If you have been searching for the best air compressor under $500 then you have come to the right place. Finding a good air compressor actually comes down to the type of project you would be working on and also what kind of features you would be expecting in an air compressor.
All of the air compressors that we have talked about in this review are quite portable but despite being portable, they also come packed with lots of power which makes them suitable for use in various projects.
Best Air Compressor Under $500 – Buying Guide And Recommendation
There is a way to selecting the best air compressor under a $500 budget and we trust this guide to place you on the right path in helping you find that which would be perfect for you.
If you would be working in a residential or home environment then you don’t need an air compressor that would generate so much noise and also, every product we have talked about, we also listed their strengths and weakness and this makes it so much easier to differentiate the good from the bad products.
Take your time in reading through this best air compressor under $500 review and trust that you would find the best that you would need.
Best Air Compressor Under $500 Review
1. CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor with 13 Piece Accessory Kit
The best air compressor that would be ideal for a five hundred dollar budget is the Craftsman Air Compressor which comes with a 13 piece accessory kit and coming with a suitable oil-free pump that doesn’t only guarantee long life but also makes sure that maintenance operation is free without costing a thing.
Weighing just 30lbs, this is a very lightweight air compressor and it isn’t just lightweight but also designed to be portable. Working with this air compressor would offer users instant recovery as well as long run time.
This air compressor from the CRAFTSMAN company comes with a six-gallon tank which helps to maximize stored air as well as portability and here is also another feature that would be of great benefit to users, it comes with a 150 PSI max which makes sure there is precise cut-in pressure and this makes this air compressor a very good option for use in various types of applications.
This air compressor is built to be reliable as even in cold weather conditions, it would still start up easily and it also comes with a one year warranty.
Pros:
- Ideal for inflating bike and car tires
- Works exactly as advertised
- The included attachments make shopping easier
- Doesn’t require assembly
- Easy to use
- Ideal for home use
Cons:
- None
My husband kept asking me if he could buy a compressor. Oh, the uses it will have! Clean the garage. Fill tires. Etc., Etc. We saw this offered on Amazon and decided to order it. It comes with lots of attachments and is easy use and to carry around. He loves it! End of story!
Excellent value! Typical Craftsman product, well made and made in the USA.
2. EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator
The next best air compressor that would make it to our best air compressor under $500 review is the EPAuto portable air compressor which is well built to meet up with all user expectations and trust me when I say this is one air compressor that users would be impressed with its performance.
It is extremely versatile as it can be used in different types of applications including inflating tires of SUVs, Sedan, bikes and cars. It also comes with a universal valve connector that is compatible with a Schrader valve and makes it ready to use.
However, this air compressor here have applications, where it is not fit for use and such applications, including inflating tires of heavy-duty or lightweight truck tires. Its LED flashlight also makes sure that work is done effectively even in areas with poor light conditions or at night while its four display units KG/CM, BAR, KPA and PSI are all very easy to read.
One last interesting feature of this air compressor is its automatic shut off design which shuts down this air compressor when the specified or desired air pressure has been obtained. This prevents the overheating of the air compressor engine.
Pros:
- Impossible to over-inflate when working with this air compressor
- Can be used in a time of emergencies
- Built to be quiet
Cons:
- The metal used in making its threads got rusty quickly
This is the best air pump I’ve ever owned! My family has always kept air pumps in case of emergency. My last one I got on discount at a store and it was terrible. This pump is great! I bought it for my boat trailer. It pumped up the tires, with my heavy boat on the trailer, and worked great! I love that you can set it to the correct PSI and then just walk away. Great buy!
The best pump I’ve owned by far. It is very small and surprisingly quiet. You can barely hear it if you are on the opposite side of the car. Great build quality and comes with its own little bag. It also stops automatically to the psi you specify! Super cool.
3. California Air Tools 10020C Powerful Air Compressor
Just as its name implies, this is one quality air compressor that is built to run an extremely quiet operation as it is designed to run at 1680 RPM’s while producing less amount of noise as well as experiencing less wear.
What makes this air compressor to be unique is its ability to boost the duty cycle as well as ensuring longer run time and here is another exciting feature about this air compressor, it comes with a dual-piston oil-free pump system which isn’t only durable but also delivers a solid performance.
This dual-piston pump makes this air compressor suitable for use in numerous applications and thanks to its easy start valve, users would experience no problems in starting up this air compressor. Moving this air compressor around is also convenient as it comes with well-constructed wheels which makes it very easy to move this air compressor around the garage, shop or any job site.
