When it comes to air compressors, there are a lot of things to consider, but the noise level is often one of the top priorities for people looking for a compressor. A quiet air compressor can be a lifesaver if you’re trying to avoid neighbor complaints.
The CAT-1P1060S is the closest thing to a silent air compressor that you’re going to find. It produces just 56 decibels of noise, which is about as loud as an electric toothbrush. It’s also one of the most lightweight and portable air compressors on the market, making it easy to move around.
This article will list what I believe to be the 10 best quiet air compressors on the market today. So, if you’re in the market for a quiet air compressor, read on!
Best Air Compressor Overall: California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S
- 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
This air compressor boasts of pumping out only 56 decibels of noise, significantly lower than most compressors on the market. It’s also one of the lightest air compressors out there, weighing only 29 pounds. The California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S is an excellent option for those looking for a quiet and lightweight air compressor.
It features a 1.0-gallon steel tank and is oil-free, meaning you don’t have to worry about maintaining it. The air compressor is also quite powerful, with a maximum PSI of 90. In short, you can’t go wrong with this solid compressor from CAT.
Pros
- Ultra quiet
- Runs cooler than most air compressors
- Low maintenance
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Small tank
- No hose included
- Pump components can break down
Runner Up: California Air Tools 10020C
- 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
- Dimensions: 16 L x 15.1 W x 35.
At 70 decibels, the California Air Tools 10020C is a bit louder than the CAT-1P1060S. However, it’s still significantly quieter than most air compressors on the market. It’s also one of the most powerful quiet air compressors, with a maximum PSI of 125.
The 10020C is an excellent choice for people who need a lot of power in a quiet air compressor. It features a 2.0-gallon steel tank and is oil-free like the CAT-1P1060S. It’s also relatively lightweight, weighing in at only 82.5 pounds.
I also like that this compressor allows manual and auto drain options. This is an excellent feature for those who don’t want to worry about constantly draining their air compressor.
Pros
- 10-gallon steel tank
- Great airflow for most tasks
- Excellent customer review
Cons
- Power hungry
- Not the cheapest option
- Prone to leakage
Best Budget: Makita MAC100Q Quiet Series
- Quiet Series design at only 58 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
- Efficient 1/2 HP induction motor provides .7 CFM at 90 PSI with a maximum tank pressure of 135 PSI
- Lightweight design for increased job site portabil
This air compressor makes 58 decibels of noise, which is slightly higher than the CAT-1P1060S. It’s also relatively lightweight, weighing in at only 27.6 pounds (12.5 kg). The MAC100Q Quiet Series is an excellent option for those looking for a quiet air compressor on a budget.
While it’s not as powerful as the other two compressors on this list, it’s still an excellent choice for those who need a quiet and lightweight air compressor. It features a 1.0-gallon steel tank and is oil-free.
The complete roll-cage design of this compressor protects it from damage. Combine that with the little fact that this thing runs on lower RPMs (to promote longer engine life), and you’ve got yourself a compressor that’s built to last.
Pros
- Light and small
- Reasonably quiet
- Positive customer reviews
Cons
- Small tank
- Airflow is not the greatest
- Not the most powerful engine
Best Portable: Metabo HPT Quiet Air
- QUIET: Ultra-quiet operation at only 59 dBs: so quiet that a normal conversation can take place while the compressor is cycling and the compressor sound is barely noticeable
- OIL-FREE: Quiet industrial oil-free pump provides high durability with no maintenance
- CONTROL PANEL: Integrated control panel protects the gauges and plumbing while centralizing the controls for simple operation
- GRIP: Steel roll cage with rubber grip protects all critical components and provides comfort during transport
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Compact at only 25.2 lbs, for easy transp
This air compressor makes 59 decibels of noise, making it one of the quietest air compressors on the market. Not to mention, it’s one of the most portable options as well. In fact, you can have a normal conversation without feeling like you have to yell while the compressor is running.
