6 Best Air Compressors for a Garage (That You Won’t Regret)
An air compressor, by itself, is not really a tool you can get a bunch of things done with. Instead, it’s a necessary power source for other air tools. Tools such as an air impact wrench, air ratchet, brad nailer, blow gun, tire inflator, grinder, and even a small sandblaster can all be run using compressed air.
This makes an air compressor one of the most versatile pieces of equipment for your garage or shop.
In addition, air tools have the advantage over their respective power tools when it comes to size and weight since each air tool runs off a power source that does not need to be part of the tool itself.
One other advantage over power tools is that you never have to worry about constantly charging batteries since a good size compressor can run nonstop for hours on end. Even if you were to only inflate tires with it, an air compressor is worth having for your garage.
That said, most people find that they end up using them for a variety of things making compressors one of the most important things to have in a garage or shop. Below are our top picks for a typical homeowner.
TIP: Don’t forget the air compressor hose! Many compressors include a short, cheap hose you’ll want to upgrade right away or maybe not include one at all.
Our 6 Favorite Garage Compressors
| Product | Capacity | CFM @90 PSI | Decibels | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | California Air Tools 10020C | 10 gallon | 5.3 CFM | 70 dB |
 | Husky C303H | 30 gallon | 5.1 CFM | 78 dB |
 | DeWalt DXCM271 | 27 gallon | 5.1 CFM | 78 dB |
 | Fortress FT27200 | 27 gallon | 5.1 CFM | 78 dB |
 | NorthStar 2629620 | 20 gallon | 5.0 CFM | 80 dB |
 | California Air Tools 8010 | 8 gallon | 2.2 CFM | 60 dB |
Air Compressor Reviews
#1 – California Air Tools 10020C 10-Gallon Compressor
Even though brands such as Makita, Craftsman, and DeWalt get all the attention, California Air Tools makes some of the best home garage air compressors in the business.
The CAT-10020C is a 2 horsepower, 10 gallon unit that puts out 5.3 CFM of airflow at 90 PSI, enough to power pretty much any air tool you throw at it with the maybe exception of a heavy duty impact wrench or sander.
See Also: What size air compressor do you need?
The 10 gallon tank is large enough that the compressor can run for longer periods of time while small enough that it’s still easy to move around with its large wheels and quickly fill up with air.
Two quick release connectors allow two tools to be used at the same time, although the larger, 20-gallon version would be better suited for multiple users.
One of the best things about this California Air Tools compressor is how quiet it is compared to others.
Measuring at only 70 decibels, it’s one of the quietest around, especially for an oil-free model (requires almost no maintenance). You’ll be able to carry on a conversation without shouting or listen to music while working.
Sure, you can buy a similarly sized unit from a cheaper, more common company, but what good will that do you when it breaks down in a couple years.
If you want a solidly-built, good performing, quiet compressor that requires almost no maintenance, be sure to check out the California Air Tools CAT-10020C. This unit is quite possibly the best 10 gallon compressor we’ve used and it means business!
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#2 – Husky C303H 30-Gallon Air Compressor
Designed to give more bang for the buck, this 30 gallon air compressor from Home Depot has a high performance pump and motor capable of churning out 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI. With a high 175 max PSI, it allows for up to 40 percent more run-time than 26 gallon compressors.
This Husky compressor can handle just about any task, from inflation to nailing, with equal efficiency, while the 9-inch wheels allow for easy mobility.
Best of all, the compressor will run at a surprisingly low 78 decibels, making it a fairly quiet compressor, especially for the price.
There’s a lot to love about this compressor. More quiet than similar models, this compressor can handle multiple tools at once.
Minimal maintenance and a high capacity further impress its users. The device has two quick releases to accommodate two tools and allow for quick decompression.
There have been several complaints of leakage. In some cases, a loose fitting was discovered, while in others the hose itself was damaged prior to or during delivery.
While most of these leaks are minor and easily fixed, it’s best to thoroughly inspect the unit as soon as possible to find any potential issues.
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#3 – DeWalt DXCM271 27-Gallon Compressor
Continuing to uphold their reputation for excellence, this 200 PSI compressor from DeWalt can provide 83 percent more tool runtime than similar models.
