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The Sprice / Sabrina Jiang
Depending on the air compressor that you choose, it may be capable of inflating car tires, operating pneumatic tools like paint sprayers and nail guns, or simply adding air to pool floats. Kyle Shirley, owner of Sol Vista Roofing, recommends, “When buying an air compressor, focus on the unit’s cubic-feet-per-minute (CFM) capability. This is the speed at which the compressor can supply air to the tool it’s powering. Most household compressors have capabilities between 0.5-3.0 CFM.”
Here are our favorite air compressors in a variety of categories.
Best Overall
Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 Air Compressor
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Amazon
Very quiet compared to other air compressors
Large enough tank to run most power tools
Durable construction
Few complaints about leaks or loss of pressure
A good, useful air compressor is one that will get the job done whenever you need it. You don't necessarily need a lot of bells and whistles, or extra features that you won't use. What you do need, however, is reliability. The electric Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 fits this position perfectly. With an 8-gallon tank and 125 max psi rating, it is capable of holding and flowing air almost immediately; no waiting around for the tank to fill. Large wheels and a rubber grip also make the compressor portable if you want to move it around the garage or outside.
One of the best features of this compressor is its durability. Campbell Hausfeld has designed this thing to last, with several key components lasting up to four times longer than the competition, according to the manufacturer. It is also up to 50 percent quieter than other compressors, meaning you can use this one around the house or in the evening without bothering your neighbors—that's a big deal if you know how noisy many air compressors can be. With its large tank and reliable build, you can confidently use this air compressor for projects requiring repetitive tasks like inflation, painting, or power nailing and stapling.
Price at time of publish: $358
Type: Portable | Tank Size: 8 gallon | Max. PSI: 125 | Air Delivery at 90 PSI: 2.4 cfm
Best Kit
Bostitch BTFP3KIT Air Compressor
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Amazon
Perfect if you're planning a project that requires a lot of nails
Reliable performance
Little maintenance required
Few complaints about leaks
We sent this capable air compressor to one of our product testers, who put it to a real-world test rebuilding a deck, and praised the set as a great introduction to air-driven tools. He noted that “The Bostitch compressor fills up fairly quickly. On average, I waited about six minutes for the compressor to reach 140 psi from zero. From there, I could use the separate pressure outlet regulator to deliver the pressure I needed as specified for each tool.” He also appreciated how well it maintained pressure, and its overall ease of use.
The kit includes a 6-gallon compressor, 18-gauge brad nailer, 3/8-inch crown stapler, and 16-gauge finish nailer. The compressor's oil-free electric motor is rated for a maximum of 150 psi and durable enough to last a long time. Our tester found that all of the included nailers were effective, useful tools that greatly reduced the time and effort required to drive multiple fasteners in a large project, such as building a deck.
If you're staring down a big outdoor project, this kit really shines. The high-efficiency air compressor motor is designed to easily start up even in cold weather. The included 15-foot air hose also makes it easy to use outdoors around the yard. At 29 pounds, this compressor is also one of the lightest options on this list, so you can tote it to your worksite without straining your back.
Price at time of publish: $530
Type: Portable | Tank Size: 6 gallon | Max. PSI: 150 | Air Delivery at 90 PSI: 2.6 cfm
Best Quiet Performance
California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor
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Amazon
Very quiet performance
Large enough to run most power tools
Fills quickly
Few complaints that the metal doesn't feel sturdy
If noise output is a major concern—the average air compressor puts out up to 90 dB of sound, which can be a problem if your neighbors or family members prefer peace and quiet—the California Air Tools 8010 is a great choice to consider. This one has an oil-free pump capable of 120 maximum psi and an ultra-quiet operation that is only 60 dB loud.
The electric motor is designed to operate at lower speeds, which create less noise and wear during long, continuous running times, but without any loss of power or efficiency. The 8.0-gallon tank is large enough to handle most DIYers’ needs around the home, yard, or workshop, yet the air compressor is a relatively lightweight 54 pounds, and has two wheels that make it easy to position the air compressor right where you need it.
