You find yourself with a flat out in the middle of nowhere. The electrical outlet at the campground you just paid for isn’t working. You’ve just taken the kids outside with their new bikes they got for Christmas and one of the tires is running flat. The best 12v air compressor reviews will help you find the right compressor that can meet all of these needs and so many more very effectively – and for a highly competitive price.
The Best Chart for 12v Air Compressors
A 12v air compressor typically works best when you plug it into one of the outlets your vehicle may have. Some generators and other power sources may also have a 12v outlet you can use. The chart below offers you a look at the compressors in this category that are proven to meet your needs.
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Master Flow Cyclone High Volume Portable Air Compressor | 4.3 | $$ |
 | Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow High Volume 12v Air Compressor | 4.3 | $$$ |
 | Campbell Hausfeld 12v Compact Inflator | 4.1 | $ |
 | Viair 150 PSI High Flow Air Source Kit | 4.9 | $$$$$+ |
 | Accutire Compact 300 PSI 12v Compressor | 4.0 | $ |
 | ePathChina Portable Super Flow 12v Car Air Compressor | 4.4 | $$ |
 | Slime Pro Power Heavy Duty 12v Tire Inflator | 4.4 | $$$$ |
 | Master Flow MF-1050 Air Compressor | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Campbell Hausfeld RP3200 12v Inflator & Worklight | 3.6 | $ |
 | Viair 90P Portable Compressor | 4.6 | $$$ |
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
The Benefits of Owning the Best 12v Air Compressor
A 12v air compressor is an easy way to have a portable compressed air solution. Just pack it into your vehicle when you’re going out for a drive and you’ll be able to have a way to fill up your tires or inflatables when there isn’t another power source. You need to have an active 12v outlet for this air compressor to work, but just about every vehicle comes equipped with at least one. Many have 3+ incorporated into their designs today.
You’ll also be able to receive these additional benefits when you purchase the best 12v air compressor to meet your needs.
- You can fill up items to a specific pressure. Many 12v air compressors come equipped with a pressure gauge. This allows you to meet specific PSI requirements for your tires or inflatables.
- The air hose is built into the unit. Instead of fiddling with numerous connections that could spring a leak on you, most 12v compressors are designed with an all-in-one assembly. You just need to worry about plugging in your compressor and connecting it to what needs to be filled.
- Many 12v compressors come with combo air tool kits. Although you won’t generally be able to power a nail gun with this type of compressor, some airbrushing equipment does work with them. You can also fill up sports equipment and take care of other chores thanks to the often included air tool combo kits.
Most 12v air compressors are designed to be inflators. Most don’t come with a tank that will store compressed air. That means one must be mindful of the common problems users may encounter with this type of air compressor as well.
Common Problems with 12v Air Compressors
Why are the best 12v air compressor reviews so critical to the shopping experience in this category? Because there are some common problems you’ll need to watch out for when shopping for the best compressor. The most common problem you’ll discover is burnout. The air compressor can either burn itself out or burn out your 12v outlet. Once that happens, it isn’t going to work until you get the outlet or the compressor replaced and that can be a costly repair.
Low air pressure is another common issue users face with this type of compressor. Although you may be able to fill up a tire or an inflatable with it, you might find yourself waiting around for several minutes. Many of these compressors are quite loud as well because they must run continuously since they have no tank, which means you’re going to disrupt your neighborhood, the campground, or any other area you find yourself.
How to Find the Best 12v Air Compressor for Me
Not every 12v air compressor is made the same. Differing manufacturing processes can make a huge difference in the user experience. Some of these compressors can burn out very easily if they are run for several minutes continuously. Others can keep chugging along like a champ, seemingly never to wear out. The best 12v air compressor reviews can help you get a glimpse of the user experience you should expect from each unit.
Features are also important to the ownership experience in this category. It is enormously helpful to have a compressor with a pressure gauge included so you don’t have to keep detaching the compressor to check on the pressure with a separate gauge. Having multiple air flow rates can help you better fill up low PSI inflatables without risking damage.
Price is also important. Finding the right combination of features and price for your budget can sometimes be tricky. The reviews found here can help with that as well.
What Are the Prices of the Best 12v Air Compressors?
In this category, entry-level 12v air compressors typically start around the $20-$30 price point. These compressors typically have limited features, if any at all. They are usually marketed as an emergency air compressor and give you one air flow rate, a low-level PSI, and no way to check your air pressure.
The mid-level price point of $50-$75 is where you’ll find most of the compressors in this category. These models typically have one or two specific features that are designed to meet specific needs you may have. You may find different air tools, a pressure gauge, different air hoses, and a stronger overall PSI and SCFM.
Premium 12v air compressors offer a user experience that is similar to an entry-level home air compressor or small portable air compressor. These models have an average price point of $100, but may also be able to run low-level air tools that can help you get some projects completed.
What Do Our Reviews Have To Say?
Master Flow
This high volume air compressor inflates up to 150 PSI and delivers an incredible 30L of air per minute. That’s 3x the amount you’ll find in similar priced and sized portable air compressors. This makes it the ideal compressor to have in your car for emergencies. A pressure gauge is integrated into the design and it is really easy to read it. The hose is coiled, making for easy storage, and if you like this compressor so much that you want to make it a stationary unit, it can be modified to make it a permanent installation. Not bad at this price point. Not bad at all.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
Q Industries
This super flow air compressor can inflate a flat tire in 150 seconds. It inflates up to 120 PSI and the 16 foot coiled hose will help you reach just about anything. The handle on this compressor is a little awkward with the pressure gauge mounted underneath it, but this sturdy unit will always be ready to work if you’ve got a 12v receptacle close. A storage bag comes with your purchase, but since it weighs just 1 pound, you might just throw it into a backpack and call it good.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
Accutire
This 300 PSI portable 12v air compressor comes with a standard 10 foot cord and 20 inch air hose. You’ll receive 2 different nozzle adapters and a needle for your favorite sports equipment. The pressure gauge built into the compressor’s housing is pretty reliable and a simple on/off switch lets you easily use the compressor. It takes a couple of minutes to stabilize the tire pressure on a vehicle, but anything more than that might require a bit of a time investment.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
Slime Heavy Duty
This 12v tire inflator can inflate a standard vehicle’s tire in just 3 minutes. A bright LED light helps you to read the built-in dial gauge at any time of day, even if you’ve got the 16 foot green coiled air hose stretched out to its limit. You’ll get a canvas bag to help transport this inflator and the adapters you’ll need for all of your inflatables. A 15 amp fuse is required for this device, so it might not work for every receptacle in your vehicle. Make sure you’ve got the amps available before purchasing this item and you’ll be fine.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
Campbell Hausfeld
When you think of an all-in-one tire inflator, this particular model hits all of the proper checkpoints you’d expect to see in a good product. There are 3 inflation nozzles and a universal adapter. A flashing hazard light will let people see you working in the dark and the included work light is bright enough to let you see what you’re doing. It weighs under 4 pounds, comes with a 12 month limited warranty, and inflates up to 150 PSI. You can’t go wrong with the price either.
Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and find the best deal.
The best 12v air compressor reviews will help you to find a portable solution for your inflation needs. Whether it is tires, sports equipment, or something to tow behind the boat, you’ll be able to find the right compressor at the right price today.
