Best Air Compressor Under $200
Contents
Introduction
Are you wanting to buy a good air compressor for $200 or less? If so, you’ve come to the right place because in this post I’m going to share with you five of my favourite air compressors under $200. When selecting the best air compressor in any price bracket, it is crucial to take into account the PSI, CFM, Duty Cycle, and Tank Size specifications, which are all based on the products you want to use the compressor to power.
Second, there are what I would refer to as “commercial considerations” including the upfront cost and ensuring the compressor is practical for you, dependable and long-lasting. In light of this, you should also consider the compressor’s warranty to ensure that you can get the compressor serviced or replaced in the event of a problem.
At this budget point, there will be some bigger trade-offs than at the $300 or $400 mark, but you’ll still have a very good machine that can handle every domestic task you can throw at it, as well as many home shop applications. Remember that you won’t find the ideal air compressor for less than $200. However, a more thorough examination of the scientific and practical factors to take into account when selecting an air compressor for under $200 will be provided below.
Additionally, if you’re looking to spend more or less than $200, have a look at our other guides:
Best Air Compressor For Under $100
Best Air Compressor For Under $300
Best Air Compressor For Under $400
Best Air Compressor For Under $500
Top 5 Air Compressors for Under $200 – Amazon
amazon.com
$149.00
$169.99
$139.49
$171.84
$199.00
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor, Silver
$149.00
Features
- Brand: California Air Tools
- Model Name: FBA_CAT-1P1060S
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 12.5 x 14.7 x 14.75 inches
- Capacity: 1 Gallons
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Item Weight: 29 Pounds
- Sound Level: 56 dB
- Air Flow Capacity: 1.2 Cubic Feet Per Minute
- Motor Horsepower: 0.6 Horsepower
- Manufacturer: California Air Tools
- Part Number: CAT-1P1060S
- Item Weight: 29 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.7 x 14.75 inches
- Country of Origin: China
- Item model number: CAT-1P1060S
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Size: 1-(Pack)
- Color: Silver
- Style: Air Tools
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Horsepower: 0.6
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Maximum Pressure: 8.2 Bars
- Cord Length: 72 Inches
- Handle/Lever Placement: Upright
- Measurement System: Metric
- Included Components: Air Compressor and Owner's Manual
- Batteries Included?: No
- Batteries Required?: No
- Warranty Description: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Description
- Ultra quiet only 56 Decibels
- Oil-Free pump for less maintenance & costs
- Lightweight for easy transporting - 29 lbs
- 1.0 gallon steel tank
- Powerful 0.6 HP (rated / running) - 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI
DEWALT Air Compressor, 135-PSI Max, 1 Gallon (D55140) , Yellow
$169.99
Features
- Brand: DEWALT
- Model Name: BLACK & DECKER/DEWALT D55140 GAL 135PSI Compressor
- Power Source: Electric
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 48 x 40 x 41 inches
- Capacity: 1 Gallons
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Sound Level: 69 dB
- Air Flow Capacity: 0.75 Cubic Feet Per Minute
- Manufacturer: Dewalt
- Part Number: D55140
- Item Weight: 29.4 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 48 x 40 x 41 inches
- Country of Origin: China
- Item model number: D55140
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Color: Yellow
- Style: Stationary
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Maximum Pressure: 290
- Capacity Description: 1 - gallon
- Accessory Connection Type: Quick Couplers
- Compatible Fastener Range: Universal Quick Couplers
- Included Components: Air compressor
- Batteries Included?: No
- Batteries Required?: No
- Warranty Description: 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, One Year Free Service Contract, One Year Warranty
Description
- Heavy-duty 1-gallon trim compressor with protective roll cage
- 135 psi maximum, durable oil-free pump, low 71 dB rating, low 2.6 amp motor
- Includes 1 compressor; hose & nailer not included
- 9-inches wide; 24 pounds; 1-year warranty
CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor, Twin Tank, 1/3 HP Oil-Free Max 125 PSI Pressure, Model: CMXECXA0220242, Red
