quietest air compressor Reviews: 7 Best silent air compressor In 2021

Air compressors are useful for homeowners who love garage DIY projects. Yet, it can be difficult to concentrate when there is constant noise coming from the machine. This product review was able to test the quietest air compressors, and our buying guide will help you make the right choice.

I used to have an ear-splitting air compressor; good thing those noise cancelling headphones helped me focus.

But as I do my regular garage work, I didn’t want the intense sounds to outrage my neighbors.

Here’s the catch-- air compressors are some of the most difficult machines to soundproof. This is why I’m giving two categories for this review:

• The best items with a noise level lower than 60 decibels
• Another group that goes beyond 60 decibels

Also, I am going to explain all the details you need to consider, especially the specifications, strengths, and drawbacks.

With such information, you will surely pick the best air compressor to save you from deafening sounds.

But first, let us find out the key features of the best quiet air compressors.

Quick Suggestions and Comparison: top Quiet Air Compressors

Considering a low noise rating, but with great power and features, then the California Air Tools 8010DSPC Air Compressor deserves the top spot.

Its tank capacity and maximum airspeed are perfect for home use and DIY projects.

You can rely on this high-powered compressor to finish serious jobs.

Meanwhile, the California Air Tools 6010LFC Ultra Quiet Industrial Air Compressor is another good option, considering its features.

Its design reduces noise, but won’t sacrifice power and air delivery.

On the other hand, the DEWALT DWFP55130 Trim Compressor is a recommendable item, but its noise level goes beyond 60 decibels.

But if the price is a major factor for you, then the Bostitch BTFP02012 Compressor is worth considering.

The Hitachi EC28M Air Compressor also has a low noise rating, but it is not as powerful as the Campbell Hausfeld DC010500 Quiet Air Compressor, DEWALT D55168 Portable Workshop Compressor, and Campbell Hausfeld DC040500 Quiet Air Compressor.

As you can see in the table below, the products all have various assets that make them valuable.

They also have specifications that may not meet your needs. 

Therefore, you must review the facts and figures in order to make a wise choice.

Why Should We Opt for Air Compressors?

In general, people use air compressors for a variety of home and professional jobs.

What I like the most about air compressors is their ability to act as a lieu of other tools.

Depending on your DIY or professional project, an air compressor can serve you in different ways. Here are some of the common ones:

Repair Automotive

This is my favorite because an air compressor helps me detach bolts when working in a congested place.

All I have to do is place an air ratchet to the tool and then I’ll finish the work in seconds.

Power Spray Guns

This is another option when there is no time to use brushes to paint furniture or walls. A combination of air compressor and spray gun will save you a lot of time.

Boost Nail Gun Power

People who love to DIY use either battery powered or corded nail guns. Pairing it with an air compressor will save you up to $300 in the long run.

Act as an Air Blower

Not all households have blowers, but with the air capacity of compressors, you can clean your space in minutes.

How We Selected and Reviewed Silent Air Compressors

As proven by our tests, a competent model will save your hearing from prolonged exposure to noise and vibrations.

Month-long research and analysis of customer reviews helped us develop the criteria for my team to test out 15 air compressors.

Narrowing them to eight models secured these valuable features:

• Low decibel ratings.
• High SCFM and PSI levels to generate air.
• Horsepower and compressor type for power.  
• Motor type and tank capacity for lifespan.
• Good design and construction for quiet operation and durability.

Expert Evaluation

For the product review, I’ve provided three models within the 60-decibel range and five units beyond 60 decibels.

All of them have enticing assets for your projects, so better check those details before making a purchase.

Products 60 Decibels and Under

When it comes to ergonomics, a two-latching door permits easy access to the air compressor and components.

The 4-caster wheels enable easy transport, as long as you have enough extension cord. For quick programming, use the front-mounted on/off switch and controls.

There are dual gauges that let you check the tank and tool pressure at a glance. While this quiet air compressor easily became my favorite, the main drawback is the high price tag.

But if you want some worthwhile investment, then this is a good item to splurge on.

In effect, you prevent contaminants from entering the machine, which also makes the air clean.

This quiet air compressor also has a built-in cooling feature that helps keep the machine from overheating during operation, even if it is run pretty much continuously.

The 6.0-gallon steel air tank is lightweight. At 54 pounds, you can transport the unit to anywhere you want.

This is because it has large wheels, which allow it to be rolled about much like a wheelbarrow.

There’s also a factory-installed industrial quick coupler for easy one-handed hose connection.

In addition, a steel roll cage protects the steel-encased industrial gauges and other critical components.

This also makes the machine look neat on the outside. Meanwhile, there’s a flexible stainless steel braided discharge hose, which resists corrosion.

