Nearly every professional contractor uses an air compressor. Of course, it's not just a construction tool. Automotive, woodworking, aviation, marine, and many others use compressors to power air tools. When I got our team together to decide on the best air compressor, we sparked a fierce debate concerning brands, styles, prices, and much more.
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The first questions were 'What size?' and 'What's the application?' Good points. The selections below are the result of many hundreds of hours of testing and use'not to mention several more hours of internal discussion! Now that the physical and relational bruises have healed, I'm ready to share our expert opinions across a range of compressor categories.
Coming off of the success of the Metabo HPT pancake air compressor (also called 'The Tank'), the 8-gallon ECSM delivers more CFM and capacity. Max pressure is 225 PSI'which you'll likely never use. However, what you may use is the 5 CFM (at 90 PSI) which lets you run up to 3 framing nailers or 4 roofing/siding nailers simultaneously.
Running a trim crew? Connect as many as five 15-gauge or 16-gauge finish nailers and get to work! In either of these scenarios, each tool would have plenty of air to drive nails. Another great feature is the quick ramp-up time'just 55 seconds to get from to 125 PSI from empty. When you do run it below 95 PSI, the recovery time is a brisk 14 seconds.
For the money, you get a lot in this capable package. Between the wheeled portability and capacity'this compressor is my all-around go-to workhorse on any jobsite.
Choosing the best small air compressor used to mean grabbing a pancake model. Lately, however, smaller 'hot dog' compressors have proven their worth on small punch lists and trim jobs. The almost unbelievably small DeWalt D features a 1-gallon tank and weighs less than a Cocker Spaniel. I can stand this compressor on the rear floor of an F150 SuperCab without a second thought and get to work.
The key to enjoying this trim compressor is application. It consistently drove 18-gauge brad nailers and 23-gauge pinners without any difficulty. If you want to do some remodeling with a framing nailer, you'll want to get a larger model (like the DeWalt 6-gallon pancake compressor or one of my other recommendations).
Lastly, the D doesn't make a ton of noise. It's around 4-5 dBA quieter than most other trim compressors. That's more than enough to be noticeable.
At 60 decibels, the Rolair Ultra-Quiet 2.5-gallon air compressor is quiet enough to hold a conversation next to it. As impressive as this is, the noise level represents just one of many features we liked after choosing it as the quietest portable air compressor.
The JC10PLUS offers better air delivery than most. With up to 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI, it uses a 1.0 HP motor to put out enough air to drive most framing and roofing nailers. It keeps the noise down by running at RPM with just a 7.5-amp draw on the motor. I love the roll cage, the centered rubber handle, and the fact that it weighs just 50 pounds. It's about as portable as you can get for this capacity without putting wheels on it (which increases bulk).
Lastly, the cycle times are short'nearly identical to the larger 8-gallon Metabo HPT model that's our overall top pick. Expect it to take around 14 seconds to get from 95-125 PSI. I also consider Rolair one of the best air compressor brands on the market, with models ranging from hand-carry models to wheeled and stationary units up to 200 gallons in size.
Both the DeWalt FlexVolt and Milwaukee cordless compressors make solid cordless compressors and carry similar specs. However, the 2-gallon Milwaukee earns the nod for several reasons. First, it's a full 11 decibels quieter (just 68 dBA). Audibly, that sounds about half as loud as the DeWalt! It does trade a bit of that for weight, however.
While it's certainly helpful on jobsites with no power, our plumbing pro also successfully used it to bleed heaters (which typically have to be done manually) and air-test PEX on several re-pipes. It even worked to pressure test a new sewer line.
You get a very respectable 1.2 SCFM at 90 PSI'about what you could expect from a capable corded trim compressor. The roll cage's carry handle (and good balance) are the cherry on top. A bit pricey at $379 as a bare tool, I still like the portability and performance for professionals. This compressor also earned a Pro Tool Innovation Award.
Things got heated when we started talking about the best shop compressor. One thing is clear: Ingersoll-Rand, Jet, and Rolair dominate the shop compressor space in the opinion of our review team. Either of those brands represents a solid choice.
The Ingersoll-Rand N stands out as it offers 100% duty cycle operation with 17.2 CFM at 90 PSI. (IR has models that go up to 24 CFM or more). This single-phase compressor also installs easily into any garage with an available 230V circuit. Commercial shops can look at the 3-phase model.
