| Viair 88P (Best Overall)
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| VIAIR 400P (Most High-end but Expensive )
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| EPAuto AT-010-1Z (Cheapest yet Quality Compressor)
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| Vaclife USVA701YE (Most Lightweight and Compact)
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| Dewalt DCC020IB (Most Versatile-Tripple Input Compressor)
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| Kensun EHRComp A58B (Affordable Dual-input Compressor)
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| GSPSCN 202
|
The fun car trip is no more fun without smooth air-filled tires and finding a gas station with working air pumps is very cumbersome. This is when a 12-volt air compressor becomes handy. A 12-volt air compressor will make you think why you relied on the gas station air pumps for so long. With an air compressor, you can not only fill tires but any other inflatable items as well.
However, if you look online for 12-volt air compressors, then you will be represented with so many air compressors having different pressure handling capacity, CFM, and price range. Choosing the one that will suit your needs is a tough task, especially when you don’t know anything about the air compressor.
We have spent numerous hours researching the best 12-volt air compressors so that you can make an informed buying decision.
Best 12-Volt Air Compressors
1. Viair 88P Portable 12V Air Compressor
Viair provides various types of 12-volt air compressors that can be used regularly. Out of all, one which we like is the 88P model. It comes with a 12V motor and maximum power pressure of 120PSI, and its sleek design gives the feel of a professional tool.
Viair 88P works for 25 mins @ 30 PSI on a 45% duty cycle, and after that, it needs to cool down for 35 minutes. But that is enough to inflate all 4 tires up to 33-inches. Viair 88P is capable of filling all tires in 10-12 minutes on normal working pressure.
To start the compressor, attach their battery clamps to the car battery, start the engine, and you got 120 PSI power. This 12-volt air compressor does not require oil which saves a few bucks on oil.
At 0 PSI, this air compressor delivers an airflow of 1.47 CFM, and on 30 PSI, the manufacturer claims the delivery of 1.25 CFM airflow, which is quite impressive in this range. At maximum pressure, the Viair 88P still manages to deliver 0.35 CFM.
The air compressor comes with a long 10-ft long power cord and a 16-ft long air hose.
Other features include LED Light, power indicator, dual battery clamps, and solid brass twist-on tire chuck. It has a 20-Amp current draw meaning that it is recommended to connect directly with the battery and not in any other socket.
It weighs only about 5 pounds and comes with a 1- year warranty.
- Lightweight makes it easy to carry everywhere.
- It provides an excellent duty cycle in this range.
- LED light feature is useful at night.
- At 30 PSI, it delivers 1.25 CFM which is suitable for cars, small trucks, etc.
- It comes with only a year’s warranty.
- You can get a fast compressor than Viair 88P in the same range.
2. Viair 400P 12-Volt Air Compressor
The Viair 400P 12-volt air compressor features a 12V internal motor that produces a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI. This compressor is made of sturdy quality with all metal and very little plastic. It comes with a gas station-style tire gun that makes it very easy to fill the air in the tire with a size up to 35-inch.
The tire inflator has an auto shut-off feature that turns off the compressor automatically when not in use. At 0 PSI, the compressor delivers the 2.30 CFM, and it has a duty cycle of 33% @ 100 PSI.
It takes less than 5 minutes to fill one tire which is just great. It comes with an air hose 25ft. long and an 8ft. long power cord. It comes with a maximum amp draw of 30Amps.
This 12V air compressor comes with a deluxe carry bag, thermal overload protector, 5-in-1 inflator/deflator air hose with inline 100 PSI gauge, dual battery clamps, 40amps inline fuse holder, and 3pcs. Inflation tips kit. The Viair 400P is suitable for off-roading cars and some agricultural vehicles. The in-built LED light makes it easier to work at night.
It weighs only 10.5 pounds and comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Lightweight only weighs 10.5 pounds.
- It makes less noise than other 12V air compressors in this range.
- A gas station-style inflator gun makes it easier to fill the air.
- The automatic shut-off feature turns off the compressor when not in use.
- It comes with only a year’s warranty.
3. EPAuto 12V DC Air Compressor Pump
EPAuto 12V DC air compressor is ideal for bikes, small cars, sedans, and mid-size SUVs with engine sizes under 3.5 Litre. Its 12V DC input gets directly connected to the cigarette lighter socket. It also comes with an additional 3 nozzle adaptors out of which one is a needle-type nozzle for your football, basketball, and other small inflatable items.
Easy to read display showcases 4 important units like PSI, KPA, BAR, and KG/CM, and it also has an in-built LED light for your convenience. The 12V air compressor is equipped with automatic shut-off technology, and overheating protection shuts the compressor when it exceeds 167°F, thus preventing the compressor from getting damaged.
The compressor has a maximum working pressure of 100 PSI and draws between 10-15 amps and produces 120-180 watts. It comes with an inflation speed of 1.06 CFM, making it the fastest in this segment.
