An air compressor is a tool for creating controlled amounts of air pressure. You can use it to inflate items, maintain the pressure in your tires, or even blow up balloons.
It might sound like an appliance that you don’t really need, but in reality, an air compressor is essential for many purposes. That’s why we’ve created this list of the 15 best air compressors for your home garage to help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Table of Contents
There are a number of factors to consider when determining the most ideal air compressor for your garage in terms of size. If you’re talking about the size of an air compressor, it does not only refer to its actual measurements. The features of your new air compressor must include an appropriate mix of electric and gasoline-powered energy sources. In addition, it must be able to move enough air per second/pounds per square inch (PSI) and CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) to be effective. Compressor design and overall setup must also match the allocated area in your garage.
Depending on your needs, you may choose reservoir capacities ranging from few-gallon models up to huge commercial 100-gallon items. A compressor with a capacity of 3 gallons to 25 gallons should be plenty for your home garage.
So you’ve finally decided to invest in a quality air compressor for your garage. Congratulations! Air compressors can be a big help when it comes to working on projects at home (and elsewhere).
Still, when deciding on a home-use compressor, it’s important to consider your individual needs first. To choose the right air compressor, you must first decide how you will put it to use. As soon as you’ve determined the purpose of your air compressor, you can narrow down your options by identifying the specific features you’ll need.
There are different types of air compressors, ranging from smaller household models to large commercial ones. If you intend to use the compressor occasionally, then it doesn’t really make much sense to buy one of the larger sizes. You might be surprised at just how much better the performance of a smaller quality compressor is over some massive units.
However, if you plan to use the compressor frequently, then investing in a larger unit will be a good decision. The key to choosing the best air compressor is to compare the specifications of various models and subsequently settle for the product that ticks all your boxes. Hence, whatever model you choose should be compatible with the project at hand.
Here is a great video to watch before stepping out to search for an air compressor-
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best air compressors on the market today that will help you get more done in less time with fewer hassles.
CRAFTSMAN CMXECXA0201041 Hard Air Compressor is perfect for both home and professional use. Featuring a 10-gallon tank and 175 PSI max pressure, this compressor is ideal for many small projects around the home or workshop. This oil-free pump is also maintenance-free, has a Q235B steel housing, and emits an ultra-quiet noise level of 80 dBA.
This 4.5 CFM @ 90 PSI unit features a 120V voltage, motor, and 1.8 max horsepower motor to get your job done quickly with minimal use of power! With all its perks, this compressor also has a long life span so it can be used for years to come without any maintenance! And don’t worry about space as this unit weighs only 63.1 pounds and is easy to transport!
The ultra-quiet CRAFTSMAN CMXECXA0201041 garage air compressor comes with 2 gauges built-in for inflating tools or filling tires. The 6 feet power cord allows you to operate around your garage freely without being near an outlet. It also features a rubberized filled handle that will protect your hands while you carry it around at work or in your vehicle when moving it to another location.
California Air Tools produces high-quality air compressors that are used by professionals. Their 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor model is designed for heavy-duty use and comes with a max pressure of 120 PSI at 8 amps capacity. and many other useful features, including an oil-free pump, and a powerful 1.0 hp rated and 2.0 hp peak power motor. Additionally, the California 8010 has a max continuous run time of 30-60 minutes depending on the PSI and CFM, so you can bring it to your job site and be done in no time! Bringing it to your job site is also a breeze, thanks to the wheel kit which ensures easy transportation.
The California 8010 weighs only 48 pounds. It is made for use in cold weather climates because of its oil-free pump and low voltage requirement, making it suitable for outdoor use in cold weather without having to worry about the compressor overheating during the harsh winter months. It has an empty to full tank recovery time of 130 seconds.
This is a top-quality air compressor that is quieter than average models on the market, making it a good choice for use in residential areas. It can produce 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI. The low amp draw of 8.5 amps allows you to easily plug it into an extension cord and use power from the house when needed.
The low-voltage (110V) requirement means you can use it in cold weather without having to worry about the compressor overheating during the winter months.
The DEWALT DWFP55126 is a household name when it comes to reliable and powerful tools. It is an oil-free pump suitable for maintenance-free usage and perfect for any DIYer. Even with its many great features, this model weighs only 32 lbs, making it is easy to use and transport from site to site when needed. Because of this lightweight, this compressor can easily be stored away when not in use which makes sense if you have limited storage space. So, if you’re looking for a model that has all of the characteristics of an industrial-grade compressor, but only weighs half as much, then this is the perfect model for you.
