It can be a stressful experience when your car has broken down due to a flat tire, especially if you are in peak hour traffic or driving along a deserted road at night. However, when you have a reliable and powerful portable air compressor in your vehicle, you can quickly inflate the tire or tires and safely complete your journey.
The 9 Best Portable Air Compressors
- VIAIR Portable Compressor
- AstroAI Portable Air Compressor
- AKASO Portable Air Compressor
- Oasser Portable Air Compressor
- Lifeline AAA Digital Press Portable Air Compressor
- Glamore Portable Air Compressor
- HAUSBELL Portable Air Compressor
- GSPSCN Portable Air Compressor Pump
- P.I. AUTO STORE Portable Air Compressor (Our Top Pick)
Our Top Pick for the Best Portable Air Compressor
Our top pick for the best portable air compressor is the P.I. AUTO STORE Portable Air Compressor. It is an essential tire inflation tool for any motorist.
Whether you have a flat tire on a busy highway in peak hour or break down on a lonely off-road track at night, the P.I. AUTO STORE is a reliable portable air compressor that delivers fast and efficient tire inflation for almost all types of vehicles even in the most challenging outdoor conditions. Its powerfully bright LED light with extra safety features helps you to stay safe in dangerous road conditions.
Check the price on AmazonPortable Air Compressors: Highly Versatile Tools for Vehicle and Home Use
As well as inflating tires on all types of vehicles, a portable air compressor can be used for a wide range of inflation tasks around the house, such as pumping up tires on your lawnmower, zero-turn ride-on motor, inflating an air bed, pool toys, or sporting equipment such as a soccer ball.
Portable air compressors are easy to use and powered by a 12-volt car battery that is accessed through your vehicle’s cigarette lighter. They may use heavy-duty battery alligator clamps, such as the VIAIR Portable Compressor, or rechargeable lithium batteries such as the Oasser Portable Air Compressor.
How to Choose a Portable Air Compressor
Fast Inflation
If your car has broken down on the side of the road, you need an air compressor that delivers a steady stream of air at a rapid air flow rate, so that you can get back to driving.
The compressor’s ability to provide fast inflation is indicated by CFM, SCFM, and PSI ratings. CFM or SCFM means cubic or standard cubic feet per minute, which equates to the compressor’s air volume.
PSI means pounds per square inch, which is the pressure of the flow of air. PSI levels usually range from 90, 100, 150, or 300. CFM can range from 25- 35 l/min.
A compressor can inflate a tire in 3-8 minutes, but this will depend on the size of the vehicle’s tires. Standard 35-inch tires will be quicker to fill, and a larger vehicle such as a mid-sized SUV or motorhome/RV can take longer to fill.
Long Power Cord
The compressor’s power cord can measure 9 or 10-feet in length. The length of the cord will not matter so much for a small car, but if you own an SUV or motorhome, the cord needs to be long enough to reach the vehicle’s back wheels.
Auto Shut-off
An automatic shut-off feature takes the stress out of trying to work out the correct amount of air pressure. The handy feature turns the airflow off when the correct pressure level has been reached, which means the tires will be filed correctly and you can get back to driving with greater peace of mind.
LED Lights
Bright LED lights are an excellent feature for changing a tire in the dark and they also illuminate your car so that other motorists can see you on the side of the road.
Digital Gauges
While many compressors have a mechanical dial pressure gauge, these gauges can be hard to read as their numbers may be placed too close together.
So if you prefer a mechanical dial gauge, look for one that has a large face, or choose a digital gauge. Digital gauges are simple to use and are highly accurate, and as they are illuminated with a blue backlit screen, they can be read easily at night.
Handles and a Carry Bag
Even though most portable air compressors are lightweight, a sturdy handle increases their portability. A carry bag is another great feature for easy portability and storage.
Continuous Run Time
One of the problems that many people have with portable air compressors is that the unit can overheat if they run it continuously for a long time.
Most manufacturers state that you should not run the compressor continuously for more than 8, 10, or 15 minutes depending on the compressor’s design. The compressor should be left to cool down for 10-30 minutes before using it again.
