Purchasing an air compressor can be a daunting task, because there are so many brands and models to choose from. To help you separate the best from the rest, I compiled a list of the 10 top air compressor brands on the market as well as the right air compressor for a given job. I would recommend that you pick one of these brands to investigate further (product specifications, track record, reviews, prices etc.).
Choosing the Right Air Compressors for the Job
Best Air Compressor for Painting
If you plan on using an air compressor for painting, you will want a compressor that can deliver consistent and steady air pressure while you paint a house, car or furniture. Using an air paint sprayer requires a compressor that can keep up without many breaks or pauses in your painting. You need a compressor with a high CFM (cubic feet per minute) and a large air capacity of 15+ gallons, this allows it to always be spraying. A smaller air compressor is not good for house painting. Below are the top rated compressors for spray painting.
- Ultra Quiet only 70 Decibels
- Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs
- 20. 0 Gallon Steel Tank with Wheels
- 5.0 CFM at 40 psi and 4.0 CFM at 90 psi with 1.5 RHP
- 150 Max PSI; Running Horsepower: 1.5 ;Lubrication: Oil-Free Motor Typ
- 20 gallon tank/UL and CSA certified unit; Twin-V cast iron pump.Tank...
- Provides air flow rates of 3.8 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI
- 20-gallon tank constructed with reinforced steel for a maximum pressure of...
- Features an easy-to-reach quick drain valve, 1/4-inch NPT quick coupler and...
Best Air Compressor for filling Car Tires
If you plan on having an air compressor for your garage that you will frequently use for filling your car, bike or motorcycle tires, you will want to make sure it has enough PSI to give it enough power to fill your car tire. Because there is so much weight resting on a car tire, you need a lot of air pressure to fill it up. Here are the top rated air compressors for filling tires.
- The portable air compressor is proudly made in the USA with Global...
- PORTABLE: 6 gallon capacity maximizes portability and stored air for...
- NO MAINTENANCE: Durable, oil-free pump of the 6 gallon air compressor is...
- The portable air compressor has a long-life oil-free, maintenance-free pump...
- 150 max PSI 6.0 gallon tank (22.7 L) and 2.6 SCFM* delivered @ 90 PSI pump...
- BOSTITCH high efficiency motor of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for...
- Comes complete with Wheel Kit & Air Filter | No hose included | Consider...
- Product dimensions – 26" L x 14" W x 23” H | Max Pressure – 120 PSI |...
- Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs | Powerful 1.0 HP (Rated /...
Best Air Compressor for Nail Gun and Stapler
When finding a good air compressor that can be used for a nail gun or stapler, you will most likely want a smaller, portable unit that can be moved around easily, yet still have enough power to drive a nail through multiple layers of wood.
- Cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston is engineered to provide...
- Powerful 2.5 HP 4-Pole motor produces 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI for increased...
- Roll-cage construction provides complete protection to withstand extreme...
- Ultra Quiet only 70 Decibels
- Powerful 2. 0 HP (Rated/Running) Motor
- Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs
- SB-1850BN 18 GA brad nailer in the air compressor combo kit drives 18GA...
- SB-1664FN 16 GA straight finish nailer drives 16 GA straight finish nails...
- BTFP71875 heavy-duty 3/8-inch crown stapler drives 3/8-inch crown staples...
Top Air Compressor Brands
Alright, let’s go over the 10 best brands.
Notice that they are presented in an alphabetical order. So don’t make the mistake of thinking that the first one is the best and the last one is the worst.
Bostitsch
Also known as Stanley Bostitsch, this company was launched in Arlingon, Massachusetts, in 1896 by a fellow named Thomas Briggs.
Today, Bostitsch is a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker.
The main business for Bostitsch is and has been the manufacturing of fastening products, like staplers and nailers. But since 2013, the line of products has expanded into tools and air compressors.
Prices are very competitive.
California Air Tools
In 2002 in sunny San Diego, California, a team of air tool industry experts decided to join forces. And so California Air Tools Inc. was born.
With a goal of being innovative and customer friendly, California Air Tools now makes air compressors, pumps, air tools, auxiliary air tanks, and spray guns.
Their products have become very popular among customers, because they offer a lot of value for money.
Campbell Hausfeld
Campbell Hausfeld can trace its roots back to 1836 when Alexander Campbell founded a wagon making company in Harrison, Ohio. Not many companies have such a long and rich history.
In the 180 years that have passed, Campbell Hausfeld has expanded its range of products a lot. Today, they make all kinds of air tools, welding machines, pressure washers, air compressors, and more.
It’s a respectable brand that makes affordable products.
DeWalt
DeWalt was founded in 1924 by Raymond E. DeWalt. Today headquartered in Towson, Maryland, they make power tools and hand tools, as well as a wide range of equipment like generators and air compressors.
