Air compressors are one of the most useful pieces of equipment any workshop or industrial setting has, and it can do all sorts of things from blowing away dust and debris, to clearing clogged fuel lines and pumping up high pressure tyres.
Air compressors are often very reliable too and don’t require much maintenance at all, meaning that they are a very good long term investment that will save you a lot of time over the course of its life, saving a lot of money in the process also.
But air compressors come in various shapes and sizes, and have an array of different features that can be confusing to some, as well as what size might be appropriate for your operation.
To help you find the right air compressor for you we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best air compressors currently available with a clear list of pros and cons to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting out of each different product and what will suit your needs best.
We’ve also included a buyers guide and FAQ below to provide some helpful tips and extra information for new buyers, to ensure that you make your first purchase count.
Air compressors are an investment, and making sure you get the most out of your investment is very important to ensure you get good value for your money.
The FAQ will answer some of the most common questions regarding these tools too, to make sure you aren’t left confused about anything.
But without further introduction, let’s take a look at the compressors themselves and see what they have to offer.
Table of Contents
10 Best Air Compressors for Industrial Use
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Craftsman Air Compressor, 3 Gallon | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy Craftsman Air Compressor, 3 Gallon Now | |
![]() | Campbell Air Compressor, 3 Gallon | Prime | Buy Now | Buy Campbell Air Compressor, 3 Gallon Now | |
![]() | California Air Tools 20 Gallon | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy California Air Tools 20 Gallon Now | |
![]() | Stealth Air Compressor, 2 Gallon | Prime | Buy Now | Buy Stealth Air Compressor, 2 Gallon Now | |
![]() | Twin-Stack P1IU-A9 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy Twin-Stack P1IU-A9 Now | |
![]() | Ford Silent Series 15 Gallon | Prime | Buy Now | Buy Ford Silent Series 15 Gallon Now | |
![]() | California Air Tools 6010LFC | Prime | Buy Now | Buy California Air Tools 6010LFC Now | |
![]() | WEN 2289 10-Gallon | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy WEN 2289 10-Gallon Now | |
![]() | HULK Silent Series | Prime | Buy Now | Buy HULK Silent Series Now | |
![]() | BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor, 6 Gallon | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor, 6 Gallon Now |
Craftsman Air Compressor, 3 Gallon
This compressor from Craftsman is a great 3 gallon option that comes with many features you’d expect from a quality air compressor.
The design is compact and very light for a compressor, and despite this it has a very high max PSI meaning it can handle a lot of heavy duty tasks despite its relatively small size
The roll cage helps protect the gauges and delicate areas of the unit and it has a low center of gravity so it’s very unlikely to fall over and break.
There are a host of included accessories including filters and a ball valve, and there’s also a 1 year warranty making this one of the best workshop compressors available.
The only drawback is that the relatively small capacity means this compressor may not suit larger or more demanding industrial environments and projects.
Pros
- 3 Gallon Capacity
- Compact and portable
- Roll cage
- 155 PSI Max
- Included air filter, cord, coupler ball valve
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- May be a little small for some industrial uses
- PORTABLE: This 3 gallon air compressor’s compact design with light weight makes it extremely easy to transport from site to site
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: With a 3 gallon tank and a 1. 5 HP UMC motor , the compressor provides adequate stored air power and dependable performance. It boasts a maximum PSI of 155 and fast inflation speed to finish your projects with ease and efficiency
- Durable: The oil free and maintenance free pump system is engineered for high performance and durability, which lasts for longer tool run times
- MULTIFUNCTION: This compressor is ideal to tackle a lot of projects with ease like inflation, hobby painting, stapling, fastening, nailing, and bolting
- What you can get: 1 x Air compressor, 1 x Air filter, 1 x 6 feet cord, 1 x quick coupler, 1 x ball valve, 1 year limited lifetime
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Campbell Air Compressor, 3 Gallon
This is another 3 gallon unit from Campbell and it comes with a lot of great features, including a compact design, a maintenance free and reliable oil-less pump and easy to read gauges to monitor pressures and PSI.
The big bonus with this compressor is the large accessory list that comes with it, providing excellent value for money and getting you started with everything you need.
While it has a max PSI of 110 which is adequate for workshop use, it may not be enough for bigger industrial projects.
Another drawback is the lack of a roll cage and the smaller capacity compared to some of the other units on this list.
