A good and reliable air compressor is one that can get the job done whenever it is required. Usually, many people make the mistake of assuming the best air compressor is the one that is packed with the best features or the most expensive one.

This is not the case. The best air compressor is the most reliable one. Today, air compressors can do a whole array of things, such as pumping your flat tire, fixing your nail gun, among many other things. It may be just as important as a tool as your home generator.

If you are looking to buy an air compressor, there are a few things you might want to consider before settling on one, for example, level of quietness.

The quietness of an air compressor is essential because you would not want a loud machine that is going to create disturbance for you and your neighbors.

We have compiled a list of the quietest air compressors that are very reliable for home and outdoor uses, saving you the hustle of hunting down any yourself.

1. California Air Compressor 10020C

Best Overall

If you are looking for the ultimate air compressor that offers high-volume air delivery at low noise, you might want to consider the CAT 10020C, which comes with a 10-gallon tank, alongside two wheels and a handle.

The CAT 10020C is a lot less maintenance-oriented compared to some of the other air compressors that are being sold in shops and online.

This is because it does not use oil; hence you do not have to worry about buying, changing, and disposing of oil.

This air compressor can come in handy, especially if you are a busy person who does not have time to refill the oil.

Also, it comes with a wheeled 10-gallon air tank that makes it easy to transport from one place to another.

Apart from these outstanding features, it is also super quiet, making it stand out as it only generates 70 decibels of sound at any one given time.

Pros

• Saves you maintenance costs thanks to its oil-free motor and dual-piston

• Its has a cast aluminum cylinder that is rust-free

• Delivers high performance at only 70 decibels of sound

• Offers high air delivery

• Weighs 82 pounds

Cons

• Some users claim it has an awkward design

View California Air Compressor 10020C on Amazon

2. Hitachi Air Compressor EC28M

Premium Quality

The Hitachi EC28M portable compressor features a super quiet operation that offers 59 decibels of sound, making it a pleasurable machine to work with it since it allows you to have a conversation while it is running.

It also features a regulator and a meter that assist you in monitoring the air pressure.

The entire construction is covered by a steel roll, which offers protection to the internal components and tubing.

The steel roll also gives this low noise air compressor a sleek look on the surface.

However, a section of potential customers claims it is a bit pricey considering its 1-gallon tank size and half-horsepower drive.

However, since it is manufactured by industry leaders, Hitachi, and backed by a 1-year professional warranty, some argue it is worth every coin.

Pros

• One of the quietest air compressors operating only at 59 dB

• Comes with a quick-coupler, industrial regulator, and gauges

• Covered by a steel roll cage

• Includes rubber feet and a rubber grip that gives it more convenience

• Offers a 1-year warranty

Cons

• A little bit pricey

View Hitachi Air Compressor EC28M on Amazon

3. California Air Compressor 2010A Ultra-Quiet

Ultra-Quiet

As a company, California Air Tools appear to have the right compressor for anybody who cares to have one.

This air compressor falls under the category of ultra-quiet machines due to its 60-decibel sound level. It is portable and weighs about 35 pounds.

However, do not be fooled into thinking you will have to forfeit quality for convenience. The CAT 2010A has a maximum CFM of about 2.20 at 90 PSI. Therefore, you can use it with a wrench and a nailer for roofing.

Also, its 2.0 HP motor runs at 1680 RPM, allowing you to experience less wear and less noise.

According to the manufacturers, its oil-free engine guarantees you service of over 3,000 hours before it starts having any mechanical challenges.

Its 2-gallon capacity tank is made of aluminum, which makes it right for both home and outdoor activities.

If you decide to buy this air compressor, you will get Teflon cylinder rings, a dual-piston engine, helps in ensuring the machine remains silent, and a stainless-steel valve that offers an extended and reliable service life.

Pros

• Produces a maximum of 60 dB of sound

• At 40 PSI and 90 PSI, it can reach 3.1 CFM and 2.2 CFM respectively

• Its oil-free engine supports less maintenance and longer life

• Versions available include 0.5 and 0.75 horsepower

• Comes with a 1-year warranty

Cons

• A bit expensive

View California Air Compressor 2010A Ultra-Quiet on Amazon

4. California Air Compressor 1P1060S

If you wish to have a portable and muted air compressor that runs quieter than your TV, you might want to have a glance at this machine from CATs.

