Overview
Sure, a small air compressor can be helpful, but which one is right for you? Find our list of best trim air compressor options, plus a useful buying guide. There is no doubt that a DIY enthusiast will find a small air helpful compressor. You can, of course, use this to inflate the tires on your vehicles and bikes. In addition, you can clean your computer innards and roof gutters with powerful compressed air. Finally, for the do-it-yourselfer, the best small air compressor can power a long list of crucial pneumatic tools. When you have a small air compressor, you do not even have to pay that much for it. Besides, the small size makes it a lot more portable.Best Small Air Compressor Comparision
| Product Name | Brand | PSI & CFM | Voltage | Power source | Capacity | Weight | Oil-less | Warranty | Sound level | Product dimensions | ||
| 1. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor | Bostitch | 150 max PSI | 120v | Corded Electric | 6-gallon tank | 31pounds | Oil-free | 1 year | 78.5 dB | 17 x 17 x 19.25 inches | ||
| 2. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Tire Inflator | Dewalt | 3 to 160 PSI | 20 Volts | Battery Powered | 2.94 pounds | Oil free | 1 year | 80 dB | 10.5 x 7.7 x 2.2 inches | |||
| 3. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S | California Air Tools | 20 CFM at 90 PSI, 1.60 CFM at 40 PSI | 110 Volts | Corded Electric | 1-gallon tank | 29 pounds | Oil free | 1 Year | 56 dB | 12.5 x 14.7 x 14.75 inches | ||
| 4. PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor | PORTER-CABLE | 2.6 FM @ 90 psi | 120V | Corded Electric | 6 gallon tank | 34-pound | Oil-free | 3 year | 82 dB | 18 x 18.55 x 15 inches | ||
| 5. Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP | Makita | 40PSI (3.8 CFM) and 90 PSI (3.3 CFM) | Corded Electric | 6 gallon tank | 59.6 pounds | Oil-lubricated pump | 1 year |
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18 x 22 x 10 inches | |||
| 6. Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak | Senco | 120 max psi | 115 Volts | Corded Electric | 1-gallon tank | 20 pounds | Oil-free | 1 year | 71 dB | 14 x 13 x 10 inches | ||
| 7. CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor | CRAFTSMAN | • 150 max psi | 12 Volts (DC) | – | 6-gallon tank | 32.5 pounds | Oil-free | 1year | (40 to 92) dB | 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 inches | ||
| 8. Viair 00088 88P Air Compressor | VIAIR | 120 max psi | 12 Volts (DC) | Corded Electric | – | 4.5 pounds | Oil-free | 1 Year | 99 dB | 9.8 x 3.2 x 5.6 inches | ||
| 9. CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS CAT-1P1060SP | California Air Tools | 1.2CFM | 110 Volts | Corded Electric | 1-gallon tank | 29 pounds | Oil-free | 1Year | 56 dB | 12.5 x 14.7 x 14.75 inches | ||
| 10. BOSTITCH Air Compressor for Trim | Bostitch | 8 CFM @ 90 PSI | 120 Volts | Corded Electric | 1.2-gallon tank | 23.5 pounds | Oil-Free | 1 Year | 71.5 dB | 17 x 13 x 11 inches | ||
Here are the Reviews of the top 10 Best Small Air Compressors
Select and choose your air compressor from our pick or selected products.
1.
BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor, Oil-Free, 6 Gallon, 150 PSI (BTFP02012)
Bostitch sells this air compressor as part of several packages. You can even get one with accessories. But we are focusing on just the air compressor specifically for this review, so we assume you want to buy those accessories separately (or you have them already). Also, do not complain that it does not have the hose or gun kit when you buy this, as you have been warned.
