Noise is the most overlooked factor in an air compressor.
At the time of purchasing an air compressor, what all people look for is its capacity, horsepower and pressure which is great.
But what good are all those features if the unit is going to produce obnoxious noise.
No matter how smooth the operation is, you will be reluctant to take the unit out of the storage if it makes ear-splitting noise.
To keep your ears from falling off, invest in a unit that not only offers smooth operation but also has low decibels.
The lower the decibel number, the quieter the air compressor is going to be.
A low decibel unit will not only help you hear your own thoughts even if you are standing next to the air compressor but will also lower the number of angry confrontations with your crew or neighbors.
Contents
Best Quiet Air Compressor 2023 Reviews
In this article, we have mentioned some of the best air compressors that offer very quiet operations. The buyer’s guide in the end will help you decide which unit is the best for your needs.
Top Quiet Air Compressor Comparison Table
No. | Preview | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  | HULK Silent Series Model HP02P010SS Air Compressor | ||
2 |  | Briggs & Stratton Gallon Quiet Air Compressor | ||
3 |  | Campbell Hausfeld 8 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor | ||
4 |  | Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower running 1-Gallon Air Compressor | ||
5 |  | Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Portable Quiet Air Compressor | ||
6 |  | BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor | ||
7 |  | California Air Tools, 4610AC, Air Compressor | ||
8 |  | California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet Air Compressor | ||
9 |  | Estwing E5GCOMP 5 Gallon Quiet Air Compressor | ||
10 |  | Grex 115V Portable Piston Air Compressor |
1) EMAX HULK Silent Series Quiet Air Compressor:
The name itself claims that this air compressor is silent and it indeed is very quiet. This piece of equipment is designed specifically to offer an air compressor to the market that will not split the user’s ears.
It is ideal for small spaces, like garages and small workshops.
It is designed to deliver high air power input with little to no noise. This model offers up to 80% quieter operation than comparable 2 horsepower air compressors, and the dual intake filtration is engineered for maximum noise reduction.
While quietness may be its best quality, it is not the only great feature that this air compressor possesses.
The oil-free, dual piston, 2 cylinder pump with low amp draw and solid copper windings allows for less wear and tear.
With an easy to maneuver design, this air compressor can e operated by beginners too. It can be operated in a variety of temperatures & uneven terrains as well.
It provides faster recovery time and more CFM production, along with cleaner air for tool operation. It may not be the lightest unit in the market but the wheels make it portable and easy to store.
Its commercial grade pumps are designed with heavy gauge steel cylinders, cylinder head and valves to offer optimum durability and reliability.
Specifications:
- Horsepower: 2
- CFM at 90 psi: 77
- Capacity: 10 gallons
- Voltage: 115 V
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Noise rating (DBA): 51 decibels
- Maximum pressure: 125 psi
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- 2 year warranty
- Portable
- Extremely quiet
- Oil free
Cons
- Not any
Bottom line:
The level of quietness that this air compressor possesses may put it in the limelight but it also offers great performance too.
2) Briggs & Stratton 4.5-Gallon Quiet Power Technology Air Compressor 074045-00:
Say goodbye to all those awkward encounters with your sulking and complaining neighbors with this new Briggs & Stratton air compressor.
It will not just ease your everyday tasks but will also go easy on your ears.
With mere 54 decibels, this Briggs and Stratton air compressors is designed to run 80% quieter and have 3 times longer lifetime than standard air compressors.
The high performance induction motor makes this the perfect homeowner compressor for routine tasks like filling up bike/car tires and balls while capable enough to occasionally handle light duty air tools.
The compact, vertical design allows it to fit unobtrusively into almost any space in your garage.
Briggs and Stratton have also added an oil free pump to this unit which is like a cherry on top, it means the air compressor will not require maintenance as frequently as an oil lubed pump.
The wheels throw the issue of moving it around out of the window. It is a bit heavy but portable nonetheless.
