If you’ve ever tried to fill up your car, bike tire, or blow up a mattress on the go with an air compressor, then you know that 120 volts of power are more than enough.
But what if it isn’t? What if, like most people, you have no desire to spend time unplugging and plugging cords at home or work?
To help you avoid wasting time and money, we have compiled a list of the best 120v air compressor models so you can get back to what really matters.
We will discuss those models in this article that are worth buying compared to others. We hope that you will get a better idea of what is available, and maybe choose one featured model from our list.
PORTER-CABLE 120v 6 Gallon Air Compressor
DEWALT Air Compressor 120V
PORTER-CABLE 120V Portable Air Compressor
Top 09 Best 120v Air Compressor
Whether you are looking for 120v air compressors for home use or industrial use, you can count on us. Our reviews will guide you to the right product for your needs.
1. PORTER-CABLE 120v 6 Gallon Air Compressor
The PORTER-CABLE 120v 6 Gallon Air Compressor is a reliable solution for both light and heavy duty jobs that require continuous air flow. It offers an impressive total tank pressure of 150 psi as well as 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi which means you can do more work with less downtime.
Not only does this compressor have plenty of features, it also features a Low Amp 120v motor that starts up without issues in notoriously cold conditions or even with the power cord. The durable oil-free pump ensures durability and lack of maintenance, making this piece tough to beat.
Six-gallon pancake-style tank that will not tip over, with a valve for draining water and rubber feet. Only 30 lbs to make it easy to transport from job site to job site if needed. The two regulated air couplers are factory installed to support two users.
This is an inexpensive option compared to other brands on the market, making it easy for almost anyone to get their hands on tools like these. If you’re looking for a powerful tool but still want lightweight portability, the PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor might be a perfect fit for you.
Highlighted Features:
- High-Pressure 150psi Tank
- 2.6 SCFM at 90psi
- Lowe Amp 120v motor with two regulated air couplers
- Pancake 6 gallon tank
- Easy to work on heavy duty jobs
- Has a durable oil-free pump
2. DEWALT Air Compressor 120V
The DEWALT Air Compressor 120V provides a reliable solution for pneumatic and air-powered tools. Oil-free pump is designed to quickly deliver air coverage, while the cord wrap allows for easy transport to the jobsite or garage.
DEWALT Compressor is designed for fast recovery times, quick tool run time, and high volume of air delivered for your pneumatic tool applications. It can be extended with a maximum air pressure of 165 PSI. The no-oil pump delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI so you don’t have to worry about maintenance.
Two universal couplers are included for supporting two users quickly during job tasks. With a weight of only 30lbs., this compressor can be carried or stored just about anywhere with ease.
78.5 DBA of noise generated by this air compressor ensures a quiet working environment. An air compressor powered by electricity with a high-efficiency motor allows for convenient start-up during cold temperatures or with an extension cord.
Heavy Duty 6 Gallon Pancake style compressor is great for DIYers and professionals. Easy to use, great portable air compressor. It can be used in a variety of applications. It is made with DEWALT quality for a durable and efficient air compressor.
Highlighted Features:
- Oil free pump delivers air quickly for jobsite use
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI ensures compressor runs smoothly
- 30lbs weight allows for easy transport
- 78.5 DBA provides a quiet working environment
- Heavy Duty 6 Gallons Pancake style compressor
- Durable and efficient
3. PORTER-CABLE 120V Portable Air Compressor
The Porter-Cable Air Compressor Kit is a durable, 100% non-oil solution for inflating tires and other small projects. It features an easy to carry design with rubber feet and a water drain valve. Moreover, it comes with a 25 foot air hose coil, making it more convenient than many other brands on the market.
The low amp 120V motor easily starts in cold weather or when using a power extension for use both inside your home or outside when needed. Noise levels are 79dBA and the tank max pressure is 150 psi which provides more air storage, allowing long runtimes of tools when needed.
This 120v portable air compressor includes all that you need to get started working on small projects. The 1.5 gallon tank is easy to move around home or shop.
