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Today, choosing a quiet air compressor is a must in many industries. A good compressor that is also quiet could prove to be a great asset for your air supply needs and could spell the difference between a successful project and a failed one.
When shopping for the best quiet air compressor, it is recommended to understand how each configuration works and to discover what each top brand has to offer.
It is also important to be aware of the differences between air compressors and to discover how each one of these devices appeals to your needs. But most importantly, it is imperative to grasp the importance of having a low noise level.
If you are still not convinced that an ultra-quiet air compressor is good for your team, discover the top 10 most popular air compressors on the market below.
You will be astounded to find out how many benefits these products can provide.
"This quiet air compressor is extremely easy to use, set up and move around. Due to its good-looking aspect, it can be used for all types of commercial projects where the working environment dictates cleanliness and utility."
"Gorgeous, extremely stable unit that comes with a handy tool tray, features a consolidated control panel for quick access, and two quick couplers for ease of use."
Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 is a unique air compressor built by a reputable company with decades of experience under its belt. Since 1836, Campbell Hausfeld has been fabricating industrial and agricultural equipment. Their products are of upmost quality.
This gorgeous air compressor comes as a surprise for many customers, as it offers 4 unique options to choose from: the Lightweight Suitcase 1.3 gallon, the 4.6-gallon, the 6-gallon and the 8-gallon. Each one of these models has its own performance and comes with unique features.
Providing an oil-free experience, extended life and improved reliability, Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 might rock your world – literally.
What makes it special?
Can produce up to 25% more air using the same energy
Dual piston pump system
Components last four times more than standard air compressor components
Created by a company with over 150 years of experience in the industry
Superior motor performance due to the oil-free pump
Gorgeous design
Highly portable due to its lightweight build, durable wheels and long-lasting handle
Made and assembled in the USA using only high-quality materials
What cons did we find?
No storage mechanism for the hose included in the package
It is not that stable, especially when located on the muddy or uneven ground. If you want to transport it in the back of a van, make sure to stabilize it
The California Air Tools CAT-5510A is a modern industrial air compressor designed to be ultra-quiet. Being equipped with a powerful 1 HP motor, this device can operate at only 1680 RPM, thus creating less wear and a very low level of noise.
Being available for over one year now, the CAT-5510A from California Air Tools has only 60 decibels of sound and can easily accommodate any projects without endangering the workers. In other words, you can stay near this air compressor for hours and work ceaselessly, without having to wear any headphones. Your ears will be just fine!
Being made of high-grade aluminum, equipped with a powerful motor and an advanced oil-free pump for reduced costs and less maintenance, the California Air Tools CAT-5510A makes quite a statement in the air compressor industry.
This oil-free compressor with overload protection looks like a standard low RPM compressor that can tackle any type of small projects. Being a stationary device, this air compressor is pretty solid and does not vibrate as much as other portable compressors.
At 42.9 pounds, this electric-powered compressor is not the best choice if you need portability. However, it is definitely a very good choice if you need a reliable, quiet compressor for light duty residential jobs. It starts with a purr, airs up in less than a minute and refills again in 8-10 seconds after a short burst of air.
This compressor can easily keep with every nailer you use, and might even be able to accommodate multiple jobs at once. Thanks to its lightweight design, you can even move it around with ease. However, remember that it comes with no wheels, so portability is not one of its strengths.
What makes it special?
Very quiet operation with no vibrations
Extremely easy to install and to use
Can perform multiple jobs over a short period of time
Perfect for light commercial & residential jobs
Quick air build-up time
Extremely quiet
Equipped with rubber feet to absorb vibration, protect the roll cage and deaden sound
Easy access drain valve and anti-rust filter for ease of maintenance
The oil-less piston pump ensures ease of cleaning and reliable use, even in muddy work conditions
What cons did we find?