Price at time of publish: $224
Type: Portable | Tank Size: 8 gallon | Max. PSI: 120 | Air Delivery at 90 PSI: 2.2 cfm
Best Small
Craftsman 3-Gallon Horizontal Portable Air Compressor 0200341
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Amazon
Lightweight and easy to transport
Reliable performance
Reasonable price
Some complaints of noisiness
Sometimes you just need an air compressor for small jobs, such as powering a nail gun, inflating tires, or similar tasks around the home and garage. If so, then you'll love the Craftsman 3-Gallon Horizontal Portable Air Compressor, which is large enough to handle many simple household tasks, yet small enough to easily move wherever you need it—it weighs around 36 pounds, and has a convenient carrying handle on top. This sturdy and reliable tool is very reasonably priced, as well, making it a good choice if you only expect to need it once in a while.
The 3-gallon tank is rated for a maximum of 155 psi, and the rear suction-cup foot mounts keep the air compressor stable and steady during use. The oil-free pump means you won't need to worry about a lot of maintenance, and the high-performance electric motor keeps on running like a champion. Plus, it boasts relatively quiet performance for an air compressor; these tools can be loud.
Price at time of publish: $264
Type: Portable | Tank Size: 3 gallon | Max. PSI: 155 | Air Delivery at 90 PSI: 2.6 cfm
Best Stationary
Industrial Air ILA3606056 Air Compressor
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Amazon
Reliable performance
Large size is suited to continuous-use power tools such as sanders and grinders
Expensive
For some projects, the regular, run-of-the-mill air compressors just won't cut it. If you are a professional or working on commercial projects, a heavy-duty air compressor like the Industrial Air ILA3606056 is going to be your best bet. This bad boy is what you need if you'll be running a pneumatic angle grinder, random orbital sander, or other tool with high power demands. All the components are built with a heavy duty mindset, meaning they will last in the most demanding conditions.
The twin-cylinder pump is built with cast-iron components. Oil changes are simple with an easy-to-access oil fill and convenient oil gauge. The 60-gallon, 155-max-psi air tank dwarfs anything else on this list. A large tank and powerful motor means this can compress a lot of air quickly. For projects that require continuous running times, the tank will continue to supply air long after others have run out.
Price at time of publish: $1,285
Type: Stationary | Tank Size: 60 gallon | Max. PSI: 155 | Air Delivery at 90 PSI: 11.5 cfm
Best Tire Inflator
Viair 88P Portable Compressor
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Amazon
Weighs only 4.75 pounds
Includes handy storage case
Few complaints of leaks
Why drive to a service station to inflate your car, motorcycle, bicycle, or ATV tires when you can easily take care of the task at home? Get the job done quickly and easily with the Viair 00088 88P, which runs off your car's battery. The top-mounted pressure gauge makes it easy to see when you've reached the proper inflation level for your tires. You can also use the air compressor to inflate a raft or float for use on a lake or at the beach.
The 12-volt, 120-max-psi motor is perfect for inflating tires with a width up to 33 inches, which covers most bike, ATV, and car tires. A 16-foot hose and three-piece inflation kit will ensure you are prepared for a variety of projects or emergencies. Two alligator clamps are included so you can connect it directly to a car or ATV battery when you are out on the road.
Price at time of publish: $90
Type: Portable | Tank Size: N/A | Max. PSI: 120 | Air Delivery at 90 PSI: 0.64 cfm
Best for Mid-Size Jobs
DEWALT D55146 Air Compressor
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Amazon
Handles most common DIY tasks
Easy to store
Maintains pressure effectively
Tank drain is awkwardly placed
Many air compressors designed for home or DIY use are fairly weak when it comes to the amount of airflow they can produce, but the DEWALT D55146 boasts an impressive 5 cfm, which is enough to power many tools, including paint sprayers, nailers, grinders, and impact wrenches. And once your work is done, the compressor is easy to store, thanks to its vertical stand and collapsible handle.
