We researched the top models, evaluating portability, performance rating, and tank size. Our favorite, the Makita MAC2400 Portable Air Compressor, has a generous tank capacity, a robust motor, and is oil lubricated to reduce the risk of overheating. Here are the best portable air compressors. 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 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 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 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 Price at time of publish: $80 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. 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 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 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 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 At the same time, this quiet portable air compressor still packs plenty of airpower. It features a 2-gallon tank and 1 HP motor for efficiency. This air compressor produces an airflow of 2 CFM at 90 PSI, with a maximum tank pressure of 135 PSI. Take note of the fact that the motor can fill the tank from empty to full in just 65 seconds, saving you time as work through an air-intensive task. Price at time of publish: $230
Performance Rating
All air compressors come with a performance rating, measured in SCFM, or standard cubic feet per minute. This number tells you how much air the compressor can deliver, and you’ll want to compare it against any pneumatic tools you plan to hook up to the compressor. For instance, if you’re planning to use a nail gun with a rating of 4 SCFM, you’ll want to ensure your compressor can deliver this force.
Tank Size
Most larger air compressors come attached to a tank where compressed air is stored. As you might have guessed, the larger the tank, the longer you can run tools before the compressor must turn back on. If you’re using tools that require a high volume of air, you’ll want a larger tank—typically 6 gallons or more.
Why Trust The Spruce
Erica Puisis has been covering home appliances and power tools for The Spruce for more than three years. No stranger to home projects and deflated tires, she keeps a cordless RYOBI ONE+ air compressor in the trunk of her vehicle for quick inflation from a compact compressor. Additional reporting and research for this article was done by Timothy Dale, a long-time home improvement expert specializing in plumbing, construction, and product recommendations, among other topics.
