If you are looking for an air compressor for your shop, there are some key features you need to consider.
Some air compressors have higher PSI ratings and better airflow. Others are more portable, or quiet.
In this guide, we look at the best shop air compressors broken down and evaluated by tank size, PSI, CFM, portability, horsepower, and loudness.
- Quiet 60 dB operation
- Fast refill time
- Over 3,000 hour life cycle
- Weighs 31 pounds
- Easy start motor
- Oil-free pump
- 1-gallon capacity
- Weighs 20 pounds
- Lubeless pump
- Never-flat wheels
- 10-gallon tank
- Maximum 150 psi
- 5,000 hour service life
- Manual thermal overload
- 100% continuous run cycle
- Dual-voltage motor
- Large pneumatic wheels & handle
- Oil-lubricated motor
- Maximum pressure of 150 PSI
- Vertical design to save space
- 17-piece accessory set
The Best Shop Air Compressors of 2024
Shop air compressors vary in capacity, shape, and design, so, finding 7 great options was a real challenge.
California Air Tools 8010 8-Gallon Air Compressor
Best Quiet Shop Air Compressor
Getting an air compressor to rival this California Air Tools model for decibels is pretty tricky. Some come close, while others get nowhere near. It runs at 60 dB! By anyone’s standard, that’s impressive. It’s the equivalent of the volume of a normal conversation.
It has a maximum pressure of 120 PSI, so it’s not the most powerful machine to make the review, but it does have a dual-piston pump with a life cycle of plus 3,000 hours. This compressor uses an oil-free pump, so you won’t have to fork out for new compressor oil or dispose of the old oil in the landfill.
So, it’s low maintenance, produces cleaner air, and starts on cold mornings with the minimum of fuss. It has an airflow of 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.1 CFM at 40 PSI.
What We Like
Super-Quiet
If you work in an environment where noise is a problem, this compressor will make life a little bit better, thanks to the 60-decibel running volume. That’s a difference of 20 decibels compared to some models.
Fast Refill Time
When the tank runs low, you won’t have to wait long for it to refill. This compressor recharges from empty to full in just over 2 minutes. It means you can spend more time making money and less time standing around.
Oil-Free
Oil-free pumps require almost zero maintenance and produce cleaner air because there is no oil residue to contaminate. Also, they are cheaper to run thanks to not needing fresh compressor oil.
What We Don't Like
Lacks Power
You might want to save this compressor for lighter duties in the shop. It only has a 1 horsepower motor and produces 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI. That is low compared to some of the other compressors to feature.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 48 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 26 x 14 x 23 |
| Max PSI | 120 |
| CFM | 2.2 at 90 PSI |
| Capacity (gallons) | 8 |
| Oil/Oil-free | Oil-free |
| HP | 1 |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Our Ratings
Bostitch Pancake 6-Gallon Air Compressor
Best Tire Shop Air Compressor
As the name suggests, this style of compressor is known as a “Pancake.” It is a lightweight and oil-free version, with a 6-gallon tank, producing a maximum pressure of 150 PSI, and airflow values that top out at 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
The compressor runs at 78.5 decibels, so it is as noisy as a typical office environment, and it has a high-flow regulator and coupler to maximize your air tools. Bostitch’s high-efficiency motor ensures an easy start even on cold days.
What We Like
Weighs 31 Pounds
Pancake compressors are incredibly lightweight. This one weighs just 31 pounds, so while it lacks wheels, it is easy to carry in the trunk of your car.
Easy Start Motor
On cold days, motors can struggle, but this model, it is so efficient that it has an easy-start feature to get going no matter what the temperature. Tire shops are drafty places, so when it gets cold, the equipment suffers.
Oil-Free Pump
Oil-free pumps are better for the environment and your wallet. They create zero waste and reduce the running costs of operating the compressor. They also produce cleaner air, improving the lifespan of the compressor.
Great Price
This is a cheap compressor, which limits its capacity and power. But it scores big when it comes to price. It’s a great option if you are a beginner and are looking for a manageable compressor.
What We Don't Like
Limited Capacity
These compact compressors are great for inflating tires, but they have limited uses if you are looking for longer projects and heavy-duty tasks.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 31 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 17 x 17 x 19.25 |
| Max PSI | 150 |
| CFM | 2.6 at 90 PSI |
| Capacity (gallons) | 6 |
| Oil/Oil-free | Oil-free |
| HP | 0.9 |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Our Ratings
Senco PC1010 1-Gallon Air Compressor
Best Budget Shop Air Compressor
Not everyone has a big budget. Some people have limited finances and cannot afford an expensive high-end compressor. Say hello to the Senco if you like saving money.
