Air compressors are commonly used for power tools. However, you also need air to fill tires on cars and bikes. You might even want a compact compressor to fill balloons or sports balls.
Compressors come in various sizes and deliver varying amounts of pressure to handle different applications. With a wide range of options, it can be a challenge to find the best portable air compressor for your specific needs.
If you need to inflate car tires, you may prefer the best 12V portable air compressor. To use air-powered hand tools, you’ll need a corded compressor with a large tank.
Table of Contents
- How Does an Air Compressor Work?
- Which Portable Air Compressor is the Best?
- 1) PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor
- 2) Makita 2.5 HP
- 3) California Air Tools CAT – 1P1060S Light and Quiet
- 4) Kensun AC/DC Power Supply Portable Air Compressor Pump
- 5) HELTEKO Portable Air Compressor Pump 150PSI 12V
- 6) DEWALT Pancake 6 Gallon 165 PSI
- 7) EPAUTO 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump
- 8) Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor with 3-Gallon Horizontal Tank
- Last Thoughts on the Top Portable Air Compressors
How Does an Air Compressor Work?
If you would like to know how such a unit works, check out the video below (by learnchannel):
Which Portable Air Compressor is the Best?
To narrow your search, you can compare products and read customer reviews. If you want to save time, check out our list of the top eight portable air compressors.
1) PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor
The PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free Pancake Compressor is nearly identical to the DEWALT compressor. The minor differences include a slightly less expensive price tag and less air pressure.
Description
As with the DEWALT compressor, this product features a pancake-style tank. The pancake design is more stable, making the compressor less likely to tip over. It also holds six gallons.
The max tank air pressure is 150 PSI. It can deliver 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI and 3.7 SCFM at 40 PSI. It’s powered with a low-amp 120-volt motor and oil-free pump.
Oil-free pumps tend to last longer and require less maintenance compared to oil-lubricated pumps. It’s also become a standard feature when searching for the best portable air compressor, as most of the previous options include oil-free pumps.
Pros and Cons
The PORTER-CABLE air compressor comes highly recommended, but also includes some pros and cons to examine.
- The six-gallon tank is durable and delivers longer runtime for your tools
- Supports two tools at the same time
- Weighs about 30 pounds for easy portability
- Offers slightly less max tank pressure compared to the DEWALT compressor
- You may need earplugs due to the noise level of the motor and pump
Our rating: 
4.6 / 5
2) Makita 2.5 HP
The Makita 2.5 HP Air Compressor is widely considered the best portable air compressor for durability and performance. It can power up to two tools, delivering 40 PSI and 90 PSI with an operating pressure of 130 PSI. It’s enough air for two nailers.
Description
Built for heavy-duty use, the Makita 2.5 HP Air Compressor has a rugged design and durable steel roll cage. The controls, connections, and dials are on the front of the cage while the inside holds a 4.2-gallon twin-stacked tank. The tank is made from cast iron, increasing the toughness and longevity of the compressor.
The pump also includes a cast-iron cylinder. The Big Bore pump is oil lubricated. However, you can run it for about 1,000 hours before needing to drain it and replace the oil.
Due to the rugged roll cage and cast-iron construction, the Makita air compressor is expectedly heavy. It weighs about 77 pounds. You may need help carrying it.
Pros and Cons
While this is a top pick for the best portable air compressor, it has a mix of pros and cons, such as:
- Powerful air compressor, suited for use on a job site
- Delivers enough air pressure for two nailer guns
- The large-diameter piston produces more CFM and delivers faster recovery times
- One of the more expensive choices
- Weighs about 77 pounds, making it a little difficult to transport
Our rating: 4.6 / 5
3) California Air Tools CAT – 1P1060S Light and Quiet
If the previous choice exceeds your budget, the Light & Quiet Air Compressor from California Air Tools (CAT) may meet your needs.
Description
The CAT compressor has a small 1-gallon tank. It’s a steel tank, which should last a lifetime. Along with a durable tank, it features an oil-free pump and a thick steel frame.
The frame has a large handle, making it easier to carry from your car to your work site. It’s also incredibly lightweight compared to most options, weighing just 29.5 pounds.
With a smaller tank, don’t expect to use this continuously to power your air tools. It has a 0.6 HP motor and delivers 1.2 CFM at 90 PSI. It’s suitable for nail guns, staple guns, and airbrushes, along with smaller tasks, such as inflating tires or sports balls.
The top feature of the CAT compressor is the quiet motor with a single-piston pump design. It only produces 56 decibels of sound, while most of the other choices create 75 or more decibels.
A 56-decibel noise level is comparable to the sound of a fridge running.
Pros and Cons
The CAT 1P1060S comes with a durable, lightweight design, but it may not meet everyone’s needs. Here are the pros and cons.
- One of the quietest portable air compressors available
- Weighs just 29.5 pounds, making it easier to carry and transport
- Has a 3000-hour life cycle before showing signs of wear
- Not the most powerful air compressor, offering 1.2 CFM at 90 PSI
- The one-gallon tank requires frequent re-pressurizing
Our rating: 
4.5 / 5
4) Kensun AC/DC Power Supply Portable Air Compressor Pump
Designed for portability and versatility, the Kensun AC/DC Compressor can handle almost any air-powered task, from inflating tires to powering your nailer gun.
Description
The portable design and simple controls make this a top recommendation for the best portable air compressor for car tires. With a max operating pressure of 120 PSI, it can inflate your tires quickly. Along with car tires, it comes with multiple adaptors to fit bicycle tires and sports balls.
As with most of the options for the best 12V portable air compressor, it includes a power cord that plugs directly into the power socket in your vehicle. However, it also has a 110-volt AC plug for connecting to a standard electrical outlet. You can use this device at home or in your car, making it one of the most versatile options.
