The Best Air Compressors for 2024

Best Air Compressors - Top Picks, Reviews & Complete Buying Guide

Many people do not need air compressors at their households, but many of them have a necessity for such a device.

They are usually wondering what the best air compressor characteristics are.

So, we have decided to give you a review of all important specifications and qualities that a

Air compressors come in different sizes, shapes, capacities and features which makes a difficult job for a buyer to decide which one to buy.

That is when reviews come into play.

Spoiler Alert - Check out my top choice here >>

Top Rated Air Compressors

Model Rating Buy Now
Senco PC1010 Air Compressor Senco PC1010 Air Compressor
4.4 Check Price
California Air Tools 5510SE Air CompressorCalifornia Air Tools 5510SE Air Compressor
4.3 Check Price
Viair 00073 70P Air CompressorViair 00073 70P Air Compressor
4.3 Check Price
PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air CompressorPORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor
4.4 Check Price
VIAIR 85P Air Compressor KitVIAIR 85P Air Compressor Kit
4.3 Check Price
Industrial Air ILA3606056Industrial Air ILA3606056
3.6 Check Price
* Ratings are based on Editor's own opinion.

6 Best Air Compressors Reviewed

#1. Senco PC1010 Air Compressor

Top Pick
 Senco PC1010 Air Compressor
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If the budget is not an issue and you want to get the best of the best, you should take into consideration the best air compressor currently offered in the market – the Senco PC1010 Air Compressor.

The Senco PC1010 Air Compressor is great due to its price, weight and portability.

It is designed for DIY and home projects, which justifies it being so lightweight, only 20 lbs.

It can be easily moved around, and what is even better it is not loud at all when working.

This minimal noise is considered as its top advantage when compared to other devices.

Being that it is of small size, it is space-saving as well.

The pump requires no oil, so there is no need to worry about the breaks in work and you will not make all the mess when trying to oil it.

The Senco PC1010 Air Compressor possesses the one-gallon tank which needs only 128 seconds to pump up and 35 seconds to recover.

But that is not all, there is one more excellent feature – the rubber covered feet are designed to protect your floors from scratching.

Besides all these advantages, there are some issues related to the unit shutting off when it reaches full power.

Furthermore, some parts break over a period of time, but a one-year warranty would cover those issues.

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Pros

  • Portability
  • Pump is oil-free
  • Quiet
  • Warranty period
  • Quick pump up

Cons

  • Defective shut-off
  • Parts are fragile
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#2. California Air Tools 5510SE Air Compressor

California Air Tools 5510SE Air Compressor
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The model which offers low maintenance and efficiency at the same time is the California Air Tools 5510SE Air Compressor.

The advantages of this unit are incredibly quiet operating at only 60 and better tool operation thanks to the oil-free pump.

Lubing the pump would not be the issue to worry about and what is even better, it keeps the motor operating correctly without causing any kind of mess after lubing.

It takes about 90 seconds to fill up the 5-gallon tank and recovery time is also very

The California Air Tools 5510SE Air Compressor is used for quick projects and it costs only $145.

Additionally, it is a space-saving air compressor best used at home for simple DIY or smaller projects.

Nevertheless, it is not good for heavy-duty tasks.

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Pros

  • Size
  • Quiet
  • Pump is oil-free
  • Great tank
  • Designed for quick tasks

Cons

  • Useless when it comes to heavy-duty tasks
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#3. Viair 00073 70P Air Compressor

Viair 00073 70P Air Compressor
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The third on our list is the Viair 00073 70P Air Compressor which is known for its affordability.

Being that its average price is only $40 and you will get the quality on similar level as with the more expensive units makes this air compressor really the best for the money.

It is frequently used for some home based tasks, such as airing up car and bike tires, inflating pools, but it cannot be used for more demanding operations.

This 5.5 lb. compressor is simple to use, of smaller size, meaning that it is space saving one and it fills up a car tire in about 3-5 minutes.

This 12-volt air compressor is among the smallest on the market, thus it is ideal to have it in the car in case of emergency.

Due to its size, air capability is much lower than with some bigger units making it inappropriate for large-scale projects.

Long life of this device would be achieved if it is used for simple tasks and maintained well.

