When you think about investing in an air compressor, it is not only important to consider why you need one but also where you’ll use it. If you have a workshop in your garage or just behind your retail shop, you must buy a product with the least noise level, such as these best quiet air compressors reviewed below.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Mini Compressor For Small Jobs Senco PC1010 |
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 | Small-Sized But Powerful DeWalt DWFP55130 |
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 | Good Overall Product Rolair JC10 |
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 | My Favorite Makita MAC2400 |
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 | Ultra Quiet California CAT-6310 |
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 | Best For Continuous Use California CAT-10020 |
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Mini-sized
Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak, 1/2 HP Running, 1-Gallon Compressor
One of the lightest and quietest compressors tested, the 1-gallon Senco PC1010 is specifically designed for the less heavy-duty applications like finish and trim work, painting, cleaning, inflating balls or tires, nailing, and others.
Weighing less than 20 pounds, the PC1010 is still a robust and versatile compressor that comes with a well-placed handle which makes it convenient to carry it from one site to another. Its rubber-covered feet do not damage your floorboard while moving it around. The Hotdog design of the PC1010 is much quieter than its pancake designed competitors, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbors.
Depending on the type of pneumatic tool attached, the PC1010 can deliver between 20 to 44 drives per minute. It has 0.5 HP and a peak of 1 HP, with a snappy recovery time of 35 seconds which means you save time on completing your job. The mini air compressor delivers 0.6 SCFM at 100 PSI.
Some users were not happy that the PC1010 is slow in refilling the tank, while others have commented that it cycles too frequently. However, the positive feedback outweighs the negative comments, which means that the PC1010 is definitely a great trade off!
Medium-sized
DeWalt DWFP55130 Heavy Duty 200 PSI Quiet Trim Compressor
Can a compressor be both heavy duty and quiet trim? When it comes to the DeWalt DWFP55130, this is possible. But what you need to understand is that ‘heavy duty’ refers to the construction rather than application. As far as ‘quiet trim’ is concerned, at 71.5 decibels, the DeWalt DWFP55130 is 50% quieter than most pancake design compressors.
A remarkable feature of the air compressor is its maximum pressure rating of 200 PSI, as compared to a max rating of 135-150 PSI of most consumer-grade compressors. The 2.5 gallon capacity compressor delivers 3 SCFM at 90 PSI, which means that the DeWalt DWFP55130 can fire many nails with a swift recovery time. This makes it extremely useful for pneumatic tools like framing nailer, brad nailer, pneumatic stapler, and tire inflator.
The versatile compressor can be used in horizontal and vertical positions, and at 36 pounds it is very lightweight and portable. However, the steel roll cage and steel tank make it very sturdy and robust. Also, the oil-free motor means that the DeWalt DWFP55130 requires equal to no maintenance.
The only downside is a short power cord which most users find inconvenient.
Rolair JC10 1 HP Oil-Less Compressor with Overload Protection and Low RPM for Quiet Operation
When it comes to oil-less quiet compressors, the Rolair JC10 is one of the highest ranking contenders. With a single 2.5 gallon air tank, and 1 HP motor which delivers 2.3 CFM at 90 PSI, the JC10 is the dream compressor for DIYers and woodworkers who frequently use low air consumption tools such as staplers, small impact wrenches, pin and brad nailers, and die grinders.
The JC10 is rated at 60 decibels, which means it cannot be heard over a normal conversation. Weighing at just 38 pounds, the JC10 can be conveniently carried around the workshop or between job sites, while the rubber feet will protect your floor from getting scratched. If you’re worried about the motor getting damaged during transport, the roll cage design will provide ample protection to all components.
As with any compressor, the JC10 is not free from flaws. Users have commented that the viewing angle of the pressure gauges can be improved, and the draining valve is not too easy to use.
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
When the title bears ‘Big Bore’ it automatically translates into a compressor that’s insanely powerful, robust, and heavy. At 77 pounds, the Makita MAC2400 is not the lightest machine in the market, but you can’t expect anything less from the solid steel construction of the compressor. And the good news is that it still remains relatively portable for applications like inflating car tires, upholstering a headboard, or blowing dust out of the garage.
The motor has a powerful 2.5 HP and at a pressure of 90 PSI, the compressor can produce an air flow of 4.2 CFM. The twin-stacked tank has a 4.2 gallon capacity and the pump is oil-lubricated, which means less heat and less wear and tear.
The Makita MAC2400 has a noise level of 79 decibels, so it’s not a silent compressor. But you can still get your work done without waking up the entire street.
Large-sized
California Air Tools CAT-6310 Ultra 1.0 Hp 6.3-Gallon Steel Tank
Coming back to our almost silent ones, the CAT-6310 is one of the quietest air compressors in the industry with a noise level of only 60 decibels. Thus, it is ideal for applications where a high power is required but noise is an issue.
The CAT-6310 has 1.0 HP motor and at a pressure of 40 PSI, it can produce an air flow of 3.8 CFM. Weighing a mere 49 pounds, it is highly portable to carry around for household applications like tires pumping, nail guns, framing gun, or air brushing.
The air tank has a capacity of 6.3 gallon, but it takes only 155 seconds to fill up. The wheel kit further boosts the extra air capacity portability. The oil-free Dual Piston Pump System means minimal maintenance is required.
While everything about the CAT-6310 gets 5 stars, its lightweight body may be a cause of concern, as it can get damaged if mishandled.
California Air Tools CAT-10020 Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 2.0 HP 10.0-Gallon Steel Tank Air Compressor
The appearance of the CAT-10020 can be aptly described as industrial looking. A vertical steel tank with 10 gallon capacity and overall solid construction combine to make this compressor weigh 88 pounds. With this weight it definitely fits in the ‘heavy compressors’ category, but two wheels and a handle aid in its portability.
Being massively powerful, the CAT-10020 still has a noise level of 70 decibels which is not silent but not obnoxiously loud either. It can be used by homeowners and contractors to power nail guns, spray guns, paint sprayers, engraving tools, air wrenches, air drills, CNC machines, etc. In fact, since the compressor comes with two 1/4″ connectors, it is possible to connect two air tools simultaneously.
The motor has a 2.0 HP and the delivery rate is 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI. Being an oil-free compressor means that the CAT-10020 eliminates the risk of oil spills and contamination.
The only red flag that has been raised is that the on/off switch on the compressor is not ideally located.
Verdict
If the applications you are buying an air compressor for do not require a lot of power, then it is best to purchase machine which is just powerful enough to get the job done, and at the same time has least noise level. This makes it easier to use the air compressor in a residential or commercial area, as the low noise levels will not disturb others, and neither will you have to scream to talk to others. And from the aforementioned reviews, you now know which are the best mini, medium, and large sized quiet air compressors in the market.
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I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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Thanks for these great list of quiet compressors. I’ve worked with a large air compressor in work and I really see its usefulness, so I’ve decided that I’ll get a smaller one for my home. It looks like DeWalt is really good as it is the most recommended among the blog posts I’ve read.
The idea of a quiet air compressor seems like a fantasy to a lot of people, and back in the day it used to be just that-a fantasy. Now some air compressors are built from the ground up to not only be quiet, but to do so without losing any of their efficiency.