The 11 Best Portable Air Compressors of 2023

Best Overall

Makita 4.2 Gal. 2.5 HP Portable Air Compressor, MAC 2400

4.6

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With a generous 4.2 gallon air tank capacity, a mighty 2.5 HP motor, and professional-grade oil-lubed components, this model from Makita leaves little to be desired in a portable air compressor—regardless of whether you are a weekend DIYer or a seasoned contractor. Part of Makita’s Big Bore series, this air compressor is designed with a larger piston and cylinder to more efficiently compress air while increasing CFM air flow rates. You can expect 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI; plus, with dual fittings, you can run two pneumatic tools at a time without sacrificing pressure or performance. 

The Makita Portable 2-Stack Air Compressor is an oil-lubricated compressor. This means you’ll need to perform basic maintenance to keep this compressor running at full power, but there are advantages to oil-lubricated models. For one, the lubrication tends to keep friction low and components don’t overheat as easily. This translates into a longer lifespan, so long as your compressor is properly maintained. In addition, oil-lubricated compressors are often quieter: this Makita model is rated at 78 decibels, offering significant noise reduction over other models.

Price at time of publish: $364

Best Budget

RIDGID 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor

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For an affordable option to power your next project, consider this pancake air compressor from Ridgid. This model has a 6-gallon tank and 150 max PSI. With an air delivery rate of 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, it’s best suited for projects around the home or light-duty projects at the job site (such as finish or trim work). 

This budget-friendly portable air compressor impresses with its pair of quick couplers, which stand out for being user-friendly and easy to connect to ¼-inch automotive and industrial tool plugs. A ball valve tank drain requires one simple turn to drain the tank of condensation and to prevent corrosion. It features a 3-year warranty, besting the warranty period of many other budget air compressor picks on the market. 

Price at time of publish: $129

Best for Cars

AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor

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Inflators are the smallest type of portable air compressor. Often used for small jobs and quick tasks, keeping a compressor like this one in your car is a good idea in case you need to quickly inflate a tire.

The AstroAI Portable Compressor takes the guesswork out of inflation: just set target pressure and the device will shut off once the threshold is met. Keep in mind that the maximum is 100 PSI for this small air compressor, but that’s plenty for average vehicle tires. 

To use this portable air compressor, you’ll plug it into your vehicle’s 12V power supply. Since the air compressor has no storage tank, it will run continuously to supply air. A 9-foot power cord and 31-foot air hose make it easier to reach all four tires of your car or SUV. Four adaptors mean that this compressor can fill tires, toys, and other inflatables with ease. 

Price at time of publish: $45

Best with Jump Starter

STANLEY J5C09 1000 Peak Amp Jump Starter

4.2

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Be better prepared for on-the-road problems by picking a portable air compressor with a built-in jump starter. The STANLEY JUMPiT Portable Power Station is a versatile tool that can inflate car tires with up to 120 PSI and includes a patented SureFit air nozzle that threads directly into tire valve stems. It can also be used for other quick inflation needs, like sporting equipment, or bicycle and ATV tires. 

If your car battery dies, this handy air compressor's jump starter can deliver up to 1,000 amps to get your motor running. For safety’s sake, a reverse polarity alarm will give you a heads up if you make the wrong connection with the jumper cables.

Keep in mind that you don’t want to stash this jump starter away in your garage for months at a time; ensure it’s always juiced up and ready to go by charging the unit once a month.

Price at time of publish: $130

Best 12V

Husky 12/120 Volt Auto and Home Inflator

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If you’re looking for a versatile air compressor that can run using a 12V power supply from your vehicle or 120V from an electrical outlet, the Husky 12/120 Volt Auto and Home Inflator is a good choice. If you have easy access to a standard socket in your home, garage, or shed, just plug in this mini air compressor and fill your tires, air mattresses, or other inflatable gear. But if you’re stuck on your commute, while you're camping, or otherwise cut off from 120V power supply, then this digital compressor readily plugs into your vehicle’s 12V out. 

