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Recently, I watched my car’s low tire pressure light come on (because it only ever comes on when I’m driving late at night, or other potentially creepy settings). While looking for a gas station that didn’t seem too sketchy, I thought to myself “I really should’ve ordered that 12-volt air compressor.” This is because I’d much rather fill up my tires in the safety and comfort of my own driveway than at some horror-movie-resembling gas station.
Not only are 12-volt air compressors great for filling tires, but there are a host of other uses that make them worth the investment. Keep it in your garage or your vehicle for quick and easy access. I’ve compiled a list of the top 12-volt air compressors on the market along with an informative buying guide that will help ensure you get the best air compressor for your needs and that you’re not stuck paying $4 for air at the only open gas station in town at midnight.
Summary List
- Best Overall: GSPSCN Portable 12V Air Compressor Pump
- Best Budget: Ablegrid 12V DC Portable 150PSI Air Compressor
- Honorable Mention: Kensun Portable 12V Air Compressor
- Best For RVs: All-Top Air Compressor Kit
- Best For Off-Road: Viair 300P Air Compressor Kit
Our Methodology
When it comes to choosing the best 12-volt air compressors, I wanted to provide you with a well-rounded list that features a good variety of reputable manufacturers with solid track records of providing high-quality, reliable products. I included a wide range of price points to suit any budget. I focused on air compressors that use the latest technology and that feature innovative, compact designs suitable for a wide variety of uses. For more information on the selection criteria, click this link to The Drive’s Gear About page, which explains our methodology further.
Best 12-Volt Air Compressors: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: GSPSCN Portable 12V Air Compressor Pump
Pros
- Strong enough to inflate truck, RV, and ATV tires
- Equipped with a heavy-duty dust cap for use in sandy, desert-like climates
- Has an external in-line 40-amp fuse for added safety during use
Cons
- No AC power draw
- Can’t plug into car’s 12v outlet
When you can’t mess around and need guaranteed air delivery quickly and efficiently, the GSPSCN Portable 12V Air Compressor Pump won’t disappoint. It’s equipped with a maximum pressure of 150 psi and an airflow capacity of 72 liters per minute, allowing it to inflate a standard 17-inch tire in approximately one minute. Unlike some units, this compressor powers directly from your vehicle’s battery with a 2.5-meter heavy-duty power cord and strong alligator clips.
This model also comes with a generously long 5.5-meter self-coiling air hose. This model isn’t nearly as compact as some others on our list, but it’s strong enough to inflate car, truck, RV, and ATV tires, and can still fit easily behind most truck seats. For larger tires, to inflate from flat, it can take much longer to reach the desired psi—sometimes up to 20 or 30 minutes—so be mindful not to over-drain your vehicle battery if this is the case. This compressor also comes with a handy nylon carrying bag and two extra adapters for sporting equipment inflation.
Best Budget: Ablegrid 12V DC Portable 150PSI Air Compressor
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and powerful
- Backed by a two-year warranty
Cons
- Takes a long time to inflate larger tires
- Light weight causes it to vibrate and move around a lot during use
The Ablegrid 12V DC Portable 150PSI Air Compressor deserves a nod for being a powerful and lightweight air compressor that comes backed by a solid two-year warranty to protect you from any unforeseen manufacturer’s defects. It’s also sold at a great price point, making it an even better value. With a maximum capacity of 150 psi and an airflow rate of 35 liters per minute, this unit is a strong contender, and can inflate your tire from flat to 30 psi in as little as two minutes and 45 seconds.
It comes equipped with a convenient psi preset that shuts off automatically once your desired air pressure is reached. The brightly lit LCD display shows you psi, kPa, bar, and kg/cm. This model easily and quickly plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter. It also has four bright LED lights to allow for easy and safe nighttime operation. While this unit is powerful enough to inflate your car, truck, and SUV tires, it takes much longer to inflate larger tires, so be patient. Also, due to its light weight, it tends to move around a lot during use and the housing seems flimsier than some other models on the market.
Honorable Mention: Kensun Portable 12V Air Compressor
Pros
- Dual power sources make this unit super versatile
- Large, easy-to-read display measures psi, bar, and kPa
- Compact enough to fit inconspicuously in most trunks
Cons
- Not suitable for powering small pneumatic tools
- Some concern over long-term durability of the unit itself
The Kensun Portable 12V Air Compressor features dual solid metal motors that provide powerful and quick tire inflation. One of the best features of this particular model is that while it is a 12-volt powered air compressor, it also comes with an AC plug for use in your home’s 110-volt wall outlet, giving you plenty of options for where and when to use it. This air compressor is equipped with a large and bright, easy-to-read display that measures psi, bar, and kPa. It measures up to 120 psi, which is capable of inflating most standard car, bike, and midsize SUV tires.
It also comes with an adapter set for sporting equipment, pool inflatables, and air mattresses. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come equipped with a Presta valve adapter, so check your bike tires prior to purchase to see if you need to buy one separately. This compressor is quite compact and is easy to store or transport in your car or truck. It’s definitely not powerful enough or set up to run small tools, however. There are some concerns about the long-term durability of this unit, but reports of stellar customer service indicate that it’s quick and easy to get a replacement unit if necessary.
