10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr 2024)
These air compressors are the most versatile pieces of equipment for your garage
by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $79.00 - $1,699.99 · 484 views
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Comparison Table
Product Image |
1
CRAFTSMAN
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2
CRAFTSMAN
|
3
California Air Tools
|
4
Makita
|
5
Rolair
|
6
HUSKY
|
7
California Air Tools
|
8
DEWALT
|
9
Industrial Air
|
10
EASTWOOD
|
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Product Name | CMCE520B | CMEC6150K | 8010 | MAC320Q | JC10 | C303H | 10020C | DXCMLA3706056 | ILA1883054 | 31439 |
Features | Best for budget | It withstands a beating | It is truly quiet | Great for small tasks | Easier cold starting | 40% more run-time | Greater power, better airflow | Not portable pick | Plug into any outlet | Professional-level pick |
Power Source | Battery Powered | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Cordless Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Cordless Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
Voltage | 120V | 120V | 110V | 120V | 120V | 120V | 110V | 240V | 120V | 230V |
Air Flow Capacity | 450 L/min | 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI | 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI | 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI | 2.35 CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.1 SCFM @ 90 PSI | 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI | 11.5 CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.7 CFM @ 90 PSI | 17.9 CFM @ 100 PSI |
Pressure Range | 160 PSI | 150 PSI | 120 PSI | 135 PSI | 115 PSI | 175 PSI | 125 PSI | 155 PSI | 155 PSI | 175 PSI |
Capacity | 6 Gal. | 6 Gal. | 8 Gal. | 3 Gal. | 2.5 Gal. | 30 Gal. | 10 Gal. | 60 Gal. | 30 Gal. | 80 Gal. |
Dimensions | 12.71 x 7.56 x 6.38 in (pkg) | 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 in | 26 x 14 x 23 in | 18 x 13.75 x 52.5 in | 17 x 16 x 15 in | 22 x 19 x 46 in | 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 in | 31 x 69.25 in | 24.75 x 24.75 x 49.75 in | n/a |
price | $79.00 | $164.00 | $210.00 | $259.00 | $308.00 | $323.10 | $463.00 | $849.99 | $885.00 | $1,699.99 |
Buy at | view product on Craftsman view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Craftsman view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on California Air Tools view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Makita view product on Acme Tools view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Rolair view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Home Depot view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on California Air Tools view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on DEWALT view product on Acme Tools view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Industrial Air view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Eastwood view product on Amazon view product on eBay |
One of the most essential equipments for your home garage is an air compressor. Compressed air can be used to power tools such as an air impact wrench, air ratchet, brad nailer, blow gun, grinder, and even a small sandblaster. However, just purchasing any compressor would not suffice, and selecting the best air compressor will be dependent on a range of variables. How you want to use it, the amount of space available in your garage, the kind of equipment you have, the frequency of usage, and so on are all factors that will influence the type of air compressor you’ll need. Below are our top picks of air compressors for your garage in every budget.
Table of contents
Product list
- CRAFTSMAN CMCE520B: Best for budget
- CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K: It withstands a beating
- California Air Tools 8010 : It is truly quiet
- Makita MAC320Q: Great for small tasks
- Rolair JC10 : Easier cold starting
- HUSKY C303H: 40% more run-time
- California Air Tools 10020C : Greater power, better airflow
- DEWALT DXCMLA3706056: Not portable pick
- Industrial Air ILA1883054 : Plug into any outlet
- EASTWOOD 31439 : Professional-level pick
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Just in case you wonder...
What is the purpose of compressing gas?
Natural gas is compressed for a variety of purposes.
– Upstream: Compression is often used by producers to inject gas back into the well to assist in the lifting of liquids to the surface. It is also used to compress low-pressure gas off tanks, control devices, and other equipment to aid in the disposal of fugitive emissions (VRU).
– Midstream: Compression is used in the midstream to transport gas from one place to another through miles of pipe.
– Downstream: It helps in the removal of liquids in the downstream sector to satisfy consumer and safety standards.
How to maintain air compressors?
1. Clean your diesel air compressor’s air filters on a regular basis
2. Drain the extra moisture from the tanks
3. Clean your diesel air compressor’s fuel tank on a regular basis
4. Check the diesel air compressor’s hoses
5. You must replace the compressor oil at least once every 300 hours of compressor use, or once every three months
What is the type of gas compressor?
1. Positive displacement compressors are machines that confine consecutive quantities of gas inside a closed space; the volume of the confined space is subsequently reduced, raising the pressure.
2. Dynamic-type compressors are machines that compress gas via the mechanical action of spinning vanes or impellers that impart velocity to the gas.
What exactly does the term "air flow" mean?