9 Best Portable Air Compressors – Reviews
1. VIAIR Portable Compressor
Fast and efficient, the VIAIR Portable Compressor can inflate a standard 35-inch tire from 0-30 PSI in 5 minutes, and it has an accurate gauge that you can rely on to deliver the correct amount of pressure.
The compressor can be attached to your battery with the heavy-duty battery alligator clamps, and it can deliver 150 PSI maximum working pressure and a 33% duty cycle @ 100 PSI and 2.54 CFM.
You can run it contentiously for up to 15 minutes at a time, providing that you allow the unit to cool down for 30 minutes. The VIAIR compressor also comes with a quality open-ended tire inflation hose with an inline 100 PSI air pressure gauge that allows you to check tire pressure as well as fill a tire.
The compressor has a large sturdy handle and it comes with a 40 amp inline fuse holder, an 8-feet power cable, a heavy-duty sand tray with vibration isolators, and a deluxe carry bag.
VIAIR offers a 1-year limited warranty on the air compressor.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Fast inflation performance can inflate 35-inch tires in 5 minutes
- Ideal for cars, off-roading vehicles, and bicycles
- Working pressure of 150 PSI
- Accurate 100 PSI gauge
- Include heavy-duty dual battery clamps with a 40 amp inline fuse
- Good sized 8-feet power cable
- Heavy-duty sand tray with vibration isolators
- Deluxe carry bag
- Sturdy handle
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for running longer than 15 minutes
- 8-feet power cable not ideal for larger vehicles
2. AstroAI Portable Air Compressor
The extremely affordable AstroAI Portable Air Compressor is just right for those emergency break-down situations especially on a lonely country road at night.
Although it is small, its powerful compressor is very fast and delivers a maximum pressure of 100 PSI and can inflate a small car in approximately 2 minutes and a mid-sized car tire from 0-35 PSI in only 4-6 minutes, so it is ideal for cars, bikes, SUV’s tires, a soccer ball, and even camping gear.
The 12-volt compressor can be plugged directly into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket and the auto shut off safety feature kicks in when the proper tire pressure has been reached.
For quick and easy inflation at night, the compressor has a powerful built-in LED flashlight, and the large back-lit digital display shows 4 different units: PSI, KPA, BAR, and Kg/cm².
The AstroAI air compressor has a compact size and handles that allow for easy portability and storage. You can choose from 4 colors, blue, orange, red, or yellow, and the compressor comes with a replacement fuse, 3 nozzle adapters, and a good-sized 10-feet power cord.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Fantastic price
- Good maximum pressure of 100 PSI
- Superior performance
- Ideal for cars, bikes, sedans, and mid-size SUV’s
- Can be used for soccer balls and other small inflatables
- Plugs into a 12-volt cigarette socket
- Built-in bright LED light
- Large easy to read blue backlit digital display with 4 units: PSI, KPA, BAR, Kg/cm²
- Over-inflation auto shut-off system
- Compact and lightweight
- Comes with a handle
- Includes a replacement fuse, 3 nozzle adapters, and a 10-feet power cord
Cons
- Not ideal for truck tires
- Plastic housing is not overly durable
- No storage bag
3. AKASO Portable Air Compressor
If you are planning an off-roading adventure or need a reliable tire inflator, the efficient AKASO Portable Air Compressor is a great tool to have in your vehicle.
The compressor has a maximum pressure of 100 PSI, a continuous working time of up to 30 minutes, and can fill up to 5 car tires, so it is perfect for a standard car or mid-size SUV, and it can be used for inflatables like an air mattress, pool toys, or sports equipment.
It is equipped with a smart auto-shutoff system that stops the airflow once it has reached the required amount of air pressure. You will be able to inflate your vehicle’s tires quickly as this fast air compressor is capable of filling a tire in about 5.5 minutes.
If you are stuck on the highway at night, the compressor has a blue LED digital display with simple red push-button controls and 4 different units: PSI, KPA, BAR, and Kg/cm². The built-in super-bright LED light illuminates your work area and can also be used as a flashlight or a warning SOS light so that other motorists can see your vehicle.
This durable compressor has an integrated handle and anti-vibration footpads. Its smart space-saving onboard storage keeps the air hose snugly contained inside the unit.