Pros
- 3 Gallon Capacity
- Compact
- Oil-less pump for maintenance free use
- Easy to use gauges
- 10 Accessory kit included
Cons
- A little small for some larger industrial uses
- No roll cage or carry handle
- 3 gallon horizontal tank and 0.36 CFM at 90 PSI. 110 Max PSI provides plenty of power to tackle DIY projects. Operates on 120 volt house outlet
- Oil-less pump for maintenance-free ownership and strong, reliable motor output. Motor overheated
- Equipped with 10 piece accessory kit which includes a coiled hose, blow gun, inflation needles and fittings.dBA @ 3ft:93
- Conveniently placed gauges are easy to read & this compressor’s compact design makes it easily portable
- Ideal for tire and ball inflation; it’s also perfect for powering air brushes, air/ brad nailers, upholstery projects and more. Finish your projects faster and easier with Campbell Hausfeld. The Air Power Exp
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
California Air Tools 20 Gallon
This is the first of the truly industrial compressors on this list, and at 20 gallons the California Air Tool 20040CAD is one of the biggest and best compressors for large projects and demanding industrial environments.
The 20 gallon capacity is huge, and it comes with excellent features including a 4 horsepower motor, a reliable and low maintenance oil free pump, as well as an auto drain valve to prevent moisture build up in the tanks and a very respectable decibel rating to prevent too much noise pollution.
There are carry handles to help move this beast around, but its weight and size mean it isn’t the most portable compressor and isn’t suitable for small workshops or home use due to its sheer power and size.
Pros
- 20 Gallon Capacity
- Oil-free pump
- 4HP Motor
- Auto Drain Valve
- Quiet for its size
Cons
- Not very portable at all, although there are carry handles for installation
- Ultra Quiet only 75 Decibels
- Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs
- Powerful 4.0 Hp
- 20 Gallon Steel Air Tank
- Auto Drain Va
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Stealth Air Compressor, 2 Gallon
This small workshop compressor is a great choice for small jobs, with a 2 gallon capacity, quiet motor and plenty of other great features.
The oil free pump is very reliable and doesn’t require very much maintenance at all, while the roll cage and carry handle combo are a great way to protect the important areas of the compressor while also giving good portability.
The drain valve works well and helps prevent water build up and rusting inside the tanks also which is an essential touch for good longevity.
Overall this is a great workshop compressor and the only downside is that it isn’t large or powerful enough for bigger tasks.
Pros
- Quiet
- Oil-free pump
- Roll cage
- Drain Valve
- Portable
Cons
- On the smaller side so better for smaller workshops
- ✅【ULTRA QUIET & 3 TIMES LONG LIFE】STEALTH innovative quiet system air compressor have been tested to be up to 80% quieter and qualify to 3 times longer life than standard induction motors
- ✅【COLD WEATHER START & QUICK RECOVERY】Easy cold weather start and low voltage start. Peak 125 psi 1.8CFM @ 90psi. Recover from empty tank to full only need 50 seconds
- ✅【OIL FREE & MAINTENANCE FREE】Peak ¾ horsepower induction safe guard your innovation work complete easily. Oil-free maintenance free, ideal for garage and creative jobs, Life cycle more than 1000 hours
- ✅【STABLE STRUCTURE& CONVENIENT FOR MOVEMENT】Stable heavy duty housing use Q235B steel, rubber reinforced handle and light weight for easy carry and storage
- ✅【WHAT IN THE BOX】Stealth SAQ-1234 Air Compressor x 1, 6’ Electric Cord x 1, User Manual x 1, Limited Lifetime Warranty and Serv
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Twin-Stack P1IU-A9
This twin stack compressor is a very versatile and powerful option with a 4 gallon capacity and a twin stack format that allows the use of multiple tools simultaneously for better efficiency.
The downside is that the capacity isn’t large enough for some bigger projects and there isn’t any roll cage or protection for the tanks. The noise level is a little disruptive for such a small compressor.
Pros
- 4 gallon capacity
- Twin stack format
- Portable
- Can run multiple tools simultaneously
- Long lasting and reliable
Cons
- No roll cage
- Portable Design: Lightweight, ergonomic design for easy handling, ideal for DIYers or professionals
- User Friendly: Easy to operate front panel and a low 79 dBA noise level provides a superior user experience
- Maximum Power and Flexibilty: 100% continuous duty, two quick disconnect couplers enable you to run multiple tools simultaneously
- Reliable Operation: All Season Select synthetic lubricant increases efficiency; with 2,000 hours of service between changeouts, it performs four times longer than petroleum-based lubricants
- Long-Life: Durable cast iron cylinder, protective back shroud, enclosed frame and extended pump life provide excellent longev
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Ford Silent Series 15 Gallon
Ford is one of the biggest companies in the world well known for their innovations and with a reputation for quality.