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Pros

  • Price
  • Weight
  • Easily used
  • Great for emergency situations

Cons

  • Capability
  • Recovery period
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#4. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor

PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor
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Even though it has taken only the fourth place on our list, the PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor is a best seller on Amazon.

This may be due to the well-known brand name which suggests high-end quality.

But, one is sure, its features have to be great when so many consumers have decides to buy exactly that model among so many available on the market.

This is a small air compressor, a six-gallon oil-free unit which boasts with fast air-up and recovery time.

The quality material used for this device makes it a durable unit designed for both simple tasks and even more complex uses.

Its weighs is about 34 lbs, you can easily move it and it is compatible with most household circuits.

The price is affordable and in line with the quality – only $99.

The manufactures offer a one-year warranty which will cover internal components of the compressor.

Among so many advantages, there is one weakness – the device is not as quiet as other models are.

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Pros

  • Best seller
  • Portability
  • Great tank
  • Pump is oil-free
  • Fast recovery period
  • Warranty
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Noise
  • Weight
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#5. VIAIR 85P Air Compressor Kit

VIAIR 85P Air Compressor Kit
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If you are a person who wants to have an air compressor just to air up the tires, then the VIAIR 85P Air Compressor Kit is definitely the one you should consider.

It is a 12-volt compressor which can be easily moved around, it requires at least 15 AMPs to correctly operate and it boasts with a tire pressure gauge reader.

This reader is there for easy monitoring.

Furthermore, the price, which is only $45, is more than affordable for this air compressor quality and it can be afforded no matter how high your budget is.

The VIAIR 85P Air Compressor is small but durable, cannot get damaged easily and it can be kept in a car or truck so that you can use it whenever and wherever you need.

In order to save it from overheating, they have designed it so that it turns off if it gets too hot.

This is a bonus safety feature, so make sure that you leave the unit to rest between the uses so as not to reach a high temperature.

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Pros

  • Safety feature
  • Size
  • Durability
  • Price

Cons

  • Necessary rest time after usage
  • Capability
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#6. Industrial Air ILA3606056

Industrial Air ILA3606056
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The usual number of products we mention on our list is five, but we could not but include this air compressor model as well.

It deserves its place on this list as it is an industrial-grade air compressor.

We are speaking about the Industrial Air ILA3606056 model which is a 60-gallon unit whose price is $660.

It is durable due to the fact that it is made of cast iron and this compressor is designed hard so as to be able to handle the most complex jobs.

It can boast with a 240-volt motor which will give the power necessary for heavy-duty tasks.

As it is a more advanced device, it requires some maintenance, meaning that it requires oil to lubricate the pump.

What makes users impressed is the fact that this multi-gallon unit fills with air so quickly and can work a long hours before needing to be recharged.

Being that it is large you might thing that it is loud, but the fact is that it is relatively quiet one despite its size and power.

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Pros

  • Great tank
  • Designed for heavy-duty work and large projects
  • Durability
  • Power
  • Quiet

 

Cons

  • Oil is necessary
  • Size
  • On/Off switch does not work well
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Air Compressors: The Ultimate Buying Guide

As you have taken a look at the top air compressors available you should be able to determine which one suits you best.

However, there are some additional characteristics and tip which might help you more prior to purchase.

These details will make you a more informed buyer who would not regret.

We are offering you the pros and cons of air compressors in general, and it is up to you so determine your specific needs and see if your final choice matches those needs.

Air compressor

What are the features to be considered prior to purchase?

There are numerous features that should be taken into account before buying an air compressor and an informed customer would go through all tips related to this product, as well as reviews written by those who already possess certain models.

That way you will be able to identify the highest quality air compressors available.

Sound

Sound is the feature that should have been thought about when choosing the right air compressors.

While some manufacturers have devoted much attention to creating as quiet as possible models, others did not give much significance to this feature.

If you plan to use it frequently, it is suggested to purchase the loudest possible product. For those who do not mind the loudness, this would not be considered important.

