The Quietest Air Compressor in 2020
The key to finding the quietest air compressor that does not break the bank is to do your research. In the field of air compressors, bigger is not necessarily better. However, bigger is certainly a lot more loud and noisy, which can affect your home life and your work output because it is too distracting.
To find the right air compressor that doesn’t create too much of a ruckus, you will need something that has a fairly decent size that doesn’t sacrifice performance. If you get the right quiet air compressor, your life will get a whole lot better. Everyone knows even the best quiet air compressors can terrible for noise.
After all, an air compressor can save you time and money by helping you do things for your house or business, so you can’t scrimp on your chosen product’s specs. A competent air compressor is crucial to own because it can save your ears from the constant noise that can potentially damage your eardrums.
It can get confusing when you do your research because there are many products out there with various features. That being said, it is not always possible to find what you want in your desired price range. We have attempted to compile this short list of the most quiet air compressors available in the market that will go with your air tools and will come with longer life cycles. These five well-designed and finely crafted products are the top best sellers in the market.
You might be wondering what our parameters are for choosing these products. We used customer ratings, product features and specifications, pros and cons, and affordability to determine the true functionality of these quiet air compressors. We will definitely be providing you with useful product information that will help you make an informed choice when you finally decide on the quietest air compressor to buy.
We have included a buying guide and short FAQ section, to provide you with more in-depth information. The last thing you want is to waste your hard-earned money on something that hurts your eardrums. Check out all the details included herewith, so you can pick and purchase the most ideal & quietest air compressor for your home or business.
Top 5 Quietest Air Compressors Review
1. Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
- Cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston is engineered to provide faster recovery time for improved performance
- Powerful 2.5 HP 4-Pole motor produces 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI for increased productivity and lower noise
Product Specs:
- 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI and 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI
- Produces 79 decibels of noise
- size: 20 x 18 x 18.8 inches
Makita has always been known for their durable construction and efficient motors, so we won’t be surprised if you fall in love with this air compressor. The Makita MAC2400 provides a big bore cylinder and twin tanks holding 4.2gallons of air in a cast-iron frame. The product comes with a lever handle ball valve and a tank-drain valve that paves the way for better operation and easier product maintenance.
The same motor is capable of producing 1730 RPMs, which is low for a machine of this caliber. At the machine’s peak, it can produce 79 decibels of noise, which is a fairly good rating considering all the commotion in a job site. The large scale air filter of this compressor keeps impurities away. The MAC2400 is oil lubricated, which is great for people who want to use it for their power tools.
Pros
- The cast iron body is efficiently designed because it is able to give heat away quickly, making it ready for use when needed.
- It comes with an efficient 2.5HP motor which can reach 130 psi when conjuring air.
- This comes with a circuit breaker to prevent thermal overloads.
Cons
- The body of this product is very heavy because of its roll cage like construction, which provides it stability and sturdiness to pull through wear and tear under extreme job site conditions.
2. California Air Tools 5510SE Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
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Product Specs:
- 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI and 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI
- Produces 60 decibels of noise
- Size: 25.5 x 11.5 x 21 inches
This air compressor is fairly quiet, giving the popular Makita a decent run for its money. This California Air Tools 5510SE is an oil-free machine coming with a steel tank. This machine requires less maintenance, so you won’t have to spend hours picking apart this product to ensure that all the gears are in proper working order. A machine that doesn’t run on oil gives you the privilege of working on various terrains.
Steel is a bit heavier than other materials but lesser damages to the compressor mean higher efficiency levels and a longer life cycle for your device. The 1 HP motor is able to produce great PSI levels with a max of 130 PSI, and its tank capacity of 5.5 gallons of air ensures it will last long enough to sustain your projects before you have to reboot it again. Even at its peak performance, it only produces 60 decibels of noise at full throttle. This is one of the most efficient and most quiet products in the market today.
The level of sound that this machine produces is around 60-70 decibels when you are cranking it up at the highest level. If you have a normal conversation or talk to someone this is about the same level of noise that you will experience.
The power of the motor still compares to a lot of other air compressors so if you purchase this one, you won’t sacrifice any power or torque.
As long as you have 8.5 amps, it enough to run the machine just fine. Having continual access to power at this rate would be essential. This is easy to do since it operates at such a lower power level without sacrificing power.
We want to add that the wheels on this product are very durable and helps a lot when needing to transport it anywhere you want.
Pros
- This requires low 8.5 amps of power which will ensure that there are no circuit trips and product overloads due to voltage surges.
- This machine is very portable, coming with a pair of wheels attached to the bottom chamber. The wheels roll well on all kinds of terrain.
