Best Overall
Bostitch 3-Tool Air Compressor Combo Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
California Air Tools 1P1060S Portable Air Compressor
Best for Car Tires
EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump
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Lightweight and versatile , pneumatic dick are gamey performers for many household project , ranging from inflating auto tires to driving nails remotely to building a fence on the back forty . But to utilize a pneumatic dick , you ’ll want to partner it with an zephyr compressor that can deliver the air to power it . While compressors deviate widely in weight , volume , and portability , the best ones provide more than enough air pressure for the desire undertaking at paw .
We try today ’s most popular dwelling house air compressors in our own drive , garages , and outbuilding to see how well they fared in real - world preferences . Some of today ’s Modern poser really surprised us with their impressive performances .
register on to discover out how the following models pull in a spot in this tested lineup of today ’s best family air compressors .
How We Tested the Best Home Air Compressors
We started by researching more than 35 highly rated air compressor , looking for top models in several domicile use categories . To narrow down the number for testing , we first regard the brand . Manufacturers such as California Air Tools and Bostitch are well respected in the air compressor manufacture . We also looked closely at flagship home improvement stain , such as Ryobi from The Home Depot and Kobalt from Lowe ’s . For the final gash in our quest to find the best aviation compressor , we selected only top - rated models with high consumer self-assurance .
When the air compressor arrive , we set up them , adding oil to crankcases when necessary and attach wheels and handles . We then test each air compressor with pneumatic tools designed for the insistence supplied by the compressor . We noted cycle run / convalescence sentence , pressure consistency , and simplicity of economic consumption . We also paid aid to noise tier and portability . We awarded point based on a rubric : The better an air compressor performed on a test , the more points it earned . After testing , we averaged the points to determine our top picks and adjudicate the best use case for each model .
Testing Stats
Our Top Picks
The follow list is a roundup of the well - performing home air compressor from our test . You ’ll retrieve various intended uses and power capability , but each one stood out in our hand - on testing and earned its post in this lineup . One of these models will surely be a good tantrum for your home air power pauperism .
Our military rating : relief of Use5/5;Power4.5/5;Noise4/5;Portability5/5;Value5/5
Bostitch ’s 6 - gallon griddlecake compressor produces up to 150 PSI of pressure and offers two joining ports so that user can power two melodic line cock simultaneously . This air compressor comes with three Bostitch - branded tools : an 18 - gauge brad nailer , a 16 - caliber finish nailer , and a 0.375 - inch crown stapling machine , plus sample fasteners for each .
We tested all three of the tool , and the pancake compressor easy append enough air baron to run each of them . We also quiz the compressor in a real - line berth — powering a roofing nailer and installing shingles — and it supplied all the pressure we require . On a whim , we connect an wallop wrench and used it to remove the lugs from a car tire . The Bostitch was successful there , too , although it cycled more oft .
It was n’t the subdued tune compressor in our tests , but it was n’t the loudest either . The Bostitch produces about 80 dB of stochasticity during its recovery , which is comparable to lively conversation or an alarm clock . It may be a little too trashy for indoor habit where noise levels must be throttle , but it ’s a unspoiled pick for outside projects .
If you ’re appear for a pancake - style compressor that ’s powerful enough to power standard DIY air dick and comes with three quality shaft , check out this Bostitch compressor outfit .
take our full revue : Bostitch 3 - Tool Air Compressor Combo Kit
Get the Bostitch home air compressor atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orWalmart .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Power4.5/5;Noise5/5 ; Portability4/5;Value5/5
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Looking for a versatile home compressor that does n’t be a heap ? Check out the California Air Tools 1P1060S. This low-cost compressor weigh just 29 pound and features a 1 - gallon steel air tank . When it cycles on , it beget just 56 dB of haphazardness — comparable to free-and-easy conversation . In our tests , it was dim-witted to use and gentle to stockpile .
Initially , we wondered whether a compressor this summary and smooth would stand up to anything more than airbrushing , but we were pleasantly surprised . Although the 1P1060S did a great job with our airbrush , it also powered a brad nailer and a construction stapler and blow up the oversize tires on our truck .
This compressor delivers 1.2 CFM at 90 PSI , and we were impressed at how quickly it recovered when we had used enough pressure to trigger the recovery rhythm . It took just 12 to 13 seconds for it to power back up to its maximum at 120 PSI .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
While it is n’t designed to power in high spirits - capacity pneumatic shaft , such as impact wrench or commercial-grade spray guns , it delivers reliable power for modest breeze instrument . good of all , it ’s super placid , so it turn well as a light-headed - duty dwelling compressor and for indoor use .