Lastly, the rubber feet absorb shock and minimize crawling. In effect, there’s less noise and reduced vibration.

Products beyond 60 Decibels

In addition, the detachable console cover gives easy repairing control. There is also a suitable cord wrapping option for convenient and safe storage. At only 29 pounds, this unit is easy to carry and store.

In fact, this is the most lightweight and compact model for products beyond 60 decibels.

What we also like about this model is that there’s no need for daily maintenance.

You can even eliminate the risk of oil stains on surfaces.

Since you don’t have to change the oil, you will save a lot of time and money in the long run.

Note that this model is a modification of the Bostitch BTFP02011.

This new quiet air compressor comes with a plastic construction shroud, narrow diameter, and reduced noise.

You can operate or store the compressor either in a vertical or horizontal position. You can operate or store the compressor either in a vertical or horizontal position.

This quiet air compressor makes up for its lack of big wheels by having a roll cage and control panel. 

Hence, you get to protect the machine from mishandling, work-related hazards, or major damage. For cleaning up and maintenance, drain the tank using the ball valve drain.

When you properly maintain this durable unit, you might not even have to worry about the warranty.

Moreover, this compressor is light and easy to move thanks to its 38-pound design, aluminum twin stack tank, and ergonomic carrying handle.

Even if it is compact and lightweight, this quiet air compressor doesn’t compromise power or durability.

The built-in mufflers help in drowning out the sounds when the machine is operating.

Aside from that, this unit sits on four well-balanced, rubberized feet & further reduce vibrations and noise.

For portability, this quiet air compressor is built with a wide track, semi-pneumatic tires for stability, easy movement, and no tire maintenance.

It brags a 15-gallon compressor, which means you won’t run out of air during long hours of project.

But on the downside, this makes the unit weight in at 120 pounds.  But if there’s no need to transport the machine, you can bolt the compressor instead.

DeWalt also took some time to design this compressor nicely, especially its handle and display surface. The well-positioned control handle doubles as a hose wrap.

For ergonomics, it comes with a revolutionary suitcase design. Thus, the machine is easy to store and doesn’t take up a lot of space in your garage or home.

This design also protects the motor and tank inside. What I like about its soundproofing design is the rubberized passing on the metal frame. 

In this way, the padding absorbs the motor’s vibrations.

Here’s something to further ease your mind-- Campbell Hausfeld has been manufacturing quality and reliable products since in 1836. You can make sure that your purchase is worth every cent.

Buying Guide: What To Look For In A Silent Air Compressor?

Now that you have seen the best models on the market, it is time to understand what factors to consider before purchasing one.

Make an informed decision using the traits we used for our tests.

Decibel Rating

Of course, our priority for this product review is how loud the air compressor. At the low end, units can range from 40 to 59 decibels, which is quieter than a normal human conversation.

At the high end, it could be 60 to 79 decibels, which is like powering up a dishwasher or washing machine.

Going beyond 80 decibels is considered noisy.

At 40 decibels, the California Air Tools 8010DSPC Air Compressor is the most silent model in this list.

But we must not solely rely on the given noise level. There are other aspects that can make the machine quieter or louder.

The components used for the design and construction impact noise. First off…

Compressor Type 

Each compressor type has disadvantages and benefits. They use various ways to gather, compress, and store air.

1. Reciprocating

This the most common compressor type. This kind uses a piston system to quickly capture air.

The piston is linked to a crankshaft, which means both parts make the necessary side-to-side and up-and-down movements.

Units can be either single-stage or duplex, with duplex being the more silent one. Duplex models generator more air, but with fewer revolutions.

Based on my experience, reciprocating motors deliver a good balance between performance and noise level.

2. Rotary Screw

If you do not want piston vibrations, then a rotary compressor is suitable for you.

This type is quieter than reciprocating compressors. It utilizes a pair of matching helical screws that work individually.

Since there are no screws to hit each other, the compressor becomes more silent. Consequently, the machine avoids overheating.

When I first bought an air compressor, I picked a rotary type because its size is ideal for small places like my humble garage.

In effect, I was able to maximize its power without the help of any hearing protection.

3. Scroll

This is the most efficient and quietest compressor type. Because of its durability, you can power up the compressor for long periods without overheating.

However, it doesn’t have a high CFM and comes with a higher price tag.

Scroll compressors optimize two spiral-shaped pieces of metal to compress air. One of those metals will spin around the other in a circular motion for compression.

Motor: Should You Go Oil-Lubricated or Oil-Free?

The motor’s power is identified in horsepower or HP. The higher the HP, the more powerful the unit.

Subsequently, the louder the air compressor becomes. Of course, weaker motors tend to be quieter.

