An air compressor is a heavy-duty tool that has a wide range of applications. They are commonly used on construction sites, road works, and small home projects. However, moving them around could be a problem. This is where a portable air compressor comes in handy. A portable air compressor is smaller in size but is suitable for most home and business uses.
What they lack in features, they compensate with their portability and versatility. Read on to learn how they function and top 10 best portable air compressors currently available in the market.
Best Portable Air Compressors – Comparison
Best Portable Air Compressors – Review
1. Bostitch BTFP02012
- Ultra Quiet only 70 Decibels
- Powerful 2. 0 HP (Rated/Running) Motor
- Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs
- 4. 6 Gallon (Rust Free) Aluminum Twin Tank
- 125 PSI Maximum Pressure
This portable air compressor from Bostitch is oil-free, lightweight, and portable. It comes with a maintenance-free pump and maximum tank storage of 6 Gallons or 22.7 Litres. With a PSI of 150, it is incredibly versatile and reliable for commercial use. It also has a simple and highly efficient motor for quick start-up. The high flow regulators and couplers provide maximum air tool performance and minimize the noise for a quiet work environment. It also has two universal couplers that can manage two users at a time.
Customer Reviews
I am a retired Quality Assurance Specialist for the U.S. Department of Defense. If I were to inspect this product for acceptance on a gov’t contract, I would have no problem giving it my stamp and signature – Reviewer
2. Makita MAC2400
- Cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston is engineered to provide faster recovery time for improved performance
- Powerful 2.5 HP 4-Pole motor produces 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI for increased productivity and lower noise
- Roll-cage construction provides complete protection to withstand extreme jobsite environments
- Low AMP draw reduces incidences of tripped breakers at start-up
- Pump is oil-lubricated for cooler running temperatures and reduced wear
One of the best things about Makita portable air compressor is its low AMP that reduces the chances of tripped breakers. The 4.3-gallon tanks are twin-stacked and can maintain an operating pressure of 130 PSI. The MAC 2400 is an oil-based portable compressor which helps to keep the pump lubricated and results in reduced wear. The cylinder is made from double-cast iron that increases the life of the pump and makes it easier to maintain. Overall, this machine is powerful and efficient enough to run two nailers at the same time.
Customer Reviews
Put this compressor in your want list – Reviewer
Amazing Industrial Grade Compressor – Reviewer
3. California Air Tools CAT-4620AC Compressor
- Cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston is engineered to provide faster recovery time for improved performance
- Powerful 2.5 HP 4-Pole motor produces 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI for increased productivity and lower noise
- Roll-cage construction provides complete protection to withstand extreme jobsite environments
- Low AMP draw reduces incidences of tripped breakers at start-up
- Pump is oil-lubricated for cooler running temperatures and reduced wear
California Air Tools 4620AC has an oil-free dual-piston pump system that provides maximum power and performance. At just 70 decibels it is one of the more quiet models that are available in the market today. It also weighs less than 69 lbs making it portable and easy to work with. The rust-free twin aluminum tanks have a capacity of 4.6 Gallons and can be filled within 60 seconds.
Customer Reviews
Sweet little compressor. Sooooo QUIET!! – Reviewer
4. California Air Tools 10020C Compressor
- Ultra Quiet, only 70 Decibels
- Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs
- Powerful 2.0 Hp with Low amp draw - 7.0 Amps
- 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI & 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI. Dedicated 15 amp outlet -14 gauge 25ft cord - Min. 5500 Watt Generator. Maximum continuous running 30-60 min. (Depending PSI & CFM)
- 10 Gallon Air Tank with Wheels.125 PSI maximum pressure
This ultra-quiet portable air compressor produces only 70 decibels of noise. It has an oil-free pump which means it is easy and cost-effective to maintain. Furthermore, it has a powerful 2.0 HP motor that can quickly fill its large 10-gallon tank. The 10020C has a maximum pressure of 125 PSI which is enough for most uses. The unit weighs slightly more than 80 pounds but thanks to its design and wheels on the bottom, it is very easy to move around.
