The Best Air Compressors for Home Garages

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Those who have never owned an air compressor for home garage use might not realize the flexible uses the tool can provide. An air compressor can power a paint or varnish sprayer, an impact wrench, a sander for metal or wood, a variety of nailers, saws, and more. They inflate a flat tire too, of course. The air tools that go with compressors are usually less expensive than their electric or cordless counterparts, yet still very tough. It’s arguably the most affordable way to have professional-grade tools at home.

But while getting a compressor for the garage is a great idea, the variety available can make choosing the right model difficult. Which type is best? What kind of pressure output is needed? How noisy will it be?

In this guide, we answer these and other important questions that crop up. We have also put together a comprehensive list of what we believe are the best air compressors for home garage use on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: Makita MAC2400 2.5 hp Big Bore Air Compressor
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Porter-Cable 6-Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Compressor
3. BEST PORTABLE: DeWalt 2.5-Gallon Cordless Air Compressor Kit
4. BEST QUIET: California Air Tools 10020C Quiet Air Compressor
5. BEST 20-GALLON: Stealth Professional 20-Gallon Quiet Air Compressor
6. BEST 60-GALLON: Campbell Hausfeld 60-Gallon 2-Stage Air Compressor
7. BEST HORIZONTAL: California Air Tools 8010 Oil-Free Air Compressor
8. BEST INFLATOR: AstroAI Portable Air Compressor 
9. ALSO CONSIDER: DeWalt Heavy-Duty Pancake Compressor

How We Chose the Best Air Compressors for Home Garages

I’m a mechanical engineer by trade, so I have a thorough understanding of how air compressors work. I’ve owned several, which I’ve used in my wood shop, for home remodeling, and when tinkering with cars and motorcycles.

To supplement my own knowledge, the Bob Vila team researched all the leading manufacturers and their product ranges to make sure we were up to date with the latest developments. To make it onto our curated list, air compressors had to have proven reliability, ease of use, and performance appropriate to the task expected of it. Price is always a key element, but while we looked for opportunities to save money, our priorities were durability and long-term value.

Our Top Picks

The following selections include everything from lightweight portable air compressors to big upright models for heavy-duty tasks. The result is a list of products that should meet the individual needs of all shoppers. We’ve assigned a category to each product to make it quick and easy to find the best air compressor for your home garage.

Best Overall

Makita MAC2400 2.5 hp Big Bore Air Compressor

With so many models to choose from, it’s tough to pick a single best compressor for home garages. We picked the Makita because it comes from a manufacturer known for reliability and durability, and it offers tremendous versatility.

With 4.2 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow volume available, the compressor can supply power tools like impact wrenches, sanders, and nailers. The Big Bore, oil-lubricated pump design has high capacity for fast recovery time, and has cast-iron components to reduce wear. The twin tanks allow one to fill while the other is in use, thus reducing downtime. Maximum pressure is 130 pounds per square inch (psi).

At 77 pounds, this compact air compressor is light enough to move when required, and a built-in roll cage helps protect it from damage. Since it runs at a relatively low rpm (revolutions per minute), the noise level is only 79 decibels, so while it’s not the quietest model, it’s not so loud as to be unpleasant.

Product Specs 

• Performance: 4.2 CFM at 90 psi
• Noise: 79 decibels
• Weight: 77 pounds

Pros

• A high-quality all-around compressor that can power a variety of garage tools
• Oil-lubricated pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston run cooler for longer life
• Built-in roll cage offers protection in tough working environments like jobsites

Cons

• Faults are few, but it is quite expensive for its size

Get the Makita air compressor for home garages at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Best Bang for the Buck

Porter-Cable 6-Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Compressor

Porter-Cable is a brand known for well-designed, competitively priced equipment, and its popular pancake air compressor is a good example. It is very stable, yet at just 30 pounds it’s easy to move around, especially with its built-in carry handle and cord wrap. The low-amp motor won’t trip breakers on startup, and oil-free pumps like this one should have a long life with minimal maintenance.

With a maximum air pressure of 150 psi, the 6-gallon tank fills and recovers quickly. An output of 2.6 CFM is plenty for inflating tires, and it should run flooring or framing nailers, though it probably isn’t sufficient for wrenches or sanders. Porter-Cable doesn’t provide a noise rating, but one retailer rates it at 82 decibels, which is a little louder than most.

