16 best car compressors

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The compressor is an electric piston-type pumping unit designed for forced air injection and pumping of wheels of cars, bicycle cameras, boats, as well as the possibility of performing a number of works requiring a pneumatic drive.

The problem of purchasing compressors for inflating the wheels of cars is due to the factor of filling the market with low-quality models. In such realities, it is difficult for a consumer to navigate not only by the main characteristics, but also by manufacturers who deserve trust in their products. In this regard, the magazine presents a ranking of the 16 best car compressor models in three different categories, selected based on:

1. detailed comparison of operating parameters;
2. the level of reliability and durability;
3. analysis of consumer reviews;
4. expert judgment;
5. indicators of cost, prevalence and novelty.

How to choose a car compressor

The choice of a car compressor for wheel inflation is a logical continuation of the development of pumping technology, designed to make life as easy as possible for car owners. Due to its serious purpose, this tool includes a lot of subtleties and features that you should pay attention to when choosing. The magazine identifies five main aspects.

Device type. All compressors are divided into two large groups:

1. membrane, in which work is carried out by gradual compression of air by a constant reciprocating movement of a flexible rubber membrane. You can find such a system in ordinary hand pumps, which are still used today, however, more for pumping bicycle tires than car wheels. The disadvantage of such a compressor is the impossibility of working at low temperatures – the membrane installed in the pump shrinks and hardens in the cold, and when trying to pump air, it can even break.
2. reciprocating – the most reliable and popular type of compressors, which work according to the following principle. The connecting rod is metal-attached to the shaft coming from the electric motor without additional plastic spacers. This design guarantees the product a long service life by providing resistance to frictional wear. The second variation of reciprocating compressors, with Teflon rings, has an even greater reserve of working life without the need for maintenance during operation. True, for such a design you will have to pay a little more than for a reciprocating electric compressor without the introduction of various 'lotions'.

Performance. We will give clear and concise recommendations regarding this parameter. For owners of cars, compressors with a capacity of about 30 liters per minute are quite suitable, which do not require additional fuss with the power supply. SUV owners may need pumps with a capacity of 40-45 liters per minute. Everything from above are tools for heavy vehicles that require power not from a standard cigarette lighter in the cabin, but directly from the battery terminals. And, since such units create a serious load on the network, exceeding the adequate parameters can lead to complete burnout of the wiring.

Manometer type. There are two types of pressure gauges on automotive compressors: analog and electronic. The first ones represent the most familiar to most domestic motorists system 'dial – arrow', but they have a very serious drawback – a large measurement error. The second are relatively new systems for outputting measurement results, which have a high degree of information content and a small amount of error.

If you have a choice, we recommend that you pay attention to compressors with an electronic pressure gauge. If the choice fell on an analog model, then choose a dial with one scale of measurement (in bars or kg / cm2).

Time of continuous work. A parameter that requires clear consistency with performance. In general, there can be only one recommendation: always try to get a compressor whose continuous operation time tends to high limits (from 30 to 60 minutes). An example in which such a need is traced is very commonplace: in the presence of an SUV and a low-power electric pump, pumping the wheels (say, on 16-inch tires) can take about 1 hour, since the motors of low-performance models are prone to overheating under high loads and prolonged loads.

Length of hose and power cord. A trivial little thing that can overshadow the use of an automobile compressor in the long run in an instant. It is necessary to clearly calculate the length of the power cord for the possibility of unhindered pumping of the rear wheels of the car, and, if possible, take the device with a small margin. With the hose, the situation is somewhat different: of course, it is also desirable to have a long (5-8 meters) twisted adapter for all occasions, however, you can get along with its meter variations (with a sufficient length of the power cable). Let this bring some inconvenience.

