Air Compressor reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 141 Reddit reviews across 26 subreddits and 43 posts to rank the best Air Compressor brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Tools, r/overlanding, r/AutoDetailing, r/DubaiPetrolHeads, r/airbrush. Top-rated brands include California Air Tools (4.8/5), Harbor Freight (4.1/5), Viair (4.6/5).
Stats
Reviews141
Subreddits26
Posts43
Brands52
Products77
141 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
California Air Tools
4.8
(19)
"This gives me roughly 6 CFM at 90PSI 70db and requires little to no maintenance."
"Super quiet."
"It's quieter than some of the *ahem* recreational toys I've owned in my life, and it's tiny. Works great too"
"Best compressor you can get for $200. If your serious about airbrushing I’d highly recommend this."
"They are soooo quiet. Like 60 decibels."
"I've got a California because it was the quietest one I could get."
"Make a really nice compressor."
"It is stoooopid quiet, especially compared to pancake compressors."
"California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S."
"I would always recommend the California Air Tools compressors."
#2
Harbor Freight
4.1
(15)
"For 110 volt, that's your best value"
"Go with the ultra quiet harbor freight. You will not regret it."
"Go with the ultra quiet. You won’t regret it!"
"Harbor Freight's 2 gal Fortress air compressor is small and efficient."
"The HF Ultra Quiet ones are decent."
"I've been looking at the harbor freight ones to replace my pancake compressor, since it doesn't last long enough for much of anything."
"I bought, for $49.95, a small compressor from Harbor Freight. My choice was based on a test performed by Project Farm."
"I’d go to harbor freight. Worst case Ontario their return process is easy peasy."
"If you have a harbor freight near you check them out, they have some pretty decent 6 and 8 gallon ones at pretty cheap prices."
"[example of compressor ratings]"
#3
Viair
4.6
(9)
"Everyone should own one. Decent quality, connects directly to your battery."
"If you want an 'upgrade pick' the Viair 300P SXS is a great option."
"Viair is my go to."
"I went with a Viair 400p after price watching it for a while and got it on a solid deal."
"Viairs 88P Portable Air Compressor is affordable, can inflate up to 33inch tires and is easily stored."
"I use a Viair 400P on my Ram 2500 and like it."
"Viair."
"The cheaper Viair should fit your needs."
"Viar is incredibly well made and works great."
#4
Milwaukee
4.6
(7)
"I have 3 of the Milwaukee air compressors and they go up to 150 psi. They are awesome!"
"I have started using a Milwaukee M18 battery powered compressor. It does fine airing up the 22.5 tires."
"Milwaukee m18"
"Inflates each of my 265/70/17 tires at 80 seconds each and auto stops at my set PSI."
"If you get a good battery compressor like the Milwaukee or Makita 40v that is quite."
"Milwaukee makes an inflator that a few guys I know use as their primary to air up after a trip that works pretty well."
"IMHO the Milwaukee M18 inflator is so fast, it just makes everything easier."
#5
Husky
4.4
(7)
"From your list, Husky 2HP. Highest SCFM, low decibel, highest warranty."
"It’s great for a dual nozzle setup."
"It’s a quiet running model. It’s paid for itself numerous times."
"The 5SCFM Husky or Stealth are the only options I'd consider."
"From that list, I would go with the 27 gal Husky."
"My advice is go for the quietest one. The Husky or Fortress at around 70db are good choices."
"I have an 8 gallon husky that has never left me wanting."
#6
Makita
4.8
(6)
"Check out the Makita MAc5200 from home Depot. I've had mine 5 years now and no issues."
"I'd try to get a used Makita mac5200. They are direct drive induction 4 poles oiled base."
"Mines is expensive but it's what i use."
"I bought a Makita Quiet series air compressor and it is only 58 decibels."
"If money isn’t a huge concern, I’d get the Makita Quiet Series. I got one for my airbrushing and also some shop/tool stuff."
"Something like the makita mac100q would be good in your case."
#7
Ridgid
4.5
(6)
"The ridgid 200psi from Home Depot is the go to for portable compressors."