Specifications:
- PSI: 150 max PSI
- Capacity: 6-gallon tank
- Oil: Oil-free
- Sound level: 5 dB
- Dimensions of the product: : 17 x 17 x 19.25 inches
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 31 pounds
Key Features:
150 PSI
That’s the rating for this, and this is good enough to inflate trailer tires and power pneumatic nail guns. That means it’s very versatile, though of course, it will depend greatly on your accessories. You get a rate of 2.6 square cubic feet per meter when you set the regulator at 90 psi. It doesn’t take a lot of time to get to 150 PSI, either. So, it won’t even take 3 minutes. Even it’s good enough for many users for working with a framing nail gun.6-Gallon Size
With this 6 gallons tank, aside from book covers and business cards, you may create additional materials, such as logos and banners. For body text and small text, this is a wonderful font to use. Ze is optimal for a small air compressor in many ways. It is still small enough for easy toting, especially with the ergonomic handle. Also, it is not so heavy at 29 pounds, though some people might find this challenging when working on a ladder. Yet it is not so small that you run out of air quickly. For small jobs, you can get the job done without taking a timeout to refill your air.Easy Use
Everything here is simple and quick. It’s very easy to adjust with the regulator and you don’t need to wait too long for air buildup. This has 2 outlets, so you and a buddy can use it together. Even starting the motor is a breeze, even in cold weather. When you’re done with the job, you should release the pressure to get rid of the remaining air. That’s no trouble, as you just pull on the ring to open a release valve. Open the drain tube at the bottom, to get rid of the internal condensation. Also you can browse the top 10 Best air compressor for cleaning PC articleDurability
Inspect this on all sides, and you’ll find that it’s well-made and quite sturdy. That’s true, even though it may seem to contain a lot of plastic. It’s generally tough enough to arrive at your door without any damage after the delivery process. Even in the off chance that you get some damage, you still have a 1-year warranty to get the broken component replaced. At least maintenance is simple—you don’t need any.| Pros | Cons |
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It can be a bit noisy |
Overall Ratings
2.
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Tire Inflator, Tool Only (DCC020IB)
With the tool only on the name, you know there are no accessories, right? But the device itself is pretty impressive, though it is not surprising since it is a DeWalt DCC020IB.
Specifications:
PSI: 3 to 160 PSI
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- Power source: Battery Powered
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Oil: Oil-free
- Warranty:1 Year
- Sound level: 80 dB
- Dimensions of the product: : 10.5 x 7.7 x 2.2 inches
Key Features:
Accessories
Despite the tool-only designation, what we got included a few goodies. These include:- 75-foot 12V DC cord
- High-Pressure Tapered Nozzle
- Presta Valve Adapter
- Inflator Needle
Power Options
It does come with a 12V DC cord, and it is 13.75 feet long. That lets you power this if you need to inflate your car tires. But you can use them with the 12V MAX battery for your workshop or with a 110V AC adapter. You will just have to buy these separately.Uses
These are not just for car and bike tires. Therefore, they are handy for inflatable mattresses, chairs, pools, and toys. It is a deflation mode too. With the high-pressure air, this works very quickly. It is also easy to use since the necessary valves and other accessories are onboard. The threaded chick even secures the connection to the inflation valve. With the backlit digital gauge, you can see the air pressure level. When using this on the road at night, you can power on the LED light to see what you are doing. Also, the rubber feet keep it in place when it is working.| Pros | Cons |
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Overall Ratings
3.
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor
They were not kidding when they called this their light and quiet model. But that’s not the complete list of CaliforniaAir Tools and all its features.
Specifications:
- PSI: 20 CFM at 90 PSI, 1.60 CFM at 40 PSI
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Oil: Oil-free
- Warranty:1 Year
- Sound level: 56 dB
- Dimensions of the product: : 12.5 x 14.7 x 14.75 inches
Key Features:
Noisiness
It is not noisy at all, and that is amazing. Usually, these things can make you look for earplugs. But this is quieter than just about any compressor we have tried. At just 56 decibels, it is as noisy as your household fridge. You can carry a normal conversation (60 to 70 decibels) while using this. The noisiness is a crucial factor for many garages these days, where the acoustics can be very loud. With this, you certainly minimize the risk to your eardrums.Weight
Well, it is indeed lightweight. But for a 1-gallon tank, it is somewhat heavy at 29 pounds. That is as heavy as the 6-gallon Bostitch compressor earlier on this list. At least it is not significant, plus it has a large handle, so it is not hard to bring it along with you. With its rubber feet, you can set it down anywhereUses
The 1.2 CFM @ 90 PSI works for various DIY pneumatic tools. These include finish nail guns, brand nail guns, blowguns, and nail guns. In addition, you can inflate tires, mattresses, and game balls with this thing. It takes 15 seconds for the compressor to recover from 90 PSI to the maximum of 120 PSI. If the tank gets empty, wait just 50 seconds, and it will be whole again. All these stats mean that while you need to interrupt your work for larger tasks, they will not be lengthy interruptions.Durability
The small air compressor is an oil-free compressor, so maintenance is not a problem. Then 0.6HP motor does not produce as much heat, which dissipates more efficiently. There is also a thermal overload protector, just in case.| Pros | Cons |
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Overall Ratings
4.
PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor, 6-Gallon, Pancake, Oil-Free (C2002)
Here is another pancake compressor with a 6-gallon tank. It is very versatile, with many features that make it easy to use
Specifications:
- PSI: 2.6 FM @ 90 psi
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 34 pounds
- Oil: Oil-free
- Warranty: 3 Year
- Sound level: 82 dB
- Dimensions of the product: 18 x 18.55 x 15 inches
Key Features:
Portable
This air compressor is easy enough to bring along, with its handle, small size, and lightweight. It only weighs 34 pounds and measures about 19 inches on each side.Even it has a cord wrap.Uses
There is a break-in period for this, which you need to take care of. So before you use this, let it run with the pressure valve open for about 20 minutes. After that, you can close the tank and then fill it up with air. You can use this to inflate your car tires and air mattresses or with pneumatic tools such as installing trim. The high-flow air regulator allows you to set the air pressure accurately, with a max of 150 psi. The 6-gallon tank is excellent since it will not involve as many interruptions as you work. It also reaches 150 psi in just a few minutes.Dependable
The motor works well, and it starts quickly enough even when it is cold. So,the compressor is very stable, too, and the rubber feet keep it in place. As this comes with the oil-less pump, there’s no need for daily maintenance. The compressor has the shroud and covers, too, so your components are protected as you carry it around.| Pros | Cons |
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Overall Ratings
5.
Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor
The Big Bore in the name does not look small, does it? It measures 18″x10″x22, and it also weighs a hefty 52 pounds when empty. So it does not seem fair that it only has a 2.6-gallon tank.
But this offers a large motor that is genuinely efficient in what it does. It is more durable, too.
Specifications:
- PSI: 40PSI (3.8 CFM) and 90 PSI (3.3 CFM)
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Capacity: 6 gallon
- Weight: 59.6 pounds
- Oil: Oil-free
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Sound level: 80 dB
- Dimensions of the product: 18 x 22 x 10 inches
Key Features:
Oil-Lubricated Pump
Yes, it is not oil-less. But it has a larger bore and stroke to boost compression and accelerate recovery. The oversized automotive-style filter increased air intake as well.Durability
As the pump is made of cast iron, it is incredibly durable. It also runs more relaxed at half the rpm of other similar units. The air compressor has a low amp draw, another feature that boosts durability. Besides,the low amp draw minimizes the times you get tripped breakers and voltage drop. These things can eventually cause the motor to fail sooner than expected. It also comes with a large handle, a roll bar for added protection.Noisiness
The pump design even tones down the noisiness. Yes, Makita says that it produces 80 decibels of noisiness. But it is quieter than you would think. It is probably at the 70-decibel level, or even lower (at least a 50% Noisiness reduction from 80 decibels). Many people have remarked that it is the quietest air compressor they have used.Uses
You can use this for car tires and pneumatic tools, including a framing nailer.Maintenance
Despite its use of oil, it is not hard to maintain. It is fast and straightforward to make oil changes. There are an oil sight glass and a convenient oil drain for you to use. Emptying the tank is also easy, with the simple ball valve on the drain. It gets the water out of the tank without any trouble.| Pros | Cons |
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Overall Ratings
6.
Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak, 1/2 hp running 1-Gallon Compressor
This machine is another compressor with a hotdog design, and a 1-year warranty backs it. You can use this for your nailers and airbrushes or for filling in your motorcycle and bike tires. As long as you use this only for small tasks that do not need a lot of air volume, this will not disappoint.
Specifications:
- PSI: 120 max psi
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Oil: Oil-free
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Sound level: 71 dB
- Dimensions of the product: 14 x 13 x 10 inches
Key Features:
Portable
Portability is perhaps its most important feature (aside from the noise, but we will get to that later). First, remember that this is a small air compressor, measuring only 14 x 13 x 10 inches. It comes with a roll bar with a rubber handle in the middle. The shape is easy enough to carry around at your side. Also, it only weighs just 20 pounds. It will not bother you to carry this around in your work site for the small tasks it’s meant for. If you have a small job, you’ll want to take this for a spin more than any other air compressor. That’s because it’s just so small and lightweight.Noisiness
Sound is its other important feature. It’s super-quiet. You can stand right beside it and have a normal conversation without raising your voice. Besides,you can even talk on the phone with this running. It sure as heck won’t damage your eardrums. Our tests for Noisiness levels give us about 71 decibels right at the motor. Stand a foot away, and the noisiness drops to 65 decibels. That means it is super quiet for other people around you since they’re farther away. A typical conversation is louder than the noisiness it makes.Usage
When we say it’s for small tasks, we don’t mean it’s limited to inflating your small tires. The machine can even fill a motorhome tire at 80 psi. It also works well with your nailing gun. You can get about 20 pins on its 1-gallon tank with a pin nailer. For the brad nailer, figure on getting nine nails. For some people, it’s perfect for airbrushing. Recovery time takes about 32 seconds, from an empty tank to a full tank. The compressor is not the air compressor you take out for mass nailing. That’s now what it is designed for. Size is what you tote when you need a larger air compressor for a minor job. .| Pros | Cons |
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You don’t use this if the job entails a lot of nails for a massive project. |
Overall Ratings
7.
CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, 6-gallon, Pancake, Oil-Free with 13 Piece Accessory Kit (CMEC6150K)
Now, if you’re starting from scratch and you don’t want too many interruptions for your work, you get this Craftsman CMEC6150K. Despite getting you a small air compressor, it still has 6 gallons of compressed air in the tank. Also, you get nice accessories so you can get to work right away.
Accessories List:
We have 13 of them, including the following:
- 25-ft PVC air hose with ¼-inch diameter, along with the coupler and plug already assembled
- Tire chuck with plug
- Blowgun with plug
- Tire gauge
- Blowgun with OSHA safety nozzle
- Rubber tip
- Three inflator adaptors
Specifications:
- PSI: 150 max psi
- Capacity: 6 gallon
- Weight: 32.5 pounds
- Oil: Oil-free
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Sound level: (40 to 90) dB
- Dimensions of the product: 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 inches
Key Features:
Easy to Use
Usability is perhaps the advantage that most people appreciate. It’s ready to go right out of the box, with various accessories for various tasks. You don’t even have to assemble this. All you have to do is close the air release valve, open it first. Then it takes about 3 minutes for the tank to fill up. The machine starts spontaneously, even in cold weather. As for maintenance, there are no special requirements. It’s oil-free.Portable
This small air compressor only weighs 30 pounds, so it’s not really all that heavy. After all, you still get a 6-gallon tank. Also, it measures about 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 inches, so it’s not bulky either.Quiet
The compressor has a Noisiness rating of about 71 decibels, which is more than tolerable. It’s like turning your vacuum cleaner on.| Pros | Cons |
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Overall Ratings
8.
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor
This small air compressor is best used for car tires, so don’t complain about how you can’t use it for your nail tools. The machine is for everyone who owns a car. Use this to check your air tire pressure and inflate the tires when necessary.
Specifications:
- PSI: 120 max psi
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Oil: Oil-free
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Sound level: 99 dB
- Dimensions of the product: 9.8 x 3.2 x 5.6 inches
Comes with accessories:
- 10-ft power cord
- 16-ft air hose
- Three inflation tips
- Two battery clamps
- Solid Brass Twist-on Tire Chuck
Key Features:
Usage
Do you own a car? This small air compressor will work for your tires, even if they’re 33-inch tires. You can start by checking your tires daily with the pressure gauge on top of the unit. Then, if it’s not up to the proper tire pressure, just inflate it with this kit. This machine needs a direct battery connection, which you get when connecting the two battery terminal clamps to the battery terminals.| Pros | Cons |
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Overall Ratings
9.
CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS CAT-1P1060SP GAL 56DB Air Compressor
This air compressor is also meant for small tasks, like inflating car tires. You can also use this to inflate toys, game balls, and air mattresses.
Specifications:
- PSI: 1.2CFM
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Weight: 34 pounds
- Oil: Oil-free
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Sound level: 56 dB
- Dimensions of the product: 17 x 13.2 x 17.1inches
Key Features:
Durability
This compressor is one of the more durable 1-gallon air compressors around. Other air compressors have an effective life cycle of 250 hours. The machine lasts 3,000 hours—that’s four times as long! It does help that it’s meant for light duty. Also, it has a significant protective cover for the more vulnerable components.Portable
It is very compact at 17 x 13.2 x 17.1 inches, and it weighs 29 pounds when empty. These features make it easy to tote around.Quiet
Use this, and it makes as much noise as your fridge at 56 decibels.| Pros | Cons |
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You can not really use this for your pneumatic tools. |
Overall Ratings
10.
