Top 7 Best Portable Air Compressors of 2022 | Reviews & Buying Guide

Air compressors are very helpful tools when it comes to running air tools, engines, and smaller pneumatic tools too, and also they help you carry out various functions and daily life activities.

However, most of the air compressors are bulky and heavier, and if you are looking for a small and portable air compressor, then you may need to read a lot of reviews and check the specification of each compressor.

This is a very time-consuming and cumbersome task, and sometime you may miss crucial detail about the compressor and end buying a compressor that does not suit your needs at all.

Well, to help you solve this problem we have researched many portable air compressors, and after testing them for days, we have selected the best of them. So we present you the Reviews of Best Portable Air Compressors in 2020.

Quick Answer: Best Portable Air Compressor

1. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Portable Air Compressor

Bostitch is a reliable company that makes reliable pneumatic tools for handyman all over the world. And this is the Bostitch BTFP02012 Pancake portable air compressor.

Bostitch BTFP02012 is one of the best portable air compressors you can find it. With 6.0 gallons of the compressed gas storage tank, measuring tools, and a powerful motor, you can get your work done quickly. It only weighs 29 pounds. Pretty good deal, right?

Bostitch contains a highly efficient motor, so it will even start in cold weather without having any issues.

Want to work late at night in your garage? No worries, Bostitch BTFP02012 pancake portable air compressor produces only 78.5 dBA, so it doesn’t even create noise pollution.

The high efficient motor delivers the maximum storage of 150 PSI. It generates 2.6 SCFM @90 PSI and can produce up to 150 PSI. With the storage of 6.0 gallons of compressed air, you can go on a long car ride and carry this with you without having tension about a flat tire or low air pressure.

The oil-free pump allows for low maintenance. And feature two couplers holders, if you want to work on two machines at the same time.

Bostitch BTFP02012 Pancake design allows it to fit in any place and you can carry around without any hesitation.

This Pancake style air compressor is portable, has power, and gives you noise comfort. There is no reason not to buy it.

2. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor

California air tool 8010 is a portable air compressor with a small wheel attached to make it easier to carry around. And a silver color gives it a sleek and stunning look.

Talking about performance, the oil-free dual-piston is made for high performance and durability. An oil-free pump makes it clear that there is not much maintenance on it.

The impressive thing about the California air tool air compressor is its storage. With 8 gallons of compressed air storage capacity, this machine weighs only 54 pounds. Also, it is very lightweight, and wheels make it more comfortable to carry around.

The 8010 at 1680 RPM creates the least noise. Producing only 60 dBA, this powerful motor is unbelievably quiet. Having a powerful motor allows the compressor to easily start in very cold weather also.

When buying this portable air compressor, you don’t have to worry about maintenance. With having an oil-free dual-piston, you know it needs less maintenance.

Due to the corded electrical option, you will never run out of power or worry about battery drain.

A location like echo room or garage, this unit works best. Producing only 60 dBA around you is nothing compared to its power.

Should you buy it? Of course, you can buy it, and it’s worth spending money on it.

3. VacLife ATJ-1166 Portable Air Compressor

VacLife portable air compressor is the best tool you can carry for long rides in case of flat or low air pressure in your tires.

With a sleek design and four nozzles attachment, it is very easy to fill the air in any pneumatic thing which needs air. Like a ball, inflatable pool, or an inflatable bed for your guests. It can inflate a stander car tire in seconds and very easy to use.

Vaclife comes with four nozzle attachments so it is compatible with any type of tire. Just plug into a 12v power outlet and attach the hose to your tire and just flip the switch to start inflating the tire.

Never worry about over-inflating with VacLife. Because it has an auto shut off technology that will automatically stop inflating your car tire.

Want to check the air pressure? VacLife portable air compressor comes with a digital screen to indicate pressure and features a LED light to make sure you work at night or in dark places very comfortably. With 11.9ft long cord makes it more comfortable to use.

It is very lightweight(2.35 pounds) and compact in size so, it fits very easily in small space of your car.

4. VIAIR 400P Automatic Function Portable Compressor

VIAIR is a company that makes all kinds of pneumatic tools from small air portable compressors to large hefty air compressors.

VIAIR portable air compressor the first choice of many pneumatic tool owners. This VIAIR compressor comes with a carrying bag and tire inflating gun for inflating tire instantly.

It has built-in auto-shutoff technology that will automatically shut off the compressor after inflating the tire.

It can be operated with a 12V power source and the maximum working pressure is 150 PSI. The maximum airflow of this compressor is 2.3 CFM at 0 psi.

