Small Quiet Air Compressor Reviews - Top 5
Small & Quiet
Looking for a Small Silent Air Compressor?
Sorry, currently they don’t exist, however we have listed 5 excellent options that will reduce the noise to a minimum. The compact, ultra-quiet air compressors reviewed here aren't high CFM beasts, yet they still pack plenty of power for useful tasks such as inflation, hobby painting, and operating small air nailers and staplers.
Every one of the top-rated small air compressors are very light and can be easily carried around. They are all less than 1 HP enabling them to be simply plugged into any standard electrical outlet due to their low amperage requirements.
Please remember, these are smaller, low noise compressors that were specifically designed to be extremely light and portable. If you need compressed air power for your ½ air impact gun, unfortunately none of these compact compressors will provide the CFM you’ll require. Don’t worry however, you’ll find a comprehensive 2023 review of quiet garage and small shop compressors here.
Top 5 Small Quiet Air Compressors 2023
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S | Quietness 56 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 1.2 CFM Tank Size 1 Gallon | Quietest Reviewed, Only 56 dB Portable, Small & Light Weight, Only 29 Lbs. | |
 Metabo EC28M Ultra Quiet 59 dB | Quietness 59 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 0.8 CFM Tank Size 1 Gallon | Super Quiet - 59 Db Steel Roll Cage Ultra-Portable 25 Lbs. | |
 Rolair JC10 Plus | Quietness 60 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 2.35 CFM Tank Size 2.5 Gallon | Ultra-Quiet - 60 dB Rolair Quality Powerful 2.35 CFM | |
 Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 | Quietness 68 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 1.2 CFM Tank Size 1.3 Gallon | All the Power Half The Noise 4X the Life | |
 Senco PC1010N Portable Compressor | Quietness 68 dB CFM @ 90 PSI 0.7 CFM Tank Size 1 Gallon | New Upgraded Model 135 PSI Light - Only 20 Lbs. |
CAT-1P1060S Quiet Air Compressor Review
At a whisper quiet 56 dB, the California Air Tools 1P1060S is the quietest air compressor in this roundup review.
If you're looking for a ultra-portable super quiet compressor, then the California Air Tools 1P1060S is a clear winner. This model is great for inflating tires and other items and powering finish and pin nailers or small airbrushes, However with only 1.2 CFM and a small 1-gallon capacity air tank don't expect this unit to power larger air tools other than nailers with small CFM consumption rates.
The 1P1060S features the new 1P series motor, with thermal overload protection to help prevent damage from overheating, and a large single piston pump which has a 3000 hour before service rating.
It takes only 50 seconds to fill the 1-gallon air tank from empty to 120 PSI, then the recovery time from 90 PSI back to a full 120 PSI is a speedy 15 seconds.
In addition to being ultra-quiet, this compressor is also ultra-light and portable, weighing just 29 pounds. The CAT-1P1060S operates on a mere 4.5 amps, enabling you to plug it in almost anywhere around the house, outside or in the garage.
You can read our full California Air Tools 1P1060S review here.
California Air Tools 1P1060S Ultra Quiet Air Compressor Owners-Manual - PDF
CAT-1P1060S Features
Our 1P1060S Ratings
Quiet
Emitting a mere 56 dB, the California Air Tools 1P1060S is the quietest compact compressor in this comparison review.
Quality
California Air Tools is a leader in the quiet air compressor industry, and typically builds good quality units for the price paid.
Cost
The CAT-1P1060S pricing is competitive for a super quiet small air compressor and usually retails for between $80 and $150.
Overall Rating : 4.5
This is a super light and ultra-portable small air compressor that is one of the quietest models we tested. We gave the California Air Tools 1P1060S an overall rating of 4.5 stars
Pros
Cons
California Air Tools 1P1060S - UPC 743369710608
Metabo HPT EC28M Ultra Quiet Review
New name but same Hitachi quality. The Metabo HPT EC28M One-Gallon Oil-Free Ultra Quiet Air Compressor is the first in a newly introduced line of “Low Noise Series” air compressors. Metabo really delivered on their low noise promise with the EC28M. Its whisper quiet 59 dB sound rating makes this an ideal choice when compressor noise is a primary concern.
