Best Portable Air Compressors

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

• The best portable air compressors in 2024 are the Ryobi ONE+, Kobalt Air Compressor, DeWalt Pancake Compressor, Viair 450P-RV, and Slime Tire Inflator.
• Portable air compressors typically go for around $100, but you can find options as low as $60 and as high as $200.
• Whether you’re filling your own tire after a sudden flat or stopping to help fill one for someone in need, a portable air compressor in your trunk offers a great feeling of security.

A portable air compressor is a convenient means to keep your car’s tires properly inflated. Maintaining the right tire pressure is not only a matter of safety but can help improve fuel economy and save money in the long run.

We’ve tested several types of portable air compressors, from lightweight pancake compressors to handheld tire inflators.

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Portable Air Compressor Reviews

To find the best portable air compressors, we looked for options that can fit in your trunk, are easy to use, and quickly inflate car tires.

What Is The Best Portable Air Compressor?

We named the Ryobi ONE+, Kobalt Air Compressor, DeWalt Pancake Compressor, Viair 450P-RV, and Slime Tire Inflator as the best-rated portable air compressors on the market in 2024.

Brand/Model	Cost	Overall Rating	Award
Ryobi ONE+	$85	4.3	Best Portable Air CompressorInflator
Kobalt Portable Air Compressor	$80	4.2	Most User-Friendly
DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor	$170	4.0	Fastest Inflation
Viair 450P-RV	$70	3.8	Best Attachments
Slime Tire Inflator	$60	3.8	Budget Pick

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

Portable Air Compressor Ratings: Our Testing Process

The portable air compressors in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at customer reviews, inflation power, and reliability.

Our product testing team ordered portable air compressors that best met these standards. We try to test products in a variety of styles and price ranges to recommend air compressors for a range of needs.

Learn more about how we tested portable air compressors here.

1. Ryobi ONE+: Best Portable Tire Inflator

• Cost: $85
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 450 ratings
• Power source: Lithium battery
• Weight: 4.0 pounds

Ryobi ONE+ Review

The Ryobi ONE+ is a tire inflator, so it won’t be able to power pneumatic tools. However, this air compressor is good for inflating tires. It operates on a rechargeable lithium battery and is small and lightweight. This is a good pick for people who want an easy-to-use tire inflator that they can keep in their trunks for emergencies.

When you purchase a Ryobi ONE+, you get nothing but the inflator itself. The batteries are sold separately or as a bundle. You’ll need to purchase a battery charger separately.

You can see how the Ryobi ONE+ performed in each of our testing categories below:

Below are the pros and cons of the Ryobi ONE+:

Ryobi ONE+ Review: Our Experience

While easy to use, the Ryobi doesn’t inflate as quickly as bigger air compressors. It took a minute and 30 seconds to add 10.0 lbs. per square inch to our test tire. That said, if you’re only keeping this around to maintain tire pressure in a single vehicle, this slower inflation rate isn’t much of an issue.

We like the digital psi reader, which is helpful for precise filling. Checking the reading of the Ryobi against our test car’s tire pressure monitor showed the Ryobi’s reading to be accurate.

Ryobi ONE+ Review: What Customers Are Saying

Many reviewers keep the Ryobi in their vehicle or garage to top off and maintain tire pressure. One reviewer notes that the battery maintains its charge well. This person keeps it in their car and it holds a charge for months while stored.

The most prevalent complaint about the Ryobi is that the battery charger is not included. This was not obvious to everyone who purchased this tire inflator, so some were frustrated that they had to purchase a separate item to use their tire inflator.

2. Kobalt Portable Air Compressor: Most User-Friendly

• Cost: $80
• Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 based on more than 1,100 ratings
• Power source: AC corded electric or 12.0-volt DC cigarette lighter
• Weight: 6.1 lbs.

Kobalt Portable Air Compressor Review

The Kobalt portable air compressor is compact and user-friendly. It can be powered either by plugging it into an AC outlet or your car’s DC cigarette lighter. As with the Ryobi, this air compressor is good for inflating tires only, and will not run air tools.