With 4.5 gallon capacity and 125 psi, you can finish your jobs in one go, without taking brakes in the middle for the unit to recharge.
Specifications:
- Horsepower: 1
- Maximum pressure: 125 psi
- CFM at 90 psi: 4
- Weight: 79 lbs
- Capacity: 5 gallon
- Voltage: 120 V
- Noise: 54 decibels
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Motor lasts 3 times longer
- Limited vibration
- Lower draw
- Low to no maintenance
- Portable
Cons
- None
Bottom line:
Get this air compressor if you need one that can handle your all the light tools while offering a smooth and quiet operation.
3) Campbell Hausfeld 8 Gallon 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 and workshops, no more irritated neighbor or crew.
The dual piston pump of this air compressor is oil free which means it does not require maintenance. It can stay in your garage for years and offer the same smooth operation as its first time.
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.
Specifications:
- Maximum pressure: 125 psi
- Noise: 68 decibels
- Capacity: 8 gallons
- Voltage: 120 V
- Weight: 46 lbs
- CFM at 90 psi: 4
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Quiet
- Portable
- Horizontal design
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- Pump does not refill quickly
Bottom line:
If you are on the market for a unit that falls between light and heavy weight units, while being easy on ears, 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-Gallon -Best Affortable Quiet Air Compressor:
The Senco PC1010 air compressor is a small yet powerful piece of machinery. With 65 decibels you can be sure, neither your crew or neighbors will be mad nor your ears will fall off. It offers a very quiet operation.
But that is not all it offers, it comes with many other perks so let’s talk about those too.
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 the table. The portability adds more to easy use and storage.
You need such qualities in your air compressor as no one looks forward to dragging the unit forcefully after a long job.
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.
Specifications:
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Voltage: 115 V
- Peak horsepower: 1
- Noise: 65 decibels
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Pressure: 125 psi
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Portable
- Arrives fully assembled
- Light weight
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Only suitable for low volume tasks
Bottom line:
Get this air compressor if you are looking for a quiet yet powerful unit. With its 125 psi, it will be ideal for your home renovation jobs and your craft projects.
5) Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Quiet Air Compressor (DC060500):
Campbell Hausfeld has always introduced air compressors that make it easier for you to finish your projects like a pro.
Their units do not just offer amazing performance but are also designed to be among the quietest air compressors in the industry.
This unit offers performance no less amazing than the rest of their units. At just 68 decibels the DC060500 is one of the quietest air compressors in the industry.
With it being 50% quieter than comparable units, you can use this compressor indoors without worrying about any noise.
Boasting a maximum PSI of 125, the compressor is ideal for a variety of projects including nailing, bolting, stapling, fastening, hobby painting, and inflation.
It features an oil free, maintenance free pump for convenient usage. Maintenance free pump combined with the portable 8-gallon pancake tank, provides a user friendly experience.
It is manufactured in a way that the motor and the key compressor components are protected by the roll cage design.
The center-mounted handle provides a good balance when carrying the compressor around the shop, jobsite or home.
The DC060500 has a 1 horsepower induction motor that delivers 2.4 CFM of air at 90 PSI with a maximum psi of 125.
Specifications:
- Noise: 68 decibels
- Maximum pressure: 125 psi
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- CFM at 90 psi: 4
- Weight: 53 lbs
- Voltage: 120 V
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Oil free motor
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Heavy
- Does not come with wheels
Bottom line:
If you are concerned about the noise your air compressor makes and need a solution, this is the answer.
6) BOSTITCH Pancake (BTFP02012) Quiet Air Compressor – Top Pick overall:
This compressor operates at 78.5 decibels operational noise level offering a quiet work environment.
The decibel level may be a bit high than other comparable units but it is still so much more better than those loud compressors that are present in the market.
It oil free, maintenance free pump adds to the longevity of the air compressor. The pressure builds up very quickly, is easy to adjust and goes up to 150 psi.
The Bostitch high flow regulator and couplers are designed to maximize air tool performance with two universal couplers to easily support two users.