This is a premium product for any shop looking to drive sanders, lifts, and multiple impact wrenches or other air tools simultaneously. At $, expect to pay for the quality you get with this system.
Editor's Note: Be sure to also check out our recommendation for the best portable air compressor for your home garage
Priced around $129, this Craftsman 6-gallon pancake compressor lets you tackle anything from framing to trim tasks. It delivers up to 120 PSI pressure consistently (150 PSI max) with airflow of 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. The oil-free design should let you use this for many years with little to no maintenance. For those keeping score, the fact that this product is manufactured in the USA makes it even better.
We tested this product on managing a small fleet of vehicles for a local non-profit ministry as well as with smaller trim jobs and limited framing applications and punch lists. The 6-gallon capacity really helps when you have a small project involving higher-demand air such as roofing. The fact that I could run a couple of tools at once without a splitter just adds to the appeal of this inexpensive tool.
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I reach for Kobalt when looking for an inexpensive but quality compressor in just about any form factor. Found at Lowe's, their larger-capacity 26-gallon vertical compressor offers up 4.5 CFM at 90 PSI. The supplies enough air for many sanding and air tool applications. Add to that the low price and you have a solid stationary compressor pick for your shop or garage.
Metabo HPT simply nailed the design of their 9-gallon Tank XL wheelbarrow air compressor. Powered by a Honda GX160 engine, it oozes long-term reliability. With a pair of 4.5-gallon tanks, it delivers 9.5 CFM at 90 PSI'dropping only slightly to 9.3 CFM at 100 PSI. That's plenty of CFM to run 4-5 roofing nailers at one time'rapid-fire. From start to finish, I believe Metabo HPT makes the all-around best wheelbarrow air compressor.
Porter Cable C is basically a clone of the Craftsman CMEC but with a $20 premium. This solid, budget-friendly air compressor supplies enough air for DIY and entry-level pro trim and minimal framing use. I like the 6-gallon capacity and 2.6 CFM airflow rate at 90 PSI. A great all-around tool for the DIYer or Pro on a budget.
This dual-stack electric air compressor provides up to 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI. This alone makes it a great solution for running a couple of framing or roofing nailers and even has some use for certain sanding applications. The 77 dBA noise rating makes it quieter than many, but other models produce less sound if that's your top priority.
This basic but versatile 1-gallon cordless air compressor provides up to 120 PSI and is perfect for DIY light-duty use and trim projects. If you're already on the Ryobi 18V tool platform, then opt for the $179 tool-only model. With 0.5 CFM at 90 PSI it won't run more than a single trim tool efficiently, but it still gives you a very portable (just 14 pounds) solution for the jobsite or DIY projects.
The most common air compressors run on either gas or electric power. Electric models run at either 120V or 240V, depending on the level of performance they have. I prefer electric for its simplicity of use and you'll note that I didn't make many gas picks in this list.
Gas units are usually reserved for jobs that require high air delivery when mobility is a priority. Certain wheelbarrow compressors come to mind.
Battery-powered air compressors are becoming more popular with several major power tool brands making them. These are typically lower-power options that are best for finish nailers and other low-supply applications.
When shopping for an air compressor, CFM and PSI are the key specs. They tell you the most about the performance you can expect.
CFM (often measured at 90 PSI) lets you know the volume of air the unit can sustain at a particular pressure. You can get higher CFM out of the tanks, but the pump won't be able to replace it as fast as you're using it. That means you have to take some 'breaks'. Some tools, such as finish nailers, require very little CFM to keep up with the pace of the work. Other tools, like air sanders, need much higher CFM values to keep running.
PSI (pounds per square inch) is a measurement of the maximum pressure the pump can put in the tank. The higher the pressure, the greater the amount of air the tank can hold. 125 PSI is a good starting point and 200 PSI gets you into the high end of the spectrum for the most common units. On the output side, most nailers, ratchets, and sanders require 90-100 PSI.
The reality is that every tool has its own CFM and PSI requirements. Check the package or the manual for the tool you're considering and make sure the air compressor you're buying handles both. To make sure you get the most from your compressor, we recommend going with a model that gives you 50% higher CFM than your highest tool's needs.
Pro Tip: Drain your air compressor after every use. The air that comes in carried moisture with it and can start to rust the tank from the inside, especially around coastal areas.