Best For RVs: All-Top Air Compressor Kit
Best For RVs
All-Top Air Compressor Kit
Pros
- Rugged and durable housing
- Fast, powerful inflation rate
- Great for a variety of applications
Cons
- Battery clamps could be more heavy-duty
- Short power cable not ideal for longer vehicles
If you’re in the market for a rugged and heavy-duty 12-volt air compressor that can inflate larger tires, like those on your RV or trailer, quickly, check out the All-Top Air Compressor Kit. This all-inclusive kit features an impressive airflow rate of 6.36 cubic feet per minute (cfm), allowing you to inflate larger tires quickly and with ease. The metal housing and rust-resistant aluminum cylinder make this model an excellent option for storing aboard your RV and taking care of all your compressed air needs while camping. The auto-thermal cut-off switch and added safety valve provide added protection from overheating and motor damage during use.
This comprehensive 12-volt portable air compressor kit comes equipped with a durably nylon storage bag, a 26-foot long rubber air hose, three nozzle adapters, and a thumb lock adapter suitable for inflating all different kinds of gear. It also comes backed by a 24-month hassle-free warranty for added peace of mind. This unit does lose some love for being a little on the pricier side and for having flimsier battery clamps than some other heavy-duty models. It also needs a longer power cord if it’s intended for bigger rigs.
Best For Off-Road: Viair 300P Air Compressor Kit
Best For Off-Road
Viair 300P Air Compressor Kit
Pros
- Fast and powerful inflation for tires up to 33 inches
- Multiple adapters for added versatility
- Protective carrying bag included
Cons
- Alligator clamps are rather flimsy
- Tricky valve chuck
The Viair 300P Air Compressor Kit gets major props for being a reliable, heavy-duty 12-volt portable air compressor that’s ideal for off-road vehicles and equipment needs. It’s designed to inflate tires up to 33 inches in diameter quickly and efficiently, getting you back on the trail in no time. This unit features a respectable airflow rate of 2.40 cfm and a max psi of 150. It also allows you to air-down your tires for better traction on more rugged and challenging terrain.
This kit comes complete with a protective storage bag to guard against exposure to unwanted moisture and dust. You also get multiple adapters for inflating other sporting equipment. This unit is somewhat expensive compared to some others on the market. Other drawbacks include the flimsy alligator clamps and a valve chuck that is finicky and takes some diligence to attach correctly to your tires. This unit would also be improved if the pressure gauge was located closer to the power switch, since you have to turn off the unit in order to measure tire pressure properly.
Our Verdict on the Best 12-Volt Air Compressors
If you’re looking for an ideal combination between functionality, user-friendliness, compact sizing, and reasonable price point, my top pick overall has to be the GSPSCN Portable 12V Air Compressor Pump. It’s a heavy-duty 150 psi 12-volt air compressor that runs directly off your vehicle’s battery with two rugged alligator clips.
If you want a budget-friendly option, but don’t want to sacrifice quality and durability for price, consider the Ablegrid 12V DC Portable 150PSI Air Compressor. It’s an affordable, powerful, and lightweight air compressor that comes backed by a solid two-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Features to Know When Considering 12-Volt Air Compressors
When it comes to portable 12-volt air compressors, many people think it’s a one-size-fits-all thing and that there’s really not much to consider. While that may have been the case decades ago, it’s certainly not the lay of the land in today’s market. Today’s 12-volt air compressors come in a wide variety of sizes and functions suitable for different uses. Be sure to get the one that most suits your specific needs.
PSI Output
The power capability of your 12-volt air compressor will be the number one key feature to pay attention to. Most decent 12-volt air compressors will have a psi rating of 100, which is just enough to inflate most regular sized car tires. For truck or SUV tires, you might need something stronger, in the range of 120 to 150 psi. For small power tools, you’ll likely want to look for a 12-volt compressor with a PSI above 150.
Portability
If you’re planning on keeping your 12-volt air compressor in your trunk or the bed of your truck, you’ll want something highly portable, with a durable body or case that won’t rust or crack easily if it rolls around. If you’re after a compressor for your workshop or job site, go with something rugged and sporting higher power capacity. They’re less portable than just a conventional tire air compressor.
Power Consumption
Since you’re likely using your car’s battery to run your 12-volt air compressor, you’ll need to be mindful of how much power it draws. You don’t want to over tax or damage your battery, so look for an air compressor that pulls about 120 watts or less.
Warranty
Consider buying a 12-volt air compressor with a a solid warranty. The best companies will offer at least a one-year warranty, but some will offer even a two- or three-year protection plan against manufacturer’s defects.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: A 12-volt air compressor uses your vehicle’s battery, or any 12-volt battery, to power a motor that directly forces air into an object to inflate it to a certain pressure. Because they don’t store compressed air in the tank, they have less power and capacity to fill larger objects but are usually fine for small automobile tires, bicycle tires, and sporting equipment.
A: To properly maintain your air compressor, be sure to read the user’s manual that comes with the unit. Be sure to store your compressor in a protective bag or carrying case when not in use. This will protect it, as well as disallow dust and dirt to clog the motor and its components. Regularly inspect the hoses, valves, and power cords for any damage and replace them at the earliest sign of wear.
A: Most compact cars and sedan tires work well with a 12-volt air compressor with a maximum psi output of 100. If you’re looking to inflate your truck, SUV, or RV tires, you’ll need a maximum pressure of between 120 and 150 psi.
A: If you have a 12-volt air compressor that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter, the typical power draw will be between 10 and 15 amps. For a 12-volt air compressor that clips directly to a 12-volt battery, the power draw can be between 20 and 40 amps.
