A versatile and convenient tool to have in your garage are the best air compressors. If you have used pneumatic tools before, you know how helpful that extra burst of air pressure can be when you’re trying to do a hard job. No matter if you are spray painting a car or a wooden fence, you can’t do it without an air compressor. It can also be used to do things like pump up tires and sports balls or clean your driveway with pressure. It can even help with home improvement projects.
There are many different kinds of air compressors, and choosing the right one will depend on your needs and budget. We have made a list of the top five models so that we can serve a wide range of users. Please keep in mind that you may need to buy extra accessories separately. All CFM (cubic feet per minute) specs are given at 90 PSI so that they are easy to compare. Below we have mentioned the best air compressors.
Best Air Compressors Comparison Table
Air Compressor | Tank Size | Max PSI | Horsepower | Weight (lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bostitch 1.2-Gallon Trim Air Compressor | 1.2 gallons | 150 PSI | 0.6 HP | TBD |
Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 Air Compressor | 8 gallons | 125 PSI | 1.0 HP | TBD |
Bostitch BTFP3KIT Air Compressor | N/A | 150 PSI | 0.8 HP | TBD |
California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor | 8 gallons | 120 PSI | 1.0 HP | 48 |
Craftsman 3-Gallon Horizontal Portable Air Compressor 0200341 | 3 gallons | 90 PSI | 1.0 HP | 29.5 |
Bostitch 1.2-Gallon Trim Air Compressor
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Bostitch |
Model | 1.2-Gallon Trim |
Compressor Type | Portable |
Tank Capacity | 1.2 gallons |
Maximum Pressure | 150 PSI |
Power Source | Electric |
Weight | 23 pounds |
Dimensions | 15.5 x 12.5 x 14.5 inches |
Noise Level | 78 dB |
Warranty | 1 year |
Bostitch has a well-deserved reputation for making tough compressors for contractors, and this model is no different. I bought one more than 12 years ago, and even though it’s been banged up and dropped more than a few times, it still works great. It has a 1.2-gallon tank in the shape of a hot dog and a 2-horsepower pump, which work together to deliver 2.8 cfm at 90 psi. And since it can handle up to 150 psi, it can be used with almost any air tool.
This small compressor weighs less than 24 pounds and is perfect for use in home workshops or on job sites with trim carpenters. There are also a protective roll cage, an on/off switch for the LED lights, a power cord wrap, a place to store the air hose on board, and a convenient place to store hand tools, fasteners, and fittings. Overall, this is one of the best air compressors you can buy right now.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
- High maximum pressure allows for a wide range of applications
- Electric power source eliminates the need for gasoline or oil
- Comes with a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind
Cons
- Relatively small tank capacity may require frequent refills
- Noise level of 78 dB can be louder compared to some other models
- Limited warranty period compared to other options
Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 Air Compressor
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Campbell Hausfeld |
Model | DC080500 |
Compressor Type | Stationary |
Tank Capacity | 8 gallons |
Maximum Pressure | 125 PSI |
Power Source | Electric |
Horsepower | 1.0 HP |
Weight | 60 pounds |
Dimensions | 24 x 24 x 22 inches |
Noise Level | 68 dB |
Warranty | 3 years |
A good and useful air compressor will always do the job you need it to do. You don’t have to have a lot of bells and whistles or extra features that you won’t use. What you do need, though, is someone you can count on. This position is perfect for the electric Campbell Hausfeld DC080500. With an 8-gallon tank and a maximum pressure of 125 psi, it can hold and release air almost right away. You don’t have to wait for the tank to fill up. The compressor is also easy to move around the garage or outside thanks to its large wheels and rubber handle.
One of the best things about this compressor is that it lasts a long time. Campbell Hausfeld made this thing to last. According to the manufacturer, several key parts last up to four times longer than the competition. It is also up to 50 percent quieter than other compressors, so you can use it around the house or at night without bothering your neighbors. This is a big deal if you know how noisy many air compressors can be. Thus, this is one of the best air compressors you can buy right now.