The best part of this compressor is you will get 30 feet of long air hose and it has built-in air pressure gauges and a pressure release valve. Also, it fits very easily in a carrying bag which comes with a VIAIR portable air compressor.

VIAIR 400P has a 33% duty cycle @100 psi. It means the portable air compressor can works consistently for 40 minutes straight before shutting it down to give a rest to the motor which is more than enough to inflate your tire. In case you need more than that, then it won’t take much time to restart.

Last but not least, this 12 volt air compressor is backed by 1 year of warranty.

5. DEWALT 60V FLEXVOLT Cordless Air Compressor Kit

If you ever work with pneumatic tools, I am sure you have heard about DEWALT. So if you are looking for a portable air compressor then this DEWALT air compressor is the best choice for you.

Looking at the DEWALT 60v max air compressor, it comes with 20v/60v max FlexVolt batteries that allow it to automatically adjust voltage according to the compressor plugged with.

Shall we talk about storage? The Dewalt 60v max air compressor has a 2.5 gallon of storage space to store the compressed air in it.

The regulator allows you to turn the knob in the right direction for the desired psi. DEWALT cordless air compressor has a maximum tank pressure of 135 psi and delivers 1.2 SCFM @ 90 psi.

DEWALT also makes their product considering safety. DEWALT 60V max air compressor has a 3-years of long warranty for the protection of tools.

Overall the smaller air compressor gives the mobility to carry it anywhere and 2.5 gallons of storage of compressed air ensure to give maximum benefit of the tool. Getting a maximum pressure of 135 psi from compact air pressure is incredible. Despite all of that its weight around 21.5 pounds.

6. CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K 6-Gallon Portable Air Compressor

Craftsman 6 gallon pancake air compressor looks similar to Bostitch pancake air compressor. It comes with 13 pieces of the accessory kit.

The Craftsman air compressor features 25 x 1/4 inches of air hose, two couplers, tire chuck with plug, blow gun with plug, air pressure gauges, blowgun with an OSHA safety nozzle, rubber tip, and three inflator adaptors.

This compressor has plenty of power, it can generate 150 psi of maximum pressure, and gives 2.6 SAFM @90 psi. With this air compressure, you have the power to inflate anythings like tires, inflatable pool, or use for power tools.

Craftsman air compressor has a front mount with two regulators for using multiple pneumatic tools at the same time. The weight of this air compressor is 30 pounds so it is very lightweight for a high-power air compressor.

Oil-free pump ensure less maintenance. Plus no need to worry about damaging it, because the craftsman gives 1 year of user warranty.

Craftsman air compressor produces noise of 82dB. Also, having a 6 gallon of compressed air storage capacity in a very portable size is an advantage.

7. Makita MAC210Q Portable Electric Air Compressor

Makita MAC210Q  is a quiet air compressor, you can guess from the name. Makita air compressor produces only 60 dB of noise which is very less compared to other similar size air compressure.

But it doesn’t mean that the Makita air compressor has low power. With 1 horsepower efficient motor this compressor provides 135 psi of maximum air pressure.

Makita air compressor runs on a lower RPM of 1750 compared to other air compressors. It helps the motor to live longer. The oil-free pump provides lower maintenance.

Complete roll cage builds around the compressor provides protection to the Makita air compressor. also, the perfect design gives the weight advantage. It weighs 44 pounds while carrying 2 gallons of compressed air.

The powerful 1 horsepower efficient motor can produce 2.6 CFM @ 90 psi. The Air tank fills up quickly and the lever handle provides easy tank drain.

What to look for while buying a portable air compressor?

You can carry a portable air compressor anywhere it needed. It will fit in your car, truck, bike or even you can carry it in your hands. There is plenty of air compressors in the market to full fill your needs. But which one is the best air compressor you can buy.

Some are cheap others are very expensive. Don’t get confused about it. This guide will help you find the perfect air compressor for your needs.

Horsepower(HP)

Horsepower is a key point to check before buying a portable air compressor.

Horsepower is generally used to measuring the power of the motor. Many times in products specification the wrote “1 HP power of motor” it means the products contain 1 horsepower of the motor.

So it is very important to check the motor is powerful or not because this will decide how much power the air compressor is giving.

Air pressure

Air pressure denoted as psi. You should definitely consider checking the psi of the air compressor before buying it. On average most of the portable air compressor gives  130 to 150 psi. Always buy the portable air compressor which provides higher psi.

Storage capacity

Storage capacity is measured in gallons and you can find 2 gallons to 8  gallons in the market sometimes even more than that. The more gallon means you can inflate more items or use them for a longer time period.