$139.49
Features
- Brand: Craftsman
- Model Name: CMXECXA0220242
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 14.56 x 13.18 x 16.14 inches
- Capacity: 2 Gallons
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Item Weight: 22.8 Pounds
- Hose Length: 6 Feet
- Sound Level: 78 dB
- Air Flow Capacity: 0.7 Cubic Feet Per Minute
- Maximum Power: 0.34 Horsepower
- Motor Horsepower: 0.34 Horsepower
- Amperage Capacity: 3 Amps
- Manufacturer: Ace Trading - Altn Compressors
- Part Number: 220242
- Item Weight: 22.8 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 14.56 x 13.18 x 16.14 inches
- Country of Origin: China
- Item model number: CMXECXA0220242
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Size: 2 Gallon
- Color: Red
- Style: Twin Tank
- Finish: Red
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Shape: Twin Tank
- Horsepower: 0.34
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Number Of Pieces: 1
- Maximum Pressure: 150
- Handle/Lever Placement: Above of the machine
- Number of Handles: 1
- Usage: Outside; Professional, Inside; Amateur, Inside; Professional, Outside; Amateur
- Included Components: ✦1 x Air Compressor, ✦1 Year Limited Original Manufacturer Warranty
- Batteries Included?: No
- Batteries Required?: No
- Warranty Description: 1 Year Manufacturer and Distributer Limited Warranty
Description
- Q235B Steel
- Imported
- ✦【LIGHT WEIGHT & PORTABLE】 This compact 2 gallon small air compressor is only 22. 82 Lbs, design with the sturdy rubber reinforced handle on top, easy to transport the mini compressor to your pick-up, floor, jobsite anywhere
- ✦【LOW TEMPERATURE START & LOW NOISE】With 1/3 horse power air pump, this UMC motor ensure at the low temperature it also can start easily. Noise level below 78 decibel
- ✦【ULTRA DURABLE & LONG LIFE CYCLE】The oil free and maintenance free pump system is engineered for high performance and durability, which lasts for longer running time
- ✦【MULTIPULE FUNCTIONS】It is ideal for tackle a lot of home innovation projects with ease like inflation, hobby painting, stapling, fastening, nailing, and bolting
- ✦【WHAT YOU WILL GET】1 x Air compressor, 1 x Air filter, 1 x 6 Feet power cord, 1 x Quick coupler, 1 x Ball valve, 1 Year limited original manufacturer
Metabo HPT Air Compressor | THE TANK™ | 200 PSI | 6 Gallon | Pancake | EC914S
$171.84
Features
- Brand: Metabo HPT
- Model Name: THE TANK
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 18.5 x 16 x 16 inches
- Capacity: 6 Gallons
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Item Weight: 41 Pounds
- Sound Level: 73 dB
- Air Flow Capacity: 4 Cubic Feet Per Minute
- Maximum Power: 1.3 Horsepower
- Motor Horsepower: 1.3 Horsepower
- Manufacturer: Koki Holdings America, Ltd
- Part Number: EC914S
- Item Weight: 41 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 16 x 16 inches
- Country of Origin: China
- Item model number: EC914S
- Style: Metabo HPT EC914S Air Compressor
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Maximum Pressure: 200 Bars
- Included Components: EC914S compressor
- Batteries Required?: No
Description
- MORE PRESSURE: At 200 PSI, this compressor offers 25% greater PSI than a basic pancake compressor
- 30% MORE AIR FLOW: 4 CFM @ 90 PSI allows for multiple large body nailers to be used on a single compressor
- VERSATILITY: Simultaneously runs 2 framing nailers or 2 roofing nailers or 2 siding nailers or 3 finish nailers or 5 brad nailers
- PRODUCTIVITY: Consistently drives nails flush with no delay
- LIGHTWEIGHT: At only 41 lbs, it is 22% lighter compared to a traditional twin-stack compressor
- CAPACITY: 6-gallon tank provides all the air to run a crew
- DURABLE: All metal handle outlasts the harshest demands of the jobsite
- LOW MAINTENANCE: Oil-free design for essentially no maintenance
- AWARDS: 2014-2019 Pro Preferred Brand for pneumatic nailers by Builder & Developer Magazine
DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor, 6 Gallon, 165 PSI (DWFP55126)
$199.00
Features
- Brand: DEWALT
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 16 x 16 x 17.5 inches
- Capacity: 6 Gallons
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Item Weight: 30 Pounds
- Sound Level: 75.5 dB
- Air Flow Capacity: 2.6 Cubic Feet Per Minute
- Manufacturer: Dewalt
- Part Number: DWFP55126
- Item Weight: 30 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 17.5 inches
- Country of Origin: USA
- Item model number: DWFP55126
- Batteries: Lithium Ion batteries required.
