inflator category. If you would like to see the full line of inflator reviews. take a look at this page, Best 12V Portable Air Compressors For Inflating Tires.
The Viair 85P portable 12V tire inflator is a best seller with thousands of positive reviews. It is a powerful little compressor capable of inflating tires up to 31" and features a built-in LED work light.
The included 3-foot-long air hose features a twist-on tire chuck constructed of solid brass and a 10' power cord makes it easy to reach any of your vehicle's tires. The 85P outputs 1.26 CFM in free air and can inflate a 225/60R18 tire from 0 to 30 PSI in only 3 minutes.
You'll want to make sure your vehicle is equipped with a suitable 12-volt DC power jack or cigarette lighter plug with at least a 15-amp capacity. If you lack this, you'll want to get the VIAIR 88P, reviewed below, that offers direct battery clamp connectors. Also note that this model has a 60 PSI air pressure limit, which is plenty for most cars and SUV's that use 32 - 35 PSI recommended tire pressure.
VIAIR 85P Specifications
Our VIAIR 85P Ratings
Power
1.28 CFM airflow in free air with 60 PSI maximum pressure.
Quality
Good quality tire inflation compressor considering low price.
Cost
The 85P is competitively priced and usually retails under $100.
Overall Rating : 4.5
The VIAIR 85P is an excellent choice for average users. It's inexpensive and connects easily to a 12V accessory jack. We gave the VIAIR 85P an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
VIAIR 85P 00085 12V Inflator
ASIN: B0036E9VB6 - UPC: 818114000850
Air Compressor Types
Compressors can basically be separated into two broad categories:
1. Stationary Air Compressors
2. Portable Air Compressors
Stationary air compressors are typically permanently installed in a fixed location such as a garage or shop. They usually have higher CFM ratings, larger air storage tanks and higher duty cycles then portable models. A stationary compressor is a good option if you need a substantial volume of compressed air in one location,
Portable Compressor Styles
Compressor Power
Air compressors can be powered by either electricity or gasoline, with electric being the most common source of power.
Specifications
Now That I Understand the Lingo,
Which Compressor Should I Choose?
The best air compressor for your unique situation depends on two factors.
1. What is your budget? - Obviously if your budget is under $100 then your choices will be limited to the smaller portable models and inflators, however if your budget is $1000 then you will have many more options including stationary and larger portable air compressors to select from.
2. What tasks or tools do you want your compressor to operate? - If you just need to maintain the air pressure in your car’s tires than virtually any compressor will be adequate, however if you want to operate a variety of air tools then you’ll need a compressor with more capacity than the highest CFM tools that you want to use.
We've provided a handy table that lists the average CFM requirements of several common air tools and devices, however, be forewarned that air tool CFM consumption varies considerably among specific brands and models. You’ll want to locate the specific CFM requirements of the actual air tools that you currently own or are planning to purchase.
As you can see from the chart, inflators and air nailers have relatively minimal CFM requirements while painting, grinding and sandblasting require considerably more air flow to operate properly
Air Tool CFM Requirements
Air Tool | Min. CFM |
|---|---|
3" Cut-Off Tool | 4.0 CFM |
Air Blow Gun | 0.6 CFM |
Air Chisel | 4.0 CFM |
Air Drill 3/8" | 4.0 CFM |
Air Hammer, Small | 6.0 CFM |
Angle Grinder 7" | 7.0 CFM |
Air Ratchet 1/4" | 2.5 CFM |
4.0 CFM | |
Brad Nailer | 1.0 CFM |
Finish Nailer | 1.5 CFM |
Framing Nailer | 2.5 CFM |
Grease Gun | 4.0 CFM |
Impact Wrench 3/8" | 3.0 CFM |
5.5 CFM | |
Impact Wrench 3/4" | 9.0 CFM |
12.0 CFM | |
Metal Nibbler | 4.0 CFM |
Needle Scaler | 10.0 CFM |
Orbital Palm Sander | 10.5 CFM |
Paint, Airbrush | 0.6 CFM |
Paint, Auto | 12.0 CFM |
Paint, HVLP | 6.0 CFM |
Pin Nailer | 0.4 CFM |
Ratchet Wrench 3/8" | 5.0 CFM |
Reciprocating Saw | 8.0 CFM |
Sandblaster, Small | 12.0 CFM |
0.4 CFM |
Use the table to add up the total CFM of all the air tools that you want to use simultaneously. If you are only going to use one tool at a time take the highest CFM requirement. Now multiply the CFM value by 1.5. This will insure that the compressor you choose will have adequate air to power your pneumatic tools properly.
Note: These are the average minimum CFM requirements for standard household air tools with a 25% duty cycle. For simultaneous operation of multiple air tools or heavy duty professional use you'll need a larger capacity air compressor with higher CFM ratings.
Where Will You Use Your Compressor?
You need to answer the previous question to determine the proper size compressor that you will need. Then you’ll need to decide where you are going to use the compressor. For example, you might opt to permanently install a stationary air compressor in your garage or shop or you may need to get a portable gas wheelbarrow compressor for your construction business. Determine how portable the unit needs to be and then select based on features such as size and weight, power source, etc.
If you are going to use the compressor indoors then gas powered models are obviously out. Depending on the indoor environment, you may also need to consider how quiet the air compressor will be? For instance, you wouldn't want to use a loud, noisy compressor in a occupied home. For a few extra dollars you can purchase practically any style compressor in a low noise model. Take a look at our best quiet pancake compressor reviews to see what we are talking about.
The Bottom Line
To quickly sum it up, all air compressors, pneumatic tools and accessories featured here are top selling models with great consumer reports and scores of positive 4 and 5-star Amazon customer reviews, so you won't go wrong by choosing the products that offer the capacity and features that you have determined are most important to you. Just remember, select the proper size and type of tool for the job at hand and you will be successful and happy with the results. Hopefully our 2023 reviews will help you make an informed decision, and your new air compressor or air tools will serve you well for many years to come.