Rating of the best car compressors

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best compressors for passenger cars	1	Greenworks G40AC	RUB 7,940
	2	Berkut R17	RUB 4,850
	3	Heyner MaxxAir Pro	RUB 2,900
	4	Alca 227,000	RUB 1,946
	5	Agressor AGR-50L	RUB 2,590
	6	Ryobi R18I-0	RUB 3,900
	7	Kachok K60	RUB 2,700
	8	Autoprofi AK-35 Digital	RUB 2,990
The best compressors for SUVs and special equipment	1	Berkut R24	RUB 11,500
	2	Daewoo DW90	6 690 RUB
	3	Agressor AGR-160	RUB 6,920
	4	AVS KS 900	RUB 3,199
	5	Berkut PRO-24	RUB 12 950
The best stationary compressors with a receiver	1	WESTER LE 050-150 OLC	RUB 10 100
	2	Patriot 24-260 Pro	RUB 10,390
	3	Fubag OL 195/24 CM1.5	RUB 8,500

The best compressors for passenger cars

Greenworks G40AC

Rating: 4.9

Inexpensive oil-free compressor made in China, powered by an independent power source. Such in the case of the Greenworks G40AC is the G-MAX 40V battery, which is sold in retail and has a capacity of 2 or 4 A / h. An important advantage of the compressor over its competitors is the presence of a two-liter receiver. This structural element acts as a kind of 'safety device' against overload: upon reaching a pressure of 8 bar on the receiver, the device automatically turns off. When the maximum pressure is exceeded, air is released by means of a valve, through which the liquid that has entered the compressor system can be drained in the same way.

As noted by users, the beauty of working with Greenworks G40AC lies in its high information content. There are as many as two pressure gauges installed on the body of the model, one of which shows the pressure directly in the receiver compartment, and the second shows the output pressure coming directly to the hose. By the way, the latter indicator can be adjusted by means of a special valve mechanism. As such, this car compressor does not have any particular drawbacks: the design of the case raises small questions, but people understand that everything is packed in the standard colors of the Chinese company.

Advantages

• productivity is 40 liters per minute;
• two pressure gauges with convenient scales (in bars);
• the presence of a receiver;
• powered from an autonomous source (does not require connection to the battery terminals);
• the ability to adjust the outlet pressure.

disadvantages

• not found.

Berkut R17

Rating: 4.8

Berkut R17 is a development aimed at fans of compact and moderately productive devices. At first glance, this car compressor seems to be a kind of 'shorty', since a short hose with a quick-release mechanism located on the discharge head is supplied with it. However, the first impression is deceiving: in the same set there is a full-fledged 7.5-meter twisted hose with a deflator, connected to a quick-coupler.

In terms of pumping speed, Berkut R17 also surpasses its larger-scale competitors, since not all of them have a capacity of 55 liters per minute. At the same time, the noise level of the device is quite low and amounts to 67 decibels. As for power consumption, in the case of working with this device, the power will have to be carried out directly from the battery through the 'crocodile' terminals, and the load on the circuit at the peak can be up to 18 amperes. Fortunately, in this case, the compressor has a protection circuit against overload and overheating, which is triggered after 20 minutes of continuous operation.

Advantages

• high build quality;
• the presence of overheating and overload protection circuits;
• high productivity (55 liters per minute);
• small overall dimensions;
• moderate noise level (67 decibels).

disadvantages

• very inconvenient pressure gauge scale (in PSI units).

Heyner MaxxAir Pro

Rating: 4.7

A productive automobile compressor of a good level of development, which differs from the mass by good ergonomic and operational indicators. The maximum pressure that Heyner MaxxAir Pro can arrange is almost 10 atmospheres, which is suitable both for inflating tires in passenger cars and for servicing heavier SUVs. The peak compressor capacity is 50 liters per minute, while the power drawn from the mains is only 500 W.

A small disadvantage for consumers in this car compressor is the length of the pumping hose: 1 meter for the possibility of comfortable use will clearly not be enough. However, all this is offset by the length of the power cord, which is 3.4 meters. Other features of the Heyner MaxxAir Pro include the presence of an analog pressure gauge with a double scale, the main (most visual) of which shows the pressure in bar (kg / cm3). This compressor is relatively inexpensive, and from the point of view of a working resource it is more than enough for at least 5-7 years.

Advantages

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• convenient double-scale pressure gauge;
• stable compressor base plate;
• high working resource;
• productivity is 50 liters per minute.

disadvantages

• short pumping hose (only 1 meter).