This compressor has a 1-gallon capacity, so it has a limited range of what it can do. If you consign it to lighter duties like inflating tires, swimming pool inflatables, and even balloons, it will cope admirably.
The engine is 0.50 horsepower under strain but 1 horsepower at peak, delivering 20 to 44 drives every minute. It’s lightweight, portable, and above all else, cheap. The maximum PSI is 125, and the CFM is rated at 1.4 at 90 PSI.
The lubeless pump ensures that it is maintenance light and an ideal compressor for a beginner.
What We Like
Lightweight and Portable
This compressor weighs 20 pounds, so you can pick it up and pack it into the trunk of your car. It’s the ideal compressor if you have a cycle shop or repair motorcycles for a living.
Unbelievably Low-Cost
It may not be the most powerful compressor to make the review, but it is the best value for money. It costs a fraction of others in its class, and it makes an ideal compressor for beginners.
Great for the Shop and Home
Some compressors are built for commercial uses only, but this model is equally at home in your shop or domestic environment. It is light and compact, and the power levels would suit a hobbyist user.
What We Don't Like
Limited Uses
While it may suit commercial and home users, it does have limitations. It is only capable of performing lighter duties like inflating car, motorcycle, and bicycle tires. So, if you own a cycle repair shop, this compressor will serve you well.
1-Gallon Capacity
The small air tank is going to need refilling frequently. This slows you down. It would be better suited to intermittent use rather than sustained use because you will spend a lot of time waiting between recharges.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 20 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 14 x 13 x 10 |
| Max PSI | 125 |
| CFM | 1.4 at 90 PSI |
| Capacity (gallons) | 1 |
| Oil/Oil-free | Oil-free |
| HP | 0.50 |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
WEN 2289 10-Gallon Vertical Air Compressor
Best Portable Shop Air Compressor
Portability is crucial if you want to increase your flexibility. The ability to bring the compressor closer to the action is much more convenient. This WEN model is our pick for the best portable compressor thanks to the 7-inch, never-flat wheels, and the large handle.
The 10-gallon tank glides along almost every surface, and when you reach your destination, two sturdy legs ensure that the compressor is balanced and secure. It has a maximum PSI of 150 and a CFM of 4.0 at 90 PSI.
It’s also an oil-free pump, so it provides cleaner, uncontaminated air, which preserves the operating lifespan of your compressor. It also features an easy-to-reach quick drain valve and a quick coupler, and two pressure gauges.
What We Like
Never-Flat Wheels
If you are looking for a portable air compressor, this WEN has never-flat wheels to make maneuverability a top priority. The handle also has a rubber grip, increasing the agility of the compressor.
Oil-Free
Oil-free pumps are the best types if you want to avoid the added expense of compressor oil and the damage disposing of old oil does to the environment. It also reduces the maintenance burden.
Maximum 150 PSI
Most air tools operate at about 70 to 80 PSI, so having 150 at your disposal increases your options. It means you can tackle heavy-duty tasks as well as lighter duties.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
Some customers have complained that their compressor arrived with missing parts or it failed after a few uses. It seems that to save costs, WEN has used cheaper components during the construction process.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 71.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 16 x 17 x 33.5 |
| Max PSI | 150 |
| CFM | 4.0 at 90 PSI |
| Capacity (gallons) | 10 |
| Oil/Oil-free | Oil-free |
| HP | 1.5 |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Ingersoll Rand SS5 60-Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor
Best Machine Shop Air Compressor
Okay, now we are getting to the big boys, where the emphasis is on capacity and sheer power. This Ingersoll Rand is a stationary 60-gallon compressor, so it cannot be moved once it is in position. Ingersoll claims that this compressor will run for 5,000 hours of trouble-free use, making it one of the most robust models you can buy.
Machine shops are demanding places, so it’s reassuring that this compressor has a 100 percent continuous run cycle, so you won’t have to keep stopping while it cools down. It has a maximum PSI of 135 and 18.1 CFM at 90 PSI. That’s a healthy airflow.
The 5 horsepower motor and the cast iron construction extend the working life of this device, coupled with the synthetic lubricant instead of oil-based lubricants, which means you get 2,000 hours between service changeouts.
What We Like
Extended Life
Ingersoll Rand has poured everything into making this compressor a long-lasting machine. They claim it will give you 5,000 trouble-free hours of use as a bare minimum. It means they must be pretty confident in their design and the quality of this compressor.