This air compressor has a 4.5 gallon tank. The oil-free pump and sturdy construction mean you won't have to worry about a lot of maintenance, and the 10-inch foam tires make it easy to wheel the air compressor to wherever you want to use it. It's reasonably quiet for an air compressor, as well, and the reliable performance can't be beat.
Price at time of publish: $419
Type: Portable | Tank Size: 4.5 gallons | Max. PSI: 225 | Air Delivery at 90 PSI: 5.0 cfm
Best Gas-Operated
Industrial Air Contractor CTA5090412 Air Compressor
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Amazon
Handles most common DIY projects
Powerful enough to run many power tools
Useful for job sites without access to electrical outlets
Expensive
Noisy
Only one thing will keep running when there are no power outlets or batteries around. That is the trusty, gas-powered motor. The Industrial Air Contractor CTA5090412 features a 5-horsepower Honda OHC/OHV motor that is perfect for both residential and commercial uses. The motor is designed to be low maintenance and features an oil free, direct-drive pump design with two-piece cooling system to extend its life. Five horsepower will be plenty of power for equipment-intensive projects.
For off-site jobs, the pontoon style tank design is a great option. This uses two separate 2-gallon tanks that can be individually set up, or disassembled for maximum portability. Together, these tanks are rated for a maximum of 155 psi, so more air will fit into the smaller tanks. This is a sturdy and reliable tool that can handle a wide range of projects easily and efficiently, but as with any gas-powered tool, you'll have to tolerate some smelly fumes.
Price at time of publish: $1,216
Type: Portable | Tank Size: 4 gallons | Max. PSI: 155 | Air Delivery at 90 PSI: 5.0 cfm
The electric Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 wins our top spot thanks to its durability, quiet performance, portability, and reasonable size to handle small-to-medium tasks. If you’re looking for an air compressor kit that includes three power tools—a brad nailer, crown stapler, and finish nailer—you can’t go wrong with the highly efficient, yet still lightweight, Bostitch BTFP3KIT Air Compressor.
What to Look for in an Air Compressor
Type
There are two types of air compressors: stationary and portable. Stationary air compressors are larger and are designed to stay in one location, like a workshop. They typically offer a higher air pressure output and may be equipped with multiple nozzles, allowing the air compressor to power several tools at the same time.
Portable air compressors are much more versatile and more common for residential use since they can be moved easily. These products are an excellent option for home painting projects, fencing, decking, and even roofing, where you can use the air compressor to power a nail gun, greatly increasing your productivity instead of having to swing a hammer all day long.
Power Source
Air compressors can be powered by either gas or electricity, though electric models are more common. Electric air compressors require less maintenance, are quieter, and are suitable for indoor use, making them ideal for powering pneumatic paint sprayers. Gas-powered models should not be used indoors because the burning gas produces fumes that can build up inside an enclosed space and put you and your family at risk. Use powerful gas air compressors outside to handle tasks like building a new fence or repairing the deck.
Tank Size
The size of the tank is a key consideration because this is where the excess compressed air will be stored for later use. Small tanks can rapidly run out of air, causing you to start and stop as you work, making them a poor choice for painting projects, though these smaller tanks are suitable for tools that are used intermittently, like nail guns.
For typical DIY purposes, an air compressor with a 4- to 6-gallon tank is big enough to handle most common tasks, but you could need a larger tank if you’ll be using a powerful tool for an extended period of time—for example, painting the exterior of your home.
Larger tanks are better suited to continuous DIY projects, like painting a room, or even for powering more than one pneumatic tool at a time. These air compressor tanks are most common for large-scale projects or commercial use.
The most important factor to consider, however, is the airflow requirement, which is measured in standard cubic feet per minute (scfm). Your air compressor needs to be able to meet and surpass the airflow requirements, which can vary a great deal between different pneumatic tools. For example, when the air compressor is set at 90 psi, the average pneumatic framing nailer or tire inflator only requires around 2 scfm to operate, while an angle grinder needs 5-8 scfm, and a random orbital sander might need more than 10 scfm.
