Having an air compressor on hand makes it much easier to do home improvement projects that require a lot of air pressure, like filling a flat tire or running a nail gun. These 110V power tools can be plugged into regular outlets, so you can use them to blow up anything you need from almost anywhere. Most are small and easy to carry, so you can take them with you to different job sites. They are also strong enough to handle bigger jobs quickly, so you won’t have to wait for that tire to fill up for hours. No matter what you use them for, though, one thing is for sure: you no longer have to puff and huff.
Table of Contents
The Best Air Compressor for 110V
1. Bostitch BTFP02012-WPK Air Compressor Kit
This high-quality kit has everything you need for a job that can stand up to the demands of a professional shop. It has a 6-gallon tank that can pump out 150 PSI, which gives you a lot of power. Since it only weighs 29 pounds, you won’t hurt your back carrying it around.
Since the pump doesn’t use oil, you won’t have to do as much maintenance on it and you won’t have to worry about messy and possibly dangerous spills. It also has a high-flow regulator that makes sure you’ll always have enough pressure when you need it.
What’s Important
- The set comes with a 50-foot air hose and a 10-piece blow-gun and inflation kit.
- Even when it’s cold, the high-efficiency motor starts up quickly.
- Dual couplers let two people work at the same time.
- The base of the pancake-style compressor is very stable.
PROS
- The included hose is easy to coil and isn’t likely to get kinked.
- With the dial’s clear design, it’s easy to change the PSI.
- It’s easy to move and store because it has a small footprint.
CONS
- Short extension cord
- Gets hot after long use
- Tank slowly fills up
2. Teromas TMS-3015 Portable Air Compressor
Even though it’s not quite powerful enough for professional contractors, this unit from Teromas is one of the most convenient and versatile you’ll find. It can be used with a 110V outlet, or you can use the 12V adapter to plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter. This makes it a great choice for trips to the beach, vacations, or saving the day at a kid’s sports game.
It also takes the guesswork out of pumping up tires or balls because it has an auto-off feature that lets you set your desired PSI. Then, when the target pressure is reached, the unit will just turn off, so you can watch your kids instead of your compressor.
What’s Important
- Bright digital display
- Has a powerful LED light for use at night
- Comes with three adaptors for hoses
- Pressure is shown in more than one unit.
PROS
- Perfect for a car’s emergency kit
- Unbelievably small and light
- Includes a bag that makes it easy to carry.
CONS
- Not every time, the pre-programmed PSI setting is right.
- Placement can be hard when the pump hose is short.
- Not the most long-lasting choice
3. Teromas TMS-3015 Portable Air Compressor
This model’s two big pneumatic tires make it easy to move around the shop, so you can always set it up in a good spot. This is good because this compressor is a heavy beast. It has a 20-gallon vertical cast-iron tank that is both very powerful and slim enough to fit in tight places.
As you might expect, any machine made to handle full-time use will need maintenance from time to time. This model makes the process as easy as possible because the oil fill is easy to get to and there is a sight glass that lets you know when it’s time to do some maintenance.
What’s Important
- Cast-iron body that is thermally stable
- Can be set up to work with 240V
- Quick-connect air outlet
- Ball bearings made for cars
PROS
- When in use, it doesn’t make much noise.
- Recharges very quickly.
- Quiet while being used
CONS
- If you’re not careful, transporting a top-heavy box can cause problems.
- The air release valve is in a bad spot.
- The cooling system isn’t very good.
4. Teromas TMS-3015 Portable Air Compressor
This unit works quickly because it has a 120W metal motor. It can fill a flat with air in just a few minutes. That means you’ll spend less time waiting on the side of the road and more time driving.
It can be used on more than just cars, though. If you keep it in your trunk, you’ll probably use it often to pump up basketballs, bike tires, inflatable pools, and other things. Even the 12V plug in your car can be used to power it.
What’s Important
- Built-in handle to carry it
- It moves 30 liters of air per minute.
- AC and DC power sources both work.
- backed by a warranty for two years
PROS
- Good for people who have trouble getting around
- The feature that turns off by itself
- Heavy-duty plastic was used to make it.
CONS
- It’s hard to get hoses back into the storage space.
- When the hose is taken off, air leaks out.