Price at time of publish: $80

Best for Painting

DeWalt 27 Gal. 200 PSI Portable Vertical Electric Air Compressor, Model DXCM271.COM

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To keep up with the demands of paint sprayers, you’ll need a larger portable air compressor that can meet the challenge without sputtering out. This vertical air compressor from DeWalt offers the performance you need while retaining portability, thanks to two wheels that allow you maneuver the tank like a dolly. Use it for spraying paint on household projects or for automotive painting. 

This air compressor for painting has a 27-gallon tank and a maximum 200 PSI. At 40 PSI, you can expect air flow at a rate of 6.8 SCFM—enough to keep pace with the demands of painting using HVLP spray guns. If you need to bump things up to 90 PSI, you’ll still have a respectable airflow of 5.1 SCFM. While it provides plenty of airpower, this oil-free compressor also boasts a 78 decibel sound rating, saving some strain on your ears during operation. 

Best Oil Lubricated

WEN 20 Gal. Oil Lubricated Portable Vertical Air Compressor, Model 2202

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While the majority of portable air compressors on the market are oil-free for easy maintenance, an oil-lubricated air compressor, like the WEN 20 Gallon Oil-Lubricated Vertical Air Compressor, has its advantages. These compressors rely on lubricated piston chambers that must periodically be refilled with oil for a long life of service. However, this type of compressor may offer better durability and longevity, since components stay cooler as a result of the oil lubrication.

This vertical portable air compressor from WEN offers a max of 135 PSI, and airflow at a rate of 3.8 CFM at 90 PSI, or 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI. It can keep pace with high-volume air tools like HVLP spray guns or many pneumatic woodworking tools. The 20-gallon tank means it’s not as easy to maneuver this portable air compressor, but two wheels make it easy to tilt and wheel it around your garage or shop. 

Price at time of publish: $260

Best Twin Tank

RIDGID 4.5 Gal. Portable Electric Quiet Air Compressor, Model OF45200SS

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Two tanks mean twice the air capacity, but the RIDGID 4.5 Gallon Air Compressor keeps it compact and portable. The 1.6 horsepower motor sits atop twin air tanks, and the whole machine measures just 12 x 19 x 20 inches. 

Despite its small footprint and portable size, this air compressor has an impressive 200 PSI that delivers airflow rates of 5.7 SCFM at 40 PSI. Even if your task demands 90 PSI, airflow only dips to 5.1 SCFM. Ideal for transporting to job sites, this air compressor from RIDGID supplies plenty of power but keeps things quiet with a sound rating of 77 decibels. 

Price at time of publish: $350

Best Mini

Oasser Mini Compressor

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A mini air compressor, sometimes referred to as an inflator, is a handy tool for making quick work of pumping up bicycle tires, sports equipment, or even car tires. The Oasser Mini Air Compressor is a handheld inflator, capable of inflation up to 120 PSI. While it may not be the fastest way to inflate a car tire, it is capable of doing so (just keep in mind that it’s not a good match for truck or RV tires).

This mini air compressor is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery or a 12V power source. Measuring under 10 inches long, it can be stored in a tool chest, glove box, or beach bag. 

Price at time of publish: $46

Best Cordless

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1-Gallon Compressor

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A cordless air compressor is one of the most convenient ones to have a supply of air on demand. The RYOBI ONE Cordless 1-Gallon Compressor is handy for small projects around the house or job site. It earns plenty of praise for its portability and easily takes on tire inflation, pumping up pool toys, or reviving deflated sports equipment. 

At the same time, this cordless compressor is popular with DIYers and handymen looking for a lightweight, easy to transport compressor for finish work and small projects. It may not be the most powerful air compressor on the market with modest airflow delivery rates of .7 SCFM at 40 PSI and .5 SCFM at 90 PSI, but it conserves battery energy while providing enough power to operate pneumatic tools like a brad nailer. 

Price at time of publish: $178