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Many weigh less than 30 pounds, have large handles, and feature wheels for easy maneuverability. mini air compressor
Portable air compressors power a variety of air tools, including inflators for tires, finish nailers for carpentry projects, and impact wrenches for auto work. Unlike full-size air compressors, these smaller models only weigh around 30 pounds, come equipped with big handles for easy transportation, and are small enough to store in your home workshop. Despite their compact size, some compressors produce enough pressure and airflow to power two air tools simultaneously.
With that in mind, pay attention to airflow, pressure, and weight when shopping. These factors will have the biggest impact on how well your air compressor works, as well as how easy it is to tote around (arguably, the two most important aspects). Taking these into account, we’ve researched and selected the best portable air compressors, all of which will ensure you have ample air power for your next major project.
Pressure on an air compressor is measured in pounds per square inch (psi), and it determines how much force the compressor exerts. Most portable air compressors produce between 125 and 150 psi. Most air tools DIYers use—including tire inflators, impact wrenches, and nail guns—operate at 90 psi, which is well below the max psi of most portable air compressors. However, if you want to operate two tools at the same time, we recommend prioritizing an air compressor that reaches a max pressure of at least 150 psi, such as the DeWalt Pancake Compressor.
Along with psi, we recommend paying attention to air volume, which is the amount of air in cubic feet that a compressor produces in a minute (cfm). Air tools have a required amount of cfm to operate properly—finish nailers typically need an air compressor with at least 2 to 3 cfm, while an impact wrench requires an air compressor that produces 4 to 5 cfm. Most air tool manufacturers list the minimum airflow requirements in the product’s description.
That said, we recommend shooting for an air compressor that is 1.5 times the cfm rating of the tool you plan to use. The lower the cfm, the more often you’ll have to pause while removing lug nuts or firing nails and wait for the tank to recharge itself. The compressors we recommend cover a range of volumes, but we stand by our picks that fall in the lower end of the spectrum (1 to 2) since we believe these have strong attributes that make up for that.
Cordless portable air compressors, such as the Milwaukee M18, use a rechargeable, 18-volt, lithium-ion battery and provide ultimate portability since they don’t require an outlet to operate. This is a huge advantage if you’re working outdoors and don’t want to deal with a long extension cord or if there’s no power outlet nearby.
The downside with cordless air compressors is that they’re limited in airflow capacity and run time. The largest cordless models are just 2.5 gallons, which is enough to power a finish nailer but too small for a ½-inch impact wrench or framing nailer.
Portable corded models require a power outlet but give you unlimited runtime and come with larger capacities. Some portable air compressors, such as DeWalt’s 30-gallon model, provide enough airflow to power more demanding air tools, such as a ½-inch impact wrench.
Air compressors use motorized pumps to create pressure in the tank. These pumps produce up to 90 decibels when running (similar to a lawn mower). If minimizing this noise is a priority, opt for a smaller air compressor, like the Senco PC1010, or a model like the Kobalt Quiet Tech, which uses insulation, sound-dampening housings, and variable speed motors to decrease noise to as low as 60 decibels (about the volume of a normal conversation).
Large-capacity, 6- and 10-gallon air compressors require larger motors, and as a result, they’re much louder. But if you really need the extra power and don’t mind the noise, you can’t go wrong with opting for one.
Portable air compressors fall into one of three shapes: pancake, hotdog, or upright. Each type comes with its own pros and cons, and the one you select will differ in terms of max pressure, airflow capacity, and portability.
Having used a variety of different pancake and hot dog air compressors for finish nailers and impact wrenches over the years, I was able to draw from my own experience when making these selections. I based my picks below on several factors, including portability, power, and price.
My recommendations also cover a broad price range, including several budget air compressors and a few high-end models. I conducted extensive research, comparing specs and scouring through customer reviews for some two dozen portable air compressors to make my selections below. Each excels in a specific type of work or shines for its compactness or portability.
For a pancake air compressor, the DeWalt packs solid power while remaining quite portable with its compact size and reasonable weight. With the ability to deliver a maximum 2.6 cfm at 90 psi, it will power finish and framing nailers with ease. At under 30 pounds and with a sturdy handle on the top of the compressor, it should also one of the easier pancake compressors to haul around.