Not the best design
The roll cage is not able to protect the intake muffler
Although this is not the quietest air compressor out there and not the best looking, the DEWALT DWFP55130 stands out on the market due to its exquisite performance. This device is up to 15% faster than any other air compressor in its price range. Though, at 71.5 decibels, the DEWALT DWFP55130 is as quiet as it gets for an air compressor its size.
To top it all, the DEWALT DWFP55130 has a bulky design with a sturdy roll cage that protects the components and the compressor from damage. Weighing only 41 pounds, this air compressor can be carried around with ease due to the smooth sides and quality handle. This unit is extremely stable due to the low gravity center and makes for a great companion in severe or harsh weather. No wind or even tornado will be able to take this unit away. The fact that it is easy to carry around and to store makes this product a must-have for any commercial or residential users.
Being equipped with dual quick couplers and having low 12 amp draw, you can use this unit with multiple nailers. You can basically do your job much faster without losing precious seconds between charge-up. Besides, this is a great air compressor for tires, equipped with 2.5-gallon and 200 psi tank.
What makes it stand out?
Can easily be stored in both horizontal or vertical position
Highly portable due to the smooth handle and sides
Protected against scratches and falls thanks to the durable, high-grade metal roll cage
Exquisite performance by storing more air and by quick recharging of pressure when it drops below 165 psi
High torque motor that starts extremely fast, even in freezing conditions of 0 degrees Fahrenheit
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
When used extensively, it vibrates too much. Therefore it is not a very good choice for residential, in-house projects
Next one of the list is a gorgeous product from Briggs & Stratton. This light unit is 80% quieter than most other air compressors designed by Briggs & Stratton. Being covered in beautiful matte-black metal and equipped with a reinforced frame, this air compressor looks extremely solid and is highly resistant to scratches.
The Briggs & Stratton Air Compressor comes in 3 sizes: the 1.8-gallon, 3-gallon or 4.5-gallon. You can choose your favorite option based on your air needs. While it is recommended to use an air compressor 80 gallon or air compressor 60 gallon for large industrial & commercial projects, the Briggs & Stratton Air Compressor comes close to the performance of powerful air compressors due to its powerful four-pole induction motor.
Being equipped with rugged wheels for ease of transportation, a powerful motor, easy-to-use buttons and cold weather start feature, this air compressor can easily be used to tackle any residential, commercial or even industrial job. Best of all, it does all that without making any noise.
What are its best features?
Extremely safe
80% quieter than most other Briggs & Stratton air compressors
Offers limited vibrations due to the sturdy frame and low center of gravity
Great design and convenient aspect that makes it super easy to carry around
Works great for any activity around the house
Builds up pressure fairly quickly
No oil to change, so less time spent on maintenance
What could be improved?
The release valve is cheap plastic and might break on pressure
The 1 HP motor is not the most suitable choice for the 4.5-gallon option
The largest manufacturer of ultra-quiet air compressors, California Air Tools, has managed to strike again a winning blow to the competition by releasing the 10020C model. This gorgeous air compressor is powerful enough to help you get through your daily jobs and to stay on top of every challenge you might have to face.
Due to its 2 HP, oil-free pump and low amp draw 14 amps, this device makes a good companion for larger residential projects and small commercial works. With a tank size of 10 gallons, this portable unit can accommodate over 3,000 hours of work.
Why are we impressed?
High-quality, reliable wheels for ease of transportation and storage
Comes with two universal connectors, two types of drain and two sizes of voltage
2 HP are powerful enough for any commercial or residential operation
If you need a highly portable air compressor that does its job flawlessly and is also extremely quiet, then there is no better choice than California Air Tools 8010. With a variable power of between 1 HP and 2 HP, this ultra-quiet unit can run seamlessly without making any noise whatsoever. 60 decibels is the best you can get from an air compressor.
The powerful motor of this unit operates at 1680 rpm seamlessly, creating a minimum amount of noise. Thanks to the dual piston pump system, you get increased durability and boosted performance for prolonged periods of time. Just like any other air compressors from California Air Tools, the 8010 has a lifecycle of 3,000 hours.