- A lot of noise
5. Teromas TMS-3015 Portable Air Compressor
This handy little unit has both ways to blow up and take down an inflatable kayak, so you can take it apart and put it back in your car as quickly as you blew it up. It also comes with two hoses: one with high pressure for things like tires and balls and another with a high volume for things like rafts and mattresses.
When you’re done using it, you can put all the hoses and attachments in a neat pile on the compressor. This way, when you need them again, you’ll have everything you need. This also makes the trunk less cluttered, which is good because we all have enough junk in our trunks already.
What’s Important
- Two metal engines
- Very bright light source
- Large buttons that are easy to see
- Includes extra nozzle adaptors
PROS
- Attachments fit tight on valves.
- Can pump up a tire in just a few minutes.
- Not going to fall over while in use
CONS
- Probably will need an extension cord
- Instructions are hard to follow.
- Not good for tires on heavy-duty trucks
6. DeWalt DCC020IB Max Inflator Compressor
This option can be used anywhere because it has both 110V and 12V power ports and a 20V battery. This lets you use it without a cord, so you can still use the compressor even if you’re not near a power source.
Because of this, campers and other people who like to get away from people for a while should like it (without sacrificing creature comforts like an air mattress, of course). In these situations, the LED light on board can also help you set up your campsite, even if you waited until after dark to get started.
What’s Important
- High volume hose to quickly fill up
- Chuck with threads
- Compatible with other 20V Max tools from DeWalt
- Lots of space to store things on board
PROS
- Accurate digital gauge
- Battery life is good
- Rubber feet provide stability
CONS
- Doesn’t have a battery indicator
- No quick-disconnect system
- The mode of deflation is weak
7 . DeWalt DCC020IB Max Inflator Compressor
This option from Porter-Cable should be near the top of your list if you want something that doesn’t need much upkeep. The oil-free pump shouldn’t need much maintenance, and even when it’s cold, the soft-start, low-amp motor starts up quickly and easily.
You can, however, replace the brushes on the motor when they wear out to make the product last longer if you are willing to do a little maintenance. This will help you get a few more years of use out of it and make sure it runs smoothly and effectively.
What’s Important
- A tank that holds 6 gallons
- It comes with a 13-piece accessory kit.
- Easy to get better
- Plug and coupler installed at the factory
PROS
- The High-Flo air regulator protects against drops in air pressure.
- Shroud protects vital components from accidental damage
- Has multiple quick-connect couplings
CONS
- The included tire gauge isn’t made well.
- The instructions don’t help much.
- There are no labels on the extras.
8. DeWalt DCC020IB Max Inflator Compressor
This unit is small enough to fit in your car, but it also comes with a bracket for mounting it on the wall, so you can keep it in your garage permanently. This keeps it out of the way when you’re not using it and makes it easy to find when you do.
The hose is coiled so it’s easy to put away when you’re done with it. This helps you keep your workspace clean. You don’t have to sit there and coil it yourself, and if you forget to put it back, you won’t trip over it.
What’s Important
- Thermal break protects against getting too hot.
- Includes extra valve caps
- Standard tires are filled in four minutes.
- A tread depth gauge is included.
PROS
- The power cord is long
- Very quiet while running.
- A plastic case for keeping things
CONS
- tries hard to get higher PSIs
- The pressure gauge can be hard to understand.
- Screw-on connections allow some leakage when they’re taken apart.
9. DeWalt DCC020IB Max Inflator Compressor
This compressor’s 2.0 HP motor runs at 1680 RPM, which keeps it from being too loud. It was also built to improve duty cycles, so it can run for longer without stopping. This lets you finish all of your work as quickly as possible and with as little trouble as possible in the office.
It’s also very durable because it has a valve that makes it easy to start the motor without a lot of power. This makes the motor work less hard, which reduces wear and tear and makes the unit last longer. The oil-free dual piston pump is also strong enough to use in very cold weather or on rough terrain.
What’s Important
- An aluminum tank that won’t rust
- Ideal for use on tools that get a lot of use
- Only makes 70 dB of noise.
- Can work for 3,000 hours before showing signs of wear.
PROS
- Perfect for truck mounting
- causes little vibration
- Maintains pressure well
CONS
- Doesn’t have wheels to make it easy to move.
- Heavy on top and likely to fall over.
