Compressor reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 144 Reddit reviews across 31 subreddits and 49 posts to rank the best Compressor brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/basspedals, r/Tools, r/airbrush, r/FL_Studio, r/airguns. Top-rated brands include California Air Tools (4.8/5), Empress (4.7/5), Keeley (4.0/5).
Stats
Reviews144
Subreddits31
Posts49
Brands77
Products71
144 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
California Air Tools
4.8
(11)
"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"
"I eventually upgraded to a cheaper more dependable and easy to move around and low db’s."
"I have a California air tools very quiet and light and best of all affordable and dependable"
"If you want quiet and affordable try the California air tool compressor it’s very affordable durable and very quiet."
"California Air tools. They are soooo quiet. Like 60 decibels."
"I've got a California because it was the quietest one I could get."
"If you are willing to spend a bit extra, California air tools make a really nice compressor."
"Either get a California Air Tools compressor in that size range."
#2
Empress
4.7
(11)
"Spend once in your life and get the Empress. Best out there and customer support is insanely good"
"I've used an Empress for years (the old model) and loved it."
"I dont think I can ever switch to another one."
"High-end compressors are worth the money"
"Empress is what you want."
"I have a bunch of compressors and the Empress is my favorite."
"I have a bunch of compressors and the Empress is my favorite."
"I have one of the old big box models of the empress which is similar enough that I don’t feel the need to upgrade."
"Empress will do ya well."
"Empress is in the top 3 for transparent / rack type / studio grade compression."
#3
Keeley
4.0
(7)
"You could get a keeley bassist, dba type comp that is very discrete and cheaper than the empress - it's a very nice three knob limiter/comp"
"I have the Keeley bassist. It's not fancy and just has a simple light to know it's engaged. Three knobs. But it does everything a compressor should do."
"I use a Keeley 4-knob."
"The keeley compressor is based on the old Dynacomp/Ross circuit."
"If you want something you can use for other tones I’d suggest something more versatile like keeley compressor plus with the blend."
"Keeley Bassist is the one I use. It’s got simple controls which is really useful for dialing in the sound."
"If you're curious, get the Keeley and start experimenting."
#4
Husky
4.4
(5)
"It was super quiet. I believe it was a husky mini, it worked perfect for me."
"Highest SCFM, low decibel, highest warranty."
"Personally I'd go the Husky because tank size matters as much as SCFM rating."
"I would go with the 27 gal Husky."
"Mine is very quiet and makes a huge difference in my shop."
#5
Harbor Freight
3.8
(5)
"Harbor freight. Thank me later."
"Harbor Freight's 2 gal Fortress air compressor is small and efficient."
"Buy a brush less air compressor."
"Usually use my crappy pancake compressor from Harbor Freight if it's at home."
"A small compressor often doesn't have the tank capacity to keep up with air requirements."
#6
Boss
4.5
(4)
"Boss Bc-1x. Dead simple to use and sounds great."
"I love the Boss BC-1X compressor... solid and sounds good."
"The BC-1X has fewer controls (no attack knob), so I figured it'd be harder to misconfigure."
"The Boss BC-1x is an unsung hero in the transparent category."
#7
Makita
4.3
(4)
"I've had mine 5 years now and no issues."
"They are direct drive induction 4 poles oiled base."
"Something like a 2 gallon fortress or a Makita quiet series."
"It's not super loud, and doesn't have to run constantly."
#8
MXR
4.3
(4)
"Love my MXR M76 Studio Compressor (it’s the same as the M87 Bass compressor, but in black)"
"I've been using the MXR Dyna Comp for about a year and really like it."
"Some other good options are the MXR M87, Seymour Duncan's Studio Bass Compressor, or Wampler Ego76"
"MXR M87 makes for a great limiter."
#9
Rigid
4.7
(3)
"I bought a Fortress one with 5 cfm at Harbor Freight and it was a dud. So I returned it and 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. I also use it daily. No issues whatsoever."
"Yes, I’ve been using a 5 cfm 4 gal rigid with it for a couple years."
#10
Yong Heng
4.7
(3)
"Filled up my 45 min 4500psi in around 25 minutes."
"Best money ive spent on my air rifle journey is the compressor and tank."
"Yong Heng Digital compressor for filling the SCBA tank to 4500PSI."
