2023 Quietest Air Compressor for Garage or Shop
We selected and reviewed the 2023 top 5 quiet compressors for your garage or shop that not only have the size and power to operate common air tools, but also feature low dB ratings that are much easier on the ears than your standard loud noise-box compressor.
The quietest garage air compressors are a little pricier than comparable CFM output models that are much louder. However, in the long run, your ear drums will appreciate the fact that you chose a low noise compressor.
Most major brands such as Porter Cable, Dewalt, Rolair, Campbell Hausfeld, Ingersoll-Rand, etc. offer low dB models. Some manufacturers, such as California Air Products, specialize in ultra- quiet air compressors that are a great fit for typical home garage or workshop use..
The compressors reviewed here have higher CFM outputs and larger tanks to provide plenty of air power and capacity for your garage or small shop. If you are looking for smaller, more portable quiet air compressors, we featured them in a separate review.
Top 5 Quietest Air Compressors for Garage or Shop
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 California Air Tools 10020C | Quietness 70 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 5.3 CFM Tank Size 10 Gallon | Good Combination of Power & Low Noise for Garage or Small Shop Great Reviews! | |
 DEWALT D55146 225-PSI Hand Carry Compressor with Wheels | Quietness 78 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 5 CFM Tank Size 4.5 Gallon | 225 PSI - Highest of Top 5 Quiet Garage Compressors Heavy Duty & Portable | |
 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 Cast Iron Pump Good For Most Garage Air Powered Tasks | |
 California Air Tools 4620AC | Quietness 70 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 5.3 CFM Tank Size 4.6 Gallon | Quiet, Powerful & Portable Twin Aluminum Tanks | |
 Ingersoll Rand Twin-Stack P1IU-A9 | Quietness 79 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 4.3 CFM Tank Size 4 Gallon | 100% Duty Cycle Oil-Lube For Quiet Operation |
CAT-10020C Ultra Quiet Series
The 2 HP California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Air Compressor is a top pick in our 2023 best quiet garage air compressor roundup review.
If you need a portable compressor with a 10-gallon tank, then the California Air Tools 10020C provides a good combination of power and portability with reasonably low noise level for a 2 HP air compressor.
CAT-10020 air compressors use the easily repairable California Air Tools SP series motor/pump. The 2 horsepower SP-9421 pump's increased duty cycle allows longer continuous compressor run times before rest. The quiet 1680 RPM brushless induction motor features thermal overload protection to prevent damage from overheating. The long-life, high performance dual piston pump is oil-free, with low maintenance requirements and is rated 3000 hours before repair.
The pump includes two silencing air filters on the air intake to help quiet pulsating intake noise. The filters are clearly visible mounted to the rear of each compressor pump head in the CAT-10020 top view picture below.
California Air Tools 10020C Top View
The mid-size 10-gallon air tank fills from empty to 120 PSI in under 2 minutes, and recovers from 90 PSI to 120 PSI in approximately 25 seconds.
The 5.3 CFM @ 90 PSI rating of the California Air Tools 10020C offers plenty of capacity to power a variety of garage pneumatic tools that the average person might use.
This air compressor is also available with an optional EZ-1-2321 Auto Drain Valve. This convenient option eliminates the need to periodically manually drain the condensate from the compressor's air tank, however at the time of this review we considered the option a little too pricey to rate it as a top 5 pick.
This unit needs 14 Amps to operate, so you won't want other electrical devices on the circuit or be able to use light duty extension cords. Truthfully, I would not recommend using an extension cord at all on a 2 horsepower or larger compressor. If you need to use air a greater distance from the electrical source, then get a longer air hose instead. Your air compressor will run cooler and last longer when connected directly to an electric outlet.
"Designed for the person looking for Power, Air Flow, Less Service and Maintenance with at Least 30% Less Noise!". - California Air Tools -
CAT-10020C Resources
California Air Tools 10020C Features
Our 10020C Ratings
Quiet
California Air Tools specializes in producing quiet air compressors and it shows with this CAT-10020C air compressor.
Quality
California Air Tools is a leader in the quiet air compressor industry, and the quality built into the 10020C is no exception.
Cost
The CAT 10020C usually retails for between $400 to $450 which is competitive for similar 2 HP quiet air compressor models.
Overall Rating : 4.5
This compressor offers a good combination of power vs sound. We gave the CAT-10020C unit an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
California Air Tools 10020C Ultra-Quiet Air Compressor
UPC: 743369710035 - ASIN: B0188XBTLY
If you need a relatively quiet air compressor for home shop use with plenty of power and 225 PSI pressure then the DeWALT D55146 qualifies as a top contender for the money.
