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An air compressor is a pneumatic device that generates pressure in compressible fluids or gasses. This device can operate pneumatic tools, like nail guns and paint sprayers and can even be used to inflate tires when you have a puncture.
As the name suggests, a quiet air compressor is a silent (or almost noiseless) and fully automated compressor. The low noise is achieved through noise insulation, machine precision and efficient lubrication to absorb the noise created when the machine is running.
How Many Decibels Is a Quiet Air Compressor?
There are many terms used to describe quiet air compressors, including “noiseless,” “silent,” and “ultra-quiet.” But how many decibels define a quiet or silent air compressor?
First of all, no air compressor is entirely silent.
Even the so-called “noiseless” compressors will make some noise, though too low for anyone to notice or be bothered by. An air compressor’s noise is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the dB rating, the louder the air compressor will be.
Here’s what various dB ratings mean.
- 40 dB – This is considered low noise and is often found in small and domestic compressors.
- 60 dB – This is considered the safest noise level for air compressors. Ultra-quiet compressors operate in this range
- 70 – 80 dB – Quiet air compressors operate in this range
- 85 dB and over – This range is noisy for most people. Compressors with over 85 decibels are best for industrial use, and exposure to this level of noise for a long time can be dangerous.
Besides noise level, there are other factors you should consider before buying an air compressor. We’ll briefly look at these factors in the next section.
The 3 Best Quiet Air Compressors to Buy
We identified the best quiet air compressors, taking noise levels, portability, performance rating, tank size, and price into consideration. We had help from our community of metallurgists when coming up with the list to let us know which brands and models perform well in a professional environment.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Quiet Air Compressor
Check out these factors when buying an air compressor.
1. CFM Rating
When shopping for a quiet air compressor, the first thing you’ll want to check is the device’s CFM or Cubic Feet Per Minute ratings.
This rating represents the amount of air the product can supply.
If an air compressor has a low CFM rating, it won’t be able to deliver the right amount of air required for your needs. Higher CFM means you can run more powerful tools like pressure washers. For the best results, aim for an air compressor with a CFM rating of 0.6 to 5.
2. PSI Count
Apart from the CFM rating, you’ll also want to pay attention to the PSI count.
PSI stands for pressure per inch and measures the pressure placed on a square space. Higher PSI means that the air compressor can store more in the tank, allowing you to operate pneumatic tools for an extended period. Experts recommend you look for an air compressor with a CFM rating between 0.6 and 5 when operating at 90 PSI.
3. Tank Size
A compressor’s tank size determines the air it can hold at any particular time. Your ideal tank volume will depend on the work you intend to carry out.
For example, if you intend to buy an air compressor for simple DIY projects, a small tank will do the trick. But if you plan to use it for larger, more demanding tasks, particularly in a commercial setting, go for a larger tank.
4. Oil or No Oil
Motors have multiple moving parts that require regular lubrication.
When these moving parts grind together, vibrations are created, resulting in unwanted noise. The lubricated parts help in managing the sound level. However, anything that uses oil requires regular maintenance and can be costly when you factor in the cost of oil.
Today, many oil-free air compressors exist that don’t require any lubrication. These compressors require less maintenance and also ensure you don’t get your hands dirty. Many low-noise compressors sacrifice the slight noise difference in favor of an oil-free motor.
1. Best Overall Air Compressor: California Air Tools CAT-8010
California Air Tools is one of the big names in the air compressor domain.
Their CAT-8010 model is the epitome of what a quiet, feature-rich air compressor should look like. Perfect for home and commercial use, the Air Tools CAT-8010 checks all the boxes for noise levels, power, performance, and use.
You can use it to nail, air blow, inflate, and do so much more with ease. This silent compressor features an 8-gallon tank and a dual-piston air pump that provide 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI with a peak air pressure of 120 PSI, making it ideal for a variety of light, medium, and heavy-duty jobs.
The oil-free electric motor operates at lower speeds, which creates less noise and wear during long periods of operation. Better still, the California Air Tools 8010 is only 60 dB loud, making it one of the best ultra-quiet compressors out there.
