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You can use an air compressor for many things. Whatever compressor you buy, it should always suit your needs, which could be low-noise requirements, perhaps you live in a quiet neighborhood, and a noisy air compressor could hinder neighbor relations.
Below, we'll show you some of the quietest air compressors currently available.
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the quietest air compressors:
Comparison of the Quietest Air Compressors
Product | Main Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
California Air Tools 8010  | ||
HPDMC AWR601  | ||
Estwing E5GCOMP  | ||
Metabo EC28M  | ||
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S  | ||
Stealth SAUQ-1105  |
What Makes an Air Compressor Quiet?
There are a few feature specific ways your air compressor can be quiet and extra accessories that you can buy.
Small Tanks
The smaller the tank, the quieter the compressor will be. This is because larger tanks require more effort on the compressor's part to pressurize the larger air quantities. At the same time, smaller tanks don't need as much work.
Oiled Lubrication
Oil-free air compressors use a lubricant called Teflon; this doesn't require changing, making them popular.
However, Teflon quickly dries out, meaning that there's no longer lubrication for the internal components; this could create a lot of friction inside the compressor, increasing the noise significantly.
Mufflers
You could buy a muffler, which is then attached to the intake of your compressor. This would significantly decrease the air compressor's noise level; some air compressors already come with noise-canceling systems built-in.
Review of the Best Quiet Air Compressors
It's easy to say there are many high-quality, quiet air compressors out there, but finding them is another story. Below are some of our favorite, high-quality quiet air compressors.
Quietest Air Compressor
California Air Tools 8010
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This 8-gallon air compressor from California Air Tools will offer you up to 60-minutes of airflow, meaning it's a good fit for anyone working on a construction site or workshop. The 48lb weight can be a problem, although the sturdy wheels and ergonomic handle make it easy to transport around.
This compressor is also oil-free, meaning it won't require vast amounts of maintenance. The only downside is that it's on the bulkier side, and you'd need a dedicated space to store this air compressor.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The important thing here is the noise level. At just 60-decibels, this is the equivalent of background music at a cafe or restaurant. There are lower ratings on this list, but when you consider all of the features on offer, it perfectly balances it out to be quiet and of great value.
Best for the Money
HPDMC AWR601
PROS
CONS
Our Review
A small 2-gallon tank is suitable for most pneumatic tools, especially when it provides 3.9 CFM and up to 125 PSI. However, it might not last long if the tool consumes air continuously.
At only 56-decibels, this would be the equivalent of moderate level rainfall hit off your window, which is more than bearable.
The only downside with this product is that it quickly overheats after the Teflon lubricant dries up, affecting the noise level and performance.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
What makes this product stand out from the rest is the highly durable steel roll cage that encases the tank and other components; if you ever find yourself using this from a height and it falls off, you can be assured that the cage will protect and limit any damage.
Best Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
Estwing E5GCOMP
PROS
CONS
Our Review
This 5-gallon tank provides you with a much higher PSI as well as a longer runtime; even then, when you hit zero, it quickly refills in just under two minutes.
Considering that the tank is larger, you'll also benefit from the dual-coupling system that will allow two users at once.
The compressor capabilities are just as impressive and will quickly run most pneumatic tools; the compressor can provide up to 180 PSI and 3.8 SCFM.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The reason we give this compressor the Best Ultra Quiet Air Compressor spot is that, although it emits 68 decibels, this is still quiet.
If you consider all of the various features we've mentioned, it balances out the higher decibel rating with the extra value that it provides.
There might be other compressors that are quieter, but they aren't both this quiet and effective.
Best Quiet Oilless Air Compressor
Metabo EC28M
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Emitting just 59-decibels, this could be compared to a normal conversation between two people. This is slightly louder than the other compressors currently featured.
It still bags our Best Quiet Oilless Air Compressor spot for the additional features it offers, such as the universal fitting and lightweight 25lb design while still protecting the internal components with a sturdy steel roll-cage.
The only real downside with this compressor is that it has a greater risk of overheating due to its oil-free operation.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
If you consider the low noise and the fact that this compressor is oil-free, it operates a relatively low decibel rating.
The standout feature here is the steel cage that protects the compressor; you'd usually see reinforced plastic; you'd also expect it to be heavier, considering it uses steel, but it's not.
Best California Air Tools Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S
PROS
CONS
Our Review
56-decibels is an impressive level at which this compressor operates; the relatively faint noise can be compared to a quiet conversation between two people.
