Take on that big renovation, crafting or building project with the best air compressor under 500 dollars!If you are serious about carpentry or construction or 1001 other jobs around your home or site you need to have a decent air compressor on hand. These bad boys take the pressure out of a range of tasks and have handy uses such as:
- Powering pneumatic tools like nail guns and Jackhammers
- Oxidation and deep cleaning of materials and surfaces
- Inflating tires
- Spray painting………and more!
An air compressor is incredibly versatile and can even save you dollars on buying multiple power tools as all you need are relevant attachments for your compressor rather than a brand new power tool for every job. Having your own air compressor also saves on the cost of hiring one too. $500 is more than enough to be spending on a decent quality and compact air compressor, and we’ve got the market to pinpoint your ideal model.
Your quick and handy buyers guide for the best air compressor under 500 bucks!
Here are the key considerations for buying the best air compressor for your money.
Space available:
If you have limited storage space on hand you will be delighted with the compact pancake designs that really keep the size down without scrimping on performance!
Size of tank:
Make sure you are aware of the tank capacity of your air compressor as it will determine how long you can use it for.
Power:
Electric air compressors are cost-effective and convenient and should run on household mains electricity.
Oil:
Older and larger models of air compressor use oil to lubricate their moving parts. Oil-free models are lower maintenance and more mobile.
Here are the top picks for the best air compressor under 100,200,300, 500
1.DEWALT 6-Gallon 165 Pancake Compressor
DeWalt does it again with this compact unit that will earn its keep as a great accessory for craftsmen and construction pros of all kinds. With a gas capacity of almost 23 liters you will benefit from a long-running time for these air compressors meaning you can get a large amount of work completed quickly.
Its efficient motor gets up and running quickly, even in cold weather, and there is little maintenance necessary for the oil-free pump. If you have a coworker, the two of you can use the pump simultaneously via the dual coupling provided.
KEY FEATURES DEWALT 6-Gallon 165 Pancake Compressor
- 165-pound force per square inch
- 110 volts
- 6-gallon gas tank
- Low noise level
- Product weight: 30 pounds
- Product dimensions: 17.2 x 20.1 x 16.6 inches
- 1-year Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- Compact, portable design.
- Cord wraps to keep things tidy.
- The tank is easy to drain thoroughly.
Cons
- Some purchasers report that the unit struggles to maintain pressure and air leaks have been reported.
2.California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
The California Air Tools air compressor is an ideal choice for those looking for the best air compressors under $500 bucks. It runs quietly which really helps with the job at hand. Despite its low noise, this is a powerful unit that has a 2 horsepower motor to deliver pressures of up to 125PSI in a variety of conditions.
The 10-gallon steel air tank provides enough gas volume for prolonged use can be readily wheeled to where you need it. Out of the units we have reviewed here, this is the best model for spray painting as it has a larger gas tank.
KEY FEATURES California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
- 125-pound force per square inch
- 7 amp●10-gallon gas tank
- Quiet 70-decibel functioning
- Product weight: 82.5 pounds
- Product dimensions: 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 inches
- 1-year Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- 25-foot power cord.
- Oil-free pump.
- Easy to move on wheels
Cons
- Some users have reported problems with the fabrication and parts of some units.
3.PORTER-CABLE Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor
This coworker friendly air compressor provides the portability needed if you are working on projects across your property or construction site. Two of you can hook up to its 2.6 SCFM at 90 psi via its two air couplers. The lighter pancake-style build of this compressor makes it easy to use and generous extension cord makes outdoor use even in cold weather a doddle. It is oil-free and maintenance light and the cover included keeps everything tidy when not in use.
KEY FEATURES PORTER-CABLE Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor
- 150-pound force per square inch
- 120 volts
- 6-gallon gas tank
- 10 amps
- Product weight: 30 pounds
- Product dimensions: 19 x19 x18 inches
- 1-year Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- Great value unit that performs well for a variety of household tasks.
- The lightweight, compact design makes this unit easy to store I’d not used regularly.
Cons
- This is an extremely loud unit.
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What is PSI?
PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a measure of pressure that the air compressor will generate.
What is CFM?
Cubic Feet per Minute tells you how much air (in cubic feet) is delivered by your air compressor per minute. This measurement will help you correctly match tools to your air compressor.
What is the significance of the horsepower rating?
This rating deals with how powerful the air compressor’s motor is. The higher the HP the greater the PSI generated.
Rounding up
With some great models like these ready to buy it should be easy to get your best air compressor under $500. You cannot really go wrong with a small pancake model, especially if it runs quietly. Before you buy, always make sure that your air compressor of choice will be compatible with any tools or adapters you already have. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the setup of your air compressor and how your air compressor works, for safe usage and a long duration of service.
