The main problem with bigger air compressors is that they are much too loud and not so portable for everyday use or smaller jobs. If you are looking for a highly mobile, quiet, yet versatile model, then you need to look for the best 12V air compressor.
These smaller models will give you enough power for most jobs, but won’t take up a ton of space or hurt your ears. Of course, not all of the different 12V compressors out there are the same.
To find the right one, you need to take how much pressure they can create, the inflating speed, the noise level, and the dimensions into account. It’s also a good idea to think about where you are going to be using them since this will change the type of plug you need.
The 8 Best 12V Air Compressors Reviews
While this might sound like a lot to think about, don’t worry! We have done all of the hard work for you. After spending tens of hours looking through thousands of different user reviews, we narrowed down our list of the best 12V air compressors.
If you are still unsure of what to look for, then you can check out our buying guide, which will give you all the info that you need to make an informed choice. Also make sure you check out the detailed reviews of the top 12V air compressors available right now.
1. Helteko Portable Air Compressor Pump – Editor’s Choice
Features:
- Wattage: 120W
- Max. current: 15
- Max. pressure: 150 PSI
- Inflating speed: 1.24 CFM
- Continuous work time: 10 min
- Power cord length: 11.5 ft.
- Weight: 2.58 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.4 x 4.5 inches
- Warranty: 1.5-year limited
- Other features: comes with three additional nozzles; emergency LED light
This might be the best 12V air compressor on the market today. It is a more modern style of a compressor, in that it is an entirely self-contained one and comes with a variety of extra features that make it a perfect emergency tool to keep in your car all the time.
The biggest thing that stands out with this compressor is how durable it is. This is a big deal since the carrying case that comes with the compressor is a bit flimsy.
Thankfully, the compressor is built with a hard case, which is all the protection that it needs. This compressor also comes with a wide array of different nozzles, which make it perfect to use for a variety of inflation jobs, such as filling bike tires, sports balls, or inflatable pools.
It can also be used to inflate most vehicle tires unless they are for a larger style truck. The Helteko has an extremely high PSI and CFM for a 12V air compressor.
This gives it some of the best inflation times for car tires of any compressor out there. For a standard car that is completely deflated, this tire should only take about three minutes to inflate it completely.
Using the compressor is also super simple since all you have to do is set the pressure and let the machine do the work for you. If you choose this compressor, be sure to take the time to figure out how to fit the nozzle on correctly, as this can be a bit tricky.
Pros
- Durable
- Multiple nozzles
- Long warranty
- Emergency
- LED light
- High CFM
- Auto shutoff
Cons
- Tricky to fit valve until you get used to it
- Sometimes overshoots pressure
- Flimsy carrying case
2. Viair 00088 88P – Best Compressor for Vehicles
Features
- Wattage: 120W
- Max. current: 20
- Max. pressure: 120 PSI
- Inflating speed: 1.47 CFM
- Continuous work time: 25 min
- Power cord length: 10 ft.
- Weight: 4.75 pounds
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 6.2 x 10.8 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Other features: 3pc inflation tip kit included
The first thing that stands out with this compressor is the fact that it doesn’t come with any power cords. Instead, it has the same style of clamps that you would see on a set of jumper cables.
This is both a useful design feature and a bit of a hindrance. If you are looking for a compressor for when you are going off-roading or riding an ATV, then this feature is perfect, since these don’t usually have a DC socket, making the clamps both necessary and useful.
This will, unfortunately, limit this compressor’s usefulness for any vehicle with a larger battery or one that is more difficult to reach. Since you will have this compressor hooked up to your vehicle’s battery, you might have a tough time reaching some of your tires.
The air hose that comes with the unit is pretty long, but if you have a larger vehicle, you might want to purchase an even longer one. This compressor is great for filling pretty much any tire or ball, mostly due to its high CFM.
Something else to take into consideration with this model is that it does not come with an automatic shutoff. While this certainly isn’t the biggest deal, it does need to be taken into consideration, since you don’t want to overinflate your tires.
