How to Choose a Small Air Compressor

Updated: Mar. 02, 2023

We sorted through the specs, tried them out and found eight great models of small air compressors.

small-air-compressor-air-compressor-reviewsFamily Handyman

When you're shopping for a small air compressor, the first thing you'll notice is that they're plastered with specifications: 2 hp, 3 gallon, 2.8 cfm, 130 psi, 73 dB...

But don't let all those specs confuse you. We'll tell you what they mean, what matters and what doesn't, and help you choose a compressor to suit your needs.

We tried the most widely available compressors on the market-more than 20 models-and selected eight that we thought were the best choices for DIYers. We focused on small to midsize models because they were affordable and portable, as well as powerful enough to handle the most common DIY projects.

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Small Air Compressor – They’re not for ‘high-demand’ tools

None of the small air compressors we tested are good partners for air-hungry tools like pneumatic wrenches, sanders or paint sprayers. For those tools, you’ll need a much larger compressor. We’ll help you find the best air compressor with our air compressor reviews.

CFM is the key

Cfm (cubic feet per minute) tells you how fast the small air compressor can supply air. And it’s usually the most important number to consider. If a tool uses air faster than the compressor can supply it, you’ll have to stop working and wait for the compressor to catch up. Every manufacturer tests its compressors at 90 psi-an average setting for a nail gun-so you can be confident that you’re comparing apples to apples when you look at air compressor cfm numbers. The compressors we tested range from 0.6 to 2.8 cfm.

Tank size matters—sometimes

Tank size matters—sometimes

The compressors we chose have tanks ranging from 1 to 6 gallons. A larger tank holds more air and will allow you to use more air before the pressure drops and the motor kicks on to refill the tank. That might let you avoid stopping work while the compressor refills the tank. But remember this: When your work demands a lot of air volume, a large tank is no substitute for adequate cfm.

Psi usually isn’t a factor

Psi usually isn’t a factor

Most compressors provide plenty of pressure for DIY tools and tasks. In that sense, the pounds per square inch (psi) isn’t much of an issue. But a higher max psi does have one real benefit: It allows a smaller tank to hold more air and perform like a bigger tank. A 2-gallon tank at 150 psi, for example, holds as much air as a 3-gallon tank at 100 psi.

Some are four times as loud as others

Some are four times as loud as others

The small air compressors we chose range from 60 to 87 decibels. That may not seem like a huge difference, but it is. The decibel scale isn’t like most scales you’re used to. Going up 10 dB doubles the level of noise. A machine rated at 70 dB, for example, is twice as loud as one rated at 60 dB. An 80-dB machine is four times as loud. So a small reduction in decibels goes a long way in making a machine more pleasant to operate.

Portability isn’t just about weight

Portability isn’t just about weight

Weight isn’t the only factor in determining whether a compressor is easy to carry. Shape matters too. A slim small air compressor unit is the easiest to tote; wide ones are the most awkward. We’ve noted the best air compressor and the worst in our reviews.

Enough power for nailers?

Enough power for nailers?

All of the small air compressors we tried deliver enough pressure (psi) and volume (cfm) for trim nailers.

Framing nailers are another story. All of the compressors except one (Central Pneumatic 95275) provide enough pressure for framing nailers (typically about 120 psi). But only the ones with ratings of about 2 cfm or higher will keep up with a framing nailer when you’re working at moderate speed. Those with lower cfm ratings will require patience; you’ll drive a few nails, then wait for the small compressor to catch up.

Oil-free is the norm

Almost all small air compressors are now ‘oil-less,’ which means you never have to worry about checking or changing oil. An oil-less small air compressor generally wears out faster than oil-lubricated models, but that’s not likely to be an issue with normal DIY use of a small air compressor.

Ignore horsepower

To get the best read on the amount of air power a small air compressor can deliver, look at cfm, not horsepower on a small air compressor.

Shrouding prevents damage

Shrouding prevents damage

One of the benefits of a small compressor is that you can take it virtually anywhere. The downside is that a small air compressor is likely to get battered. The tank will be fine, but the gauges and outlets are vulnerable unless they’re protected. Some of the machines we tested go all in: They’re built with a case that surrounds the entire machine. Others leave some parts unprotected.

Other Features to Look For in the Best Small Air Compressor

  • Ball valve drain. Water that condenses in a compressor’s tank leads to rusting and pinhole leaks. To prevent this, manufacturers recommend that you drain the tank regularly. All tanks have drains, but there are two different types. The simplest is a drain cock, which is awkward to use, and you may even need a pliers. We prefer a ball valve drain, which works like a faucet.
  • Cord wrap. Most compressors provide a convenient way to wrap up the power cord for easy carrying.
  • Two outlets. Most compressors have a single outlet for connecting an air hose, but a few have two, which lets you and a buddy work together.
  • Kits and accessories. For extra value, look for compressors that come with a hose or a set of inflation accessories. Some may be bundled with a nail gun and hose under a different model number.