The entire air volume output produced by the air compressor is represented by airflow. Simply said, it indicates the rate of airflow delivered by the air compressor. It is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher the CFM rating, the better the compressor’s performance.
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr 2024)
1.
CRAFTSMAN
CMCE520B
Best for budget
The Craftsman V20 CMC3520B inflator is a high-quality tire inflate with a variety of power settings. This inflator operates on 110V or 12V electricity and includes a 4-Ah battery for maximum inflating power. It also comes with a 20-inch hose, a digital pressure gauge with a regulator, and cable and hose storage aboard. The CMCE520B has a maximum pressure of 160 PSI, which is sufficient for filling car and truck tires. Even better, it’s super affordable!
Takes only a few minutes to top off my tire pressure. Three power sources makes it very easy. No longer having to stop at a gas station every few days. I fill my tires in my warm garage now.
by Brad M
Power Source | Battery Powered |
---|---|
Voltage | 120V |
Air Flow Capacity | 450 L/min |
Pressure Range | 160 PSI |
Capacity | 6 Gal. |
Dimensions | 12.71 x 7.56 x 6.38 in (pkg) |
2.
CRAFTSMAN
CMEC6150K
It withstands a beating
If you’re hunting for the best overall air compressor for the money, the Porter-Cable Vertical Air Compressor is the way to go. This gadget can handle any air tool and can handle any painting task you throw at it. This is the strongest and most durable product on the list and on the market, made of extremely robust cast iron. Even if you chose to transport it from your garage to your job site, it will not be damaged since it can withstand a beating.
My husband kept asking me if he could buy a compressor. Oh, the uses it will have! Clean the garage. Fill tires. Etc., Etc. We saw this offered on Amazon and decided to order it. It comes with lots of attachments and is easy use and to carry around. He loves it! End of story!
by Layne
Power Source | Corded Electric |
---|---|
Voltage | 120V |
Air Flow Capacity | 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI |
Pressure Range | 150 PSI |
Capacity | 6 Gal. |
Dimensions | 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 in |
3.
California Air Tools
8010
It is truly quiet
If you’re looking for a truly quiet air compressor, the California Air Tools 8010 is one of the top options. It is an 8-gallon air compressor capable of producing 2.2 CFM of air at 90 PSI and stockpiling and compressing air up to a maximum pressure of 120 PSI. A 1 HP motor runs at 1680 RPM to keep the dual piston pump operating and to extend the life of the air compressor by reducing wear and tear in the pump.
Replaced a same-size/psi compressor that cost half as much but was so much louder I could stand to use it with my garage door closed (or without hearing protection). This one is sooo quiet that you really can stand right next to it and have a conversation at normal speaking volume. SAVE YOUR EARS!
by irishgu
Power Source | Corded Electric |
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Voltage | 110V |
Air Flow Capacity | 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI |
Pressure Range | 120 PSI |
Capacity | 8 Gal. |
Dimensions | 26 x 14 x 23 in |
4.
Makita
MAC320Q
Great for small tasks
Makita developed this compact compressor to operate at just 60db. That’s probably the lowest noise level you’ll find for a decently sized compressor. Furthermore, the 1.5 horsepower engine rapidly fills the 3-gallon tank, giving enough pressure for small tasks and short-use tools. As a result, it’s ideal for impact wrenches, ratchet wrenches, and any other air tool that doesn’t need a prolonged operation.
I have had a great experience so far! I got the order earlier than promised. As for performance I was extremely please with this compressor from the start. It is very quiet and fills fast. I use it mostly for jobsite trim work and for light framing and it is what I have been looking for
by Dave N
Power Source | Cordless Electric |
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Voltage | 120V |
Air Flow Capacity | 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI |
Pressure Range | 135 PSI |
Capacity | 3 Gal. |
Dimensions | 18 x 13.75 x 52.5 in |
5.
Rolair
JC10
Easier cold starting
The Rolair JC10 has a robust roll cage that covers the tank, integrated cables, and gauges that face upward rather than across. Its cast aluminum two-cylinder pump is driven by a drawing motor that spins at 1700 RPM and draws a low amperage to allow for easier cold starting. It’s also extremely silent. It’s lightweight and small enough to readily transport to and from the worksite, and the integrated roll cage protects critical components from harm.
Its quiet enough to run at night in my apartment garage (1 car garage) which is what I was buying, because my shop time is often at night after the kids are asleep. So everything I get for the shop needs to be variable speed or quiet. This is perfect. Thank you Rolair!
by Charisse
Power Source | Corded Electric |
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Voltage | 120V |
Air Flow Capacity | 2.35 CFM @ 90 PSI |
Pressure Range | 115 PSI |
Capacity | 2.5 Gal. |
Dimensions | 17 x 16 x 15 in |
6.
