Portable air compressors, unlike stationary compressors, are mobile and can be transported anywhere with the purpose of converting power into pressurized air. Air compressors can be used on a great number of occasions, whether you need to handle household tasks, inflate your tires or use it for professional purposes. There are two main categories of air compressors to choose from when such equipment is needed: positive displacement or negative displacement type.

Depending on the pressure they deliver, air compressors can be low-pressure, medium-pressure and high pressure. A low pressure compressor, also known as LPAC, has a discharge of maximum 150 psi. A medium-pressure compressor has a pressure discharge between 151 psi to 1000 psi, while a high pressure air compressor, also known as HPAC, is any pressure that has a discharge above 1000 psi.

Today’s market offers a wide variety of portable air compressors that can help with daily tasks. When looking for an air compressor, its shape, size, design, capacity and technology, as well as its price and utility, are some of the most frequent factors that will influence your opinion. The discharge pressure, for example, will be identified as CFM when looking for portable air compressors. Having known that, you will not risk buying one that does not suit your needs.

Some of the most popular air compressor brands on the market will sound familiar to you if you are a man, giving the fact that most power tools manufacturers also release such equipment. When it comes to tinier portable air compressors, you can also find small units that occupy a small amount of space and can be carried around in your car trunk permanently. These units are practical and, most of the times, low cost, which is why everyone should make sure that they have a functional compressor in their car.

From wheel and tire air compressors to heavy-duty units, you can find anything you need on today’s market. Depending on the task and your budget, you can quickly come to a conclusion if you own a few technical notions.  In the event that technical expertise is not really your thing, it is best to closely analyze the information we have provided below. This article is meant to give you an idea about the pros and cons of each of the 10 best-selling products in 2015.

We have reviewed the 10 most popular portable air compressors out there, looking at their price, warranty, technical specifications, fuel, portability, capacity, materials and pressure discharge. Although an air compressor’s design does not seem to be important, in some cases it actually is. Smarter designs mean better portability and ease of use. Also, the unit’s weight and size should influence your decision, due to the fact that extremely heavy or large portable air compressors might require special vehicles for transportation. Therefore, think of your needs and budget and see for yourself the advantages and disadvantages of some of the most popular portable air compressors on the market.

 1. Kensun AC Portable Air Compressor Tire Inflator

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This portable air inflator is one of the best things someone can have in their car. It is a multi-function unit that pumps in 40 PSI and has an air flow rate of 11 l/minute. It connects to the tire through a 21.7 inch rubber air hose and has a 9 ft cord that connects to the cigarette plug. Also, it can be connected to an AC plug through a 6 ft cord.

Its construction does not look very sturdy, but it is a practical device with a clip on system. Its price is affordable, it weighs 4.7 pounds and it can attach to tires, air mattresses, sports balls and many more. Also, it is quite powerful and does not overheat.

What’s to like about Kensun AC (Home 110V)/ DC (12V Car) Portable Air Compressor Tire Inflator?
  • Is inexpensive
  • Has long cords
  • Can be easily transported in the trunk
  • Has a compact design
What’s not to like?
  • Its construction does not look sturdy. Is made of plastic.

 2. Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor

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This portable 12V air compressor by Viair is an affordable product that comes with a compact design and a carrying bag. It provides the user with a maximum pressure of 100 PSI and it is a heavy duty device that helps with all sorts of inflating tasks. This product is extremely light and has a 12 ft power cable with a 30 ampere inline fuse, as well as a 5 feet inflation hose.

It weighs only 6.2 pounds and its size of 9.2 x 8.5 x 8 inches makes it easy to use by anyone. This is a useful product that offers just enough pressure to inflate a vehicle’s tires, an air mattress and many other inflatable objects in a matter of minutes.

What’s to like about Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor?
  • Is lightweight
  • Has long cords
  • Has a carrying bag
  • Has 100 PSI
What’s not to like?
  • Some customers complain about the quality of the clilp

 3. VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor

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This is a portable compressor that is very easy to use, even though it is slightly larger in size than the models we have discussed so far. It comes with more advanced features, though, such as a LED working light that provides a well-lit working area. It is a 12 V device that delivers 60 PSI maximum working pressure, which is not bad, but you can tell just by looking at it that it is meant to solve small tasks.

Its engine must be running when it is used and it can be connected to the cigarette power port. Also, it has dual battery clamps and a solid brass. Its design makes it look sturdy. It is definitely very easy to store and transport.

What’s to like about VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor?
  • Is sturdy
  • Is affordable
  • Has LED working light
  • Has dual battery clamps
  • Has permanent magnetic motor
What’s not to like?
  • Some customers claim it requires a bit too much electricity

 4. Black &Decker ASI300 Air Station 12-Volt or 120-Volt Inflator

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This 12 V portable air compressor is larger in size than the previously reviewed products, it comes at an even better price and is suitable for tire inflation, sports balls, air mattresses, bike tires and all types of inflatable objects. Its compact design is visually pleasant, it comes in orange color and even though it is made of plastic on the outside, its construction looks sturdy enough. It delivers up to 160 PSI and has can be connected to the vehicle cigarette plug.

It instantly shuts off when the desired air pressure has been reached. It is practical, lightweight and easy to use due to its tire nozzle, needle inflator and extension nozzle. Its manufacturer offers a 2 year warranty.

