Air compressors are very useful tools, they can help you save time when you handle different types of projects, or when you need to inflate anything. However, the air compressors you can find in the market can be quite expensive. If you need an air compressor for minor tasks and it won’t have any commercial value you can consider one of the cheap air compressors sold in the range of your budget.
What are the Best Cheap and Budget Air Compressors to Buy?
However, there are some factors to consider when you are buying a cheap air compressor. If you will be using your new air compressor in a residential area, you should consider one of the affordable brands that have quiet engines. This means you can use your air compressor any time without causing noise pollution.
Also, the air compressors that have an oil free pump tend to have a lower maintenance cost; however, the brands with oil lubricated pumps can work for longer without heating up because the oil cools the system. You can consider these options.
Also, the size of the air tank is important. If you can evaluate the type of jobs you need an air compressor for then buying a model with an adequate tank size is going to be easy. The size of its air tank will determine how much gallons it can hold; it is also best to buy air compressors that have air tanks made from durable materials such as cast iron.
Many of the cheaper air compressor brands are portable; they weigh so little and can easily fit in the trunk of a car. So you will probably not have any problems carrying your air compressor from one place to another.
Here are the top fifteen cheap air compressors you can consider;
15 Best Cheap and Budget Air Compressor Reviews
1) PORTER-CABLE C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor
This is a portable air compressor with a simple design. It is perfect for private use in residential areas because of the silent engine. The pancake shaped air tank on this unit can hold as much as six gallons, it is supported by three sturdy legs which are rubber padded and keep the unit balanced when it is used in different terrains.
The maximum air pressure that can be generated by this air compressor is 150 PSI which is a standard that is adequate for different types of tasks. The motor in this system has an easy starter that will hardly give any problems in the cold weather; the motor has a rating of 120V. Also, this is one of the portable air compressors that have two high capacity coupler valves, which are positioned close to the high flow regulator and two gauges that help the user monitor the air tanks while handling different tasks. This air compressor is suitable for inflating car and motorcycle tyres, blowing and cleaning jobs, to mention a few. It is lightweight and durable.
2) Bostitch BTFP02012 6 Gallon 150 PSI Oil-Free Compressor
The Bostitch air compressor is one of the smaller models sold for a reasonably affordable price. However, it also has some good features that make this model quite versatile. This is one of the air compressor models with an oil free air pump. It also has a pancake shaped air tank that can hold as much as 6 gallons, which is adequate for people who need an air compressor for private use.
The maximum air pressure that can be produced by this air compressor is 150 PSI, which makes this model suitable for tasks such as inflating car tyres, balloons, and toys. It also has two analog gauges that make it easy to monitor the air tank pressure and durable coupler valves, located on the control panel. Above the air tank is a sturdy rubber padded handle that is used to carry this air compressor easily. It is not so large; the Bostitch air compressor can fit in the trunk of your car. Also, the motor for its engine has a low amp draw which makes it easy to use this air compressor in hot or cold weather.
3) Campell Hausfeld Air Compressor
This is one of the reliable and affordable air compressors that can be used for long hours of work with air tools. The unit features an engine system that has a quick recovery to prevent overheating. The maximum air pressure output from this system is stated as 110 PSI, and it produces 0.36 CFM at 90 PSI. The motor that runs this engine has a 120V rating; it is also one of the low amp draw models which are reliable and can be used in extreme cold weather. The air pump in this compressor unit is oil free; this means it has a low cost maintenance, which is suitable for people who need a low cost and effective air compressor.
The air tank in this unit can hold a maximum of 3 gallons; the air tank is made from cast iron which is durable. It is a horizontal air tank supported by four rubber padded legs for extra stability when the engine is in use. Above the air tank, there are two gauges which are used to monitor output air pressure; the unit also features two coupler valves and a high flow regulator switch. This air compressor can be used for tasks such as inflating car tyres, balloons, and toys and to operate air tools.
4) Senco PC1010 Air Compressor
This Senco air compressor model is one of the affordable units from this brand; it however has the essential features that have made the Senco brand popular. The air compressor can generate a maximum air pressure output of 125 PSI; it has a compact design and can easily fit in the trunk of a car. The air compressor also features a motor rated at 115V, the motor has a low amp draw of only 4amps, which makes it easy to start in cold weather. The coupler valves attached to this system have a quick disconnect feature for maximum flexibility when the unit is in use.