- Air filter housings that are easy to damage
10. Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 Portable Air Compressor
This unit is easy to move even in a busy store because it has big rubber wheels and a big handle. That’s good because the 8-gallon tank would be heavy to carry around. But since you don’t have to worry about that, you’ll probably like the long charge time it gives you. You can work for a long time with little time off.
It can reach pressures of up to 125 PSI, which is enough to power larger tools like nailers and staplers while still being gentle enough for finer detail work. It works well indoors, which makes it a good choice for both serious do-it-yourselfers and professionals.
What’s Important
- Dual-piston pump
- Parts that last a long time
- A stable tank that lays flat
- 1.0 HP motor
PROS
- Holds up under pressure
- Good for cleaning and painting on your own time
- Setup is simple.
CONS
- Hard to find parts to replace.
- Doesn’t have a hose or any other accessories.
- Gauge isn’t very accurate
Best 110V Air Compressor Buying Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
Buying an air compressor isn’t as easy as you might think, and since some of them can cost hundreds of dollars, getting the wrong one can be a very expensive mistake.
Before you go shopping, you should think about what the compressor will be used for. Do you need it to be strong enough to run a nail gun for an entire workday, or do you just need it to inflate an air mattress steadily? How you answer this question will tell you a lot about which unit is best for your needs.
Also, keep in mind that the compressor will likely take up more space the more powerful it is. That could mean it’s too big to fit in your car or too heavy to easily carry around. When making your choice, you should think about how important portability and power are to you.
When you have a 110V air compressor, you’ll be surprised at how many things you can do with it. It can work as a tire pump, power staple guns, run paint sprayers, help you quickly clean up your workspace, and do much more.
Some smaller units also have 12V power ports, so you can keep them in your car in case of an emergency. Even though this is useful, we focused on the ones that plug into a regular wall outlet. These tend to be stronger, which lets you finish big jobs quickly.
If you don’t have your own air compressor, a flat tire could throw off your whole day, or you could spend all day blowing up that mattress. You can save a lot of time and effort with these small machines, and you won’t have to go to the gas station as often to use their compressor.
Benefits
You can plug a 110V air compressor into any standard outlet. This gives you a lot of options for where to put it.
They can give you steady, reliable pressure so you can get your work done without stopping.
Many are priced in a way that makes them affordable for the average do-it-yourselfer.
How 110V Air Compressors Work
Even though all 110V air compressors do the same basic things, there are some important differences between them that you should know about before you buy. They are not all good for the same things, so do your research before you buy one. If you don’t, you might be stuck with a machine that isn’t good for the jobs you need to do.
Air compressors that look like pancakes
The name “pancake” comes from the fact that these units are roughly the shape of a pancake. This gives them a lot of stability because the tank, which is usually the heaviest part of the compressor, is at the bottom of the machine, giving it a low center of gravity.
Pancake compressors are close to being both fixed and mobile. Most of the time, they are pretty heavy, weighing around 30 pounds. But many of them have handles or small wheels that make it easy to move them to where you need them. They usually don’t take up much room, either, but you may lose some tank space because of them.
Hot Dog Air Compressors
We know, we know. Whoever came up with these names must have been hungry. As you might expect, these models look like hot dogs. They have long, cylindrical tanks that can be mounted either vertically or horizontally.
These compressors can be quite big, so you may find that they are more powerful than a typical pancake model. Even though hot dog compressors are stronger, they are often louder and less stable than their flat counterparts.
Many hot dog compressors also have pumps that are lubricated with oil. This can make them last longer, but it also means that they need regular maintenance.
Portable Air Compressors
Most portable air compressors are small and light enough to carry in a car or put on a shelf. They aren’t nearly as powerful as stationary models, but that’s not the point. They’re made for smaller jobs or to help you out in an emergency until you can get back to the shop.
In addition to the 110V plug, many portable compressors also have a 12V plug that fits into a car’s cigarette lighter or a built-in battery pack. This makes them very useful and easy to use.
It’s a good idea to keep a portable air compressor in your trunk in case you get stuck on the side of the road. They’re also great for blowing up balls, rafts, and other things at family BBQs and picnics.
