The Best Quiet Air Compressors for Low-Volume Workspaces, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Quiet Air Compressors for Low-Volume Workspaces, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
Reduce noise levels and increase productivity with these powerful tools.
If you think air compressors are just tools for auto mechanics and housebuilders, think again. From inflating tires and balls to cleaning electronic devices, powering air tools, and painting, quiet air compressors can help make household chores easier.
When shopping for a quiet compressor, consider how you want to use it and look at the unit’s specifications. To help narrow the field, we tested some of the best quiet air compressors in our workshops and on jobsites. After all, a pneumatic tool is only as good as the air compressor powering it.
Keep reading to learn key shopping considerations and find out how the following models fared in our hands-on tests and earned a spot on our lineup of the best quiet air compressors.
- BEST OVERALL: California Air Tools 8010 1 HP 8-Gal. Air Compressor
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: California Air Tools 1P1060S ⅗ HP Air Compressor
- BEST COMPACT: Makita MAC210Q Quiet Series 1 HP Air Compressor
- BEST FOR AIR TOOLS: California Air Tools 10020C 2 HP Air Compressor
- BEST FOR AIRBRUSH: Master Airbrush ⅕ HP Cool Runner II Air Compressor
- BEST MULTIPURPOSE: Harbor Freight Fortress 175 PSI Air Compressor
- BEST FOR TIRES: Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Tire Inflator
- BEST HOME SHOP: Kobalt Quiet Tech 150 PSI 26-Gal. Air Compressor
How We Tested the Best Quiet Air Compressors
With dozens of highly rated air compressors to choose from, it was a challenge to select the top performers for our hands-on tests. We considered brand names to an extent—after all, manufacturers such as California Air Tools are widely known for producing ultraquiet compressors, and other top manufacturers, such as Makita, have an extensive selection of air compressors, many rated as quiet.
After researching more than 35 air compressors, we narrowed our list by only considering models producing less than 75 decibels (dB) of sound intensity. That would be as quiet or quieter than a household vacuum.
When the compressors arrived, we assembled them and got to work. We connected air tools based on the compressor’s ratings and the tool’s pressure requirements and used the tools as we normally would on a project. We noted cycle run/recovery times and pressure consistency and used our decibel tester to verify the manufacturer’s stated noise level. Each compressor received points based on how it performed on each test. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our top picks and awarded each compressor a distinction based on its best use.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 8
- Hours spent testing: 20+
- Tests performed: 5
- Price range: $140 to $400
Our Top Picks
The following list features the air compressors that performed the best in our tests while maintaining a noise level of less than 75 dB. You’ll find a variety of power levels and intended uses, but each one met our testing criteria, and at least one is sure to be a good fit for powering your pneumatic tools or devices.
Best Overall
California Air Tools 8010 1 HP 8-Gal. Air Compressor
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Power 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Decibels: 60 dB
- Cubic feet per minute (CFM) at 90 pounds per square inch (PSI): 2.20 CFM
- Volume: 8 gallons
Pros
- Quiet operation that is suitable for use indoors or in places with limited noise levels
- 8-gallon air tank has long runtime; enough for small to large projects
- Large wheels make it easy to transport or maneuver
- Suitable for various DIY tasks, from firing brads and staples to light-duty painting
Cons
- Not powerful enough to run high-capacity tools, such as impact wrenches or framing nailers
The California Air Tools 8010 is an ultraquiet air compressor that takes on projects like brad nailing, light-duty spray painting, blow cleaning, and inflating without disrupting the neighborhood.
The 8010 is rated at 60 dB of noise, but our tests registered just 50.6 dB, which is substantially quieter—like a voice from across a room. Either way, this is a nice, quiet air compressor.