The engine system for this air compressor is oil free, and it has a low maintenance requirements. The air tank in this system is made from aluminium, which helps to make the unit lightweight and easy to move from one location to another. On the control panel, there is a gauge that functions as a monitor for the air tank, the unit also features a high flow regulator switch which is used to control the air pressure at all times when the engine is running. It is a durable and portable air compressor suitable for different tasks.
5) DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Compressor
This is one of the smaller but powerful Dewalt air compressors. It is a good choice for people who need a private air compressor or an affordable model that is also suitable for commercial use. This model can produce a maximum air pressure of 165 PSI; this is adequate for so many tasks and projects. The unit comes with a high quality motor which has a rating of 120V which makes it very reliable, the motor has a low amp draw of 10 Amps. The air tank for this unit is supported by three sturdy legs which keep the system balanced when it is in use. The air tank has a capacity to hold six gallons.
The control panel on this air compressor unit features two analog gauges which can be used to monitor the air tank pressure, a high flow regulator valve, and there are two coupler valves located by the analog gauges. The air tank is made from cast iron which is durable. This is also a portable air compressor that has a quiet engine, it emits only 75.5 dBa when the engine is turned on, this makes the unit suitable for use on project sites and in residential areas.
6) PORTER-CABLE CMB15 Air Compressor
The Porter Cable air compressor has a simple and ergonomic design. It features a sturdy handle positioned over the control panel, which is used to lift and carry the air compressor easily. At the base, there is an encased air tank that is supported by a flat base which helps to keep the unit steady while the engine is running. This is one of the silent air compressors that can be used for private projects without causing noise disruption. On the control panel, there are two analog gauges that show the level in the air tank, they are used to monitor the tank during use.
The maximum pressure produced by this air compressor unit is 150 PSI; it is adequate for the operation of different air tools and can run for long hours. The air tank has a capacity to hold 1.5 gallons. The unit also features a durable motor system that is rated as 120 V. The motor has a low amp draw which makes it reliable for use even in cold weather. The air pump in this unit is oil free and has low maintenance.
7) California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor
This air compressor model is portable, and easy to move around when you need to use it in different locations. The unit features two sturdy wheels and two legs which keep the system balanced when it is in use. The wheels make it easy to move the unit easily from one site to another. The air tank for this compressor can hold 8 gallons, which is great for such a small air compressor. It also has a silent engine that emits only 60 decibels when the engine is running. The silent engine makes it convenient to use this air compressor in residential areas.
The maximum pressure that can be produced from this air compressor is 120 PSI, at 2.20 CFM the unit generates as much as 90 PSI, and this is a good outcome. The oil pump for this air compressor is oil free; this reduces the need for elaborate and expensive maintenance. It also has a motor rated at 120V with a low amp draw. The engine capacity is also rated at 2HP. Accessories in the package include spare air hoses, a wheel kit and nozzles for the coupler valves.
8) Excell SAC22HPE Air Compressor
The Excell air compressor is one of the affordable models that have some ergonomic features that make it a suitable option for private use. This unit comes with an ultra-silent engine which is rated at only 61 decibels. The air tanks for this unit can hold as much as 2 gallons; this capacity can sustain long hours of use when the system is used for the operation of air tools. It is also suitable for the inflation of car tyres, toys, balloons, and many other functions.
The maximum air pressure that can be produced by this air compressor unit is 125 PSI, the unit weighs only 40 pounds, and it features a sturdy handle for easy carriage. The roll cage design also improves the features and protects the internal components and the air tank. The air pump for this unit is oil free and it easy to maintain. The motor for the air compressor engine has a rating of 90V; the unit comes with an extension cord that makes it more convenient for use with air tools.
9) Senco PC1010N Air Compressor
This portable and affordable air compressor from the Senco brand weighs only 21 pounds. It has a strong handle that is used to lift and carry the unit from one location to another. The compact size of this air compressor also makes it fit easily in the trunk of a car. The air tank can hold one gallon which is adequate for tasks such as inflating car tyres, balloons and operating low capacity air tools. The engine system and air pump in this unit is oil free, which means lower maintenance costs.
This air compressor has a silent engine; it generates only about 60 decibels when the engine is running. The maximum air pressure that can be achieved at a full output level is stated as 135 PSI. The unit has an air tank positioned horizontally, and a control panel that features two gauges which are used to monitor the air pressure in the tank, two durable coupler valves and a high flow regulator switch used to control the output. It also has an extension cord and air hose.
10) Central Pneumatic Air Compressor
This air compressor has a compact design which improves its portability. The pancake shaped air tank can hold a maximum capacity of three gallons; it also has a control panel which features two analog gauges that can be used to monitor the tank pressure, a high flow regulator switch and two coupler valves.