One unique feature of the D55146 is its vertical or horizontal stand feature. It saves space and allows for easy transporting due to a collapsible handle that allows you the option of either hand carrying it in tight spaces or easily rolling the compressor around on its 10" no-flat foam filled tires. If portability is one of your key concerns, this model should score high on your short list.
DEWALT D55146 No-Flat Foam Filled Tires
The 4.5 gallon air tank seems much larger due to the 225 PSI pressure that the D55146 operates at. The higher pressure operation lets you use more air out of the smaller tank before low pressure switch restarts the compressor pump to re-pressurize the tank.
The DeWALT D55146 is powered by a 1.6 HP motor and belt driven pump which provides 5.0 CFM @ 90 PSI which is adequate for average home & garage use.
This is definitely a rugged, well designed unit with a well laid out and protected control and attachment panel that features dual high-flow quick air connects and supports operating multiple air nailers simultaneously.
Dewalt D55146 Regulator, Gauges and Dual Air Connectors
Although the D55146 is not the quietest air compressor that you can buy for your garage, it is relatively quiet and offers some unique features not found in the quieter competitors.
- Excellent 3 Year DeWALT Limited Warranty -
DeWALT will repair, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for three years from the date of purchase.
DeWALT will maintain the tool and replace worn parts caused by normal use, for free, any time during the first year after purchase.
DeWALT D55146 Resources
DeWALT D55146 Features
Our D55146 Ratings
Quiet
This compressor is quiet, however other models offer quieter operation.
Quality
DeWALT builds good quality tools and backs them up with a great warranty.
Cost
The DeWALT D55146 usually retails for between $400 to $450 which is competitive for comparable heavy-duty units.
Overall Rating : 4.5
This DeWALT air compressor offers some unique features that make it stand out from the crowd. We gave the DeWALT D55146 unit an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
DeWALT D55146 225 PSI Air Compressor
UPC 028877562124 - ASIN B000HZJLV2
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore Air Compressor Review
The 2.5 HP Makita MAC2400 features a heavy duty design and is packed with features that would make it an ideal choice as a small shop or garage air compressor.
The MAC2400 incorporates a large bore oil-lubricated pump with a removable cast iron cylinder for longer life and increased durability. Air flow is maximized by using a large automotive style air filter for greater efficiency.
The unit operates at 130 PSI and the high compression, big bore pump delivers 4.2 CFM @ 90 PSI into its twin-stacked 4.2 gallon air tanks providing enough capacity to operate two nailers.
The sturdy roll cage helps to protect the compressor & controls from damage.. Additional features include a ball valve tank drain with a convenient lever handle to easily drain the condensation from the air tanks .
With built-in features such as a super quiet motor that draws only 12.3 amps to operate, a lower 1720 RPM rating and a heavy duty Intake Air Filter system like no other, its easy to see how this unit will out last and outperform everyone else." - Makita -
Makita MAC2400 Resources
Makita MAC2400 Features
Our MAC2400 Ratings
Quiet
79 Db is reasonably quiet for a 2.5 HP model, however not the quietest garage air compressor in this review.
Quality
The MAC2400 is a heavy duty. well built air compressor with a rugged protective roll cage.
Cost
The MAC2400 usually retails for between $300 to $350 which is competitive for 2.5 HP models.
Overall Rating : 4.5
This compressor is a reliable high quality workhorse. We gave the Makita MAC2400 an overall rating of 4.5 stars
Pros
Cons
Makita MAC2400
UPC: 088381053532 - ASIN: B0001Q2VPK
The 2.0 HP California Air Tools 4620AC Ultra Quiet Series makes an excellent garage air compressor.
The CAT-4620AC uses the same 70 decibel, 2 horsepower California Air Tools SP-9421 pump as our top rated garage compressor, the CAT-10020C. Notable differences are the twin horizontal aluminum air tanks, a smaller footprint and lighter weight of 67.5 pounds.
The powerful ultra-quiet pump produces 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI and pressurizes the air tanks from 0 PSI to 125 PSI maximum air pressure in around 60 seconds. Recovery from the air pressure switch kick-in setting of 95 PSI to a full 125 PSI is only 20 seconds.
Two air pressure gauges, dual universal ¼” quick air connectors, and the pressure regulator controls are conveniently mounted on a steel control panel. The compressor features rubber feet on the tubular steel frame and a padded carry handle. A handy ball valve tank drain makes condensation draining a breeze.
There is no wheel kit, so you’ll need to use the carry handle to move the compressor around. The unit is portable, but at 67.5 pounds many CAT-4620AC reviews list being heavy as a con. Though most 2 HP and larger reduced noise air compressors are somewhat heavy, so this complaint is not entirely unexpected.
Complaints from CAT-4620AC customer reviews included poor packaging and a less thin steel control panel.