But don’t worry since there is no need for a high HP when you are doing small household projects.

In relation, the basic thing about motors is checking whether you would go oil-free or not.

All of the quiet air compressors we reviewed are oil-free, but there are models on the market that still use oil.

Oil-Free

Oil-free units are smaller and more portable. In effect, they need less maintenance, which is why they are suitable for home use.

This is also the reason why all of our suggested products are oil-free. These compressors come with a Teflon Band to keep them lubricated.

They tend to be pricier compared to their oil-lubricated counterparts.

Oil-Lubricated

Compressors with oil-lubricated motors are quieter, but they need frequent maintenance.

These are more appropriate for heavy-duty projects.

Although the motor is initially cheaper, the operating costs will get high in the long run because of the need to clean up and buy oil.

Tank Size and Capacity

You must fill the tank with air before you can operate the compressor. The tank size is identified in gallons.

Then, you will combine it with the compressor's maximum pressure to know how much air the machine can store.

Bigger tanks are preferable for heavy-duty and industrial work because of their capacity. Units that go beyond 8 gallons can handle cutting, sanding, and grinding.

If you’ll only use the machine for household jobs, such as small painting projects, then about 1 to 8 gallons would suffice.

When you pick a small tank, the air could exhaust while you are on the job. Once pressure and airspeed are diminished, the motor will turn on to refill the tank.

Note that a bigger tank would also equate to more noise. Likewise, tank size impacts portability.

For this list, the DEWALT D55168 Portable Workshop Compressor has the biggest tank capacity at 15 gallons. Yet, this makes the unit noisier compared to the Hitachi EC28M Air Compressor, which only has a 1.0-gallon tank.

Furthermore, you must consider the tank’s volume because the pumped air will go to the pressurized tank or chamber.

The volume will identify how much air the machine can store at any period. Meanwhile, an air compressor can use a single or two tanks.

The number of tanks should depend on the work you must do. Single-tank models have smaller storage, but are perfect for home use.

Whereas, units with two tanks have a high air storage capacity, which helps you finish the job in less time.

Bottom line—determine what kind of tank size is appropriate to your needs.

Airspeed (PSI Count for a Minute)

The pressure per square inch or PSI is the amount of pressure that the compressor can produce.

The maximum PSI you need will depend on the type of work you must do. For instance, a low PSI is enough if you want to run spray guns or fill up air tires.

If you need to use sander or drills, then go for something around 90 PSI.

The most common maximum pressure is at 150 PSI, but some models can go lower or beyond that. At 225 PSI, the DEWALT D55168 Portable Workshop Compressor has the highest airspeed.

It is typical for compressors to have a gauge, which tells you the PSI of the air inside.

Also, there are regulator knobs that let you program the amount of pressure you need to diffuse.

Yet, to use PSI in its full glory, you must know how to pair it up with…

Air Volume (SCFM Rating)

A compressor’s standard cubic foot per minute determines how quickly the compressor can refill.

The higher the number, the faster the machine can refill during use. Air pressure varies depending on humidity and temperature. Thus, the effectiveness of a compressor also depends on these factors.

Small compressors range from 2 to 3 SCFM while the larger ones go beyond that. SCFM rating of 4.0 to 5.0 is ideal when you are using a multitude of tools.

For this buying guide, the California Air Tools 6010LFC Ultra Quiet Industrial Air Compressor and DEWALT D55168 Portable Workshop Compressor have the highest SCFMs.

Compressors with a higher SCFM can power more tools without the tank running empty.

Hence, the higher the SCFM rating at a particular PSI level, the better an air compressor becomes.

Similarly, mid-range to high-end units can provide variable CFM ratings at different PSI counts. In this way, people can make DIY projects or professional work using various pressure levels.

Most models keep PSI count to 90 for quick recovery. Based on our tests, it’s recommendable to choose a product that has a 0.5 to 5 SCFM at 90 PSI.

Power Source

You have two options—electrically powered or gas operated compressor.

Air compressors that run on gas are a bit louder because they use a combustion engine to power the pump and compress air.

They are, however, more portable than their electric counterparts. On the other hand, electric compressors are also effective, but are much quieter and cheaper.

Ergonomics: Design, Accessories, and Construction

The ergonomics impacts portability and durability. Portability is essential for people who tend to go around their house to fix things. This is why some products have wheels.

If you have a 1 to 6-gallon unit, it will be convenient to take the machine wherever you want. Meanwhile, it is advisable for models above 25 gallons to be bolted in place.

Also, I recommend models with an isolated rubber chamber, which can nullify sounds and vibrations.

