While air compressors are mainly used at construction sites, manufacturing plants, and corner gas stations, they are also used in garages, basements, and home workshops and are particularly convenient for inflating tires.
For this reason, new technology is constantly being developed for small air compressors that are lightweight and portable. with an acceptable noise level.
That said, different features and specifications are included with every air compressor so it may be a little confusing.
Do you really need to know these specifications or will any small air compressor do?
We’re going to take a look at why you may want to purchase a small or mini air compressor and give you our pick for the 6 best small air compressors of 2022 so you can be sure you’ve made the right selection for your project’s needs.
| Small Air Compressor | Product Information | Check Price |
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Top | BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor, Oil-Free, 6 Gallon, 150 PSI (BTFP02012) | Check Price |
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Top | California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Oil-Free and Powerful Air Compressor, 2 HP | Check Price |
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Top | California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor, Silver | Check Price |
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Top | DEWALT Air Compressor, 225-PSI Max, Hand Carry with Wheels, 4-1/2 Gallon (D55146) | Check Price |
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Top | Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor | Check Price |
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Top | Rolair JC10 Plus 2.5 Gal Electric Air Compressor | Check Price |
What Are the Benefits of Small Air Compressors?
There are several benefits associated with small air compressors if you are simply looking to perform small maintenance work.
While keeping in mind that each air compressor comes with its own features, benefits of small air compressors generally include:
- Portability
- Lightweight
- More environmentally friendly
- Perform quicker
- Quick starting
- Quieter than larger models
The 6 Best Small Air Compressors of 2022
Bostitch Pancake BTFP02012 Oil-Free Compressor
- OIL FREE: Requires no daily maintenance and eliminates risk of oil stains on work surfaces.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: 29 lb. weight and narrow tank diameter make unit easy to carry/store.
- The product is 2 inches Brad Nailer Kit
- Easy to use
The Bostitch Pancake BTFP02012 Air Compressor is ideal if you need one for smaller projects or for use in your home garage workspace.
The Bostitch BTFP02012 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor contains a 150 max PSI six-gallon tank and delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
What all this means is that you can run this air compressor for a long time with a quick recovery.
More benefits of this air compressor include an oil-free, maintenance-free pump and a high-efficiency motor for easy start-up, even when it’s cold outside.
The Bostitch BTFP02012 is also a relatively quiet model at 78.5 dBA and weighs only 29 pounds.
With its easy carry handle, this air compressor is highly portable and easy to take from one project to the next.
Product Features:
- Oil-free, maintenance-free pump
- Decibel rating of 78.5 dBA
- 150 max PSI
- 6-gallon tank
- Lightweight at 29 lbs.
- Highly portable and easy to store
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works very well | Not for beginners |
| It makes an acceptable noise | Complicated setup |
| Light and easy to move around | |
| Best Small Air Compressors Review |
California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet
- Ultra Quiet, only 70 Decibels
- Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs
- Powerful 2.0 Hp with Low amp draw - 7.0 Amps
- 10 Gallon Air Tank with Wheels.125 PSI maximum pressure
The California Air Tools 10020C is a particularly quiet air compressor at only 70 dBA. Its 2.0 HP motor operates at just 1680 RPM which results in less noise and less overall wear.
This SP-9421 motor is part of California Air Tool’s new SP Series of Ultra Quiet Motors that have been designed not only to be as quiet as possible but also to allow for longer run times.
This model includes a dual-piston pump system that is not oil lubricated so it can work in a range of temperatures and on a variety of surfaces.
Product Features:
- Powerful 2.0 HP motor
- Oil-free pump
- 10-gallon tank
- Ultra-quiet at 70 dBA
- 40 SCFM at 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI
- Easily portable with included wheel kit
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely well package | Low quality components |
| Super quiet | It's expensive |
| Performs well | |
| Best Small Air Compressors Review |
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S
- Ultra quiet only 56 Decibels
- Oil-Free pump for less maintenance & costs
- Lightweight for easy transporting - 29.5 lbs
- 1.0 gallon steel tank
- Powerful 0.6 HP (rated / running) - 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI
The California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S may be the most silent air compressor on the market with a decibel rating of only 56. Its 0.6 HP motor operates at just 1680 RPM which allows it to create less noise and experience less wear over time.
This model contains another one of California Air Tools ultra-quiet motors except for this one is the IP version, which is ultra-quiet, oil-free, and contains a single-piston pump design.
This tank is ideal for those who are really only looking to use one tool at a time or for use on a smaller project as it only has a 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI and a one-gallon tank.
