Tired of going to the gas station to fill your tires?
Need to start a DIY project but can’t figure out what air compressor to buy?
If you’re running short on time, the best air compressor for the home garage we found was the Stark Portable Quiet Air Compressor.
If you’re looking for the best air compressors for home garage, you’ll find them all reviewed below.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
9 Best Air Compressors for Home Garage
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
  | California Air 10020C | 5.30CFM @ 90PSI 10 Gallons 70 dBA | CHECK PRICE |
  | Stark Compressor | 3.5CFM @ 90PSI 10 Gallons | CHECK PRICE |
  | California Air 8010A | 2.2CFM @ 90PSI 8 Gallons 60 dBA | CHECK PRICE |
  | DeWalt DWFP55126 | 2.6CFM @ 90PSI 6 Gallons 75.5 dBA | CHECK PRICE |
  | Bostitch BTFP02012 | 2.6CFM @ 90PSI 6 Gallons 78.5 dBA | CHECK PRICE |
  | CRAFSTMAN CMEC6150K | 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI 6 Gallons 75 dBA | CHECK PRICE |
  | California Air 4710SQ | 2.0CFM @ 90 PSI 4.7 Gallons | CHECK PRICE |
  | California Air 4610AC | 2.2CFM @ 90PSI 4.6 Gallons 60 dBA | CHECK PRICE |
  | PORTER-CABLE CMB15 | 2.0CFM at 90PSI 1.5 Gallons 79 dBA | CHECK PRICE |
  | California Air 1P1060SP | 1.2CFM @ 90PSI 1 Gallon 56 dBA | CHECK PRICE |
Best Overall Air Compressor For Home Garage
Stark Portable Quiet Air Compressor
What I like
With a 10 gallon tank and 3.5CFM @ 90PSI, you’ll be able to power any home air tool you throw at it. Perfect for taking care of tire filling, nail gunning, and some light spray painting. It’ll be plenty to make use of an impact wrench.
If safety is an issue for you, there is an automatic shutoff feature. Air stops pumping when an object is fully inflated. Even though these days air compressors are relatively safe to use, always take the necessary precautions when using heavy-duty tools.
The industrial-style air filter increases air intake and allows for greater efficiency. The cylinder is also made out of cast iron which reduces wear and tear and provides for a faster recovery time.
The Stark air compressor does use oil if you had any concerns about that. SAE20 or SAE30 oil is perfect for air compressors.
Comparing all of the other air compressors I could find, the Stark seems to be the best all-around air compressor. You’ll have no issue getting enough air pressure for a variety of at home power tools.
It was noted that this unit was not the quietest out there but if you’re using it outside it shouldn’t be a problem.
Best Heavy Duty Air Compressor For Home Garage
Need to up the CFM? The California Air Tools 10020C does 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI with a 10-gallon tank. This model will be great if you need to do heavy-duty continuous use.
The California Air Tools 10020C has a 70 dB rating which can be a bit loud if ran for extended periods of time. You’ll have a hard time upping the CFM while keeping the noise level down if that is an issue for you.
The model is oil-free allowing for hassle-free. The life cycle of the piston is 3000+ hours which is an incredible amount compared to the average air compressor’s 500-hour life span. Oil-free units are known to last less than their oiled counterparts, so keep that in mind.
The tank is 82.5 pounds but has wheels for easy portability. You’ll also be satisfied with the thermal overload protector which will shut off the machine if it were to start overheating. You’ll have no issue running this compressor even on un-even terrains which can be great for unleleved garage floors.
This is a great pick if you need that extra power to complete bigger projects. It’s even vertical so it takes up less space! It will also be able to lug to and from job sites, as well as be stowed away in your garage with ease.
Best Runner Up Air Compressor For Home Garage
The best part about the California Air Tools 8010A is that it’s ultra-quiet and oil-free. If you are looking for a hassle-free compressor, this one is the one for you.