What’s to like about Black & Decker ASI300 Air Station 12-Volt or 120-Volt Inflator?
  • Has a visually appealing design
  • Is inexpensive
  • Has 2 year warranty
  • Is lightweight
  • Can be connected to the car cigarette plug
What’s not to like?
  • It is not rechargeable

 5. LifeLine AAA 300 PSI 12 Volt DC Air Compressor

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This is one of the most affordable portable air compressors on the market. It is easy to use and delivers 300 PSI which makes it more powerful than most small compressors. It has an air hose that connects really easily, a 10 ft long power cord and an air pressure gauge. Also, it comes with 3 nozzle adapters and it can be connected to the car cigarette plug.

This product can be switched on and off with the help of a button on the front panel, but does not have auto shut off feature. It is great for occasional use, but even though the manufacturer promotes it like a high quality device, its construction is not that sturdy.

What’s to like about LifeLine AAA 300 PSI 12 Volt DC Air Compressor?
  • Is cheap
  • Is powerful
  • Has 300 PSI
  • Can be connected to the cigarette plug
What’s not to like?
  • Its construction quality is questionable

 6. Slime 40022 12-Volt Digital Tire Inflator

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This portable air compressor is a modern unit that comes with digital features and a great design. Its small size and compact shape make it comfortable to use and very easy to transport. It is a 12 V compressor that can be plugged into the car cigarette. It is equipped with LED light that allows the user to inflate tires and inflatable objects during the night, too.

This product has an automatic shut-off feature that stops the inflator once the desired pressure has been reached. It is extremely lightweight, weighing only 1 pound. Although it is extremely useful for tires and other inflatable objects, this air compressor cannot be connected to a wall plug. Also, it is a bit louder than other similar products.

What’s to like about Slime 40022 12-Volt Digital Tire Inflator?
  • Has digital display
  • Has a great design
  • Is lightweight
  • Has LED light
  • Is cheap
  • Has shut-off function
What’s not to like?
  • Cannot be connected to a wall plug
  • Is louder than other such products

 7. PORTER-CABLE 135 PSI Pancake Compressor

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The Porter Cable air compressor is a portable device that delivers 2.0 SCFM and 90 PSI. it is more expensive than most small air compressors, but its construction, its design and its capabilities make it be worth of the money. It has a tank that has a 3.5 gallons capacity, as well as an oil-free pump. This product is designed to last.

It has a low amperage motor of 120 V, two gauges for better visibility and one quick-connect coupler. It is extremely lightweight; it comes in red and black and has a noise level of 82 decibels. It is not the quietest on the market, but it has a lower noise level than most products.

What’s to like about PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 3.5-Gallon 135 PSI Pancake Compressor?
  • Has a great design
  • Is sturdily constructed
  • Has low amperage motor
  • Has a 3.5 gallons tank
  • Has 2 gauges
What’s not to like?
  • Is more expensive than most similar products
  • Is a bit noisy

 8. Master Flow MF-1040 Cyclone High Volume Portable Air Compressor

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The Master Flow portable air compressor is an affordable unit that comes in small size and has a unique design. Its yellow color makes it impossible to ignore and its long, yellow hose, definitely makes it step forward. This is a 12 V air compressor with 150 PSI that comes with an integrated gauge and an inflating nozzle. It can deliver 30 liters of air every minute.

The package of this air compressor includes a bonus carrying bag, which is great. Even though it brings a lot of advantages, this product has a few design flaws and customers have been complaining about the fuse’s quality plenty of time. Even so, it is great for occasion use, it is quick and quiet.

What’s to like about Master Flow MF-1040 Cyclone High Volume Portable Air Compressor?
  • Is affordable
  • Has a unique design
  • Is tiny
  • Is quiet
  • Delivers 30 liters of air per minute
  • Includes a carrying bag
What’s not to like?
  • Seems to have frequent fuse issues

 9. Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor

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This portable air compressor is a small device that looks durable enough to convince many of you to pay a bit more than on other similar portable compressors. It is a 12V device, delivers 120 PSI and its motor must keep running when in use. It is easy to use and it can be connected directly to a vehicle’s battery, due to its included alligator clamps. It is a heavy duty unit that can be used to inflate trucks and SUV’s tires.

It is equipped with a LED indicator that makes it easier to use. It also has a 9 ft power cord and a 12 ft air hose, as well as a 3pc inflation tip kit.  It only weighs one pound and its warranty is only available for its parts.

What’s to like about Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor?
  • Is durable
  • Is powerful
  • Can be connected to a vehicle’s battery
  • Has long power cord and air hose
What’s not to like?
  • Is more expensive than most small air compressors

 10. Goodyear i8000 120-Volt Direct Drive Tire Inflator

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The Goodyear i8000 is a portable inflator that comes at an affordable price. It has a pleasant design and an easy-to-store, blue air fuse that is made of rubber. It has the ability ot inflate P185/R14 from 0 to 28 PSI in less than two minutes. The maximum pressure it can deliver is 150 PSI. This product comes with a variety of adaptors that fit multiple tires and inflatable objects. Unlike most small air compressors, it can be connected to a 120 V wall plug.

This portable air compressor has a 17 ft air hose and a 6 ft power cord, which makes it easy to use even if it is needed and long distances. It is quieter than most similar products the market has to offer. Even so, it is heavier than most, giving the fact that it weighs 8 pounds.

What’s to like about Goodyear i8000 120-Volt Direct Drive Tire Inflator?
  • Is affordable
  • Is sturdy
  • Is quick and powerful
  • Includes multiple adaptors
  • Hand long air hose and power cord
  • Is quiet
What’s not to like?
  • Is heavier than most products of the same category