Best Air Compressors For 2023

What size air compressor do I need for my garage?

This common question is like asking what size engine you need in your car; it depends on what you use it for. By “size,” many buyers focus on the tank size, which is measured in gallons. So, we’ll start there, although this only gives you part of the picture. Because a compressor’s tank is used to store compressed air, the bigger it is, the longer you’ll be able to work without the compressor having to pause and refill the tank. That’s why a compressor with a one- or two-gallon tank will have to stop and refill a lot more than one with a ten-gallon or larger tank. For jobs that don’t demand continuous pressure for extended periods, a smaller tank is fine. But a spray painter, for example, is best used with a larger tank so the stream of paint doesn’t get interrupted too often. For spray painting a car, which demands long periods of continuous application, experts recommend a hefty 60-gallon tank or larger.

What other specs should I look for when buying?

In addition to tank size, other critical considerations are a compressor’s PSI (pounds per square inch) and CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings. Think of the PSI as how much force the air has (good for, say, pressure washing or inflating a tire) and the CFM as the volume of air that the compressor can deliver on a continual basis (critical for, say, spraying paint or operating an orbital or disc sander). Both specs affect which tools the compressor can power. Before buying, check the manuals or spec sheets for any tools you plan on using to see their PSI and CFM demands and note the highest ones. Then be sure to get a compressor that delivers a little more than that, which will give you a reasonable margin for error. 

How much power does it take to operate air tools?

Most air tools require about 70 to 100 psi, which all of our recommended models can deliver. For inflating tires, you’ll need a compressor that can equal the highest recommended psi for your tires. The CFM requirements of tools vary more. According to Garage Tool Advisor, tools that don’t need constant air, such as a nailer or staple gun, require an output of only two CFM or less. A drill, half-inch impact driver, ratchet, or air hammer could need about three to four CFM. An orbital sander can demand six to nine. And a disc sander requires as much as 20. Paint spray guns can range from about four to 14 CFM, depending on their use. 

Is it worth getting a compressor with a lower noise level?

Yes. After tank size, CFM, and PSI, we believe a compressor’s sound volume is the next most important consideration. The volume of most of the compressors we looked at ranged from 60 to 80 dB. That doesn’t look like much on paper, but remember that for every 10 dB, the sound volume doubles. So, a compressor that emits 70 dB sounds twice as quiet as one that emits 80. And a 60-dB compressor is four times lower than that 80-dB model. Put another way, 60 dB is about the level of normal conversation, 70 dB is about the same volume as a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer and 80 is about the level of a noisy restaurant or lawn mower. Volumes above about 85 dB are considered harmful to hearing. So, a lower noise level is not only easier on your ears, it can provide a more pleasant overall experience by letting you, say, listen to music or easily chat with somebody while the compressor is running. 

Should I get an oil-free compressor?

Many portable compressors are now “oil-free” (or “oil-less”), which means they use interior parts with friction-reducing coatings instead of conventional oil lubrication. One of the main benefits is less maintenance because you don’t have to change the oil. Among the compressors we researched for garage use, all of the smaller models were oil-free, while it varied among larger, heavier-duty models. So, we’d consider the lower maintenance of an oil-free design to be a good tie-breaker if all of the other specs are similar. 

What else should I know about air compressors?