Customer Reviews
Very quiet and high volume air flow, very reasonable price, quality built. – Reviewer
5. Porter Cable C2002-WK
- 150 psi max tank pressure of the portable air compressor allows more air in the tank for longer tool runtimes
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 psi of the electric air compressor allows for quick compressor recovery time, per ISO1217
- 6 gal Pancake style tank of the PORTER-CABLE air compressor is made for stability, includes water drain valve and rubber feet
- Low Amp 120V motor starts easily in cold weather or with extension cord
- Durable oil-free pump for long life and no maintenance
This portable air compressor has a unique 6-gallon pancake style tank that improves the stability of the whole unit. It has a water drain valve, rubber base and a powerful oil-free pump produces 150 PSI. As a bonus, this compressor comes with a 13-piece accessory kit that includes plugs, a quick coupler, a blowgun, tire chuck, and even a 25-foot nylon hose.
Customer Reviews
Good Portable Air Compressor – Reviewer
6. Dewalt DCC2560T1
- Up to 1,220 nails per charge**
- Brushless motor paired with a heavy duty oil-free pump of the portable air compressor provides cordless convenience with the power of a corded tool
- The cordless air compressor features OneTurn regulator for fast, accurate pressure adjustments
- DEWALT portable air compressor is lightweight and portable at only 21.5 lbs
- Heavy duty roll cage for jobsite application
The DEWALT is proudly made in the USA and is a robust portable air compressor that comes with a 3-year limited warranty. It is a compact compressor that weighs only 21.5 lbs and has a small 2.5-gallon tank. Being a cordless machine, the lightweight certainly helps in making it easy to maneuver. It is equipped with fast-charging and comes with Lithium-Ion Batteries that gives a decent back-up.
Customer Reviews
Great little portable compressor – Reviewer
7. Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0
- Cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston is engineered to provide faster recovery time for improved performance
- Powerful 3.0 HP motor produces 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI for increased productivity
- Pump is oil-lubricated for cooler running temperatures and reduced wear
- Durable cast iron cylinder reduces wear and increases pump life; removable for easy maintenance
- Folding handle with low profile design for easy storage with handle folded
The second portable air compressor on this list from Makita, this model features a big bore and a piston for better performance. It has a very powerful 3.0 HP motor that is oil-based and can produce 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI. This unit is durable, has rugged wheels and foldable handles that make it easy to carry. It has a 5.2-gallon tank and even has built-in storage to keep all of your accessories and other essentials.
Customer Reviews
Great compressor, I love the high CFM – Reviewer
8. DEWALT DWFP 55130
- 3.0 SCFM delivered @ 90 PSI pump, 2.5 gallon tank and 200 max PSI of the portable air compressor enables large amount of nails to be fired and provides quick recovery
- Durable oil free pump of the electric air compressor provides extended maintenance-free operation
- Low 71.5* dBA of DEWALT portable air compressor allows for quieter operation (*Tested per ISO3744)
- Low 12 amp draw motor provides easy start-up and reduces breaker tripping
- Lightweight (36 lbs), thin (12.5 inch) and compact design is easy to carry and store
Another model from DEWALT, which comes with a 2.5-gallon tank and a powerful motor that delivers a maximum pressure of 90 PSI. The oil-free pump is ideal for providing maintenance-free operations and the unit comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty.
The DWFP weighs only 36 lbs and is just 12.5 inches thick, making it one of the smallest portable air compressors available in the market. This is a compact little machine that is easy to carry, is powerful, is super-quite and can be run continuously without any problems.
Customer Reviews
Quiet, light, useful little portable. – Reviewer
9. Porter-Cable CMB15
- 2.0 SCFM @ 90 psi of the portable air compressor allows for quick compressor recovery time, per ISO1217
- 1.5 gallon tank in shroud of the electric air compressor is easy to carry, includes water drain valve and rubber feet
- 150 psi max tank pressure of the PORTER-CABLE air compressor stores more air in the tank for longer tool runtimes
- Durable oil-free pump for long life and no maintenance
- Low Amp 120V motor starts easily in cold weather or with extension cord
This model is one of the most stylish portable air compressors you can find. It has a small 1.5-gallon tank and the oil-free pump generates a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. The unit has soft rubber feet, a water drain valve, and a quiet motor that only produces 79 decibels of noise.