This air compressor is a good choice for a tire inflator to keep in your car. While a little bigger than the Ryobi ONE+, it has the advantage of not needing a charged battery.

Nothing other than the inflator itself is included with the Kobalt Portable Air Compressor. The compressor itself features a digital display and two power cords (one for AC and one for DC).

You can see how the Kobalt Portable Air Compressor performed in each of our testing categories below:

Below are the pros and cons of the Kobalt Portable Air Compressor:

Kobalt Portable Air Compressor: Our Experience

We love the design of the Kobalt. Not only does it look good, but it is very intuitive and easy to use. The digital psi readout is accurate and matched the readout of our test vehicle’s pressure sensors.

This was the slowest-acting compressor, taking a minute and 50 seconds to add 10.0 psi to our test tire. However, this was the easiest-to-use compressor, because all you need to do is set the desired psi and press the start button. The Kobalt automatically shuts down once the proper psi is reached.

Kobalt Portable Air Compressor: What Customers Are Saying

Many reviewers purchase this gauge for a quick and easy tire inflator. The Kobalt is light and easy to store and it attaches easily.

Some downsides mentioned are that the air hose is a little short. A couple of reviewers also don’t like that the hose cover doesn’t secure in place. There is a plastic piece that covers the air hose when stored, but it does not click into place and the hose can easily fall out if not coiled perfectly.

3. DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor: Fastest Inflation

• Cost: $170
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 5,600 ratings
• Power source: AC Corded Electric
• Weight: 30.0 lbs.

DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor Review

While it stretches the limits of “portable” at 30.0 lbs., this relatively quiet air compressor could reasonably fit in a trunk for job site transportation. It isn’t difficult to maneuver and is capable of running a variety of air tools. A high-flow regulator maximizes the performance of these tools. And if you need to inflate a tire, the DeWalt can do so in no time. It’s also backed by a one-year warranty.

The DeWalt pancake air compressor doesn’t include any extras or attachments. In fact, you’ll need to purchase these attachments separately to use this compressor for any job, even inflating a tire.

You can see how the DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor performed in each of our testing categories below:

Below are the pros and cons of the DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor:

DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor: Our Experience

It took the DeWalt only 25 seconds to inflate our test tire from 30.0 to 40.0 psi, making it the fastest of the air compressors on this list. Operation is straightforward once the machine is plugged in. Because it did not come with any inflation tools, we used the inflator that came with another of the air compressors we tested and it attached seamlessly to the DeWalt.

DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor: What Customers Are Saying

A lot of users say they like this compressor because it is light and easy to use. It’s a great tool for small projects and runs quietly compared to other air compressors with a similar tank size.

There are a couple of reports from reviewers who received faulty products. In some cases, compressors arrived with pieces detached.

4. Viair 450P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit: Best Attachments

• Cost: $70
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 630 ratings
• Power source: 12.0V DC battery connection
• Weight: 13.0 lbs.

Viair 450P-RV Review

The Viair kit is designed primarily for RV use. It has a 60.0-foot coil hose, allowing it to reach from your automotive battery to the rear tire of any trailer you may be towing. It comes with angled chucks to access almost any type of tire.

This kit can inflate large tires up to 150.0 psi and does so quickly. Another useful feature is that it can operate on a continuous run cycle, so no need to wait for it to pressurize every 30 minutes.

This kit includes a number of attachments to get you started out of the box. Along with the Viair Compressor, this kit also includes:

• Primary and extension air hoses
• Tire inflation gun with gauge
• Battery clamps
• 90-degree twist on chuck
• 45-degree extended reach chuck
• Three-piece inflation tips kit
• Canvas carry case

You can see how the Viair 450P-RV performed in each of our testing categories below:

Below are the pros and cons of the Viair 450P-RV:

Viair 450P-RV: Our Experience

It only took the Viair 50 seconds to add 10.0 psi of pressure to our test wheel. The included attachments are all quality-built, and we were especially impressed with the high-quality carrying case, which conveniently stowed the entire kit.

We did find the instructions poor and mostly unhelpful. While we were able to figure out how to use this compressor, it took us a few failed attempts before connecting the required parts in the proper order.