Key Features
- Large capacity tank—8 gallons
- Lightweight and portable
- Dual piston pump system
- Extremely quiet (60 dB loud)
- Can achieve 120 PSI from 90 PSI in 30 seconds
- Durable with a lifecycle of 3,000+ hours
The California Air Tools 8010 has won the hearts of many consumers, with over 1,000 positive reviews from satisfied customers on Amazon. And at a price of $254, the product is competitively priced for its features.
- Comes complete with Wheel Kit & Air Filter | No hose included | Consider you will need a ¼” Universal / Industrial Male Quick Connector to attach your hose to the air compressor
- Product dimensions – 26" L x 14" W x 23” H | Max Pressure – 120 PSI | Voltage – 110V / 60 Hz | Min running watts – 2500 | Noise level – 60 dBA | Max Continuous run time – 30-60 min (depending on PSI & CFM) | Low Amp Draw – 8.5 Amps
- Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs | Powerful 1.0 HP (Rated / Running) 2.0 HP (Peak) Motor
- The large 8.0 Gallon Steel Air Tank is Lightweight (48 lbs) and the wheel kit makes it very easy to transport
- The Oil-Free pump allows for use in a variety of temperatures and uneven terrains | This air compressor is ideal for anyone working inside where noise is a major issue
2. Best Compact Air Compressor: Makita Mac210Q
If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful and quiet air compressor, the Makita Mac210Q is an excellent choice.
Weighing only 44 pounds, the Mac210Q compressor is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around the work site, pack in the truck, and store in the garage. This makes it our top choice for the best compact, quiet air compressor.
Feature-wise, the Makita Mac210Q doesn’t lag either.
This compact air compressor features a powerful oil-free 1-HP air pump and operates under 60 dB, combining strong performance with low noise. Moreover, it’s powered by an efficient one-horsepower induction motor that provides up to 135 PSI.
You can rely on it to deliver 90 PCI (4.2 CFM), making it an ideal choice for nailers. However, with only a 2-gallon tank, don’t expect it to power larger pneumatic tools other than nailers and other tools with low CFM consumption rates.
Key Features
- Compact and portable
- Premium quality material and sturdy construction
- Quiet air compressor, at only 60 dB
- 2-gallons tank
- Efficient 1-HP motor can deliver up to 135 PSI
The Makita Mac210Q is an excellent choice for indoor users who want something compact, quiet, and portable. At a price of $219, it is fairly priced for its features.
- Quiet Series design at only 60 dB for operator and crew comfort; ideal for indoor use
- Runs at a lower RPM (1, 750) resulting in longer motor and pump life
- Complete roll-cage construction provides protection to withstand a variety of job-site, transporting, and storage environments
- Oil-free dual-piston pump designed for maintenance-free operation
- Lightweight design (only 44 lbs.) for increased job site portability
3. Best Quiet Air Compressor: California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S
If you’re looking for the quietest air compressor for indoor use, the California CAT-IP1060S will impress you with its noise levels. At a whisper quiet 56 dB, the CAT 1P1060S is the quietest air compressor on this roundup, making it our top choice for the best quiet air compressor.
But there’s more to this unit than its incredibly low noise levels.
The CAT-IP1060S packs a powerful motor that runs at 0.6HP (can go up to 1.2HP), capable of delivering 1.6 CFM at 40 PSI and 1.2 CFM at 90 PSI.
However, with a 1-gallon capacity and only 1.2 CFM, don’t expect it to power large air tools. Still, this unit can easily handle all your home DIY projects, including inflating tires and powering pin nailers.
What’s more, the CAT-IP1060S has a compact design, a slim profile, and a top carry handle that makes it easy to pack and carry around.
Key Features
- 56 dB ultra-quiet
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- 120 PSI maximum pressure
- Durable and power efficient
The California Air Tools CAT-IP1060S is an excellent choice for those who want the quietest air compressor on the market. And for $147, it’s the most affordable air compressor on our list.
- Ultra quiet only 56 Decibels
- Oil-Free pump for less maintenance & costs
- Lightweight for easy transporting - 29 lbs
- 1.0 gallon steel tank
- Powerful 0.6 HP (rated / running) - 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI
4. Best High-Capacity Air Compressor: Stealth 20 Gallon Air Compressor SAQ-12018
Want a big-capacity air compressor with little noise? The Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor gives you the best of both worlds.