Pros and Cons
The Kensun air compressor allows you to power the device with AC or DC power, but is it the right choice? Compare the pros and cons:
- Compact design that you can carry anywhere
- Includes AC and DC power cords for versatile use
- Easy to use controls and clear pressure gauge
- May struggle to inflate truck tires quickly
- Does not include a coupler for connecting air tools
Our rating: 4.5 / 5
5) HELTEKO Portable Air Compressor Pump 150PSI 12V
The compact, affordable Helteko Portable Air Compressor is a suitable choice for inflating balls, balloons, and bike tires. If you want to inflate your car tires, be patient.
Description
This device from Helteko is not the best portable air compressor for car and truck tires. It may take 10 minutes or longer to fill a single tire at 40 or more PSI. While it’s not the most powerful compressor, it comes with several great advantages.
The design is incredibly compact. It measures just 9.7 x 6.4 x 4.6 inches and weighs 2.58 pounds, making it the lightest and smallest compressor on this list. You can easily store this compressor in the glove compartment for emergencies.
It is also the best 12V portable air compressor for ease of use. You simply plug the adapter into the 12V socket in the car and select the appropriate nozzle.
The front of the device has a small LCD display, allowing you to view the PSI and other values. To start inflating, you just press the power button.
Pros and Cons
This is one of the more affordable options. However, before buying the HELTEKO Air Compressor Pump, check out the pros and cons:
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to store in your vehicle
- It’s easy to operate and quickly inflates bike tires and sport balls
- Includes an LED light to help illuminate the tire when inflating
- Not powerful enough for air tools or inflating large truck tires
- Takes longer to inflate car tires compared to the other compressors
Our rating: 
4.4 / 5
6) DEWALT Pancake 6 Gallon 165 PSI
The compact pancake air compressor from DEWALT is lightweight and affordable, yet still delivers the air pressure needed to power two hand tools.
Description
DEWALT is a trusted manufacturer of power tools and the DWFP55126 pancake-style air compressor is another quality product. It features a high-efficiency motor for easier startup in colder weather, along with several other useful details.
The tank holds six gallons of compressed air and delivers a maximum operating pressure of 165 PSI. It’s one of the more powerful portable compressors, allowing for longer tool runtime and faster recovery.
For improved performance, the compressor has a high-flow regulator. This maximizes the airflow to power tools. The design also features two universal couplers to support two users, delivering 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
The pump and motor are shielded by a rugged case with a large handle and console. The console cover is completely removable, allowing for repair of the pump or motor.
Pros and Cons
Why choose the DEWALT air compressor? Check out the advantages and disadvantages.
- Supports two tools at the same time
- Weighs just 30 pounds for easier transport
- The six-gallon tank should offer longer tool runtime
- One of the more expensive pancake-style air compressors
- Some units may require replacement due to manufacturing defects
Our rating: 
4.3 / 5
7) EPAUTO 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump
The EPAUTO 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump is one of the most affordable choices for the best portable air compressor for car or bike tires. While it’s a low-cost product, it can quickly inflate compatible tires.
Description
This compact compressor pump comes equipped with a cylindrical tank, motor, pump, gauge, and LED packed into a small design. It only measures 13.5 x 8.1 x 5.6 inches and weighs a little over a pound.
While it may not fit in your glove compartment, you can throw it in the trunk and use it for emergencies. It’s also suitable for inflating smaller items, such as balls, balloons, and bike tires.
It comes with a 12V DC plug for connecting to the cigarette lighter socket in your vehicle. The easy to read display shows the current PSI or BAR reading while the LED light shines on the tire or ball.
Pros and Cons
The EPAUTO 12V Compressor Pump comes with several advantages and a couple of drawbacks to consider:
- One of the more affordable choices for keeping tires or balls inflated
- Comes with multiple adapters for inflating basketballs, kayaks, and pool accessories
- Includes a bright LED flashlight
- Doesn’t deliver enough air pressure for inflating heavy-duty truck tires
- May not hold up to repeated use
Our rating: 4.3 / 5
8) Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor with 3-Gallon Horizontal Tank
Instead of a pancake tank, this air compressor from Campbell Hausfeld includes a three-gallon horizontal tank. While it offers less max PSI compared to the other compressors, it includes many accessories and lightweight design.
Description
This compact compressor is built for longer runtimes. The three-gallon tank should offer continuous use for at least 30 minutes before the overload switch resets the compressor.
It’s also equipped with 10 accessories. You get a coiled hose, various inflation needles, a blowgun, and fittings.
With the oil-less pump, this compressor should last for quite a while. It’s a durable and affordable alternative to some of the previous options, but with a little less power.
Pros and Cons
The Campbell Hausfeld stands out for its lightweight design. However, you should also consider the rest of the pros and cons, including:
- Easy to read gauges and a compact design make it convenient to use
- Suitable for inflating tires or balls and powering low-power air tools
- Only delivers 0.36 CFM at 90 PSI, limiting the tools you can use with it
- Heavier compared to other air compressors for cars
Our rating: 
4.0 / 5
Last Thoughts on the Top Portable Air Compressors
After examining the top eight options, which one is the best portable air compressor? The answer depends on your needs.
If you’re looking for the best portable air compressor for car tires, the three 12V compressors are all great options. However, the Kensun AC/DC Compressor stands out as the overall top pick for the best 12V portable air compressor. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and you can use it with a standard house outlet to power light-duty air tools.
For the best portable air compressor for DIY projects, the pancake-style compressors provide affordable solutions. They can typically power one or two small tools. If you need more power, consider going with the Makita Air Compressor.
To select the right one, think about how you intend to use the air compressor and the features you require. With these eight choices, you have an air compressor to suit any task.
Don’t forget to also check our recent article about the best small garbage disposal units.