Since it comes equipped with two couplers and reaches a high max pressure of 165 psi, it can simultaneously power two lighter-duty air tools, such as a couple of finish nailers. Despite its impressive power output, it produces less than 80 decibels when its motor kicks on, making it quieter than most air compressors here. While I do like its 2.6 cfm for most tasks, it’ll likely struggle with tools like impact wrenches, since those require 4 to 5 cfm.
If you only need to use an air compressor for an upcoming trim project or occasionally topping off the air in your vehicle’s tires, Craftsman’s 6-gallon model fulfills most needs at a reasonable price. Despite its low cost, it produces a high max pressure of 150 psi and comes equipped with two couplers to operate two air tools at once.
It produces enough airflow to handle finish and framing nailers. Plus, it only weighs about 31 pounds and is relatively compact, so it should prove easy to carry around and won’t take up much space. While I like the price and performance you get from this air compressor, I don’t like that it’s one of the louder portable models out there, producing 85 decibels—comparable to a lawn mower.
The M18 Fuel’s compact size and lightweight, cordless design make it a great companion to have for your next trim project (and it works with any 18-volt Milwaukee battery). It puts out a max 1.2 cfm at 90 psi and comes equipped with a 2-gallon tank. You won’t be able to run an impact wrench or framing nailer with it, but it has plenty of power to run brad and finish nailers.
It weighs a manageable 34 pounds and is about the size of a small suitcase. Its running time varies depending on battery capacity, but you’ll get about 600 nails on a 5-Ah battery. Its large, comfortable handle should also make it fairly easy to carry around.
Along with its compact size, it’s one of the quieter portable air compressors I recommend, producing just 68 decibels (about the same as a casual conversation).
DeWalt’s 30-gallon air compressor has the power needed to run the impact wrenches and other air tools home mechanics use. It produces 6 cfm at 90 psi—the highest of all my picks—which is enough to operate a ½-inch impact wrench without frequent recharging. It also uses an internal cooling system that extends the life of the pump.
While we really like this compressor for its automotive uses, the only thing that holds it back is that it comes with just one coupler. As a result, you’re unable to attach two tools at once. Additionally, this is the heaviest option here, weighing 126 pounds. Although this limits its portability, it does come with two sturdy wheels for maneuverability.
Kobalt’s Quiet Tech portable air compressor is a good choice if you want to avoid the ear-splitting shock of a pump kicking on as you work. Whereas other air compressors produce around 80 to 90 decibels, this runs at a far quieter 60 decibels.
Its small, 2-gallon size and airflow of 1.7 cfm at 90 psi are lower than other portable air compressors, but it’s still enough to operate finish and framing nailers, though its single coupler means it only works with one tool at a time. The Quiet Tech isn’t the lightest air compressor out there, but it’s still light and compact enough to easily transport.
Since the Senco weighs just 20 pounds and has a large handle that wraps around the tank, it’s perhaps the easiest of all our picks to tote around. It’s compact, too, at just 14 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 10 inches high, making it easy to store on a shelf in your garage.
If you only need an air compressor for filling up tires and firing finish nails, then there’s no need to lug around a heavy 2- or 4-gallon compressor. This pick produces enough air volume to handle brad, pin, or finish nailers. It’s also a handy tool to have in the garage to inflate tires. Just keep in mind that its low, 0.7-cfm airflow means you won’t be able to use it with larger air tools, such as framing nailers and impact wrenches.
Bostitch’s air compressor combo kit is a great option if you’re in the market for an air compressor and a few tools for upcoming carpentry projects. The 6-gallon, 29-pound pancake air compressor comes with brad, straight finish, and framing nailers, plus a 15-foot hose and all the fittings you need to make the connections between each tool.
The compressor has two couplers and reaches a max 150 psi with 2.6-cfm airflow at 90 psi. With these specs, running two nailers simultaneously (with the addition of a second hose) should be a cinch. While this kit offers great value, note that the compressor produces 78.5 decibels, which is fairly loud, especially for a pancake compressor.
Tony Carrick is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in technology, home improvement, DIY, home security, and outdoor recreation. He’s tested and written about everything from home security systems to power tools to gas grills. His product guides, how-to articles, and feature stories can be found in such publications as Bob Vila, Angi, U.S. News and World Report, Field & Stream, Futurism, and Switchful. When Tony isn’t writing, he can be found working on his latest home improvement effort at his home in North Carolina.
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