Product Specs 

• Performance: 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi
• Noise: 82 decibels
• Weight: 30 pounds

Pros

• A lightweight tool with built-in carry handle that comes with a competitive price tag
• Low-maintenance oil-free pump produces 150 psi for extended runtimes
• Pancake design provides stability, rubber feet protect floors, and there’s an integrated cord wrap

Cons

• Although complaints aren’t common, some found it noisy, and air leaks might occur.

Get the Porter-Cable air compressor for home garages at The Home Depot or Walmart.

Best Portable

DeWalt 2.5-Gallon Cordless Air Compressor Kit

When maximum portability is demanded, it’s rare to beat a cordless tool. With no need to plug it in to fill up the tank, the DeWalt can be used anywhere. Plus, at just 21.5 pounds, it is one of the lightest air compressors on the market. With a built-in roll cage, it’s designed to take a few knocks, too.

Output of this compressor is 1.2 SCFM at 90 psi, with a 135 psi maximum. It will inflate tires easily and can be used with nailers and low-consumption air tools. It would struggle with mechanics’ favorites like impact wrenches, however. A fast charger and one battery are included. Frequent users will probably want a spare which will make the DeWalt a more expensive choice.

Product Specs 

• Performance: 1.2 SCFM at 90 psi
• Noise: 79 decibels
• Weight: 21.5 pounds

Pros

• Offers unrivaled cordless portability and has heavy-duty roll cage for protection
• High-efficiency brushless motor maximizes battery life, while oil-free pump minimizes maintenance
• Kit includes one 60-volt 2.0Ah lithium ion battery and a fan-assisted fast charger

Cons

• Performance is modest for its premium price tag, and spare batteries are expensive

Get the DeWalt air compressor for home garages at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Best Quiet

California Air Tools 10020C Quiet Air Compressor

The California Air Tools Ultra Quiet range of air compressors manage to combine impressive power with noise levels that make them a pleasure to work with in the garage. This 10-gallon, oil-free model delivers 5.3 CFM at 90 psi, and while maximum pressure might seem modest at 125 psi, it still fills the big tank in under 2 minutes. There are one or two quieter models than the California Air Tools 10020C, but none that deliver this level of consistent performance. It is capable of running continuously for 30 minutes or more.

The dual-piston pump is engineered for durability. An easy start valve reduces the initial amperage draw so it won’t trip breakers. Although this compressor weighs 82.5 pounds, it has wheels with rubber tires so it’s not difficult to move around. It also comes with a useful 25 feet of power cord.

Product Specs 

• Performance: 5.3 CFM at 90 psi
• Noise: 70 decibels
• Weight: 82.5 pounds

Pros

• A high-performance upright air compressor that runs at just 70 decibels
• Dual-piston pump is engineered for durability and rapid filling of 10-gallon tank
• Can run continuously at low CFM and for over 30 minutes at 5.3 CFM

Cons

• Most users find it reliable, but a few reports of defects suggest inconsistent quality control

Get the California Air Tools 10020C compressor for home garages at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.

Best 20-Gallon

Stealth Professional 20-Gallon Quiet Air Compressor

The purpose of high-capacity, pro-rated models like the Stealth 20-gallon air compressor isn’t necessarily to produce greater airflow or pressure, but to deliver consistent output so there are fewer interruptions while waiting for the tank to fill. Performance figures are impressive nevertheless, with 5 CFM at 90 psi and maximum pressure of 150 psi. When running at 90 psi, the Stealth is actually capable of delivering more than 36 gallons of air per minute, with a noise level of just 70 decibels.

Capacity is such that the Stealth could often accommodate two users, and a pair of quick couplers allow for this. They also provide for rapid changing between tools. Its 8-inch rubber wheels give high traction for moving the 130-pound tool when necessary. We did find it a little surprising that the power cord is only 6 feet long, but it’s a minor frustration.

