The 10 Best Quiet Air Compressors of 2023

Photo: DeWalt

When it comes to choosing an air compressor, the chances are you will always want to go for the most powerful model. But the problem with most of these powerful models is that they can be super loud.

However, there are still many models out there that will be both powerful and quiet. And with the right information in mind, finding the best quiet air compressor should not take a lot of effort.

Quiet air compressors are models that will have a noise rating of under 85dB, and will hence allow you to work without having to wear any ear protection. Here we look at 10 top-rated quiet air compressors and also explain the things to watch out for when choosing one.

10 Best Quiet Air Compressors – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Senco PC1010 (Best Overall)	Lightweight and portable Faster recovery time Oil-less motor Ideal for a wide variety of projects
	2. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S (Best Budget)	More budget-friendly model 56 dB rating for an ultra-quiet operation Oil-free pump for easy maintenance Lightweight and easy carry design with comfortable handle
	3. California Air Tools 2010A (Best Brand)	Top brand air compressor Oil-free pump Rust-free aluminum tank Dual piston design
	4. California Air Tools 10020C (Best High CFM)	Up to 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI Powerful 2.0 HP motor 10-gallon tank capacity Easy start valve Oil-free dual piston pump
	5. California Air Tools 8010 (Top-Rated)	8.0 gallon larger tank size Oil-free pump Complete with wheel kit and air filter 165 seconds of recovery time
	6. Makita MAC2400 (Most Powerful)	2.5 horsepower motor is more powerful Delivers up to 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI Oil-lubricated pump for cooler running Roll cage construction
	7. Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 (Versatile & Durable)	Versatile for a wide variety of uses Durable components Oil-free and maintenance-free pump Large wheels and rubber-grip handle for portability
	8. Metabo HPT EC28M (Well-built & Easy to Carry)	Well-built with protective steel roll cage Easy to carry design 59 dB ultra-quiet operation Industrial oil-free pump Industrial-grade gauges and regulators
	9. Excell SAC22HPE (Convenient DIY & Professional Use)	Convenient low voltage start-up Versatile design for DIYers and professionals Compact roll cage oil and maintenance-free dual pump
	10. DeWalt DWFP55130 (Compact)	Compact and easy carry design Durable oil-free pump High flow regulator Low 12 amp draw Motor

1. Best Overall: Senco PC1010

Photo: Senco

• Noise Level: 69 dB     
• Tank Size: 1.0 gallon
• CFM: 1.4 CFM at 90 PSI
• Power: 1.0 HP
• Weight: 20 pounds

The versatility of the small and portable Senco PC1010 is what makes it such an amazing product and why it makes the top of our list. While it might not be our most powerful option or deliver the highest CFM, this air compressor will still be ideal for a wide variety of home improvement projects, hobbies, and crafts.

With a noise rating of just 69 dB, you can be confident that it will provide a quiet enough operation. Also, this compact air compressor only weighs 20 pounds, and it will come with a comfortable handle to make it super easy to carry around.

The recovery time is highly impressive as the tank only takes a few seconds to fill up, which means you will hardly have any downtimes when using this air compressor. Because it uses an oil-free motor, you can be sure it will require minimal maintenance.

The 1.0-gallon tank is relatively smaller when you compare with other options on our list, but for this small air compressor and what it is meant for, the tank is more than enough. Also, the location of the switch under the handle only takes some getting used to.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry around
• Highly efficient motor
• Fast and easy maintenance
• Super-fast recovery
• Quite versatile

Cons:

• Smaller tank size
• Switch location is not very good

2. Best Budget: California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S

Photo: California Air Tools

• Noise Level: 56 dB
• Tank Size: 1.0 gallon
• CFM: 1.60 CFM at 40 PSI and 1.2 CFM at 90 PSI
• Power: 0.6 HP
• Weight: 29.5 pounds

California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S is made for the DIYers and other professional users looking for something simple and more affordable as it is the cheapest model on our list.

Besides being affordable, this is out the quietest model with a noise rating of 56 dB. The motor on this ultra-quiet air compressor will operate at just 1,680 RPM, which ensures minimal noise is produced, and there will also be less wear.

The oil-free pump is designed to have a longer cycle life of more than 3,000 hours and will not require any maintenance. Also, this pump will make this compressor ideal for use in different environments and temperatures.

At 29.5 pounds, this is quite a lightweight air compressor, and it will include a comfortable carry handle to make it easier to carry around. Many users will love that this compressor will produce less heat and has excellent thermal overload protection.

While the 0.6-horsepower motor might not look very powerful, it is still more than enough for the simple DIY tasks this compressor is meant for. Also, the smaller 1.0-gallon tanks will come with more advantages than demerits such as super-fast recovery for continuous operation.