The compressor can be plugged directly into your car’s cigarette socket, and its extra-long 12.1-feet power cable easily connects to the front and rear tires. One of the main highlights of this compressor is that it is a quiet operator.
The portable air compressor comes with 4 nozzle connectors.
Pros
- High quality
- Affordable price
- Plug directly into a 12-volt cigarette lighter
- Inflate tires on cars, bikes, sedans, and mid-size SUV’s
- Can be used for small inflatables like an air bed and soccer ball
- Works continuously for 30 minutes
- Auto-shutoff
- Bright LED Light
- Easy to read digital blue-lit display gauge with 4 units: PSI, KPA, BAR, and Kg/cm²
- Compact
- Clever space-saving on-board storage
- Extra-long 12.1-feet power cord
- Very quiet
- Includes 4 nozzle attachments
Cons
- No storage case
4. Oasser Portable Air Compressor
A highly portable inflation unit, the Oasser Portable Air Compressor is an excellent choice for bike riders or for anyone who wants to save space on a camping trip.
The mini compressor has a robust black stainless steel cylindrical design that feels comfortable in your hand and its insulated silicone protection keeps you safe. Compact and lightweight, it fits easily in a large jacket pocket, backpack, or a car’s glove compartment.
You can charge it up at home with the built-in rechargeable lithium battery or in the car via your vehicle’s 12-volt cigarette lighter. In just 1.5 hours, the portable air compressor will be fully charged and ready to be used and in 6 minutes, a tire will be fully inflated.
A multifunctional compressor, the Oasser has a maximum inflatable pressure of 120 PSI, so it can be used to pump up tires on bicycles, motorcycles, cars, but it does not support big truck tires. It can also be used to inflate a basketball, inflatable toys, and small swimming rings.
The easy-to-read blue backlit LCD screen displays 4 unit values: PSI, BAR, KPA, Kg/cm². You can use the independent switch to turn on the super bright flashlight for emergency lighting. A preset value feature stops the device from inflating when the correct pressure has been reached, and the compressor also has low voltage protection.
The Oasser air compressor comes with an air hose, multiple nozzles, and a storage handbag. It is covered by a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Very good quality compressor
- High portability
- Built-in rechargeable lithium battery
- Compact mini slimline design
- Insulated silicone protection
- Lightweight and feel comfortable to hold
- Powerful compressor with 120 max PSI
- Can be used for cars, bikes, RV’s and small inflatables
- Pressure reset system
- Multiple nozzles
- Easy to read backlit LED display gauge
- Gauge displays 4 kinds of unit values: PSI, BAR, KPA, Kg/cm²
- Super-bright flashlight
- Storage handbag
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Battery does not last very long
- LCD is hard to see in direct sunlight
- Can overheat if used for more than 10 minutes
5. Lifeline AAA Digital Press Portable Air Compressor
Life is full of surprises, but you will always be prepared for any tire-related emergencies with the Lifeline AAA Digital Press Portable Air Compressor. The high-quality compressor has a powerful 12-volt 300 PSI compressor and a quick connect air hose that can inflate a standard car tire from 0-35 PSI in 8 minutes.
The compressor has an 18-inch fill hose and a good-sized 10-feet power cord that connects easily to your vehicle’s cigarette outlet, and it comes with 3 nozzle adapters for different size inputs, for pumping up bicycle tires, balls, and other small inflatables. The large built-in mechanical pressure gauge is easy to read and ensures that you inflate the tire to the correct pressure requirement.
The compressor is very compact and easy to carry, but its housing is susceptible to damage so be careful how you handle it.
A 1-year limited warranty covers the AAA Lifeline air compressor.
Pros
- Extremely low price
- Very good quality
- Small, compact, and lightweight
- Powerful 300 PSI
- Fast inflation: can pump up a standard car tire from 0-35 PSI in 8 minutes
- Ideal for bicycles, small and medium cars and SUV’s
- Can also be used to inflate balls and pool toys or air mattress
- Quick connect air hose
- Extra-long 10-feet power cord
- Three different nozzle adapters
- Large easy to read built-in mechanical pressure gauge
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Overheats quickly
- Takes longer to inflate tires on larger vehicles
- No LED light or handle
6. Glamore Portable Air Compressor
The Glamore Portable Air Compressor is the perfect inflation tool for small cars and motorcycles. It is highly portable and compact, and its maximum pressure of 150 PSI allows it to continuously inflate a standard mid-sized car tire for up to 10 minutes, and most car tires will be fully inflated in less than that.