Considerations:

  • The type of environment where you will use the air compressor would highly impact your decision. Your neighbors who are living close by might not be happy if your air compressor produces such a loud sound, and you should consider purchasing devices which are quiet. That would be more pleasant and convenient both to you and your neighbors. If the compressor is planned to be used for your business, then sound is not of vital importance as long as it is not so loud that makes you unable you to communicate with other employees around you.
  • Another thing related to sound of the machine is that it can be so loud that would have an impact on our hearing. So, for people who are working long hours, buying a quiet one would be the perfect choice or if you decide to buy a louder machine you should think about buying a good pair of safety headphones.

Capability

Air compressors have different capabilities as they are designed to suit specific needs.

That is why some models are more powerful than the others.

In order to choose the right air compressor with capabilities that neither would be too high, nor too low, you should consider the following:

  • The dual purpose of some air compressors is ideal for those who need it both for industrial-level usage and residential level projects. Other people’s review of the product and their experience can be of a great benefit to you. Those air compressors which are on the industrial level have high power and are pricey, so do not waste your money buying to an air compressor which is advanced if you need it just for DIY projects.
  • The proper circuit for the unit is also important feature to consider as units which have a higher capability require a more durable circuit. If you can work well with not so capable device, you should not go for more powerful one. Prior to purchase check the type of power system the air compressor requires to be sure to meet these requirements.

Durability

The aim of the producers is to create a product which will be long lasting, thus making people satisfied.

Purchase an item that fails to work after a few uses can be so irritating.

That is why people tend to buy products made by famous brands, as they are sure of the quality.

So, you need to think about the following:

  • Type of materials that the product is made of – Devices made of stronger and long-lasting material would certainly last longer.
  • The reputation of the product – Other people’s opinion after the usage of that model. People who experienced working with certain model would be willing to share their view, no matter if it is positive or negative one.
  • The warranty period – The warranty period offered by the company shows how much faith the producer has in its product. You will not have to worry about the future repairs of your air compressor. Products with longer warranty period are considered more durable and efficient.

Safety

Being aware of the safety features is very important and you should have in mind which safety features are included and whether the producer had safety issues in mind when making a product.

Some of the safety shut-off features are present in certain devices in case that the air compressor overheats or tips over.

The unit also needs to have a solid foundation that helps avoid tip-overs.

Furthermore, the length of the power cord is determines the safe distance between device and other objects.

Size

The size of an air compressor is not at the top of buyers’ concerns, but should definitely be a consideration.

Size certainly matters, especially when the long-term usage is in question.

One reason why the size is important is the fact that you will need to have enough space to store the compressor in your house, garage or workshop.

The second one is whether you have enough space to put the compressor in operation.

The crucial thing is that an air compressor has to be stored in a place without any threat of being tipped over or near flammable objects.

Price

Each buyer would take into consideration the price of the product and deliberate o the fact whether it is worth that amount of money.

The price of an air compressor can vary depending on its power, features and durability.

The more features included, the higher is the price.

  • In cases of air compressors with dual-purpose or with some additional features the cost would be quite higher than of a basic model. Which one suits your need is up to you, but make sure not to waste money on an all-inclusive compressor, if what you need is a standard version of it.
  • The question often asked by people interested in buying an air compressor is whether the price is in line with its quality. When purchasing an air compressor, special attention should be paid to the quality and reputation of the brand. There are some less famous brands which are more affordable but of the same quality as more expensive branded ones.

So, you can be sure that you are not going to buy a poor air compressor if you got acquainted with all the above mentioned tips and tricks.

Air compressor

Conclusion

The aim of this guide was to help you gather all the necessary information related to air compressors and ease your decision making in case you want to purchase one.

You will have to think about many things prior to buying it and some of them are air compressor’s versatility and usefulness.

The options are numerous and various models are offered at different prices, so we made a review of all the characteristics so as to help you simplify that process.

The better features it has and higher quality determine the price of air compressors and making the best purchase is only possible if you are aware of how powerful air compressor is necessary and what kind of tasks it is supposed to do.

Some people need an air compressor only for emergency situations while others need it for business which will definitely lead to different choices.

There are number of products to choose from with a variety of features it is advised to you to do a detail research before deciding for a particular model.

Furthermore, there are so many ways that you can use an air compressor so you should bear in mind that you might not need a good industrial air compressor for your daily tasks at home.

By using this guide, we are sure you will benefit a lot and will be able to make the appropriate decision.


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