It is super compact and portable, weighing at about 29.5 pounds and runs at a noise level of 56 decibels.

However, you will not be able to do heavy jobs with this compressor due to its limited volume and engine size.

You will be restricted to small tasks such as powering a finish nailer and inflating tires.

The features that are present in this compressor include a regulator, a steel tank, a thermal overload protector, two gauges, a steel frame, and a handle that supports easy movement.

Considering its dimensions, you will require about 1 second for each pressure unit that is used to fill your vehicle’s tire. Also, the compressor tank needs about 60 seconds to go from empty to full.

Pros

• At 29.5 pounds, it is portable and easy to transport

• Ideal for individuals who do not have any tolerance for noise

• Ultra-quiet with only 56 dB

• At 0.6 HP it can produce 1.6 CFM

Cons

• Cannot handle more extensive air tools

View California Air Compressor 1P1060S on Amazon

5. California Air Compressor 8010

The CAT 8010 compressor is for individuals who want to hit the road running and are looking for a high-powered compressor that has an ultra-quiet engine and an enlarged tank.

The CAT 8010 is a powerful pump that comes with a 3.1 capacity unit of compressed air and an 8-gallon tank.

Also, 8010 is one of the top-rated air compressor machines in the market thank to its 60 decibels noise level.

Its engine does not use oil, and it incorporates a dual-piston pump that suppliers top air pressures whenever they are required.

This hot dog-shaped compressor also comes with wheels and handles that make transportation easy.

According to some customer reviews, the CAT 8010 scores highly in all spheres except in design and aesthetics.

Aside from its design shortcomings, it is an excellent and reliable machine that has a gentle air compressor.

Pros

• Its 60 dB compressor can handle tough jobs

• Comes with an 8-gallon tank and an oil-free engine

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Comes with wheels and handles for convenient movement

• At 40 PSI it can provide 3.1 CFM

Cons

• Does not have a stylish or beautiful look

View California Air Compressor 8010 on Amazon

6. Campbell Hausfeld Ultra-Quiet Compressor

Campbell Hausfeld is another company that is known globally for its high-quality air compressor products.

As a compressor, the Campbell Hausfeld offers 68 decibels of noise level, a dual-piston pump, an engine that does not require oil, and an 8-gallon tank.

According to the manufacturers, the components of this low noise air compressor are built to last four times longer than conventional compressors giving it an extended life span.

You can use this compressor for various functions such as stapling, inflation, painting, air wrench, and sanding.

In an event you purchase this machine, it should come with a complete kit that includes an accessory kit, a meter for inflation, a sling, an air hose, and a 3-in-1 gun.

The Campbell Hausfeld compressor offers you more than you require in a dependable compressor, and it also comes with a 1-year guarantee from the company.

Pros

• Comes with a 1-year warranty

• At 90 PSI pressure, it can deliver up to 2.4 CFM

• It comes with a complete kit

• 68 dB engine

• Features an 8-gallon tank

Cons

• A bit bulky

View Campbell Hausfeld Ultra-Quiet Compressor on Amazon

7. California Air Compressor 4620

Unlike other CATs air compressors that we have mentioned in this review, the CAT 4620 looks a little bit stylish, coming with a heavy-duty supply of up to 6.4 capacity units of pressure per minute.

While this might be the loudest California air compressor we have in the market, it is by far one of the most powerful machines that can power different tools without any challenges.

When you buy this model, you should get a 4.6-gallon compressor, a dual-piston pump, an oil-free motor, and a two horsepower engine.

The tanks are made with aluminum, which prevents any rust issues from emerging. It also comes backed with a 1-year guarantee from the company giving you peace of mind.

Pros

• Uses an oil-free engine

• Tanks are rust-free thanks to its aluminum material

• Offers 70 dB noise levels

• Has a sizeable 4.6-gallon tank

• At 40 PSI, its dual-pistons can provide up to 6.4 CFM

Cons

• A bit pricey

View California Air Compressor 4620 on Amazon

8. DeWalt Air Compressor 200-PSI

DeWalt is another known manufacturer of some of the quietest air compressors. Although it is not as quiet as other top-rated machines, the DeWalt machine does come with plenty of features and benefits.