The cover on the console is removable to allow easy repairs of controls if needed. The unit also offers a convenient cord wrap for easy storage.
The light weight and narrow tank diameter make the unit very convenient to be carried around during the job and stored away after use.
Although you will need an accessory set, including tubing, as it does not come with all of that, it is still a solid product at a good price.
Specifications:
- Maximum pressure: 150 psi
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- Noise: 5 decibels
- Weight: 29 lbs
- Voltage: 120 V
- Horsepower: 8
- CFM at 90 psi: 4
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Portable
- Light weight
- Oil free pump
Cons
- Not as quiet as other comparable units
Bottom line:
Spend your money on this unit if you are not expecting a totally noiseless experience. It does create less noise than many other units.
7) California Air Tools, 4610AC, Air Compressor, Ultra Quiet, 1.0 HP:
California Air Tools is a well known name in the air compressor market. This air compressor has many qualities that set it apart than its competitors.
One of those qualities is that this air compressor is designed to be one of the quietest air compressors in the industry having only 60 decibels of sound.
The powerful 1 horsepower motor also aids to offering quit operating by running at only 1680 RPM creating less wear and less noise.
This air compressor is ideal for anyone working inside where noise is a major issue. But that is not all; not only does it run quietly, it also performs well.
This air compressor has an oil free dual piston pump designed to have a life cycle of 3000+ hours which is stunning as other comparable air compressors offer life cycles of 500 hours or less.
The oil free pump allows for use in a variety of temperatures and uneven terrains.
This unit is designed with an increased duty cycle which allows longer continuous run times. The lightweight of the compressor makes it easily portable from one place to another.
Specifications:
- Maximum pressure: 120 psi
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- Noise: 60 decibels
- Horsepower: 1
- Weight: 45 lbs
- Voltage: 110 V
- CFM at 90 psi: 2
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Draws less current
- Light weight
- Quiet operation
- Oil free pump
- Recharges quickly
Cons
- Not any
Bottom line:
If you are looking for a new compressor for all the tasks at hand, one that can keep up and that you don’t need to hide in a closet because of the noise, this is the one you should get.
8) California Air Tools 8010 – Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free Air Compressor :
As the name indicates, this California Air Tools 8010 air compressor is designed to be one of the quietest air compressors in the industry, having only 60 decibels of sound.
You will no longer need to cover up your ears while working with this unit as it will not create noise. The high quality wheels make it a portable device.
Its oil free dual piston pump system is designed to deliver durability and high performance for your next painting task.
The pump comes with a life cycle of 3000 plus hours, it will surely last you many years without any issue in the results.
It can be used in a variety of temperatures and uneven terrains. You no longer need to worry about the heat or the cold weather making your job tough.
Its high capacity will make sure you get to paint the car in one setting and even get a second coat of paint without the unit running out of pressure.
The output pressure regulator is simple to use.
Just pull the knob out and rotate clockwise to increase output pressure to your accessory or turn counter clockwise to reduce the output pressure to your accessory. Push the knob back in when done.
Specifications:
- Horsepower: 1
- Capacity: 8 gallon
- Maximum Pressure 120 psi
- Voltage: 110 V
- Weight: 54 lbs
- Maximum CFM: 3
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Oil free pump
- Portable
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Slow recovery time
- Small tank
Bottom line:
If you want a compressor that won’t wake the neighbors or anyone else in your home, this is the best choice.
9) Estwing E5GCOMP 5 Gallon Quiet Air Compressor:
The Estwing E5GCOMP air compressor boasts one of the quietest compressor motors on the market offering superior, high quality performance.
Running at just 68 decibels, this compressor is ideal for professional contractors working in enclosed spaces or for finishing late night projects at home.
It does not come with digital gauges but analog gauges. The two oil-filled analog pressure gauges provide high accuracy measurements.
Set your desired psi output with the pressure regulator and let the machine perform its job. It also features two brass universal push to connect quick couplers.
