Tool Tango is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Air hoses are a bit more complicated than just length. There is a whole range of variables that need to be considered before buying an air hose.
In the article below, you’ll be given all the information you need to buy the hose that best suits your needs.
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best air hoses:
- Best Overall:
Amflo 12-25E
- Runner-up:
WYNNsky Hybrid Air Hose
- Best for the Money: Good Year 12674
Comparison of the Best Air Hoses
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Amflo 12-25E  | ||
WYNNsky Hybrid Air Hose  | ||
Good Year 12674  | ||
WYNNsky Rubber Air Hose  | ||
JACO Flexpro Hybrid Air Hose  | ||
Maxaline Air Compressor Hose  | ||
Milton 1623-3  | ||
Flexzilla HFZ1450YW2  | ||
Campbell Hausfeld PA117701AV  |
What Size Air Hose Do I Need?
The size of your air hose is an essential feature in terms of length and inside diameter. The length and inside diameter have effects on both durability and ability.
Length
The two standard sizes of an air hose are 50ft or 100ft. However, other smaller and larger sizes are available. The 100ft option means you get as much length as possible without needing an extension cord. These extensions can overheat your motor and cause permanent damage. Smaller, 50ft hoses are also beneficial to minimize frictional air loss.
Inside Diameter
The most common diameters for air hoses are ¼ and ⅜ inch. The wider diameter hose limits the frictional loss. However, the smaller diameter hose facilitates higher PSI levels.
How to Choose the Best Air Hose For Compressor
There are a few essential features to consider when looking for an air hose. Below, we’ll discuss why these features are so important.
Material
Hybrid - Typically PVC and rubber mixtures but can include a polymer blend too. This material was created to provide the durability of rubber combined with the lighter weight of PVC.
PVC - You’d find most standard hoses are made from PVC. It’s cheap and lighter than other materials. However, it will easily kink and doesn’t work well in cold conditions. The stiff material means that it doesn’t lay out flat or uncoil properly.
Polyurethane - Very similar to PVC/Rubber. This material is light, flexible, and operates effectively in colder conditions. The downside to this material is that they kink easily and can be on the more expensive side.
Rubber - The more popular material, it’s relatively flexible and can be used in various temperatures. They’re quite heavy and can get dirty quickly. This material doesn’t kink.
Nylon - Light but isn’t a durable material. Easy to put away as it can be coiled without a fuss but will kink easily.
Length
Like we mentioned above, the most common lengths are 100ft and 50ft. The smaller 50ft works better as there’s less frictional air loss. However, the longer one means you have plenty of lengths to play around with, meaning no need to risk using an extension cord.
Diameter
Again, the two most common types are the ¼ and the ⅜ inch. Just like the smaller hose length, the wider diameter hose also limits any frictional air loss. However, the thinner option works well for facilitating a higher PSI level.
Reviews of the Best Air Compressor Hose
Below you’ll find what we think are some of the best air compressor hoses currently on the market.
Best Overall:
Amflo 12-25E
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Polyurethane is a durable but lightweight material, making this hose easy to carry around a construction site, garage, or inside a home. The material also makes it easy to use this hose throughout the year, even in temperatures that plummet to around -30F and soaring heat of 150F.
There are three options of length to choose from, 25ft, 50ft, and 100ft, all with their various benefits; it’s great that you get the opportunity. Polyurethane tends to kink frequently. However, the manufacturers have tried to limit this by including the PVC bend restrictors.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The manufacturers have put some thought and effort into making this product the best it possibly can be. Polyurethane hoses are commonly known to kink a lot. However, with this product, the manufacturers have included the PVC kink restrictors, which are decent enough to lower the likelihood of kinking greatly. However, there are still a few instances when this did occur.
Runner-Up:
WYNNsky Hybrid Air Hose
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The 300 PSI working pressure will allow you to operate pneumatic air tools of all levels so long you have the compressor to match. The hybrid material will also allow you to use this product in most working environments without risk of damaging the hose. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to move around a worksite.
The hybrid material is excellent for working in hot or cold conditions throughout the year. The fittings are also made from solid brass, making them corrosion resistant and more durable than standard aluminum, steel, or zinc fittings.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The hybrid material is one of the best you can get for an air hose. It mixes the lightweight of PVC and the durability of rubber. The bend restrictors also help limit the possibility of kinking. The only downside is that, even with all this protection, it will eventually begin to kink after multiple and constant uses.
Best for the Money:
Goodyear 12674
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This 50ft rubber hose is a welcome addition to any worker’s tool kit. The hose's length means that there’s less traveling for the pressurized air, meaning there’s no frictional air loss, a common problem of longer hoses.
