Air Compressors come with many features to suit your needs. Some air compressors are known for their portability, some are known for their efficiency, some are noiseless. Known for their powerful motors and equipping a large variety of air tools, they make your job easier. Whether you are spray painting, pumping a tire or using them in construction tools, these air compressors will ensure that you have the right amount of air pressure and force to finish your task efficiently.
If you work with these a lot, then you will know that it is often difficult and frustrating to work around noisy air compressors. We have compiled a guide here that will give you many air compressors to choose from that will not give you a headache. These are some of the quietest air compressors available in the market.
Our best recommendation is the California Air Tools 8.0 Gal. 1.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Electric Air Compressor. Read on to find out why.
Read more: How to Increase the CFM on your Air Compressor
Here are some of the best quiet air compressors (our picks)
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor
A model option is California Air Tools’ CAT-1P1060S compressor. It is a quiet, lightweight machine perfect for small-scale home projects. It is extremely quiet with just 56 decibels and has a small storage tank.
The motor runs at 1680 RPM and has a quick recovery time (50 seconds). It is an oil-free single-piston pump, which makes maintenance easy and you can work on it without having to worry about extra working costs or cold environments.
It is very light, making it perfect to be carried around the house or the garage with minimal effort.
Price: From $122.39
Key Specifications:
- CFM: 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI
- Oil-free pump
- Noise: 60 decibels
- Portable
- 1.0 gallon steel tank
- 0.6 HP, 110 V motor
- Power source: Corded Electric
Pros:
- A quiet performance
- Affordable
- Easily moveable
- The motor is quite powerful for its small size
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- The tank size is too small, resulting in constant refilling and more interruptions
California Air Tools 5510SE Air-Compressor
The CAT 5510SE model works at a soft 60 dB. It comes with an oil-free pump and very easy-to-use starting mechanisms. The motor starts up at 1680 RPM. However, there are some cons to this model. As a product marketed to be a light model, it is heavy at 50 lbs. There are frequent complaints about leakage, which causes rust.
Price: From $214.37
Key Specifications:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- 8-gallon tank
- Wheel Kit and Air Filters
- 110 V motor, 1.0 hp
- Maximum pressure: 120 PSI
Pros:
- Thermal Overload Protection
- Quick recovery time between 90 to 120 PSI
- Fast tank fill up time: 120 seconds
Cons:
- Low CFM rating
- Complaints of leakage
- Too heavy to be considered a light model
Ford Silent Series oil-free compressor
Ford is a household name across the world. Ford vehicles are some of the earliest and most sold of all time. And yet, not many are aware that Ford has ventured into the air compressor realm. Ford’s Silent Series is an example of how Ford applies the same ethics of their vehicles onto air compressors.
As their name suggests, Ford’s Silent Series is a silent compressor packed with powerful features. It is durable, affordable, noiseless, and powerful. The compressor boasts a 2.0 HP motor with a maximum pressure output of 125 PSI. The oil-free pump makes it easy to care for and reduces noise significantly. You can use it in any weather conditions without fearing the motor.
Also, Read – Best air compressor for framing crew
It comes with two pressure gauges to keep track of the internal pressure. They are easy to read and keep you updated.
A large 15-gallon capacity tank is one of the quietest compressors made, their main selling point.
Price: From $390.55
Key Specifications:
- 2.9 or 3.9 CFM, 90 or 40 PSI
- 15-gallon vertical air tank
- 2 HP motor, 120 V
- Maximum PSI: 125
- 59 decibels operation
- Power source: Corded Electric
Pros:
- Big wheels make for easy portability
- Very quiet (59 dB)
- ideal for spray guns
- Easy-to-read operations
- Oil-free pump
Stealth Ultra-Quiet 4. 5 Gallon Portable Air Compressor
Stealth’s Ultra-Quiet 4.5/5 gallon air compressor is a truly quiet compressor producing only 64 decibels of sound.
Even though it is marketed as a ‘portable’ compressor, it is a little heavy to carry around without using the wheels. The 6-inch wheels and handle are handy and durable. The machine uses an oil-free piston pump, ensuring low maintenance and a cost-effective experience. It also comes with a drain pipe at the bottom of the tank.
It is a reliable machine that will not let you down.