The oil-free operation means you don’t have to worry about maintenance, which is a big plus. And the easy-to-read gauges make it simple to use.
It is also one of the few air compressors with a grip roll cage that protects all vital components while creating a nice way to carry it around.
At only 25.2 pounds (11.4 kg), it’s also one of the lightest air compressors, but it doesn’t have much power. However, that won’t be an issue for most people since it can still handle most tasks.
Pros
- Can easily run two framing nailers
- Quiet
- Flexible steel braided discharge hose
- Steel roll cage
Cons
- Serviceability is not that great
- Durability issues
- Not the most powerful compressor
Best for Heavy Duty Jobs: SuperHandy Air Compressor
- SPECS and CAPABILITIES - This ULTRA-QUIET Air Compressor and Tire Inflator, 1HP 6.3 Gallon Tank runs at a lower RPM (1700); This unit has a 1/4 inch NPT Quick Connect Coupler and a reliable Mechanical Pressure Gauge to monitor the PSI range. Time to Fill Tank 150 seconds; OUTPUT 3.0CFM @ 40PSI OUTPUT 2.2CFM @ 90PSI
This unit is a bit bigger and heavier than most options on this list, but it’s still portable enough to take with you wherever you need to go. It weighs in at 51 pounds (23.1 kg) but can handle higher PSI levels, making it ideal for those who need to do some heavy-duty work.
It also has an impressive noise level of only 60 decibels, which is only slightly higher than other options. But it’s still low enough that you can have a conversation without feeling like you need to shout.
Most people use this compressor for construction work, but it can be used for various tasks. And the oil-free pump means that you don’t have to worry about maintenance. However, never use the unit for jobs that require more than 120 PSI, as it can damage the pump.
In terms of safety, this unit has a thermal overload protector that keeps it from overworking. And the included pressure gauge makes it easy to see how much air is in the tank. You also get a safety valve that allows easy and fast depressurizing.
Pros
- Quiet
- Easy to use
- Low maintenance requirements
Cons
- Gauges are not facing up
- It’s relatively expensive
- Bigger and heavier than other options
Best Engraving Compressor: California Air Tools 2010SP
- Ultra Quiet - Only 60 decibels
- Oil-Free Pump – Cleaner air for better tool operation and less maintenance costs.
- One Air Tank Pressure Gauge
- Two - Female industrial Push to Connect quick connectors
- Push Button On/Off Power Switch
- Thermal Overload Protector
- 135 PSI Maximum Pressure
- Low Amp Draw - 8.5 Amps 110v / 60 hz
At 60 decibels, this is one of the quietest air compressors on the market. And it’s perfect for those who need to do engraving work since it doesn’t vibrate as much. In fact, it’s so quiet that you can use it in an office without disturbing the neighbors.
It also has a low amp draw, so it won’t trip the breaker when you plug it in. The oil-free pump means that there’s no maintenance required.
You also get an easy start valve that allows you to build up pressure slowly. And the included regulator makes it easy to control the airflow. Plus, the gauges are easy to read, so you always know how much air is in the tank.
The push-to-connect quick coupler also makes it easy to hook up the hoses. You also get a two-gallon air tank that’s great for those who need a bigger option.
Pros
- Good price point
- Long extension cord
- Steady grip in the foot area
Cons
- PSI drops fast
- Subpar customer support
- Not many reviews available online
Powerful Compressor: Stealth Ultra 4.5 Gallon Compressor
- ✅【STABLE STRUCTURE& CONVENIENT FOR MOVEMENT】Stable heavy duty housing use Q235B steel, 6 inch rubber reinforced wheels, and upright handle design convenient for movement
- ✅【STABLE STRUCTURE& CONVENIENT FOR MOVEMENT】Stable heavy duty housing use Q235B steel, 6 inch rubber reinforced wheels, and upright handle design convenient for movem
At 64 decibels, this unit is noisier than some of the other options. But it’s still relatively quiet and perfect for those who need a powerful air compressor. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful units on the market, with a max PSI of 150.