Before choosing an air compressor, decide whether you need portability, capacity, or a mix of both. Compressors come with tank sizes ranging from 1 gallon to 200 gallons. The tank combines with the maximum PSI to determine how much compressed air it can deliver before the motor has to 'recycle' more air, compressing it and sending it back into the tank.
Smaller electric compressors are highly portable. They can run on a generator if you don't have a direct AC power supply nearby. On the other hand, larger units tend to be installed in place with air piped to the most convenient locations where you install connectors for your hoses.
Even if you find your compressor's tank capacity is a little low, you can add a reserve tank to increase it.
Pro Tip: Every tank has an expiration date. Replace it once you reach that date to ensure the tank doesn't fail.
Most portable air compressors have one or two couplings on board. It's also possible to add a two or three-way splitter. Just be aware that you're sharing the air and your system needs to work harder to keep up.
Air compressors can be noisy! Add in a small gas engine and they get loud enough that you'll want hearing protection.
One way to reduce noise is with the drive style. Belt drive compressors run quieter than direct drive by nature.
If you frequently work indoors, in occupied spaces, or around noise-sensitive campuses, look for a quiet compressor. These can drop down below 60 decibels (though most are more) and operate at a level you can actually hold a conversation next to.
Most quiet models are on the lower air delivery side. That means you're unlikely to find one that's good for sanding or roofing.
Duty cycle is a rating that tells you the percentage of time your compressor can run. For example, a 50% duty capacity tells you it needs 30 minutes of downtime for every 30 minutes of running.
If you're looking for the best model in a high-use environment, check the rating. Look for a compressor with a 100% duty cycle for high-demand work. For work that doesn't keep a compressor working to keep up the entire time (most common), a 50% duty cycle is just fine.
Some air compressors can run continuously with a particular amount of airflow guaranteed at the outlet. You find these in industrial applications and they typically use what's known as a rotary-screw design. The other kind of continuous duty design involves air supply underwater and for similar applications where a steady flow of air is required from a more portable design.
Without going into a ton of detail about air compressor pumps, there are two basic types: oiled and oil-free. Oil-free models are much more convenient since you don't have to worry about oil levels and require less maintenance.
Don't be afraid of splash-lubricated compressors, though. They don't require a ton of refilling even though you should keep an eye on the levels frequently. In the end, your best bet is the compressor that meets your tools' requirements whether it needs oil or not.
We mention several different types of air compressors above. If you're shopping for your first one, here's a breakdown of what we mean:
Pancake air compressors use a round, flatter tank style with the motor and pump on top. They're highly portable and stable with a relatively small footprint. These are a favorite among trim carpenters but I also see a lot of roofers using them due to some models including higher CFM ratings.
A 'hot dog' air compressor uses a single, longer cylinder-shaped tank with the motor and pump up top. Smaller capacity models are similar in footprint to pancake designs while larger capacities tend to take up more room. Some models may include a wheel system built into the frame. Tank sizes vary on these but generally, they fall between 1 and 5 gallons.
Essentially, a twin-stack air compressor features a double hot dog style. The two tanks can be on the base or stacked on top of one another with the motor and pump shifting from the top to the front side. The advantage is primarily additional capacity. Some models will have a wheel and handle system built into the frame.
Take a twin-stack air compressor and expand it, and you get a wheelbarrow compressor. These usually feature two high-capacity tanks on the base with a gas engine for its power plant (there are also electric models). A single wheel between the tanks and handles on the opposite side makes it portable despite its much heavier design.
Vertical air compressors use a single high-capacity tank with the motor and pump mounted on top. Smaller models usually have a handle and wheels that you can move around similar to a hand truck. Larger models are designed to be installed and stay in place.
Everyone with a car should have an air compressor for emergencies and they aren't particularly expensive.
Written and Tested By:
Will Moore Will MooreWill has written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since , logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T).
Reviewed By:
Charles NoyesMotor1 Reviews Team Take:
A portable air compressor is a convenient means to keep your car's tires properly inflated. Maintaining the right tire pressure is not only a matter of safety but can help improve fuel economy and save money in the long run.
We've tested several types of portable air compressors, from lightweight pancake compressors to handheld tire inflators.
To find the best portable air compressors, we looked for options that can fit in your trunk, are easy to use, and quickly inflate car tires.
