It’s hard to imagine you can find a perfectly portable unit in the best small air compressors in 2022, but you can.
It definitely seems small air compressors have been around for decades (and yes, they have!).
However, to determine the best small air compressors in 2022, we really need to break them down into categories that will help you narrow your search, because what you need in a small air compressor could be very different from what someone else is looking for.
For us to help you find the best small air compressor for your needs, we’ll need to first determine the purpose of the air compressor. Who are you going to use it for? What’s your intended goal?
Think about these questions for a moment. Let’s say you’re interested in a small air compressor to blow a tyre up, but you own a mountain bike, then a high-end compressor used in a heavy-duty construction environment may likely not be the best one for you.
Different compressors are built and designed for different purposes, so it’s important to understand the type of application they’re to be used for so you don’t make an expensive and unnecessary purchase.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor | Best Overall |  |
| BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor | Budget Pick |  |
| DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Air Compressor Kit | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor
Pros:
- Light & Quiet
- Long & Flexible Hose
- Great Pump for the Price
As you may know, small air compressors are generally used to fill up inflatable items. The California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S is one of the most popular from its range due to its ideal features.
The California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S is a light weight and powerful air compressor. Weighing a mere 28 pounds, this air compressor is very powerful and moves up to 5.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
The low amp motor provides quiet operation and is energy efficient which extends its life. It is made from heavy duty steel and primarily constructed from cast iron.
2. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
Pros:
- Quiet operation
- Maximum of 150 PSI
- Nice compact size
- Easy to transport
- Good price for the quality
- Includes a 1-year limited warranty
Corded compressors are a great budget option for those just getting into the DIY game. This 6.5-gallon Bostitch air compressor comes with an oil-free pump, and is capable of reaching pressures of up to 150 PSI.
It’s quiet, and gives you a good bang for your buck, but it’s hard to move it around and not really ideal for heavy-duty jobs.
However, it’s a great option for smaller jobs like inflating tires and sports balls.
3. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
Pros:
- Small and portable
- Runs quietly
- Easily transportable
- Powerful performance
- Includes a carrying bag
- 1-year limited warranty
- Great for DIY consumers
- Quiet enough for use indoors
- Consistently keeps its pressure
Cons:
- At times struggles with larger tasks
- Can be quite loud
If you need a piece of equipment that does everything and sits right in the middle of the two extremes you are looking at the right product.
You might be wondering why we didn’t put more into the 'cons' section. It’s because this air compressor is so great, we didn’t find it necessary to really point out any of the cons. However, we did want to mention that it can be loud and struggles with some larger things, although that doesn’t happen often.
This product comes from a top seller that has everything you could want in an air compressor. If you have ever used a DeWalt product then you will feel right at home with this one. The warranty includes the product, as long as you register it with them. The maintenance kit is included with this product. You will get offers while you are using this product as well. This air compressor has been compared to other brands and has been in the top five on the list.
4. California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Oil-Free and Powerful Air Compressor
Pros:
- Quiet motor
- Dual dedicated high and low pressure gauges
- Accepts standard and oversized hoses
- Built-in circuit breaker
- Cast-iron cylinder
- Maximum pressure 140 PSI
3.4 Gallon
From the time that air compressors were introduced into the workplace, the air compressor oil has been a vital part of the machine. But this doesn’t mean that manufacturers don’t understand the fact that oil isn’t necessary. That’s why the maker of this air compressor decided to make one that would adapt to oil-free air compressors.
The oil-free design of this air compressor means that you get a cleaner whole air compressor. There isn’t going to be any oil in your lifetime. This is great for people who are wondering what is the best oil-free air compressor. It also means that you don’t have to deal with oil restrictions and concerns.
5. Rolair JC10 Plus 1 HP Oil-Less Compressor
Pros:
- Quiet and vibrationless
- Compact and light weight
- Up to 10 hours of continuous use
- User friendly controls
- Compatible with various large tanks
- All steel body
Cons:
- Needs oil
- Cranks on a low setting when there’s no demand for air
The Rolair JC10 Plus 1 HP Oil-Less Compressor features a built-in thermal overload protection. This protects the compressor from getting over heated.
This unit does not have a cylinder port so it cannot be used as a direct drive compressor. It is however possible to use an air hose and couplers to connect it to a drive system.
The Rolair JC10 Plus comes with a chip guard. This is to protect the internal electronics of the compressor.
6. DEWALT Air Compressor
Pros:
- Very compact, easy to store
- Great Printer
- Good Warranty
- Very high PSI
- Affordable
- Great Noise Reduction
Cons:
- The accessories storage space is limited
- Lacks Amperage
The DeWalt D55140 is a really small air compressor with a carry handle. This 1-gallon air compressor is designed to be used with hand-held tools, like an inflating gun, a spray gun or an air brad nailer. It has a trigger for continuous on/off operation of the compressor. The on-board accessory storage is less than convenient.
It is designed to take up little space on your workbench, and it is lightweight. Its pressure is adjustable from 40 to 80 Psi. You don’t have to worry about noise with this compressor because it comes with special noise-reducing technology. You can also expect the auto shut-off feature to come in handy, along with the overload protection.
One of the things we love about the DeWalt D55140 is the filter, which is found on top of the unit. This compressor is not very heavy and is easy to move around. Its pumping force is amazing too, making it very powerful for small jobs such as staplers and spray guns.