Get the California Air Tools home melodic phrase compressor atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Our Ratings : informality of Use4/5 ; Power4/5;Noise5/5 ; Portability5/5;Value4.5/5
Photo: amazon.com
EPAuto ’s portable air compressor pump ca n’t major power nail gunman , staplers , sprayer , or other pneumatic tools , but it can serve as a expectant comrade in a wayside emergency . This handy small compressor can deport up to 70 PSI , providing enough atmosphere power to blow up vehicle tires and other inflatables such as ball and wheel tire . ( Do observe that it does n’t have theoomphfor large motortruck tyre . )
As before long as we plug the compressor in and flipped it on , it take off cycling . It has a digital gauge , and we toggled through several metric measurements before locating the PSI background . The compressor has a valve for replete vehicle and cycle tire , and we filled up both .
We purposely release the air from some of our car tires and then used the EPAuto compressor to make full them back up to the recommended pressure . It performed admirably . The compressor exclude off automatically once the tire attain the preset pressure .
Photo: homedepot.com
We really like the thoughtful built - in flashlight , which would be very useful when inflating a tire at night . This portable air compressor plugs into a fomite ’s 12 - V socket ( cigaret lighter ) and inflates the tyre to running pressure to help get you back on the road . When stowed in the trunk , this lilliputian air compressor offers peace of mind and a fast fix for tires with slow news leak .
Get the EPAuto dwelling air compressor atAmazonorWalmart .
Best for Truck Tires
Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Tire Inflator
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Power5/5;Noise5/5 ; Portability5/5;Value4.5/5
motorcar tire inflator will inflate basketballs , wheel tires , and most rider car tires , but they typically are n’t powerful enough to fill the larger tires on getaway trucks . With the Milwaukee inflater , truck tires are no problem .
Unlike standard melodic line compressors , this inflator does n’t have a pressurized melodic line army tank ; or else , it feature a robust pump that forces compressed air through theair compressor hoseand into the tire . The inflator draws its power from a Milwaukee M18 rechargeable battery ( battery and charger sold one by one ) . If you own other cordless M18 Milwaukee exponent tools , their batteries will interchange with this inflater . Runtime will reckon on the capacity of the battery you use .
Photo: amazon.com
We really liked the option to billow tires to a predetermined press . The Milwaukee inflator features a digital covert and scroll button that allowed us to choose the desired force per unit area . We selected 80 PSI on the CRT screen and link up the valve to our pickup ’s 10 - ply tire . Watching the screen , we could see the tire pressure increase as the Milwaukee inflater get to work air it up . As soon as the pressure reach 80 PSI , the inflator close off .
Like all Milwaukee tools , this inflator is well build — it ’s made from impact - resistive textile , and an inadvertent fall from our truck bed did n’t harm it . Do n’t miss this one if you ’re looking for an on - the - go inflator that can inflate pickup tyre .
Get the Milwaukee home air compressor atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: istock.com
Best For Small Projects
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless 1-Gal. Air Compressor Kit
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Power4.5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Value4.5/5
If you ’re looking for a modest melodic line compressor to power unaccented - duty tools and you want it to be bombardment operated , look no further than the Ryobi One+ 18V air compressor . It has a 1 - gallon cooler , 120 pounds per square inch goop pressure , and a CFM of 0.5 at 90 PSI .
It comes completely assembled , but we did have to level the 2 adenylic acid - hour barrage , which learn about 2 time of day to complete . Then , we started test . We attached a brad nailer and go off dozens of brad into hardwood trimness at the rate of about one every 5 to 10 seconds , which is corresponding to how often we ’d spud a brad when installing trimming . The Ryobi compressor do excellently — we were able to continue dissipate brad throughout its recovery cycle . We also used it to blow up car tire and to power our airbrush . It did both very well , and our tools never ran out of atmosphere pressure .
Photo: istock.com
This little melodic phrase compressor press just 14 pounds and comes with a padded nonslip handgrip for carry . Both the bombardment and charger are included . In our testing , the battery ran for about 1 hour with constant use . You could expect to get more time out of it if you use it on a less unceasing groundwork , such as nailing brad for a few minutes and then value and cut extra trimming , which is more realistic . you could also buy a higher - content Ryobi 18 - volt battery to increase the compressor ’s runtime .
If you store this little air compressor in a closet , utility room , basement , or garage and file the battery before storing it , you ’ll have honest airwave office for diminished job whenever you require it .