Pros:
- Its handle is designed to be sturdy
- Has no leakage issues
Cons:
- Low-quality components used in its construction
- Doesn’t last long
I have two. One I use for my sandblaster (with two additional CA 10 gal. tanks increasing capacity), and the other I use for my machine shop. It purrs. Anyone who has experienced, for example, a Porter Cable pancake compressor knows, one can barely YELL over it to communicate. I can talk at a normal conversational level while this compressor is running. Its capacity is adequate for my shop needs; blow off, air tools, etc. It is a manageable weight for one person with convenient wheels and a rubberized pull handle for transport around your work area. Love it.
I’m very glad I bought this unit. It’s the 2nd one I own. And, I’m using them in an industrial environment (running a large wide belt sander). I love that it has 2 connectors. I love how quiet it is. I love the portability. I love that it pulls a small amount of electricity. I replaced my Dewalt, and my Campbell Housefeld compressors, and so happy I did.
4. California Air Tools CAT-4710SQ 4710Sq Quiet Compressor
Next up is the California Air Tools Quiet Air Compressor and this is no coincidence that another California Air Tools air compressor has found its way to our best air compressor under $500 review but instead, this shows that this company is truly concerned with making of not just quality but reliable products.
Just like the previous air compressor from California Air Tools we just talked about, this machine here is built to run a very noise-less operation which is why it is a perfect choice for homeowners and do it yourself, workers.
It isn’t prone to unnecessary wear and tears while its oil-free dual-piston pump system makes sure that this air compressor isn’t just durable but also makes sure that performs amazingly well.
Being lightweight makes this air compressor very easy to transport and if you are the type that works in a place where noise is a major concern then this air compressor is simply the machine that you need.
Pros:
- Portable but powerful
- Easy to transport upstairs
- Makes less noise which makes it suitable for use in small rooms
- Setup is super easy
Cons:
- Some customers were not impressed with its finish, fit and build
I have owned/used air compressors for about 25 years now. This air compressor by far is the quietest air compressor I have ever used! I truly can’t believe the absence of noise. I did replace the coupler right away because it had a very slow leak. To be honest, the couple was most likely fine and the problem probably could have been solved with a little Teflon tape, but it needed to be replaced because my tools use a different style coupler. Overall, this is an excellent product and I would purchase another and recommend to everyone who likes to hear themselves think.
I had a pancake model…I think 4 gallons. It would power on and make me jump. While running it would rotate in a circle wrapping up the cord. Then it finally stopped building pressure and I had to replace it. I turned this one on and thought it was in some typr of pre-operating mode and waited for it to kick in. It didn’t because that is how quiet this actually was. It didn’t vibrate in a circle either. Pressure built up nice and really impressed with this. I got this because of the lifespan and quietness while still having power.
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5. Makita 2.5 HP Air Compressor
The Makita 2.5 HP Air Compressor holds down the fifth spot in this best air compressor under $500 review and what you are looking at right here is a machine built to have a quality piston, big cylinder as well as a cast-iron pump which makes sure users get that outstanding performance out of this machine as well as fast recovery time.
What users would also be impressed with is its low AMP that makes sure tipped breaker occurrences are greatly reduced while its well-lubricated oil pump reduces wear and operates at very cool temperatures.
An eye-catching feature of the Makita 2.5HP Air Compressor is its roll cage construction which makes sure that this machine is fully protected from environmental elements while its large industrial air filter makes way for better efficiency as well as boosting the intake of air. Its cast-iron cylinder can be easily removed for maintenance purposes.
Pros:
- Free from vibration
- Compact
- Quiet
Cons:
- It is heavy which could put some fatigue on the hand if carried for too long
After much research and waffling, I finally decided that this air compressor would fit my needs. It works great and is relatively quiet as air compressors go. Note that oil-lubricated compressors tend to be much quieter than oil-less types. It has the power to operate virtually any air tool though my main uses are nail guns, tire filling and some paint spraying. The pressure is very easy to adjust.
I would give this 5 stars, but i still need to see durability. I’ve had about a dozen compact air compressors that have been ok, but popped breakers and caused a few situations. This thing is as quiet as any large or small compressors. We were running 3 Bostitch roofing Nailers. Shooting 40squ in 2 days with 3 Nailers going full time is usually allot to ask of compact compressors. The Makita is WELL worth the $ to add this tool to your small business. Update-So I’ve had this all summer now. I used it to put down about 30,000 square off shingles. We’ve run up to 3 guns without a hiccup. Great tool, get one!
6. Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak running 1-Gallon Compressor
If you want an air compressor that you would find very easy to move from one job site to another then the SENCO PC1010 one gallon air compressor holds the solution to the problem you are looking for as it is built to be portable and to also have a lightweight design.
Being portable and lightweight however isn’t the best features of this air compressor as it is also built to be powerful so as to be able to carry out every job required of it.
This is the type of air compressor that most users are impressed with judging by customer reviews as it is designed to produce about twenty to forty-four drives in just one minute.
It comes with a one year warranty which means that for a whole year, users would not be faced with any issues that would lead to damage or replacement of this air compressor and guess what, the SENCO PC1010 one-gallon air compressor is best used in home improvement and renovation jobs as well as for crafts and hobbies.
Pros:
- Despite being small, this unit is incredible
- Well built and lightweight
- Very quiet
Cons:
- Not a long-lasting unit
I love this little compressor. I’ve been using it now for about 6 months. I own an interior trim company and the more we grow, the more it seems I do small stuff and punch work. This thing is amazing for this. It’s so convenient to not have to beak out my big compressor. I actually like using this with my Brad nailer, more than my Paslode gas guns.
I am a kitchen & bath remodeler and have yet to use this on the job. I have, however, done some preliminary testing in my garage tonight. The results are stated below. My first impressions are all positive: Better quality than expected at this price (great value). Smaller (better) than expected. Quieter than expected. Now for the tests.
7. DEWALT DWFP55130 Heavy Duty 200 PSI Quiet Trim Compressor
Here comes the DEWALT DWFP55130 Heavy Duty air compressor which is built to have a low 12 amp motor that is capable of putting an end to breaker tripping as well as providing easy startups and weighing just about thirty-six pounds, this is also another air compressor that is lightweight and compact.
Being lightweight and compact is to the advantage of every user as they would find it convenient to carry this unit around as well as encountering no issues with storage.
What many users are in love with when it comes to the DEWALT DWFP55130 air compressor is its durable oil-free pump which helps in providing a maintenance-free operation and thanks to a high flow regulator, this air compressor would put in an outstanding and impressive performance.
It is also designed to run a very quiet and noiseless operation just like other air compressors that we have talked about in this review.
Pros:
- Runs quietly
- Has a solid build
- Powerful
Cons:
- Failed to build pressure more than 50 PSI
- Its valve assembly design is defective
Great portable compressor. I have been using it for over a month now and it does the job. I am in the middle of a home remodeling project and installing Hardwood floors throughout the house. On the upper floors I did not want to move my 20 Gallon compressor up there nor did I want to have airlines all over the place. I bought this compressor and it does the job.
I bought this for my house. To put it to the test I brought it to work. Ran it for one week with a framing nailer and nailing off shear at 4/12. Amazing how quiet it really is also the recovery time is not bad. It does run option for what I was doing but the compressor had no problem keeping up. I’ll be using it more for finish nailer but had to do a real test first.
8. DEWALT D55140 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Trim Compressor
Having a one-gallon capacity, 135 PSI and a 75 SCSM, this is another reliable air compressor from the DEWALT company which has an intriguing design and designed to be extremely portable and lightweight makes this air compressor not only easy to handle or carry but also easy to store.
It is built to be durable as it would withstand heavy use while its low noise design also ensures that it runs or performs quietly.
This is built to be a one-person tool that is capable of being depended on and also efficient and it comes with enough power which makes it the perfect tool for woodworkers and carpenters. It is best suited when working on plumbing lines pressure testing, cabinet trim installation, installation of furniture and shelves and many more applications.
The importance of its oil-free pump is it makes every work environment clean by preventing oil spillage while this oil pump itself ensures a maintenance-free operation.
Pros:
- Portable design
- Contains lots of power
- Easy to carry around
- Suitable in carrying out small jobs
Cons:
- Poor quality regulator
I first used it to apply a shiplap over one of my bedroom walls. It performed as described. No problem keeping up with air pressure and needed to operate my nail gun. Would recommend this product to all my friends and family.
This is a very basic air compressor. Please don’t let that fool you into thinking this unit is not for you. I own a furniture-making business, and as of this has been a bunch of built-ins. I needed a small air compressor to place a dozen or so finish nails at a time into the trim. This has been performing flawlessly!!! I get about five nails in before it kicks on and usually takes about 30 seconds to cycle. If you have light work such as a small trim job this is for you. This is in no way for any time of full-time work in a shop.