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Style: Compressor
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Number of Handles: 1
- Batteries Included?: No
- Batteries Required?: No
- Warranty Description: 1 year limited manufacturers warranty
Description
- 165 max PSI 6.0 gallon tank (22.7 L) and 2.6 SCFM delivered @ 90 PSI pump, enable long tool run time with quick recovery for the portable air compressor
- High efficiency motor of the electric air compressor is made for easy start up in cold weather or extension cord application. [14 ga or larger, 50 ft. (15.2 m) or less]
- 78.5 dBA noise level of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for a quiet work environment
- High flow regulator and couplers of DEWALT portable air compressor are designed to maximize air tool performance
- Long life oil free pump for maintenance free operation
- Console cover protects controls and is removable to allow easy repair
- Outlet tube rerouted to avoid being catch point
- 30 lb weight makes unit easy to carry/store
- 2 universal couplers to easily support two users
- Ball drain valve for quick & thorough tank draining
What Is An Air Compressor?
Air compressors are crucial to many sectors, including building, automotive, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, manufacturing, welding, food processing, agricultural, firefighting, oil & gas, pest control, landscaping, mining, heavy equipment, medicine, and home improvement. The use of pneumatic instruments, metal forming, heating, cooling, cleaning, painting, and other activities all need compressed air, which they give. Air compressors are used for a variety of purposes, including industrial, domestic, and agricultural. These devices are available in several shapes, sizes, styles, and power levels.
CFM Requirements
Compressed air is required for most of the aforementioned uses. The compressed air flow rate is calculated in cubic feet per minute (CFM). An air compressor produces the same amount of airflow regardless of the pressure being applied. The effectiveness of an air compressor depends on the size and speed of the engine. A compressor’s horsepower rating determines how much air it can produce.
You’ll find machines with little more than 2.5 CFM At 90 PSI in the $200 and less price bracket, with the odd exception such as the Metabo unit listed above which is 4 CFM.
For further details on CFM, see What Is Air Compressor CFM in our guide.
PSI Requirements
The functioning of pressure supply systems requires pressurised air. The two primary elements of pressure supply systems are the pressure regulator and the air compressor. Pressure regulators regulate the amount of pressure applied to air tools while air compressors produce massive volumes of compressed air. A standard air compressor has a maximum rated output of 100 psi, or 6 bar. The majority of air compressors do not run over their stated capacity and operate at lower pressures than are suggested. An air compressor, for instance, runs at 40 psi instead of the stated 50 psi.
Any compressor costing $200 or less should be capable of producing a decent PSI of over 125, which is enough for the majority of domestic and home shop uses.
See our guide on PSI before making a decision.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle of an air compressor is the length of time it can run at 100 PSI and a typical ambient temperature of 72° F before needing to be shut down.
The air compressor must maintain a consistent volume of air flow (CFM) and pressure during each operational cycle (PSI). Given that various compressor types have varied duty cycles, this is a crucial consideration if you want to utilise your air compressor for prolonged heavy-demand applications.
The duty cycle of an air compressor would be 60% if it ran for 10 minutes before stopping 5 minutes later. Depending on the use, an air compressor’s duty cycle changes. Some air compressors work continually, while others only sometimes, until they are no longer useful.
Most consumer-level air compressors with a price tag of $200 or less generally have a duty cycle of about 50%. Larger compressors with gas-powered systems may sometimes have capacity ratings over 100%.
For additional details, see our comprehensive reference What Is Air Compressor Duty Cycle.
Horsepower (HP) Requirements
A motor’s “Horsepower” is a measure of how much work it can do. Pressure and flow are more crucial than a strong motor when assessing if your compressor will work for you since newer, more efficient compressors may do more with less horsepower. By doing more work with less horsepower, you may also save energy and generate better returns over the length of the compressor’s lifetime.
An air compressor must simply be powerful enough to meet the system’s needs. In the sub-$200 price bracket, most machine will be 1 or 1.5, with some 2 at HP.