It has an 8-gallon air tank, a 1-horsepower (hp) motor, and an oil-free pump. The only assembly we had to do was attach the large wheels, which took just a couple of minutes. The 8010 produces a steady flow of 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI, and we found it well suited for firing brad nails and staples and light-duty paint spraying. On a whim, we switched to heavy-duty paint spraying—but it ran out of steam during its recovery cycle. Still, we didn’t expect it to handle the load since it wasn’t designed to do so.
Its handle and wheels make it easy to pull this 48-pound hot dog–style compressor over uneven ground, and it’s low profile enough to store beneath a workbench. If you’re looking for a quiet all-around compressor, the 8010 deserves a close look.
Read our full review: California Air Tools 8010 1 HP 8-Gal. Air Compressor
Get the California Air Tools 8010 quiet air compressor at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
California Air Tools 1P1060S ⅗ HP Air Compressor
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Power 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Decibels: 56 dB
- CFM at 90 PSI: 1.20 CFM
- Volume: 1 gallon
Pros
- Quiet operation generates just 56 decibels of noise, making it well suited to indoor projects
- At 29 pounds, the compressor is lightweight enough to easily carry where needed
- Despite its compact size, the air compressor powers brad nailers and construction staplers
- Recovers quickly, so there’s little to no downtime
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks that require high levels of continuous airflow
Looking for a quiet air compressor that doesn’t cost a fortune? Check out the California Air Tools 1P1060S, which generates just 56 decibels of noise when it cycles on. This affordable compressor weighs just 29 pounds and comes with a 1-gallon steel air tank. In our tests, it was both easy to use and easy to carry.
When we unboxed the 1P1060S and powered it up, we were skeptical that a compressor as compact and quiet would stand up to anything more than airbrushing, but we were pleasantly surprised. The 1P1060S did a great job with our airbrush but also powered a brad nailer and a construction stapler and inflated the oversize tires on our truck.
This little California Air Tools marvel delivers 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI, and we were impressed at how quickly it recovered when we’d used enough pressure to trigger the recovery cycle—it took just 12 to 13 seconds for it to power back up to its maximum level at 120 PSI.
The 1P1060S isn’t designed to handle high-capacity pneumatic tools, such as impact wrenches or commercial spray guns, but it’s a star at delivering reliable power for smaller air tools. Best of all, it’s super quiet—making it a good pick for indoor use—and it comes at an attractive price point.
Get the California Air Tools 1P1060S quiet air compressor at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Compact
Makita MAC210Q Quiet Series 1 HP Air Compressor
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Power 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Decibels: 60 dB
- CFM at 90 PSI: 2 CFM
- Volume: 2 gallons
Pros
- Measuring just 17.375 inches long by 16.875 inches wide by 13.625 inches tall, the tool won’t take up much storage space
- Relatively lightweight (45.2 pounds) coupled with a padded carry handle enhances portability
- This is a quiet air compressor, generating just 60 dB of noise
- Well suited for light to medium tasks, including brad nailing, stapling, and inflating
Cons
- Not enough power or large enough tank to run higher-capacity tools
The compact Makita MAC210Q is easy to pack in a truck, carry around the worksite, and store in a garage. Perhaps best of all, it’s nice and quiet—making it well suited for workspaces where noise is a concern. It generates just 60 dB, comparable to the noise level of normal conversation.
We’re big fans of Makita power tools, and the MAC210Q lived up to the brand’s high reputation. We tested it by firing brads in hardwood trim boards and shooting construction staples in plywood sheeting. We also tried it with our airbrush, although this is oversize for airbrushing. It provided ample power in all our tests and had a quick recovery time, so we didn’t have to stop firing brads or staples during its recovery cycle.
It weighs 45.2 pounds and comes with a padded top handle, while its slim profile makes it more comfortable to carry. It delivers 2 CFM at 90 PSI, so it’s not powerful enough to run higher-capacity tools such as impact wrenches. It also has a sturdy roll cage that protects the motor from accidental drops or falls, and at just 17.375 inches long by 16.875 inches wide by 13.625 inches tall, it won’t take up too much storage room.