Viair 450P-RV: What Customers Are Saying

A lot of reviewers give this compressor a full 5.0 stars. Many praise it for its fast inflation speeds and easy use. Some appreciate the continuous run cycle, especially those that need to inflate several tires at once. This is an especially popular compressor for those with RVs or high-psi tires.

Some people are frustrated that the chuck heads do not lock onto the tire air valves. Most aren’t bothered by this because the tires inflate so quickly that it isn’t too much trouble to hold them down yourself. This could be annoying for an especially long inflation, however.

5. Slime Tire Inflator: Budget Pick

• Cost: $60
• Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 based on more than 1,500 reviews
• Power source: 12.0V DC battery connection
• Weight: 9.4 lbs.

Slime Tire Inflator Review

The last item on our list is also not suitable for powering air tools and is mainly for inflating tires. The Slime Tire Inflator is a low-cost tire inflator that connects directly to your car battery for power. This makes it an excellent roadside emergency inflator. It works quickly and can be stored in a solid plastic case.

The Slime tire inflator comes with:

• Plastic carrying case
• Tire gauge
• Three-piece inflation nozzle kit
• Direct connect jumpers

Another feature of the Slime is that it has a built-in LED light.

You can see how the Slime Tire Inflator performed in each of our testing categories below:

Below are the pros and cons of the Slime Tire Inflator:

Slime Tire Inflator: Our Experience

Because you need to connect it to your battery, the Slime takes a little longer to set up than some other gauges. It’s also worth noting that it does not work with hybrid batteries, so if you drive a hybrid vehicle, you’ll want to pick something else.

The inflator head screws into the tire valve, making for a more secure fit. We found the analog gauge to be less precise than the digital gauges that we tested, though generally accurate (within a couple of psi).

It took the Slime 35 seconds to inflate our test tire by 10.0 psi, making it one of the faster tire inflators.

The final thing that we noted during testing is that the included carrying case is made of flimsy plastic. It is good enough to keep the unit protected during storage, but not an especially impressive case.

Slime Tire Inflator: What Customers Are Saying

Reviewers consider this inflator a reliable compressor excellent for roadside emergencies. Compared to battery-powered or 12.0-volt inflators, the Slime inflates especially quickly. Reviewers also appreciate the twist-on connector which is easy to attach.

Some say the tire gauge can be difficult to read, and others (like us) comment that the case is flimsy and could be better built.

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Best Portable Air Compressor Buying Guide

When shopping for a portable air compressor, start by considering how you’ll use it. Air compressors can be used to inflate tires, but also to power certain tools such as nail guns or orbital sanders.

Compare Portable Air Compressors

Maximum Pressure And Airflow Rate

Air compressors will have a maximum pressure per square inch as well as a maximum output measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). When using an air compressor to inflate tires, these metrics determine how quickly it can pump up your tire. Most air compressors are capable of inflating a tire, even those with low maximum psi and CFM outputs.

If you’re buying an air compressor to run tools, psi and CFM become much more important. You’ll need to match the pressure and flow rates to the tools you plan to use, or you risk damaging them. Learn the requirements of the tools you plan to use and match your air compressor specs accordingly.

Weight

A portable air compressor should be portable. While larger compressors may offer higher psi and CFM, they may not be so easy to lug around. If you’re looking for a portable compressor to keep in your car to inflate tires in an emergency, choose something lightweight.

Power Source

Portable air compressors can run on battery power or an AC current. Those that you need to plug in are typically more powerful, but less portable. Some air compressors can run off DC current by connecting directly to your car’s battery. This type of compressor requires that you pop the hood, but has the advantage of being useful on the side of the road.

What Is The Difference Between An Air Compressor And An Inflator?

Many tire inflators are air compressors, but most air compressors can do a lot more than inflate tires. An air compressor can be used to power tools like a nail gun, air impact wrench, or air hammer.

Size

The best portable air compressors are items that can easily fit in a trunk, truck bed, or back of an SUV. When it comes to size, portable air compressors usually come in a handheld format or a console-style design.