7. Senco PC1010N 1/2 Hp Finish & Trim Portable Hot Dog Compressor
Pros:
- Weighs 23 lbs.
- 3 position tires non-motorized (2-wheel has pneumatic tires.)
- Comes equipped with a volumetric air tank (0.9 cubic foot)
- Equipped with a drain valve.
- Comes with a filter for easy maintenance.
- Includes a 30 feet long power cord.
- Equipped with a regulator and a pressure gauge.
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
- Covered by a 90-days money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Not very efficient in the assembling process.
- Some have said that the included plastic wheels are heavy and make it hard to move around.
The Senco PC1010N1/2 Hp Finish & Trim Portable Hot Dog Compressor is, by far, one of the most popular air compressors of the moment. This space-efficient unit is equipped with a 3-position tire (no motorized).
The wheel has pneumatic tires. This air compressor has a 0.9 cubic foot air tank. It comes with an adjustable regulator and pressure gauge. It has a drain valve.
It is also equipped with a filter, so maintenance is easy. It comes with a 30 feet long power cord. It also includes a 1-year limited warranty.
8. Excell U256PPE 6 gallon Pancake Air Compressor
This is really a small air compressor. The air compressor has got a well-designed compact structure and the design of the tank is impressive. The machine has got a solid polypropylene tank. It has got an inlet diameter of 1/4” and the outlet diameter is 1/2”. The tank is transparent that makes it easy to see the gas levels. It has got a standard 1/4” NPT connection. It is an oil-free pump and makes the maintenance simple. The pump operates at 120 PSI at 3500 RPM and uses 0.5 power. The size of the tank is 11x13x19.5 inches and weighs 29 pounds.
Another plus point of the machine is its pump. The pump is a 2-stage pump, which can provide a great deal of power. The pump comes with a 3-year warranty. The machine runs smooth and it also comes with quite a few accessories. The machine has got a blow molded carry case that has got the threaded tires and the wheels which make the carriage easy. The machine has also got a flat-free wheel in the back which makes the transportation easy. The machine also has a pressure regulator and a water drain valve.
9. Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor
Pros:
- Has an oil-lubricated pump
- Provides 2.3 CFM at 90 PSI
- 1-gallon tank allows for 67 minutes of continuous runtime
- Pitch kit and rubber feet included
- Air regulator and drain are included
- Up to 6 GPM at 90 PSI
Cons:
- No air filter kit
- No compressor cart
- Doesn’t come with oil
Imagine you’re working on a project and you’re about to use a power tool.
Because the air pressure is on the low side, the tool bogged down in the middle of the operation. What would you do?
Resolve the matter by increasing the air pressure? Thanks to the Makita MAC5200, you can’t go wrong with doing so! Each and every time you manage to fix your tools, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you’re at the right pressure and each tool works like a charm.
10. DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Air Compressor Kit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best small air compressors?
Small air compressors are, well, small, which makes them convenient for jobs around the house without having to spend all day carrying around a huge air compressor.
If you're searching for a small air compressor that is suitable for hobbyist use, it is worth finding the best small air compressor that you can afford. Look for air compressors that have a max air flow rate of at least 3.5 cubic feet per minute. You should also select a small air compressor that has a maximum tank pressure of at least 120 psi.
Many professionals will argue that the best small air compressors available are the 2.5 gallon ones, but we think that there are plenty of exceptions to this claim. It just depends on how you intend to use your air compressor as to which size you should go with. Consider the capacity of your air compressor, the max PSI and CFM, and your overall budget before making your final decision.
What is the best air compressor for home use?
Finding the best air compressor can be easy if you know what to look for. That's because there are just a few key factors that you need to look for.
Small compressors are useful for blowing out small spaces such as a dusty computer. Big air compressors, on the other hand, are typically more powerful. The best ones have three- or four-stage oil-free pumps and throw out a lot of air at a higher pressure.
When purchasing an air compressor, it is important to think about how many different uses it will have. Some air compressors are more versatile than others. Most air compressors, however, have limited uses, so it is important to know what you will be using your compressor for before purchasing.
What is the smallest air compressor?
The perfect travel air compressor. The one you can use in your car and can easily take with you anywhere.
They are really designed for inflating sports balls, and air beds, but they do work for low power small air compressors.
Some have a ridiculously small tank, but they can be useful nevertheless.
What is the best upright air compressor?
If you don't need the portability and/or the tank, buy a simple upright air compressor. They tend to be more powerful and perform far better on the jobs you need to complete. Don't forget to buy a hose kit.
If you do need the portability and/or the tank, buy a pancake or a plunger (aka an oil-less) compressor. Their small size and watt ratings make them ideal choices for frequent use. Don't forget to buy a hose kit.
Inside the tank is a pump made up of coils. Without getting too technical, the coils allow the tank to do something called cycling. Each time the compressor reaches its pressure limit, it automatically releases before over-pressuring. This is why they take so long to fill up.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for a small air compressor you’ve got a lot of options. There are many factors to consider in getting the best small air compressor for your needs. If you are dead set on getting one, or if you want to know more about them, then you should definitely read this buying guide. For that matter, maybe you should just bookmark this page because it could come in handy in the future.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor | Best Overall | |
| BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor | Budget Pick | |
| DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Air Compressor Kit | Upgrade Pick | |