Get the Makita quiet air compressor at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Ace Tool.
Best for Air Tools
California Air Tools 10020C 2 HP Air Compressor
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Power 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Decibels: 70 dB
- CFM at 90 PSI: 5.3 CFM
- Volume: 10 gallons
Pros
- Sufficient air pressure to run most garage tools, including impact wrenches and die grinders
- 2 connection ports allow 2 different tools to be powered simultaneously
- Produces just 70 dB of noise during its recovery cycle
- Comes with sturdy wheels and a handle that make it easy to move around
Cons
- May not have enough power to run high-capacity paint spray guns
Go ahead and ratchet up the power with the California Air Tools 10020C air compressor. With a 10-gallon heavy-duty steel tank, a 2 hp motor, a maximum pressure of 125 PSI, and 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI, this unit offers ample power for running common garage tools, including impact wrenches, die grinders, and more.
Several aspects of the 10020C made it a winner in our tests. We were able to run two pneumatic tools at the same time thanks to the compressor’s two connection ports, and the compressor produced enough power to run all of our pneumatic auto tools except our largest impact wrench—which wasn’t a surprise, since it’s designed for removing the lugs from the wheels of big rigs. The 10020C easily powered our standard impact wrenches and sailed through our framing nailer tests. It also successfully powered our mid-duty paint sprayer, but it wasn’t quite enough for our high-capacity commercial sprayer.
With all that power, we were pleasantly surprised that the compressor produced just 70 dB during its recovery cycle. This makes it an excellent choice in a garage where sounds can reverberate and seem even louder than they are. It has enough power to run most air tools used by home mechanics and comes with sturdy wheels and a handle that make it easy to roll it from spot to spot.
Get the California Air Tools 10020C quiet air compressor at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best for Airbrush
Master Airbrush ⅕ HP Cool Runner II Air Compressor
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Power 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Decibels: 47 dB
- CFM at 90 PSI: 0.8 CFM
- Volume: 0.8 gallons
Pros
- The compressor is very quiet, generating just 40.8 dB in our tests
- Excellent choice for precision airbrushing jobs where consistent pressure is vital
- Quick pressure buildup, reaching max pressure levels in about a minute
Cons
- Not suitable for use with standard DIY power tools that require higher capacity
- May have been a fluke, but we ran into a loose connection and had to tighten it
Working on projects that demand a high level of precision, such as airbrushing, takes intense focus and concentration, and the last thing you want is to be startled by an air compressor cycling. Enter Cool Runner by Master Airbrush—a compact little air compressor that generates just 47 decibels, according to the manufacturer. In our tests, the Cool Runner generated just 40.8 decibels while it was cycling. Either way, it’s very quiet.
We loved using the Cool Runner in our airbrush painting tests. It comes with a maximum 57 PSI—not enough to power any type of DIY tools, but ample enough for airbrushing. It reached maximum pressure about a minute after we turned it on, but while preparing to attach our airbrush (not included), we noticed the pressure level on the gauge dropping. There was a leak somewhere, though we couldn’t hear or feel it. We sprayed a little dish soap water on the connections and one started bubbling. We tightened that nut with a wrench and had no more leaking issues.
Other than that, the Cool Runner was a star performer in the quiet, low-volume compressor category. It delivered consistent pressure for our airbrush and we worked for 5 minutes before it cycled on. We were still able to work during the cycle recovery period, making the Cool Runner a good choice for airbrushing when you can’t afford to stop and wait for your compressor to finish cycling.
Get the Master Airbrush quiet air compressor at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Multipurpose
Harbor Freight Fortress 175 PSI Air Compressor
Photo: harborfreight.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Power 5/5; Noise 5/5; Portability 5/5;Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Decibels: 69 dB
- Standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) at 90 PSI: 4.3 SCFM
- Volume: 10 gallons
Pros
- Quiet start-up and operation compared to traditional air compressors
- Well suited to sever