We named the Ryobi ONE+, Kobalt Air Compressor, DeWalt Pancake Compressor, Viair 450P-RV, and Slime Tire Inflator as the best-rated portable air compressors on the market in .
Brand/ModelCostOverall RatingAwardRyobi ONE+
$85
4.3
Best Portable Air Compressor
Kobalt Portable Air Compressor
$80
4.2
Most User-Friendly
DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor
$170
4.0
Fastest Inflation
Viair 450P-RV
$70
3.8
Best Attachments
Slime Tire Inflator
$60
3.8
Budget Pick
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
The portable air compressors in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at customer reviews, inflation power, and reliability.
Our product testing team ordered portable air compressors that best met these standards. We try to test products in a variety of styles and price ranges to recommend air compressors for a range of needs.
Learn more about how we tested portable air compressors here.
Ryobi ONE+
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Best Portable Air Compressor
CHECK PRICEThe Ryobi ONE+ is a tire inflator, so it won't be able to power pneumatic tools. However, this air compressor is good for inflating tires. It operates on a rechargeable lithium battery and is small and lightweight. This is a good pick for people who want an easy-to-use tire inflator that they can keep in their trunks for emergencies.
When you purchase a Ryobi ONE+, you get nothing but the inflator itself. The batteries are sold separately or as a bundle. You'll need to purchase a battery charger separately.
You can see how the Ryobi ONE+ performed in each of our testing categories below:
Review Category Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) Inflation Speed 3.0 Ease of Use 5.0 Portability 5.0 Overall Rating 4.3Below are the pros and cons of the Ryobi ONE+:
Pros
Cons
While easy to use, the Ryobi doesn't inflate as quickly as bigger air compressors. It took a minute and 30 seconds to add 10.0 lbs. per square inch to our test tire. That said, if you're only keeping this around to maintain tire pressure in a single vehicle, this slower inflation rate isn't much of an issue.
We like the digital psi reader, which is helpful for precise filling. Checking the reading of the Ryobi against our test car's tire pressure monitor showed the Ryobi's reading to be accurate.
Many reviewers keep the Ryobi in their vehicle or garage to top off and maintain tire pressure. One reviewer notes that the battery maintains its charge well. This person keeps it in their car and it holds a charge for months while stored.
The most prevalent complaint about the Ryobi is that the battery charger is not included. This was not obvious to everyone who purchased this tire inflator, so some were frustrated that they had to purchase a separate item to use their tire inflator.
Kobalt Portable Air Compressor
Most User-Friendly
CHECK PRICEThe Kobalt portable air compressor is compact and user-friendly. It can be powered either by plugging it into an AC outlet or your car's DC cigarette lighter. As with the Ryobi, this air compressor is good for inflating tires only, and will not run air tools.
This air compressor is a good choice for a tire inflator to keep in your car. While a little bigger than the Ryobi ONE+, it has the advantage of not needing a charged battery.
Nothing other than the inflator itself is included with the Kobalt Portable Air Compressor. The compressor itself features a digital display and two power cords (one for AC and one for DC).
You can see how the Kobalt Portable Air Compressor performed in each of our testing categories below:
Review Category Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) Inflation Speed 3.0 Ease of Use 5.0 Portability 4.5 Overall Rating 4.2Below are the pros and cons of the Kobalt Portable Air Compressor:
Pros
Cons
We love the design of the Kobalt. Not only does it look good, but it is very intuitive and easy to use. The digital psi readout is accurate and matched the readout of our test vehicle's pressure sensors.
This was the slowest-acting compressor, taking a minute and 50 seconds to add 10.0 psi to our test tire. However, this was the easiest-to-use compressor, because all you need to do is set the desired psi and press the start button. The Kobalt automatically shuts down once the proper psi is reached.
Many reviewers purchase this gauge for a quick and easy tire inflator. The Kobalt is light and easy to store and it attaches easily.
Some downsides mentioned are that the air hose is a little short. A couple of reviewers also don't like that the hose cover doesn't secure in place. There is a plastic piece that covers the air hose when stored, but it does not click into place and the hose can easily fall out if not coiled perfectly.
DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor
Fastest Inflation
CHECK PRICEWhile it stretches the limits of 'portable' at 30.0 lbs., this relatively quiet air compressor could reasonably fit in a trunk for job site transportation. It isn't difficult to maneuver and is capable of running a variety of air tools. A high-flow regulator maximizes the performance of these tools. And if you need to inflate a tire, the DeWalt can do so in no time. It's also backed by a one-year warranty.
