10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr 2024)

These air compressors are the most versatile pieces of equipment for your garage

A. Wahyu by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $79.00 - $1,699.99 · 484 views

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Comparison Table

Let's jump into the specs!
Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): Best for budget
CRAFTSMAN
2
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): It withstands a beating
CRAFTSMAN
3
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): It is truly quiet
California Air Tools
4
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): Great for small tasks
Makita
5
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): Easier cold starting
Rolair
6
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): 40% more run-time
HUSKY
7
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): Greater power, better airflow
California Air Tools
8
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): Not portable pick
DEWALT
9
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): Plug into any outlet
Industrial Air
10
10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors for Garage (Apr  2024): Professional-level pick
EASTWOOD
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.

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)

Here are the best air compressors for garage
CRAFTSMAN CMCE520B - Best Air Compressors for Garage: Best for budget
https://www.amazon.com/

1.
CRAFTSMAN
CMCE520B

Best for budget

price from
$79.00
Our opinion:

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!

Promising review:

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)
CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K - Best Air Compressors for Garage: It withstands a beating
https://www.amazon.com/

2.
CRAFTSMAN
CMEC6150K

It withstands a beating

price from
$164.00
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

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
California Air Tools 8010  - Best Air Compressors for Garage: It is truly quiet
https://www.amazon.com/

3.
California Air Tools
8010

It is truly quiet

price from
$210.00
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

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
Voltage 110V
Air Flow Capacity 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI
Pressure Range 120 PSI
Capacity 8 Gal.
Dimensions 26 x 14 x 23 in
Makita MAC320Q - Best Air Compressors for Garage: Great for small tasks
https://www.acmetools.com/

4.
Makita
MAC320Q

Great for small tasks

price from
$259.00
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

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
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
Rolair JC10  - Best Air Compressors for Garage: Easier cold starting
https://www.amazon.com/

5.
Rolair
JC10

Easier cold starting

price from
$308.00
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

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
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
HUSKY C303H - Best Air Compressors for Garage: 40% more run-time
https://www.homedepot.com/

6.
HUSKY
C303H

40% more run-time

price from
$323.10
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

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
California Air Tools 10020C  - Best Air Compressors for Garage: Greater power, better airflow
https://www.amazon.com/

7.
California Air Tools
10020C

Greater power, better airflow

price from
$463.00
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

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
DEWALT DXCMLA3706056 - Best Air Compressors for Garage: Not portable pick
https://www.acmetools.com/

8.
DEWALT
DXCMLA3706056

Not portable pick

price from
$849.99
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

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
Voltage 240V
Air Flow Capacity 11.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Pressure Range 155 PSI
Capacity 60 Gal.
Dimensions 31 x 69.25 in
Industrial Air ILA1883054  - Best Air Compressors for Garage: Plug into any outlet
https://www.amazon.com/

9.
Industrial Air
ILA1883054

Plug into any outlet

price from
$885.00
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

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
EASTWOOD  31439  - Best Air Compressors for Garage: Professional-level pick
https://www.eastwood.com/

10.
EASTWOOD
31439

Professional-level pick

price from
$1,699.99
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

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

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!

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