Our Quiet Air Compressor Reviews will Shock you (just quietly…)
Shhhh! Wanna keep the noise down? Gotta think of the neighbours? Not exactly easy to do if you’re using an air compressor – or is it? Actually, there is a large selection of air compressors around for home or commercial use and it is possible to find ones that operate with lower levels of noise.
We’ll show you what to look out for when you are selecting a quiet air compressor and we’ll even throw in our opinions on some of the best of breed quiet compressors around. All you’ve got to do is read our quiet air compressor reviews…
Buying the right (quiet) Air Compressor
So we’ve established that air noisy air compressors lead to bad karma from your neighbours or work colleagues but how do you ensure that you are getting one that really is quiet?
There is a large number of air compressors aimed at the domestic or light commercial customer and they all come with a wealth of measurements that trumpet their performance. Trouble is, which ones are relevant if you’re looking to buy a shhhh compressor?
Do you know how to sort out your HP from your volts and your CFM and PSI? Read on to find out more about the three things to consider when looking to find the best quiet air compressor for your needs.
1. Decibel Ratings
Most domestic or light commercial air compressors available today will have a noise rating of between 40dB and 85dB plus. At the 40dB end, a compressor is indeed VERY quiet but you should check carefully that the compressor is capable of doing what you need.
At 40dB a compressor will not be capable of much more than inflating the odd tyre or pool accessory. Between 60dB and 70Db you have machines that are quiet enough to use indoors without rattling the best china off the shelf.
Finally at the top end of the noise range, 85dB and above are compressors that need to be used out of door or positioned in a sound baffled environment.
2. Horsepower
Never buy based on quietness alone. Check out the horse power of a specific model before lifting it off the shelf. Before you do that, check out the HP. The higher the HP, the more powerful your compressor is but very often it will also be noisier.
Most (again domestic or light commercial) will run on a standard 110- 120 volt supply. Check out the amps that a given model draws. More powerful motors needed to fill larger tanks may well cause a problem with the circuit breakers in a domestic electricity supply.
If you get it wrong, every time you blow up a tyre you run the risk of tripping the circuit breakers. Look for motors that run at about 1HP for the quieter operation. 2HP motors are likely to need a 240 volt supply, a 110 volt just isn’t powerful enough, and surprise surprise, as you’d expect, they are potentially the noisier machines,
3. Tank Size
Whilst not a sign of quiet operation, a compressor with a larger air tank will power your tools for longer or inflate more tyres and poolside accessories before the motor is needed to refill it. So, the larger the tank the less refilling and therefore less noise overall. Make sure you get the size right, above all else, or you’ll be left with a machine too weak, or too powerful (and hence, bulky) for your needs.
Quiet Air Compressors Review
So you should now be equipped with the knowledge that you need in order to indentify and pick up the best quiet air compressor available, but how do you choose? The table below shows the 4 best air compressors on the market that will keep your noise-sensitive neighbours happy. Click the Buttons on the table to see the products on Amazon or scroll down to read reviews of each model.
The 3 Best Quiet Air Compressors:
CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS
The California Air Tools CAT-6310
Capacity: 6.3 gallon
Noise Level: 60 dB
Weight: 49 pounds
1 Year Warranty
DEWALT
Heavy Duty 200 PSI Quiet Trim Compressor
Capacity: 2.5 gallon
Noise Level: 71.5 dB
Weight: 36 pounds
1 Year Warranty
CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS
The California Air Tools 10020
Capacity: 10 gallon
Noise Level: 70 dB
Weight: 88 pounds
1 Year Warranty
1. The California Air Tools CAT-6310
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: 6.3 gallon
- Noise Level: 60 dB
- Weight: 49 pounds so not exactly heavy weight
- Warranty: 1 year
First off – noise. You can carry on a normal conversation next to the CAT-6310. Its 60 dB rating means it’s not silent but if you need to work indoors AND worry about noise pollution put this compressor on your short list immediately.
The 1.0 HP motor operates at 1680 RPM and has two pistons which is why noise is kept so well in check. The motor fills the 6.3 gallon tank quite quickly so there are no lengthy pauses while refilling.
Weighing in at an impressive 49 pounds only, this lightweight is easily moved around the home, workshop or construction site as it has two solid wheels and a well-positioned carrying handle to complete the wheelbarrow look.
PROS
- Quiet? You’ll certainly be able to hear yourself think
- Easy assembly, wheels and air filter is all you need to install
- Light weight
- Seven noise reduction patents pending
- Pressure guages to help ensure your air never runs out
CONS
- Pressure guages are not the easiest to read
The Verdict: Other than looks, what’s not to like about the California Air Tools CAT-6310! If you’re not needing heavy duty air for spraying and grinding type activities then this is one for you. Compared to a similarly sized pancake compressor the noise level is so much better.
2. The DEWALT Heavy-Duty 200 PSI Quiet Trim Compressor
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: 2.5 gallon
- Noise Level: 71.5 dB
- Weight: 36 (yes just 36) pounds
- Warranty 1 year
Built around an effective motor that draws just 12 amps, this compressor can deliver just less than 90 pounds per square inch at 3 cubic feet per minute without tripping the local electricity supply every time you staple a plank or inflate a tyre. On top of that it is really quiet, the oil free operation and cover design keep noise down to an impressive 71.5 db.
As well as being quiet, the pump on this air compressor is mighty effective! It will fill the tank 15% faster than competitor models. It is cleverly designed with convenience in mind – the shroud that helps keep noise down also serves as a cord wrap and the tank features a nifty ball drain valve to keep bleeding effort free.
PROS
- Small but perfectly formed! It’s only 12.5 inches wide
- Choice of horizontal or vertical (smaller) footprint for storage
- Hefty, max 200 PSI output
- Light weight so easy to lug around
CONS
- Probably lacks the oomph for larger nailing type jobs
The Verdict: The Dewalt DWFP55130 compressor is particularly designed with indoor use in mind. If you are planning to use your compressor indoors the footprint can be minimised as it works effectively in either the horizontal or vertical position.
Best of all though, the low noise level means it is ideal for use around the home or indoors on a construction site where noise levels need to be watched.
3. The California Air Tools 10020
Quick Facts:
- Capacity: 10 gallons
- Noise Level: 70 dB (did you hear that – 70db)
- Weight: 88 pounds
- Warranty: 1 year
Built around a hefty 10 gallon tank, filled by an impressive 2 HO motor the California Air Tools CAT-10020 makes an excellent addition to your home tool set. The dual air lines mean it is also worth considering for use on the construction site. Do remember though, this compressor is not going to drive the most heavy duty tools such as sprayers or grinders.
From the noise perspective it certainly is a player, it operates at an amazing 70 dB so can be used in that construction site without damaging the plumbers hearing. It is also worth using at home as the neighbours will hardly be able to hear it and you’ll not be shakin’ and rattlin’ in your own home either.
PROS
- Very quiet –well it had to be top of this list did’t it
- Easy assembly – a child could do it (under constant supervision and with help after their 16th birthday)
- Fast recovery time – even considering the tank size
CONS
- More expensive but you always get what you pay for
- Where’s the on/off switch – who put it there?
The Verdict: California Air tools are new players in the compressor market and already have a great reputation that is well justified. Excellent build quality and that all important quiet operation makes this a compressor to look at in detail.
The above air compressors have not only been voted as the quietest air compressors on the market for years on