Advanced Safety
With manual thermal overload and an encased belt guard, this compressor is able to withstand the rigors of machine shop life. It also has an automatic start/stop cut-off when the correct pressure gets reached.
Reputable Brand
Like DeWALT, Ingersoll Rand is a global brand name, loved worldwide for creating quality and hard-wearing tools and accessories. Go to any workshop or construction site, and you will see Ingersoll Rand products in action.
What We Don't Like
Pricey
Ingersoll Rand slipped up here with the price. It costs almost 10 times the budget option, but is it 10 times better? That’s not for us to decide, but it does highlight how expensive this compressor is compared to the competition.
Not Portable
We get this is a cumbersome compressor, but make sure you get it located in the correct spot because once it is in place, you can kiss goodbye to moving it. It has no wheels and weighs 310 pounds.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 310 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 24 x 30 x 73 |
| Max PSI | 135 |
| CFM | 18.1 at 90 PSI |
| Capacity (gallons) | 60 |
| Oil/Oil-free | Synthetic lubricant |
| HP | 5 |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
DeWALT DXCMLA1983054 30-Gallon Air Compressor
Best Paint Shop Air Compressor
When you are spray painting a car, you need a compressor with enough clout to cope. It needs to run for longer periods without overheating, and it needs to deliver where it counts. This is a 30-gallon compressor with a SCFM value of 5.7 at 90 PSI and 7.0 at 40 PSI. This is enough to operate a high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) spray gun.
The large pneumatic wheels and handle make this a portable compressor, plus it is an oil-lubricated motor, so you get a more robust pump. The maximum PSI is an impressive 155, making it one of the best available for spray shops.
This DeWALT is a cast iron V-shaped cylinder with two pistons. The large piston draws the air in and pushes it to the smaller piston chamber, where the air is pressurized. It increases the efficiency of the process, which uses less energy and fills the tank faster.
What We Like
Dual-Voltage Motor
DeWALT recognizes that this compressor is useful in the shop or home, so they have equipped the motor with a dual-voltage capability. With some minor adjustments, the engine converts to run on 120 and 240-volt systems.
Large Wheels and Handle
If you work in a spray shop, you will need your compressor to be portable, so you get complete access to the car you are spraying. The pneumatic wheels make it a joy to maneuver. The handle gives you a superior grip.
Quality Brand
The name alone inspires confidence that this is a quality compressor. DeWALT is a global brand, loved the world over by tradespeople and shops everywhere.
What We Don't Like
Very Expensive
It is not a budget compressor by any stretch. You will need a deep pocket if you want to buy this model. It costs 6 times the price of the budget option.
Weighs 190 Pounds
It may have large, pneumatic wheels, but boy does it need them. This compressor weighs 190 pounds. Compared to others, that’s pretty heavy, so be thankful for those wheels and large handle.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 190 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 22 x 27 x 44.5 |
| Max PSI | 155 |
| CFM | 5.7 at 90 PSI |
| Capacity (gallons) | 30 |
| Oil/Oil-free | Oil |
| HP | 1.9 |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 2-year pump (1-year other parts) |
Our Ratings
Campbell Hausfeld 26-Gallon Vertical Compressor
Best Woodshop Air Compressor
This is a 26-gallon air compressor mounted on two large wheels with a well-positioned handle. It has a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI, so it can tackle an array of jobs, especially nailing and stapling, and it produces an airflow of 4 CFM at 90 PSI.
It’s a vertical design to save space in the woodshop and store away easier. The motor produces 1.3 horsepower, and the compressor runs at a noise level of 88 decibels. It doesn’t have the most powerful engine, and it isn’t the quietest model to feature.
The duty cycle is 50 percent, so for every 30 minutes of work, the machine needs to rest for a further 30 minutes.
What We Like
Ideal for Commercial and Home Use
Unlike similar compressors, this one is at home in a domestic setting as well as your woodshop. It means you can take it home to finish some of the outstanding projects and, when done, ship it back to the workshop.
Oil-Free Pump
It’s been said many times, but oil-free pumps allow you to operate without an expensive maintenance schedule and frequent oil changes. It also has less impact on the planet and produces cleaner air.
17-Piece Accessory Set
Get your project underway straight out of the box with the 17-piece accessory set. It includes a 25 ft hose, 3-in-1 inflation gun, and a chuck and gauge.