It also has a high flow rate, which is perfect for those who need to use tools that require a lot of air. And the oil-free pump means that you don’t have to worry about maintenance.
The unit also has an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in when the tank is full. And the pressure gauge is easy to read, so you always know how much air is in the tank. You get a cold weather start and quick recovery features that make it easy to use the unit in any weather.
The build quality of this compressor is also impressive, and it’s backed by a one-year warranty, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product.
Pros
- Cold weather start
- Low voltage start
- Wheels and telescoping handle
- Built-in storage for blow gun
Cons
- Pricey
- Noisier than comparable compressors
- Larger than similar compressors
Best for Power Efficiency: Dewalt Air Compressor
- 3.0 SCFM delivered @ 90 PSI pump, 2.5 gallon tank and 200 max PSI of the portable air compressor enables large amount of nails to be fired and provides quick recovery
- Durable oil free pump of the electric air compressor provides extended maintenance-free operation
- Low 71.5* dBA of DEWALT portable air compressor allows for quieter operation (*Tested per ISO3744)
- Low 12 amp draw motor provides easy start-up and reduces breaker tripping
- Lightweight (36 lbs), thin (12.5 inch) and compact design is easy to carry and store
This unit makes about 71.5 decibels of noise, which is a bit higher than some other options. But it’s still relatively quiet and perfect for those who need a reliable air compressor.
It has a max PSI of 200, which is perfect for those who need to use tools that require a lot of air. And the oil-free pump means that you don’t have to worry about maintenance.
The low 12 amp draw also means it won’t trip the breaker when you plug it in. And you can set the unit in an upright or horizontal position, which is a no-brainer for those with limited space.
Plus, the unit comes with a 2.5-gallon air tank that works well for those who need a bigger option. And you also get an integrated control panel that makes it easy to use the unit.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Maintenance-free pump
- Low power requirements
Cons
- Suited for light-duty tasks
- Louder than most compressors
- Reported problems with valve assembly
Best Professional Grade: Campbell Hausfeld 6 Gallon Air Compressor
- Greatly reduced noise: 68 decibel rating allows the user to run compressor in home environments
- Max 125 PSI
- Oil-free, maintenance free pump
- The conveniently placed gauges and regulator allow for easy monitoring of tank and line pressure
- 6 Gallon T
This unit makes about 68 decibels of noise, which is a bit higher than some of the other options. But it’s still relatively quiet and perfect for those who need a powerful air compressor. In fact, this is one of the most powerful units on the market, with a max PSI of 125.
The gauges are conveniently located on the front of the unit, so you can quickly see how much air is in the tank. And you also get an easy start valve that allows you to build up pressure slowly.
The 6-gallon tank is also a great option for those who need a bigger option. And the unit is made of alloy steel, so it’s built to last. This is the closest you can get to a professional air compressor without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Sturdy build
- Solid performance
Cons
- Poor packaging
- Reports of leaks
- Slightly noisier than other compressors
Best Electric Air Compressor: Ridgid 200 PSI 4.5 Gal Electric Quiet Compressor
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic
Electric air compressors are a great option for those who need a relatively quiet air compressor that does not need gas. And this unit is one of the quietest on the market, with a noise level of only 77 decibels.
I like the compact design of this unit, which makes it perfect for those with limited space. And the oil-free pump means that you don’t have to worry about maintenance. Overall, this is a great option for those who need a quiet and powerful air compressor.
Pros
- Versatile–can do light and heavy-duty tasks
- Affordable
- Quiet
Cons
- High power requirements
- Not many reviews online
- Not as widely available as other compressors
Final Thoughts
There you have it–a list of the best air compressors on the market. I hope you found this guide helpful and were able to find the perfect option for your needs. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. So, if you need a powerful and quiet compressor, be prepared to spend a bit more money.