It features a 6-gallon tank which translates to a maximum working time of 30 minutes. Note that this is a 120-volt, single-phase unit, so using more than one of it at home could cause problems with your electrical circuit breaker system. This compressor can produce 165 maximum PSI and 2.6 SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) @ 90 PSI. For noise level, it produces 78.5 decibels to ensure quiet work conditions. The DWFP55126 air compressor also comes with a top carry handle so it’s extremely portable and easy to move around when needed.
If you’re wondering whether or not this model is built to last, we can assure you that it is. Moreover, it is backed by a one-year limited warranty which shows that DEWALT has complete confidence in its build quality.
The Porter-Cable CMB15 is one of the best compressors for beginners and pros alike. With an amperage capacity of 10 amps, it can run continuously for up to an hour on a single tank of gas, while a delivery of 2.0 SCFM at 90 PSI brings about a quick compressor recovery time. This unit has a long life, does not require any maintenance, and comes with a low noise level of just 79 dBA which makes it perfect for use in residential settings without disturbing family members or roommates.
This is a good machine for everyone, from homeowners to car and boat enthusiasts to contractors and woodworkers, among others. Perfect for home garages and workshops, it is quiet and lightweight but still packs plenty of power. Whether you’re inflating the tires of a golf cart or slapping some zero-clearance shims onto your miter saw, the CMB15 is up to the task. From auto repair to trimming wallpaper or building a deck, you’ll find this unit has everything you need to get the job done.
No matter the task, you can trust this unit to accomplish it on the go! The CMB15 has an oil-free piston compressor that can pump up to 150 PSI. This is great for projects that require more air but half the pressure.
The powerful and durable Craftsman CMXECXA0200141A has a 1.5-gallon hotdog air tank, 135 max PSI, a voltage of 120V, and a noise/sound level of less than 87 dBA which means that this compressor is ultra-quiet, so you can use it without being obtrusive. It’s also equipped with a low maintenance oil-free pump, 1.5 SCFM at 90 PSI air delivery, a 6 ft power cord, and a quick coupler that helps you get your compressor out of the garage quickly.
A built-in safety valve will keep you safe even if you forget to turn it off. With the 1.5 gallon tank that has a maximum fill of 135 PSI, it’ll run for 20 minutes on a full tank before needing to be refueled. You don’t have to worry about the oil drying out or the motor wearing down since it is a UMC air pump. It comes with a Q235B steel housing, so it’ll stand up to the test of time.
The Craftsman CMXECXA0200141A is portable and easy to move around, thanks to its ultra-light 24.1 pounds (11 tons) weight and compact size. The 6 ft power cord ensures you don’t have to worry about carrying an extension cord with you every time you go out.
BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor comes with a 6-gallon tank, max 150 PSI, a dimension of 17 x 17 x 19.25 inches, and delivers 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI which will allow you to work three times longer than many other devices of the same level. However, what makes this compressor unique is its frame. It will last much longer due to the 2-tone powder-coated paint which protects it from rusting and gives it an attractive appearance.
The ultra-quiet muffler keeps the noise level at only 78.5 dBA which is quieter than even your dishwasher! This model is great for small jobs like inflating tires or filling up mattresses. The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 comes with an oil-free, maintenance-free pump which means you will save money on maintenance costs. The pump has a fast recovery attribute that enables it to quickly recover between bursts of air, thus enabling it to work faster than some other compressor models.
It is equipped a standard quick coupler that can connect with any standard inlet in common use. The high flow regulator will allow you to reach the desired pressure in a few seconds. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is not just powerful, it is also portable, very lightweight at only 29 lbs, small enough for transportation, and easy to carry around when needed. This is one air compressor that is designed to last, so it will provide you many years of service.
The WEN 2289 can do a lot of things, but its best quality is lowering noise levels. It’s so quiet in fact, that it won’t disturb you or anyone else around when you’re working on projects. So if you’re looking for an air compressor with low noise – this is it! Best of all, this compressor delivers 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI and has a max pressure of 150 PSI. That means it can work with a variety of tools.
WEN 2289 comes in a simple design and some great specs such as the oil-free pump which ensures you’ll avoid the hassle of oil changes. With this unit, there are no worries about getting interrupted because the recovery time is so fast.
Though it’s designed to be portable, it’s still tough enough to handle demanding jobs. It’s got two 7-inch never-flat wheels and a handle that makes for easy transport. And if you need some extra power or capacity, there are 2 outlets on this unit. You can hook up 2 tools at once – 1 with the quick coupler and the other with the standard ½-inch NPT coupler. Combine that with the gauge pressure relief valves and you’ve got a powerful yet safe system that is ready for anything!