Pros:

• More affordable
• Ultra-quiet operation
• Easy and quick maintenance
• Lightweight and portable
• Produces less heat

Cons:

• Not a very powerful motor
• Smaller tank size

3. Best Brand: California Air Tools 2010A

Photo: California Air Tools

• Noise Level: 60 dB                            
• Tank Size: 2.0 gallons
• CFM: 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI  and 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI 
• Power: 1.0 HP
• Weight: 35 pounds

California Air Tools is a highly reputable air compressor brand that has been making this equipment for many decades now. Hence, if you are looking for a model from a top brand, their 2010A will be a good product to buy.

The 60 dB noise rated air compressor not only provides a quieter operation but will also come with a highly durable and rust-free 2.0-gallon aluminum tank. This tank will ensure you get a long service life.

Also, this model has an oil-free pump that makes maintenance easy and more cost-effective. This oil-less pump makes this an ideal model for use in different environments. With the dual piston design, you get a faster air delivery.

Carrying this air compressor is also easy as it weighs just 35 pounds and will come with a comfortable carry handle.

The feet on this air compressor do not seem very stable as it can easily move around when in use, but some suction caps should fix this problem. Also, there does not seem to be adequate protection for the delicate components but regular DIY and use on the workshop, there is nothing to worry about here.

Pros:

• Reliable product from a top brand
• Rust-free and durable tank
• Faster air delivery
• Easy and inexpensive maintenance
• Comfortable carry handle

Cons:

• Feet are not very stable
• Not enough protection for delicate components

4. Best High CFM: California Air Tools 10020C 

Photo: California Air Tools

• Noise Level: 70 dB                            
• Tank Size: 10 gallons
• CFM: 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI
• Power: 2.0 HP
• Weight: 82.5 pounds

If you are looking to get longer run times and be able to run several pneumatic tools at a go on your air compressor, the California Air Tools 10020C is the best pick for you. With the 10-gallon tank and up to 6.4 CFM, this air compressor has more than enough capacity for this.

To make this an even better model, it will run on a powerful 2.0 horsepower motor to ensure that you will get the required power. This motor will operate at 1,680 RPM to create less noise and also to minimize the wear.

When it comes to starting up the compressor, it will use an easy-start valve that will make starting easy and quick. Because this air compressor has an oil-free pump, there will be less maintenance and service required.

Although the 70 dB noise-rating might not make this the quietest model on our list, it is still quiet enough to ensure comfortable use in any environment.

At 82.5 pounds, this California Air Tools is the heaviest on our list, and it is also the most expensive model. However, the extra weight and higher price tag are thanks to its higher capacity and superior performance.

Pros:

• Higher air output
• Powerful enough motor
• Larger capacity tank
• Easier startups
• Less service and maintenance required

Cons:

• Quite a heavy model
• A little pricier

5. Top-Rated: California Air Tools 8010

Photo: California Air Tools

• Noise Level: 60 dB
• Tank Size: 8.0 gallons
• CFM: 3.0 CFM at 40 PSI and 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI
• Power: 1.0 HP
• Weight: 48 pounds

This top-rated quiet air compressor by California Air Tools has been designed to ensure you get longer work times as it will have a larger 8-gallon tank. Also, there will be minimal downtimes as the tank only takes 165 seconds to fill up.

To make things even better for the user, this air compressor will come as a complete kit with the air filter and wheel kit. This wheel kit and the comfortable handle will make this compressor easy to move around.

Also, at 60 dB noise rating, this will be quite enough air compressor that will ensure you can still make conversation when working without having to raise your voice. With up to 3.0 CFM and a maximum pressure of 120 PSI, this air compressor will be ideal to use with almost any pneumatic tool.

With the oil-free pump, maintenance will be more effortless, and this pump will allow you to use the air compressor in different temperatures and also on different terrains, and hence making it more versatile.

There are a few imperfections on the welds and surface of the tank, but this poor workmanship does not anything away from the fact that this is a fantastic and quiet air compressor.

Pros:

• Relatively larger tank size
• Easy to move around
• Requires minimal maintenance
• Faster recovery time
• Works well in different terrains and temperatures

Cons:

• Poor workmanship

6. Most Powerful: Makita MAC2400

Photo: Makita

• Noise Level: 79 dB                            
• Tank Size: 4.2 gallons
• CFM: 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI and 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI
• Power: 2.5 HP
• Weight: 77 pounds

With the 2.5-horsepower motor, the Makita MAC2400 is the most powerful model on our quiet air compressor review. Besides the more powerful motor, this is a high volume air compressor that will provide up to 4.8 CFM for longer work times and to allow you to use several tools at one time.

