Best Air Compressors: Top 10 Picks


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If you’re interested in finding the best air compressors on the market, you’ve come to the right place. Air compressors different uses in industrial, residential and personal home applications. You can use an air compressor for spray painting, and if you are a carpenter, it will come in handy when using pneumatic nailers. Keep reading to learn more about air compressors and which one might be right for your needs.

Product FAQ

We have compiled this Product FAQ section to answer the most frequently asked questions about air compressors.

1. What Is an Air Compressor?

An air compressor is a machine that uses compressed air to convert electrical power into a more useful form of kinetic energy. This is due to the design of the air pressure. The air pressure releases air in quick bursts. During this process, it emits kinetic energy which is  harnessed for a wide range of uses such as filling tires, cleaning purposes and pneumatic device activation.

Air Compressors are categories in three ways:

  • Low-pressure compressors with a discharge capacity of 150 PSI
  • Medium-pressure compressors with a discharge capacity of between 151 to 1,000 PSI
  • High-pressure compressors with a discharge capacity of over 1,000 PSI

2. How to Choose an Air Compressor

Capacity

If you use your air compressor for industrial use, such as corking large amounts of petroleum, then the best air compressor to have is a large capacity air pressure. If you prefer convenience, then a portable air compressor is best.

Pressure

​​​The best air compressor, in this case, is one that can pack more air. The more the pressure in an air tank, the more the air it has. This means it can be used for an extended period before it needs to be refilled.

Accessory Kits

The best air compressor is one that comes with an accessory kit. These kits give value for money as one does not have to buy all the tools required.

Portability

Professions such as carpentry will require one to have a portable air compressor. This is why one should find a device that balances between capacity and weight for portability.

Warranty

Here, the best air compressor is one that is covered longer by a warranty. This will save you money as defective products will be repaired.

dBA

A dBA measurement indicates how loud an air compressor is when it is operated. You should always go for a device with the lowest dBA possible, especially if it is to be operated in a residential area.

3. Choosing a Home Based Air Compressor

Several factors are to be considered when choosing the best air compressor for residential use. These factors include portability, dBA, and capacity. Portability is important especially if older people will need to move it up and down stairs. A device with a lower dBA will not disturb your family as much during use.

Capacity is essential and will be determined entirely by the size of your house/ land and its application. If the house is small, then the best choice should be highly portable with low pressure. The bigger the house, the bigger the capacity needed.

4. Choosing a Work Based Air Compressor

Unlike choosing a home-based air compressor, choosing a work based air compressor is complicated and will mostly depend on the profession. If you are a contractor who moves from place to place in search of opportunities, then a portable air compressor may be best. The same applies for roofing work. If you are involved in large-scale renovations, then multiple smaller units would be ideal to compliment with a larger unit for bigger jobs.

5. Where to Buy Our Best Air Compressors?

All our best air compressors can be bought on Amazon prime. It’s also possible to buy them in brick and morter stores such as Lowes or Home Depot.

How We Reviewed

The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters; features, pros, cons, price, where to buy, and the warranty offered with each product

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

Though higher priced products have more features such as accessory kits, this is not always the case. Some products may be cheaper because of discounts offered.

What We Reviewed

The following products made it to our top ten best air compressor list. They are:

  • Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP All In Compressor
  • Dewalt DWFP55130 Heavy Duty 200 PSI
  • Porter Cable PCFP02003 3.5 Gallon 135 PSI Pancake Compressor
  • California Air Tools CAT – 10020
  • Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 Portable Quiet Air Compressor
  • Bostitch BTFP02012
  • Industrial Air ILA3606056
  • Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor
  • EPAuto AT-010-1Z
  • Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor

Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP All In Compressor

[amazon box=”B0001Q2VK0″]

Features

This is a powerful compressor with a 2.0 HP motor to power it. It boasts a low AMP draw, low noise, and fast recovery once the air inside is depleted. To ensure it is efficient, it has a large automotive filter which helps in increasing air intake. For convenience, it has an oil sight glass that makes it easy to maintain the device.

Warranty

There is a one-year limited warranty offered with this product.

Pros

  • Works efficiently
  • Lasts for long periods of time
  • Has a powerful motor

Cons

  • The manual is not beginner friendly
  • Some units may be defective

Dewalt DWFP55130 Heavy Duty 200 PSI

[amazon box=”B00HQYFZGM”]

Features

It boasts of a capacity of 2.5 gallons and a maximum PSI of 200. Its noise level is around 75.1 dB, and its high-flow regulator enhances its performance. It is easy to start the device because of its 12 amp motor which helps in reducing breaker tripping. It is portable as it weighs around 36 lbs. It also has a compact design that makes it easy to carry.