You do not have to stress about trying to get the correct tire pressure as this smart little unit does all the hard work. It is convenient and straightforward to use and plugs straight into your vehicle’s 12-volt cigarette lighter socket.
The easy-to-read bright blue backlit LCD screen displays the accurate pressure in PSI, BAR, KPA, and Kg/cm². An auto-shutoff system turns the air off when the right pressure has been reached, and the air vent stops the compressor from overheating.
As well as its display that can be easily seen at night and in full sunlight, the Glamore air compressor has a very bright built-in LED light that can be used for emergency lighting.
The 1.9-feet long air hose and the 9.18-feet long power cord give you plenty of extended reach to a vehicle’s back tires.
The Glamore compressor comes with a fuse and 3 additional adaptors, and it is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Good quality
- Very affordable price
- Portable and compact
- Fast 35 PSI
- Inflates a standard mid-sized car tire from 0-35 PSI fast
- Ideal for a small car, bike, motorcycle, and other inflatables
- Easy to use
- Auto-shutoff function
- Bright blue LCD gauge can be seen at night and in full sunlight
- Displays PSI, BAR, KPA, and Kg/cm² units
- 9.18-feet long power cord fits most vehicles
- Comes with a fuse and additional nozzles
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for an RV, ATV, pickup truck, or truck tires
- No storage bag
7. HAUSBELL Portable Air Compressor
The highly versatile HAUSBELL Portable Air Compressor provides a superior inflation performance and can be used to inflate tires on vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, cars, SUVs, Jeeps, and small inflatables like an air bed or sporting equipment.
This high-powered compressor has a super-fast pump that delivers a maximum air pressure of 150 PSI at an impressive rate of 35 l/min and can inflate a tire in just 2 minutes!
You can use the compressor in rough outdoor environments as it has a durable metal body and the display screen is surrounded by metal as well. If you need to inflate a tire at night, the air compressor has an integrated bright flashlight.
The bright blue LCD backlit digital screen allows you to monitor tire pressure accurately and it displays 4 different units: PSI, KPA, BAR, and Kg/cm², while the auto-shutoff feature turns the airflow off when the pre-set pressure has been reached. This compressor also has overloading protection if the unit overheats.
To use the air compressor, just plug it into your car’s 12-volt cigarette lighter socket. The long 1.9-feet rubber air hose and extra-long 9.8-feet power cord allow you to easily reach the back tires on most vehicles.
For quick portability, the handle makes it easy to carry the unit around your car. The compressor also comes with multiple nozzles and an extra backup fuse.
HAUSBELL offers a 1-year warranty on the portable air compressor.
Pros
- Superior performance
- Great price
- Excellent value for money
- Accurate
- Can be used for all car sizes, mid-size SUVs, and inflatables
- 150 maximum PSI
- Fast and powerful
- Preset inflation feature
- LCD backlit digital display with 4 units: PSI, KPA, BAR, Kg/cm²
- Integrated bright flashlight
- Durable metal body
- Display screen is surrounded by metal
- Overloading protection
- Extra-long 10-feet power cord
- Sturdy handle
- Lightweight
- Multiple nozzles included
- Backup fuse
Cons
- Cannot be used for big trucks
- No other charging options
- Can overheat after continuous use
8. GSPSCN Portable Air Compressor Pump
Fast and powerful, the GSPSCN Portable Air Compressor Pump is a convenient inflation tool to have stored in your vehicle’s boot.
The 150 PSI compressor has a high-powered motor that delivers maximum efficiency, so as well as being able to pump up a standard car’s tire in just 1.5 minutes, you can use it to inflate tires on a mid-size SUV, sports equipment, and pool toys.
