Air compressors are used a lot these days for putting things together, pumping, cleaning, and a lot more. By squeezing the air, an air compressor makes the air have more pressure and energy.
The tool takes air from the outside and stores it in a tank. As more air goes into the tank, the pressure of the air inside goes up. When the tank is full, the air pressure can get very high.
The air is then sent from the storage tank to different tools, like air spray guns, screw nailers, drills, sanders, and other machines with moving parts.
Along with the high pressure, though, comes the annoying sound. If those noisy air compressors have been driving you crazy, here is a list of 9 great quiet air compressors.
Table of Contents
Best Quiet Air Compressors in 2024
Here are the nine quietest air compressors that we think are the best on the market. Let’s work our way up from the bottom.
1. P1IU-A9 Twin-Stack: Multi-task and User-friendly Compressor
The first air compressor we’re going to talk about is made by Ingersoll Rand. What does this air compressor give you?
First of all, you’ll get an air compressor that is easy to use. A front panel that is easy to use. A design that is comfortable and portable. And a low level of noise, only 79 decibels. All of these things make the P1IU-A9 a great choice for both DIYers and professionals.
What else?
With the unit’s two quick-disconnect couplers, you can use more than one tool at once. What’s the meaning? Well, you can just blow off the dirt on your door while you put some nails on the wall.
The maintenance on this compressor is something you might not like. This unit has plastic piston rings, just like other oil-free air compressors. Even though it saves energy, it needs to be rebuilt often to keep working.
The P1IU-A9 Twin-Stack gives you the most freedom and comfort for your ears. So, why don’t you just do it? Just buy it.
Pros:
- Work that packs a punch (up to 135 PSI)
- Lightweight and made to fit the body
- Excellent longevity
- Great quality finish
Cons:
- A little shake
- A lot of building work
2. California Air Tools 4610AC: Less Noise and Less Wear
Let’s move on to the next one on the list. This one comes from California Air Tools, which sells the industry’s quietest air compressors. So, we’ll talk about this brand again in the next part of our review.
How good is the 4610AC again?
The unit has a strong 1.0 HP motor that only turns 1680 times per minute (RPM). It results in a significantly quiet at just 60 decibels. Also, it makes it less likely that the unit will break down.
The Oil-free Dual Piston pump can also run for up to 3000 hours before it needs to be replaced. On the other hand, you may find compressors that only last 500 hours or less.
But please remember that the compressor should NEVER be plugged in for too long. If you don’t, the unit may freeze but keep trying to start over. The heat from the machine starting over and over again can melt the plastic guard and even start a fire in your house.
Overall, this 4160AC is a great choice if you want an air compressor that doesn’t make your ears bleed.
Pros:
- Adaptable to a wide range of temperatures and terrains
- Low cost and trouble keeping up
- It is light and easy to move.
- Easy to charge
Cons:
- Leaky check valve
- Not very good service to customers
3. Campbell Hausfeld DC060500: Half the Noise
Now let us introduce to you Campbell Hausfeld. The brand offers a wide variety of air tools to finish your project like a pro. So, why do we put this air compressor on our list?
The quiet when this unit operates is particularly incredible. It only produces 68 decibels. This number is 50% lower than comparable units. The best thing is that you can even listen to the radio over its gentle hum.
More to mention, this DC060500 is amazingly durable. All the critical components of the unit can last up to 4 times longer than its competitors.
However, you need to pay more care when using the air compressor. After a time, the pressure valve may open, draining the tank completely. The chances are that trash has gotten in the valve. Then, it’s time for cleaning.
Want to complete your work more straightforwardly and relaxing, get yourself a pancake Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 air compressor now.
Pros:
- Maintenance-free piston pump
- Durable and soft-grip handle
- Easy job switching
- Great performance
Cons:
- Heavy design
- Not an excellent choice for home use
The Campbell Hausfeld DC060500 doesn’t have the right size for your house, but this Makita MAC700 does. This air compressor is great for home use and for small air tools that don’t need much air.
This unit makes about 80 decibels of noise. Even though it’s at the top of our list, it’s still one of the quietest air compressors you can buy. Don’t worry, it won’t make your house shake when it’s running.
But why is it best for use at home?
The air compressor needs a very small amount of amps to work. The fewer amps you need, the less likely it is that your breakers will trip. It also cuts down on voltage drop, which can cause motors to break down early. And the electric system in your house will never be hurt.
What is the most important negative point?
You might see air coming out of the pressure regulator’s knob for making changes. But, wait! Don’t run out to get a new one right away. It could be just like the DC060500 case. If you think the regulator is dirty, take it apart and clean it thoroughly.
Going to do some work around the house? This air compressor, the MAC700, is a great helper.
Pros:
- Maintenance that is quick, easy, and effective
- What a great job!
- Minimum wear
- Work goes well
Cons:
- Need to replace the pressure switch
- Heavy design
5. Hitachi EC28M: Excellent Silence and Transport
Hitachi makes a portable air compressor. Things are getting better and better. So, is this one quiet?