CAT-4620AC Top View - Silencing Air Filters Installed
CAT-4620AC Silencing Air Filters
This compressor includes two silencing air filters. Don’t forget install them. The filters are easy to overlook at the bottom of the packaging.
"Designed for the person looking for Power, Air Flow, Less Service and Maintenance with at Least 30% Less Noise!". - California Air Tools -
CAT-4620AC Resources
California Air Tools 4620AC Features
Our CAT-4620AC Ratings
Quiet
California Air Tools specializes in producing quiet air compressors. 70 dB for a 2 HP air compressor is very good noise reduction.
Quality
California Air Tools is a leader in the quiet air compressor industry, and the quality built into the 4620AC is no exception.
Cost
The CAT-4620AC typically sells between $350 to $450 which is competitive for similar 2 HP quiet air compressor models.
Overall Rating : 4.5
This model provides a good combination of power vs sound. We gave the CAT-4620AC air compressor an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
California Air Tools 4620AC Air Compressor
UPC: 743369740209 - ASIN: B005SOD08M
Ingersoll Rand Twin-Stack P1IU-A9 Review
Ingersoll Rand Twin-Stack P1IU-A9
The Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 portable air compressor features a compact yet rugged design.
This is not your average, cheap compressor that can only run for a few minutes without needing a cool-down period. The P1IU-A9 is designed for continuous operation with a 100% duty cycle rating. It incorporates a splash oil lubricated pump with a heavy-duty cast-iron cylinder for prolonged use and long life.
The 2 horsepower 120-volt pump motor requires 15 amps to operate and has a 75” long power cord. There are dual 2-gallon tanks in a twin-stack configuration for a total of 4 gallons of air tank capacity. It only takes 60 seconds to fill the tanks from empty to the full maximum operating pressure of 135 PSI. Air delivery is 4.3 SCFM @ 90 PSI, which is adequate for many applications. You will want to check your tool’s specifications to see how many CFM of air it requires at a given operating pressure.
The compressor is well designed, with a convenient control panel that houses the gauges, regulator and two quick-connect air couplers. The steel roll cage helps protect the internal components and has heavy rubberized feet and a carry handle.
While the Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 is compact & portable, it does weigh 77 pounds, so you wouldn’t want to lug it long distances
Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Resources
IR P1IU-A9 Features
Our IR P1IU-A9 Ratings
This compressor is a 100% duty-cycle heavy duty model. We gave the Ingersoll-Rand P1IU-A9 an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 - UPC 678384729499
Why Do I Want a Quiet Garage Air Compressor?
In case you didn't know, air tools are more powerful, run cooler and are less expensive than their electrical equivalents. In addition to having the ability to operate the more efficient pneumatic tools, you can also use compressed air for dusting and blowing out machinery, spray painting, tire inflation and many other useful tasks that are too numerous to list here.
Having a quiet air compressor in your garage or home shop will enable you to perform all the useful tasks described above without having to sacrifice your hearing in the process. All of the top 5 garage compressors we selected in our round up review are powerful enough to provide plenty of CFM to accomplish most typical noncommercial tasks. You can review the pneumatic tool CFM requirement chart below to determine air compressor sizing for your needs.
If you are looking for a quiet compressor for a commercial repair garage or large shop that requires more than 5 CFM of continuous air flow than you'll need a larger air compressor than those reviewed here. Take a look at our review of California Air Tools, specifically the Industrial Series and Continuous Run quiet air compressors that are designed for commercial, high CFM usage.
Air Tool CFM Requirements
Air Tool | Min. CFM |
|---|---|
3" Cut-Off Tool | 4.0 |
Air Blow Gun | 0.6 |
Air Drill 3/8" | 4.0 |
Air Hammer, Small | 6.0 |
Brad Nailer | 1.0 |
Finish Nailer | 1.5 |
Framing Nailer | 2.5 |
5.5 | |
Orbital Palm Sander | 10.5 |
Paint, Airbrush | 0.6 |
Paint, Auto | 12.0 |
Paint, HVLP | 6.0 |
Pin Nailer | 0.4 |
Ratchet Wrench 3/8" | 5.0 |
Reciprocating Saw | 8.0 |
Sandblaster, Small | 12.0 |
Tire Inflator | 0.4 |
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.
Top Features to Look for in a Quiet Garage Compressor
The top features that you'll want will depend on a couple of factors. In addition to how quietly the compressor operates, which is obviously one of the main attributes that you are interested in if you are reading this article, you'll also want to consider these:
The Bottom Line
Any of the compressors in this review will offer powerful and reasonably noise free solutions to solve your quest to find the quietest air compressor for your garage or home shop. The 2023 top 5 winners are top selling brands with a plethora of excellent 4 and 5 star Amazon reviews and provide the best power to noise ratios of all of the garage compressors that we reviewed.
