Top 8 Best Portable Air Compressor Reviews in 2016

Best Portable Air Compressor Reviews

In the day and age that we are at right now, DIY work is very important. No one wants to wait around for simple fix up jobs to be done for them.

Now before you buy a compressor, you need to be sure of what you actually want and what tasks it should be able to perform, just like how you analyze any other thing you would want to buy. What every homeowner should have at hand right now is a best portable compressor. This appliance can take you a long way. Compressors are vital things especially when it comes to work around construction sites for example.

Best Portable Air Compressor Reviews

I have taken the pleasure of actually finding the ones which are the best in the market right now and broken down all the information for you. Here are the eight compressors which will not disappoint.

Top 8 Best Portable Air Compressors on the Market

[productbox_general asin=”B000N5UHK0″ affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”1. PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor with 13-Piece Accessory Kit” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81q1MDU3v8L._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”Lightweight – Rubber Feet – Pancake Style”]

This portable air compressor is one of a kind. It is compact and very easy to carry around. Get this. It comes with a 13 piece accessory kit which means that there are very many things you can do with this air compressor. For grip, it has rubber feet which will prevent it from slipping and sliding all over the place while in use.

For easier carrying purposes, it comes in the pancake style and weighs 34 pounds. Measuring merely 18.3 x 18 x 19 inches, it is no hustle to carry anywhere at any time. But just in case of emergencies, I recommend owning this very useful gadget.

It is electric meaning you do not have to go through all the trouble to fill it up with oil or anything and does not require batteries. Just a simple plug in air compressor. It is perfect for homeowners. Some of the accessories in the accessory kit include plugs, tape, a nylon hose among others.

[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]
  • Extensive accessory kit
  • Durable motor life
  • Great performance
[/pros][cons heading=”h4″ title=”Cons”]
  • Pricey
  • Delicate
  • Need for breaking it in before usage
[/cons]

[checkon_general asin=”B000N5UHK0″ affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B0001Q2VK0″ affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”2. Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/617kGjQdfmL._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”Low Noise Levels – Strong Horsepower – Compact”]

The Makita MAC700 does a great job for anyone out there who is looking to buy an air compressor. It weighs 59.6 pounds and does a fantastic job and does not disappoint, believe me. As compared to other air compressors, it has definite lower noise levels while in use.

Now, this air compressor is oiled meaning that overall it does a smoother job and the lubrication definitely prevents it from depreciating fast. It is a very sleek looking appliance which can come in both the colors teal and black. It measures 18 x 22 x 10 inches and does not require batteries. It is all electric powered folks.

A lot of people have had very good feedback about the works of the Makita MAC700 because of the good job that it does and will not cost you that much, to be honest.

[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]
  • Lubricated
  • Affordable
  • Compact
  • Fast at its works
  • Not loud
  • Strong horsepower
[/pros][cons heading=”h4″ title=”Cons”]
  • Manual not clear
  • Few accessories
  • Need to be careful with it upon first use
  • A bit big for a portable compressor
[/cons]

[checkon_general asin=”B0001Q2VK0″ affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B0000AQK78″ affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”3. Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak, 1/2 hp running 1-Gallon Compressor” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71remXC2azL._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”Very Lightweight – Durability – Ease of Use”]

Now if you’re out looking for the perfect air compressor, look no further! May I introduce the Senco PC1010. Weighing in at only 20 pounds (yes 20 pounds), it is suitable for anyone who moves around a bit and would need a portable air compressor.

You’re probably wondering about its measurements. Its capacity is one gallon and is very good for (but not limited to) a bunch of repair jobs at home or your workplace. Its measurements are 14 x 13 x 10 inches and come in the colors gray or red. Now just like any other good portable compressor, it is electrically powered and therefore does not require any batteries.

The horsepower for this bad boy is 1HP meaning it is durable and has a whole lot of fortitude. It does not take up a lot of space when being used so is very convenient for mostly small fix up jobs. This small yet powerful appliance can do 20 – 44 drives per minute just showing how the quality of the job matters more than size does.

[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]
  • Easy to carry
  • Easy to use
  • Reasonable size
  • Strong horsepower
  • Lightweight
[/pros][cons heading=”h4″ title=”Cons”]
  • Works for small nails
  • Takes a while to refill
  • Cannot take larger jobs
[/cons]

[checkon_general asin=”B0000AQK78″ affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B00K34UZBW” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”4. DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Compressor” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61aihvQar6L._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”Reasonable Size – Fast to Start up – Quiet”]

For a compressor, I have to say this one does a pretty decent job. It is called the Dewalt DWFP55126.  It is a reasonable size, does not make a lot of noise and is perfect for all kinds of jobs.