HUSKY
C303H
40% more run-time
This 30-gallon air compressor from Home Depot is designed to provide more bang for your money, with a high-performance pump and motor capable of churning out 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI. With a maximum pressure of 175 PSI, it has up to 40% more run-time than 26-gallon compressors. Best of all, the compressor operates at a surprisingly low 78 decibels, making it a very quiet compressor, particularly for the price.
Have had this unit the garage for a couple weeks now. Put about 8 hours of high use on it so far, seemed to run great. Fairly quiet, etc. Don't regret purchasing it.
by Ryan
Power Source | Corded Electric |
---|---|
Voltage | 120V |
Air Flow Capacity | 5.1 SCFM @ 90 PSI |
Pressure Range | 175 PSI |
Capacity | 30 Gal. |
Dimensions | 22 x 19 x 46 in |
7.
California Air Tools
10020C
Greater power, better airflow
Look no further than the CAT 10020C if you want greater power, better airflow, and less time spent at the repair shop. It has a quiet 2.0 hp compressor that produces an extremely low 70 decibels of sound while operating at a low 1680 RPM. The oil-free dual-piston pump provides exceptional performance and durability for up to 3,000 hours. Even better, it comes with rugged wheels for easy maneuvering in uneven terrains.
I was looking for a nice compressor for our garage and ran across these units. I was originally concerned that these may be cheap and not well built, but that is not the case. I have ran it for a few months now without a problem. I would buy it again!
by msupc
Power Source | Corded Electric |
---|---|
Voltage | 110V |
Air Flow Capacity | 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI |
Pressure Range | 125 PSI |
Capacity | 10 Gal. |
Dimensions | 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 in |
8.
DEWALT
DXCMLA3706056
Not portable pick
DeWalt’s electric vertical compressor meets the needs of the majority of DIYers or even for auto repair businesses. The pump is a 3.7 horsepower cast-iron oil-lubricated device that provides 11.5 CFM @ 90 PSI and is coupled with a 60-gallon tank. Since this type is not portable, it must be bolted to the ground. A 230V power source is also required for the motor. You’ll need to do some home wiring if you don’t have a feed to your garage.
So proud of this machine! I have struggled for so long with small compressors waiting on them to catch up so I can run my air tools for a few minutes! This isn't a super powerful compressor but supplies a one man shop like mine with all the pressure I need! Great price too!
by Jawjadave
Power Source | Cordless Electric |
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Voltage | 240V |
Air Flow Capacity | 11.5 CFM @ 90 PSI |
Pressure Range | 155 PSI |
Capacity | 60 Gal. |
Dimensions | 31 x 69.25 in |
9.
Industrial Air
ILA1883054
Plug into any outlet
This 30-gallon Industrial Air compressor is one of the best buys for a strong, long-lasting device. The ILA1883054 is wired for a standard 120-volt outlet but may be changed to 240-volt if necessary. You will be unlikely to find another large air compressor with the specifications of this one that can be plugged into any outlet. This Industrial Air type is really quiet, and even at midnight, your neighbors will never notice its operation.
I love the very low noise level. It's dose a fine job of running the grinders @ 90 psi & for it's size & power keeps up rather good. Great compressor & I would recommend it to anyone for the garage projects.
by strica
Power Source | Corded Electric |
---|---|
Voltage | 120V |
Air Flow Capacity | 5.7 CFM @ 90 PSI |
Pressure Range | 155 PSI |
Capacity | 30 Gal. |
Dimensions | 24.75 x 24.75 x 49.75 in |
10.
EASTWOOD
31439
Professional-level pick
This Eastwood unit has a professional-level air supply and is extremely durable. This one is strong enough to operate any tool, and with an 80-gallon capacity, it will take a long time to empty the tank. It generates a monstrous 17.9 CFM of pressure at 100 PSI and can reach 175 PSI. Furthermore, the cast iron two-stage pump is intended for extended service life but will need oil changes on a regular basis. Meanwhile, for a safe operation, you’ll need a 230 V supply and to bolt the device down.
I purchased this compressor to run a few air tools in my shop including air sanders. I was more than pleasantly surprised to find it out performed my old IR 5HP 80 gallon, the best part is it does so at a more reasonable price!
by Steiner
Power Source | Corded Electric |
---|---|
Voltage | 230V |
Air Flow Capacity | 17.9 CFM @ 100 PSI |
Pressure Range | 175 PSI |
Capacity | 80 Gal. |
Dimensions | n/a |
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Conclusion
Okay, that’s all for today’s best air compressors on the market. Each of them has been chosen based on quality, features, and pricing to ensure that they won’t let you down. Make sure you bring home the one that best meets your needs. You can also post any thoughts or questions you have down here!