Their Silent Series 15 gallon compressor is one of the best industrial compressors on the market, with an ample capacity for large tasks, and a host of excellent features including very quiet 59dB operation and a max PSI of 125.
There is a maintenance free oil-less pump, thermal overload protection and even a 2 year warranty too which makes this as reliable as it is powerful.
For a large compressor it’s also very portable thanks to its well located wheels and stand legs and the sturdy carry handle.
Pros
- 15 Gallon Capacity
- Very portable
- 2 horsepower motor and 125 Max PSI
- Quiet at 59dB Operation
- Maintenance free pump
- Thermal overload protection
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- Few accessories included
- 15 Gallon Vertical Air Tank
- 2 HP/ 125 Max PSI/ 120V, 60Hz
- Super Quiet Operation (~59dB)
- Portable Design with Mobility Kit
- 2.9 CFM @ 90 PSI/ 3.9 CFM @ 40 PSI
- Dual Pump for 10Xs Longer Pump Life
- Oil-Free/Maintenance Free Pump
- 2 Easy to Read Pressure Gauges & 1 Universal Quick Connect Coupler
- Thermal Overload Protection
- Backed by a 2 Year Limited Warra
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
California Air Tools 6010LFC
Another offering from California Air Tools, the 6010LFC is a decent sized 6 gallon compressor which is a nice compromise between size and power, with a max PSI of 125 this unit can handle a lot in a manageable package.
Its portable and sturdy with a safe design and lower center of gravity, and there are all the features you’d come to expect from such a well regarded brand, including an oil free motor as well as ultra quiet 60dB performance, drainage valves and a highly rated and reliable 4000 hour minimum lifespan thats regarded as 30% longer than other units.
Pros
- Very quiet
- Oil-free pump
- 125 PSI Max
- 6 Gallon Capacity
- Good portability
Cons
- No roll cage
- Ultra Quiet - Only 60 decibels
- Oil-Free Pump - Cleaner air for better tool operation; Less Maintenance and Costs; Use in Cold Temperatures.
- 4.00 CFM at 40 PSI & 3.00 CFM at 90 PSI; Max 125 PSI
- The MP100LF motor/pump is tested for a minimum life of 4000 hours before wear; At least 30% longer than other brands
- 110V 60 Hz - 7.6 Amps - 6.0 Gal; Steel Tank 54 l
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
WEN 2289 10-Gallon
WEN are a growing name in the compressor and motor industry, and their 10 gallon 2289 makes a great industrial unit that is powerful and capable but isn’t too big either.
The max PSI is excellent at 150 and capable of almost any task, while there are all the other features you’d expect such as drainage valves for the canisters and an oil-free pump for as much longevity and reliability as possible.
It’s also very portable thanks to a well designed caddy format that makes moving around your worksite easy and painless.
Pros
- 10 gallon capacity
- 150 PSI Max Pressure
- Drainage valve
- Oil free pump
- Very portable
Cons
- No roll cage
- 10-gallon tank constructed with reinforced steel for a maximum pressure of 150 PSI
- Provides air flow rates of 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI
- Oil-Free pump requires no external lubrication for a longer lifespan
- Features an easy-to-reach quick drain valve, 1/4-inch NPT quick coupler and two pressure gauges
- Equipped with a rubber-gripped handle and feet along with two 7-inch never-flat whe
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
HULK Silent Series
The HUNK truly lives up to its name with a 20 gallon capacity that will outdo most other compressors on this list, and this is supported by its oil free dual piston motor.
The max PSI is 125 which is very respectable, and there’s also a 2 year warranty for maximum peace of mind.
The lack of a roll cage is a little concerning but this is one of the most portable 20 gallon compressors available thanks to its caddy format, so if you’re looking for power and portability this is one of the best options available for you.
Pros
- Oil free dual piston design
- Portable
- 20 Gallon Capacity
- 125 PSI Max
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- No Roll Cage
- 2 HP Portable Air Compressor designed with heavy-gauge steel cylinders, cylinder head and valves
- Oil-free, dual-piston, two-cylinder pump with low amp draw and solid copper winding
- Designed to provide all the power output you require, with as little noise as possible!
- 5.77 CFM — Rated at 90 PSI
- Comes with a reliable, two-year limited warra
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor, 6 Gallon
Finally we have another medium sized unit with the BOSTITCH 6 gallon compressor.