- This comes with a thermal overload protector, which shuts down the machined when it gets too hot.
Cons
- The steel material used to build this product makes it very heavy.
3. Campbell Hausfeld Quiet DC060500 Air Compressor
- Greatly reduced noise: 68 decibel rating allows the user to run compressor in home environments
- Max 125 PSI
Product Specs:
- 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI
- Makes 68 decibels of noise
- Size: 16 x 23 x 16 inches
This product may be on the high-end spectrum but it is worth every penny. Electricity is needed, specifically a 15-watt circuit, to make this machine work. This is a versatile product with multiple options of different tank sizes, so it can be used for simple things around the house or in a full construction job site. This oil-free machine is easy to take care of and can be used with ease nailing, bolting, painting, woodworking, etc. The possibilities are really endless.
This portable product can be carried easily through the built-in handle. The pancake design also makes carrying a breeze. The components are stacked and welded together, making sure you have a long-lasting and durable product.
The motor is operated on its max capacity can produce up to 125 PSI. The dual-piston technology this machine comes with makes it highly functional. The motor is capable enough to handle all the load you give it, without making a peep. At maximum capacity, this only makes 68 decibels of noise.
Pros
- It comes with its own wrench for easier product installation.
- The product comes with a paint sprayer for added versatility.
- This portable device makes it a breeze to carry around different job sites.
Cons
- This can only run smoothly on 110V capacity and it cannot accept a 220V connection. This may not work well outside the US.
- The price is a bit on the steep side when compared with other brands.
4. Dewalt DWFP55126 Pancake Compressor
- 165 max PSI 6.0 gallon tank (22.7 L) and 2.6 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI pump
- High efficiency motor for easy start up in cold weather or extension cord application. [14 ga or larger, 50 ft. (15.2 m) or less]
Product Specs:
- 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI
- Produces 75.5 decibels of noise
- Size: 17.2 x 16.6 x 20.1 inches
This highly attractive black and yellow product comes with its own nailer kit. When it comes to power, pressure, and staying silent, Dewalt is definitely a strong contender. The 35 pound compressor can deliver a max of 165 PSI.
The universal motor is extra efficient and will work well anywhere in the world. This machine starts with a cold start mechanism. This motor can also withstand working in a cold environment. It comes with 50 feet super long cord, turning this into a flexible and versatile machine.
The air compressor can accommodate 6 gallons of air, which is sufficient for everyday jobs and even for some more serious tasks in a pro construction site. This produces 75.5 decibels of noise, which is fairly reasonable considering the power it is able to provide.
Pros
- This product comes with high-performance couplers and high flow regulators to ensure top notch performance and good quality.
- This comes with a nifty nailer kit that work well with 18-gauge nails from 5/8 inch up to 2 inches in size.
- People will not be needing tools for anything in this machine because it possesses a depth of drive adjustment system for its nailers, making it versatile.
- When things get jammed, there is release mechanism in place that ascertains world will not be halted.
Cons
- It is more costly than the other comparable brands in the market.
- This product takes a very long time to charge.
5. Senco PC1010 Air Compressor
- Lightweight and portable–easy to carry from site to site as you work
- One horsepower peak ,1/2 horsepower runningand one-gallon capacity
Product Specs:
- 1.4 CFM at 90 PSI
- Makes 65 decibels of noise
- Size: 14 x 13 x 10 inches
This Senco brand is a reliable machine that will not break your wallet. This comes with a 1 HP motor that packs a mean punch as it is able to generate a maximum PSI of 120. This oil-less machine means that maintenance is a lot easier. It comes with a smaller air tank, occupying 1 gallon only enough for lightweight chores.
This small device can do nailing, bolting, sanding, and the occasional inflating of smaller tires. Even if it comes with a tiny tank, this Senco comes with two separate gauges for the regulation of in-tank and output pressure measurement. Don’t judge this machine based on its size because it can go from 0 to 120 PSI in a matter of 128 seconds only.
Since this a small device, it doesn’t create much noise with 25.5 decibels at minimal running power. When running at full power it rises to 65 decibels from a foot away. This is the normal sound level when people are conversing.
Pros
- This Senco is well-priced and very affordable.
- This product is highly portable because of its lightweight. It also comes with a built-in handle on the top, so you can carry it with ease anywhere you need to go.
- The unit only draws 4 Amps of power, so there’s no threats of circuits being overloaded with the flow of current.
Cons
- This thing can easily heat up and cause problems.