Pros
- Larger tank capacity for longer continuous operation
- Lower noise level compared to many other models
- Powerful 1.0 HP motor for efficient performance
- Comes with a generous 3-year warranty
Cons
- Relatively heavy and not as portable as smaller models
- Maximum pressure of 125 PSI may not be sufficient for certain applications
- Stationary design limits mobility and flexibility
Bostitch BTFP3KIT Air Compressor
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Bostitch |
Model | BTFP3KIT |
Compressor Type | Pancake |
Tank Capacity | 6 gallons |
Maximum Pressure | 150 PSI |
Power Source | Electric |
Horsepower | 0.8 HP |
Weight | 29 pounds |
Dimensions | 17 x 17 x 19.25 inches |
Noise Level | 78.5 dB |
Warranty | 1 year |
We sent this powerful air compressor to one of our product testers. He used it to rebuild a deck and thought it was a great way to get started with air-powered tools. “The Bostitch compressor fills up pretty quickly,” he said. On average, it took the compressor about six minutes to go from 0 psi to 140 psi. From there, I could use the separate pressure outlet regulator to give each tool the exact pressure it needed. He also liked how well it kept pressure and how easy it was to use overall.
The kit comes with a 6-gallon compressor, an 18-gauge brad nailer, a 3/8-inch crown stapler, and a 16-gauge finish nailer. The oil-free electric motor of the compressor can handle up to 150 psi and is made to last a long time. Our tester found that all of the included nailers were good, useful tools that made driving multiple fasteners in a big project, like building a deck, much faster and easier. Still, this is one of the best air compressors you can buy right now.
Pros
- Pancake design with a compact and space-saving profile
- High maximum pressure for versatile use
- Electric power source for convenience and easy operation
- Relatively lightweight for enhanced portability
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Noise level of 78.5 dB may be considered loud by some users
- Tank capacity of 6 gallons may require frequent refills for certain tasks
- Limited warranty compared to some other options
California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Model | 8010 |
Type | Portable |
Maximum Pressure | 120 PSI |
Air Delivery | 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI |
Tank Capacity | 8 gallons |
Motor | 1.0 HP |
Noise Level | 60 dB |
Weight | 48 lbs |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 26″ x 14″ x 23″ |
The California Air Tools 8010 is a great choice if noise is a big concern. The average air compressor makes up to 90 dB of noise, which can be a problem if your neighbors or family members like peace and quiet. This one has an oil-free pump that can reach a maximum pressure of 120 psi and works at only 60 dB. Currently, this is one of the best air compressors you can buy right now.
The electric motor is made to run at lower speeds, which means it makes less noise and wears out less quickly when it runs for long periods of time without losing any power or efficiency. The 8.0-gallon tank is big enough to meet most DIYers’ needs around the house, yard, or workshop. The air compressor weighs only 54 pounds and has two wheels that make it easy to move to where it’s needed.
Pros
- Large tank capacity allows for longer continuous operation.
- Durable construction ensures a long lifespan.
Cons
- Relatively heavy at 48 lbs, which may limit portability for some users.
Craftsman 3-Gallon Horizontal Portable Air Compressor 0200341
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Model | 0200341 |
Type | Portable |
Maximum Pressure | 125 PSI |
Air Delivery | 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI |
Tank Capacity | 3 gallons |
Motor | 0.8 HP |
Noise Level | 70 dB |
Weight | 36 lbs |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 17.8″ x 17.3″ x 17.3″ |
Sometimes you just need an air compressor for small jobs around the house or garage, like running a nail gun or inflating tires. If so, you’ll love the Craftsman 3-Gallon Horizontal Portable Air Compressor. It’s big enough to handle many simple household tasks, but small enough to move around easily. It weighs about 36 pounds and has a convenient carrying handle on top. This tool is strong and reliable, and it’s also very cheap, so it’s a good choice if you only need it once in a while.
The 3-gallon tank can hold up to 155 psi of pressure, and the rear suction-cup foot mounts keep the air compressor steady and stable while it’s being used. The pump doesn’t need much maintenance because it doesn’t use oil, and the high-performance electric motor keeps running like a champ. Also, for an air compressor, it works pretty quietly. These tools can be noisy. Overall, this is one of the best air compressors you can buy right now.
Pros
- Sturdy construction ensures durability and longevity.
- Affordable price point compared to larger air compressors.
Cons
- Smaller tank capacity of 3 gallons may require more frequent refills.
- Higher noise level of 70 dB compared to some other models.
FAQs
An air compressor is a machine that turns power, usually from an electric motor or a gasoline/diesel engine, into potential energy stored in compressed air. It squeezes and stores air, which can then be let out in different ways for different uses.
The duty cycle is how long an air compressor can run in a certain amount of time. Usually, it is given as a percentage. A 50% duty cycle, for example, means that the compressor can run for 30 minutes and then needs to cool down for the same amount of time before it can run again. The duty cycle is important to keep the compressor from getting too hot.