Think about it. Its winter. Freezing cold outside and you need this appliance to get your job done. No worries because the cold weather is nothing to this beauty. It being electric it has a long extension cable that you can use from a distance away. The cord is about 50 feet long. You do not require batteries or anything of that sort to get this thing fired up.

At 32.2 pounds, there is nowhere you cannot carry this item. It does not take up a lot of room either because its dimensions are only 17.2 x 16.6 x 20.1 inches. Believe me; this gadget will definitely be worth your money.  Once you power it up, it starts functioning immediately. Other compressors would take up a bit of time to fire up and start running but not this one.

[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]
  • Not loud
  • Fast to start up
  • Long extension cord
  • Works well in cold weather
  • No batteries required
[/pros][cons heading=”h4″ title=”Cons”]
  • Heavy
[/cons]

[checkon_general asin=”B00K34UZBW” affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B006CVXGR0″ affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”5. PORTER-CABLE CMB15 150 PSI 1.5 Gallon Oil-Free Fully Shrouded Compressor” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51M9w4E7DHL.jpg” productsummary=”Easy to Use – Lightweight – Durability – Stability”]

Now as a homeowner, what really is stopping you from owning a portable air compressor? Nowadays, it is very important to do things by yourself instead of hiring someone else to do it. That’s where the Porter-Cable CMB15 comes in.

You know what? It does not need a lot of maintenance. It is small, durable and does one heck of a job. For grip purposes, it has rubber feet meaning that it is very stable so you as a user do not have to worry about it moving around or shaking while you are using it. Also its compact size of 15.5 x 13.2 x 20.5 inches helps with upkeep.

Best part about this tool? It is electric. It does not require you to buy batteries all the time. The only thing used to power it up is a power cord that it lengthy enough for you to work at quite a spacious radius. It is a light weight gadget at only 20 pounds and has a 1.5-gallon tank with a regulator for water drainage.

[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]
  • Small gallon
  • Lubricated
  • Low amps
  • Minimal upkeep
  • Compact
[/pros][cons heading=”h4″ title=”Cons”]
  • Requires you to read the manual thoroughly
  • Slow
  • Low-quality accessories
[/cons]

[checkon_general asin=”B006CVXGR0″ affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B004285RLS” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”6. BOSTITCH CAP1512-OF 1.2 Gallon Oil-Free High-Output Trim Compressor” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91mc6AbSz4L._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”Ease of Use – Strong horsepower – Low AMP”]

For a convenient compressor for everyday use, why not this one? It is easy to use, comes with an instruction manual and gets the job done quickly and efficiently.

It does not take up a lot of amps since its count is at 12 amps. So no need to worry about blowing a fuse or breaking the circuit. The weight of this appliance is 29 pounds. No hustle needed to move it around. Also, it being 17 x 13 x 11 inches, it will hardly take up any space in your desired working environment. Plus, no more worrying about oils spills or anything. This compressor is everything oil-free!

Easiest part? To get it to start working, it has an on and off switch, and I’m pretty sure we all know how to use one of those. Electricity powers it and its horsepower is 2. Pretty good right? This gadget can take care of works such as filling up tires, blowing leaves on autumn days, and so much more. It is very useful for everyday homeowners and can be a great present for the upcoming holidays.

[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]
  • Low amp
  • Manageable size
  • Strong horsepower
  • Easy to use
[/pros][cons heading=”h4″ title=”Cons”]
  • Heavy for some
  • Pricey
  • Takes a while to start again after turning off
[/cons]

[checkon_general asin=”B004285RLS” affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B000HZJMFM” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”7. DEWALT D55140 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Trim Compressor” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Fjkal6HZL._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”Low Maintenance – Very Powerful – Durability”]

So far, the Dewalt products have been getting a lot of positive reviews and here comes another one. This is now for the Dewalt D55140 compressor.

As any other awesome appliance (this being one of them), it is a low maintenance easy to operate the compressor. First of all, it is 20.5 x 15.8 x 10.8 inches and does not weigh too much for a portable compressor. Just 30 pounds. This is perfect for taking care of home fix-up jobs and anywhere else.

It has an attached power cable on it since it is electric and therefore does not need any batteries for it to do its job. It is very powerful as well and can take care of the slightly bigger jobs that need to be done unlike any of the other compressors previously mentioned.

Look, this is one tough and long-lasting gadget so once you buy it, you’re probably not going to need another one for a long time. And I mean a LONG time. So for anyone out there looking for a compressor that can also take care of heavy duty jobs, you’re welcome.