• Handheld: These options are typically lighter, making them good cordless options or candidates for 12.0-volt adapters found across many modern vehicles.
• Console units: These can be used either in a vehicle or in a garage for a variety of DIY tasks and are suitable for high-pressure tires.

Both versions are more than capable of refilling flat tires, but form factor can be a priority for customers wanting to save space.

Built-In Tire Inflators

It’s worth noting that some vehicles now include tire pumps built into the car itself. The feature is popular among vehicles that are off-road capable since dropping tire pressure by a few psi can lead to better performance on some surfaces while overlanding.

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Best Portable Air Compressors: Bottom Line

When your wheels are low on air pressure and you’re out in the middle of nowhere, the last thing you want to do is risk ruining your tires. With a great all-around compressor like the Viair 450P-RV or a super portable option like the Ryobi ONE+, you won’t have to worry about your tires again.

1. Best Portable Air Compressor: Ryobi ONE+
2. Most User-Friendly: Kobalt Portable Air Compressor
3. Fastest Inflation: DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor
4. Best Attachments: Viair 450P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit
5. Budget Pick: Slime Tire Inflator

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Best Portable Air Compressor: FAQ

Below are some common frequently asked questions about best portable air compressors:

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Full Portable Air Compressor Testing Methodology

We tested each air compressor by timing how long it took to inflate a tire from 30.0 psi to 40.0 psi. We followed the included instructions (if there were any) and took notes on build quality, ease of use, and quality of additional attachments. Each air compressor was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on inflation speed, ease of use, and portability.

Inflation Speed

You don’t want to be stuck waiting by the side of the road for very long while your tire air compressor does its thing. Our inflation speed score is a reflection of how quickly each air compressor could inflate our test tire. The air compressors that worked fastest scored best in this category.

Ease of Use

Our ease of use rating is based on the relative convenience of each air compressor. Those with simple operating instructions and that require little setup score best in this category. Air compressors that offer automatic inflation to a specific psi and easy-to-read displays also score better in this category.

Portability

A good air compressor should be portable enough to take on the go in case of emergencies. Lightweight and compact air compressors score best in this category. We also award better ratings to air compressors that include useful carrying bags or storage bags.

How We Score Products

Every portable air compressor we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:

• 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a portable air compressor is among the best in a category.
  • Inflation Speed: The tire inflator is exceptionally fast, it can add 10.0 psi in under 30 seconds.
  • Ease of Use: The tire inflation automatically inflights to a set psi, has a large digital display, and single-button operation.
  • Portability: The tire inflator weighs under 5.0 lbs. and could fit in a glove box.
• 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a portable air compressor performs better than average in a category.
  • Inflation Speed: The tire inflator is quick, and can add 10.0 psi in under 2 minutes
  • Ease of Use: The tire inflator features at least an automatic inflation feature. It may also be especially lightweight.
  • Portability: The tire inflator weighs under 10.0 lbs., though it may not fit in a glove box.
• 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a portable air compressor, based on our testing experience.
  • Inflation Speed: The tire inflator takes about 2 minutes to add 10.0 psi.
  • Ease of Use: The tire inflator is not difficult to use, but may lack convenience features like a digital display and automatic inflation. It may be heavy or require a few minutes to set up.
  • Portability: The inflator can fit easily in your truck, though may be over 15.0 lbs. If so, it should include wheels.
• 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the portable air compressor performs poorer than the average silicone wiper blade.
  • Inflation Speed: The tire inflator is slow, taking more than 2 minutes to add 10.0 psi.
  • Ease of Use: The tire inflator is difficult to use for one reason, either because of a confusing interface or because it is heavy.
  • Portability: The tire inflator is not portable if it is over 20.0 lbs. and has no wheels
• 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the portable air compressor performs well below expectations in a category.
  • Inflation Speed: The tire inflator does not work to inflate tires.
  • Ease of Use: Some tire inflator functions do not work, and buttons or switches break easily.
  • Portability: The tire inflator is too large or heavy to reasonably be considered “portable.” It may require two people to move or be too large to fit in the back seat.

Why Trust Motor1.com

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability

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