Price: Unavailable
Key Specifications:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- 5-gallon tank
- 1.3 HP motor, dual air pump
- Oil-free pump
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 6-inch runner reinforced wheels
- Maximum PSI: 150
- CFM: 3 CFM at 90 PSI
Pros:
- Quick recovery time (70 seconds)
- Has wheels for portability
- A quiet performance
- Small, but powerful motor
Cons:
- Only one coupler
Stealth Ultra-Quiet 2 Gallon Air Compressor
Another Stealth recommendation is its 2-gallon machine. Smaller than the previous one, it is a landmark compressor in the range of 2-gallon compressors. It has a noise level of only 68 decibels and boasts of a three times longer lifespan than others.
Like its predecessor, it also has an oil-free pump, which reduces the cost of using the machine and gives free rein to use it in all weathers.
It is also durable and comes with an enclosure motor with rubber wheels and a handle. Its vertical position makes it a compact choice that can fit in any corner.
Key Specifications:
- CFM: 6 CFM at 40 PSI, 5 CFM at 90 PSI
- Noise: 60 decibels
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Oil-free pump
Pros:
- 2-gallons capacity
- Comes with wheels and a handle
- for portability
- Tranquil
- Quick recovery time (70 seconds)
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Very top-heavy
Quincy QT-45 Quiet 60 Gallon Air Compressor
The Quincy 60-Gallon air compressor is a heavy duty compressor with a Baldor motor. It is staffed by a powerful engine which runs at 5 HP.
With its stocky build (weighing 475 lbs), it is impossible to move it around. With a large tank size, you will have limited interruptions at work. It is one of the machines that are capable of refilling air while you work, so you do not have to wait for the recovery. The pump has a long lifespan of 50,000 hours, and this model is perfect for commercial use.
Price: From $2,175
Key Specifications:
- Pump RPM: 1310. 230 V motor, 5 HP
- Maximum PSI: 175
- Heavy duty Baldor motor
- Built-in thermal overload
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Pros:
- Unexpectedly quiet air compressor for a large size
- 60-gallon tank capacity
- No need to wait for recovery
- 1-year warranted
Cons:
- Cannot be moved around
- More expensive
Makita MAC2400 Air Compressor
Makita is a Japanese brand with over 100 years of credibility in the industry. Their MAC2400 is a robustly built air compressor. It has a decent amount of storage with 4.2 gallons. The construction is cast-iron and twin stacked to make it last longer. The pump is oil-lubricated, with a large filter that ensures more air intake.
Other unique features are packed in this model, such as an oil-drain valve, an oil-visible glass, and in-built heat dissipation. It comes with a factory-built roll bar handle that you can use to protect the machine further. Perhaps, the most exciting addition to this array of specifications is the eco-saving mode that ensures that you can produce a lot of air without using too much power.
Price: From $319.00
Key Specifications:
- Cast-iron pump
- Big Bore cylinder
- Quick recovery time
- 2.5 HP, 4-Pole motor
- 4.2 CFM at PSI 90
- Maximum PSI: 130
- Roll-cage construction
- Oil lubricated pump
- 79 dB sound
Pros:
- Removable to easily clean
- Oil lubricated pump minimizes wear and tear
- Durable with the cast-iron cylinder and build
- Low AMP draw
- A bore cylinder
Cons:
- There are no wheels for easy movement
- Needs timely oil maintenance
California Air Tools 8.0 Gal. 1.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Electric Air Compressor
Yet another California Air Tools recommendation – and our best recommendation – is their 8-gallon electric air compressor. It is designed to work for more than 3000 hours before showing signs of use. It has an oil-free pump that makes working in all weather conditions easy and costs less to use. It is also ultra-quiet, as the name suggests, with the sound levels reaching just 60 decibels.
It also comes with wheels and handles for easy transportation. It is also durable with its steel tank body and designed for both small and heavy tasks with a big enough tank size.
Price: From $200.00
Key Specifications:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- CFM: 3.1 CFM at 40 PSI, and 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI
- 8-gallon tank
- Oil-free motor
- Noise: 60 decibels
- 1.0 hp motor
- Maximum pressure: 120 PSI
Pros:
- Plenty of tank space
- Ultra-quiet (60 decibels)
- The RPM is also low at just 1680
- 1-year warranty
- Lightweight and portable
The California Air Tools 20020 air compressor
The California Air Tools compressor or CAT, is one of the best options available in the market due to its hardiness and conveniently built design. It is rugged, durable, and tranquil making it a dream to work with.