Get the Ryobi home zephyr compressor atThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Gas-Powered
Metabo HPT The Tank XL 9-Gal. Wheelbarrow Compressor
Our paygrade : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Power5/5;Noise3/5 ; Portability4/5;Value4/5
If you need mobile air power to ramp up a fence or shingle the roof on an off - power grid cabin , a fuel - power air compressor is just the ticket . We try out the Metabo HTP petrol - powered air compressor , aptly named “ The Tank XL . ” This case of compressor is designed to provide a high level of aviation might when you do n’t have accession to an electrical exit .
We used The Tank for power a roofing nailer while shingle a outside storage shed , and we also tested it with a frame nailer , a high - capacitypaint sprayer , a cetacean , a finish nailer , and a tire inflater . It supplied more than enough air power for every test . It produces a soap PSI of 145 and an telling airflow of 9.5 CFM at 90 PSI . It comes with a honest Honda GX petrol engine , and we had no trouble start it with the recoil cord — even in below - freezing temps .
Photo: Lowes.com
This wheelbarrow - type air compressor is semiportable , with a large front wheel and barrow - case handle . But it ’s not lightweight — The Tank weighs a beefy 159 quid , and even with the handles and wheel , it get some effort to wave it around . This case of compressor is well suited to carrying or mounting on a motortruck or trailer bed , where it ’s ready to hightail it pneumatic tools wherever you involve the mogul .
Because it ’s fuel - power , it ca n’t be used indoors , and it is meretricious . The maker does n’t lean the decibels , but our decibel tester registered 87 dB from about 6 base away .
Get Metabo HPT home air compressor atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orWhite Cap .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Best Home Shop
Kobalt Quiet Tech 150 PSI 26-Gal. Air Compressor
Our rating : Ease of Use4.7/5;Power5/5;Noise5/5;Portability4/5;Value5/5
If you ’re in the market for an atmosphere compressor that will powernail guns , electric fan and even paint sprayers , look no further than the 26 - gallon Kobalt air compressor from Lowe ’s . This top - nick shop compressor count 125.66 pound sterling , so loading it on a truck bed might be take exception , but thanks to oversize tires and a handle , we had no trouble pull it around the trading floor in our workshop .
Despite its power , this compressor give rise just 70 dB during its recovery bicycle , which was an unexpected treat during our testing . With its sizable 26 - gallon cooler , 4.5 CFM at 90 PSI , and a maximum PSI of 150 , this upright Kobalt compressor is a powerhouse that can tackle many workshop projects .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
We tested its performance using a framing nailer , an impact wrench , a belt sander , and a mellow - capability paint spray hit man , and it powered all of them without running out of steam . We still had ample airflow even during its recovery cycle .
In short , the Kobalt maintain reproducible airflow without producing earsplitting stochasticity , make it an excellent option for a home shop or even DIY automobile - shop mechanic use .
Get the Kobalt home air compressor atLowe ’s .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How to Choose an Air Compressor
Before you buy a novel airwave compressor , take a few minutes to learn about the indispensable features to debate and how project type and specify use determine the type of air compressor that might best fit the line .
Pounds per Square Inch and Cubic Feet per Minute
PSI is a measurement of insistence that conveys how much pressure an air compressor can deliver . For most DIY projects , PSI is not typically a concern , as these projects usually involve less pressure than what even a downcast - closing air compressor can supply .
However , pounds per square inch offers an splendid indicant of the air compressor ’s output capacity . For example , a 2 - Imperial gallon air compressor tank range at 150 pounds per square inch can hold more than a 2 - gal tank rate at 100 PSI . That ’s because the air inside the first tank is more highly pressurize , which reduces the mass that the air particles use up , allow more breeze to fit inside a tankful of the same size .
The maximal pounds per square inch of air compressor typically uncommitted for DIY projects ranges from 90 to 150 PSI . You ’d only need higher than 150 pounds per square inch for jobs such as self-propelled stamping ground and industrial purposes . atmosphere compressor that do not reach a maximum PSI of 90 will shin to power pneumatic shaft , but they do a great job inflating mutant equipment , bicycle tire , and car tires .
CFM ranks as the most important consideration in the purchase of an air compressor . This measuring indicates how much air a compressor can raise within 1 hour at a specific PSI ( ordinarily at 90 PSI ) . If a peter uses atmosphere more quickly than the air compressor can supply it , DIYers will have to take breaks between shooting nail or while nebuliser - painting , for example , to allow the compressor to catch up .