Tank Capacity
The tank capacity, expressed in gallons, dictates how long the compressor can continue to produce air until the motor engages to re-pressurize the tank. The longer a constant air pressure can be created, the bigger the tank has to be.
Despite tanks having capacities ranging from 1 gallon to 80 gallons, a single power tool may only need a 3 gallon tank at most.
Consider investing in a more expensive air compressor with a larger tank if you want to use it for heavy-duty applications since the number of tools that will be utilising the tank at once greatly affects the necessary capacity.
The majority of devices under $200 have tanks that are no bigger than 6 gallons, with a few exceptions.
Noise Level
Consider how it will be used and how it could impact the neighbourhood before selecting a compressor that costs $200 or less. Even though they are small, some compressors are loud. Oil-filled gadgets used to be quieter than oil-free counterparts. Thankfully, technology has now discovered a remedy, and an ultra-quiet air compressor may be easily purchased for $150–$200.
Comparing oil-free vs oil-lubricated pumps
Since they are lubricated, several moving parts in air compressors need continual maintenance. Both airtight performance and effective functioning need lubrication.
But oil-free compressors are also widely accessible. Instead of an oil chamber, these compressors contain an intercooler and an oil-free pump. For extensive use, such as in industrial settings, air compressors with oil lubrication are often a more reliable alternative. Oil-free compressors, on the other hand, are often more compact, less costly, and need less maintenance, making them ideal for use at home.
It’s unlikely to find an oil-lubricated air compressor for under $200.
For more details on this, see our article Oil Vs Oil-Free Air Compressors.
Size and Portability
A portable air compressor is your best option if you need to transport your air compressor about your home, garden, or between sites. For instance, some air compressors are compact and portable, whereas others are bulkier and more difficult to handle yet have wheels. Depending on how you look at it, a portable air compressor normally weighs under 40 lbs.
For under $200, most are probably classified as portable compressors. The best compressors will always be chosen for use at home and in small shops, but because this website primarily caters to consumers, they will often be portable if I can help it.
Strength / Materials
For $200 or less, most of the compressors in this category will have welded seams on their aluminium tanks, which are less durable than those made of high grade cast iron. But don’t worry, these are still very good quality machines.
Cost
How far should you think before buying a used air compressor? Although purchasing new equipment may seem like the best option, there are several drawbacks to this. These consist of the initial investment, continuing costs, and the prospective need for more component purchases in the future.
A brand new air compressor will often last longer than any old one. However, it’s a good idea to constantly double-check the manufacturer’s warranty to be sure it covers any potential problems that can occur with regular use.
Reviews
When choosing an air compressor, it’s crucial to take into account if other customers have mentioned experiencing a similar issue. When reading reviews, the overall score is significant, but you should also get a feel of the quality of the customer service the company offers. Are they accessible to answer questions via phone or email? Exists a return policy, if so? Customers who don’t like their purchases may even get a refund.
Warranty
To find out what kind of protection you have when buying a used air compressor, check the manufacturer’s guarantee. While some manufacturers provide full insurance, others could only cover repairs in certain situations.
It’s a good idea to purchase from an online merchant like Amazon since they often accept pain free returns and you can typically get in touch with them right away if there are any concerns in the near future. They will suggest you to contact the manufacturer if the problem lasts for a while.
Maintenance
Keep in mind that frequent maintenance might extend the life of your air compressor. Think about going over the manual and paying attention to the instructions. Be sure to keep all components lubricated and tidy. Additionally, be sure to regularly inspect the air filter and replace it as necessary.
Electric and gas-powered air compressors are the two main types. Electric versions are often more affordable, louder, and easier to maintain. Gas appliances run cooler and are quieter. They do, however, need more space.
What Size Air Compressor Do I Need?
The kind of job you want to conduct will decide the size of the air compressor. If you’re inflating tyres, you should definitely use a smaller one. But if you’re using a tool like a nail gun or impact driver, you’ll need a bigger air compressor with more power.
Every hour, an average residence uses 10 pounds of compressed air. You may require a large capacity device if you use your equipment often. You can always add more compressors if necessary in the future.
You can find all the information you need on sizing in our in-depth size guide, What Size Air Compressor Do I Need.