This air compressor has an oil-lubricated pump, which ensures you get cooler running and minimal wear. Also, there is built-in overload protection that will help provide more protection for the motor for even longer service life.

With the roll cage construction, this will be a more durable and rugged model that can take a lot of job site abuse. You can be confident that the maintenance will take less effort as this air compressor will have a removable cast iron cylinder and includes an oil sight glass.

When you compare this model to others on our list, it seems a little noisier and heavier. But at 79 dB, it is still quiet enough for most users, and although 77 pounds might seem a little heavy, this is still a portable enough model.

Pros:

• More powerful motor
• Higher CFM output
• Cool running pump
• Faster recovery time
• Easy and efficient maintenance

Cons:

• Relatively noisier
• A little heavy

7. Versatile & Durable: Campbell Hausfeld DC080500

Photo: Campbell Hausfeld

• Noise Level: 68 dB                            
• Tank Size: 8.0 gallons
• CFM: 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI
• Power: 1.0 HP
• Weight: 67 pounds

Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 is one of the most versatile models on our quiet air compressive review as it will be ideal for everything from inflation to powering your power tools and hobby painting.

Also, this 68 dB air compressor will be ideal for use indoor as the noise it produces is still quite bearable. You can be confident you will have it around for a long time to come as its main components are designed to be up to 4 times more durable.

The larger 8-gallon tank ensures that you will get longer work time, and it will fill up fast for minimal downtimes. This air compressor is made to give uses an easy time as the pump is oil-less and will not require any maintenance.

With the larger wheels and rubber-grip steel handle, this will be a highly portable air compressor as you can easily move it around from one project to the other.

This air compressor does not seem to come with any attachments, but for its price, this is not a significant concern, and you should not have any problem buying them separately.

Pros:

• Ideal for various applications
• Highly durable components
• Larger tank capacity
• Pump requires no oil or maintenance
• Highly portable design

Cons:

• Does not come with attachments

8. Well-Built & Easy to Carry: Metabo HPT EC28M

Photo: Metabo HPT

• Noise Level: 59 dB
• Tank Size: 1.0 gallon
• CFM: 1.3 CFM at 40 PSI and 0.8 CFM at 90 PSI
• Power: 2.8 Amp
• Weight: 25.2 pounds

Any DIYer or hobbyist on the market for the quietest air compressor will love the Metabo HPT EC28M because, with a noise rating of 59 dB, it will provide ultra-quiet operation.

This air compressor has been built to deliver a long service life as it is made with some high-quality components, and it will include a protective roll-cage that will help shield the delicate components. This cage includes a nice rubber grip for comfortable carry. The design includes some nice rubber feet that will absorb shock and minimize vibration

The oil-free pump is designed for durability and will require less maintenance. Also, the oil-less performance allows you to use this air compressor in any weather.

To make sure that the adjustments will be fast and easy, this air compressor will include some industrial-grade gauges and regulators. With the industrial quick coupler, you can easily connect the hose with one hand.

With a maximum of 1.3 CFM, this air compressor might not produce enough air to handle several tools at a go, but the output is still enough to use with almost any regular pneumatic tool.

Pros:

• Super quiet operation
• Well-built with a protective cage
• Rubber grip for a comfortable carry
• Durable and maintenance-free pump
• Easy and accurate adjustments

Cons:

• CFM output is a little lower

9. Convenient DIY & Professional Use: Excell SAC22HPE

Photo: Excell

• Noise Level: 61 dB
• Tank Size: 2.0 gallons
• CFM: 3.0 CFM at 40 PSI and 2.0 CFM at 90 PSI
• Power: 1 HP
• Weight: 40 pounds

It is all about convenience with the Excell SAC22HPE as it will have a low voltage start-up capability that will make it ideal for use in areas where the power supply is not very consistent. To make this an even more convenient compressor, it will have the gauges regulator located in an easy-to-reach area.

With its 2.0-gallon tank and up to 3.0 CFM output, this is a versatile enough air compressor that will be ideal for use by both DIYers and professionals. It can power a wide variety of tools, and it is also ideal for various other applications.

There is a compact and protective roll cage that will help protect the delicate components of the machine, and it will make it easier to carry around as it includes a comfortable grip. To make this one of the best quiet air compressors for the money, it uses an oil-free and maintenance-free pump to help save you on service and maintenance costs.

This compressor will not come with the hose or nozzles. But given that different users have different needs, this should not be a deal-breaker as you get to buy just what you need and don’t end up with useless factory ones.