The compressor plugs straight into your vehicle’s 12-volt cigarette outlet, and the extra-long 11.5-feet air hose is long enough for most cars and SUVs. You can also expect a low noise performance.
For added convenience when you need extra illumination and visibility when changing a tire at night, the long-lasting LED lights are super bright, and the mechanical dial pressure gauge provides accurate easy-to-read pressure readings. Its sturdy handle allows for easy carrying and transportation.
Made for challenging outdoor conditions, the compressor has a durable metal body that is grounded by an anti-vibration mat that prevents unwanted movement.
The rubber air hose features a solid metal twist-connect nozzle that ensures a secure, hands-free seal to the tire valve during inflation.
GSPSCN offers a sturdy carry bag to keep the compressor safely stored in, and a spare fuse, heavy-duty cables and clamps, and multiple nozzle adapters.
A 12-month warranty covers the air compressor.
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Great value for money
- Durable metal body
- High-powered motor
- Quiet operation
- Accurate dial mechanical pressure gauge
- Plug into vehicle’s 12-volt accessory outlet
- Ideal for cars, mid-sized SUV’s, bicycle tires, sports equipment, and small inflatables
- Bright built-in LED lights
- Sturdy handle
- Extra-long 11.5-feet air hose
- Includes a spare fuse, heavy-duty cables and clamps, and multiple nozzle adapters
- Sturdy carry bag
- Toolbox comes with a bonus tire repair kit
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Compressor gets hot very quickly
- Not to be used continuously for more than 5-10 minutes
9. P.I. AUTO STORE Portable Air Compressor
With smart technology, a highly efficient inflation performance, an ultra-compact design, and innovative safety LED lighting, the premium quality P.I. AUTO STORE Portable Air Compressor is a must-have tire inflation tool for any home or vehicle.
The P.I. AUTO STORE is the perfect air compressor for cars, SUVs, ATVs, RVs, bicycles, motorbikes, and even wheelchairs. It is ultra-compact and generates air at an impressive rate of 38 l/min and inflates a mid-sized tire from 0-30 PSI in just under 3 minutes, and you can use it for small inflatables like sporting equipment or pool toys.
You can rely on this little dynamo to deliver the correct amount of air as it is equipped with a smart built-in microprocessor. Once you have pre-set the unit to the desired air pressure level, the pump automatically stops when it has reached the maximum level.
The compressor can be plugged into any 12-volt accessory outlet, and the heavy-duty air hose features a snap-connector nozzle that makes sure that there is a secure seal to the tire’s valve. Whether you have a small vehicle or a mid-sized SUV, the extra-long reach 13-feet power cord provides easy access to all 4 tires.
For extra illumination at night, the built-in super bright LED light has 4 settings: off, light, flashing, and SOS. You can easily set the right pressure as the precision built-in digital air gauge features a large, bright LCD backlit display with large blue button controls. P. I. AUTO STORE also includes a carry bag and a Schrader to Presta valve adapter for bicycle tires.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Great value for money
- Excellent quality
- Ultra-compact design
- Highly efficient
- Accurate digital gauge
- Can be used for cars, SUVs, small trucks, and inflatables
- Impressive airflow rate of 38 l/min
- Inflates a mid-sized tire from 0-30 PSI in just under 3 minutes
- Smart microprocessor
- Auto-shutoff function
- Bright LED light with 4 settings: off, flashlight, flash, and SOS
- Large, bright LCD backlit display gauge
- Heavy-duty air hose has a secure snap-connector nozzle
- Carry bag
- Schrader to Presta valve adapter for bicycle tires
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No handle
- Not ideal for continuous use longer than 20 minutes
- Goes through fuses quickly
Our Top Pick for the Best Portable Air Compressor
Our top pick for the best portable air compressor is the P.I. AUTO STORE Portable Air Compressor. It is an essential tire inflation tool for any motorist.
Whether you have a flat tire on a busy highway in peak hour or break down on a lonely off-road track at night, the P.I. AUTO STORE is a reliable portable air compressor that delivers fast and efficient tire inflation for almost all types of vehicles even in the most challenging outdoor conditions. Its powerfully bright LED light with extra safety features helps you to stay safe in dangerous road conditions.
Check the price on Amazon