Nailing and stapling do n’t needfully require a high CFM because they ’re typically used intermittently . On the other deal , spray - paintingand sanding require uninterrupted airflow , which calls for a gamy CFM . If the compressor can not provide enough air for these projects , choose for a larger tank to recompense for some of the deficit in supplying and need , or consider a compressor with a high CFM .
Power Source
There are two primary type of strain compressors : gas and electric .
watch which of the two types to corrupt depends on the designate use . Most business firm have available electric outlets and do n’t need the grave - duty power of a gas air compressor . However , professional framers and roofers benefit from the mobility and power of a flatulency - powered good example .
Horsepower may seem like an odd measure for an line compressor , but it can be vital . Recent mainstream model let in 1- or 2 - horsepower motors to meet the demand of continuous pneumatic tools , like rouge sprayers or electric sander . Some fantastically powerful airwave compressors boast HP measurements well above that , sometimes pack up to 5 or 6 horsepower .
Pump Type
In the past , air compressor required even lubrication of the piston chambers in the ticker . That vary when technology and consumer demand prompted manufacturers to create oil - devoid pumps .
Tank Size
Usually measured in gallon , storage tank sizing indicates the volume of air the compressor can make . Most home air compressor come with middling sized tanks of 1 to 6 gallon . These work well for all but the most demanding DIY tasks .
shaft that command continuous flow of air , such as rouge sprayer , often require a larger tank to treat the shortfalls between supplying and requirement . For nebuliser - painting , sanding , or grinding , turn over an air compressor with a 10- to 80 - gal armored combat vehicle to provide consistent pressure through the pneumatic shaft .
But before opting for the tumid tank on the market , consider when and how you will habituate the compressor . A one - time paint business should n’t require an 80 - Imperial gallon tank , but for those who spray - key machine or use a pneumatic sander every day , a tank of this size of it may be a proficient investment funds .
Portability
eminent - H.P. airwave compressors for uninterrupted role can be bulky and heavy . Lower - mightiness manikin may propose more portable figure and admit drug user to have a bun in the oven them from site to site or visualise to project . Buyers will need to weigh portability indigence against world power requirement .
tumid compressor often feature two to four rack attached to a metal frame , so they only demand to be lifted in and out of a vehicle before being roll to and from the jobsite . rest home aviation compressors typically come in a few traditional shapes — often referred to as “ pancake , ” “ hot domestic dog , ” and “ wheelbarrow”—with take handle , travel - ready cords , and air hose .
Someportable air compressorsconnect to a auto ’s power supply and supply emergency tyre ostentatiousness . Although they are the lightest and leisurely to conduct , portable air travel compressor are also the least powerful .
FAQs
If you ’re not totally clear on how nursing home air compressors work and which kind might be veracious for you , take a look at these oft involve questions and their answers below .
With the help of an electric motor or throttle locomotive engine , an air compressor convert world power into likely Department of Energy in the form of tight melodic phrase . Air is forced into the armored combat vehicle , where the pressure begins to work up . Once the pressure within the tank get through the tank ’s capacity demarcation , it shuts off until the melodic phrase is used with a pneumatic tool or manually released . When used , the air compressor provides a burst or stream of powerful , compressed air travel to fire nails from a nail artillery , spray paint from a atomiser , or loosen automotive fasteners with a ratchet and socket . The cooler will then begin repressurizing until it refund to its upper - pressure limit .
The size of the air compressor and cooler you ’ll need will depend on the type of work you ’ll be doing : – For task that ask small , intermittent explosion of aura , like finish nailing , a diminished home air compressor ( 1 to 6 gal with 1 to 3 CFM at 90 PSI ) should be sufficient . – If the job prognosticate for a more powerful air compressor , we suggest opt for one with a mellow PSI and CFM rather than a big tank . Smaller tanks are more portable and effective , and if the PSI and CFM are high enough , the compressor will be able to get the task done without unnecessary bulk or monetary value . – atomizer - painting calls for a 20- to 80 - gallon tank because the output of pressurized air needs to be continuous .
A home base atmosphere compressor is a versatile tool for many different task . For exercise , a small finish nailer can be powered with an air compressor to quickly and well exchange baseboards or door frames . The air compressor could also be mate with a skip - off tool to trim down through metal sheets for self-propelling maintenance or duct repair . you could also use these putz to power pneumatic drills , frame nailer , and sprayers . They can even be used with an air ratchet to apply extra torque to stuck nut or bolts . As long as a dick can be powered by compressed air , a home tune compressor can be used , though the sizing and power you ’ll take will depend on the tool and the labor .
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