Best Air Compressors of 2021
Top-Rated and Best-Selling Air Compressors
There's an air compressor for almost every application—from automotive detailing to construction and home improvement, hobbyist pursuits, commercial manufacturing, and even dentistry. To help you find the right one, we've put together the Best Air Compressors of 2021 based on our best-selling, highest-rated models with expert recommendations to ensure you get the perfect type for your needs.
If you're not sure what kind of air compressor you need, check out our Air Compressor Buyer’s Guide to get started and come back to the list for an expert recommendation.
Air Compressor Categories
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Best Portable Air Compressors
Portable air compressors allow you to get air anywhere you need it—even if that's on the roof or in your crawlspace under the deck. Portability means you can carry it around yourself, mount it to the truck, or even wheel it around at will. You never know when portable air might come in handy, whether that be fixing a flat tire with a handheld inflator, spending the weekend away offroading with a mounted DC air compressor, or spray painting a fence. There are portable compressors to support any lifestyle.
Best Quiet Air Compressors
No one likes loud appliances. Air compressors are no exception. With technology advancing, we now have, quiet, oil-free compressors that are exceptionally low-noise due to their enclosures and can run all day without slowing down—making them ideal for industries that require around-the-clock operations. Today anyone can enjoy longer hours using a compressor and less irritating. We have the top picks for you.
Best Single-Stage Air Compressors
If you're a home hobbyist, you probably find regular use for compressed air in your garage or tool shed. A single-stage air compressor, especially one that's stationary can help you finish the job quickly and easily.
Best Two-Stage Air Compressors
For professionals in garages or commercial applications, you need the CFM and horsepower of a two-stage air compressor and nothing less. We highlighted the best ones for your money.
Best Rotary Screw Air Compressors
As the trusted workhorses of the auto industry, rotary-screw technology was introduced for heavy-duty applications that require high power during extended periods when efficiency matters. Just like a supercharged hot rod, these compressors are ideal for maximizing air intake and maximizing payout. Unlike reciprocating piston compressors, rotary screw rotors don’t touch and have fewer moving parts, and because they are oil-sealed, they require much less maintenance over time. Browse our best today!
Best DC Air Compressors
Because they are battery-powered with either 12-volt or 24-volt currents, you can use DC compressors virtually anywhere, even giving you options to permanently mount them on your jeep, ATV, semi-truck, or agricultural equipment. You'll even find these compressors being used for air-ride suspension applications on vehicles since they don't need to rely on plug-in power to prevent your tires from going (too) flat on you up in the mountains.
Best Truck-Mount Air Compressors
Truck-mounted air compressors deliver the power of a stationary compressor with the convenience of portability, supplying CFM and PSI levels of a two-stage compressor. As such, these compressors need to be transported in the bed of a work truck. For the professional contractor or hard-working farmer, these compressors offer amazing value on job sites or more remote places. Just remember to bring extra gasoline, because they are gas-only, and can't be powered by electricity.