BOSTITCH Air Compressor for Trim, Oil-Free, High-Output, 1.2 Gallon, 120 PSI (CAP1512-OF)
Specifications:
- PSI: 8 CFM @ 90 PSI
- Power source: Corded Electric
- Capacity: 1.2 gallon
- Weight: 23.5 pounds
- Oil: Oil-free
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Sound level: 71.5 dB
- Dimensions of the product: 17 x 13 x 11 inches
Key Features:
Portable
Portability is one of its more essential benefits. It’s incredibly lightweight, but you have everything with you. So,it has onboard storage for your hose and tools, and there’s also a storage pocket for fasteners and fittings. With the integrated cord wrap, you won’t trip over yourself carrying this.Easy to Use
This charges quickly, and it can power trim guns and even frame nailers. With its high output, you really won’t have any trouble with it.Durable
This air compressor comes with a roll cage, so even your gauges are protected on your job site. You also don’t trip circuit breakers with their low amp draw. Besides,you’re also able to avoid low-pressure misfires with the LED on/off switch.| Pros | Cons |
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Overall Ratings
The Ultimate Buying Guide to the Best Small Air Compressor
Here are the factors you need to focus on to pick the best small air compressor for your needs.
Size and Weight of a small air compressor
The size of the tank will affect how long you’re able to use the air compressor. Also, a small one will be more portable, with less trouble taking it from one place to another. It will be more maneuverable as well, which is terrific for you if you’re climbing up the ladder to use it to clean your roof gutters. Of course, a somewhat bigger tank does have its advantages. It will hold more air, so you’re able to use it for a longer time before you need to take a timeout to let the motor kick on to refill the tank. It’s great if you can finish a small job without being interrupted for a refill.Ergonomics
The shape of the air compressor will also affect its portability, as well as its maneuverability. It’s best to have a slim air compressor, as this will be easier to carry and move around. On the other hand, a comprehensive compressor can make it very awkward for you to roll with it.PSI and CFM
PSI
When you have a high PSI, you’re able to fit in more air inside a smaller tank. At 150 PSI, for example, a 2-gallon tank can hold as much air as there is in a 3-gallon tank at 100 PSI. You also need enough PSI to power your pneumatic tools. Most of the time, an excellent small air compressor can give you enough PSI and also CFM for such tools as trim nailers. But some tools such as framing nailers need more. They may need at least 120 PSI.CFM
Also, you’ll need at least 2 CFM, so you’re able to use a framing nailer at moderate speed. A framing nailer can get slow and tedious if you have a lower CFM volume rating. You’ll have enough to drive in a few nails, and then you’ll have to wait for the compressor to catch up before you can restart.Simple Maintenance and Durability in the best small air compressor
Maintenance
It’s best if you check your air compressors on all sides to see if they survived the delivery process with no trouble. If it did, then that means the model is likely to be durable, and it should last a while. Today, most small air compressors are oil-less models, meaning you won’t need to check or change the oil. That’s the main advantage, as maintenance becomes much more accessible. But, of course, you sacrifice a bit of durability for this benefit since the oil-lubricated air compressors tend to last longer.Durability
If you want your air compressor to last a long while, see if the machine is fully encased. The problem with small portable air compressors is that you’re likely to bump their parts against hard surfaces when you take them anywhere. If some features are not covered, then they may get damaged. Always check the warranty period too. The length of the warranty period is an excellent indication of how long the brand expects the air compressor to last.Easy Use
Of course, we prefer our small air compressors to be easy to use. That starts with buying an air compressor with a kit if you already have the accessories you need. Some of these packages even come with a nail gun along with your compressor. It’s also easier for you if you’re able to drain the tank regularly without too much complication. You have to empty the tank regularly since water can condense in the compressor’s tank. If you don’t drain the tank, that water can cause pinhole leaks and rust.How to use
It’s better for you if you get a ball valve drain, so you can just turn it like a faucet to drain the tank. The alternative is the drain cock, which is more awkward to use. Sometimes you may even need pliers to turn it. Another feature you may want is the 2nd outlet. A single outlet will always be there since that’s where you connect your air hose. But with a second outlet, you can have two people using the air compressor simultaneously. A cord wrap can be pretty convenient as well. That way, you’re able to wrap the cord when you’re toting the air compressor to another location.Noisiness Levels of best small air compressor
You’ll want something quiet, which means you need something less than 85 decibels. At that point, the noise can be dangerous to your health. The decibel system can be confusing because it’s not like a regular scale. If you go 10 decibels higher, it means you’re doubling the noisiness. That means 70 decibels is twice as noisy as 60 decibels. You double that again when you get to 80 decibels, which is louder than a vacuum cleaner and about as loud as a power lawnmower.