If you choose this compressor, make sure you keep an eye on it so this doesn’t happen.
Pros
- Long cord
- Multiple nozzles
- Long work time
- High CFM
- Long air hose
Cons
- Can only be powered with battery clamps
- Unit heats up quickly
- No storage bag
3. EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump – The Safest
Features
- Wattage: 120W
- Max. current: 15
- Max. pressure: 100 PSI
- Inflating speed: 1.06 CFM
- Continuous work time: not specified
- Power cord length: 9 ft.
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.9 x 5.5 inches
- Warranty: not specified
- Other features: overheat protector will shut off the unit when it exceeds 167°F
One of the biggest problems facing a 12V air compressor is the fact that they overheat quickly. This can ruin the machine, which is less than ideal. This compressor fixes this problem since it has an overheating protection system that will shut the unit down if it gets too hot.
This will help extend the life of your compressor, making it one of the best values on the market. While the maximum PSI on this unit is not high, it will still work perfectly for a variety of uses.
This includes filling a variety of vehicle tires and balls. Of course, you need to make sure that whatever you are inflating is not too far away from the compressor, as the hose is not all that long.
This compressor has a relatively low CFM. This means that it will not inflate anything in a fraction of a second since it can’t move a lot of air very quickly.
While this is indeed not a deal-breaker, you should keep it in mind before you make your final decision. If you are someone who doesn’t want to wait a long time to inflate anything, then this probably is not the best compressor for you.
Like a lot of other air compressors, this one comes with an auto-shutoff feature that makes getting to the right pressure quick and easy. All you have to do is hook up the nozzle, set the pressure, and press start. The machine will do the rest.
Pros
- Easy-to-read display
- Overheat protection system
- Auto shutoff
- LED flashlight
Cons
- Long inflation time
- Short air hose
4. AstroAI Portable Air Compressor Pump – Most Powerful
Features
- Wattage: 120W
- Max. current: 15
- Max. pressure: 150 PSI
- Inflating speed: 1.24 CFM
- Continuous work time: 30 min
- Power cord length: 7 ft.
- Weight: 3.26 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.5 x 3.9 inches
- Warranty: 3-year limited
- Other features: LED-backlit screen features measurements in PSI, KPA, Bar; includes a needle, two cone adapters, spare fuse, and valve caps, and a built-in LED flashlight
The first thing that should jump out at you with this air compressor is its astoundingly high PSI and CFM. Of all the different 12V air compressors that we looked at, this is by far the most powerful.
It can easily inflate all types of tires and balls. It could also be used for light-duty pneumatic jobs, like nailing, without any trouble. Unlike a lot of other 12V air compressors, this one has a nice long runtime of 30 minutes.
This makes it a great choice if you want to use your air compressor for an extended period without losing pressure or needing to take a break. Of course, with all of this power, there are bound to be some drawbacks.
One of the biggest ones for this model is the fact that it will occasionally overshoot its pressure target, even though it has an automatic shutoff. While this is not the worst thing in the world, it is something to consider, especially if you are inflating something smaller, like bike tires. Even just a few extra PSI could be disastrous for this type of tire, so be careful.
Something else to keep an eye on is the fact that the pressure gauge doesn’t always give an accurate reading of how much air is in something before you fill it.
To combat this, you can get a cheap pressure gauge at any hardware store. That way, you can have a better understanding of how much pressure you have before you get started.
Pros
- Long warranty
- High maximum PSI
- High CFM
- Long continuous work time
- Lots of extra nozzles
Cons
- Short hose
- Gauge is not always accurate
- Sometimes overshoots pressure
5. FORTEM Digital Tire Inflator for Car – Budget Pick
Features
- Wattage: 120W
- Max. current: 10
- Max. pressure: 150 PSI
- Inflating speed: not specified
- Continuous work time: 8 min
- Power cord length: 9.84 ft.
- Weight: 1.94 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.64 x 6.14 x 2.95 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Other features: Comes with a built-in LED flashlight, multiple nozzle attachments
If you need a high-quality compressor for a pretty fair price, then look no further than this model. It is a highly portable air compressor and is easy to use, with a beautiful sturdy design, which makes it perfect for throwing into the back of your car and keeping it there for an emergency.