Air Compressor Buying Guide
When you are making your purchase, it is critical to do your research, so you can get the best product that suits your needs and budget.
Since there are multiple products to choose from, you have to be careful in reading up the specs and fine print. There are several details that you must ascertain before make your final pick.
Here are the elements that you must look at when you are buying your quiet air compressor.
Figure Out the CFM Rating of the Device
CFM or cubic feet per minute ratings are critical to finding out when you buy your air compressor. This figure tells you the amount of air that your device will be able to supply when used. Too low CFMs mean that you won’t get ample supply for your project. A too high number means you are going overboard with things. It is critical to find the right balance to get an optimal device.
The higher the CFM at a certain PSI (pressure per square inch) level means the better the machine is. A good balance means finding the best noiseless air compressor. The best levels are anything between .6 to 5 CFM at 90 PSI. Anything above that is noisy and for industrial usage only.
Check the PSI Count
Mid and high range machines are built with varying CFM ratings with different PSI counts. This allows the owner the versatility to do various types of projects that need different pressure levels. The majority of compressors follow the route of 90 PSI as the base model, but it can easily go up when the device is used in full power mode. Striking a balance with the PSI will help you pick a more quiet air compressor.
The Size of the Tank
There are various tank designs for pancakes to traditional versions that offer differing air tank capacities.
If possible, go for the largest one available in the category that you are looking at. The largest one holds air while you are doing the job. Remember, air compressors work by filling them with air first, and you can only do the job if it is not empty.
Smaller air tanks have a tendency to get depleted mid-work. When it becomes low in air, pressure will start to decrease, along with airspeed.
Having to constantly stop to refill the tank means a decrease in your work momentum while also wasting your time. A bigger tank will also permit you to use two or more tools simultaneously.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Your Air Compressor
What do you need the machine for?
The projects you intend to use the air compressor for will determine the size of the gadget you need to buy. Those who intend to use the machine for household projects can opt for a smaller air compressor. However, if you are going to be using the device for a larger scale project, you need a heavier duty machine with larger tanks. To illustrate, painting guys need a larger tank capacity because the last thing they want is for the machine to stop working in the middle of a paint job.
Do you need a portable device?
You have to choose between a device that you can carry easily on different job sites or one that can stay stationary. Simple projects can go for smaller, lightweight, and more portable devices. Bigger projects need larger motors and tanks to get them completed.
Do you need an oil-free or oil lubricated device?
Oil-lubricated devices are quieter than those without lubrication, but there’s a trade-off because these gadgets have to be cleaned and maintained regularly. The oil-free machines are easier to handle and require less maintenance.
What Produces Air Compressor Noise?
Most of the time 60-100 decibels is the exact level of noise you should expect when you are dealing with an average air compressor. This is similar to if you were in New York at a loud restaurant and almost any other power tools or large machine that is mechanical.
It is very possible to find a machine that gets under the 70-decibel mark as long as you know what you are looking for and gives it time to alter the machine if needed. Think about it, if people are talking a decibel level of 60, it’s very doable to get the machine down to a manageable level of noise.
There are 2 main factors when it comes to the noise production of these machines.
The first is the air-flow. When you get air moving at a rapid pace, it’s going to create a lot of noise. The biggest part of the machines that contribute to this is the air intake mechanism of the compressors. When air goes into the machine, it makes a very audible whooshing sound that is difficult to stop.
When the air goes out of the machine, it creates a sound as well but it isn’t as detrimental.
Vibration is another huge factor. Because it runs on a motor, the machine will vibrate violently and when you combine this with the air-flow, it creates quite the ruckus.
You can significantly reduce the noise of the vibration by altering the machine with soundproof materials or put it in a room far away. Often the second option isn’t available so be sure to place it on or around material that is going to absorb the sound easily.
It is critical to do your due diligence by reading up on various products before investing your money in an air compressor machine. The Dewalt is a great choice weighing only 35 pounds while offering a good 2.5 CFM at 90 PSI and with a great tank capacity that occupies 6 gallons of air.
This machine is portable but offers the capabilities of a big machine with its tank capacity. The nailer kit that comes with it is also handy, making this device super versatile. When it comes to the noise factor, the Dewalt isn’t too disruptive.
Choosing the right product to meet your needs is essential to your satisfaction. Most people don’t understand how easy it is to find a compressor that is quiet enough to suit their needs. Yes, it’s impossible to get something under 20 decibels unless you seriously alter the machine, but that is just a fact of engineering and nature. We want to help you do the best you possibly can even though the odds may be against you. Make an informed choice by reading up on each product’s specs, features, and pros & cons.