Just because it’s oil-free doesn’t mean that it doesn’t do its job. With an 8 gallon capacity and 2.2CFM @ 90PSI, you shouldn’t have a problem running most of your tools in the garage. If you are looking to do angle grinding for longer periods of time, then you should be looking for a tank that can do 5CFM+.
A few reviewers mentioned that while the name is “Ultra-quiet” it doesn’t quite live up to the name. It is 60dB, which is just under a conversation noise level. If you are after a more silent model, you can check out the Silentaire Sil-Air 50-9-D.
The tank is created out of aluminum which will be rust-free for long-term usage. The wheels make it super easy to transport if you need it. I like that it has wheels so you can stow it upright, or take it around your workshop without any issue.
A great option if you’re after a quieter, all-around air compressor.
Best Budget Air Compressor For Home Garage
The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is a fantastic budget, portable air compressor for smaller DYI projects.
Even though the Bostitch is a budget option it still offers a 6-gallon tank and up to 2.6 SCFM* delivered @ 90 PSI of air pressure. You don’t need to compromise anymore with such a great deal.
It does list this unit as “Quiet” but 78.5dB is a bit more than quiet. Be aware that this unit isn’t going to be like a whisper, if noise is an issue then you’re going to have to pay a bit more for a better model.
The Bostitch is oil-free and comes with a high flow regulator and coupler to make your next project incredibly easy. This pancake style compressor is a great budget choice if you’re looking to fill up your tires at home or use a variety of air tools.
It’s portable and coming in at 29.9 pounds, you can take it with you anywhere. The high flow regulator and couplers will help maximize the performance of your air tools. It’s a bit noisy, but for the cost of this unit, it’s hard to beat a deal like this.
Best Alternative Air Compressors for Home Garage
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Here are 5 more air compressors for your home garage.
You might be in the need for a tiny, quiet air compressor and you’ll find those at the bottom of this list.
1) DeWalt DWFP55126 Air Compressor For Home Garage
The DeWalt DWFP55126 offers 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI with a 6-gallon tank.
DeWALT has built this air compressor with a high-efficiency motor for easy start-up in cold weather. The high flow regulator and coupler maximize your tool’s performance.
Oil-free makes this air compressor hassle-free. It also weighs only 30 pounds, you can take this with you anywhere! Throw it in the back of your truck or keep it at home in your garage under a cabinet.
The 75dB level is not going to be quiet, so do make sure you aren’t in need of a quiet unit. The quick recovery time will make sure that you’re not waiting forever for the unit to fill up with air.
DeWALT mentions that you should check the drain valve is fully closed before using the compressor. The console cover is a nice tough as well as it’ll protect the the inside as well as make it easy to repair when you need to.
This is one of the highest-rated air compressors on Amazon, it’s hard to go wrong here. It’s a versatile air compressor that will be sure to help with your DIY projects. Reviewers did mention that it was a bit loud, but for the price it’s hard to get everything in the same project.
2) CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor For Home Garage
The CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K comes in at 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI and a 6-gallon tank. Size isn’t everything, this air compressor still gets the job done.
The 13 piece kit includes everything required to fill up your tires and more, perfect for saving extra cash you can spend elsewhere.
CRAFTSMAN also created this model with you in mind, ensuring that the pump is oil-free for no maintenance. The quicky recovery time will also ensure you aren’t waiting around forever to fill up your tires or use your air tools.
At only 32.5 pounds, it’s incredibly powerful and lightweight. Hard to beat that combo. I like that it comes with everything you need and you have the option to include a 57 hand tool set for a bit more.
With a one-year limited warranty, you’ll be able to sleep easy at night knowing your money won’t go to waste if anything goes wrong. I love that it comes with an air hose to make it easy to get started right away.
You don’t need to purchase the biggest and the best if all you’re going to do is use a nailgun and fill your tires from time to time. You’ll be happy with this purchase long term. It’s portable and you can take it with you in your RV or stow it away in your garage.
3) California Air Tools CAT-4710SQ Air Compressor For Home Garage
While not every “quiet” compressor has actually been quiet, the consensus is that the California Air Tools CAT-4710SQ is actually quiet! It operates at 1680 RPM which will help reduce noise and wear on the unit.
