2023 Best Quiet Pancake Air Compressor Reviews

Quietest Pancake
Want the Quietest Pancake Air Compressor?
We methodically analyzed dozens of contenders and selected the following quiet pancake air compressors based on dB noise levels, quality and value. The 2023 top 3 winners are low noise pancake compressors with hundreds of positive 4 & 5 star consumer reviews.
What is a Quiet Pancake Compressor?
Pancake compressors derive their name from the look of their flattish circular tanks that resemble a pancake. This unique design makes the unit very stable and portable. Most pancakes are rather noisy, however the 3 models reviewed here were specifically designed to produce less noise while still producing plenty of air power. All are similar powered, best-selling models with 6-gallon air tanks.
Note: Our 2023 review ratings are skewed towards the quietest dB ratings and therefore results may differ somewhat from the same compressor's rating when competing in a different category.
Top 3 Quiet Pancake Air Compressors
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
![]() Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 | Quietness 68 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 2.4 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | The Quietest Pancake Reviewed, Only 68 dB. Long Life, Dual Piston, Oil Free Pump | |
DeWALT DWFP55126 | Quietness 75.5 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 2.6 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | Best Warranty 3 Year Limited 165 PSI - Ball Valve Tank Drain | |
Bostitch BTFP02012 | Quietness 79 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 2.6 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | Low Price - Good Performance Popular for Air Nailers |
Why a Quiet Pancake Air Compressor?
The portable pancake compressor is very popular with home DIY enthusiasts and construction trade workers. Its compact, stable design, and 2+ CFM air delivery make it an excellent choice for air powered nail guns and fastening tools.
Quiet pancake compressors may cost a little more, however they generally last longer and you really can't put a price on protecting your hearing. Most consider the moderate price increase, a fair trade-off for the decrease in volume of annoying noise over standard air compressors that are much louder, many over 85 decibels.
Pancake Compressor Limitations?
Please be aware that these compressors were not designed to run large air powered tools that have a high CFM requirement such as air grinders, sandblasters, commercial auto spray paint, etc. Assuming, you understand the limitations, you should be happy with a new quiet pancake air compressor.
Quiet Pancake Compressor Alternatives
If you want a quiet compressor, there are many types other than the pancake style that might better fit your needs and budget. Hot dog, twin-stack and pontoon, just to mention a few, add in horizontal or vertical stack and it can become quite confusing. Just remember that all of these compressor types are just motors that drive pumps to compress air. The compressed air is then stored in one or more tanks depending on the design of the compressor.
Any compressor can be designed to produce less noise. Typically the quieter the compressor, the more expensive it is for a given size. If you're interested in a small quiet compressor, but are not stuck on the pancake design, then take a look at our best quiet air compressor reviews.
Quick Tip: Even quiet air compressors produce some noise, using a long air hose and locating your compressor further away from you will make it sound even quieter.
The Bottom Line
If you've ever completed a tedious job such as installing baseboards by hammering finish nails and then setting and filling the holes and then performed a similar job using a quiet air nailer that instantly sets flush fasteners as fast as you can pull the trigger, you'll wonder why you didn't get one sooner. All the compressors reviewed here are Amazon top sellers with hundreds of positive reviews. Just remember that quiet air compressors are no different from any other compressor when it comes to sizing. Be sure to calculate the maximum size you'll need to provide plenty of CFM for the tools you want to operate or tasks that you want to perform, and then make your choice.