Cordless Air Compressor — Buyer’s Guide, Review, and Comparison

What Tools Can You Use With Battery Operated Air Compressors?

While all battery powered air compressors share one crucial feature — i.e., they’re driven by lithium-ion cells — they differ in many other areas.

These particular nuances can make a specific machine either ideal, or possibly useless, for your intended projects. Therefore, consider the below factors when checking out cordless rechargeable air compressor units.

Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)

This should be your primary consideration. Screw it up, and your pneumatic tools will not work. Basically, CFM determines the volume of air that the unit delivers at a set pressure — usually described by manufacturers at 90 PSI to allow easy comparison across machines. 

This is where you have to do a little homework yourself — sorry, but I can’t do everything. You need to check the manufacturer specs of your pneumatic tools — or Google it if you threw the manual away on day one — and find the CFM requirement of your equipment.

Then, select a rechargeable cordless air compressor that provides a CFM rate equal to, or greater than, your highest-demanding tool.

Tank Capacity

The compressed air that drives your pneumatic power tools comes from the tank — once it’s depleted, the compressor has to go through a full cycle to replenish the reservoir.

In short, the bigger your tank, the longer you can work.

Therefore, if your projects are long, repetitive, and continuous — such as tacking a wall — opt for a compressor with a large tank. If your jobs provide plenty of time for the unit to recycle in downtime, a smaller tank will be sufficient. Generally speaking, battery-powered compressors have reservoirs ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 gallons.

Naturally, if your projects are seriously hardcore and lengthy, you need to go for a corded machine that offers a minimum six-gallon capacity.

Horsepower

Read many online cordless air compressor reviews, and you could be left with the impression that horsepower (HP) is the be-all-and-end-all. More HP must mean bigger, better, and more powerful, right?

Nope. Not at all.

In compressors, the HP rating indicates the rate at which the machine generates air under pressure. The greater the HP, the faster it creates a store of compressed gas at a higher PSI. Basically, how fast the tank is filled.

So, if your jobs are lengthy and continuous with rapid tank draining, then definitely yes, go for a unit with a high HP. But, if you’re just shooting out a staple every few minutes, a low HP machine is just as useful — and cheaper.

Noise

Compressors are loud — even battery-powered machines. Sure, you can minimize the volume by placing the unit on a vibration-absorbing mat, screwing it to the floor or bench, tightening any loose parts, and wearing ear defenders — but it will still make a noise.

Excessive sound is annoying (for you and your neighbors), unpleasant, and potentially hazardous. So, where possible, try to opt for a battery-driven compressor with a low decibel level. Many conscientious manufacturers have designed machines with internal damping and baffling that restrict output volume to a minimum.

Nails/Shots Per Charge

As most cordless compressors are used for nailing or stapling, savvy brands have developed a new metric to describe the machine’s performance in a way that everyone can understand — shots (or nails) per charge.

Unsurprisingly, it indicates how many nails the compressor can propel — from a correctly attached nail gun — before its fully-charged lithium-ion cell is depleted. This can range anywhere from 500 to 1600 shots-per-charge — useful to know if you’re studding walls or laying floorboards.

Included Accessories

Some manufacturers throw in additional treats with their compressors — anything from cleaning brushes and washers to hoses and grommets. So, it’s always worth checking out what arrives with your machine, as it could stop you from making future purchases.

However, in the case of cordless compressors, there’s something you should always look for — a battery and charger.

As many DIYers and trade pros are brand loyal, manufacturers often take the view that consumers already have a cell and charger they use on their other tools. And, with batteries usually compatible across a single brand’s products, there’s no point in including one with every tool.

A useful point of view if that’s true for you — or incredibly frustrating when you discover you can’t use your new equipment as you have no battery. Therefore, always examine what comes with your compressor.

If your projects are long, repetitive, and require continuous fastener driving — consider the 2840-20 from the US tool specialists Milwaukee.

Knocking out a massive 1600 nails from a single charge, this cordless compressor is a genuine pro-grade machine — allowing you to work longer and harder without having to recharge. And delivering a grunty 1.2 CFM at 90 PSI, this machine can drive anything from nail guns and riveters through to light paint guns and sandblasters. 

At the heart of this cordless compressor is a generously sized 2.0 horsepower motor — permitting rapid replenishment of its two-gallon tank. And, despite its impressive brawn, the 2840-20 only emits 68 decibels of sound — protecting you, your work colleagues, and other on-site contractors.

