Whether you need an air compressor to power your pneumatic tools, air up an inflatable paint booth or simply air up your tires, having the right type of air compressor is important. There are right and wrong air compressors for certain jobs, so it’s important to do your homework.
In this article we’re going to look at the best air compressors for home garage, as well as help you determine what features you need in a compressor.
How did we choose these options?
We have used several different air compressors throughout the years. However, this does not provide us with the most recent reviews of what is currently on the market. Therefore, it took a lot of secondhand research to come up with a definitive list. In addition to checking what suppliers and competitors had to say, we took time to research online reviews for customer reviews.
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Best Pancake Style Air Compressor (Combo kit)
Our Pick
Craftsman Air Compressor, 6 Gallon, Pancake, Oil-Free with 13 Piece Accessory Kit
Pros:
6 Gallon tank- pancake style
Air compressor comes with 13 piece accessory kit, including air hose
Lightweight at 32.5 Pounds
Oil-free air pump (less maintenance and longer lifespan)
Max 150 psi
Recovery time of 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
Low center of gravity for stability on unlevel surfaces, such as a roof
Over 13,000 5 Star reviews
Made in the USA
Cons:
Noisy
No wheels
Best Compact Air Compressor for Indoors
Our Pick
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor, Silver
Pros:
Compact size air compressor with 1 gallon air tank
Ultra quiet at 56 decibels- perfect for indoors
Lightweight at 29 pounds
Small and portable
0.6 HP (rated / running) – 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI
Oil free piston pump with life span of over 3,000 hours
Tank fill rate of 50 seconds
Two pressure control gauges
One universal 1/4″ quick connector
Produces less heat which dissipates efficiently
Cons:
Not suitable for larger jobs due to the small tank size
No wheels
Best Small Air Compressor For On The Go
PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor Kit, 1.5 Gallon, Oil-Free, Fully Shrouded, Hand Carry
Our Pick
PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor Kit, 1.5 Gallon, Oil-Free, Fully Shrouded, Hand Carry
Pros:
2.0 SCFM @ 90 psi with Max 150 psi
1.5 gallon tank is shrouded making it easy to carry and easy on the eyes
Oil free pump requires no maintenance
Low amp 120 volt
Only 20 pounds- super lightweight for an air compressor
Includes 25 foot hose
Small size makes it ideal for travel trailers or tiny homes without a garage
Cons:
Not as quiet as other compact air compressors (79dB)
More frequent air recycle times due to small size
Best Mid Size Portable Air Compressor
Our Pick
Stealth 12 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor, Long Life Electric Air Compressor W/Wheels
Pros:
12 gallon ultra large air tank
1.5 HP induction type motor
Air volume: 5 CFM@40PSI , 4 CFM@90PSI, 150 max psi
Quiet air compressor at 70 decibels
Oil free pump
Collapsible rubber-reinforced handle and 7 inch rubber wheels
Two quick coupler for multiple tools
6 foot long cord for flexible range
Life-cycle: 1,000 hours
Cons:
Heavy if lifting in and out of vehicle (weighs 95 pounds)
Best Aluminum Air Compressor
Our Pick
California Air Tools 8010A Aluminum Tank Air Compressor | Ultra Quiet, Oil-Free, 1.0 hp, 8 gal
Pros:
Large 8 gallon tank capacity for such a light weight compressor
Quiet at 60 decibels- great for indoor jobs
- 1.0 HP motor operates at only 1680 RPM, creating less noise and less wear
Light weight aluminum air compressor weighing 37.25 pounds
Wheel kit makes for easy transport
Oil-free pump
Low amp draw- 8.5 amps
Max Pressure – 120 PSI
Cons:
Pricier than its steel counterparts
Quieter means less power (1.0 HP)
Best 2 Stage Air Compressor
Our Pick
Campbell Hausfeld 80 Gallon Vertical 2 Stage Air Compressor
Pros:
Huge 80 gallon tank (Campbell Hausfeld 2 stage also available in 60 and 30 gallon)
5,000 hours of product life
Oil- lubricated 2 stage pump for longevity
3 year warranty
240 volt, running 5 HP heavy duty induction motor
175 maximum PSI , 11.9 CFM @ 90 PSI and 11.3 CFM @ 175 PSI
Runs cooler, lessening chances of overheating
Quick recovery time
Vertical shape maximizes floor space
Can be used for almost any big job
Cons:
Noisy
Considerable $$ investment
Very heavy (weighs 326 pounds)
No power cord included
Best Oil Lubricated Air Compressor
Our Pick
Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP* Big Bore™ Air Compressor
Pros:
2.5 HP 4-Pole motor
4.2 gallon twin tank sustains an operating pressure of 130 PSI, and delivers 40PSI (4.8 CFM) and 90 PSI (4.2 CFM), which is enough for 2 nailers
Big Bore air compressor pump with cast iron cylinder for lessened wear and tear and increased life of about 2,000 hours
Low amp draw
Reduced noise level (79dB)
Runs cooler due to oil lubricated pump
Lower RPM of 1730 results in less noise and increased pump durability
Oil included
Roll bar handle for protection on rugged job sites
Cons:
More maintenance due to oil-lubricated pump
Heavy at 77 pounds and no wheels
- Louder than “quiet” air compressors
Best Cordless Air Compressor
Our Pick
DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX* Air Compressor Kit, Cordless, 2.5 Gallon
Pros:
Small 2.5 gallon tank and very light weight at only 21.5 lbs
Cordless, battery-powered feature makes for flexibility of use
Includes lithium ion battery and fast charger
Heavy duty roll cage to protect from wear and tear
Each battery charge lasts for 1,220 nails
1.2 CFM @ 90 PSI and 135 max PSI
Made in the USA
Cons:
Noisy
Battery life isn’t long- would recommend having spare batteries if using for extended amounts of time
Pricier than electric versions
Best Budget Air Compressor for under $100
Our Pick
Excell U256PPE 6 gallon Pancake Air Compressor
Pros:
Portable 6 gallon air compressor, weighing in at 39 pounds
Inexpensive
Oil-free pump
Cold weather start as low as -24° F (-31° C)
1.5 HP motor
low 64 V start up capability makes it great for areas with deficient power supply
2.8 CFM at 90 with 150 max psi
Low center of gravity for stability on unlevel surfaces, such as a roof
Cons:
Noisy
No wheels
What specs should I consider when shopping for the best air compressor for home garage or shop?