Pros:

• Easy start-up even in cold weather
• Works well for all kinds of users
• Convenient control panel location
• Compact and protective roll cage
• Oil-free pump requires no maintenance

Cons:

• Does not come with nozzles or hose

10. Compact: DeWalt DWFP55130

Photo: DeWalt

• Noise Level: 71.5 dB                         
• Tank Size: 2.5 gallons
• CFM: 3.0 CFM at 90 PSI
• Power: 1.1 HP
• Weight: 36 pounds

With a thin and compact air compressor like the DeWalt DWFP55130, you can be sure that you will have an easy time storing it as it takes up less time. With a noise-rating of 71.5 dB, it is quite enough for most users.

This compressor uses a low 12 amp draw motor that will make it one of the easiest to start on our quiet air compressor review, and you can be sure there will be reduced circuit breaker tripping.

Because this air compressor uses an oil-free pump, you can be confident of getting a maintenance-free operation. This pump also ensures you can use the compressor in any weather.

There is a high flow regular that helps to enhance the overall performance, while the nice rubber feet help keep the unit steady and stable on different surfaces. Better yet, you can use it from both the vertical and horizontal positions, and it will come with universal air couplers to accommodate a wide variety of tools.

For the price of this air compressor, many users expect to get a few accessories, but it does not come with any. But, given that hoses, nozzles, and connectors are all inexpensive, this is something you can easily overlook. The recovery time is also relatively longer but still acceptable.

Pros:

• Thinner and more compact design
• Starts up easily
• Durable, maintenance-free pump
• Universal air couplers
• Usable from both vertical and horizontal positions

Cons:

• Does not come with accessories
• Longer recovery time

How to Buy the Best Quiet Air Compressor

Photo: Metabo HPT

1. Purpose

What you intend to use your air compressor for should always be one of the first factors to take into account as you choose a good quiet air compressor model as it will affect everything else.

The good news is that air compressors tend to be highly versatile, and hence any model that you buy will be ideal for a wide variety of applications.

But, you will still need to decide whether you want to use it in your workshop for professional projects or at home for your occasional DIY projects. That way, you will be able to decide on things like the CFM and PSI that you need the air compressor to provide.

2. Noise level

The term quiet air compressor is quite subjective as what some users might find quite might still not be quiet enough for others. Hence, when it comes to choosing one of these air compressors, you will need to consider the specific noise rating.

Anything that will have a noise rating of under 85 dB will be considered quiet as you will not need to wear any ear protection when using it. However, models with the noise rating close to 80 dB like 79 dB Makita MAC2400 will mean that you will have to raise your voice when speaking if you have the air compressor close.

Overall, something with a noise rating of 65 dB or less will be quiet enough to ensure you can still talk without having to raise your voice no matter how close the machine is to you.

3. CFM

An air compressor’s CFM measures the volume of air that the compressor can deliver when in use. And given that different tools will have a different CFM range, this will determine which tools the unit can power and also the number of tools you can use simultaneously.

The higher the CFM the better as it means that you will get more air, and hence you can be able to use pneumatic tools that are more powerful.

On average, something with at least 0.8 CFM at 90 PSI like Metabo HPT EC28M will be good enough for simple DIY tools and tasks that will not require a lot of air.

But, if you plan to use the air compressor for powering multiple tools at a go, you should go for something with a CFM rating that is as close to 5.0 as possible as the California Air Tools 10020C that will deliver up to 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI.

4. Tank Capacity

The tank capacity is an important factor to take into account as you shop for the best quiet air compressor. And this is because it will determine the volume of pressurized air the unit can hold.

A larger tank can hold more pressurized air, which means you will be able to get a lot of work done before you need to give it time to recover. Besides giving you more work time, larger tanks will be more ideal for use with several pneumatic tools at a go.

You can get compressors with tank sizes anywhere from 1 to 10 gallons, and some high-end industrial models will even have larger than this. Hence, here it is all up to you to decide what capacity will serve you best. And note that the larger the tank the longer the recovery time.

5. Maintenance

Like with any other tool, maintenance will be an unavoidable part of owning a quiet air compressor, and so the best you can do is to make sure that the model you choose takes less effort to maintain.

Models with an oil-free pump like the California Air Tools 10020C will be more stress-free as they will hardly require any maintenance at all. Maintaining these models will only take a few minutes, and there are long intervals between the maintenance schedules, but those that use oil will take more work and require more frequent maintenance.

An air compressor models that will also come with some comprehensive maintenance instructions and directions will also give you an easier time, and this is more so for the inexperienced users.

Conclusion

A quiet air compressor is always more comfortable to use whether you are a DIYer or professional contractor. And with this piece to guide you, finding the best quiet air compressor should be super easy.

From our review, every model is top quality and high-performing. However, the Senco PC1010 is our best overall as it is a lightweight, and portable model that will be ideal for a wide variety of projects and offers super-fast recovery time.

But, if you are on a tight budget, the California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S will be a great pick. This budget air compressor is also super quiet, maintenance-free, and portable.