It weighs only 1 pound and is CE certified.
- Weighs only 1 pound.
- The easy-to-read display makes the work easy.
- The overheat protector shuts the compressor when it exceeds above 167°F.
- It is CE certified.
- No warranty.
- Not ideal for big vehicles.
4. Vaclife USVA701YE 12V DC Air Compressor
Van life USVA701YE 12V Air Compressor comes with a good look and an additional 4 nozzle adapter so you can use it for the bike, air mattresses, bicycles, cars, football, volleyball, swimming rings, and other inflatable products. It delivers a maximum air pressure of 150 PSI.
Like others, it also has an in-built LED light that helps you to inflate the tire even in the middle of the night. The auto shut-off feature shuts the compressor when the tire reaches its inflate capacity.
Its 11.9ft long power cable eliminates the need for frequent unplugging every time you change the tire. Its digital display shows 4 important units like PSI, KPA, BAR, and KG/CM clearly and accurately. Its continuous working time is 10 minutes which makes a smart choice in this price range.
This good-looking Vaclife air compressor weighs only 2.3 pounds and comes with 2 years guarantee. The manufacturer will replace or refund within 2 years if the product stops working entirely.
- It weighs only 2.3 pounds, and it is also good-looking.
- The manufacturer will replace or refund within 2 years if the product stop working perfectly.
- The display shows the information perfectly.
- It gives a maximum air pressure of 150PSI.
- Not ideal for big vehicles.
5. GSPSCN 202 12V Air Compressor Pump
GSPSCN 202 12V tire inflator operates on a 12V DC battery and can be run through the cigarette lighter socket of the car. The double cylinder gives a sturdy design and a maximum air pressure of 150 PSI.
It has an airflow rate of 70L/min, and this 12V compressor is capable of filling the full tire of standard size within 1.5 mins. Because of the double cylinder, the compressor makes less noise than the standard air compressors making it an ideal choice as the best 12-volt air compressor.
The pump has rubber feet that stabilize the pump during operation and reduces vibration. The standard rule of this compressor is after every 20 minutes of use; the product should be allowed to cool down for 5-10 minutes.
It comes with a 3-nozzle adapter so you can use it for bicycles, bikes, cars, small trucks, football, swimming ring, etc. This pump comes with a 3.5m extension air hose and a 3m cigarette lighter switch. It weighs about 7 pounds.
- It can fill any tire of standard size within 90 seconds.
- It weighs only 7 pounds.
- It gives maximum air pressure of 150PSI.
- The double-cylinder design stabilizes the operation and makes less noise.
- It doesn’t come with any warranty.
6. Kensun AC/DC Portable Air Compressor
This muscular-looking air compressor can be operated on 110 V AC or 12V DC power so, if you are stuck in the middle of the road or at the house, the Kensun is ready to help. Kensun serves the maximum air pressure of 120 PSI with an airflow rate of 20 (AC) and 18 (DC) L / minute and it draws a maximum power of 10 amps.
Kensun’s unique feature is it works with a car cigarette lighter socket and with any normal socket of the house. On a 35 PSI, it works continuously for 30 mins. The screen is large enough to read and shows the KPA/PSI/Bar unit conversions accurately. In-built work light ensures you can use the air compressor at night in the middle of nowhere. The air hose is designed with a screw-on-type connector for tight-fitting and making less vibration.
Different packed nozzle adaptors make this compressor a universal compressor. You can use it for cars, bikes, bicycles, sports products like football, volleyball, air mattresses, swimming pool rings, and other inflatable items. Premium quality carry bag makes it easy to carry this 12V air compressor everywhere and saves it from dirt & debris, and weighs only 4.2 pounds.
It comes with a 3.3m DC power cable & 1m AC power cable, and the air hose length is 48cm. The product is backed with 2- a years warranty and lifetime technical support.
- It works on DC as well as AC.
- Comes with 2 years warranty and lifetime technical support.
- It can work continuously for 30 mins on an air pressure of 35 PSI.
- Weighs only 4.2 pounds.
- It does not have an auto shut-off feature.
- The length of the AC power cable and air hose cable is small.
7. Dewalt DCC020IB 20V Cordless Tire Inflator
Dewalt 20V cordless tire inflator can be powered using 3 sources i.e. 12 V DC, 110 V AC, and the 20 V battery (battery, charger, and AC cord need to be purchased separately). The auto shut-off feature makes sure that your tire gets the air it requires and shuts off immediately after it reaches the desired PSI. It has a maximum pressure operating of 160 PSI and a lower pressure operating of 3 PSI.
Multiple nozzles adaptor allows you to fill the air in multiple products ranging from car tires to small inflatable items; this includes cars, bikes, cycles, football, volleyball, swimming rings, air mattresses, air pillows, and many other inflatable products. Threaded chuck secures the connection between the inflation valve and the product, and the heavy-duty rubber reduces the vibration during the operation.