Just like Bostitsch, DeWalt is a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker.
Most of the manufacturing takes place in America, and they are focused on technology and innovation.
Customers really seem to like their air compressors, because DeWalt sell a ton of them (and they get high ratings).
Hitachi
Hitachi Ltd is a huge multinational company based in Chiyoda, Japan.
It was started in 1910 by Namihei Odaira in Ibaraki, Japan. From the first product – a small electric motor – Hitachi has literally exploded in growth and product development.
Today, Hitachi manufactures and sells products in eleven different industries. Everything from electronics and telecommunication equipment to defense technology.
Hitachi air compressors are sold globally.
Industrial Air
The Industrial Air brand is owned and operated by MAT Industries LLC. The parent company – MAT Holdings Inc. – is headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois.
Industrial Air makes pressure washers, air tools, and air compressors for the North American market.
Engineering and product development is done in-house, but the manufacturing is outsourced to suppliers overseas.
Products are expensive but great. They just work.
Makita
Makita Corporation is another Japanese maker of air compressors.
Mosaburo Makita founded Makita in 1915 in Nagoya, Japan. He started on his own by repairing and selling electrical equipment. Now 100 years later, Makita has around $3 billion in sales per year, and they own and operate manufacturing facilities all around the world.
Business is mainly focused on high-quality power tools, but Makita also makes fantastic air compressors.
Porter-Cable
Porter-Cable was founded in Syracuse, New York, in 1906 by three gentlemen: G.G. Porter, R.E. Porter, and F.E. Cable.
Porter-Cable is based in Jackson, Tennessee, and now owned by Stanley Black & Decker (just like Bostitsch and DeWalt). Manufacturing has moved from the US to other countries.
Porter-Cable’s main business is making quality power tools aimed at the professional market. But they also make affordable and popular air compressors.
Rolair Systems
Rolair Systems – based in Hustisford, Wisconsin – is specialized in the manufacturing of compressors. Unlike most competitors, Rolair doesn’t make power tools, pressure washers, or any other product that isn’t a compressor.
This focus has undeniably led to success. Since the start in 1959, Rolair has constantly improved and updated their line of products.
Today, their air compressors are among the most popular in America.
SENCO
Albert Juilfs started SENCO – short for Springtramp Eliminator Company – in 1935 by inventing a mechanical device that reduced vibrations in automobiles.
A lot has happened since then. The range of products has increased and improved. As of 2016, SENCO manufactures tools, fasteners and compressors (along with related accessories).
Considering the affodable price range on SENCO air compressors, they are performing very well and they continuously receive high customer ratings.
List of Air Compressor Brands
For those of you specifically searching for German air compressor brands, some of the most well-known names to look for are KrinnAir, Kaeser Kompressoren, Bauer, Hertz Kompressoren, and Sauer.
Here is a full list of all the major air compressor brands:
- Airbase Industries
- AirCat
- All-Air Products
- Apache Hose
- ARB
- Astro Pneumatic
- Atlas Copco
- Bauer
- BE Compressors
- BelAire
- Black & Decker
- Black Bull
- Bon-Aire
- Bosch
- Bostitch
- Briggs & Stratton
- C-Aire
- California Air Tools
- Campbell Hausfeld
- Cartman
- Central Pneumatic
- CEJN
- Chicago Pneumatic
- Coleman Cable
- COOL
- Craftsman
- Cyclone Manufacturing
- DeVilbiss
- DeWalt
- Eagle
- EMAX
- Emglo
- Florida Pneumatic
- Freeman
- FS-Curtis
- General International
- Great Neck
- Greenworks
- Grip-Rite
- Hertz Kompressoren
- Hitachi
- Husky
- Hyundai Power Equipment
- Industrial Air
- Ingersoll Rand
- Iron Horse
- Jenny
- JET Tools
- JobSmart
- Kaeser Kompressoren
- Kawasaki Air Tools
- Kobalt
- KrinnAir
- Legacy
- Magic Air
- Makita
- MasterFlow
- MAXair
- Maxus
- Mi-T-M
- NorthStar
- Oasis Manufacturing
- Parker
- Paslode
- Porter Cable
- Powermate
- PowerPro
- PowRyte
- Professional Woodworker
- ProForce
- Pulsar
- Puma Air Center
- Quincy
- RapidAir
- Ridgid
- Rockford
- Rockworth
- Rolair Systems
- Ryobi
- Sauer
- Scepter
- Schrader
- Schulz
- Seafoam
- SENCO
- SFA Companies Inc.
- Slime
- SMC
- Snap-on
- Speedway
- SPRAYIT
- Sta-Bil
- Stanley
- Steuby Manufacturing
- Sunex Tools
- SuperFlow
- Thomas
- TruFuel
- Tsunami
- VIAIR
- Wagan
- WEN Products