The EC28M works at only 59 decibels, which is very quiet. The noise is so quiet that you don’t have to worry about it even if you are working in your apartment.
What else?
The unit only weighs 25.5 pounds, which makes it small and easy to move around. Also, this air compressor has a steel roll cage and a rubber grip to protect all the important parts from harsh conditions on the job site and to make it easier to carry.
Also, there are a few things you might want to know before you buy this unit. When connecting an air hose to the quick-release valve, this is a common problem. In this case, please make sure the hose is connected BEFORE adding pressure to the tank.
Want to finish your job quickly and not have your neighbor bother you with complaints? This Hitachi EC28M is worth a try.
Pros:
- Very long-lasting with no upkeep
- Flexible discharge hose
- Easy-to-use control panel
- Price was fair
Cons:
- The sound coming from the bottom of the on/off button
6. California Air Tools 2010A: A Quiet Compressor for Small Businesses
Let’s get together again with California Air Tools! This is the year 2010A. What does it have that the 4610AC doesn’t?
This unit makes about the same amount of noise as the 4610AC (at 60 decibels). This one is especially good for woodworkers or hobbyists with a small shop.
The whole thing weighs 35,3 pounds. It would be better if the compressor had wheels, but it is still easy enough to move to meet your needs. Even though this unit doesn’t have wheels, California Air Tools gives it rubber feet so you can put it in a good spot on the floor.
We don’t like that the pressure was too low at first. You should set the regulator to a higher pressure for jobs that are hard. You can also have up to 120 PSI, but that might shorten the life of the pump and make it louder.
Pros:
- Quick recovery of pressure and filling of the tank
- Low cost and trouble keeping up
- Fits and finishes well
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- The wire is too short.
- There is no air hose or extra fittings.
7. Makita MAC2400 Big Bore: Lower Noise and Higher Productivity
At the third spot on the list is another Makita air compressor. Makita worked hard to get this MAC2400 down to just 79 decibels, which is a very quiet level. But the show was what really blew us away.
The 4.2-gallon, double-stacked tank can work up to 130 PSI of pressure. The machine can also give out 40 PSI and 90 PSI, which is enough for two nailers to work at the same time. And the work gets even better with the help of the strong 2.5 HP 4-pole motor.
On the other hand, it’s not good that the pressure drops so quickly when doing a lot of work. You might have to stop working until the pressure builds up again. But the wait is worth it because you get a great result.
Get this impressive Makita MAC2400 air compressor now to get your jobs done quickly.
Pros:
- The engine will run cooler and wear less.
- More air coming in
- Easy to keep up
- Free of shaking
Cons:
- A lot of building work
- Cost a lot
8. Excell U256PPE: Minimum Cost for Quiet Winters
Let’s welcome the runner-up, the Excell U256PPE quiet air compressor. With only a small amount of money, you can get an amazing maximum pressure of up to 150 PSI.
And here’s the best part:
The air compressor can start even when it is only -24°F (-31°C) outside. In other words, the unit works well even when it’s cold outside. No wonder winter is coming!
Even though the price is low, the compressors don’t come with anything. You might need an air hose to get anywhere without having to move the compressors every time you change jobs.
And to help you do that, Excell suggests a cord that is as long as it can be, up to 400 feet. AWESOME!
No need to wait, get a great U256PPE air compressor right now.
Pros:
- The Control panel is in a good place
- Long-lasting motor and pump
- Small and easy to carry
- Comfortable handle
Cons:
- No wheels
9. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S: Quietest Choice for Heaviest Duties
At the top of the list is California Air Tools. There are three positions, and one of them is on the first. What a great thing the brand has done!
First of all, this air compressor can handle the toughest jobs you need it to do. And you can do all of these things in your small house or apartment because the machine doesn’t make much heat that doesn’t last long, leaving the room temperature almost the same.
Now you might be curious about how quiet it is. From 80 and 79 to 68, 60, and even 59, we’ve seen a lot of numbers. Well, get ready to hear something shocking:
Only 56 decibels of noise are made when the air compressor is in use. The number is 56. UNBELIEVABLE. Much lower than the ones that came before. It is so quiet that even if you are working very hard, it won’t wake up your babies.
So, does it have any bad things about it? The truth is, it does. But they are small things that will never be more important than their huge benefits.
The biggest problem is that the switch to turn it on and off is hard to find. So, if you have big hands and fingers, it’s pretty hard to reach. Well, as we said, it’s easy to skip over.
Since you now know how amazing this air compressor is, you might want to buy one.
Pros:
- Low cost and trouble keeping up
- Lightweight design
- Easy to get around
- Easy to get better
- Price was fair
Cons:
- Pressure regulator that is hard to adjust
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that an air compressor is a great tool that makes our lives better. When you have a good air compressor that doesn’t hurt your ears, things will be easier and work better.
You’ve now read our review of the 9 quietest air compressors. We hope you find what you’re looking for.
Don’t forget to like, share, and comment on this page if you found our article helpful.