Product Features:
- Lightweight at 29.5 lbs.
- Ultra-quiet
- Oil-free pump
- Low maintenance
- 1-gallon tank
- Thermal overload protector
- Max PSI of 120
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less maintenance and Costs | Low quality components |
| Lightweight | Light work only |
| Ultra Quiet | |
| Best Small Air Compressors Review |
DEWALT built the D55146 Heavy Duty 4.5 Gallon, 225 PSI
- 225 PSI max tank storage pressure provides a user with 80% more usable air than the industry leader; Tool Length : 33.5 inches
- 5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI allows the compressor to recover quickly after its initial tank charge is exhausted
- vertical stand feature and collapsible handle allows a user to save space by transporting or storing the compressor in a vertical position
- 78 dBA operational noise level for a quieter work environment
- HORSEPOWER: 1.6 HP
The DEWALT built the D55146 Heavy Duty 4.5 Gallon, 225 PSI contains a high-efficiency motor that allows it to start up easily in cold weather or with an extension cord.
This model is relatively quiet as far as air compressors go with a decibel rating of 75.5 dBA. Its shape and size are what classifies this product as a “pancake air compressor”, with a short and flat tank and weighing only 30 pounds.
This compact air compressor can fit right into most workplaces; however, it still needs a power supply so keep this in mind when you decide to position it.
Product Features:
- High efficiency motor
- 225 max PSI
- 4.5 gallon tank
- 78 dBA noise level
- Oil-free
- maintenance free pump
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet motor | Not for beginners |
| Efficient high pressure motor | Expensive |
| The unit appears to be well made | |
| Best Small Air Compressors Review |
Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP
- Cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston is engineered to provide faster recovery time for improved performance
- Powerful 3.0 HP* motor produces 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI for increased productivity
- Pump is oil lubricated for cooler running temperatures and reduced wear
- Durable cast iron cylinder reduces wear and increases pump life; removable for easy maintenance
The Makita MAC5200 contains a Big Bore engineered pump cylinder and piston that allows you to have a higher output for two nailers while experiencing less noise, improved performance, and faster recovery.
While this model does advertise itself as being lower maintenance, it is oil-lubricated.
Not a huge deal as being oil-lubricated means cooler running temperatures and reduced wear; however, you will need to buy the right oil to keep this product properly maintained.
The Makita MAC5200 is highly portable. It weighs under 90 pounds and has a fold-down handle and rugged wheels.
Product Features:
- 140 max PSI
- Oil-lubricated
- Easily stored with fold-down handle
- Easily handled
- Powerful 3.0 HP motor
- Durable cast iron cylinder
- Rugged wheels for portability
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Portable | Too heavy |
| Works very well | Low quality components |
| High CFM | |
| Best Small Air Compressors Review |
Rolair JC10 Plus 1 HP
- 2.35 CFM at 90 psi
- 1725 RPM motor
- Oil-less design reduces maintenance and downtime
- 2.5 Gallon tank capacity
- Cast Aluminum Cylinder
The Rolair JC10 Plus is one of the best lightweight, oil free pump air compressors on the market if you’re looking for a model that is incredibly quiet while still being powerful.
It has a decibel rating of only 60dBA and can be used all day while allowing you to hear your fellow workers talk.
The Rolair JC10 Plus is great for both trim and finish work with a CFM of 2.35 at 90 PSI and its 1725 RPM motor.
This model contains an oil-free 2.5-gallon tank and a JC10 Single Stage Air Compressor which should provide the power and versatility you need to use multiple tools at once.
Product Features:
- 1725 RPM motor
- Cast aluminum cylinder
- Oil-free
- 5-gallon tank
- Portable and lightweight at 42.9 lbs.
- Quiet at 60 dBA
- 35 CFM at 90 PSI
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Portable | Too heavy |
| Oil-less air compressors | Air filter isn't heavy duty |
| Quiet work environment | |
| Best Small Air Compressors Review |
Verdict: Which Small Air Compressor is For Me?
Which small or mini air compressor is most suitable for you highly depends on what you need it for and what features are important to you – maximum pressure, high flow regulator, or any other things you can’t live without.
Take into consideration what type of work you’re using it for and how many tools you’d like to run at once.
With small air compressors generally being used in smaller work settings such as a home workshop, any of these models should work well for you.
Another huge benefit of the smaller models is the lower decibel rating, as is the case with the California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S.
Whichever air compressor you choose, you can be sure that the models listed above come from high-quality brands that offer warranties on their products to back them up.
