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When you’re looking for the best air compressor, so much depends on what you’re going to use it for. Construction, automotive, woodworking, aviation, marine, and many others use them to power pneumatic tools, plus there are convenient applications for DIYers.
We’ve used a ton of compressors over the years, from small models for trim work to fully piping out an 80-gallon system for our shop. Whether you’re on the hunt for something portable and quiet, high CFMs for air-hungry tools, or something in between, I have a variety of recommendations for you to consider.
If you’re new to air compressors, I’ll also help you learn the key parts, different types, and the most important things to look for while you’re shopping.
Metabo HPT 8-Gallon EC1315SM – Best Air Compressor Overall
Pros
- High max pressure
- High CFM delivery for its size
- Telescoping handle reduces storage footprint
- Charges from 0 – 125 PSI in under 1 mintue
- Excellent for construction applications
- Oil-free pump
Cons
- Not enough air delivery for high CFM applications like painting and sanding
Metabo HPT’s “Tank” series air compressors offer higher performance than other models in the same class. The lineup’s 8-gallon EC1315SM has the best balance of portability and performance I’ve seen and can handle nearly any construction application. Light enough for one person to transport yet strong enough for a 3-nailer framing crew or 5-nailer trim crew, it delivers an impressive amount of air for its size.
It doesn’t get into the air delivery range for most painting, sanding, and other applications that require high CFMs, but those aren’t the jobs you’d expect this kind of compressor to handle.
- Tank Capacity: 8 gallons
- Air Delivery @90 PSI: 5 CFM
- Max Pressure: 225 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 50%
- Noise Rating: 76 dBA
- Running Power: 1.5 HP, 13.5A
- Weight: 93 lbs.
California Air Tools 1-Gallon 1P1060S – Best Small Portable Air Compressor
Pros
- Higher CFM delivery than other 1-gallon models
- Lightweight
- Extremely quiet
- Full roll cage version available
- Oil-free pump
Cons
- Max PSI is a little lower than others in this class
- Small air compressors have limited capability for powering pneumatic tools
When you’re shopping for a small air compressor, most can only deliver 1 CFM or less at 90 PSI. While this compact class is never going to challenge the performance you get by stepping up to larger, stronger hot dog and pancake models, California Air Tools wasn’t content to simply match the rest of the market. Their 1P1060S (and full-roll cage version 1P1060SP) can deliver 1.2 CFM. That might not seem like a big difference, but it’s 20% more air than other top models competing in this class.
The top pressure is a little lower than the 125 PSI we often see, but at 120 PSI max, it’s unlikely to affect what tools and applications you use it for.
- Tank Capacity: 1 gallon
- Air Delivery @90 PSI: 1.2 CFM
- Max Pressure: 120 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 70%
- Noise Rating: 56 dBA
- Running Power: 0.6 HP, 4.5A
- Weight: 29 lbs.
Metabo HPT 36V 2-Gallon EC36DAQ4 – Best Cordless Air Compressor
Pros
- High performance for the cordless class
- Lightweight
- Battery or AC Adapter power options
- Oil-free pump
Cons
- Not as quiet as competing models
Metabo HPT’s 36V EC36DAQ4 raises the bar in performance compared to other battery-powered options, and it easily earns the title of best cordless air compressor. Metabo HPT earns the win partly because of CFM delivery that pushes higher than Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel and DeWalt’s 60V Max. What seals the deal is that it can run on AC power, giving you the option of unlimited runtime when it’s convenient and cordless operation when there’s no power nearby.
The downside is that it’s noticeably louder than Milwaukee. While it’s not obnoxious outside, Metabo HPT’s 79 decibels might not be as welcome on interior jobs as Milwaukee’s 68 decibels.
- Tank Capacity: 2.0 gallons
- Air Delivery @90 PSI: 2.6 CFM
- Max Pressure: 135 PSI
- Duty Cycle: Not listed
- Noise Rating: 79 dBA
- Motor: 36V brushless
- Weight: 27.3 lbs.
Rolair Honda, 20 Gallon Compressor – Best Gas Air Compressor
Pros
- Outstanding CFM delivery
- 100% duty cycle
- Honda GX engine
- Active air cooling
- Two-wheel system is more stable than single-wheel designs
Cons
- Expensive
- Louder than electric models
Wheelbarrow compressors are among the largest portable compressors you can get without mounting to a vehicle (vehicles are technically still portable, right?). Construction-focused models can get into the 9 – 10 CFM range, but you can double that and expand the tools you can use by looking at industrial brands.
I like the build Rolair offers on this model. Powered by a Honda GX 270 engine with a substantial fan for active air cooling, it produces a massive 20.1 CFM at 90 PSI and has a 100% duty cycle rating. It also employs a two-wheel design, making it more stable than the single center wheel that normally comes on wheelbarrow models.
With a gas engine, it runs louder than electric models. That’s part of the price you pay for having so much more air delivery than a portable electric model can offer. Speaking of price, the price tag is also pretty steep compared to models from construction-focused brands.
- Tank Capacity: 20.0 gallons
- Air Delivery @90 PSI: 20.1 CFM
- Max Pressure: 150 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 100%
- Noise Rating: Not listed
- Motor: Honda GX 270
- Weight: 295 lbs.