For instance, DeWalt can deliver per minute about 3.0 capacity unit of air supply. This makes it able to operate some serious air machinery like impact wrenches, drills, and driving up to 3 nailers all at once.

It also comes with two universal couplers and a 71.5-decibel noise level. This is louder than most of the compressors we have seen so far in this review.

It weighs about 36 pounds making it relatively lightweight.

Pros

• Has a sleek and good-looking design

• Has a maximum tank pressure of 200 PSI

• At 90 PSI it can deliver up to 3.0 SCFM

• Offers 71.5 dB noise level

Cons

• Louder than other ultra-quiet compressors

• The 2.5-gallon tank is not sufficient

View DeWalt Air Compressor 200-PSI on Amazon

9. Dewalt D55140 1-Gallon Air Compressor

The DeWalt D55140 is definitely on the louder side of the ultra-quiet compressor list, due to its 70 decibels.

Despite its high pitch, it comes with other features that make it a force to reckon in the air compressor market.

 Since it is equipped with a long-lasting pump and an oil-free engine, it is easy to operate and maintain this DeWalt compressor model.

There is no need to open and check the pump; cases of oil spills on your surface are also unlikely to happen.

It weighs at about 24 pounds and measures about 9-inches in width, making it easy to transport.

Pros

• Has a quick recovery time

• Slim and portable

• Inexpensive

Cons

• Has a small tank

• A bit slow

View Dewalt D55140 1-Gallon Air Compressor on Amazon

10. DeWalt Air Compressor with Low-Sound and 15-Gallon

The DeWalt 15-gallon is a trailblazer in its own right thanks to the power and versatility it provides.

It incorporates a 15-gallon tank that is painted the company’s trademark yellow color.

It is oil-free, meaning you will not have to worry about maintenance and oil refills. Also, the mother company offers a 1-year warranty.

DeWalt is one of the pioneer air compressor makers in the hand-operated machine industry.

In regards to design, DeWalt managed to do a good job designing this low noise air compressor nicely. Its multipurpose handle is well-positioned for better control.

Pros

• Sleek and multi-functional design

• 78 dB noise level

• Has a high volume compressor

• At 90 PSI, it can offer 4.8 SCFM

• Superior stability thanks to its semi-pneumatic tires

Cons

• A bit pricey

• A bit noisy

View DeWalt Air Compressor with Low-Sound and 15-Gallon on Amazon

Conclusion

Here are some of the best and quietest air compressors for your home and outdoor needs. They are all unique in their way, but there is no single air compressor that is completely 100 percent quiet.

Therefore, what you can do is make a choice that is close to your personal preference and budget.

Quiet Air Compressor Comparison Table

Product name	Noise level	PSI level	Weight	Dimensions	Warranty
California Air Compressor 10020C	70 decibels	125 PSI	82.5 pounds	16 x 15.1 x 35.9 inches	1 year
Hitachi Air Compressor EC28M	59 decibels	125 PSI	25.2 pounds	14 x 14 x 13.5 inches	1 year
California Air Compressor 2010A	60 decibels	90 PSI	35.3 pounds	18.5 x 14 x 13.5 inches	1 year
California Air Compressor 1P1060S	56 decibels	90 PSI	29 pounds	12.5 x 14.7 x 14.75 inches	1 year
California Air Compressor 8010	60 decibels	120 PSI	48 pounds	26 x 14 x 23 inches	1 year
Campbell Hausfeld Ultra-Quiet	68 decibels	125 PSI	67 pounds	11 x 23 x 26 inches	1 year
California Air Compressor 4620	70 decibels	90 PSI	67.2 pounds	19.1 x 16.7 x 19.7 inches	1 year
DeWalt Air Compressor 200-PSI	78 decibels	225 PSI	120 pounds	24.5 x 20 x 44.75 inches	1 year
Dewalt D55140	71 decibels	135 PSI	29.5 pounds	48 x 40 x 41 inches	1 year
DEWALT D55168	78 decibels	225 PSI	120 pounds	24.5 x 20 x 44.75 inches	1 year

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Last update on 2020-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API