The WEN 2289 Air Compressor will give you steady power and maximum versatility. It is backed by two years limited warranty.
MAKITA MAC100Q Air Compressor features an ultra-quiet design and fast recovery speed that helps to save time and energy when operating for extended periods of time without interruption or downtime.
Ir is perfect for small DIY projects such as inflating basketballs, bike tires, air mattresses, and so on. This compressor is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use and is compatible with numerous accessories and attachments that help you complete your projects quickly without any hassles.
The pump features a 2-stage process that enables it to recover more quickly than single-stage designs, thus minimizing downtime when you’re working on a project that requires frequent use of the compressor such as when performing small tasks like inflating footballs with a pump up needle.
A fully enclosed motor not only offers better reliability but also provides protection from the effects of dust and other elements that can shorten lifespan. The tank is rust-resistant and has a high-pressure design with a maximum working pressure of 135 PSI so it can accommodate many different projects and tasks within your home or garage.
The MAC100Q is oil-free and perfect for light-duty applications. It has a 1-gallon tank with an oil filter to protect the pump from contaminants. It also features a dual-piston pump that’s fast and has a quick recovery time. All of these features (and others) help to enhance its overall performance by maximizing efficiency.
The STEALTH SAQ-1413 Work Site Air Compressor is perfect for your home or garage. The 4.5-gallon tank lasts a long time and releases up to 150 PSI with a capacity of 3 CFM @ 90 PSI and a noise level of 64 dBA. It weighs 61.7 pounds and takes only 70 seconds to reach full pressure again after it has been shut off.
Its oil-free pump with roller bearings ensures ultra-quiet operations without vibrations or oil mess. It is maintenance-free and perfect for inflating vehicle tires, sports equipment, air mattresses, and others. The 6-inch rubber reinforced wheels are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
With its 1.3 maximum horsepower, the STEALTH SAQ-1413 is powerful enough to run other tools but should only be used with recommended power tools. It comes with a 6″ electric cord which can be extended up to 30 feet using the included extension cable.
The STEALTH SAQ-1413 has a rugged steel heavy-duty housing with rubber wheels to keep it safe in case of accidental falls or being knocked over. There’s also a roller bag that can be used to transport the unit anywhere with its rugged wheels. This compressor will help you maintain proper tire inflation levels so you can stay safe on the road.
Whether you want to use it in your home garage, or just need one for your gardening and other projects, the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor is an excellent choice. It has a 6-gallon capacity and can pump up to 150 PSI. The pump is oil-free and has a high-performance motor with quick recovery. This durable compressor also lasts up to 2 hours when running, and folds down easily when not in use. It weighs just 32.5 lbs.
The CMEC6150K Compressor is perfect for making homemade air tools and providing you with the power to run drills and sanders, or power an LP-gas generator for portable camping. It can also make quick repairs such as changing a tire, inflating a boat hull, repairing rims on a bicycle, or repairing garden hoses and sprinklers.
The most notable feature of the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor is its 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI delivery – that’s around 20% more than most compressors. The adjustable pressure gauge has a max pressure of 150 PSI, but the actual max pressure that you’ll reach when in use will probably be in the range of 120 to 140 PSI.
Overall, this is an excellent air compressor for home or garage use that will last for many years. It is an affordable unit that can accommodate small and large projects such as air tool setups, bike tires, and many others. The performance and durability are outstanding, and the included 2.6 SCFM rating is very impressive for this type of unit.
CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS (CAT) -1P1060SP GAL Air Compressor is the perfect property for any home garage. This air compressor may seem like your ordinary household appliance, but it has some great features you don’t want to overlook. For example, the 56 dBA noise level is effective at containing noise pollution, allowing you to work without causing too much disturbance for those inside or outside the house.
And if that isn’t enough, this ultra-quiet machine produces 1.2 CFM @ 90 PSI, operates at 1680 RPM and 1.2 hp. The CAT-1P1060SP air compressor can handle up to 290 PSI at maximum, which will easily provide you with the air you need for your car’s maintenance and repairs. However, the best part of the CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 1P1060SP is the ultra-quiet operation of this machine, even at maximum output levels.
This air compressor only measures a compact 17 x 13.2 x 17.1 inches, making it the ideal size for any property space! Moreover, its 1-gallon steel air tank is lightweight (34 lbs) making it very easy to move around various locations.
The oil-free BOSTITCH CAP1512-OF Air Compressoris a perfect solution for any job at hand, be it changing the tire of your car or installing a ceiling fan. The compressor has a 1.2-gallon tank capacity that can reach 150 PSI and 2.8 SCFM @ 90 PSI, making it best suited for small jobs around the house. More intensive tasks require larger compressors with more substantial tanks.