The only problem with that is the lack of free movement. The rubber material itself is trouble-free in cold or hot conditions and is relatively flexible. The downside with rubber is that it’s heavy and gets dirty easily, making it a problem if you’re working in someone's home.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
Rubber hoses are common and the most popular choice among air compressor users. The material is abrasion-free and can withstand most weather conditions. The synthetic yarn reinforcement adds to the hose's durability, allowing the lifespan to be significantly increased.
Best Rubber Air Hose:
WYNNsky Rubber Air Hose
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This air hose comes in two sizes, the 50ft and 25ft, both are great for limiting frictional air loss. The only problem with the size is that it limits you to a maximum of 50ft. The rubber material can withstand temperature changes ranging from -20F up to 150F, without ever losing flexibility, one of the most significant benefits.
The 300 PSI max working pressure is another critical feature as this will allow users to operate any pneumatic tools they desire, so long as the compressor can provide up to 300 PSI. The solid brass fittings aren’t corrosive and even offer a better fitting that aluminum, steel, or zinc. The bend restrictors are also another key feature as this will significantly reduce the risk of kinking.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The bend restrictors are probably what makes this rubber hose stand out from others. Typically it doesn’t take long until continuous use gets the better of rubber and begins to kink. However, with this hose, along with the bend restrictors, it significantly decreases the likelihood. The only real problems would be the heavyweight and extreme heat that causes bubbles.
Best Air Hose for Cold Weather:
JACO Flexpro Hybrid Air Hose
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The blended hybrid polymer material is a common and reliable material to use on-air hoses; it combines both the durability and lightweight of rubber, PVC, and polymer. This hose also offers dual bend restrictors to provide twice the support in decreasing the likelihood of kinking. The 300 PSI working pressure allows users to operate most, if not all, pneumatic tools.
The 50ft length of the air hose also limits frictional air loss, which can be a common problem with larger air hoses. The only downsides to this hose would be aluminum fittings; these can quickly start to erode, the hybrid material can also be susceptible to kinking, although the bend restrictors greatly limit that.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This air hose stands out due to its ability to operate effectively in icy conditions as it doesn’t stiffen or kink in the cold. It can survive temperatures between -20F and 150F, making it one of the most resilient hoses featured.
Best Air Hose for Nail Guns:
Maxaline Air Compressor Hose
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The small length of the hose dramatically reduces the chance of frictional air loss; this, coupled with the hoses diameter of ⅜ inches, makes it the perfect hose for facilitating pressurized air. The brass fittings provide more security when attached as well as being anti-corrosive.
The hybrid rubber, polymer, and PVC blend of the hose mean that it’s got some serious flexibility and can survive extreme conditions, between -50F and 185F without sacrificing quality. The only downside is that the materials used to make the blend are susceptible to kink and tangling.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The ability to operate tools that require high pressurized air is fantastic. The 50ft length of the hose is what limits any frictional air loss. However, the hose's narrow ⅜ diameter also facilitates the high pressurized air needed to operate a nailer.
The 300 PSI max working pressure is another reason why this is the best air hose for nail guns. So long as your air compressor can provide the pressurized air, the hose can be the connection.
Best Polyurethane Hose:
Milton 1623-3
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The manufacturers offer lengths from 25ft up to 100ft, all with variable internal diameters. This allows flexibility if you require a longer hose to transport high pressurized air through it without much frictional air loss. The Polyurethane material is known for being the lightest hose material, and in this instance, this hose is 50% lighter than common rubber hoses.
Polyurethane is also known for its ability to withstand extremely cold weather and even operate in temperature up to 140F. Internal nylon reinforcement also provides extra durability to prevent any damage while being used within industrial settings.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The best part about this Polyurethane hose is that it’s got everything you need to operate an air compressor and pneumatic tools. The manufacturer offers various sizes with various internal diameters, allowing flexibility in what tasks you can carry out.
It’s also the lightest material to make a hose out of, meaning you can easily transport it. The only real downside is that the material itself is prone to kink. However, the bend restrictor decreases this chance significantly.
Best Air Hose for Paint Booth:
Flexzilla HFZ1450YW2
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The manufacturer offers a variety of sizes from 25, 35, 50, and 100ft with diameters of ½, ¼, and ⅜ inches; this variety is helpful to users working in different industries and professions. The outer cover of the air hose is another huge bonus as this will protect the hose from any damages common on construction sites or workshops.
The hybrid material protects against severe weather ranging from -40F up to 140F. The only downside is that the aluminum fittings quickly corrode compared to brass, which lasts longer.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
We believe this air hose is the best for paint booths for a few reasons. The various lengths ranging from 25ft up to 100ft is an essential factor in this decision as paint booths can be of multiple sizes; this means you hopefully won’t need to use an extension cord, which could potentially damage your compressor.
