Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor
Eighty five years ago, the Makita company started creating high quality electric equipment and tools and has rapidly become one of the most trusted and reliable manufacturers of top-notch power tools and motors.
A 2.5HP motor powers the MAC2400. The Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big BoreAir Compressor contains a pump with a cylinder made of cast iron that gives higher bore and greater compression for stroke, reduces noise, and speedy recovery.
The Porter-Cable Oil-Free UMC C2002-WK Pancake Compressor
The Porter-Cable Oil-Free UMC C2002-WK Pancake Compressor with 13-Piece Accessory Kit is a well-built, highly portable and less expensive oil-free air compressor in pancake-style. It gives extended life and improved performance. It comes fully-functional with a soft-start motor, and can effortlessly run off of typical household circuits and is able to operate at 3.5 SCFM for rapid recharge of its 6-gallon tank. The motor comes with replaceable brushes to further extend equipment life.
Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak 1-Gallon Compressor
The Senco PC1010 1-Gallon 1-Horsepower Peak Compressor is a powerful new air compressor that will fulfill most homeowners looking to find a great compressor for their needs. Though it is not for use for major projects, the Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak 1-Gallon Compressor more than exceeds expectations when working on small projects that need to be accomplished quickly and easily.
Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor
Makita MAC700 2 H.P. Air Compressor Makita is another high quality power tool from the reputable Makita company, a distinguished manufacturer which has been producing top-notch electric motors and power tools since 85 years ago.
Campbell Hausfeld FP209499 3-Gallon Air Compressor
The Hausfeld FP209499 has a user-friendly design and consumer-friendly control panel for best use. For maximum stored air power, it utilizes a three-gallon tank for operation. Its running motor is cooler than most compressors and the package includes an extensive accessory kit.
It is easy to use, lightweight and compact. It has efficient gauges, nice accessory pack, good carrying handle; all that for a very reasonable price.
Campbell Hausfeld FP209499 3-Gallon Air Compressor Reviews
Reviewers agree that they are satisfied with this tool that they can use as a blower, tire inflator and air tool compressor. It’s creates noise similar to a small compressor, but it works. It is quite capable and has great features for its affordable price. Although it is not recommended for use for huge air tools and such, it is still very beneficial for homeowners.
Multiple reviewers said they had no complaints with this 
product and would highly recommend it. It does exactly what it is supposed to do and gives them no headache with its operation and maintenance.
How to Pick a Portable Air Compressor
Picking a portable air compressor is fairly straight forward.
There are two main questions you want to ask yourself.
- How portable of a unit do you need?
- What tools do I need to power with my air compressor?
The answers to these two questions will help you decide what kind of compressor to choose. Let’s take a look at the first question.
How Portable of a Unit do I Need?
Determine how portable a unit you need by thinking about where you are most likely to use the compressor. Are you going to be using your compressor on the roof for a nail gun? Or in your garage to power a sander and bang some nails in? Are you going to be moving all around the outside or inside of a house with a paint sprayer? The more portable the less capacity the unit will have. So think carefully about where you will use the unit.
What tools do I need to power with my air compressor?
Portable units can power all but the most air hungry of tools. The important factor is not the HP of the unit, but the CFM or “Cubic Feet Per Minute”. This is basically measure of how much air the compressor can supply.
To choose the correct portable air compressor determine the number of tools you will be using at the same time, add up the individual CFM requirements for each tool and then add 30%. This is average CFM that you will require from you air compressor.
Bigger is not always better. Buy the right size unit for your needs. You will save money and probably end up with a unit that is light enough to easily transport.
Here are our some of our favorite picks based on size and CFM needs.
Need an ultra portable unit? Check out these units.
Need more a lot of air? Check out these units with high CFM abilities.
Best of both worlds? Check out these models
Average CFM needed to power common tools
Here is a table showing the common CFM required by common hand tools.