#11
Yongheng
4.3
(3)
"Yongheng has been great for me. One of my best purchases after struggling for years with not having any access to compressed air within 2 hours."
"Get a Yongheng compressor. They're pretty much the gold standard for at home compressors for around $250."
"The Yongheng is a decent compressor just have to keep an eye on the temperature as high temperature kills these compressors."
#12
Fortress
3.7
(3)
"I love my Fortress 26 gallon ultra quiet."
"The ultra quiet fortress is what I got. Love it."
"It's been ok but likes to eat the Reed valves."
#13
Tokyo Dawn Records (TDR)
5.0
(2)
"\+1 for Molotok, also Kotelnikov which TDR also makes. Looks like they're both still available for free download from the TDR website."
"Tokyo Dawn Records has two fantastic free compressors, Kotelnikov and Molotok. The free versions of both are great."
#14
186
5.0
(2)
"186 is really good."
"Get the smaller one. It’s more than adequate."
#15
SSL
5.0
(2)
"SSL Bus Compressor"
"SSL bus compressor is great"
#16
Wampler
5.0
(2)
"Wampler Ego <3"
"I use a Wampler Ego with my bass. I adore it!"
#17
California Air
5.0
(2)
"Get California Air, its friggin silent."
"Mine is so quiet, no oil, and aluminum tank."
#18
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."
#19
DOD
4.5
(2)
"If you're looking at DOD, check out the Milkbox! It's a really nice DBX in a box."
"Big fan of the MilkBox from DOD. should find one cheap used."
#20
API
4.5
(2)
"API 2500 on snares is amazing. It gives a pop I can’t get from other comps."
"API 2500"
#21
ARB
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."
#22
Stealth
4.5
(2)
"I have it and love it. Highest CFM while also among the lowest decibel rating."
"The Stealth from Home Depot seems to check all the boxes."
#23
Northstar
4.5
(2)
"The best strait gas compressor ive used personally is the northstar units."
"I’ve been pretty happy with mine."
#24
Timbertech
4.0
(2)
"Timbertech or I got the tooty from Spraygunner. Basically same thing."
"It has a 45db compressor."
#25
Distressor
4.0
(2)
"Distressor."
"What I recommend to try, will be any emulation of the Distressor."
#26
Kobalt
4.0
(2)
"It is impressive how quiet it is."
"With the 2 motors. It can be on and stand next to it and have a conversation."
#27
Milwaukee
4.0
(2)
"If you get a good battery compressor like the Milwaukee or Makita 40v that is quite."
"I keep a Milwaukee M18 inflator around so I don't have to drag out hoses."
#28
Camel
3.5
(2)
"Camel double piston one from dragon mart. Can inflate from 15 to 35 psi in ~ 45 secs."
"Get the camel compressor. how long it lasts depends on your luck."
#29
Rapidflate
5.0
(1)
"Rapidflate Pro Air Compressor. And consider also getting the 4-tire inflation/deflation hose kit."
#30
Dragon Mart
5.0
(1)
"It doesn't heat up at all, fills up my Xterra and my brother's Patrol, and is very very efficient!"
#31
Union LAB
5.0
(1)
"Union LAB and effectrode PC-2A are my favorites, pc2a has tubes in it so it gives you some nice saturation an always on pedal for me"
#32
Analog Obsession
5.0
(1)
"Get Analog Obsession's "BUSTERse" --- it is an SSL style bus compressor which is perfect for your needs. It's very easy to use."
#33
Thor
5.0
(1)
"I have a 60 gal air compressor in the garage."
#34
No-Name
5.0
(1)
"Cool Tooty Airbrush Compressor by NO-NAME I have this compressor right now almost a year and I have no complain."
#35
NAPA
5.0
(1)
"Very happy with it."
#36
Vevor
5.0
(1)
"Works great... 120v or 12v for home or field."
#37
Tooty No-Name
5.0
(1)
"I've been very happy with it so far."
#38
FL Studio
5.0
(1)
"FL studio has the mis-named Fruity Limiter that contains an excellent compressor on a second tab. That can do everything you need, if set right."
#39
Tuxing
4.0
(1)
"You can get a really good Tuxing compressor that's designed to fill full size scuba tanks."