It has a high maximum PSI, which is ideal for a variety of uses, whether you want to use it for your car tires or balls at home. While the air hose for this particular model is relatively small, you shouldn’t have any problem reaching all of your tires, since the power cord is pretty long.
This is also a pretty good compressor to have on hand in emergencies because of its built-in LED flashlight. This will help you see what you are doing if you have to fill a tire in the dark. It can also be used as a way to signal other drivers that you require assistance.
Even though this is a cheaper model, it is surprisingly accurate. This is true for measuring the current pressure level in a tire and only adding the proper amount of air when you are filling the tires. Finally, this is also one of the quietest air compressors we looked at.
Its quiet operation makes it ideal for use in a confined space, such as a garage. Even if you run this compressor for as long as possible, you won’t need to worry about the noise level.
Pros
- High max PSI
- Multiple nozzles
- Long power cord
Cons
- Short continuous work time
- Only good for smaller vehicles
- Slow inflation rate
- Short hose
6. P.I. Auto Store – Premium 12V DC Tire Air Compressor Pump – Most Compact
Features
- Wattage: 120W
- Max. current: 15
- Max. pressure: 150 PSI
- Inflating speed: 1.24 CFM
- Continuous work time: 15 min
- Power cord length: 12 ft.
- Weight: 2.05 pounds
- Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 6.5 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Other features: bright 8x LEDs have three settings standard flashlight, flashing red, and emergency SOS
If you have a smaller car, then this is going to be the air compressor for you. It is extremely compact, which will allow you to fit it in pretty much any vehicle. But don’t let this small size fool you.
Even though it is light and compact, this compressor is capable of a very high PSI. The CFM rate is also pretty quick for such a small air compressor, which makes it an excellent choice for a variety of uses.
This is also one of the more accurate 12V compressors out there. The automatic shutoff on this model works like a charm. You can rest assured that whatever pressure you set this compressor to is the pressure you are going to get, which is, apparently, ideal.
Another surprising feature for such a compact compressor is the length of its cord. While the air hose is pretty small, the power cord is one of the longest on the market. This will allow you to reach your entire vehicle with ease, even if the car or truck you drive is long.
The only real design flaw with this compressor is where the air intake is positioned. It is on the back of the compressor, which might not seem like that big of a deal, but it is somewhat problematic.
If you choose this compressor, you need to be sure that you never lay it down during use. If you do, it will end up sucking up dirt and debris from the ground into the air intake slot. This could cause the compressor to break.
Pros
- Long continuous work time
- Lightweight
- Small size
- Long power cord
- High maximum PSI
Cons
- Heat up quickly
- Short hose
- Cannot be laid down while in use
7. Kensun AC/DC Swift Performance Portable Tire Inflator – Most Versatile
Features
- Wattage: 120W
- Max. current: 15
- Max. pressure: 120 PSI
- Inflating speed: 0.64 CFM
- Continuous work time: 30 min
- Power cord length: 10 ft.
- Weight: 3.95 pounds
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 4.3 x 6.7 inches
- Warranty: 2-year limited
- Other features: adaptable to both home (AC – wall socket) and car (DC – cigarette lighter socket) use
This compressor is by far the most versatile model that we reviewed. Unlike all of the other compressors, this one does not only operate with a DC power source. With this compressor, you have the option of plugging it into an AC wall outlet.
This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities since you can use it in both your car and your home. The pressure gauge is an older dial style, which is, unfortunately, a bit difficult to read.
This is especially true for initial readings, though it can also be challenging to get an accurate read while you are inflating. Luckily, this model has a long continuous runtime, so you can keep it pumping until you reach the pressure exactly where you want it to be.
Another thing that helps make sure you get to the right pressure is the slow inflation rate. While this might not be a great idea for someone who doesn’t have a lot of patience, it will keep your pressure levels where you want them to be.