The DeWalt pancake air compressor doesn't include any extras or attachments. In fact, you'll need to purchase these attachments separately to use this compressor for any job, even inflating a tire.
You can see how the DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor performed in each of our testing categories below:
Review Category Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) Inflation Speed 5.0 Ease of Use 3.5 Portability 3.5 Overall Rating 4.0Below are the pros and cons of the DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor:
Pros
Cons
It took the DeWalt only 25 seconds to inflate our test tire from 30.0 to 40.0 psi, making it the fastest of the air compressors on this list. Operation is straightforward once the machine is plugged in. Because it did not come with any inflation tools, we used the inflator that came with another of the air compressors we tested and it attached seamlessly to the DeWalt.
A lot of users say they like this compressor because it is light and easy to use. It's a great tool for small projects and runs quietly compared to other air compressors with a similar tank size.
There are a couple of reports from reviewers who received faulty products. In some cases, compressors arrived with pieces detached.
Viair 450P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit
Best Attachments
CHECK PRICEThe Viair kit is designed primarily for RV use. It has a 60.0-foot coil hose, allowing it to reach from your automotive battery to the rear tire of any trailer you may be towing. It comes with angled chucks to access almost any type of tire.
This kit can inflate large tires up to 150.0 psi and does so quickly. Another useful feature is that it can operate on a continuous run cycle, so no need to wait for it to pressurize every 30 minutes.
This kit includes a number of attachments to get you started out of the box. Along with the Viair Compressor, this kit also includes:
You can see how the Viair 450P-RV performed in each of our testing categories below:
Review Category Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) Inflation Speed 4.5 Ease of Use 3.5 Portability 3.5 Overall Rating 3.8Below are the pros and cons of the Viair 450P-RV:
Pros
Cons
It only took the Viair 50 seconds to add 10.0 psi of pressure to our test wheel. The included attachments are all quality-built, and we were especially impressed with the high-quality carrying case, which conveniently stowed the entire kit.
We did find the instructions poor and mostly unhelpful. While we were able to figure out how to use this compressor, it took us a few failed attempts before connecting the required parts in the proper order.
A lot of reviewers give this compressor a full 5.0 stars. Many praise it for its fast inflation speeds and easy use. Some appreciate the continuous run cycle, especially those that need to inflate several tires at once. This is an especially popular compressor for those with RVs or high-psi tires.
Some people are frustrated that the chuck heads do not lock onto the tire air valves. Most aren't bothered by this because the tires inflate so quickly that it isn't too much trouble to hold them down yourself. This could be annoying for an especially long inflation, however.
Slime Tire Inflator
Budget Pick
CHECK PRICEThe last item on our list is also not suitable for powering air tools and is mainly for inflating tires. The Slime Tire Inflator is a low-cost tire inflator that connects directly to your car battery for power. This makes it an excellent roadside emergency inflator. It works quickly and can be stored in a solid plastic case.
The Slime tire inflator comes with:
Another feature of the Slime is that it has a built-in LED light.
You can see how the Slime Tire Inflator performed in each of our testing categories below:
Review Category Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) Inflation Speed 4.5 Ease of Use 3.0 Portability 4.0 Overall Rating 3.8Below are the pros and cons of the Slime Tire Inflator:
Pros
Cons
Because you need to connect it to your battery, the Slime takes a little longer to set up than some other gauges. It's also worth noting that it does not work with hybrid batteries, so if you drive a hybrid vehicle, you'll want to pick something else.
The inflator head screws into the tire valve, making for a more secure fit. We found the analog gauge to be less precise than the digital gauges that we tested, though generally accurate (within a couple of psi).
It took the Slime 35 seconds to inflate our test tire by 10.0 psi, making it one of the faster tire inflators.
The final thing that we noted during testing is that the included carrying case is made of flimsy plastic. It is good enough to keep the unit protected during storage, but not an especially impressive case.
Reviewers consider this inflator a reliable compressor excellent for roadside emergencies. Compared to battery-powered or 12.0-volt inflators, the Slime inflates especially quickly. Reviewers also appreciate the twist-on connector which is easy to attach.
Some say the tire gauge can be difficult to read, and others (like us) comment that the case is flimsy and could be better built.