LED light helps to fill the air in poor lighting conditions. The device has 2 LCD screens, one shows the progress when the compressor is working, and the second one shows the required PSI. All the nozzle adaptors are attached to the device so, they always remain with you and come in handy in an emergency.
The 12 V DC cord is 13.75-feet long. It weighs only 5.5 pounds making it easy to carry everywhere. This product comes with 3 years limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90 day money-back guarantee.
- The device can be operated with DC, AC, and battery.
- It weighs only 5.5 pounds.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty and 1 year of free service.
- The maximum PSI value is 160.
- The product is expensive.
- You need to purchase an AC power cord, battery, and charger separately.
What to look for when buying a 12V air compressor
There are so many things that need to be considered before buying a 12-volt air compressor. You need to look for power, weight, PSI, etc. We have developed a special guide for you to make your work easy.
Desired Power:
Power is an important aspect you need to consider before buying a perfect air compressor for your car. A tire of average size can be filled easily with the affordable 12V air compressor available in the market. If you have big tires, then probably you need an air compressor with high PSI and CFM. Before purchasing, evaluate the desired power and then select the air compressor. It is advisable to go with a higher PSI because that can come in handy anytime, anywhere.
AC Vs DC:
Air compressor with AC comes with battery clamps that get attached directly to the battery. Another comes with a DC, in which the power cable is connected to the cigarette lighter outlet in the car, and the air compressor is ready to use.
Weight:
12-volt air compressors are mostly found below 10 pounds, and only heavy-duty air compressor weighs more. But for a car or bike, you can go for affordable air compressors, and they weigh less than 7 pounds, only in some cases they weigh more. Less weight makes the 12V air compressor easy to carry everywhere.
Auto-shutoff feature:
The auto-shutoff feature shuts the air compressor when it is not in use. Add the desired pressure of the tire in the air compressor and start the compressor, this feature will shut the airflow when the tire reaches the inflatable limit. In newer models, this feature comes by default but there is no harm in checking.
Warranty Period:
The warranty period is important, but unfortunately, only a few 12-volt air compressors come with a warranty of more than 1 year, and they are mostly from big brands like Dewalt and Makita. Of course, the air compressor from Dewalt, Makita will cost more bucks than other brands so here you have to make a choice. There are also some compressors in the market like EPauto and GSPSCN that do not come with any kind of warranty.
What is a 12V portable air compressor?
An Air compressor is simply a device that converts electric energy into pressurized air that is useful in filling the air in the tire and other inflatable items. Portable 12V air compressors are in demand because of their numerous uses. Not only for car tires, but the 12V air compressor can also be used to fill the air in bike tires, swimming rings, cycle, football, volleyball, air mattresses, and other inflatable items.
To make the compressor work, simply attach the power cord to the cigarette lighter outlet of the car and the compressor is ready to use. The portable 12V air compressor does not weigh more than 7 pounds making it convenient to carry anywhere you go.
The 12V air compressor comes with maximum power pressure of up to 160 PSI that gives you the flexibility to fill the air in the tire that requires high PSI.
Why do you need a 12-volt air compressor?
The main function of the 12V air compressor is to fill the air in the tire and increase the lifespan of the tire. If you are a person who uses the car daily, then buying a portable air compressor would be the right choice.
If you are off-roading or using an RV the inflated tire is beneficial for you financially and for the engine of your car or RV.
The 12V air compressors are lightweight, do not weigh more than 7 pounds, and are cheaper than you think. We have developed a special buying guide on the 12V air compressor for you.
Some Important Terms:
These important terms will help you in selecting the air compressor.
Duty Cycle:
The duty cycle refers to the continuous run time of the compressor. After a certain duty cycle, the air compressor needs a cool-down period. This won’t be a concern if you use the air compressor very less.
CFM:
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, which is also important because the compressor with a higher CFM will fill the air in the tire faster.
PSI:
PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch which describes the pressure of the tire. PSI helps to determine how much air is in the tire and how much is required to fill. It is also important to know the maximum PSI of the air compressor in case you are planning to inflate a big tire. About the desired PSI of the tire, you can check in the manual or manufacturer’s website.
FAQ:
Q. What size of 12V air compressor Do I need?
It highly depends on the vehicle you have. If you have a car-like sedan, or SUV then you can go for the affordable 12V air compressor available in the market. If you have a little high budget then you can opt for a compressor with higher CFM that will fill the air faster in your tire.
Q. How much PSI should I buy?
Required PSI depends on what vehicle you drive. Find out the PSI of the tire you use and after that purchase the compressor with a slightly higher PSI to remain on the safe side.
Q. What is more important CFM or PSI?
The price of the compressor depends on how high CFM is higher the CFM higher the price. First, select the desired PSI you need, and then choose the CFM range that falls within your budget.
Q. Can I use my 12V air compressor for other inflatable items?
Yes, you can use it for other inflatable items other than tires. The product should fall within your compressor’s highest PSI.