The electric air compressor has a completely enclosed construction which protects it from hot and moving parts including the oil free pump which allows for long life in a maintenance free environment.
The PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor Kit allows 2.0 SCFM at 90 psi for quick recovery time, making projects go faster and smoother. The motor has a low amp draw of only 20 lbs which makes it more portable than many other electric compressors on the market.
Highlighted Features:
- 100% oil free
- Easy to carry design
- Rubber feet and a water drain valve
- Durable construction
- 2.0 SCFM at 90 psi for quick recovery time
- Low amp draw of only 20 lbs
4. Makita 120v Air Compressor for Impact
The Makita MAC700 features an oil-lubricated pump with an automotive-style air filter to increase air intake, which improves efficiency.
This 120V air compressor for impact oil sight glasses facilitates quick, easy and efficient maintenance while the copper finned discharge tubing provides more dissipation of heat and reduces the amount of water in the tank.
Combined with the increased bore and stroke, delivers excellent performance. Substantially quieter due to the large 1,720 RPM pump providing greater displacement at lower speeds. Low power consumption reduces tripped breakers and voltage drops, which can lead to motor failure sooner.
Oil lubricated provides cooler running pumps, minimizing wear to engine and accessories. This Makita air compressor has a large capacity 2.0 HP with Big Bore engineered pump for higher output, less noise and improved jobsite performance as compared to other brands at 120 volts.
The pump with cast iron cylinder is engineered for greater durability on tough job sites. Ideal for contractor professionals who demand power and results without sacrificing durability or convenience.
Newly designed roll bar handles increase mobility and the addition of a power cable wrap ensures fast easy storage when not in use or on the road transporting to your next project location.
Highlighted Features:
- Oil-lubricated pump with automotive-style air filter
- Increased air intake and efficiency
- Copper finned discharge tubing
- Large capacity of 2.0 HP
- Less noise and improved jobsite performance
- Greater durability
5. Craftsman 120V Air Compressor
The Craftsman 120v Air Compressor is an excellent 1.5HP, 3 gallon model that provides enough stored power to complete your projects. The design is compact and lightweight so it’s easy to carry around without any hassle.
It has a Q235b steel housing structure making it durable and reliable for all of your compressor needs. With the oil-free, maintenance free UMC pump system, this compressor not only starts up easily in cold weather but also provides dependable performance like maxing out at 155 PSI with little effort on your part.
This product includes 1 x Quick Coupler, 6 ft power cord, ball valve & filter, giving you everything you need to get started straight away. With a max PSI of 155, this Craftsman Compressor is perfect for projects such as inflation, hobby stapling, painting, nailing, fastening and bolting.
The Craftsman Air Compressor is just what you need to get the job done. It has everything you would expect from a Craftsman and more. The compressor is designed with high efficiency and durability.
So it can be used for longer periods of time without any issue. Craftsman is not only known for their powerful and useful tools, but also for their customer service as well.
Highlighted Features:
- Compact and Lightweight
- 1.5HP, 3 gallon model
- 155 max PSI pressure
- Very durable and reliable
- Non-oil system for convenience and excellence
6. Stealth 120V Portable Air Compressor
Stealth 120V Portable Air Compressors are long-lasting, heavy-duty air compressors with all the features you’ll need to complete any job. With this ultra quiet air compressor, your noise will only be 68 decibels which allows for quieter jobs at home or on site.
Clocking in at 1.8 horsepower, it has an output that will power inflation and finish nailers as well as angle grinders and drill guns. It also comes with rubber wheels that enable mobility plus cold-weather compatibility so you will never have your work interrupted by outside factors.
5 CFM at 90 PSI so you will be able to power every air tool accessory with the Stealth 20 Gallon Compressor. This ultra quiet compressor gives you all of that plus it is ETL listed and has a dual piston pump that provides stability, reliability and safe use.
Made with Q235B alloy metal to ensure durability even during rigorous use can expect quality if owning without question. This unit saves time and money because there is no need for a replacement compressor.