Alca 227,000

Rating: 4.7

Alca 227,000 is an improved analogue of the Heyner MaxxAir Pro compressor with two cylinders and powered by battery terminals. It has a power of 300 W, but at the same time produces a vigorous 50 liters of air per minute. Withstands a pressure of 11 atmospheres, thanks to which it can (albeit for a long time) inflate the wheels of off-road vehicles. In general, the technical aspects look very good, especially in comparison with the not very high price. True, there is a small nuance regarding the current strength: at a nominal voltage of 12 volts, the compressor can require about 40 amperes for normal operation, which creates a rather heavy load on the car's wiring.

As for the ergonomic features of the Alca 227,000, it is worth highlighting the successful construction of the support under the two working cylinders. The length of the air supply hose is 1 meter, and if it were not for the long power cord (4.2 meters), the situation with ease of use would be highly questionable. The gauge is analog, but, according to users, it is very accurate and easy to read, since the scale is adapted to the unit of measurement 'bar'.

Advantages

• the best combination of price and quality;
• two working cylinders;
• informative pressure gauge in the central part of the device;
• high performance at low power;
• keeps pressure up to 11 atmospheres.

disadvantages

• rather high requirements for current strength.

Agressor AGR-50L

Rating: 4.6

One of the best solutions in the budget segment, which fit into the given framework with great difficulty. It has a number of useful and, most importantly, simple solutions that are difficult to find in analogues. For example, the notorious LED backlight in the side part, which is very convenient when pumping up the wheels in the dark. Or quick-detachable on a complete 5-meter hose. Or a special hose tip containing both a deflator and a pressure gauge, so that you can freely bleed pressure from the wheels without using the pump itself.

As for the technical aspects of the Agressor AGR-50L, it is worth highlighting a very good ratio of performance and engine power. With 280 watts of power consumption, this car compressor delivers 50 liters of air per minute, thus providing itself with excellent efficiency. A three-meter power wire goes to the crocodiles, clearly hinting at the need to power the installation from the battery. An analogue pressure gauge with a double scale is marked as an informant on the compressor (one of which, the largest and most visual, shows the result in bars and has a step of 0.1 units). Definitely a great option for its value.

Advantages

• high efficiency;
• quick-detachable mechanism;
• the presence of LED backlight for working in the dark;
• productivity 50 liters per minute at 280 watts of power;
• an informative pressure gauge is located on the hose.

disadvantages

• thin-section power wires – may require independent replacement with thicker ones (relevant for the northern regions).

Ryobi R18I-0

Rating: 4.5

A technologically advanced compressor from the Japanese company Ryobi is the most recent development in this segment. This is easy to track not only in appearance, but also in components that stand out noticeably against the background of other competitors. First of all, the first (!) In the selection digital pressure gauge of high measurement accuracy, located in the central part of the compact unit, catches the eye. In addition, there are buttons for turning on the battery mode and built-in overheating protection, which prevents the engine from resting from processing.

The Ryobi R18I-0 has a maximum pressure of 10.3 bar. Moreover, its work is entirely tied to power from an independent source, that is, from a built-in battery. The absence of wires makes the already ergonomic installation much easier to use, as it weighs just under 1.7 kilograms. In this case, writing a short air supply hose into shortcomings will be akin to bias, because autonomy brings freedom in the possibility of manipulation.

Advantages

• high level of permissible pressure (10.3 bar);
• the presence of motor protection against overheating;
• full mobility thanks to the built-in battery;
• the presence of convenient holders for hoses;
• digital pressure gauge.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Kachok K60

Rating: 4.5

The Kachok K60 automobile compressor is very similar in design to the competitor from Autoprofi, but is quoted by consumers several positions higher. Its capacity is 35 liters per minute, which limits its applicability only for pumping passenger car wheels. The maximum pressure can be up to 7 atmospheres, and for a device of this level this is more than acceptable.

The main advantages of Kachok K60 lie in the ergonomic part, since the manufacturers are thoroughly confused by this. So, a small suitcase was equipped with a bright yellow pad, which will not let it get lost either in the grass, or in the snow, or among other surfaces. An LED flashlight appeared on the side edge, which greatly facilitates any manipulations in the dark. In addition, various sensors are optionally integrated into the compressor that measure both the on-board voltage and temperature, and even the operating parameters of the generator. All this splendor is displayed on the main LCD display: accordingly, the model is equipped with a digital pressure gauge, which favorably distinguishes it from a number of more powerful competitors.