Duty cycle

Duty cycle expressed in percentage and used to measure how much air compressor should run before giving it rest.

It generally calculates the running time under the 10 minutes periods. You want an air compressor that has a longer duty cycle. Some air compressor has 40 minutes, some have 30 minutes. Usually, the lesser the duty cycle is the cheaper the air compressor gets.

The noise produced by the air compressor

Most air compressors in the market at present produce less noise.

But we have to find the least noisy one. Plenty of air compressors produces 60dB. 60dB is the ideal noise for an air compressor.

There are many air compressors available in the market which produced more noise and cheaper in price.

Durability

If you are spending your precious saving on something you want it to last long. This is the big reason to check an air compressor that has a long life and covers all your spending. Durability is one of the most important things to consider when buying an air compressor.

Warranty

You should first check the warranty of the portable air compressor. At least it should have a 2 to 3 years warranty.

Types of portable air compressor according to size

1. Hand carry air compressor

These types of air compressors are very easy to carry around and they don’t even weigh that much.

These types of air compressors are a pancake, air inflators, Hot dog air compressor, and  2 tanks air compressor. These all air compressors can be easily moved around and are small enough to fit in any small space.

2. Wheeled portable air compressor

There are two types of wheeled compressor vertical air compressor and horizontal air compressor. Generally, they are a little larger than a hand-carry air compressor.

This type of air compressor is mounted with wheels to move around. wheeled portable air compressor contains more compressed air than hand carry can store.

They are pretty easy to use and work in any weather condition. The wheeled portable air compressor did not come with battery power it can be operated by gasoline or electricity.

3. Mobile air compressor

Mobile air compressor usually attached behind working vehicle like a truck. Mobile air compressors are the heaviest in the category. But they have a powerful motor and that provides the higher CFM and psi to get your work done as quickly as possible.

Types of Air Compressors according to fuel

1. Gas-powered air compressor

Gas-based air compressors use gas to work. This type of air compressor needs gas to generate power.

Generally gas powred air compressor seen in construction where there is no electric power connection. The contractor likes gas powered air compressor cause it doesn’t need any cord to work.

But if you need an air compressor just to use for household purposes or to inflate regular items like mattress, ball, or car tire then a gas air compressor is not the right choice for you.

2. Electric-powered air compressor

There are two types of electric compressor you can find in the market. Corded air compressor and cordless air compressor.

The electrically powered air compressor has very few drawbacks. An electric-powered air compressor is very convenient to use compared to a gas-powered air compressor.

They don’t need any kind of working fule to start. You just need an electric outlet to use them.

People like electric powered-air compressors cause they are lighter, portable, and comes in different variety of styles.

Oil vs Oil-free tank

Some Portable air compressor works on oil.

They need oil to keep working and moving parts. An oil-based air compressor needs more maintenance. You contently need to change the oil to keep parts moving.

On the other hand, an Oil-free air compressor works without oil so obviously needs less maintenance.

Electric vs Gas

In terms of performance, the electric air compressor and gas-powered air compressor are the same. There is no major difference between the capacity of work they give. But there is a significant difference between gas-powered and electric-powered air compressors.

Portable air compressor and Fixed air compressor

Portable and Fixed air compressor has big differences. The first and major difference is in their size.

The Fixed air compressor is a lot bigger in size and used for industrial work. On the other hand, a Portable air compressor is small in size and use for household purposes.

The fixed air compressor is large and it makes complex to use it. But portable air compressor can be used by any non-experienced power tool user.

Generally, A fixed air compressor needs gas or some kind of fuel to operate but a Portable air compressor can be work with a battery or electricity.

Inflate your tires

The best way to use a portable air compressor is to carry it with you on a long drive or you also carry it in your day to day life.

With an air compressor in your car, you never have to worry about flat or low air in your tires. A flat tire is the worst thing that could happen during a ride at that time portable air compressure is very helpful to you.

Using air compressor for pneumatic tools

The contractors use pneumatic tools for working purposes and pneumatic tools generally need air pressure to work with so if you have any pneumatic tools(that work with air compressure) in your house and want to work with them using your portable air compressor to give maximum power to your tools.

Inflate anything

The portable air compressor can inflate anything like balls, inflatable pool, inflatable bed, bike tire, and the list goes on. So the portable air compressor is the best product to invest in it.

Conclusion

There is plenty of portable air compressor in the market and you can buy it any one of them. But we suggest you first do proper research and compare the product with each other to find the best one of them. Or you can choose anyone from the above list according to your needs.