"...went to Home Depot and spent the extra money on the Ridgid one in the photo above. No issues so far."
"Rigid all day. I’ve used this one for years with the tornador."
"A lot of people recommend the 200 psi 4.5 gal Ridgid compressor since it has a 5.1 cfm output."
"I bought the Ridgid 4.5 gallon unit at Home Depot. It seemed to run the tool just fine."
"Ridgid 4.5 gal (5 CFM @ 90 psi) works really well for me."
#8
ARB
4.5
(6)
"ARB is the best."
"I've got the ARB mounted under the hood, best thing I've ever done."
"If you’ve got money to spend, go an ARB twin, preferably onboard."
"ARB twin compressor is the bees knees."
"I have an ARB single compressor and a 2.5 gallon tank that runs to my lockers and a hose hook up for tires and tools."
"I have the ARB single and it’s “ok” on speed, but the compressed air coming out is insane, melted the arb line it came with, and 2 other air lines."
#9
Fortress
3.8
(5)
"If quiet is what you want look into the Fortress Ultra Quiet series at Harbor Freight."
"The ultra quiet fortress is what I got. Love it."
"I love my Fortress 26 gallon ultra quiet."
"I have the fortress 27. It's been ok but likes to eat the Reed valves."
"I bought a Fortress one with 5 cfm at Harbor Freight and it was a dud."
#10
Kobalt
4.5
(4)
"I have the first kobalt one on your list and it is impressive how quiet it is."
"Kolbalt 26. With the 2 motors. It can be on and stand next to it and have a conversation."
"The bigger capacity means less cycling and more run time."
"Had it for 8+ years never had a problem."
#11
ALL-TOP
5.0
(3)
"ALL-TOP 12V Air Compressor is versatile for various tasks and built to last."
"ALL-TOP 12V Air Compressor is versatile for various tasks and built to last."
"ALL-TOP 12V Air Compressor is a game-changer, handles tire inflation and inflating pool toys, air mattresses, and sports balls."
#12
Stealth
4.3
(3)
"Stealth is the right choice here. I have it and love it."
"I’d choose the stealth, seems like a good deal to me."
"The Stealth from Home Depot seems to check all the boxes."
#13
Ingersoll Rand
4.0
(3)
"IR 30gal with Kohler command pro 12.5ch engine, been running 20+ years."
"I have a 60 gallon Ingersoll Rand compressor (220V) that served me very well."
"It served me very well back when all I had were air tools."
#14
Sullair
5.0
(2)
"The Sullair units are pretty solid as long as PM schedules are maintained."
"Sullairs seem to be bulletproof."
#15
Xiaomi
5.0
(2)
"I recommend a Xiaomi Mijia 2 pump"
"The only portable electric pump it makes sense to buy is the Xiaomi Mijia Compressor 2."
#16
DeWALT
4.5
(2)
"I have this one: [https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCC020IB-20V-Inflator-Bare/dp/B07H39S9JQ](https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCC020IB-20V-Inflator-Bare/dp/B07H39S9JQ)"
"I would recommend the Dewalt Air compressor."
#17
Northstar
4.5
(2)
"The best strait gas compressor ive used personally is the northstar units."
"I’ve been pretty happy with mine."
#18
ARB Twin Piston
4.5
(2)
"ARB twin piston. Comes with heavy duty ARB wiring and harness."
"Best on the market - ARB Twin Piston. Pros: Very nice build quality, plenty of support."
#19
No Name
4.5
(2)
"Check out No Name brand Cool Tooty, that's a top choice too"
"Give that a serious look as well. I have the older model and its been good to me for around 3 years now."
#20
Metabo
4.5
(2)
"Metabo 'The Tank' 8 gallon is the only one that didn't fail within a week."
"I suggest you look at Rona for the Metabo EC 28M."
#21
Campbell Hausfeld
4.0
(2)
"Campbell Hausfeld VT6358 2-Stage 30 Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor delivers 5.5 CFM at 90 PSI."