The compressor does not come with a carrying case but is equipped with an easy-to-carry handle, which makes it simple to lug around with you wherever you need it. It is a bit on the heavy side, however, which isn’t too surprising, since it can run off of both AC and DC power sources.
The inflation hose on this compressor is relatively short. Thankfully, the power cords are nice and long, which will make it easier to reach everything you have to inflate.
Pros
- Can be used with AC or DC power supply
- Long warranty
- Long continuous run time
- Comes with three nozzles
Cons
- Large for a 12V compressor
- Low CFM
- Difficult to read pressure dial
8. TireTek RX-i Digital Car Tire Inflator – Longest Hose
Features
- Wattage: 100W
- Max. current: 8
- Max. pressure: 100 PSI
- Inflating speed: 1.06 CFM
- Continuous work time: 10 min
- Power cord length: 10 ft.
- Weight: 6.45 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 9.1 x 5 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Other features: Comes with a carry case that includes an 11.5ft hose extension
One of the most significant issues with a lot of these 12V air compressors is that they have an insanely small hose. This is not the case with this model. It comes with an 11.5-foot hose.
When you add in the 10-foot power cord, this model can give you up to 21 feet of reach. This makes it a great choice for larger vehicles in case you don’t mind taking a long time to inflate the tires.
This is because, the longer the cord, the lower the CFM. Even though the compressor itself is not very flimsy, the case that it comes with is a great addition due to its added durability.
This case will also make carrying the compressor around that much more comfortable, too. Since this compressor is one of the heavier models out there, the carrying handle on the case makes moving it much less of a chore.
If you do choose this model, you need to be careful when using the automatic shutoff. While this is a nice feature, the pressure gauge is not always accurate. It would be a good idea to get a cheap pressure gauge so that you can make sure your tires are inflated properly.
Pros
- High CFM
- Sturdy carrying case
- Can be used as a charger through USB
- Long air hose
- Auto shutoff
Cons
- Low PSI
- Heavyweight
- Heats up quickly
- Inaccurate pressure measurements
FAQ
I’d like to use the air compressor at home to inflate my son’s football. I don’t have a cigarette power socket at home, what do I do?
If you would like to use your compressor at home in an AC outlet, there are a couple of things that you can do. First, you could get one that comes with an AC plug, such as the Kensun AC/DC Swift Performance Portable Tire Inflator. Your other option would be to get an inverter. This device would plug into your AC outlet, giving you an adapter that you can use to plug in your 12V plug.
Are such inflators versatile enough to inflate sedan/truck/bike tires?
In short, yes, they are! Most 12V compressors are powerful enough to fill pretty much any vehicle tire, whether you are talking about something big like a truck, or something small like a bicycle. Of course, for larger vehicles, like an RV, tractor, or super duty style truck, they might take a bit longer to fill the tires, though they will eventually get the job done.
Which 12V air compressor is the most compact to store in a car?
Of all the different air compressors that we’ve reviewed, the P.I. Auto Store – Premium 12V DC Tire Air Compressor Pump is going to be the most compact. It is a minuscule 7 x 3 x 6.5 inches. It is so small that you should have no problem fitting pretty much anywhere in your car, which will help keep it out of the way until you need it.
Our Verdict
Of all the different models that we reviewed, the Helteko Portable Air Compressor Pump is most definitely the best 12V air compressor. It is highly durable and super simple to use.
This model will help take all of the guesswork out of inflating pretty much anything since it has an automatic shutoff system. It also comes with a ton of different nozzles, which makes it extremely versatile.
If you truly want to have the best compressor out there, we highly recommend you check this one out. If you are looking for a good compressor to take with you when off-roading or ATVing, then you have got to check out the Viair 00088 88P.
It clamps right onto your vehicle’s battery, which makes it perfect for those times that you have to inflate a tire on the trail. Safety should be your number one concern with any type of tool, but especially with an air compressor.
The safest 12V compressor has got to be the EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump. It has an overheating protection system that shuts it off when it gets too hot. Not only will this help to keep you safe, but it will also help extend the life of the compressor.
Leave a Reply