Not only is it quiet, but it's also lightweight at just 29lbs; it can also be carried around using the reinforced rubber handle, the rubber feet are also good at keeping it sturdy.
Another key feature would be its oil-free operation; this will limit the need for maintenance.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The protection that this compressor provides for itself is impressive. The roll cage design helps prevent any damage to the main part of the compressor.
The rubber grips are another way it can prevent accidents like tripping over the compressor.
All of these features are found in high-quality, expensive units. Whereas, this product provides the same value for less the price.
Best Small Quiet Air Compressor
Stealth SAUQ-1105
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Emitting a noise level of just 58-decibels, this air compressor is as quiet as rain hitting your window or a casual conversation. The lightweight design, coupled with the reinforced rubber handle, allows for easy transport to and from tasks around a worksite.
Considering that it's just a small 1-gallon tank, it only takes 55 seconds to refill from empty. Other features, including the universal coupler and oil-free operating design, mean that maintenance and operating this compressor are relatively straightforward.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The standout feature for this compressor has got to be the low-level decibel emission. Fifty-eight decibels is one of the quietest ratings we've ever come across.
If you're working in a suburban environment and don't want to receive noise complaints, this compressor is a serious contender.
Perks of Getting a Super Quiet Air Compressor
There are so many benefits to investing in a quiet air compressor. Below are a few of the most significant benefits of a quiet air compressor.
You Don't Need Ear Protection
It's recommended that if you're operating an air compressor that emits over 80 decibels of noise, you should be wearing ear protection.
If you don't, this could result in serious health problems over time. Quiet rated air compressors mean you don't need to worry about losing your hearing.
No Noise Complaints
If you're carrying out repairs or restoration on a house, you could soon feel the wrath of some cranky neighbors due to your noisy air compressor.
However, if you have a quiet rated air compressor, they'll have nothing to complain about, saving you time arguing with them and energy stressing.
You Can Work Wherever And Whenever You Want
The same goes for personal use; if you have a workshop or a garage and you're bored one early morning, you might want to work on that wood project or fix up the car. But a loud air compressor isn't possible that early in the morning or late at night. A quiet air compressor solves that problem.
Types of Quiet Air Compressors
With most products, there are always multiple variations that all differ slightly. Below is a list of the most common air compressor variations regarding noise level differences.
Quiet Pancake Air Compressor
Pancake air compressors are a lot smaller than your standard air compressor design. It's also a common fact that the smaller the air compressor, the quieter it usually is.
Most pancake air compressors range between 1 and 8 - Gallons. They're quieter because the air compressor has less work to do internally to create adequate pressure levels.
Quiet Oilless Air Compressor
It may be hard to believe, but there is such a thing as a quiet oil-free air compressor. That's been proven above.
Air compressor manufacturers are working to develop even quieter models to be used more in medical procedures.
Oil-free air compressors are crucial because of their highly clean pressurized air. Therefore quiet models are highly desired.
Quiet 2 Stage Air Compressor
Two-stage air compressors tend to be quieter than single-stage. There are a few reasons behind this; they create more pressurized air with less work and more effective cooling systems. The warmer the compressor, the louder it gets, can also affect performance in the future.
Conclusion
There are plenty of quiet air compressors of many types out there. Even if you can't find a quiet air compressor to suit your needs, you can always adapt it with attachments to decrease the noise level.
People Also Ask
Understandably, there's always going to be questions when learning something new. We've compiled and answered some of the most common questions regarding air compressors and the noise they give off.
How To Quiet An Air Compressor
There are a few ways, the most common include:
A muffler, this can be attached to the intake to lower the noise
Noise-canceling foam, this can be wrapped around your compressor
Keep it away from where you're working and attach a longer hose
Create a special box with soundproofing on the inside and keep it in there
How Quiet Are These Compared To Other Known Noises?
The compressor mentioned here today range between 55 and 68-decibels; please see below for a noise range equivalent:
55db - Moderate Rainfall
60db - Two Person Conversation
65db - Standard City Traffic
70db - Noisy Restaurant
Are Most Quiet Air Compressors Less Powerful?
Not necessarily, in reality it depends on what you require the compressor for. if you only need a small 6-gallon pancake air compressor, they can be relatively quiet at around 60db but still provide a maximum of 200 PSI and 4 CFM.
The smaller, the quieter, but that doesn't mean they're weaker compared to larger models.