For a rough guideline when determining how much airflow you’ll need, check the required scfm ratings of all the tools you plan on using with the air compressor. Multiply the highest scfm rating by 1.5; for example, if you’ll be using a paint sprayer that requires 5 scfm, multiply 5 by 1.5, which gives you a needed scfm of 7.5. The higher the scfm, the larger the air compressor.
Another number to consider is the pressure generated inside the air compressor, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). As a general rule, smaller tools, such as nailers and inflators, only require around 90 psi, while more powerful tools, such as grinders and sanders, might need as much as 150 psi to operate effectively.
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How do air compressors work?
While different air compressors can have different methods of achieving the goal, all basically work by pulling outside air into a chamber, which is then compressed to greatly increase the pressure of the contained air. When you attach your pneumatically powered tool to the air compressor, the compressed air is forced through the relatively tight hose fitting, through the air hose, and into your tool. It’s something like turning on a garden hose, and then using your finger to partially close off the end of the hose; the water pressure increases due to the force of the water compressed within the hose squeezing through the restricted opening.
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What size air compressor do I need?
There are several factors involved in determining the size of the air compressor you’ll need. One is the way the pneumatic tool works; tools that operate continuously, such as grinders or sanders, need an air compressor with a larger tank capacity than a tool that only operates in short bursts of power, such as a pneumatic nail gun. As a general rule, however, choose an air compressor that is able to deliver more capacity than your most-used tool requires. This will help prevent slowdowns or tool failure.
You should also consider the length of the air compressor's hose. Kyle Shirley, owner of Sol Vista Roofing, advises, “Pairing your air compressor with the right air hoses and attachments (like nail guns) can unlock unlimited potential uses for this powerful tool. Make sure your hose is long and sturdy enough for the project!”
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How do you use an air compressor?
While the specifics can vary between different brands and models of air compressor, the following basic guidelines apply to most of them.
- Position the air compressor on flat, stable ground within reach of an electrical outlet, and plug in the power cord. Don’t turn on the air compressor yet.
- Check the oil level. Typically, the oil gauge will be near the motor. Note, however, that many newer air compressors no longer require the addition of oil, as they have sealed systems. These air compressors are often sold as “oil free.”
- If the oil level is low, add compressor oil—this oil does not have detergents or additives commonly found in automotive oil—to the oil tank until the oil level reaches the “Full” mark. The oil tank access cap is often found on the top of the air compressor.
- Make sure the drain valve is switched to the closed position. You’ll find the drain valve near the bottom of the air compressor.
- Switch the air compressor on, and let it run until it reaches the pressure capacity. For most air compressors, that will be 100 to 115 pounds per square inch (psi). The pressure gauge is normally on the top of the air compressor.
- Set the air control valve—it will be on top of the air compressor—to the recommended maximum psi of the tool you plan on using.
- Connect the air hose to your air compressor. Some models have quick-connect fittings, while others require you to screw the hose to the fitting. Make sure the hose is tightly secured. You might need to use an adjustable wrench for this.
- Connect the other end of the air hose to your pneumatic tool.
- Use your tool as needed. When finished, turn the air compressor off, disconnect the tool, and unplug the air compressor from the electrical outlet.
Coleman Cosby, project manager and landscape design specialist at Yardzen, adds, “Prior to storing an air compressor, make sure to empty any remaining air from the tank, and tip it so the release valve is pointed down. This helps release any moisture from the tank.”
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of air compressors, taking into account features, brand name, reliability, performance, and reviews from professional and DIY owners.
Additional research for this article comes from Timothy Dale, a home improvement expert specializing in a number of topics, including plumbing, construction, and product recommendations. He has more than 10 years of experience in home restoration. Kyle Shirley, owner of Sol Vista Roofing, and Coleman Cosby, project manager and landscape design specialist at Yardzen, provided further input.
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