What We Don't Like
Limited Capability
While this is an excellent compressor for finish-nailing, stapling thin planks, and using a nail gun, air sanders are not recommended. Some things still need to be done by hand.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 105 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 18.3 x 17.9 x 49.6 |
| Max PSI | 150 |
| CFM | 4.0 at 90 PSI |
| Capacity (gallons) | 26 |
| Oil/Oil-free | Oil-free |
| HP | 1.3 |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Max PSI | CFM | Capacity | Oil/Oil-free | HP | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Air Tools Compressor | Quiet | 48 lbs | 26 x 14 x 23″ | 120 | 2.2 at 90 PSI | 8 gal | Oil-free | 1 | 1-year limited |
| Bostitch Pancake Compressor | Tire Shop | 31 lbs | 17 x 17 x 19.25″ | 150 | 2.6 at 90 PSI | 6 gal | Oil-free | 1 | 1-year limited |
| Senco PC1010 Air Compressor | Budget Pick | 20 lbs | 14 x 13 x 10″ | 125 | 1.4 at 90 PSI | 1 gal | Oil-free | 0.5 | 1-year |
| WEN Vertical Air Compressor | Portable | 72 lbs | 16 x 17 x 33.5″ | 150 | 4.0 at 90 PSI | 10 gal | Oil-free | 2 | 2-year |
| Ingersoll Rand Single Stage | Machine | 310 lbs | 24 x 30 x 73″ | 135 | 18.1 at 90 PSI | 60 gal | Synthetic lubricant | 5 | 1-year |
| DeWALT Air Compressor | Paint Shop | 190 lbs | 22 x 27 x 44.5″ | 155 | 5.7 at 90 PSI | 30 gal | Oil | 1.9 | 2-year |
| Campbell Hausfeld Compressor | Wood Shop | 105 lbs | 18.3 x 17.9 x 49.6″ | 150 | 4.0 at 90 PSI | 26 gal | Oil-free | 1.3 | 2-year |
How Do Shop Air Compressors Work?
Shop air compressors work in the same way that standard air compressors work. The motor drives the pistons, as air gets sucked into a larger chamber and then compressed into a smaller chamber, where it is pressurized and forced into a holding tank.
The air then releases through an air hose attached to the compressor and the air tool at the other end. When the tank depletes, the compressor kicks into life and recharges the tank with more pressurized air.
There are other ways that air compressors work, but the most common types are belt-driven and oil-lubricated models. Shop air compressors need to be multi-functional with the airflow and PSI to drive large power tools for the most challenging jobs.
And this is the real advantage of a shop air compressor. Electrical power tools are often more expensive to buy, and you would need an extensive collection to cover the many aspects of your work. Air tools, by contrast, are cheaper, and you can interchange them with the same compressor. Also, they are more powerful, so removing stripped or rusted bolts and nuts will be a breeze.
How To Choose the Best Shop Air Compressors
There are so many shop air compressors to choose from, so making the correct choice is a challenge. We have compiled a list of the essential things to look for in a shop air compressor.
Is It Oil-Lubricated?
Oil-lubricated compressors form a large bulk of the models available. They are often more powerful because they have cast iron pumps that create vast amounts of pressure. For this reason, you typically find oil compressors in workshops, auto repair centers, and factories.
The only downside to oil compressors is the cost of the oil and disposal issues. Oil is bad for the environment, and each time you change the oil, you have to throw the old lubricant in the trash.
Plus, these types of compressors need more tender love and care. Regular oil changes are called for because if not, you risk permanently damaging the pistons beyond repair. And given that air compressors are not cheap items, they could hit you hard in the pocket.
Oil compressors are better for getting lots of jobs done in a short time. In the main, they tend to be cheaper but cost more to run and maintain.
Is It Oil-Free?
More and more compressors are oil-free, especially those aimed for lighter use like in the home and garage. That’s not to say these compressors don’t cut it in a professional environment, but they are typically less powerful than their oil-lubricated cousins.
There are upsides. Oil-free compressors require minimal maintenance, and you never need to pay for oil. This is a win-win if you care about the environment or have little time when it comes to maintenance.
Oil-free compressors are less robust than their oiled counterparts and, on the whole, more expensive to buy. That said, they are cheaper to run and maintain.
How Big Is the Tank Size?
The tank size of your air compressor depends on the tasks you want it to do. If you are spray painting cars, you will need a larger capacity. For smaller jobs, a lighter, more portable compressor will do.