Keeping your home or garage clean can be a headache when it comes to finding tools that have been left laying around from unfinished jobs. It has all the power you need for both commercial and residential jobs to help bring ease to completing any task at hand.
Highlighted Features:
- Durable because it is made with Q235B alloy metal
- 1.8 horsepower output
- Rubber wheels to enable mobility
- Cold-weather compatibility
- 5 CFM at 90 PSI
7. Kobalt 120V 12V Air Compressor
Kobalt is a company that specializes in manufacturing power tools and equipment. They have been around for many years. The variety of their product line ranges from small items like screwdrivers to large items like generators.
Kobalt Portable Air Compressors produce 120 PSI and fit easily in your car. It can quickly inflate objects like bikes, cars, pool floats and air mattresses.
This device includes a compressor with a digital display that lets you choose your desired air pressure from 1-120 psi. It’s also easy to use, simply plug it into standard wall power or an automotive outlet.
The portable tire inflator connects easily into a 120 or 12-volt outlet with the included DC power cord for use with vehicles or the included AC plug for use with standard outlets.
In addition to this, the Kobalt Portable tire inflator has 2 sport needles and valves for presta included, increasing its functionality, allowing it to inflate footballs, basketballs, and volleyballs.
It’s perfect size lets it fit in most trunks easily and its dual power lets you take it wherever you need it. Perfect for mid-sized cars, large trucks, SUV’s, ATV’s and motorcycles.
Highlighted Features:
- Digital displays give you flexibility
- Set desired pressure from 1 to 120 psi
- Easy to use
- Inflates footballs, basketballs and volleyball
- Compact size for use in most vehicles
8. JACO 120V Air Compressor for Tires
JACO SmartPro Tire Inflator air compressor is an advanced portable air compressor pump that can inflate tires (SUV, car, truck) up to 65 PSI and bike tires up to 100 PSI with its high-quality digital air pressure gauge.
This AC/DC Digital tire inflator also comes with Presta Valves so it can be used on any bike or car tire. The JACO Pump is equipped with super bright built-in LED lighting with 3 settings: emergency SOS, off and flashlight so you are visible at night while working in the dark.
Adapters are included for bicycle presta valves, sport balls and inflatables, making them perfect for all types of usage needs. The air tools can give you accurate inflation without over inflating or under inflating. It also features a bright LCD display screen for visibility during nighttime use.
A 24 inch heavy-duty air hose with a snap-on nozzle chuck provides a secure and hands-free seal around the valve stem and offers fast, efficient air anywhere. It also includes a ten foot 12-volt DC power cord for tire access on-the-go and a six foot AC power cord (110v / 120v) for plugging into home or garage power outlets.
All of these features come together making it easy to inflate your car tires without any hassle and also reduce loud tire noise at highway speeds. Features a sleek design making it easier to store in your home without taking up too much space. The digital display screen makes it easy to tell when your tires have reached the desired PSI level.
Highlighted Features:
- Can inflate up to 65 PSI and 100 PSI for bike tires
- Equipped with super bright LED lighting
- Includes a 10 foot 12-volt DC power cord
- Includes a 6 foot (110v or 120v) AC power cord
9. Slime 120v Air Compressor
Slime’s 120-volt compressor can fill a standard car tire in four minutes. The accessory kit comes with a toolkit, valve caps, and a depth gauge to allow you to fill any type of tire or other toys from the convenience of your garage.
The unit also includes a temperature break safety feature, a tread depth gauge and a storage case. 14.75′ cord with green coil, 29.5” air hose, power cord for 67″, 120v wall outlet, power source for extension cords, and a 120v power source.
To prevent overheating, the device has a thermal safety break feature. It has a dial gauge built in (0-150 PSI) and also includes a tire tread depth, air adapters with valve caps.
Slime’s 120 Volt tire Inflator comes with a mounting bracket that creates the ideal inflation station for your garage. It can also be plugged into any extension cord.
This powerful air compressor will quickly put you back on your way. This tire inflator is easy to store and use thanks to its convenient handle and plastic bag for all accessories.