Why is it special?
Beautiful design
Powerful motor that can peak 2.0 HP
Oil-free pump that takes any maintenance worry out of discussion and helps you cut the maintenance costs
Extremely lightweight unit of only 48 lbs
Very easy to transport and store
Can be used in a variety of temperatures and environments, including muddy or uneven terrain
Ideal for any interior or exterior project where noise is a major issue
What are the flaws?
The handle is quite frail: do not lean on it, as it might bend easily
It might experience a short decrease in pressure after it passes the 50 psi range
Since it was released in September 2016, California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S has been chosen by thousands of residential customers for their in-house projects. Being easy to assemble, transport and maintain, this unit makes for an excellent choice for any light residential job. You can use this air compressor for nail guns, airbrushes, staple guns, finish nail guns or blowguns.
The California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S is by far the quietest air compressor available today on the market. At only 56 decibels, you can barely hear this unit from another room of the house.
Of course, this air compressor is also extremely small, weighing only 29 pounds and having the following dimensions: 12.8 x 13.6 x 15 inches.
Why did it make our list?
Ideal for indoor projects where noise is a major issue
Top-notch quality
Stable unit
Can be easily carried around due to its lightness and sturdy handle
Plenty of extra pressure for multiple jobs at once
What is not ideal about it?
The 1-gallon tank is extremely small, thus making this unit ineffective for most jobs
Not the most secure and most protected air compressor available today
This DeWALT air compressor is easily recognizable due to its black & yellow design which is perfect for people who love to have a nice-looking compressor by their sides. This robust unit is extremely powerful, coming with a maximum pressure of 200 PSI. Thus, it is extremely effective for heavy residential jobs or even light industrial jobs.
DEWALT D55167 is fully equipped and comes with two unique features: the air regulator and the high-floor coupler. The pressure-volume allows for an average noise of 78 decibels. At its capacity and power, the level of noise is excellent for this device.
This unit is very easy to maintain due to its oil-free pump. The durable metal console comes with easy-to-read gauges and is extremely practical.
What are our favorite features?
Great design that complements a wide range of tools
Oil-free, easy to maintain unit
Advanced, efficient high-pressure technology that improves the air-tool runtime and ensures you always have enough power to your devices
Easy to operate air relief valve
Pretty quiet, considering that this is a powerful air compressor
Ultimately, the Hyundai HHC8QCC is an ultra-quiet air compressor that comes with an all-black design that appeals to classy customers. Featuring a quiet motor, this unit has a low running volume of just 69 decibels. Its installation design is exquisite, being perfect for projects where having a great design is a must.
This unit takes advantage of the vertical design to provide minimum footprint, ease of access and quick set up. Hyundai HHC8QCC is also equipped with a removable ergonomic handle, perfectly placed not too high, nor low, for effortless transport. To top it all, the consolidated control panel features an angled interface that can be personalized according to your preferences in a matter of seconds.
Why are we impressed?
Unique tool storage tray
Extremely intuitive and easy to use control panel
Can be used with one hand
Extremely silent
Perfect for people who require portability, ease of use and quick storage
Very easy to set up and to use
Nice design and exquisite quality of the materials
What negatives must you be aware of?
The limit switch used for the pressure might start turning on and off accidentally
No adjustment for tank pressure whatsoever
The all-black design might not be appealing to some users
Things to Consider
You are probably wondering which of the air compressors presented above is the best one for you. Depending on your preferences, you should choose a unit that can meet your needs and even exceed your expectations. For example, if you need to use it for in-house projects, choose a quiet, light compressor that does not disturb other family members. If you need a rough, powerful compressor for bigger residential or even commercial jobs, go with an air compressor 30 gallon or air compressor 20 gallon that enables you to use more pneumatic tools at the same time. If the installation design of an air compressor is important for you, and reliability and ease of transportation are crucial, select a unit that looks great and can be easily moved from one place to another.