When shopping for a portable air compressor, start by considering how you'll use it. Air compressors can be used to inflate tires, but also to power certain tools such as nail guns or orbital sanders.
Air compressors will have a maximum pressure per square inch as well as a maximum output measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). When using an air compressor to inflate tires, these metrics determine how quickly it can pump up your tire. Most air compressors are capable of inflating a tire, even those with low maximum psi and CFM outputs.
If you're buying an air compressor to run tools, psi and CFM become much more important. You'll need to match the pressure and flow rates to the tools you plan to use, or you risk damaging them. Learn the requirements of the tools you plan to use and match your air compressor specs accordingly.
A portable air compressor should be portable. While larger compressors may offer higher psi and CFM, they may not be so easy to lug around. If you're looking for a portable compressor to keep in your car to inflate tires in an emergency, choose something lightweight.
Portable air compressors can run on battery power or an AC current. Those that you need to plug in are typically more powerful, but less portable. Some air compressors can run off DC current by connecting directly to your car's battery. This type of compressor requires that you pop the hood, but has the advantage of being useful on the side of the road.
Many tire inflators are air compressors, but most air compressors can do a lot more than inflate tires. An air compressor can be used to power tools like a nail gun, air impact wrench, or air hammer.
The best portable air compressors are items that can easily fit in a trunk, truck bed, or back of an SUV. When it comes to size, portable air compressors usually come in a handheld format or a console-style design.
Both versions are more than capable of refilling flat tires, but form factor can be a priority for customers wanting to save space.
It's worth noting that some vehicles now include tire pumps built into the car itself. The feature is popular among vehicles that are off-road capable since dropping tire pressure by a few psi can lead to better performance on some surfaces while overlanding.
When your wheels are low on air pressure and you're out in the middle of nowhere, the last thing you want to do is risk ruining your tires. With a great all-around compressor like the Viair 450P-RV or a super portable option like the Ryobi ONE+, you won't have to worry about your tires again.
Below are some common frequently asked questions about best portable air compressors:
The maximum psi to look for in an air compressor depends on how you plan to use it. If you need a portable air compressor for inflating tires, you'll probably want something that offers at least 100.0 psi in order to inflate your tires at a reasonable speed. If you need an air compressor to power air tools, you may want something more powerful.
If you only need to inflate tires, small air compressors are definitely worth it. While a 12.0- or 18.0-volt air compressor may not be useful for powering air tools, it can inflate a tire and their small size makes them easy to store in your car for emergency use.
We give the highest rating to the DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor. Of the air compressors that we tested, the Viair 450P-RV has the highest rating among Amazon users. Both are excellent options for portable air compressors. The DeWalt is easy to use and can inflate extremely quickly, while Viair can be used without an outlet, and includes many useful attachments.
The Ryobi ONE+, our pick for the best portable air compressor, can be used on car tires and other items like air mattresses and sports equipment.
The Viair kit 12.0-volt compressor. It can inflate everything from bike tires to truck tires to your desired pressure.
The Ryobi ONE+ and Viair kit are two excellent purchases if you need a compressed air pump. Both have automatic shut-off features, great durability, and take up minimal space when stored.
Our reviews team chose the Viair 450P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit as the best air compressor for cars. It has enough power to inflate most vehicle tires, rugged construction, and an easy-to-read pressure gauge.
We tested each air compressor by timing how long it took to inflate a tire from 30.0 psi to 40.0 psi. We followed the included instructions (if there were any) and took notes on build quality, ease of use, and quality of additional attachments. Each air compressor was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on inflation speed, ease of use, and portability.
Inflation Speed
You don't want to be stuck waiting by the side of the road for very long while your tire air compressor does its thing. Our inflation speed score is a reflection of how quickly each air compressor could inflate our test tire. The air compressors that worked fastest scored best in this category.
Ease of Use
Our ease of use rating is based on the relative convenience of each air compressor. Those with simple operating instructions and that require little setup score best in this category. Air compressors that offer automatic inflation to a specific psi and easy-to-read displays also score better in this category.
Portability
A good air compressor should be portable enough to take on the go in case of emergencies. Lightweight and compact air compressors score best in this category. We also award better ratings to air compressors that include useful carrying bags or storage bags.
How We Score Products
Every portable air compressor we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here's what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
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Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
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*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability
Will MooreWill has written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since , logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T).
Charles NoyesAs a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.
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