It is powered by a powerful motor. It is a great product for your garage or household. This is a great choice if you’re looking for an air compressor that works well.
Highlighted Features:
- Inflates standard tires in 4 minutes
- Temperature break safety feature
- Tire tread depth gauge and storage case
- Adjustable to any extension cord
Facts to Consider Before Buying a 120V Air Compressor
There are some things you have to keep in mind before buying a compressor. These factors determine the best model for you.
Pressure Tank Capacity
If you are looking for a shorter work time, go for a compressor with a small tank size. A smaller tank runs out of air sooner, but provides continuous operation when paired with another one.
If this is not what you’re going for and if your prime mover doesn’t require much running time to get your job done, then go for a larger pressure tank so that it has fewer refills in between usage.
Weight of The Air Compressor
A lighter weight makes transportation easier and reduces overall stress on its parts since they aren’t forced to carry too much weight for too long. If you go with an extremely lightweight air compressor, make sure that it has enough power capacity for your needs.
Otherwise, this may result in frequent breaks during work. On the other hand, if you get one that’s heavier than what’s needed, then this will greatly increase stress on parts which can cause them to break down prematurely.
Air Pressure
The pressure of the compressed air is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). A higher PSI value increases power but also raises the noise level and energy consumption.
The lowest you can go with a 120v air compressor is 90 psi, but this is enough for some small tasks like inflating tires or blowing dust off of items. Larger projects require higher pressure.
CFM
This is the amount of air being moved in cubic feet per minute at a given pressure. CFM will tell you how many square feet of compressed air are being produced by your machine for every minute of usage under specific conditions.
Keep this statistic in mind when thinking about the requirements for your application. If you have to run any air tools over an extended period, higher than average CFM might be needed for this application since it’ll help keep them running without having to let them cool down between work sessions.
Inflation and Deflation Modes
Inflation mode is when the air compressor forces air into a space while deflation mode lets it remove air from said space. Inflating tires and powering up nail guns are just two examples of these types of applications.
A tire inflator or compressor is often smaller in size compared to a power nailer so keep in mind that if you have high requirements for CFM, an inflator will have a lower capacity than a tool which requires more pressure to run effectively.
Built in Pressure Gauge
Many air compressors come with a built-in pressure gauge to help you monitor the air pressure level as you work. This feature is optimal for those who have to use air tools that require a specific PSI level in order to operate correctly since this will give you an accurate number so adjustments can be made accordingly.
This saves time and minimizes stress on your tool, thus increasing its life span and overall effectiveness. With a pressure gauge built in, it becomes much easier to tell when your compressor needs to be refilled.
Digital Pressure Gauge
A digital pressure gauge is an upgrade over a basic dial gauge. This option provides the same level of accuracy as a regular pressure gauge but it provides a much faster and more accurate reading.
This can save you time since it’ll tell you exactly how many pounds per square inch your compressor is putting out right away. It also means that you no longer have to keep track of multiple readings from different pressure gauges to get your desired psi level.
Auto Shut Off Feature
Many air compressors have a built-in shutoff function, which cuts power once the desired psi level has been reached. This can help reduce energy bills since you won’t have to keep the machine running after it’s done with its task.
It also eliminates stress on parts and tools due to reduced hours of usage. If you don’t need it to run for long periods, then an auto shut off machine would be an optimal choice for your needs .
Power Cord Length
The length of the power cable is often overlooked when researching air compressors. However, it’s an important factor to consider because it’ll determine how far you can place your machine from a power source.
This option will give you more flexibility around the area where you work since you won’t need to worry about placing outlets nearby so your compressor can be used at its full potential. Additionally, longer cords tend to weigh less than shorter ones making them easier to carry around.
Heavy-Duty Materials
Durability is key when it comes to an air compressor. It must be able to last long enough without breaking down. otherwise you’ll find yourself having to buy another one sooner than expected. This is why you should get a machine that’s made of only the best materials available on the market.