The oil free motor delivers extended maintenance free operation so you can tackle any construction, flooring, finish, or framing projects anytime without lubricating it.
The two stage, 1.6 HP electric motor delivers 3.8 SCFM at 90 psi.
The 5 gallon tank and 180 max psi provide 50% more usable air than comparable 150 psi air compressors for longer air tool run time.
The compressor also features a steel roll cage and control panel to protect the body against weather, dust or any other damage.
Other small features that make a huge difference in its operation are a built-in power cord wrap, over current protection, anti-vibration rubber feet, a replaceable air filter, and an ergonomically designed handle.
Specifications:
- Maximum pressure: 180 psi
- Capacity: 5 gallons
- Noise: 68 decibels
- Weight: 77 lbs
- Horsepower: 7
- Voltage: 120 V
- CFM at 90 psi: 8
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Solid build
- Low noise operation
- No vibrations
Cons
- Not any
Bottom line:
It is good for miscellaneous tasks, like filling your tires, and is quiet enough that you’ll still be able to hear when you retire.
10) Grex AC1810-A 1/8 HP 115V – Best Quiet Piston Air Compressor:
This Grex air compressor has all you have ever wanted in a unit from portability, quiet operation to pressure. It has a strong and stylish body along with other features.
Let’s break down and discuss all the features in detail.
With 55 decibels you can monitor this air compressor in your home garage and will not be able to hear any noise even at a few feet distance.
55 decibels is the lowest noise level being offered in an air compressor in the market these days.
Its lightweight and compact size make it perfect for those who want a unit that they can easily carry around.
The oilless piston design pump provides long hours of work with very low maintenance.
Another great feature is that it supports auto shut off system which enables the motor to automatically shut down when it is not being used to save power.
A quite unique feature is its retractable handle which stows away when not needed. It also has a set and lock on the regulator which prevents the settings from changing when it’s in the locked position.
Specifications:
- Maximum pressure: 60 psi
- Noise: 55 decibels
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Voltage: 120 V
>> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Light weight
- Compact design
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t support many nozzles
Bottom line:
If you are looking for a unit that is more leaned towards budget friendly side all the while offering quiet operation, then invest your money in this air compressor.
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting Best Quiet Air Compressor in 2023
Air compressor has many features that you need to check before making a final purchase.
Horsepower, pressure, cfm and capacity are some of those important features that you should check. But another major thing you need to be sure about is the noise level of the air compressor.
Always opt for a unit that offers good service whilst having mercy on your ears.
There are some key factors that help decide if the unit is quiet or as loud as a dragon. This buyer’s guide will assist you in picking and purchasing a suitable quiet air compressor for you tasks.
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Oil free motor:
Always opt for an air compressor that has oil free pump. Oil free pump means the pump is maintenance free; you will not need to lubricate it after every few uses. Also, the motor will not get rusty and won’t cause any trouble or noise while operating.
-
Decibels:
Never forget to check the decibel level of the unit before you purchase it. Decibels denote how much noise the air compressor will make while it is being operated.
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Rubber feet:
This may seem like a small change but it makes a difference, trust me. The rubber coverings on the feet and tires of an air compressor reduce vibrations and give stability to the unit, overall providing a low noise operation.
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Bearings:
Bearings allow the compressor pump and motor to run smoothly and reduce friction between moving parts. Reduced friction means less noise.
A bearing can be sealed or open. There are generally two types of bearings found in an air compressor, ball bearing and roller bearings. If you hear metal grinding then that means the unit’s bearings have been worn out and need to be replaced.
Conclusion:
Air compressors have indeed made life and tasks very easier but one of their few drawbacks is that they cause noise pollution. To control this factor, invest your hard earned money in a unit that comes equipped with noise-reducing features. Because if your unit makes ear-deafening noise, you will not be able to operate it as much as you want to. Read the article to know about some of the best quiet air compressors available in the market.
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