Best Air Compressors for 2024

Nearly every professional contractor uses an air compressor. Of course, it’s not just a construction tool. Automotive, woodworking, aviation, marine, and many others use compressors to power air tools. When I got our team together to decide on the best air compressor, we sparked a fierce debate concerning brands, styles, prices, and much more. The first questions were “What size?” and “What’s the application?” Good points. The selections below are the result of many hundreds of hours of testing and use—not to mention several more hours of internal discussion! Now that the physical and relational bruises have healed, I’m ready to share our expert opinions across a range of compressor categories.

Metabo HPT Trolley 8-gal EC1315SM

Capacity: 8 gallons
Output (@90 PSI): 5 CFM
Max output: 225 PSI
Noise: 76 dBA
Running power: 1.5 HP, 13.5A
Weight: 93 lbs.

Coming off of the success of the Metabo HPT pancake air compressor (also called “The Tank”), the 8-gallon EC1315SM delivers more CFM and capacity. Max pressure is 225 PSI—which you’ll likely never use. However, what you may use is the 5 CFM (at 90 PSI) which lets you run up to 3 framing nailers or 4 roofing/siding nailers simultaneously.

Running a trim crew? Connect as many as five 15-gauge or 16-gauge finish nailers and get to work! In either of these scenarios, each tool would have plenty of air to drive nails. Another great feature is the quick ramp-up time—just 55 seconds to get from to 125 PSI from empty. When you do run it below 95 PSI, the recovery time is a brisk 14 seconds.

For the money, you get a lot in this capable package. Between the wheeled portability and capacity—this compressor is my all-around go-to workhorse on any job site.

Reasons to Buy:

Lots of output
Wheeled portability
Dual 1/4-inch NPT ports
Connector 2 A smart tool tracking

Most Compact Trim Compressor

DeWalt 1-gal Trim Compressor D55140

Capacity: 1 gallon
Output (@90 PSI): 0.75 CFM
Max output: 135 PSI
Noise: 71 dBA
Running power: 0.6 HP, 2.6A
Weight: 24 lbs.

Choosing the best small air compressor used to mean grabbing a pancake model. Lately, however, smaller “hot dog” compressors have proven their worth on small punch lists and trim jobs. The almost unbelievably small DeWalt D55140 features a 1-gallon tank and weighs less than a Cocker Spaniel. I can stand this compressor on the rear floor of an F150 SuperCab without a second thought and get to work.

The key to enjoying this trim compressor is application. It consistently drove 18-gauge brad nailers and 23-gauge pinners without any difficulty. If you want to do some remodeling with a framing nailer, you’ll want to get a larger model.

Lastly, the D55140 doesn’t make a ton of noise. It’s around 4-5 dBA quieter than most other trim compressors. That’s more than enough to be noticeable.

Reasons to Buy

SUPER portable
Lightweight
Low current draw works on multi-use circuits
Reasonably quiet

Quietest Portable Air Compressor

Rolair 2.5-gallon Ultra-Quiet JC10PLUS

Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Output (@90 PSI): 2.4 CFM
Max output: 135 PSI
Noise: 60 dBA
Running power: 1.0 HP, 7.5A
Weight: 45 lbs.

At 60 decibels, the Rolair Ultra-Quiet 2.5-gallon air compressor is quiet enough to hold a conversation next to it. As impressive as this is, the noise level represents just one of many features we liked after choosing it as the quietest portable air compressor.

The JC10PLUS offers better air delivery than most. With up to 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI, it uses a 1.0 HP motor to put out enough air to drive most framing and roofing nailers. It keeps the noise down by running at 1750 RPM with just a 7.5-amp draw on the motor. I love the roll cage, the centered rubber handle, and the fact that it weighs just 50 pounds. It’s about as portable as you can get for this capacity without putting wheels on it (which increases bulk).

Lastly, the cycle times are short—nearly identical to the larger 8-gallon Metabo HPT model that’s our overall top pick. Expect it to take around 14 seconds to get from 95-125 PSI. I also consider Rolair one of the best air compressor brands on the market, with models ranging from hand-carry models to wheeled and stationary units up to 200 gallons in size.

Reasons to Buy

Absolutely the quietest air compressor on the market in this class
Great mid-level capacity that works well for almost any job
Quick recovery time

Note: This blog is only for learning purposes.

Best Cordless Air Compressor

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2-Gallon 2840

Capacity: 2 gallons
Output (@90 PSI): 2.4 CFM
Max output: 135 PSI
Noise: 60 dBA
Running power: 1.0 HP, 7.5A
Weight: 45 lbs.

Both the DeWalt FlexVoltt and Milwaukee cordless compressors make solid cordless compressors and carry similar specs. However, the 2-gallon Milwaukee earns the nod for several reasons. First, it’s a full 11 decibels quieter (just 68 dBA). Audibly, that sounds about half as loud as the DeWalt! It does trade a bit of that for weight, however.

While it’s certainly helpful on jobsites with no power, our plumbing pro also successfully used it to bleed heaters (which typically have to be done manually) and air-test PEX on several re-pipes. It even worked to pressure test a new sewer line.

You get a very respectable 1.2 SCFM at 90 PSI—about what you could expect from a capable corded trim compressor. The roll cage’s carry handle (and good balance) are the cherry on top. A bit pricey at $379 as a bare tool, I still like the portability and performance for professionals. This compressor also earned a 2020 Pro Tool Innovation Award.

Reasons to Buy