Commercial compressors tend to be 20 or 30 gallons and above, with some as big as 120 gallons. At this end of the scale, compressors are not maneuverable and tend to be fixed in place, so give careful consideration to where you want it located.
Capacity is crucial if you want to undertake larger projects because the last thing you would need is the tank emptying every 10 minutes, and you stopping work while it refills. It could have an impact on your productivity.
PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch)
The PSI of your air compressor is crucial if you want to perform certain tasks and use specific air tools. The lower the PSI, the less flexible you can be. Home and hobbyist users tend to go for smaller, more compact models with a lower PSI. At the same time, shops and businesses prefer the larger versions because they can deliver higher pressure levels to get heavy-duty tasks completed.
CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute)
Airflow is what makes all your tools work. Pneumatic means contained or operated by air or gas under pressure. So, your tools need an airflow powerful enough to perform. Smaller air compressors have a lower CFM. That’s fine if you reserve the compressor for lighter duties.
When running a commercial shop, you probably need a higher CFM, and in the compressors with higher tank capacities, you get it. Some operate at 15 to 20 CFM at 90 PSI. Compare that to 5 to 10 CFM for the smaller versions, and you can see the difference.
Portability
Most of the smaller models have wheels and large handles that make moving them easier. Even the compact compressors can weigh 40 or 50 pounds, but when you start to scale up the sizes, this increases to 200, 300, and even 400 pounds.
Once you get above 30 gallons, the chances are they are no longer portable and should be fixed in place. Some high-capacity compressors mount onto the back of flatbed trucks, so in that sense, they are transportable, but the bigger you buy, the fewer options you have with maneuverability.
Horsepower
Horsepower matters when it comes to increasing the pressure and the airflow of your compressor. Powerful engines drive the pistons and the pump to create pressure, translating into performance and delivery.
Compact compressors have 1 or 2 horsepower, while larger models can have as much as 5 or 10. This leap in horsepower gives massive benefits, especially for those shops that need a powerful machine.
The downside is they are incredibly expensive and very noisy.
Loudness
Okay, air compressors are noisy, full stop. Even the compact models create enough volume to warrant you wearing ear defenders. Imagine how loud high-capacity compressors are. Some produce 80 or 90 decibels, which is the equivalent of a car driving at 60 MPH with all the windows open. It’s louder than a vacuum cleaner.
You can buy some models, like the California Air Tools compressor that operates at a reduced decibel level, but it still makes enough noise that it could make it challenging to hear other people inside the shop.
How To Make Shop Air Compressors Quiet?
There are ways you can modify your air compressor to make it quieter. The main source of the noise is the engine, so insulation could reduce the volume significantly. You could also try and reduce vibration by placing the compressor on a rubber mat to absorb movement.
The type of floor you stand it on makes a difference too. Wooden boards vibrate along with the compressor, amplifying the sound, whereas concrete is hard and absorbs the noise.
Shop Air Compressor FAQs
How Long Does a Shop Air Compressor Last?
Most air compressors tend to last between 10 and 15 years, but proper care can make them last even more.
A shop air compressor’s lifespan depends on how often you use it. These smaller compressors usually last more than those designated for industrial use because they are not subjected to heavy-duty use.
What Is a Good HP for a Shop Air Compressor?
A good HP for a shop air compressor depends on what you use that compressor for. Many portable shop compressors have enough CFM to power your air tools, but if you need something more powerful, you should look for units with higher CFM.
For smaller air tools, you can get away with about 5 to 10 CFM, but for more demanding projects (like painting a truck), you need compressors with 15 to 20 CFM.
What Is a Good Air Compressor for a Shop?
While the best air compressor or your shop will depend on what you prioritize (budget, painting, powering woodworking tools, etc.), the California Air Tools 8010 is a fantastic product.
One of the things you’ll love about this air compressor is its quiet operation. Shops can already be pretty noisy and annoying when you have to focus on work. One can’t underestimate having quiet devices around the workplace.
Its 8-gallon tank should be able to power most of your air tools, but you won’t get away with painting an entire car without headaches. The oil-free pump means less maintenance, which is always a good thing (since you likely work with a bunch of tools that already need caring).
A Well Equipped Shop Is a Happy Shop
Whatever you specialize in, having the right tools enables you to deliver timely and efficient service. Changing tires, making furniture, repairing cars, these all employ specialist equipment, yet none of these activities would be possible without the right air compressor.
They offer options that allow you to get on with the task using the right tools for the job. Do yourself a favor and invest in the best air compressor for your shop. You won’t regret it.