#40
Campbell
4.0
(1)
"Mine looks like the cheaper one, I’ve been happy with it."
#41
Demon FX
4.0
(1)
"I have the Demon FX knockoff of the Darkglass Super Symmetry... there's a lerning curve but I'm pretty happy with it."
#42
Red Chinese
4.0
(1)
"Go for the red Chinese single piston that cost something below 300."
#43
VEVOR
4.0
(1)
"VEVOR High Pressure Compressor, 4500PSI/30MPA/300BAR High Pressure Air Compressor, 1800W 110V Automatic Stop Air Rifle Compressor Suitable for Paintball Air Rifle, PCP Rifle, Air Pistol, Diving Bottle i got this from amazon for bout 230 bucks its does a good job."
#44
Broughton
4.0
(1)
"Went with the broughton Omnicomp. Very happy. Very easy to dial in."
#45
Plugin Alliance
4.0
(1)
"This one is nice and doesn’t break the bank https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_townhouse_buss_compressor.html"
#46
AS-186 clones
4.0
(1)
"Any of the various AS-186 clones with a tank would be a good place to start."
#47
Sullair
4.0
(1)
"The Sullair units are pretty solid as long as PM schedules are maintained."
#48
JHS
4.0
(1)
"JHS 3 Series Compressor"
#49
Camel Crusher
4.0
(1)
"Camel Crusher is a good free one, has a filter & tube distortion."
#50
Craftsman
4.0
(1)
"Works great. You can use it on AC, from a cigarette lighter socket, or with an 18v battery."
#51
DBX
4.0
(1)
"Want punch? Grab a 160."
#52
Quincy
4.0
(1)
"Quincy 325 or 350 with a continuous run valve and a 120 gallon tank."
#53
Alesis
4.0
(1)
"Alesis 3630...."
#54
Rutlands
4.0
(1)
"I'm currently thinking of going with the Rutlands 4 Litre Quiet Compressor, which has a 750W engine, and a review on youtube says it refills in 1 minute."
#55
Oto
4.0
(1)
"Oto boum maybe."
#56
AC
4.0
(1)
"The AC8305 is more than powefull enough to run an Eclipse, tank refill will take longer, but it will not struggle."
#57
Hyundai
4.0
(1)
"I'm happy with my Hyundai 50 litre one."
#58
Thor's Lightning
4.0
(1)
"10cfm... biggest you are gonna get in a portable compressor."
#59
PTO
4.0
(1)
"If money was no object I'd go PTO, or at least a miller airpak."
#60
HF
4.0
(1)
"The HF Ultra Quiet ones are decent."
#61
Harder and Steenbeck
4.0
(1)
"Worth looking at for a starter airbrush for minis."
#62
Ingersoll
4.0
(1)
"Personally I really like the new Ingersoll screw units."
#63
Central Pneumatic
4.0
(1)
"Had it for years."
#64
Metabo
4.0
(1)
"It has nice specs for airbrushing and is about as quiet as a typical airbrush compressor."
#65
Thors Lightning
4.0
(1)
"It has worked good so far."
#66
Polar Air
4.0
(1)
"I'd get a scroll compressor. Faster, quieter."
#67
Battery Powered
4.0
(1)
"I'd recommend picking up whichever one you have batteries for."
#68
Power Tool
4.0
(1)
"Most will come with a gauge built into the compressor itself."
#69
GXPUMP
4.0
(1)
"It's been working well."
#70
Kaishan
4.0
(1)
"Kaishan are lower cost and pretty reliable."
#71
Logic
4.0
(1)
"My go to's are using the stock logic compressors or Joey sturgis drum glue compressors on my drum bus."
#72
AS186
4.0
(1)
"Get any AS186 compressor from Amazon with a tank."
#73
Ridgid
4.0
(1)
"Ridgid will do ya fine."
#74
DeWALT
4.0
(1)
"I have this one."
#75
GX
4.0
(1)
"Chris did a pretty solid right up on the GX CS4 compressor."
#76
KNOCK
3.0
(1)
"...or if you really don't like the real advice, then just buy KNOCK, increase the dials, and call it a day."
#77
Glue
3.0
(1)
"You need fast compressor. Glue is rather slow as it should glue things together instead of treating fast transients."
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