Features to consider when purchasing an air compressor
Noise Levels
Air compressors are well famed for being extremely loud. We all know that to be true. Even when using a modern oil-lubricated compressor, the amount of noise might exceed the recommended level and you might notice how your ears start ringing. If you’ve ever had Tinnitus, you know what we’re talking about.
By being exposed for a prolonged period of time to these loud noises, all without hearing protection on, you are exposing yourself to serious hearing damage, and ultimately deafness. That’s why it is imperative to choose an ultra-quiet air compressor.
Generally speaking, most air compressors operate at between 50 and 90 decibels. At over 75 decibels, the ear can be affected by the noise. Hearing damage and even hearing loss can occur. A good quiet air compressor should not operate at more than 75 decibels. The quietest air compressors can go as low as 50 decibels, being perfect for long-term usage.
All the air compressors reviewed below operate at less than 75 decibels, making them ideal for any industrial, commercial or residential project that requires constant use of the device.
Pressure and Volume
All air compressors, regardless of size, capacity or end use, are advertised and sold using certain pressure ratings.
Since 2014, when the Government has started to enforce more honest ratings, today all air compressor manufacturers need to be honest when listing a certain pressure volume. Thus, you can be sure that our reviewed air compressors have the correct pressure volume.
Pressure represents the volume of air that passes through an orphic plate. Also known as CFM, this is the maximum output of the pump. In simpler terms, a larger CFM means that you will be able to use the air compressor to power multiple air tools simultaneously.
Usually, lighter compressors have a CFM of around 1.5, while heavy-duty compressors can go as high as 100 CFM. Of course, pressure goes hand in hand with horsepower and motor RPM.
Depending on the operations you want to do, it is important to purchase an air compressor that comes with a pressure close to what you need. For example, if you need the unit mainly for shears, rotational sander or needle scalar, you should buy a unit with a CFM of between 8 and 16. For a framing or brad nailer, a 1.5 CFM should suffice. For a speed saw or nibbler, get a unit with a CFM of 4-5.
Installation
Since all air compressors are different, ease of installation plays a crucial role in ensuring that you get the best package for your needs. When ordering an air compressor 80-gallon, 60-gallon or 40-gallon, it is imperative to hire a project manager that oversees the whole installation project and ensures the whole process is up to the highest standards.
However, if you choose to buy one of the interior-use compressors showcased above, you might have to design your compressor room in order to transform it into an air-compressor safe place. Start by ensuring that you have enough space for auxiliary equipment. Make sure there is no clutter on the floor and that there are no objects standing in your way when you work.
Another important aspect to consider before buying a quiet air compressor is the clear air intake. For trouble-free, highly-efficient operation, you have to ensure that your compressor gets the cleanest air possible. Small particles of dirt & dust can cause wear & strain on the motor, while corrosive gases are extremely damaging for the unit.
Ultimately, ensure that the room is properly ventilated. Since your air compressor will generate a lot of heat, you need to place it near a strong ventilation system. Preferably, the air coming from outside should be cold.
Design
For example, the DEWALT D55167 has a unique yellow & black design that makes it suitable only for projects where the design is based on yellow & black. Buy a gorgeous air conditioner you love working with and you will be able to enjoy any residential, commercial or industrial job.
Tank Size
The size tank is also extremely important when deciding to buy an air compressor. The larger the tank, the more air the unit will be able to store.
For example, if you use a nailer and you need it for shorter bursts, a small tank size should suffice. Conversely, if you want to use an impact wrench or a board sander, you should get a unit with a larger tank size.
When talking about tank size, we also need to take into consideration the tank style. The one suitable for you depends on your unique needs. You can choose from hand carry, pancake, hotdog, pontoon, horizontal portable (such is the case of most California Air Tools air compressors) and vertical portable (Hyundai HHC8QCC).
