10 Best Garage Air Compressor 2021 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

The ability of an air compressor to both, inflate objects and power pneumatic tools makes it an ideal equipment to have in your garage. But not every compressor available in the market is suitable for garage use. High scale air compressors cannot be used in home due to their weight and high pressure. Home garages require compressors that are more portable, small sized, with medium capacity tank.

The hunt for an air compressor befitting your garage is overwhelming as you find a wide range of units available in the market. Don’t worry; it’s not a daunting task once you know which specifications you require in your unit.

Best Garage Air Compressor 2021 Reviews

In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the best air compressors that are suitable for home garages. The buyer’s guide in the end will help you decide which compressor is most fitting to your needs.

Top Best Garage Air Compressor Comparison Table

No.	Preview	Product	Details	Price
1		CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor (CMEC6150K)		Check Latest Price
2		DEWALT DCC020IB 20V Max Inflator		Check Latest Price
3		Campbell Hausfeld 8 Gn Portable Air Compressor		Check Latest Price
4		Senco PC1010 Peak, 1/2 hp running 1-G Compressor		Check Latest Price
5		PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor		Check Latest Price
6		EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor		Check Latest Price
7		JACO Smart Pro 2 AC/DC Digital Tire Air Compressor		Check Latest Price
8		Ryobi P737 18-Volt ONE Portable Cordless		Check Latest Price
9		Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor		Check Latest Price
10		LYSNSH 12V DC Portable Air Compressor		Check Latest Price

1) CRAFTSMAN – Top Pick overall Air Compressor (CMEC6150K):

The company’s name alone creates an image of a very handy piece of equipment. The qualities that this air compressor possesses further adds to that image. It is simply a well built and powerful compressor. The carrying handle design and rubberized feet make it quite stable.

Moving forward towards its features, first of all this air compressor comes with 6 gallon capacity which means you can pump up your car wheels or use it to power your pneumatic tools and finish the complete task in a single setting without the compressor running out of pressure.

The high performance tires ensure that you can move the compressor around without any fatigue. It also comes with a durable, oil free pump for long life without any major maintenance. The 150 psi ensures that you get a steady flow of pressure for all the tasks around your house.  Another perk is the machine can easily be used in any weather condition, even if it is cold you can count on it to not leave you hanging.

It also comes with accessories including air hose, rubber tip, blow gun and three inflator adaptors for different purposes to make your next painting expedition easy.

Bottom line:

If a unit that creates noise is not an issue for you, then get this air compressor for your garage because it offers amazing results in comparatively low price.

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2) DEWALT DCC020IB 20V Max Inflator (Bare) – Best Top Rated Air Compressor:

The DCC020IB inflator is a perfect unit for both pumping your vehicle tires and powering the tools in your garage. The air hose is long enough that it reaches the valve stems easily.

The game changing feature of this unit is its inflation/deflation quality. It cannot only pump air into your tires and other accessories; it is also able to deflate them. There is a button, for switching between the regular inflation air hose and the high volume air hose. Attaching the high volume air hose to the outlet port allows you to fill air mattresses, pool floats, and other inflatables. Attach the air hose to the inlet port, and you can deflate them. Although the high volume inflation mode does not have an auto shutoff feature.

As soon as you attach the hose to your valve stem, it reads the pressure on the digital readout. It does not come with buttons to adjust the psi but comes with a wheel gauge. The wheel to adjust your psi setting is great and allows you to dial in your setting extremely fast, unlike others that have a simple up and down button and seem to take a long time to get to higher psi settings. You can go all the way up to 160psi.

This unit will take about 10 seconds per psi to inflate a tire, so it’s not nearly as fast as using a regular air compressor, but it is very nice to just set your psi and let it go. It will automatically stop when it reaches the correct psi. The digital readout is very clear and easy to read and it is also backlit, so you can read it anywhere. The readout will show the psi increase as it is filling.

Bottom line:

Get this unit if you are looking for a multifunctional air compressor for both your cars’ tires as well as other tasks around the house. It is a bit pricey than the other units so if that is not an issue then you should be good to go.

 

3) Campbell Hausfeld 8 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor (DC080500):

Campbell Hausfeld has been in the air compressor market for quite a while and they’ve some great units. This one is a no less great than the rest. The first quality of this unit is its low noise. This air compressor is 50% quieter than comparable units. At just 68 dBA, its low sound output offers a quiet work environment that is ideal for your home garage, no more angry neighbors.

The dual piston pump of this air compressor is oil free and maintenance free. You can keep it in your garage for years. The 8 gallon tank capacity make this compressor perfect for inflation, hobby painting, stapling, fastening, nailing, and bolting projects. The 125 PSI will make sure you get even air pressure to do the task at hand, perfectly.

The tank is horizontal which makes it very easy to store under any table. The gauges and regulators of this air compressor are very conveniently placed; you can monitor the tank and line pressure very easily. That is not all; this unit comes with large durable wheels which along with the rubber grip steel handle make it a easily portable device.

