Man has used compressed air for thousands of years to heat and move objects. Such use has been taken a notch higher in the modern society with the introduction of air compressors. Most of these machines have even outgrown the efficiency of electric powered tools. By using squeezed air, they pack enough punch to power pneumatic tools on home, commercial and industrial scale. Air compressors come in two unique grades: Portable and stationary compressors. Between the two, portable air compressors is the most preferred in homes owing to their portability and compactness.
Choosing the right portable air compressor involves determining what projects you’re handling. Match that with the preferred capacity, power source, portability and performance you need. You’ll also need to consider some extras to go with the must-have features in a good air compressor. As you can see, the process is quite a tricky one. That’s why we’ve done the homework for by presenting a list of the best portable air compressors on the market.
Best Portable Air Compressors Reviews
10. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Pancake Compressor
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This portable air compressor is suitable for a wide range of home projects ranging from tire inflation to powering nail guns. It comes in a lightweight size of 34 pounds for easy portability. This compressor makes use of a low-amp, 120-volt motor equipped with a cold start technology. The tank has a maximum pressure of 150 psi. The pump delivers 3.7 SCFM at 40 psi and 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi for quick recovery time. The pancake tank holds 6 gallons and combines with non-slip rubber feet to give the compressor more stability.
9. Bostitch BTFP02012 6 Gallon Oil-Free Compressor
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This is an easy-maintenance oil-free air compressor that eliminates the risk of oil stains. The compressor is fitted with a pancake style tank having a 6-gallon capacity. The tank packs 150 psi of maximum pressure ideal for most home projects. Despite its impressive capacity, it still manages to be portable and lightweight weighing in at just 29 pounds. The compressor has a high-efficiency motor equipped with cold start technology. The pump delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi. This air compressor operates quietly at 78.5dB and comes with couplers to handle different tasks without the need to connect and disconnect tools.
8. PORTER-CABLE CMB15 1.5 Gallon
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Here’s a compressor that takes portability to a whole new level. It weighs in at just 20 pounds and comes with a 1.5-gallon fully shrouded tank. The compressor is equipped with an oil-free pump that provides the convenience of longer life with no maintenance. The maximum tank pressure is 150 psi and the compressor is set to deliver 2 SCFM at 90 psi for quick recovery time. This ultra portable compressor is powered by 120V motor running quietly at 79dB. The fully enclosed design works to provide maximum protection from moving parts. This air compressor comes with 25-foot coil hose and 8-piece accessory kit.
7. Kensun AC/DC Portable Air Compressor
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This is an efficient tire inflator sporting unique versatility. The compressor is adaptable to both home AC supply and your car’s DC. That makes it a more flexible option for inflating any type of tire ranging from heavy duty to the delicate ones. This air compressor has digital functions and LCD display to let you achieve the ideal pressure when needed. Air is delivered at 90 psi and 35 psi. You get up to 30 minutes of runtime at 35 psi. A built-in LED light is included to illuminate dark areas. There are 3 attachment nozzles that transform the air compressor into a multipurpose tool.
6. Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor 3 Gallon Horizontal
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This compressor runs DIY tools with great ease. It comes in a horizontal design with a hot dog tank sporting a capacity of 3 gallons. The oil-less pump transforms the compressor into a maintenance-free tool and adds more to the motors output. The motor operates on 120V house outlet. This compressor has a maximum output of 110 psi and delivers 0.36 CFM at 90 psi. The readings can be taken at a glance, thanks to the conveniently placed gauges. There’s a 10-piece accessory kit that comes with the compressor. At just 21 pounds, this compressor comes portable and lightweight for easy handling.
5. PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Pancake Compressor
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This is a highly portable compressor that packs a big punch in its small size. It sports a pancake style tank optimized for stability. The tank holds 6 gallons and has maximum stored pressure of 150 psi for longer performance. Quick recovery time is guaranteed by a delivery rate of 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi. The pump comes in an oil-free design for no-maintenance operation. The compressor makes use of low-amp 120V induction motor designed for improved performance and extended life. It comes with a 25 foot nylon hose and 13-piece accessory kit.
4. PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 3.5-Gallon Compressor
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This compressor works with most DIY tools and comes in handy for general inflation. It has a pancake tank with 3.5-gallon capacity. The oil-less pump sports a delivery of 2 SCFM at 90 psi to reduce recovery time. The tank has a maximum stored pressure of 135 psi enough to handle most home projects. This compressor comes with a 120V motor designed to start easy in cold weather. At 26 pounds, this compressor is quite portable and light. The noise level is quite bearable at 82dB.
3. Porter Cable PXCMF220VW 20-Gallon Air Compressor
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If you want to go larger, this is the air compressor for you. It features an impressive 20-gallon capacity designed for long-term use. The tank comes in a vertical design to save space. The maximum stored pressure is 150 psi and the pump makes a delivery of 5 SCFM at 40 psi and 4 SCFM at 90 psi for quick recovery time. Two 7-inch pneumatic wheels carry the bulk of the compressor for easy portability. Rubber feet are included for increased stability. This air compressor does almost everything from bolting/wrenching, hobby painting, nailing to inflating.
2. DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor
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This compressor is built to provide extended runtime and quick recovery time. It has the highest stored pressure of any compressor on this list. This 6-gallon compressor generates 165 psi of maximum pressure ideal for running most tools. The pump delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi. Oil-free pump and high-flow regulator come in handy to maximize the performance of air tools. Two couplers are included to support two users. The compressor comes lightweight at 30 pounds.
1. PowRyte Elite 6-Gallon Pancake Portable Air Compressor
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Power you air tools with ease using this portable pancake style air compressor. It has an impressive capacity for a portable compressor of its size. A 6-gallon tank stores compressed air at a pressure of 150 psi. There’s an oil-free tank that delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi to inject air in the tank much quicker. The compressor comes in a fully shrouded design for enhanced protection. There are two universal couplers included to enable usage without the need to connect and disconnect tools. This compressor comes lightweight and portable at 31 pounds.