The maximum air pressure produced with this air compressor is 100 PSI; this can be monitored easily with the analog gauges on the control panel. The motor that runs the engine has a capacity of 120V; it is protected by a thermal overload switch that shuts the system down to prevent damage. The motor has a low amp draw of only 2.6 amps. The engine is also quiet when it is in use, emitting only 56 decibels.
11) Campbell Hausfeld Slim Suitcase Design
This is one of the smallest and portable air compressors designed by the Campell Hausfeld brand. It weighs only 29 pounds and it is affordable regarding the price. The design is compact and features an air tank with the capacity to hold 1.3 gallons. The unit is also convenient for use in residential areas because it has a silent engine which generates only about 68 decibels when it is running. The maximum air pressure output produced by this unit is 125 PSI.
The dual-piston pump design improves its functionality; the motor also has a capacity of generating a maximum of 1 HP. This air compressor is suitable for tasks such as painting, blowing, fastening tasks and other functions.
12) Central Pneumatic Air Compressor
The Central Pneumatic air compressor is one of the affordable and small sized models that come with sturdy wheels for easy movement. The air compressor unit also features a long handle that helps in moving the unit from one location to another. The air tank in this unit can hold a maximum of 8 gallons; it is made from steel for durability. The coupler valves and nozzles in the air pump are also made from steel. The air compressor has a maximum output pressure of 125 PSI. It can be used for long hours during private or commercial projects.
The direct-drive motor that runs the system has a rating of 120V; it also has a low amp draw which is adequate for use in all types of weather conditions. The unit features a clear view oil screen which shows the level of oil in the system to avoid oil shortage and engine damage. The engine emits 88 decibels, which is tolerable in different circumstances. It is a reliable air compressor and has multiple usage options.
13) Goplus Air Compressor
The maximum air pressure output generated with this air compressor is 150 PSI; this can sustain long hours of using different air tools. The unit is also suitable for tasks such as the inflation of car tyres, toys, and balloons. This is a portable air compressor; it weighs only 35 lbs. and has a pancake shaped air tank that can hold a maximum of 6 gallons.
The control panel on this air compressor unit features two analog gauges that are used to monitor the pressure in the air tank, and a high flow regulator switch. There are two coupler valves that make it possible to use two air tools are the same time. The engine is oil free, and has low maintenance requirements. The output pressure can also be adjusted to suit the project that needs to be done. The base is supported by three rubber padded legs that keep the unit balanced when it is in use. The design is compact, and it is easy to use.
14) Quipall Air Compressor
The engine in this air compressor unit has a capacity of 1/3 HP, it is lightweight and can be easily moved around with the sturdy handle over its control panel. The engine in this unit has a maximum air pressure output of 100 Psi, and it produces 0.5 CFM at 90 PSI. The engine and air pump in this air compressor are oil free, which lowers the overall maintenance costs. The unit also features a motor rated at 120V and can be used in all types of weather.
The maximum capacity of the air tank for this unit is stated as 2 gallons. The system also features a high flow regulator switch and two coupler valves which improve its functionality. There are also two gauges which make it easy to monitor the air pressure in the tank while the engine is in use. This air compressor has a compact design and it comes with accessories such as an extension cord, and nozzles for the air pump.
15) California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S
This is a smaller air compressor made by California Air Tools, it is portable and lightweight. This is also one of the models from this brand that has a silent engine. When the system is in use, the engine emits only about 56 decibels, which is very low. The horizontally positioned air tank for this system can hold one gallon, it is made from steel which is very durable. The unit can produce a maximum air pressure of 120 PSI and 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI. This air compressor unit is suitable for inflating balloons, car tyres, and minor projects.
The unit can be easily carried around with a sturdy handle positioned above the control panel. There is a gauge on the control panel which is used to monitor the air tank while the unit is in use. There are two coupler valves on this system and it has a high-quality motor that features an easy starter, so the air compressor can be used in very cold weather. It has a compact design and reliable.
Choosing the Best Cheap and Budget Air Compressors
It is a good idea to buy an air compressor that has more than one coupler valve. These valves make it easier to use multiple air tools or perform different tasks at the same time which can help to save your time. Also, air compressors with easy to read gauges are more effective, and you can easily monitor the pressure output and the volume in the air tank. It is also important to check if the gauges have been installed in a position that is easy to read, most likely on the control panel facing upwards.
It also helps to buy air compressors that come with accessories; this can help you save some money because you won’t need to buy replacements in a while.