The air hoses ability to provide a working pressure of 300 PSI is another massive part of what makes it stand out. Most workshop spray paint guns require a constant flow of high pressurized air upwards of 100 PSI.
Best Air Hose for Roofing:
Campbell Hausfeld PA117701AV
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The 25ft or 50ft hose are suitable candidates for a roofing job, the reason we voted for this hose particularly. The length means that there’s very little frictional air loss as there’s less area for the pressurized air to travel. The 300 PSI working pressure allows users to operate any standard to industrial tools as long as your compressor can provide the air.
The manufacturers also give the option of a 10-piece accessory kit. The only downsides to this air hose would be that there are no bend restrictors, meaning kinks are a lot more common. The PVC material works poorly in cold conditions and can only function properly in temperatures between 0F and 140F.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This hose mainly suits nailing tasks because of the short length of the hose being able to facilitate and maintain the pressure from the compressor to the tool. The 300 PSI working pressure allows you to operate even the most industrial of nailers.
Hold up, are you interested in other topics related to air hoses and air compressors? If so, these might be something to check out:
Are All Air Hoses The Same? What’s the Best Air Hose Material?
The hoses featured are different in their own right. They have features that make them unique, whether that be the material, fitting, or length.
3/8 vs 1/2 Air Hose
⅜ and ½ are the common internal diameter of a hose. The ⅜ inch diameter hose is different from a ½ inch hose because it’s a lot narrower. This narrow hose will retain the high amount of pressure created by the compressor and transport it to the air tool. Whereas the ½ hose will decrease the risk of frictional air loss.
PVC vs Rubber Air Hose
PVC and rubber are typically quite similar to one another. The main difference is that rubber has a far greater resilience against cold and hot temperatures. However, rubber can be quite heavy, whereas PVC is relatively lightweight but isn’t great in cold conditions. That’s why when the two of these are blended, they create a hybrid, taking the best bits from both and putting them in one.
PVC vs Rubber vs Polyurethane Air Hose
Polyurethane is the most lightweight material as well as operating effectively during cold weather. However, this material kinks often; this can also be blended with PVC and rubber to make a “Super” blend. Polyurethane is also more expensive than PVC or rubber.
How to Connect Hose to Air Compressor
Connecting your hose is straight forward once you get the hang of it, we’ve broken down the steps for you below:
- Identify what side of the hose has a male or female thread. A male thread will have threading on the outside. In comparison, a female will have threading on the inside.
- Once you have identified the male side, you’ll want to attach that with a female connector.
- On the opposite end of the hose, you’ll attach a coupler. Once this is done, you can now start attaching your hose.
- Attach the coupler end of the hose to your air tool and the connector on the opposite end, to the air compressor coupler.
- Check and make sure both ends are secure. If so, you’re now ready to work.
Conclusion
At first, choosing an air hose seems like an easy decision to make, until you realize there’s so
many different materials, lengths, internal diameters, and fittings. The above article should give you a decent amount of knowledge to decide what suits you best.
People Also Ask
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about air compressor hoses. We hope these answers help clear some things up for you.
What Size Air Hose For HVLP?
Longer hoses will require larger diameters to pass the same CFM level. If you are operating an HVLP spray gun, you’ll be recommended to use a 25ft hose with a diameter of ⅜ and high-flow fitting of ¼. If your tool needs a constant stream of air, you’ll be better using a shorter hose with a larger diameter, so it doesn’t starve the tool.
What Are Some Air Hose Safety Tips?
If the hose is a trip hazard, try to keep it off the floor or away from vehicles to prevent them from damaging it.
Always untangle the air hose by guiding one end. Do Not pull the hose until free.
Once you’re done with the hose, always coil it and hang it up.
Always wear safety goggles.
Never aim the air hose at anyone.
Check the hose for any foreign objects before use.
Never clean yourself off with pressurized air as this can penetrate the skin and even cause hemorrhaging.
How To Fix A Leaky Air Compressor Hose
Firstly identify the leaking area.
Cut out the section that has a hole or tear by using a Stanley blade or sharp knife.
You’ll then want to get a coupler and two hose clamps. These can be bought as a hose repair kit online.
Put one clamp over each end of the tube you’ve cut. Push the coupler into one end tube, making sure it's tight. You can heat the end of the tube with a lighter to soften it; this makes it easy to push the coupler in.
You then want to do the same with the other hose piece with the opposite side of the coupler.
You then want to tighten both hose clamps up where you connected the coupler.