Designed with the trade user in mind, this battery-driven pneumatic powerhouse incorporates corrosion-resistant brass fittings. What’s more, it boasts a hardcore metal roll cage — ensuring your valuable tool is protected against the extreme abuse faced on hardworking building sites.

Admittedly, it’s not a lightweight machine — weighing in at around 35 pounds, it carries significant heft. However, this is a necessary evil — permitting the unit to house a substantial reservoir, brawny motor, and protective casing.

The ‎2840-20 FUEL is driven by Milwaukee’s renowned M18 lithium-cell — a reliable 18-volt battery that can power over 200 cordless machines in the brand’s line-up. However, bear in mind that this compressor doesn’t arrive with a cell or charger — so, if you don’t already own an M18 cell, you’ll need to make an additional purchase.

Boasting a pancake design, brawny output, and unmatched durability — the DCC2560T1 from tool maestros DeWalt offers professional-level performance for both the industry tradesperson and serious home user.

Driven by a high-efficiency 2.5 horsepower motor, its 2.5-gallon tank is rapidly replenished with compressed air — ideal if you’re using the unit constantly during your working day. And, since the motor is brushless, it ensures energy efficiency — increasing the running time from the mighty 60-volt lithium cell.

For a pro/prosumer machine, it delivers remarkable ease of use. No complicated setup, simply turn the regulator knob to set your PSI, and you’re ready to start work. And, being oil-free, this compressor ensures messless operation and minimal environmental impact.

Pushing out 1.2 CFM of brawn at 90 PSI, this tool can drive up to 1220 nails from a single charge — while also providing enough grunt to drive staplers, sprayers, and sandblasters. Yet, despite its punch, only emits around 79 decibels of sound.

Built for extreme conditions, the DCC2560T1 DeWalt compressor incorporates a hardcore roll cage — invaluable to defend its motor, tank, and dials while you’re pushing yourself to the limit on the job site. And, with substantially rubberized feet, vibration and walking are kept to a pleasing minimum.

Furthermore, this tool is ready to use straight after unboxing. Arriving with a DCB606 lithium-ion FLEXVOLT cell and fast charger — you don’t need to make any additional purchases.

If your home DIY escapades or hobby pursuits annoy neighbors or family members — it might be worth considering the ‎P739 Ryobi One+ compressor. Knocking out just 54 decibels of sound — equivalent to the noise of a normal conversation — it’s unlikely to trouble loved ones or the people next door.

Focusing on the light demands of domestic users, this cordless compressor 18V machine isn’t going to drive any hardcore tools — staplers, light nail guns, and airbrushes are about their limit. And, with 700 shots-per-charge, it’s not designed for extended-use sessions.

However, for low-intensity projects, it’s ideal. Its 0.6 horsepower motor provides steady refilling of the tools’ one-gallon tank. What’s more, providing 0.72 CFM at 90 PSI, you can effortlessly propel thin paints, tacks, staples, and lightweight brad nails. And arriving with a lengthy three-year warranty, this battery-powered compressor promises reassuring reliability.

The unit housing incorporates a robust and substantially sized metal carry handle. Covered with a soft rubber casing, it allows you to transport the 14-pound machine around your home, workshop, or garage.

Twin easy-read dials permit you to check tank and output pressures at a glance — saving you costly downtime. And, with a robust quick-coupling connector — detachment and attachment of tools and hoses are stress-free.

Admittedly, not strictly a true cordless compressor. However, if you’re not interested in driving power tools and all you need is an inflator for tires and children’s toys — the JF EGWO 1000A might be the perfect tool.

While housing a modest compressor, this 18000 mAh battery-driven unit is actually a combi jump starter and inflator. Knocking out 1000 amps of grunt — impressive for a mini machine — it can start up 5.5-liter diesel and 7.0-liter gas cars, trucks, and vans.

The compact pneumatic powerhouse pushes out a maximum of 150 PSI, permitting 35 liters of compressed air to enter tires and inflatables every minute. What’s more, arriving complete with five different adaptors for the nozzle head, you have the perfect connector for beach balls, wading pools, and car tires.

The front of the machine boasts a generously sized pressure monitor — making sure you’re always aware of the inflation status. And, if a compressor and jump starter in one machine isn’t enough — the tool also includes an LED lamp and twin USB ports.

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