The DEWALT Heavy-Duty 200 PSI Portable Air Compressor is a powerful yet quiet portable air compressor with a quick recovery time and an oil-free, maintenance-free pump that can run with an extension cord. The durable handle makes it easy to roll or carry this portable air compressor and doubles as a hose wrap. Other features include a high-flow coupler and air regulator to maximize air-tool run time and a durable metal console with easy-to-read gauges. more info

This handy unit plugs into any 120 Volt outlet in the shop or garage to quickly and conveniently pump up vehicle tires, bicycles, swimming pool floats, air mattresses, sports balls and more. The 120 Volt motor is equipped with a cooling fan to prevent excessive heating. A built-in pressure gauge lets you check the pressure as you fill. Includes high-flow inflator accessories. more info

Dewalt D55154R Factory Reconditioned D55154 Heavy-Duty 1.1-Horsepower Continuous 4-Gallon Electric Wheeled Dolly-Style Air Compressor with Panel, 125 PSI Maximum more info

This one’s a bit of a paradox: The do-it-yourselfer might pass by this compressor in favor of an oil-free, no-maintenance model, but it’s actually one of the best on the market for the homeowner, hobbyist and weekend warrior.

There are three factors that made us form this opinion. First, it’s the quietest compressor we’ve ever encountered. It’s a remarkable departure in a genre of tools that normally force you to suspend conversation while it’s cycling. The MAC700 puts out 80 decibels, according to the folks at Makita, and when you compare that to the 90 and up you get from most units, that’s practically a hum. So we like this for household use, especially in a basement shop.

Next on our list of pluses for the DIY-er is the low-amp draw, and with that, fewer trips to the breaker box and less chance of premature motor failure. The other feature that won us over is the easy-on-the-hand lever handle ball valve that saves your knuckles when you drain the tank. It’s also got a really fast cycle, so by the time you take a sip of water, you’re ready to work again.

It’s made like a champ, with a roll-bar handle that protects your investment, a cast-iron cylinder for durability and an oil sight glass that makes maintenance a breeze.–Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What’s in the Box
Oiled single hot dog compressor with handle; 1/4-inch brass Makita universal coupler

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The DeWalt D55580 Heavy Duty 2 HP 8 Gallon Electric Wheeled Portable Compressor with Dual Voltage and Dual Control provides 8.4 CFM delivered at 100 psi for quick recovery. With a low-profile design and a built-in fully-pneumatic tire to improve work site mobility, this compressor also comes with a twin cylinder, cast iron, and oil lubricated pump with Emglo’s 50 years of proven durability and reliability. Other compressor features include a dual control feature that allows start/stop or constant run operation, and a dual voltage feature that allows easy switching from 120- to 240-volt operation. Backed by a manufacturer’s 1-year warranty, this compressor comes with DeWalt synthetic compressor oil and a 3/8-inch NPT pressure regulator. more info

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Plugs into any household outlet. Features include built in carry handle and built in pressure gauge. Cooling fan gives extended unit life and reliability. Includes 3 inflation accessories. Quickly inflates tires, rafts, pool, and sports equipment. more info

Featuring a more efficient design that uses less oil and reduces down-time, the D55672 from DEWALT is made to use with pumps that produce 150 max PSI for extended tool running time. Boasting a 6.5 HP engine that operates the W-pump at 9.0 SCFM at 100 PSI, this eight-gallon compressor has an innovative forced air cooling system that allows the pump to function at a temperature 100 degrees cooler than older models. Three-piece oil control rings cut down on the oil the D55672 uses, and a built-in low-oil indicator will cut the engine if the level reaches a too-low point, helping to reduce freezing up due to insufficient lubrication. For added convenience, the D55672 features a generously sized, 10-inch tire so you can easily take it with you from site to site. more info

Viair 300P Portable Air Compressor Kits include stainless steel piston, cylinder, tire chuck, battery clamps and pressure gauge. They are used to inflate tires by connecting power leads with a battery. These are fixed with a steel stand, which protects the compressor from thermal over load and isolates vibration. Oil Less Design, High performance PTFE Piston Ring, Stainless Steel Valves, Moisture and Dust Resistant, Gearless Direct Drive Motor, Anodized aluminum alloy cylinder, Automatic reset Thermal overload protector, Aluminum sand tray with vibration isolators, Deluxe dual compartment carry bag, 3 pc inflation tips kit, 5-in 1 inflator/deflator with inline 100 PSI gauge, Dual battery clamps with 40-amp inline fuse holder more info

The Schumacher IP-95C Jump Starter has a built-in high-pressure air compressor and DC power source for 12-volt accessories and 5-volt USB devices. The maintenance-free, sealed lead-acid 9 ampere hour battery allows storage in any position. Compact and lightweight with a durable and corrosion-proof polypropylene case. Easy-to-read battery status LEDs tell when the internal battery is at Full Power, 75% Charged or 50% or Less and needs to be recharged. Built-in charger for automatic charging of internal battery, with LEDs indicating Charging or Charged. Safety features include: On/Off jump-start switch that eliminates accidental clamp shorting; reverse-hookup protection with alarm warning; and overload and short-circuit protection on the 12-volt accessory outlet. Sure-grip clamps fit both top and side-mount batteries, and the 18 cables stay flexible in cold weather. This is the best choice for your portable power and air needs! more info