Bottom line:

If you are on the market for a unit that falls between light and heavy weight units, then this is the one for you. Its 125 psi will make sure you get done with the job in no time.

 

4) Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak, 1/2 hp running 1-Gallon Compressor:

The Senco PC1010 air compressor is a small yet powerful piece of machinery. This air compressor comes with many perks so let’s hop on to the discussing those features.

First of all, the 1 gallon tank makes this unit very small and light weight so you can get rid of the storage worries. You can easily put it in any cabinet or store it underneath table. The portability adds more to easy use and storage. You need such qualities in your unit for tough jobs.

Another good quality is that while you are working with this air compressor, you do not need to worry about the earsplitting noise that such units normally make. It offers a very quiet operation.

With its 125 psi, it is ideal for filling air into your vehicle tires as well as supporting airbrushing devices and other pneumatic tools such as nailers, pinners, drills. This unit may not be a continuous duty machine it does perform all the jobs uninterrupted with the 1 horsepower when on peak and 0.5 horsepower while running.

Bottom line:

Get this air compressor if you are looking for a small yet powerful unit, its 125 psi makes it ideal for your home renovation jobs and your craft projects.

 

5) PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor:

This air compressing has everything you need in your air compressing unit from the pressure, horsepower to portability. Let’s discuss these qualities in detail.

First of all, the motor that comes with the unit is a low amp motor which will start the compressor very easily even in cold weather. It also comes with an extension cord so you do not need to stand right next to a plug socket to operate this device.

The 150 psi can not only pump your inflatables but also power your drills, airbrushes and many other pneumatic tools. With its 6 gallon tank capacity, you can say goodbye to all those breaks that you normally have to take in the middle of the jobs while the unit restore its pressure.

The best feature of this air compressor is that it comes with two regulated, factory installed air couplers to easily support two users. This air compressor gives you a durable pump which requires no maintenance. You can literally grab the unit from your garage and get it straight to work whenever you want to.

A shroud handle and console cover protects vital components of the unit from dust and moisture, adding more to its life. The 30 lb weight makes it easier to carry in and out of your garage. It performs all the light tasks with 1 horsepower.

Bottom line:

Invest your money in this air compressor if noise is not an issue for you and if you need a unit that is portable and lightweight but is able to perform heavy duty tasks.

 

6) EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator:

With the EPAuto air compressor you can say goodbye to all those trips to the air pumping workshops. You can easily get rid of flat tire with this unit in a couple of minutes. It is designed to inflate tires, pool accessories and power low load air tools like staplers and brand guns etc.

It has a digital gauge that reads in four display units: PSI, KPA, BAR, and kg/cm. it also has a bright LED light which comes in handy when you are operating the unit in a dimly lit place or at night time.

Investing in this unit will get you a powerful motor with a good airflow, an easy to read LCD screen and an excellent auto cut off built in to protect against over inflation. It comes with a range of nozzle adapters to tackle a range of inflation needs.

Another perk of this compressor is the built in cut off to protect against overheating. These types of tools can get pretty hot during operation and if you do not remember to give them a break, they burn out or blow a fuse. You do not need to worry about that with this model however as it automatically cuts off when it reaches high temperature.

Remove the dust cap from the tire valve, and then attach the air chuck to the tire valve stem, and screw onto tire’s valve stem. Plug the power cord into a 12V cigarette lighter socket.

Bottom line:

If you are looking for an air compressor that is more leaned towards budget friendly side, whilst providing good service for your small tasks then get this unit.

 

7) JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator – Advanced Portable Air Compressor Pump – 100 PSI:

This air compressor comes with a smart pressure technology that enables you to preset the pressure on the air gauge and then start it. The unit will automatically cut power when the preset pressure is reached. The air flow rate of 30L/minute allows you to quickly air up your tires to the pre set target pressure with the flick of a switch.

We have all accidentally over filled the inflatables and then struggled to get it to regular size. This unit even takes care of that issue. It includes a built in air bleeder valve which helps in releasing pressure from overinflated tires and other objects. The gauge display screen shows true pressure in real time while airing down and airing up.

This unit is extremely lightweight which makes it portable as well; you can easily carry it around the garage and take it with you while travelling. The display screen features a large digital pressure readout, inflation progress bar, and bright LCD backlight which provides visibility while operating the unit in dimly lit areas or at night.

This air compressor with its 100 PSI is ideal for not only powering you garage tools along with pumping up the inflatables. Lastly, it has an inbuilt fan which makes sure the compressor does not heat up while it is being used.

Bottom line:

Get your hands on this unit if you want a all-in-one kind of air compressor that falls under your budget, it doesn’t get any better than this.

 

8) Ryobi P737 18-Volt ONE+ Portable Cordless Power Inflator for Tires (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only):

What sets Ryobi P737 apart from most air compressors is its small size. It only weighs 1.6 lbs. The small size and compact design throw the nuisance of storing the unit, out of the window. It is literally so small, you can chuck it in any cabinet or corner. Just make sure the area is nice and dry.

