A good portable air compressor is a jack of all trades for your garage. If you’ve used pneumatic tools, you already know how that extra burst of air pressure can get tough work done quickly. An air compressor is essential for spray painting everything from cars to wooden fences. And they’re handy for everything from inflating tires and sports balls to pressure washing your driveway and remodeling your home.
There are different types of compressors and the right one for you depends on your needs and budget. Here we have selected the best models for a range of people. Keep in mind that you may need to purchase accessories separately. For easier comparison, all CFM (cubic feet per minute) specs are at 90 PSI. See the FAQs for more information.
- California Air Tools 15020C: Am besten insgesamt
- Craftsman CMEC6150K: Bester Wert
- California Air Tools 8010A: Am besten für leiseren Betrieb
- Bostitch BTFP2KIT: Bester Kompressor und beste Werkzeuge
- Ingersoll Rand SS5: Am besten zum Lackieren von Autos geeignet
California Air Tools 15020C Air Compressor
The 15020C is a great all-round air compressor, delivering plenty of power for a wide range of applications while still being one of the quietest models in its range. This hot dog-style model features a generous 15-gallon tank and outputs a whopping 5.3 CFM and 130 PSI, keeping you going whether you’re using air tools or spraying around the house or yard. Nevertheless, it operates at a low 70 dB, which is about half the volume of many similar models. In addition, the oil-free design means less maintenance.
Craftsman CMEC6150K Air Compressor
This pancake-style oil-free compressor gives you a lot for its budget-friendly price. Its combination of a 6 gallon tank, 2.6 CFM, and a max PSI level of 150 lets you take on a variety of jobs around the garage, home, or yard. And at only about 30 pounds, it’s easy to drive around. To add to its value, this model comes with a 13-piece accessory set to help you get started quickly. All of this has made this Craftsman model one of the best selling portable air compressors.
California Air Tools 8010A
The 8010A is an easy choice if you want a powerful, quality air compressor that won’t annoy the neighbors and might even let you listen to music or a podcast while you work. Sure, there are some smaller compressors with slightly lower noise levels, but this oil-free model offers the best overall package, emitting just 60dB. This is comparable to a normal conversation and has a quarter of the volume of many other compressors, even smaller and cheaper. The 8010A includes a generous 8 gallon tank and is capable of delivering 2.2 CFM and 120 PSI air.
Bostitch BTFP2KIT Compressor
If you’re looking to jump straight into using air tools, this Bostitch compressor kit gives you a head start at an affordable price. This 6 gallon pancake style model comes with a Bostitch brad nailer and a finishing nailer that come in handy for a variety of projects around the house. An air hose and fittings are also included. This oil-free Bostitch also offers impressive performance with the ability to deliver 2.6 CFM and 150 PSI. At around 40 pounds, the Compressor is also light enough to toss around with ease. All this makes it one of the best selling portable air compressors.
Ingersoll-Rand SS5
Painting a car is one of the most demanding jobs for an air compressor, especially when you want a professional quality finish. And the SS5 has the performance and specs to get the job done. High-quality spray guns require high airflow and must be operated continuously for long periods of time. The SS5 meets that challenge with an ample 18.1 CFM, a large 60-gallon fuel tank, and a hefty 5 horsepower. However, the SS5 requires a 230 volt power source and at 310 pounds is far from portable.