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9. Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor
We want to talk about the Viair 00088 air compressor as we draw closer to the end of the best air compressor under $500 review and this air compressor right here is one with a portable and small build which has enough power to inflate tires of 33 inches and it does this by making use of two battery terminal clamps as well as a direct battery connection.
One unique aspect of this air compressor is its gauge mounted at the top that enables users to keep an eye on the pressure.
This is one unit that can be used by any car owner and what we simply mean is that this air compressor is easy to work with as it doesn’t require any form of special knowledge before making use of it.
It is the best when it comes to maintaining and checking the air pressure in car tires therefore saving car owners the stress of always visiting the gas station to check the air pressure in their car tires. Checking tire pressure is very important as it makes tires last longer as well as ensuring safe rides.
Pros:
- High-quality air compressor despite coming in a small package
- Has a long run time
- Convenient to use
Cons:
- Not a durable air compressor product
- Blown fuse issues
I have read a few reviews from people about these things being DOA and not finding out until they were in a bind and needed it. ALWAYS test a piece of equipment like this that you may need in an emergency when you first get it and put it through it’s intended use to see if it’s going to work and get things done. I air up my tires in my driveway with these when I get them to make sure everything is good to go and so far no problems.
This compressor works really well for truck and trailer tires that require 80psi. I have used it multiple times for not only tires but also vehicle air bags. It is small but extremely powerful to get the job done.
10. Makita, MAC700, Electric Air Compressor, 2 HP, 115V
We are drawing the curtains on the best air compressor under $500 review with this impressive air compressor from the MAKITA company and this is one air compressor that features great bore and stroke, big bore piston and cylinder and all of these features come together to make sure that this air compressor delivers an outstanding and impressive performance.
This air compressor is designed to reduce the amount of noise produced substantially while having a large RPM 1720 pump ensures better displacement while at lower RPM.
One feature which this air compressor has that is lacking is some air compressors is the low amp design which prevents voltage drop and tripped breakers situations that are capable of causing motor failure.
Its pump is lubricated with oil just to make sure that it functions properly as well as cutting down on wear. It also comes with a one-year warranty backing so users would not bother about finding a replacement sooner after purchase.
Pros:
- Repels wear and leakages
- Quick and easy oil changes
- Long-lasting air compressor
- Runs smoothly
- Perfect for home use
Cons:
- None
6.5 years in and still works and looks like new. I drain the tank condensation once a month. Still haven’t changed the oil, it’s still clear and up to the site glass level it should be at. Zero complaints.
After almost 7 years, this compressor is still going strong and runs just like the day I got it. I have used it for numerous home improvement projects to drive nail guns for hardwood floors, framing and trim. It also keeps the tires on the family cars inflated and I use it to clean engine parts and electronics with compressed air. It is heavy due to the cast iron and thick steel construction–that’s a good thing! However, you may need help moving it if you don’t have enough upper body/back strength.
How To Choose The Best Air Compressor Under $500
There are about four different types of air compressors today and we want to talk about them below;
- Hot Dog Compressors – Just like the MAKITA brand, this type of compressors have horizontal, single tanks which are designed to sit perfectly on a stand and this simply means it can be placed on a wall where it stays out of the way while its handle makes it easy to maneuver your way around when working.
- Pancake Compressors – Just like the BOSTICH and PORTABLE CABLE compressors, these type of compressors comes with flat storage tanks firmly attached to a four rubber grip feet. This sort of design makes them stable and also their compact design makes them very easy to store.
- Wheelbarrow Compressors – These are like the California Air compressors which come with wheels that ensure adequate mobility. They also feature handles that are designed to be attached to the body of the tank.
- Twin Stack Compressors- These type of air compressors comes with two cylinders designed to be mounted on each other and the benefit of having two tanks is users would get twice the amount of air pressure an air compressor with a single tank would offer.
Conclusion
Our top pick in this review is the Craftsman Air Compressor which comes with 13 accessories that ensure you start working with it immediately it comes out of the box and if you know you are the type that loves working using power tools then this air compressor from Craftsman is certainly one tool that you would fall in love with.
It is designed to have a lightweight design, comes packed with lots of power and is also designed to run a noise-less and quiet operation. Other air compressors that we have talked about would also meet user satisfaction and budget.
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