At 90 PSI, the compressor is able to provide 5.1 CFM for faster recovery times and 6.0 SCFM at 40 PSI, making it perfect for HVLP spray guns.
A dual-purpose handle helps protect the compressor while also serving as a hose wrap. Large, easy to read gauges and an easy start motor that requires no fuel make this an one of the best shop air compressors.
See Also: Single-Stage vs Two-Stage Air Compressor
Whether in the home shop or an industrial setting, this compressor packs a lot of power. The small footprint makes it popular with a lot of people who have less shop space.
It also holds pressure for a long period, even when not in use. You can run everything from a spray gun to industrial pneumatic tools on this compressor without having to worry about losing efficiency.
It’s very difficult to find fault with this model. One consumer noted that the pressure exceeded 200 PSI, but otherwise ran smoothly and didn’t require charging breaks.
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#4 – Fortress (Harbor Freight) FT27200 27-Gallon Compressor
If you love the specs of DeWalt’s DXCM271 but don’t have the money, FORTRESS has you covered. This 27 gallon compressor runs at a 200 psi max pressure and provides up to 75 percent more runtime than most competing models.
At 90 PSI, it provides 5.1 CFM, and the soft start motor and oil-free pump mean maintenance-free operation. For safety and storage, the compressor has wraps for both the hose and cord, 10-inch flat-free tires, and a full roll cage.
The integrated metal control panel features two-inch gauges and two brass universal couplers. Meanwhile, the built-in regulator helps ensure smooth operation. However, refilling the tank can take a while, which is the biggest complaint for this model.
Fill times aside, the only real issue with the Fortress model is that it’s sold by Harbor Freight. If you have a store in your area, great. If not, shipping costs are likely going to be well above $100.
On top of that, Harbor Freight warranty and return policies are simply not as good as other retailers. There’s some risk, but for the price, it may be worth it. That said, this is a better quality compressor than the previous Central Pneumatic models that Harbor Freight offered.
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#5 – NorthStar 2629620 20-Gallon Compressor
Designed to be more portable and last longer than the competition, this 2HP compressor illustrates why NorthStar has a loyal following. The cast iron V-twin pump has cast iron heads and oil lubrication. While this means a little more maintenance, it also eliminates hotspots and increases the pump’s service life.
Included is a portability kit featuring smooth-rolling steel ball bearing wheels with no-flat tires so you never get stuck. It gives 5.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.0 at 40 PSI with a working pressure of 135 PSI. Despite this, the belt drive keeps this compressor at a relatively quiet 80 dB.
The speed in which this compressor fills is impressive, although the regulator is sort of a bottleneck. It’s generally suggested to replace the included 1/4” air pressure regulator with a 3/8” one.
Also, the unit is wired for 110V and can be converted to 220V, but this must be done manually, making it far less convenient than it first sounds. Still, despite these flaws, the fast refill, quiet running, and overall quality is hard to beat.
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#6 – California Air Tools 8010 8-Gallon Air Compressor
Not everyone will need a 10, 20, or 30-gallon model. With an airflow of 2.2 CFM @90 PSI and a maximum PSI of 120, this model doesn’t have enough oomph to run an impact wrench or grinder. But it’s perfect for tire inflation, nail guns, detailing, cleaning, and hobby use. This 8 gallon compressor has a lot of features that make it a great choice for many home shops and garages.
One of the best things about this model is the noise (or lack of it). Producing only 60 decibels of noise, this California Air Tools model is one of the quietest air compressors available. The 1 HP motor operates at only 1680 RPM for less noise and wear and has a longer run cycle.
The oil-free dual piston pump means better performance and very little maintenance. The 8010 also includes a thermal overload protector to help ensure your compressor has a longer life.
Owners of this compressor love the quietness and reliability, reporting that it can quickly inflate even the large tires and handle nail guns like a pro, but may not be suitable for more demanding tools.
Like other compressors of this size, some users recommend to fully drain the tank every couple days. Failing to do so can cause the motor to burn out, as some unfortunate owners have found out. Burnout from failing to empty the tank isn’t covered in the manufacturer’s warranty and is serious enough that it can’t be repaired.
With this being the biggest issue and easy to prevent, it’s easy to recommend the California Air Tools 8010 when looking for a small to medium size air compressor.
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