Just because it is small does not mean, it offers any less than other air compressors. It offers maximum pressure of 150 PSI. It is highly portable, has a easy to read gauge. The gauge offers correct pressure readings while blowing air into your tires.

Save your money and time purchasing accessories for your inflator. It comes with two high pressure nozzles and a sports equipment needle. It also has a compartment at the base which holds all bits and nozzles for your convenience. Filling up tires and inflatables has never been this easier, honestly.

This air compressor only requires a simple pushing the trigger switch to start operating. But it is better suited for bike tires or small inflatable sports equipment.

Bottom line:

This unit is ideal for those who want a small sized air compressor that does not take up much space or does not cost much and performs the tasks to its full potential.

 

9) Viair 00088 88P Portable –Best Budget Air Compressor:

This air compressor features light weight body with a very sturdy design. The brass screw on fitting provides a positive seal which prevents leakage of air from the hose. The electrical leads are long enough to reach from the battery on the passenger side to the compressor sitting on the floor next to the driver’s side tire. All in all, it is a very well built unit.

Moving towards the other features of this unit, it offers maximum pressure of 120 psi which along with 1.47 CFM will ensure you get your job at hand done perfectly. It also comes with an inline 20 amp fuse which adds an extra layer of protection to the vehicle’s electrical system. This compressor is moisture and dust resistant with an IP53 rating.

It features an oil free designed motor which comes with permanently lubricated bearings for a long term and trouble-free use. It can run continuously for 25 minutes. This powerful air compressor is capable of inflating up to 33 inches tires. The easy portability of the unit is like a cherry on top.

The best feature is that this air compressor makes almost no sound and creates very low when it is being operated. You will no longer have to listen to your neighbors complaining about the noise.

Bottom line:

If you are a beginner and this is your first time using an air compressor then get this unit. The budget friendly price along with strong, sturdy design makes it ideal for beginners.

 

10) LYSNSH 12V DC Portable Air Compressor – 150 PSI Digital Tire Inflator Tire Pump with Pressure Gauge:

This air compressor can help you take your tech game up a notch. From its small light weight design to high pressure it comes with everything you have ever wanted in your air compressor.

This air compressor is equipped with the pressure preset feature. You can preset the inflation pressure and it will automatically cut power when reaching target psi to avoid over inflating. The powerful motor delivers air at the rate of 1.23 CFM, with maximum pressure of 150 psi. You can bid all your worries farewell.

The LCD display screen shows you the pressure very vividly. You can also switch the unit of pressure being displayed on the screen. The built in pressure gauge supports checking and monitoring tire pressure. The LED flashlight makes it convenient to operate the unit in dark places. The rubber housing can effectively protect the pressure gauge from strong vibrations while inflating to ensure accurate measurements.

Its 10ft power cord is long enough to reach all tires of cars, bike etc. The 3 adapters that are included in the package broaden the use of this unit. It can also be used for inflating sports balls, air mattresses, air cushion, and other inflatables.

Bottom line:

If you need a unit for your garage that is lightweight and easy on the pocket but with strong power, then get this air compressor.

 

Buyer’s Guide: Buying Best Garage Air Compressor 2021

Air compressors are a onetime investment. They can help you not only pump up your tires and other inflatables but also power your pneumatic garage tools. But as you are going to make a onetime investment, be sure you invest your hard earned money in the right unit otherwise you will be causing more headache than relief for yourself.

If you are someone who has experience with air compressors then you probably know what to look for in the unit, but if you are a beginner and you have never worked around an air compressing unit before then this buyer’s guide is for you. We have added a few key points that you should check in an air compressor before you purchase it.

• Air pressure:

Air pressure is usually rated in pounds per square inch or PSI. Most air tools require 90 PSI to run properly, but to maintain 90 PSI at the tool, you need a compressor with a higher shut-off pressure.

• CFM:

Air tools require a certain volume of air to keep them going. The volume of air that a compressor produces is rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This is the volume of air that your compressor can pump in one minute a specific working pressure. High CFM ratings mean a compressor can provide more air, making higher CFM units more practical for larger applications.

• Tank capacity:

This means how much air can the tank store in it. Air compressors come with different sized tanks ranging from 1 gallon to even 40 gallon and more. Large gallon means the compressor is going to be heavy weighted suitable for large scale use. For small scale home garage, you need a compressor with tank capacity ranging from 1 gallon to no more than 10 gallon.

• Warranty:

Warranty is a very important factor. Never go for companies that do not offer warranties on their products. If the manufacturing company does not trust their product, how can you? Also make sure to check what that warranty covers.

Conclusion:

An air compressor is a versatile piece of machinery that can perform a variety of tasks when attached to air tools. With the number of brands out there, choosing the right air compressor for your garage can be a bit tricky. If you are looking for a reliable unit, then take a close look at this article and the buyer’s guide at the end to make sure you go for the product that is right for your needs.