What You Should Think About Before Buying a 110V Air Compressor
When deciding between different 110V air compressor models, it’s important to know that there aren’t many features that are “good” or “bad.” Instead, it’s often about how useful a feature is for the job at hand and whether you’re willing to give up one benefit for the sake of another (for example, less noise often means less power). Don’t look at these features through a universal lens. Instead, think about how you want to use them.
Power
You’ll probably see a few different power specs on any model you’re thinking about, since the word “power” can mean different things at different times. The first thing to look at is the motor’s output, which is often given in terms of horsepower. When you have more horsepower, the air pressure is higher. This is usually measured in PSI. This lets you keep more air in the tank, so you can work longer without having to fill it up.
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) and standard cubic feet per minute are two other common measurements (SCFM). These terms have to do with how much pressure the machine can put out, and as PSI goes down, they go up. High CFM ratings are great for heavy-duty jobs like nailing frames, but they may be too much for smaller jobs.
Capacity
Different compressors will have different-sized air tanks. The bigger the tank, the more pressure it can hold and the longer it can keep holding it. But don’t automatically think that a bigger tank is better for you. Smaller tanks can do most jobs just as well.
If you plan to use the machine all the time or have a job that needs a lot of airflow for a long time (like painting a car), it’s probably best to buy a bigger tank. However, keep in mind that big tanks are, well, big. They’ll take up more space in your shop and be harder to move around, so make sure you need all that space before you pull out your credit card.
Portability
This is related to the size of the tank because, in general, bigger tanks are harder to move around. Still, many of the bigger ones get around this problem by having big handles and wheels. This makes it easy to move them from point A to point B without hurting your back.
But portability is even more important if you need to take your compressor to different job sites. Some are easy to put in the back of a truck or van, while others can be attached to a vehicle permanently.
Just remember that all the power and capacity in the world won’t help you if you can’t get the compressor to where you need it to be.
Advice on how to buy and use a 110-volt air compressor
The most important thing when looking for a 110V air compressor is, to be honest about what you’ll use it for. Don’t just buy the biggest and most powerful model on the market. If you often need to work on small details, this could actually hurt you.
Even though these machines don’t need much care, that doesn’t mean you should ignore yours. If it’s lubricated with oil, make sure to check the levels before each use and keep all the vents clean. Check screws, nuts, hoses, and other connections often to make sure they’re tight, and drain any water that might have gathered. If you’re not going to use the unit for a while, make sure to empty the tank and let all the air out. This can stop condensation from building up, which can cause rust and corrosion. Rusted tanks are more likely to catch on fire.
Also, pay attention to how it feels and how stable it is. A lot of compressors shake a lot when they are working, which can make them fall off shelves or topple over. Before you start, try to make sure it’s stable, and be very careful when moving it.
Pay close attention to how long the power cords and air hoses are, as this will affect how easy it is to use the unit.
Try not to use extension cords because they can get too hot. Instead, if you need to, connect more than one air hose.
Use the right amount of pressure for the job at hand. Some tasks work better with a steady, low volume, while others need short bursts of maximum pressure.
What is the best 110V air compressor?
Even though air compressors aren’t very complicated machines, there’s still a lot of jargon and technical talk that comes with buying one, so if you’ve never done it before, it’s easy to get confused. We’ve answered some of the most common questions that buyers have below so that you can make the best buying decision possible.
What’s the difference between a motor that stops and starts and one that runs all the time?
A stop-start motor turns off when it’s not being used. This saves wear and tear on the machine but makes work a little slower. Units that are always on never turn off. Unless you run a professional shop, you should be fine with a stop-start motor.
Do I need to “break in” my compressor before I use it?
No. Modern compressors are made to be used right out of the box, so as long as all the connections are tight and there are no leaks or other problems, you can run it as needed.
Q: How much pressure do I need to finish the job?
How you do this will depend on the tools you use. Always go with the tool that needs the most pressure. For example, if you have a nailer that needs 125 PSI and a stapler that needs 100 PSI, get a compressor that can do 125 PSI.
Our best choice
We like the Bostitch BTFP02012-WPK Air Compressor Kit because it has everything you need in one small package. The pancake shape makes it stable, and it’s very easy to use. Plus, it has a high flow regulator and two couplers, so it can use all 150 PSI. Even though it has a lot of power, it’s not too loud, so you can use it inside without ear protection.