Taking Care of Your 120V Air Compressor
Regular Cleaning
It’s also important to have a regular cleaning schedule for your particular model of 120V air compressor to take care of any grime, dust, and other contaminants that may build up over time. This affects how effective it is, as well as how long it lasts, so be sure you clean it out two times a year on average.
Prevent Overheating
If your compressor tends to overheat, then you’ll want to take it apart and clean all filters after every use to avoid any complications. This will help prevent overheating and ensure that the compressor is ready to use next time with little downtime.
Manual Instructions
Since it is a machine that requires maintenance, make sure you read your instruction manual carefully before using the compressor for the first time.
Instruction manuals come with detailed instructions on how to assemble, use and clean the product you purchase. On top of this, they give general guidelines as to what type of maintenance is needed to keep it running well for a long time.
Smooth Running
You can extend the life of your compressor if you take proper care of it. Part of this is following a professional maintenance schedule to ensure that parts are in good condition and running smoothly at all times. The experts at Professional Tool recommend servicing your compressor every six months to ensure its highest effectiveness.
Leaks
Look out for air leaks in your compressor that will prevent it from being effective. This can be caused by cracks or loose welds. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call a professional because the problem is beyond what you are capable of fixing on your own.
Using Proper Extension Cords
When you use an extension cord with your 120V air compressor, make sure it matches up with the type of voltage you have coming through your wall socket so there won’t be any damage done to the cords. The only way to do this is to inspect them before using and always remember to unplug them when they’re not in use.
Other Maintenance
Inspect all screws and nuts regularly. Tighten any that are loose. If there are missing bolts, you’ll want to buy new ones that fit properly before using the air compressor again.
Inspect all cords and hoses to make sure that they are still in good condition as well. If you notice any wear, then treat it immediately.
Inspect all valves regularly to ensure that they’re opening and closing properly. If the valve is used too much or too little, buy a new one or adjust it
The right clean air filters can save your compressor from a lot of problems. Dirty air filters cause a lot of additional stress to your engine inside the machine, which will shorten its life significantly if left unchecked.
Check your filter at least once every month to ensure that it’s clean and not clogged up with dust. If necessary, take it out and wash it off before putting it back in place.
FAQ’s
What is a Good Size Air Compressor for Home Use?
An air compressor that has a capacity of at least 2 gallons is considered the ideal size for home use. This will give you the right balance between portability and efficiency when running power nailers, inflating tires etc.
Is it OK to Leave Air in a Compressor?
Air compressors should be left with air in them for short-term storage purposes. However, it’s important to remove air from the machine if you plan on storing it for extended periods of time. This will keep your air compressor in tip-top shape for longer by preventing rusting and other damage.
Does Tank Size Matter to Air Compressors?
Yes, to determine the best air compressor for you, it is important to consider your needs and compare them with the tank size. This option will give you a better idea of how much air pressure it’s capable of producing.
What is a Good PSI for an Air Compressor?
It is recommended to use an air compressor that has a minimum of 70 to 90 psi for general household applications. However, this may vary depending on the tool you’ll be using it for.
Will a 6 Gallon Air Compressor Run an Impact Wrench?
Yes, a 6 gallon air compressor should have the capacity to run an impact wrench. However we don’t recommend that you run power tools through an air compressor that is not large enough for the task.
What Size Air Compressor do I Need to Fill Car tires?
A 2 CFM air compressor with a minimum of 90 psi should be large enough to fill car tires. However we recommend that you use an air compressor with a higher capacity to increase the speed and efficiency of the process.
How Often Should you Drain the Water out of your Air Compressor?
Daily draining is recommended to keep the air compressor clean and prevent rust and damage. This is a best practice of regular maintenance for air compressors to ensure they last as long as possible.
Last Words
We hope that you find the information provided in this article helpful. If you are interested in purchasing an air compressor, you can check out the list we recommended for the top 120v air compressor.
Thank you for reading our article about the Best 120v air compressor. Feel free to leave your opinion in the comments section below. Your feedback is always appreciated.