This unit features a large 20-gallon tank that ensures your work continues without a break. And at a working noise of only 68 decibels, the SAQ-12018 is perfect for indoor and commercial use. It’s quieter than competing products of this capacity.
This unit sports a powerful oil-free induction motor for less maintenance and cost. The motor can deliver 90 PCI (4.2 CFM), capable of powering a wide variety of power tools, from nailers and sprayers to cleaning tools and impact wenches.
Whether you’re using it to refill air in tires, for impact wrenches, or drills, this 1.8HP quiet air compressor gives you maximum capability.
However, at 121 pounds, the SAQ-12018 is incredibly heavy. Stealth is aware of this and has equipped the unit with 8-inch rubber wheels for easy mobility.
Key Features
- Powerful 20-gallon capacity
- 68 dB ultra-quiet
- Peak 150 PSI maximum pressure, 6 CFM
- Versatile
At a price of $484, the Stealth SAQ-12018 is expensive, which is expected of its size and top-notch features.
- ✦【ULTRA QUIET & 3 TIMES LONG LIFE】STEALTH innovative quiet system air compressor have been tested to be up to 80% quieter and qualify to 3 times longer life than standard induction motors
- ✦【POWERFUL & 20 GALLON CAPACITY】High quality induction motor generates the 1. 8 horsepower power, time of recharge the air tank from empty to full only 70 seconds. 20 Gallon capacity enable your innovation work continue without break
- ✦【ULTRA QUIET SERIES& LONG LIFE CYCLE】Working noise only 68 decibels, ultra quiet and long-life cycle working hours more than 1000H. More quieter and save more money and time to replace new device
- ✦【DIVERSITY and VERSATILE】Peak 150 PSI, 6 CFM @ 40 PSI and 5 CFM @ 90PSI, Support inflation, finishing nailer , angle grinder, cut-off tool, impact wrenches, drill, hammer, chisel, sander, polisher, crease air tools etc
- ✦【EASY COLD START & STURDY】Support cold weather start and low voltage start. Housing structure build with Q235B alloy metal heavy duty design, Pass ETL certification. 8 inch rubber reinforced wheels features easily mobility
5. Best Garage Air Compressor: California Air Tools 10020C
If you need a portable air compressor with a 10-gallon air tank, the California Air Tools 10020C is an excellent choice. The California 10020C provides power and portability while leaning on the quieter side with a reasonable 70 dB noise level.
The new, all-powerful 2.0 HP (SP-9421) motor runs at only 1,680 RPM, creating minimal noise and less wear.
Better still, the unit can compress 125 PSI peak pressure, thus suitable for a broad range of pneumatic air tools. This big guy delivers 90 PSI (5.30 CFM) and 40 PSI (6.40 CFM), allowing you to run many air-hungry tools.
The high-capacity, 10-gallon tank is wheeled, making it easy to move around the job site or garage. It also features a large dual-piston pump that can fill the tank in less than 125 seconds.
Key Features
- 70 dB ultra-quiet air compressor
- 125 PSI maximum pressure
- 2 HP oil-free pump
- 10-gallon steel tank
For $415, the California Air Tools 10020C is in the upper price bracket, which is expected of its size, power, and features.
- Ultra Quiet, only 70 Decibels
- Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs
- Powerful 2.0 Hp with Low amp draw - 7.0 Amps
- 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI & 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI. Dedicated 15 amp outlet -14 gauge 25ft cord - Min. 5500 Watt Generator. Maximum continuous running 30-60 min. (Depending PSI & CFM)
- 10 Gallon Air Tank with Wheels.125 PSI maximum pressure
Wrapping Up
That’s it! Our list of the best quiet air compressors on the market today!
Air compressors come in different shapes and sizes. They vary significantly in power, noise level, size, and features. If you’re in the market for a quality, quiet air compressor, these are the best we’d recommend based on our research.
Have you used any of these quiet air compressors before? If so, what are your experiences? Share with us in the comments section below.
Related:
Best Air Compressor for Tires and Best Air Compressor for Home Garage
