Air compressors are useful tools, but that doesn’t mean they are all created equally. Different brands provide different pros and cons which must be evaluated so the best possible tool can be purchased. Considering the fact that many of the best air compressors are priced above $200, with some exceeding $1,000, knowing what a brand can provide you will give you a tremendous advantage during the shopping process.
Here are the top brands of air compressors that are on the market today and what you should expect to find when using them.
Bostitch
This brand is a subsidiary of Stanley Black and Decker, so its air compressors are going to be very similar to some other brands. Don’t be fooled by the fact that this brand has been selling in Walmart stores since 2013. It may have entry-level prices, but the results it can produce are world-class. This brand has been creating tools with a superior performance since 1896 and that continues still today. Read our Bostitch 3 Tool Compressor Combo Kit Review.
California Air Tools
When you need a quiet air compressor, then this is the brand you’ll want to look at first. These tools are incredibly quiet at just 60 decibels, are quiet lightweight, yet they have a certain sturdiness to them that gives the user confidence. Multiple options are available so you can get an air compressor that is the right size for your at-home projects. Read our review of the California Air Tools 1HP Aluminium Tank Air Compressor.
Campbell Hausfeld
This established brand is available at many major retail outlets. With more than 175 years of experience in this industry, you’ll be purchasing equipment that is proven to be reliable. Many of this brand’s products are also designed to work together, so you’ll find welders, paint sprayers, and pressure washers for a full line of DIY tools or commercial-grade tools ready to help you out. Inflate your tires or build a deck – the only limit is your imagination. Read our reviews of the best Campbell Hausfeld air compressor models.
Central Pneumatic
This brand comes from Harbor Freight and Tools. These air compressors are designed for light commercial or industrial use, which means they are suitable for many home needs as well. Although this brand has a certain aspect of fragility with it and most of the air compressors come with just a 90 day warranty, you do receive a high-powered solution that can get some tough jobs done if you treat this tool right.
Craftsman
Craftsman tools, which are primarily sold through the Sears retail chain, have one of the best reputations for quality in the industry. If a Craftsman tool breaks, you take it to your local store and it gets replaced many times for free. This reputation has been extended to this brand’s air compressors, allowing you to have confidence in its ability to get your next project completed on time. You won’t find Craftsman air compressors available online very often, but your neighborhood hardware outlet, lumber store, or DIY retail chain center will likely have at least one model in stock for you to try out.
DeWalt
DeWalt is known for creating tough tools and their air compressors fit right in with this reputation. From portable pancake compressors to large contractor models, each air compressor is designed to complete specific jobs. This makes the shopping process much easier as you can easily find the exact type of compressor for the jobs that need to get done. Read our reviews of DeWalt Air Compressors.
Husky
This brand claims to have the toughest name in tools. A tough name doesn’t mean you create a tough product, but the air compressors manufactured by this brand are a great value buy. This brand is primarily sold through the Home Depot retail chain, but there are independent service centers which operate throughout North America as well. You won’t find many Husky air compressors available for sale on independent sites like Amazon, but your local hardware store may keep this brand in stock.
Ingersoll Rand
Many homeowners are familiar with this brand because of their thermostats and air conditioning systems. Trane A/C units are part of this brand. What many do not realize is that some of the world’s best air compressors are also manufactured by this brand. Although they have one of the highest price tags in the industry today, with many models above $2,000, you will be investing in an air compressor that will give you a lifetime of guaranteed service. If you can afford this brand, strongly consider it. View the full range of Ingersoll Rand air compressors on Amazon.
Makita
This brand has a strong reputation for making strong and portable power tools for any occasion. Their all-in-one set of tools that runs on the same battery changed the industry. The air compressors this brand manufactures are proven to be just as strong and portable as their power tools. With options up to 3 HP and large tank capacities, you’ll be able to take this brand wherever you need to go and have confidence that the job is going to get done the right way. We’ve reviewed the Makita Big Bore Compressor here.
Porter Cable
This brand has a reputation for innovation. They’ve introduced many of the most useful power tools to the general market since 1906 and that tradition continues with their air compressors. They are a subsidiary brand of Stanley Black & Decker. Although manufacturing of new air compressors has primarily shifted to Mexico or China in order to keep pricing competitive, the overall quality of this brand’s air compressors has not changed. How influential is this brand? They received an entire permanent exhibit featuring their tools in the Smithsonian. Read our guide to the best Porter Cable air compressors.
Sanborn
This air compressor brand offers a wide variety of options, allowing you to have stationary or portable air compressors to meet your needs. This brand also manufactures its own parts and coordinating tools, so you can rest assured that the vacuum pump you need will work just as your air compressor does. Primarily available through Grainger and Menards, the goal of this brand is to make your shopping experience easy by providing you with numerous high quality options that you can try out in person.
The best air compressor brand will offer you specific options that will give you a working advantage for your next product. Read the tool reviews, have confidence in the brand’s reputation, and you’ll be sure to make a wise investment.