Each air compressor has different specifications. Some are obvious, such as the size and shape, but other things such as CFM and PSI are only obvious if you read carefully. It’s important to look at the details so that you purchase an air compressor that is compatible with your tools and your needs.
Tank Capacity
The air compressors above range from 1 gallon tank capacity to 80 gallon tank capacity. If you’re going to be using your air compressor for trim work inside your home, you don’t need an 80 gallon air compressor. But if you’re like me, and you will be using it to paint cars, you need something with a high capacity tank.
Most people will be using their garage air compressor with various pneumatic tools would benefit from a mid-size or pancake compressor. It’s a pretty safe bet.
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) and Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)
PSI measures the pounds per square inch the air compressor can hold and release. A higher PSI number means that the compressor can hold and release more air. The max PSI of a compressor refers to the maximum air pressure in the tank. For example an air compressor with 135 PSI means that it can exert 135 pounds of force per square inch.
CFM (or SCFM depending up on the air compressor’s manufacturer) measures how many cubic feet per minute or volume of air is released in a minute of use. The PSI determines the CFM, which also correlates with the horse power of an air compressor. For example, a high horse power 80 gallon air compressor with a 5 horsepower motor can perform 11.3 CFM at its max psi of 175. A lower horse power, smaller air compressor would have a lower PSI and CFM.
Different tools require different pressure and delivery rates, so make sure you check your tools’ PSI and CFM requirements before purchasing an air compressor. It’s always better to err on the side of more power if you’re unsure.
Decibel Level
Air compressors are notorious for being loud. My 80 gallon garage air compressor is definitely not quiet. However, if quiet is what you’re looking for, there are plenty of options for you.
The noise level of compressors is measured in decibels (dB). In our experience, a quiet air compressor is around 70 dB, while an ultra quiet air compressor, such as this one from California Air Tools is around 60 dB or less. There are some air compressors that go as low as 40 dB.
If you’re going to be using your air compressor frequently inside your home, we recommend having an ultra quiet air compressor for the sake of your hearing or wear ear protection. The noise level of an air compressor in an enclosed space is going to feel higher than in an open, outdoor space.
One thing to note is that some of the quieter air compressors do have less horse power and operate at a lower CFM and PSI, so make sure they are compatible with the pneumatic tools you will be using.
Style/Profile
Where you will be using your air compressor will help you determine which profile of air compressor is right for you. Do you need something with a low center of gravity that will stay put on an incline, such as a roof? A pancake compressor might be your best bet. Do you need something to roll or slide in and out under a work bench or be able to lift on and off a shelf or truck bed? Or perhaps you have a corner of your garage that would be a great spot for a stationary upright compressor.
Think through daily usage, wear and tear, storage and portability when choosing a style of air compressor. Air compressors are available in lightweight, portable styles, on wheels and in heavy, stationary styles that are not meant to be moved around. You can easily find a size and style that is right for you.
Oil Free vs Oil Lubricated
Oil free air compressors do not need oil to keep the pump lubricated. The parts are pre-lubricated with a chemical. The benefits of having an oil free air compressor are that you’re not having to do maintenance, they’re lighter, and cheaper.
A con of an oil-free compressor is that they don’t usually last as long as an oiled air compressor. When the lubrication on the parts is worn off, there’s not a way to add more. But for most consumers, an oil free compressor is a much more convenient option.
Oil lubricated air compressors, such as this 80 gallon Campbell Hausfeld and this 4.2 gallon Makita Big Bore do require more maintenance, but are known for running cooler, lasting longer due to less wear on the parts (if the maintenance is done correctly).
Electric Air Compressor vs Cordless Air Compressor
If you’re needing horsepower, definitely go with a high capacity electric air compressor. But if you’re needing portability and will be using your compressor where access to power is limited or inconvenient, a cordless air compressor is a great option. We would suggest purchasing extra batteries, though, so you’re not having to wait on a charge.
Which brand of air compressor is best?
There are several heavy hitters in air compressor manufacturing: Dewalt, Craftsman, Porter Cable, California air tools, Campbell Hausfeld, Makita, Milwaukee are just a few that are well known and reputable brands. Our suggestion is to always read the reviews on multiple sites to get a clearer picture of how well that home garage air compressor performs and holds up over time.
Wrap-Up
The best air compressors are the ones that will work best for your needs. While we absolutely need an 80 gallon tank capacity air compressor, sometimes a small, battery powered one would be perfect for airing up items at the lake when we don’t have power available to connect an electric portable air compressor.