Small Air Compressor Reviews

Light, quiet and loved by pros (SENCO NO. PC1010N)

This is an upgraded model based on the PC1010, which is a favorite small air compressor among trim carpenters. The gauges are shrouded, but other parts are exposed.

specs: $155 | 0.7 cfm | 21 lbs. | 68 dB | 1-gal. tank | 135 max psi

Easy to store (CRAFTSMAN NO. 16574)

This model can be stored upright or flat; either way, its gauges and outlet are well protected. Light and easy to carry, it includes inflation accessories and an inflation hose pre-connected to a second outlet.

specs: $125 | 1.8 cfm | 19.6 lbs. | 73 dB | 1.2-gal. tank | 135 max psi | Cord wrap | Ball valve drain | 2 outlets

Smaller, quieter and lighter (PORTER-CABLE NO. C2004)

It looks a lot like its sister, the C2002, and carries the same cfm rating-but it’s better in terms of weight, size and noise.

specs: $180 | 2.6 cfm | 29 lbs. | 75.5 dB | 4-gal. tank | 165 psi | Cord wrap | Ball valve drain | 2 outlets

Large tanks and low noise (HUSKY NO. 4610A)

Notably quiet, this model stores lots of air in its corrosion-resistant aluminum tanks. It’s large, relatively heavy and not fully shrouded.

specs: $199 | 2.1 cfm | 44 lbs. | 68 dB | 4.6-gal. tank | 125 max psi | Ball valve drain | 2 outlets

Powerful, but super quiet (CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS NO. 2010A)

By far the quietest machine we tested, this unit features a corrosion-resistant aluminum tank. This model is also the most expensive in our group, but the manufacturer claims its motor will last six times longer than that of similar models. The gauges and outlet aren’t shrouded.

specs: $260 | 2.2 cfm | 35 lbs. | 60 dB | 2-gal. tank | 120 max psi | Ball valve drain | 2 outlets

High performance, great price (PORTER-CABLE NO. C2002)

Delivering plenty of cfm at the lowest cost in its class, this model has been a best seller for many years. It’s well shrouded, nicely balanced and fills up quickly; not extremely loud or too heavy.

specs: $140 | 2.6 cfm | 30 lbs. | 82 dB | 6-gal. tank | 150 max psi | Cord wrap | 2 outlets

Bargain priced (CENTRAL PNEUMATIC NO. 95275)

This model is very light and easy to tote, but it’s quite noisy. Its low maximum pressure is fine for most nailing jobs, but you may not be able to drive large nails all the way into hard materials.

specs: $60 | 0.6 cfm | 21 lbs. | 87 dB | 3-gal. tank | 100 max psi | Cord wrap

Big power in a small package (BOSTITCH Trim-Air NO. CAP1512-OF)

The high cfm, compact size and sturdy roll bars make this a great compressor. The manufacturer doesn’t provide a dB rating, but we found it louder than most other models.

specs: $135 | 2.8 cfm | 23.5 lbs. | dB not given | 1.2-gal. tank | 150 max psi | Cord wrap | Ball valve drain

We began with a couple dozen models, then narrowed the field to these eight. Each has at least one trait that makes it worth considering, whether you’re looking for power, weight, low noise or just a good deal on a good compressor.

Need More Power? Moderate CFM tools: At least 4 CFM

If you can afford to spend about $300, you can get a portable compressor that’ll power most DIY air tools and last for a couple of decades (see Photo 2). Look for a compressor with a cast iron cylinder, oil lubrication and air output of at least 4 cu. ft. per minute (cfm). You’ll have to change the oil on schedule to keep it humming. But the longer life outweighs the hassle. Also be aware that oil-lubricated compressors inject a fine oil mist into the air line. So you’ll need to invest in a separate hose and a filter if you’re going to use a paint sprayer.

You can find less expensive, oilless compressors ($129 to $199) that will put out 4 cfm, but don’t expect them to last as long. And you’ll need to wear hearing protection—they’re LOUD!

Air Tools That Require at Least 4 CFM

Hammer

Drill

Caulk gun

Framing nailer

Paint sprayer

A compressor rated for 4 CFM will run all of the above tools plus lower CFM tools.

High CFM tools: 5.5 CFM or more

If you’re a serious motorhead, you’ll have to take a larger leap. If you want to run “air-motor” powered tools like impact wrenches and ratchets, you’ll have to get serious with a unit that’s capable of at least 5.5 cfm with a sizable air tank. Just forget about running air-powered sanders and sandblasters—those guys require almost 9 cfm. Expect to spend $540 plus for a good one. But the only thing that makes them portable is the wheels. They’re heavy and bulky.

Air Tools That Require at Least 5.5 CFM

A 5.5 CFM air compressor will operate these tools as well as those requiring fewer CFM.