You’ll be more than happy if you live in a quiet neighborhood but still want to take advantage of the utility an air compressor has to offer. The rust free steel tank will ensure that this compressor lasts as long as you do.
This unit comes in at 2.00 CFM @ 90 psi of maximum air pressure and is still capable of powering a plethora of air tools in your garage. The oil free pump will allow you to not worry about any messy maintenance.
Not only is it extremely quiet and capable, but it’s also incredibly well built with longevity in mind. It’s oil-free and created out of aluminum for a rust-free finish. Reviewers liked that this unit was not only small, but also powerful enough to help power their air tools in their workshop.
California Air Tools is also a company that will help you should anything go wrong.
4) California Air 4610AC Air Compressor For Home Garage
The unit comes in at 2.20 cfm @ 90 psi and has a capacity of 4.6 gallons.
This model has two pistons unlike the others. The reason for this is that they reduce wear and tear and increase the longevity of the air compressor. It is quoted to run 3000+ hours before any repair is needed.
Purchase this model if you will be frequently using your air compressor, otherwise, you’re better off buying a cheaper model for the same effect. It’s going to be great if you want to utilize the best air impact wrench.
The California Air 4610AC is also incredibly quiet at only 60 dB. No worries here if you don’t want to wake up the neighbors. This is a heavy duty compressor for anyone who uses air tools in their garage regularly.
To top it all off, it’s oil-free and is rust-free with wheel attachments for easy transportation. You won’t have to deal with any messy maintenance and it’s quoted to last 3000 hours of use before you need to do any repair.
You won’t be disappointed if you need a quiet, powerful, and lightweight air compressor. Reviewers mention that they were so happy with their unit they bought another one for their home workshop! California Air Tools is also an American company and they will be glad to help if you have any questions.
5) PORTER-CABLE CMB15 Air Compressor For Home Garage
The PORTER-CABLE CMB15 is an ultra-portable choice that comes with a 25-foot hose. Plug and play!
It’s not the biggest nor is it the quietest, but it is the smallest! If you don’t have much space around in the garage but still need an air compressor, this is for you. I like the impressive recovery time which make it easy to finish your task at hand.
It comes in at 2.0 SCFM at 90 PSI which allows for quick recovery time. The tank is only 1.5 gallons, so don’t expect to be using an angle grinder or anything like that. It’s an oil-free pump that will make it easy when you don’t need to do any messy maintenance.
Sometimes you only need the bare minimum but still require quality, and this is exactly what you get with this model. It’s also 20 pounds so you’ll be able to take it with you anywhere you need with ease.
Best Garage Air Compressor FAQ
1. What’s a good size air compressor for home use?
It depends on the CFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) required by your air tools. For most practical at-home use, any air compressor on this list will get the job done.
If you need something that is continuously running like a die grinder or disc sander, you will require a bigger air compressor suitable for a workshop. You can check here to see if this model suits your needs.
2.How often should you change air compressor oil?
At least once a year if your model isn’t oil-free. Air compressors take SAE20 or SAE 30 oil.
3. What is the best air compressor for home use?
We found the Stark Portable Quiet Air Compressor to be the best overall home garage air compressor.
If you’re looking for the best portable air compressor, the PORTER-CABLE CMB15 is a great choice.
Need a quiet model? The California Air Tools CAT-4710SQ will suit you just fine.
Also, don’t forget to pick up a hose, most units don’t come with one.
4. Is a 30 gallon air compressor big enough?
A 30 gallon compressor will be good enough for at home use. You’ll be able to use nail guns, paint sprayers, drills, wrenches and fill up your tires without any issues.
5. What type of air compressor lasts the longest?
Oil-lubricated compressors last longer than oil-free air compressors as long as they’re taken care of over the years.
Final Thoughts
For an affordable, all-around compressor for your garage, Stark Portable Quiet Compressor is going to be a great choice.
If you’re after a heavy duty option for more difficult to drive tasks, then California Air Tools 8010A