This is a heavy duty compressor with a durable rugged design that was specially designed for low CFM applications. It outputs 0.8 CFM @ 90 PSI or 1.3 CFM@ 40 PSI from its virtually maintenance free industrial oil-free pump and direct drive induction motor. Air is stored in the 1-gallon hot dog style steel storage tank that is filled when tank pressure drops below 90 PSI and stopped at the maximum 125 PSI pressure switch setting.
Weighing in at a mere 25.2 pounds this little compressor is extremely portable and easily powered from any convenient 120 volt circuit due to a low 2.8 amp current draw.
Covered by Metabo HPT's professional 1-year warranty
Click here to view the EC28M Video
Metabo HPT EC28M Ultra Quiet Air Compressor Owners-Manual - PDF
Metabo EC28M Features
Our EC28M Ratings
Quiet
At only 59 dB, the Metabo EC28MC is the 2nd quietest small compressor in this review.
Quality
This is a very well built Metabo Low Noise Series air compressor for a small compressor of its size.
Cost
Pricing is competitive for a super quiet small air compressor and usually retails between $140 to $180.
Overall Rating : 4.5
This is a super quiet, well-designed compressor. We gave the (Hitachi) Metabo EC28M an overall rating of 4.5 stars
Pros
Cons
Metabo EC28M - ASIN-B07MGJ6R2L
Rolair JC10Plus Air Compressor Review
If you are looking for a high quality small quiet air compressor, then the Rolair JC10Plus Trim & Finishing Air Compressor deserves your consideration. The JC10Plus is one of the quietest 1 HP air compressors on the market, with a sound rating of only 60 dB. With a 2.35 CFM @ 90 PSI air output, this compressor is ideal for powering finish and trim air nailing tools.
If you haven’t heard of Rolair, they are third generation, family owned manufacturer of quality gas and electric air compressors. Located in Hustisford, Wisconsin, Rolair, also known as Associate Engineering Corporation has earned an excellent reputation for producing high quality, contractor grade compressors.The Rolair JC10PLUS air compressor is a recent upgrade to the popular Rolair JC10 model. A few of the improvements include upward facing gauges and a convenient integrated power cord wrap. A larger air tank encased in a sturdier steel roll cage were also added.
The 1725 RPM twin cast aluminum cylinder compressor utilizes a low maintenance oil-free design and only draws 7.5 amps. Stainless steel reed valves and industrial-grade ball bearings ensure long compressor life.
The 2.5-gallon air tank fills quickly from 0 to 125 PSI in only 55 seconds. Recovery time from the low-pressure switch kick-in of 95 PSI to the maximum air pressure rating of 125 PSI takes only 14 seconds. The Rolair JC10PLUS is portable and easily moved around using its thick foam handle grip. This unit weighs a manageable 43 pounds, its length and width are 16.5 inches and the height is 14 inches. The integrated cord wrap and upward facing gauges are welcome additions to this model.
60 dB is extremely quiet for a 1 HP air compressor. The JC10 quiet compressor design includes a low noise compressor motor and pump with heavy vibration and noise reducing rubber feet. A air intake silencing filter also helps keep the noise levels down to a bare minimum.
One complaint is that the silencing air filter sticks out of the protective steel roll cage and is subject to rough handling damage.
Rolair JC10Plus Features
Our JC10Plus Ratings
Quiet
At only 60 dB, the Rolair JC10Plus is one of the quietest air compressors.
Quality
Rolair builds high quality air compressors. The JC10PLUS is no exception.
Cost
Competitive for a high quality, quiet 1HP unit, usually retails between $250 to $300.
Overall Rating : 4.5
The Rolair JC10Plus is a powerful quiet air compressor. We gave this unit an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
Rolair JC10Plus - UPC 662865011340
Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 Review
Campbell Hausfeld has been a trusted brand since 1836 and currently produces a full line of air compressors and related equipment. One of the company’s latest additions is its Quiet Air Compressor Series.
The Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 is the newest addition to their quiet series and features a revolutionary easy to carry and store suitcase design with an ergonomic grip handle. At only 68 dB, this small compressor produces 50% less noise than comparable competitors. The small size and 29 lb. light weight make this an extremely portable solution for anyone searching for a small quiet air compressor.
The DC010500 is powered by a .7 HP induction motor driving a dual piston oil-free pump that requires no routine maintenance. This unique design enables key compressor components to last up to 4 times longer. You can plug this compressor into any standard 120 Volt receptacle or use an extension cord to operate it outside with its low 5 amp current draw. Air flow is 1.2 CFM @ 90 PSI and is stored in a lightweight 1.3 gallon rust free aluminum tank with a 125 PSI maximum air pressure.
This unit is ideal for blowing, inflation tasks, air brush painting, and powering air staplers and nailers. Campbell Hausfeld provides a 1-year limited warranty on the DC010500.
Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 Video
Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 Air Compressor Owners-Manual - PDF
Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 Features
Our DC010500 Ratings
Quiet
At 69 dB, the Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 is reasonably quiet.
Quality
Cambell Hausfeld makes good quality small quiet air compressors.
Cost
Competitive price for a quiet compressor, usually retails between $160 to $180.
Overall Rating : 4.5
The Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 is a unique small quiet air compressor. Our overall rating is 4.5 stars
Pros
Cons
Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 - UPC 045564642747
Senco PC1010N Compressor Review
The Senco PC1010N 1 Gallon Finish & Trim air compressor is extremely lightweight and portable. Its quiet 68 dBA noise level enables indoor use in populated areas without the overwhelming noise produced by many portable air compressors.
A compact size (14x13x10) and ultra-light weight of only 21 pounds make the The PC1010N compressor a breeze to move around. The oil-free compressor pump requires minimal maintenance and provides quiet efficient operation and long life.
This unit is ideal for finish and trim nailers and provides a standard 1/4 “quick universal air connector on its integrated control panel. The ½ HP pump produces .7 SCFM @ 90 PSI with a maximum air pressure setting of 135 PSI. The 1 gallon tank fills in 102 seconds from empty to maximum pressure and recovers in only 27 seconds.
PC1010N Control Panel
The unit has a 6 foot power cord and runs on standard 120 V household power with a low 4 amp power draw.
Senco PC1010N Features
Our PC1010N Ratings
Quiet
At 68 dB, the Senco PC1010N is reasonably quiet.
Quality
Senco makes good quality small quiet air compressors.
Cost
Competitive price, usually retails between $140 to $160.
Overall Rating : 4.5
The Senco PC1010N is an Ultra-portable, small quiet air compressor. Our overall rating is 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
Senco PC1010N - UPC 741474095634
Why Choose A Quiet Small Air Compressor
Although you'll need to shell out a few extra dollars for the quietest compact air compressor models, most owners agree that the major reduction in noise pollution was well worth the added expense. In addition to being much easier on your ears, these small compressors can be operated indoors without disturbing others around you.
Please note that decibel measurement uses a logarithmic scale, which simply means that a compressor with a 60-dB rating is twice as loud as one with a 50-dB rating. Not all compressor manufacturers measure decibel output the same. Some measure the dB level at a specific number of feet from the source of the sound, others use standards such as ISO 3744 etc. This means when you are comparing decibel ratings from various brands be sure that they are using the same standards or watch side by side noise level comparisons to get a good idea of which particular compressor is quieter.
The Bottom Line
To briefly sum it up, you won't go wrong choosing any of the small quiet air compressors found in this review. In addition to producing very little noise, these compact machines are very light and easy to carry and store. All the top choices are highly rated best-selling models with loads of 4 and 5 star Amazon reviews.
If you browse through the hundreds of positive owner reviews of the top 5 models listed here, one of the most frequent comments is "Man is this thing quieter than my old compressor"
As long as you realize that these are ultra-portable and relatively low SCFM output small air compressors that were not designed to be used for high CFM demands such as air grinding or auto spray painting, and use them for their proper purposes like inflation, hobby painting, operating finish and brad nailers, etc., then you and your hearing will be happy with your purchase. If you're interested in a quiet air compressor, but need something a little larger, look here.