"Campbell Hausfeld VT6358 2-Stage 30 Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor delivers 5.5 CFM at 90 PSI."
#22
Kaeser
4.0
(2)
"Kaeser. Quiet. We unload ships with one."
"Kaeser is a nice brand."
#23
Dragon Mart Four Cylinder Compressor
5.0
(1)
"It doesn't heat up at all, fills up my Xterra and my brother's Patrol, and is very very efficient!"
#24
Camel Double Piston Compressor
5.0
(1)
"Camel double piston one from dragon mart. Can inflate from 15 to 35 psi in ~ 45 secs."
#25
Fengda
5.0
(1)
"I can recommend Fengda A186 compressor, small and quiet ... and affordable."
#26
California Air
5.0
(1)
"Check out California Air compressors. Mine is so quiet, no oil, and aluminum tank."
#27
Noco
5.0
(1)
"I'd just recommend getting the biggest one you can afford."
#28
Amazon
5.0
(1)
"The Amazon ones are great as186."
#29
NAPA
5.0
(1)
"I bought the portable NAPA. Very happy with it."
#30
Pancake Compressor
5.0
(1)
"I've found that a 6-gallon pancake compressor is more than enough for most household needs."
#31
RIDGID
5.0
(1)
"I use the rigid"
#32
Chicago Air HUSH30 30L Air Compressor
5.0
(1)
"Https://sydneytools.com.au/product/chicago-air-hush30-aluminium-silenced-30l-air-compressor"
#33
Miller
5.0
(1)
"If money was no object I'd go PTO, or at least a miller airpak to save space."
#34
Rigid
5.0
(1)
"Possibly one of my best ever purchases."
#35
VMac
5.0
(1)
"Love all my PTO driven VMacs."
#36
BK
4.0
(1)
"I have this one. But my goodness the price has sky rocketed."
#37
EZFlate
4.0
(1)
"It takes all 4 of my 37” tires from 17 psi to 36 psi in 5-6 minutes using a 4 hose system."
#38
Craftsman
4.0
(1)
"Craftsman 20-gallon oil-free compressor has a powerful 1.8 HP motor and delivers up to 4 SCFM at 90 PSI. Great for nailing, painting, and inflating tires."
#39
Home Depot
4.0
(1)
"I’ve been using a 1gal homedepot pancake compressor I bought used for $30. Fills my tires, solar shower, and runs a trim nailer, air tools, and cleans out gear with the air nozzle"
#40
Ironman 4x4
4.0
(1)
"Ironman 4x4 compressor is budget friendly, sub $200, and reliable for about three years."
#41
Red Chinese Single Piston Compressor
4.0
(1)
"Go for the red Chinese single piston that cost something below 300."
#42
Rapidflate Pro Air Compressor
4.0
(1)
"Rapidflate Pro Air Compressor. And consider also getting the 4-tire inflation/deflation hose kit."
#43
Kohree
4.0
(1)
"A LOT of reviews, I have come to the conclusion it is probably better to buy 2 devices."
#44
McGraw
4.0
(1)
"I bought the 27 gallon mcgraw from harbor freight and it works well enough."
#45
Ingersoll
4.0
(1)
"Personally I really like the new Ingersoll screw units."
#46
Hyundai
4.0
(1)
"I'm happy with my Hyundai 50 litre one."
#47
Kaishan
4.0
(1)
"Kaishan are lower cost and pretty reliable."
#48
Thors Lightning
4.0
(1)
"I bought the 'thors lightning' compressor off Amazon. It hooks onto your battery directly as you idle."
#49
Dewalt
4.0
(1)
"The Dewalt inflator is a good choice, it can easily handle the higher pressure of a dually."
#50
Central Pneumatic
4.0
(1)
"I have an old Central Pneumatic hotdog compressor. I think it's 8 gal. Had it for years."
#51
SSW Offroad
4.0
(1)
"Been running it more than a year. Can inflate 35inch tires and up easy."
#52
Camel Compressor
3.0
(1)
"Get the camel compressor. how long it lasts depends on your luck."
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