Moreover, the design, construction, and the overall look of a unit are also vital. For example, there must be anti-vibration pads if you need to bolt down the machine.

For smaller compressors, check whether they have rubber feet, which can prevent vibrations. If you have some extra cash to spare, you could also go for units with mufflers.

Operational Costs and Warranty

Most brands warrant their products against defects for at least one year. The longer the warranty, the more durable the model is.

Quiet air compressors are priced from a low, medium, to high range.

Note that there will be operational costs, so find the right balance between original price, warranty, and maintenance.

FAQ About quietest air compressor

How to Make an Air Compressor Even Quieter?

The air compressors in this product review are designed to operate quietly. Yet, there are ways to further reduce sounds and vibrations.

Sometimes, wearing headphones will not save nearby people from hearing the sounds. Even built-in insulating accessories might not work if not installed properly.

So, here are the soundproofing strategies we found effective during our trial:

1. Place the Machine in an Enclosed Container

Cover the air compressor with rubber. As a result, you create a soundproof generator box. Place a thick layer of rubber or insulation inside the enclosure to decrease noise.

2. Put Rubber on the Motor

Noise may also come from shaking bolts and screws. For this effective trick, you only need to unscrew the shaking parts and place rubber grommets at the joints.

3. Keep the Compressor on Low Power

This is the simplest way to tone down your machine. If this does not work for you, then better to place the compressor away from you when working.

4. Make Use of an Anti-Vibration Mat

For soundproofing nerds, anti-vibration mats are a staple. I would put it beneath almost any appliance or machine.

Remember, any machine will cause noise because its motor vibrates against the floor, especially when it is an uneven surface.If you do not have an anti-vibration mat or rubber isolation mats, an old rug or blanket will work just fine.

5. Place an Automotive Muffler on the Air Intake

If you have a large, stationary unit, you can use an automotive muffler and two air hoses to quiet the compressor’s intake.

6. Swap Out Some Materials in the Construction

Yes, the noise may come from the actual operation.

However, the interaction of the inside materials, as well as the compressor’s contact to the floor, can create lots of sounds.

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What to Do in the Case of a Breaker-Tripping?

Note that breaker-tripping is normal. During operation, the tank’s pressure drops to cut in pressure setting.

This prompts the compressor to restart. When the unit tries to restart, the fuse blowers or the breaker trips. When this happens, check whether the unloader valve is working. 

To do this, unplug the compressor, open the tank drain, and release all the air.

Another possible scenario is a shortened pressure switch. A pressure drop causes points inside the switch to create a circuit.

When there is power flow to the motor, the pump will produce more air into the tank. Solve this by unplugging the machine, draining the tank, then closing the tank.

You could also reset the breaker until there are no sparks or arcs.

Furthermore, you can check whether the air compressor is plugged properly into an extension cord or power bar.

Note that these two can throttle power. As a result, you may overpower the motor, leading to overheating or breaker-tripping.

In this case, let the compressor cool for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Then, try to plug the machine directly into a wall socket. I suggest using a long air hose than an extension cord.

How to Maintain an Air Compressor to Sustain Quiet Operation?

What I love about air compressors is that they don’t normally need a lot of maintenance, unless you do not know how to properly operate it.

For oil-lubricated units, make it a habit to add oil to the machine.

For oil-free models, check Teflon Band every now in then. Replace the band if there are signs of wear and tear.

Air under pressure heats up and liquefies. Hence, make sure to drain the tank at the end of your working session.

Most tanks have a drain valve, so this shouldn’t be hard to do. If you don’t release the condensation, the tank will be prone to earlier rusting.

Consequently, the tank will become structurally weak, which can lead to ruptures and explosions.

Tips and Reminders

• Understand the SCFM and PSI levels before buying a product.
• If you are doing constant garage or home maintenance tasks, opt for a bigger tank, so you won’t run out of air in the middle of the job.
• When restarting the compressor motor, capacity failure may cause breaker-tripping or fuse-blowing at the restart.
• A higher maximum airspeed (PSI) equates the ability to boost a smaller tank’s carrying capacity.
• A short circuit may cause a sudden flow of electricity to the ground. It’s better to take the compressor to an expert skilled electrician.

Conclusion

Each model has its strengths and disadvantages. The best way to select a unit is to weigh those features against your preferences, needs, and budget.

With proper operation and maintenance, you can work on the compressor even on long hours.

If you want to go for the quietest model, I suggest choosing among the California Air Tools 8010DSPC Air Compressor, California Air Tools 6010LFC Ultra Quiet Industrial Air Compressor, and the DEWALT DWFP55130 Trim Compressor.

But if you are a bit concerned about the price, then the Bostitch BTFP02012 Compressor is a great alternative.