The CAT compressor runs on a 2.0 HP motor and boasts of an oil-free dual-piston pump which will last you for 3,000 hours at the very least. This is a desirable number compared to the other compressors that hardly give out 500 hours or even less than that. A big advantage is that you can also use this pump in cold temperatures since there is no fear of the oil freezing up.
Price: From $709.00
Key Specifications:
- 5.30 CFM and 90 PSI
- Air stored in a 20-gallon tank
- 2.0 HP motor that runs at 1680 RPM
- Power source: Corded Electric
Pros:
- Very quiet, running on 70 decibels
- Long-lasting life
- Easy transportation due to two wheels
Cons:
- Customer service can be improved
What to Look for in a Quiet Air Compressor?
1. CFM and PSI ratings
Different air compressors will offer different readings of CFM and PSI. CFM or Cubic Feet Per Minute is the amount of airflow from the compressor, and the PSI, or Pounds Per Square Inch, is the amount of pressure your compressor can take.
The CFM and PSI decide how well your compressor can function.
Since you will be using your compressor for varied tasks, the first step is to check what CFM your task at hand or air tools require to function best and make up your mind accordingly. Once you determine that, you need to check that your air compressor should produce more CFM than your air tools.
Keep in mind not to buy one with the same CFM as the spray gun. This is very important, as any mistakes here will mess up your job.
There are tools available that are more compatible with quiet compressors. If your air tools make more noise than your compressor, that is no use. Whatever air compressor size you use, factor in adding half that size for the air tools so you can safely use both. Sometimes, it may get dangerous if your compressor is big, but your air tools are small.
2. Tank Size
Paint Sprayers used in HVLP painting, or car paint, sand blowing, pumping need varied and continuous air flowing into the air compressor. This means that your air compressor will use up more air. For this purpose, you need one with a large tank size. Large tank sizes should mean large enough not to interrupt your work again and again while you paint. Even if you have a small tank, ensure a quick recovery time.
3. Portability and Weight
The product’s portability is tied with its weight. If a compressor is heavy, then you cannot transport it easily. If you are undertaking a project that requires a lot of moving around, you will have to take your compressor everywhere.
Getting a compressor with easy portability or less weight is a prerogative.
4. Noise
The most crucial thing for you to consider is the sound that your compressor is going to make. If your compressor makes a lot of sounds when running, it will make working for long hours a nightmare. If your needs are such that you should invest in a quiet compressor, then look for the ones with the lowest possible decibels. Our guide will help you pick the right one.
What Makes an Air Compressor Quiet?
How quiet air compressors function is that they absorb more than half the sound the machine would otherwise emit before the sound escapes. Quiet air compressors come in a casing or a ‘housing’ that dampens or reduces a part of the sound in itself. To better this, sometimes the machines come covered with an enclosure like contraption. There are full and partial enclosures too. Full enclosures cover up the sound on a larger scale than partially enclosed ones.
Another way that compressors can lower their noise is by using oil. Oil-run compressors keep the noise to a bare minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the recommended products above that is one of the quietest 6-gallon air compressors is the Quincy QT-54 Quiet 60 Gallon Air Compressor. Running on a 230 V motor and very quiet in function, this is the compressor to go for if you need bigger tank storage.
One of the reasons could be the location of your compressor. If your compressor is in the same room as you, it will rattle you. The power source also plays a massive part in noise. If your compressor is a gas one, it will be noisier than an electric one. It could also be friction. Friction results from your compressor moving and working, which over time increases the noise due to wear and tear. To prevent this from happening, you can go in for positive displacement compressors, which do not have many moving parts and make less noise.
Wrapping Up
Air compressors are a big part of home improvement projects these days. There are multiple options available in the market to suit your needs. While picking a compressor, you will need to focus on the specifications of the compressor, as well as the air tools you use and the CFM and PSI ratings and noise levels of your chosen model. As mentioned earlier, our top pick is the California Air Tools 8.0 Gal. 1.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Electric Air Compressor. This product will solve all your worries when it comes to ultra-quiet operation. Selecting a proper air compressor for your needs is challenging, but we hope that our guide gave you some answers and clarity.