[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]
  • Powerful
  • Durable
  • Does great heavy duty jobs
  • Great for home or workplaces
[/pros][cons heading=”h4″ title=”Cons”]
  • Uses a lot of power
  • Heavy
  • Takes time to open up
  • Bulky
[/cons]

[checkon_general asin=”B000HZJMFM” affid=”pennind05-20″] [productbox_general asin=”B00005NMUZ” affid=”pennind05-20″ productname=”8. DEWALT D55140 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Trim Compressor” imageurl=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/815bQAWGp7L._SX500_.jpg” productsummary=”Low Maintenance – Very Powerful – Durability”]

Now, this big boy is one you do not want to pass up if you are looking for a compressor that will get some serious work done. Weighing in at 66 pounds ladies and gentlemen we have the Dewalt D55153.

This very powerful compressor has stunning four-gallon twin tanks. That’s what I’m talking about! It is oil lubricated so you can be sure that it will last and will stay doing a smooth job. If you are into construction or need to fix up things here and there at home, then this 20 x 18.5 x 17.9 inches compressor is the one for you.

It is powered by gas, and its horse power is 1.1. This appliance will basically do the work of two. Bottom line, I highly recommend it because it looks and feels great to use.

[pros heading=”h4″ title=”Pros”]
  • Can do heavy jobs
  • Strong horsepower
  • Oil lubricated
  • Low maintenance
  • Twin tank
[/pros][cons heading=”h4″ title=”Cons”]
  • Loud
  • Pricey
  • Big
  • Heavy
[/cons]

[checkon_general asin=”B00005NMUZ” affid=”pennind05-20″]

Conclusion

After careful consideration here I hope that you are now able to make up your mind about which one is suitable for you. I’m sure that there were certain things that you were looking for and have found them in at least one, if not all, of these compressors.

Just a few things you may need to pay attention to:

  1. Size
  2. Quality
  3. Horsepower
  4. Job load
  5. Portability
  6. Price
  7. Durability

I have put durability last because it doesn’t matter (as much) which compressor you buy as long as it can last for a while. If it is one that can last and does not require you to have to buy another one, the go for it!

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19 Comments

  1. I have my eye on the PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor with 13-Piece Accessory Kit but it’s too expensive. I think I’ll go for the Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor instead.

  2. Thanks for writing a very comprehensive review. I appreciate that you listed the pros and cons of each product. It makes it easy to decide which is the best portable air compressor.

  3. Nice review…very informative. All pretty much necessary information is mentioned. It will be easier for us to decide which one to get in the market.

  4. Nice that you listed pros and cons. This is very helpful for potential buyers.

  5. Monte Bashir says:

    Man I’m glad I came upon your site cuz I know nothing about air compressors, but I do know if can save me a ton on home maintenance jobs. So thanks for sharing this information. I will decide on which one I want soon.

  6. So exactly which types of jobs are these best for? I’m just not “getting it” totally. This is an interesting writeup but perhaps you can make a small list of highlights as to what these portable air compressors are good for. I know you say small jobs around the house mostly, but that could be anything. Maybe this is one of the guy tools. Is it light enough for the average woman to handle?

  7. Rruchi Shrimalli says:

    You think of everything, don’t you? I guess I am going to buy DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Compressor because I do live in an area where we have freezing temperatures for most of the year. Thanks for tips.

  8. Thank you for this article. It will be useful for those who are into using portable air compressor. They are pricey, so it looks like they are for professional use.

  9. Kelvin Philson says:

    All of them looks pretty durable. And the price sounds fair too. This is a helpful article for people who wants to buy air compressor.

  10. Wow this is cool! The article even provided pros and cons in every kind of air compressor.

  11. Thanks for posting the list. I have been tasked to find portable compressors that we need but since i don’t know anything about compressors, this list is very helpful.

  12. The DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Compressor looks promising but they say it’s too heavy. I hope they can fix that.

  13. We have this man who comes to our house to do our lawn and garden (his name is Luis) and I saw him one time with a DeWalt equipment just like the one on this list and I asked him what it was for. He told me it was a compressor and that if there’s any fixing needed inside the house he can do it too. Well I still haven’t seen that compressor in action yet, but at least now I know our gardener/handyman uses the best equipment.

  14. Mark Anthony says:

    They all look promising. All of them have cons to it but I think all of them works very well.

  15. I’ll probably go with the DeWalt pancake compressor. Thanks for the tips!

  16. Totally agree! If you can do it, why wait for somebody to fix it? Our neighbor has a Porter-Cable and my husband borrowed it one time. Haven’t had any fixing to do lately but, now I know which brand to choose if and when we decide to get one!

  17. A very helpful and informative article especially to those who are very handy who likes to do things by themselves. Good review of different compressors. Thanks for sharing!

  18. I think the best product is the DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Compressor. It only have one disadvantage on it.

  19. PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK is what we are using in the lab. It’s very good, but I didn’t know it was quiet expensive. But I assure you it works well.