It comes with a 1-year limited warranty and an 8-piece accessory kit which includes a 25-foot coil hose. At only 20 lbs this is the lightest portable air compressor on this list.
Customer Reviews
Great little portable air compressor – Reviewer
10. Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower
- Lightweight and portable--easy to carry from site to site as you work
- One horsepower peak ,1/2 horsepower runningand one-gallon capacity
- Ideal for a range of renovation and home improvement jobs, as well as for hobbies and crafts
- Delivers 20 to 44 drives per minute
- Backed by a one-year warranty
This model from Senco is ultra-light and ultra-quite. It has a 1-gallon aluminum tank and a peak of one horsepower. The oil-free pump is CSA approved and produces a running power of 0.5 HP. It is made in Taiwan and comes with a 1-year limited warranty. The small design and decent power output make it ideal for hobbies and arts & crafts work.
Customer Reviews
Surprisingly Effective for Such a Small Compressor – Reviewer
Portable Air Compressors Buying Guide
How does Portable Air Compressor work?
A portable air compressor decreases the volume of a gas to store it in a tank. As the volume of the gas is decreased it becomes highly pressurized. A modern portable air compressor will have a reciprocating piston mechanism to decrease the volume of the gas. Reciprocating pistons have connecting rods, valve heads, cylinders, rotating impellers, and crankshafts. A power source that is typically gas or electricity is necessary to initiate the operation.
The machine starts by creating a vacuum in the tank. The difference in atmospheric pressure draws air inside. The pistons move and start to compress the air, as the inlet valve closes. In the end, we get pressurized gas stored in a tank and ready for use.
Portable Air compressors Use
A portable air compressor is a versatile and easy-to-use machine. These machines are great for domestic uses at home and even for lots of small commercial applications, however, not very useful in large-scale infrastructure projects or manufacturing plants.
Portable Air compressor at Home
Portable air compressors are useful for inflating footballs, balloons, toys, tires other inflatable items. Many people keep blowers at home to clear their garage and gardens from leaves and dust. These are also forms of portable air compressors and can generate enough pressure to be perfect for domestic use.
Portable air compressor for Business
Portable air compressors are mostly used to power pneumatic tools. They are instrumental for power saws, nailers, wrenches, and other similar machines. They are also useful in light construction work as such as building decks, roofing, painting vehicles and even to clean heavy-duty machines.
Portable air compressor for Medical Use
One of the most common medical uses of a portable air compressor is providing pressurized oxygen for patients. Modern dentistry also uses portable air compressors for most of their procedures. However, the PSI and CFM of portable air compressors used by medical professionals are very different from other versions.
Difference between an Oil Vs Oil-Free Portable Air Compressor
There are two major kinds of portable air compressors; oil-based and an oil-free compressor. If you are going to buy a portable air compressor, it is important to know the difference and understand which one fits your needs. An oil-free portable air compressor is smaller in size, is more portable and is ideal for use at home. An oil-based portable air compressor adds more power, but it also requires more maintenance. Hence, while the cost of using an oil-based compressor is more, they also last longer and are more durable.
For commercial projects, oil-based portable air compressors are more suitable as they are powerful and efficient. Their cost alone does not make them useful for domestic use.
Conclusion
There are plenty of compressors on the market and you will have to buy something that suits your needs. The best portable air compressors are the ones which make your job easier and more comfortable.
Generally, a portable air compressor is used by mechanics, at gas stations, by carpenters, and for similar light work.
If you do not like a lot of noise or have a hearing impairment, you will want to get something that is quite. However, if your work demands power and high pressure, you will be looking for a strong pump. For domestic use, portability is an important factor and you would be looking for a compressor that is easy to carry and store.
In this article, we have listed some of the best portable air compressors available today. All of them are user-friendly and durable but cater to different requirements.
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