Warranty

It has a one-year warranty.

Pros

  • It is easy to carry
  • Has a roll cage for protection

Cons

  • It has no accessory kit
  • Has a short lifespan

Porter Cable PCFP02003 3.5 Gallon 135 PSI Pancake Compressor

[amazon box=”B00BMUGQNC”]

Features

This air compressor boasts a unique design that gives it portability. It is easy to carry and store because it weighs around 26 pounds. It uses an oil-free pump and a 120v motor that is not affected by cold weather. It has a tank capacity of 3.5 gallons and a maximum PSI of 135. It is suitable for home use because it has an 82 dBA sound rating.

Warranty

There is a three-year limited warranty on this product.

Pros

  • It is easy to carry
  • Has a roll cage for protection

Cons

  • It has no accessory kit
  • Has a short lifespan

California Air Tools CAT – 10020

[amazon box=”B00889ZYOW”]

Features

This air compressor has a capacity of around 10 gallons and boast a 2HP motor. It is easy to transport because of the inbuilt wheels and is ideal for home use as it has a 70 dBA noise rating. It is fast to fill, taking less than 130 seconds to fill a 10-gallon tank. It is easy to maintain due to its oil-free pump.

Warranty

Has a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Has a low noise level
  • Has a 10-gallon capacity

Cons

  • Has a limited warranty
  • It is bulky 

Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 Portable Quiet Air Compressor

[amazon box=”B01IE0UT9Y”]

Features

Unlike other best air compressors on this list, this only has an eight-gallon capacity. It is heavy to carry around as it weighs around 67 pounds. To help in portability, it has a rubberized steel handle and large inbuilt wheels. It is best for inflating, nailing projects, and painting, as it has a maximum pressure of 125 PSI.

Warranty

Has a one-year warranty

Pros

  • Perfect for painting
  • Has a 68 dBA

Cons

  • Some units are defective
  • Heavy for its power
  • Heavy for its power

Bostitch BTFP02012

[amazon box=”B00UHNM1R0″]

Features   

This unit has a pancake-style tank with a capacity of six gallons. This air compressor has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. One unique feature is that it is an oil-free compressor, and this increases its lifespan. It is portable and weighs around 29lbs. It has a high-efficiency motor and a noise level of 78.5 dBA.

Warranty

This unit has a one-year limited warranty

Pros

  • It is portable and light
  • Perfect for nail guns

Cons

  • It does not have accessories 
  • Has a limited warranty

Industrial Air ILA3606056

[amazon box=”B002MKP5K6″]

Features

The Industrial Air has an impressive design with a cast iron pump and a maximum pressure of around 155 PSI. Unlike other best air compressors on this list, this one operates using oil, as it uses an oil lube pump. It has a capacity of 60 gallons and is powered by 240 volts. Other features associated with this pump include a toll-free customer helpline for instant assistance and an on/off pressure gauge switch.

Warranty

This compressor comes with a two-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Compresses air fast
  • Has a toll free line
  • Has a lot of power

Cons

  • It is an oil-based compressor
  • Fairly expensive

Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor

[amazon box=”B005ASY23I”]

Features

Where portable compressors are needed, then the Viair is what you should consider. It is light and uses rechargeable batteries to operate. It is suitable for inflating tire wheels, as it has a maximum PSI of 120. It has accessories such as a 16-foot hose and an inflation kit. In case it runs out of power, it has two alligator clamps that one can use to connect to a car battery.

Warranty

A one-year warranty comes with this compressor.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Comes with a toolkit
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Limited in use
  • Has a short lifespan

Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor

[amazon box=”B0001Q2VPK”]

Features

This air compressor boasts of twin stacked tanks. It has a capacity of 4.2 gallons and a maximum pressure of 130 PSI. Unlike other compressors, it does not come with any accessory kit. The tanks fill up fast due to the bore and stroke design. It is made using a cast-iron cylinder and weights around 81 pounds.

Warranty

This has a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Fills up fast
  • Has a 79 dB rating

Cons

  • Some units are defective
  • Has no accessory kits

The Verdict

All our top ten best air compressors on this list are worth your time and money. However, the compressor will only be best for you if it solves your individual needs. If you are looking for a compressor that is best to use at home and is portable, then we recommend the Porter Cable PCFP02003.

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