Product Specs 

• Performance: 5.0 CFM at 90 psi
• Noise: 70 decibels
• Weight: 130 pounds

Pros

• High-capacity, pro-rated compressor that’s quiet enough to not upset the neighbors
• Reliable workhorse that delivers consistent pressure from a low-maintenance, oil-free motor
• 8-inch rubber wheels offer good grip on garage floors to help mobility when necessary

Cons

• Breakdowns are unusual, but when they do happen, some owners say customer support is poor

Get the Stealth air compressor for home garages at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best 60-Gallon

Campbell Hausfeld 60-Gallon 2-Stage Air Compressor

Those who spend a lot of time in the home garage might want to consider this high-performance air compressor from Campbell Hausfeld. It delivers 7.5 SCFM at 90 psi and a 175 psi maximum. The powerful 3.7 horsepower (hp) induction motor drives a 2-stage cast-iron pump, filling the 60-gallon tank much more rapidly than single-stage rivals. It then delivers consistent output whether driving wrenches, grinders, sanders, spray equipment, or nail guns.

The Campbell Hausfeld 60-gallon air compressor weighs 336 pounds, so it needs a permanent position; however, its upright design has a relatively small footprint. It also requires a 230-volt (V) outlet. It is a sizable investment, but it’s built in the USA to commercial standards.

Product Specs 

• Performance: 7.5 SCFM at 90 psi
• Noise: 65 decibels
• Weight: 336 pounds

Pros

• 2-stage pump fills the big tank quickly and delivers the consistent output pros demand
• Has powerful and reliable 3.7 hp induction motor delivering up to 175 psi
• CFM rating is sufficient for heavy-duty garage tools, large nailers, and furniture spray equipment

Cons

• Requires 230V supply, and we suspect the price will be beyond many home mechanics

Get the Campbell Hausfeld air compressor for home garages at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Horizontal

California Air Tools 8010 Oil-Free Air Compressor

This 8-gallon horizontal air compressor is another one from the California Air Tools Ultra Quiet range, and this model produces just 60 decibels of noise. Horizontal tanks are a popular alternative to pancake compressors because although CFM and psi are similar, horizontal compressors usually offer higher capacity. As a result, they can run longer and have shorter recovery times. Output figures for this model are 2.2 CFM at 90 psi, with a maximum pressure of 120 psi. An oil-free, dual-piston pump delivers consistently reliable performance.

One downside of horizontal tanks is that they tend to be larger and heavier than pancake compressors. However, at 48 pounds, this California Air Tools model is lighter than some competitors, and wheels and a lifting handle contribute to its portability. This is a good choice for many everyday tasks, and competitively priced, though the modest CFM is insufficient for heavy-duty tools.

Product Specs 

• Performance: 2.2 CFM at 90 psi
• Noise: 60 decibels
• Weight: 48 pounds

Pros

• Popular alternative to pancake compressors with wheels and lifting handle for easy mobility
• Oil-free, dual-piston pump should ensure reliability and long working life
• Low-rpm motor helps keep noise down to just 60 decibels

Cons

• Although competitively priced, the relatively low CFM restricts the tools it can power

Get the California Air Tools 8010 compressor for home garages at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Inflator

AstroAI Portable Air Compressor

No review of the best air compressor for home garages would be complete without a tire inflator. They may not be the most interesting of tools but nearly everyone needs one for an occasional low or flat tire, and the AstroAI has a number of features that raise it above competitors.

This portable compressor plugs directly into a vehicle’s 12-volt DC socket (cigarette lighter), and it can give an immediate digital indication of tire pressure in psi, kilopascal (kPa), bar, or kilogram force per square centimeter (KG/CM²). Readings are accurate to within 1.5 percent. A user can then set the inflator to the desired pressure using simple plus and minus buttons, and it will shut off automatically when the tire is inflated to that point. A standard tire valve and nozzles for a variety of balls, air mattresses, and other inflatable items also come with the compressor, plus a spare fuse is included. It is even available in four accent colors.

Product Specs 

• Performance: CFM not relevant; max 100 psi
• Noise: 80 decibels
• Weight: 2.2 pounds

Pros

• An efficient tire inflator that plugs directly into vehicle’s 12-volt DC socket
• Programmable inflation with auto shutoff when correct pressure is reached
• Comes with standard tire valve, several other inflation nozzles, and a spare fuse

Cons

• A few fault reports, but given its popularity and high use, this is almost inevitable

Get the AstroAI air compressor for home garages at