At 6 gallons this isn’t the biggest compressor available but it’s very capable thanks to its 150PSI maximum and the classic oil free pump most compressors use.
There are also two universal couplers and a carry handle for easy transport, and the only downside to this option is that it’s quite loud for its size.
Pros
- 6 Gallon Capacity
- Oil-free pump
- 150 PSI Max
- Carry handle
- Two universal couplers
Cons
- A little loud
- Not as portable as some other options
- OIL FREE: Requires no daily maintenance and eliminates risk of oil stains on work surfaces
- LIGHTWEIGHT: 29 pound weight and narrow tank diameter make unit easy to carry/store
- HIGH FLOW REGULATOR AND DUAL COUPLERS: Maximizes air tool performance
- LOW NOISE LEVEL: 80dBA** operational noise level for a quiet work environment (**tested per ISO 3744)
- KIT INCLUDES: BTFP02012 Pancake Compressor, 50 Rubber/PVC Blend Air Hose, 10 Piece Inflation and Blow Gun Accessory Kit
- Air Consumption at 40 PSI (SCFM): Air Consumption at 90 PSI (SC
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buyers Guide
In this buyers guide we’re going to look at some of the most important features to look for on a quality air compressor, especially for industrial use.
While not all air compressors will have all of these features, and not all of them will strictly be something required by all users, making sure you get as many as you can, or at least making sure your choice has all the essential features you need is critical to getting good use out of it.
If you have additional questions about air compressors and their features, please feel free to check out the FAQ below for some additional information regarding industrial air compressors and their use.
Size
The size of your air compressor will play a huge part in how suitable it is for your workplace or workshop, and the larger options of course require a lot of space and are a little more expensive, so these are important factors to consider when choosing a size of compressor.
Some of the smaller 1 to 3 gallon compressors are more than adequate for home use or small workshops, and can function well in some industrial settings where portability is key.
However for some larger factory settings, or environments where a lot of pressure and power is required, the larger compressors will of course be worth their size and awkwardness.
Portability
The portability of your compressor is of course tied to its size, but there are additional features to look out for that can make moving larger compressors more convenient than moving smaller ones!
Excellent features such as sturdy well located carry handles are a must for even the most modest air compressor, and some even use highly convenient caddy formats with small wheels to help you move them around safely, taking strain off your back and ensuring that the expensive equipment isn’t accidentally dropped or damaged.
Some units don’t come with any of these features, so ensuring that you install it in the right place and leave it there is the best way to avoid having to deal with poor portability, so try to plan ahead with these less maneuverable units.
Drain Valve
Any good compressor worth its salt will have a drain valve, which is what helps to remove moisture from the inside of the compressor, as this can accumulate due to the fact that air always has some water vapor in it.
Moisture build up can damage your compressor, so being able to conveniently remove it is a great feature and will make caring for your tool much easier.
Thermal Overload Protection
While relatively stable and reliable, compressors do have moving parts and there can be friction that occurs within the compressor that will cause damage if left totally unchecked.
To avoid this, the best compressors use overload protection to make sure that if heat starts to build up the compressor will cut the power to prevent damage and overheating.
Pressure Switch
This is a very neat feature that will shut down the motor if the pressure in the tank hits a certain level, and will automatically turn on the compressor once the pressure reduces enough to be below that level again.
It’s a great little safety feature that makes sure you always know when the compressor is safe to be used and when it needs to be given a break.
Air Filters
While most air compressors won’t offer this, air filters are included with some compressors and are used to capture unwanted particles in the air, stopping them from entering the intake and damaging the compressor.
Very often they will be replaceable, and can go a long way to improving the longevity of your compressor. For more information on air compressor intake filters, check out our handy guide!
Roll cage
Again, not all compressors will offer this feature but some do, and it’s great to have as it can protect your tool from bumps and knocks in a busy workplace environment where heavy equipment and materials are being handled and moved around.
A quality roll cage will have a low center of gravity and will have inset controls to protect them from damage also.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service my compressor?
If you’re only using your compressor occasionally then it will only need an annual service, however if it’s being used for heavy duty, daily industrial work more regular maintenance may be required even with all the best features.
While each compressor will have its own recommended instructions for maintenance as included with its manual, you should consider quarterly maintenance at the very least unless otherwise stated in the particular manual for your unit.
What size hose should I use?
This will again depend on the size of your compressor, however the two most common sizes are ¼” and ⅜”.
Your compressor should have instructions for what hoses are required, and some units include hoses with the package to provide better value, so you can look for these or use them to find the right option for you.