10 Reviews: Best Air Compressors Under $500 (Apr 2024)

The RYOBI ONE Cordless 1-Gallon Compressor is ideal for small jobs around the home or on the worksite. This cordless compressor is particularly popular among DIYers and handymen who want a lightweight, portable compressor for finishing work and minor tasks. It has moderate airflow delivery rates of .7 SCFM at 40 PSI and.5 SCFM at 90 PSI, yet it saves battery energy while delivering adequate power to run pneumatic equipment such as a brad nailer.

Impressive build quality, compact size, and portability. Shown sitting on top of a tool box with about 10.5' of 3/8" rubber hose (12' would be perfect). Capable of just 0.5 SCFM @ 90 PSI, this small compressor is still much faster and more powerful than the little worn-out P731 inflator that it replaced. [...]

by PapaG

The best air compressor in the small air compressor category is Porter-Cable 150’s PSI 6 gallon oil-free pancake-style model. It has a pancake-style tank for optimum stability while in use. This model additionally has a water drain valve and rubber feet that have been strengthened. This unit can produce 2.6 CFM at 90 psi and has a relatively quick recovery time. Moreover, the oil-free pump requires minimal maintenance and lasts longer.

It's an air compressor, what's not to love? Basically a necessity in any garage. Noise level is loud but standard for a compressor this size. Lightweight and portable.

by Jason P.

The Bostitch BTFP02012 includes a 6-gallon pancake tank with a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. This makes this type a highly sturdy device, ideal for DIY projects or the garage. Its 1.5-HP electric motor produces 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI and operates easily in cold weather. This compressor features a high flow regulator and two universal quick-connect airline connections to conveniently handle two air tools at the same time.

This is my second Bostitch compressor. The first lasted 16 years before I broke the regulator. Very compact and easy to transport to the job site. Mostly use it for trim. Kind of loud but I don’t think there’s a quiet compressor.

by Andy Wade

Consider this Ridgid pancake air compressor for an inexpensive way to power your next project. This type has a 6-gallon tank and a maximum PSI of 150. With an air supply rate of 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, it’s best suited for light-duty tasks around the house or on the worksite. This low-cost portable air compressor stands out for its pair of fast couplers, which are user-friendly and simple to attach to 1/4-inch automotive and industrial tool plugs.

This nail gun is amazing for its ease of use. Straight out of the box it is ready to go, set the psi to 70-75, load the nails and you are all set. I ran approx 2400 nails through mine on day one without a single hiccup.

by Gary

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.

You just won't believe how quiet this compressor is or how fast it builds up pressure. I have it maintaining a 50 gallon pressure tank at 100 psi and aerating a small fish pond and it hardly ever runs. I highly recommend this compressor.

by Mr. Victor S. Klein

Makita offers a quiet single cylinder compressor that fills up quickly with the MAC700. After using this compressor, you’ll notice that it fills up in less than 2 minutes. The Makita MAC700 has the ability to fill up so quickly because of the type of pump it’s equipped with. In comparison to other pumps in the same class, the pump cylinder has a larger diameter, a larger piston, and a longer stroke length.

Nice part is it stays put when running. It is not overly heavy, but takes some work to transport. It is a very well made unit! If you follow the quick start instructions on first start & change the oil often enough it should last for years. It runs all of my air tools, even my 1/2" dual piston 900 ft.lb. impact wrench! Nice & comact, but the air tank is quite small, so naturally it runs a lot.

by Greg Warren

The DEWALT DWFP55126 air compressor is one of the best for framing nailers due to its high power and fixation ability. Featuring 165 psi with 2.6 SCFM @ 90psi of flow rate, this model is one of the most outstanding air compressor tools in the market. The pressure is sufficient to do any kind of technical job both inside and outside the house. It’s no surprise that most professionals recommend it for driving bigger nails on a tough surface.

This compressor works fantastic and is a lot quieter than the previous compressor I had. I like the fact that I can get up to 165 psi and the release valve is very easy to use. I also like the ability to just turn the knob to adjust the pressure that I need. I would definitely recommend this compressor if you're looking for something compact with all good features.

by Shane Bleil

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.

Very quiet & low vibration ! Took 10 mins to fill the tank & all of my tools ran like a champ ! One leg had a dent in it so I used a propane torch & heated the metal & repaired it square again. I’m very impressed with this compressor & recommend it !!!

by Bronk

Campbell Hausfeld’s capacity is incredibly satisfying and useful for everyday uses. It has a 3-gallon tank capacity and can nearly fill three or four car tires fast and without causing any hassles. It is also suitable for professional and heavy projects. Not only that, but it has 110 psi to provide you with the best and most effective service. It also features 90 psi recovery compression to help you complete your projects quicker and more smoothly.

I expect noise, no biggie for me, except when I don’t expect it. ?. It works like a dream for a DIY’er like myself. I have used it to operate my nailer, and aired up a tire with it. The nozzle changes was easy. I plan to buy another to give as a Christmas gift. If I can carry it anyone can. I have MS and have no problems at all.

by Joanna

An oilless piston-type airbrush compressor inside a metal case, a suitcase-style airbrush compressor is shown here. This model is ideal for use with thin paints in-home or apartment studios (low viscosity). This Airbrush Compressor’s oil-free piston makes it an ideal choice for many users, and the 1/6 HP Induction Motor provides a pressing capability of 1-70 PSI. This compressor also has a ½ gallon capacity, which is adequate for airbrushing.

It’s about as quiet as a humidifier. Air pressure is super consistent through both outlets. Quick connects are perfect and can be switched to your air hoses. It comes with two hoses that have the cord twisting like a telephone cord which I’m not a fan of but it’s everything you’d want out of a high end compressor otherwise.

by Amazon Customer