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There are hundreds of ways you can put an air compressor to use, from inflating tires to powering up your nail gun to speeding up your painting process. They even come in handy when you’re cleaning up after a woodworking job or need to prep inflatable toys. When you’re looking for an air compressor that’s easy to work with freely yet still as powerful as a full-sized model, a cordless air compressor is what you need. Bigger and more capable than your typical portable tire inflator, cordless air compressors give you more freedom and all of the power you’re looking for. With built-in batteries, these air compressors can even be carried with you, if you need an on-the-road companion.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Portable Air Compressor
- Best Value: Freeman Cordless Air Compressor, Finish Nailer, and Accessories
- Honorable Mention: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Portable Air Compressor
- Best for Driving Nails: DeWalt 20-Volt Cordless Air Compressor
- Most Versatile: Bauer 20V Brushless Cordless Air Compressor
Our Methodology
To choose the best cordless air compressors, I looked at the many kinds available, from small and handheld to larger and more capable. I focused on those with more power and bulk, comparing different 18- and 20-volt models that ran on a rechargeable battery and offered tank capacity of a gallon or more. To highlight the best options of the bunch, I looked for features such as long-lasting rechargeable batteries, sizable capacity, ease of use, and the inflation speed and pressure to assess their overall performance and durability. I also read user reviews to determine how these cordless air compressors perform over time and in a variety of real-life settings.
Best Cordless Air Compressors: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Portable Air Compressor
Best Value
Freeman Cordless Air Compressor, Finish Nailer, and Accessories
Honorable Mention
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Portable Air Compressor
Best for Driving Nails
DeWalt 20-Volt Cordless Air Compressor
Most Versatile
Bauer 20V Brushless Cordless Air Compressor
Our Verdict
Lightweight and easy to move around, yet with a satisfying amount of power, the Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Portable Air Compressor is one of the best cordless options you can buy. When it comes to value, the Freeman Cordless Air Compressor offers impressive bang for your buck with a wealth of extras.
Consider Secondhand
When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money.
If those options don’t have what you need, your local salvage yard is great for tools, while swap meets are a another resource you should tap. Just Google either and head on down.
Secondhand Tips
To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips to finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner.
- Make sure the used air compressor includes all of the original components, especially the battery’s charging cord
- Air compressors that use a common or system-wide battery mean you don’t have to pay for a new or separate battery if you already own tools within the system
What to Consider When Buying Cordless Air Compressors
As you’re shopping for a an air compressor, don’t overlook these key details and features. They’re what make the difference between top-tier, reliable models and lesser-quality picks.
Cordless Air Compressor Key Features
Quick-Connect Brass Couplers
To make hooking up your hoses both easy and secure, you’ll want to make sure your cordless air compressor comes with brass couplers and quick-connect brass couplers. Brass couplers are durable and trustworthy, giving you secure, leak-free connection points for years. And when those couplers are also quick-connect style couplers, you won’t have to struggle to get them fitted into place. Setup should be pretty seamless and almost effortless.
Low Noise Generation
Air compressors are always going to be somewhat noisy while running. But a cordless model that’s too noisy will be a pain, especially if you’re bringing your compressor outdoors or at a campsite. You can find plenty of cordless models — with gallon-sized or larger tanks — that run between 60 and 85 decibels. The quieter, the better if you’re working around others often.
High-Volume Hose
To suit the various psi levels of a good cordless air compressor, you’re going to want to make sure the machine is paired with a high-volume hose. These extra-durable hoses are built for higher pressure levels and larger volumes of air, giving you the perfect companion for everything from inflation to workspace cleanup. Plus, if your compressor comes with a high-volume hose, you won’t have to purchase one separately, giving you an all-in-one product.
Pricing
Your basic cordless air compressor will cost between $100 and $225. In this price range, it’s common to find one-gallon tanks and moderately compact machines. If you need a bigger tank or more power, expect to spend between $225 and $350. These larger compressors are a good fit for more frequent uses or serious pressure needs. If you’re looking for the most premium selection products, you’ll need to spend upwards of $350.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Technically, tire inflators and air compressors perform the same job, and they’re almost interchangeable; you can use your air compressor to inflate tires. However, tire inflators tend to be smaller and less powerful. For more versatile uses, a cordless air compressor is the right pick.
A: Most cordless air compressors deliver between 100 and 150 psi. Anything within this range should satisfy nearly all of your needs, so settling for a product that delivers 125 to 140 psi will have you covered.
A: If you’re looking for an air compressor to inflate tires and power nail guns, a pancake model is a great choice. They tend to have smaller tanks of less than six gallons, so they’re ideal for workshop, garage, and general air compressor tasks.