When selecting the tank style, also take into consideration your space needs, your storage capacity and your unique style of work.
Maintenance
Maintaining your air compressor is a must for extending its lifespan and saving a whole lot of time. The benefits of modern quiet air compressors are that they are electric, so you don’t have to change the oil. This is a greasy, ugly job that can take several minutes and might leave your hands extremely dirty. In case you have an old air compressor that requires oil drainage, we recommend you to switch to a new one.
An important aspect of maintaining your air compressor is replacing the air filter. Replacing the air filter regularly is a must, especially if you want to ensure your unit will last longer in time, and your projects will run smoothly. Usually, replacing the air filter is incredibly easy. All you have to do is to locate the air filter room, turn open the lid and replace the old with the new.
Additionally, you might have to replace the worn compressor belt. For this, consult the manual of the air compressor and look for replacing tips online.
Ultimately, you need to ensure routine maintenance, such as cleaning your air compressor, oiling it and fixing any broken parts.
Warranty
Lastly, when looking to buy a quiet air compressor, you need to consider the warranty period. Usually, warranty for air compressor covers anything from component failure to compressor failure, leakages, lack of power and decrease in performance.
Every manufacturer has their own warranty, so you need to read the warranty leaflet or manual carefully before buying a certain unit. While some companies offer only 1-year limited warranty for lighter units, other manufacturers can offer as much as 20 years for heavy-duty, industrial air compressors.
Most air compressors reviewed above come with a standard 1-year warranty, while other come with specific warranties from the seller. As a rule of thumb, modern light-duty compressors all come with one-year warranty.
Even if you use them on a daily basis, they should not fail in the first year. Usually, an air compressor can last you up to 10 years without having any kind of malfunctions whatsoever.
If it is important to you, it is wise to contact the manufacturer prior to placing an order. Inquire them if they can offer you an extended warranty for a certain sum of money.
FAQ
Here are some questions you should be asking when searching for a quiet air compressor:
In addition to the compressors from California Air Tools, which are lightweight and extremely quiet, the Rolair JC10 and Briggs & Stratton Air Compressor are also great options for indoor use.
The DEWALT D55167, Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 and DEWALT DWFP55130 are those heavy units that can help you tackle any medium-size jobs.
Conclusion
After numerous debates, our team has chosen a winner – it is no other than Campbell Hausfeld DC080500. Even though California Air Tools 8010 came close to beating this model, we decided that the unit from Campbell Hausfeld is simply the best quiet air compressor.
Our winner offers the best performance at only 1 HP, is equipped with high-quality components that last 4 times longer, is very easy to carry around, and most of all it is incredibly quiet, producing only 68 decibels. Even though it is not the quietest air compressor we reviewed, this unit is far more powerful and reliable than the lighter & quieter units from California Air Tools.
This unit is manufactured by a company that has over 150 years of experience in the industrial equipment niche, so you can bet that their air compressors are all high-quality. You can get the Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 in 4 unique options, from 1.3-gallon to 8-gallon, in order to accommodate a wide variety of interior and exterior jobs. Due to the oil-free pump, this gorgeous unit is extremely easy to maintain and offers superior motor performance.
All-in-all, choosing a quiet air compressor is a must in most residential &light commercial projects. Choosing the right air compressor for your needs can be a huge step towards a successful, noise-free project. Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 is the best air compressor for any indoor or outdoor projects.
Air compressors are well famed for being extremely loud. We all know that to be true. Even when using a modern oil-lubricated compressor, the amount of noise might exceed the recommended level and you might notice how your ears start ringing. If you’ve ever had Tinnitus, you know what we’re talking about.
The size tank is also extremely important when deciding to buy an air compressor. The larger the tank, the more air the unit will be able to store.
Lastly, when looking to buy a quiet air compressor, you need to consider the warranty period. Usually, warranty for air compressor covers anything from component failure to compressor failure, leakages, lack of power and decrease in performance.