This BOSTITCH model features an LED on/off switch which makes it easy to find in the dark. Since there are no moving parts in this compressor, it is maintenance-free. This is ideal for any location where you will not be able to check the status of the compressor weekly. BOSTITCH has integrated a cord wrap into this product which makes it easier to keep your tools safe and organized while you work.
BOSTITCH CAP1512-OF features an integrated tool control panel on the top of its housing. Also, the company has put great emphasis on the design of the compressor so that it would be easy to transport around your household or garage. For example, it weighs only 23.5 pounds, making it easy to carry upstairs or outside without having to worry about extra weight.
Anti-skid rubber pads at the bottom of each leg ensure that this compressor does not move around once you’ve placed it where you want and that there are no scratches left behind on your floors or work surfaces. The compressor’s hose storage pocket will provide additional space to hold your hose and make it easier for you to reach them while working.
HPDAVV Oil-Less Portable Air Compressor is an excellent maintenance-free air compressor for home garages. It features a 2-gallon tank, maximum pressure of 125 PSI, 110V voltage, and an oil-free pump. It also delivers 3.9 CFM @ 125 PSI which is perfect for running pneumatic tools in your home garage. This device weighs 42 lbs and has 0.9 horsepower. Because of its ultra-quiet and fast recovery nature, it will not disturb you during your work time. It is easy to transport and designed to serve for many years to come.
The aluminum air tank assures you that this device will not rust in your garage or home. This air compressor is perfect for running pneumatic tools in your home garage and will not disturb you at all due to the above-mentioned ultra-quiet and fast recovery features. The no-maintenance feature eliminates any need for you to maintain this device. It is also very easy to transport due to the lightweight aluminum tank.
Its lever handle ball valve ensures that you will have a steady air supply at all times. The HPDAVV Air Compressor has a maximum power of 650 watts and runs at 1720 RPM. Two 1/4inch quick disconnect couplers make it possible to run multiple tools at the same time.
The CRAFTSMAN CMXECXA0220242 Air Compressor is a twin tank oil-free and maintenance-free air compressor system built to ensure optimum performance and durability. It comes with a working pressure range of between 95-125 PSI and is compatible with a 120V AC-type power source. It also features a powerful 0.34 horsepower air pump, 6 ft power cord, and quick recovery time.
This product has a compact design with little to no vibration, making it perfect for garage or hobby use. It can easily be transported from job site to job site by the included carrying handle. The CRAFTSMAN CMXECXA0220242 is a UMC-designed motor, which means that it has a high breakdown resistance and minimal noise.
Consumers like this product’s twin tank design that allows for longer usage between refills. Its oil-free nature eliminates the need for maintenance and protects sensitive tools from potential damage caused by oil buildup. Due to its commendable qualities, the CRAFTSMAN CMXECXA0220242 Air Compressor is able to provide high-performance air at a relatively low cost.
The DEWALT DWFP55130 Air Compressor is a monster of an air compressor for home garages that can power practically any air tool! It has a 2.5-gallon tank and a max pressure of 200 PSI. It operates at a voltage of 120V and it’s super quiet, coming in at 71.5 dBA – that means you’ll be able to run the machine without disrupting the peace and quiet in and around your home garage. It also recovers fast, meaning that you can start working on your projects again more quickly than ever before!
It is easy to start and weighs only 40 pounds so you’ll have no problem lifting it up or transporting it from place to place as needed. A roll cage is included to protect the pump. The oil-free and maintenance-free DWFP55130 pump delivers 3.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI that ensures a long tool runtime and quick recovery.
It also includes other features like an air filter, control panel protection for vital components, and ISO3744 (industrial standards) certification. It can run vertically and horizontally (and can be used as either)
In a nutshell, this DEWALT DWFP55130 model is a great choice for just about any home garage looking for an air compressor. And it can be easily be transported and/or stored because of its compact size. It comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
If you’ve ever been stuck in the middle of muddy, sloppy, or other difficult terrain and tried to slog your…
If you're in the market for new car speakers, you'll know that there are a number of options available. Numerous…
Due to their construction, subwoofers need a significant amount of power to recreate low-frequency sounds. A subwoofer amplifier is an…
Sound systems without subwoofers will have a faint and uninspiring sound. So, in order to get that deep bass and…
Despite the fact that your car radio is mainly designed for listening to music, you may connect other devices to…
We all know that family vacations can be a great experience, but they can also come with some challenges, especially…