Advantages

• an abundance of sensors measuring parameters of the on-board network, generator operation, temperature, etc.;
• general LCD display;
• good performance for a compact device;
• the presence of a flashlight;
• secret pocket in the compressor body for storing attachments and small parts.

disadvantages

• low power of the device;
• an abundance of functions that negatively affect overall performance.

Autoprofi AK-35 Digital

Rating: 4.4

An inexpensive and compact entry-level compressor for inflating the wheels of passenger cars, swinging at the laurels of a universal device with the functions of parallel diagnostics of network operating parameters. Otherwise, it is simply impossible to explain the presence of sensors for checking the voltage of the wiring and the operation of the generator. As for the parameters of the compressor itself, here it is worth noting the productivity of 30 liters per minute, the maximum pressure of 6.5 atmospheres and the presence of a digital pressure gauge with high measurement accuracy.

It becomes clear that with such modest opportunities in the main direction, Autoprofi AK-35 Digital cannot guarantee itself a high place in the rating. However, this model still managed to be among the best, mainly due to additional functions. So, it is necessary to highlight the possibility of manually entering the required pumping pressure, after which the device is put into operation and automatically completes the process upon reaching the required result. For additional convenience, an LED lamp was also introduced into the design of this automobile compressor, the presence of which is especially highlighted by consumers.

Advantages

• availability of sensors for checking the health of the on-board network and generator;
• flashlight operating in two modes;
• high precision digital pressure gauge;
• possibility of automatic manual setting of the required tire pressure.

disadvantages

• a large percentage of scrap for compressor parts;
• small technical parameters.

The best compressors for SUVs and special equipment

Berkut R24

Rating: 5.0

A development that is close in spirit to the professional series of automotive compressors from Berkut, but surpasses it in all key parameters. The R24 is a true breakthrough in compact compressor systems, combining efficient heat dissipation with superior performance. The cold engine of this device allows continuous pumping of air for 60 minutes, which is the best result in the entire rating. The productivity, in turn, is almost 100 liters per minute, and allows the tires to be inflated in the shortest possible time.

For the most accurate dosing of pressure, the design of Berkut R24 provides for the presence of a deflator, which very delicately reacts to the slightest excursions of the indicator beyond the relevant limits. The normal working pressure, according to the manufacturers, is 6.89 atmospheres, but the device is capable of withstanding up to 14 atmospheres, if there is a great need for that.

Advantages

• high level of productivity (98 liters per minute);
• extended equipment (twisted extension hose, attachments for various needs, reinforced air filter);
• the longest continuous work time (60 minutes);
• creation of pressure up to 14 atmospheres;
• high build quality.

disadvantages

• not found.

Daewoo DW90

Rating: 4.9

The main prerequisite for getting into the rating for Daewoo DW90 is the increased uptime, which was achieved through the use of competent methods of removing heat from the motor. If in standard models of the segment this value reached (at best) up to 20 minutes, then this car compressor can turn the crankshaft for up to half an hour. Receiving voltage from the battery terminals, it is capable of delivering up to 90 liters of air per minute, catching up with the performance indicators of the opponent in the person of the AVS KS 900. The maximum pressure in the chamber can reach 10.2 atmospheres, which is equal to 150 units on the psi scale.

According to consumers, test measurements of wheel inflation with Daewoo DW90 show very good results. So, for example, the wheel of the R15 / 195/60 configuration manages to inflate to the required minimum (2.3 atmospheres) in just 30 seconds. Other features of this compressor include, in general, a very nice design, the presence of a base plate in the lower part and a comfortable rubberized handle (through which the air pipe passes) for carrying. The weight of the model is almost a kilogram higher than that of the AVS, but nothing can be said about its inconvenience.

Advantages

• increased time of continuous work (30 minutes);
• high degree of reliability;
• neat appearance;
• the presence of a bag for transportation and a set of 3 attachments;
• high productivity (90 liters per minute);
• ergonomic design.

disadvantages

• not found.

Agressor AGR-160

Rating: 4.8

Despite the low price, the Agressor AGR-160 automobile compressor manifests itself as a kind of hypertrophied analogue of competitive models, which is invariably present in any segment of the large market. It has a phenomenal ability to pump air with a piston mechanism, providing an injection rate of up to 160 liters per minute. Typically, it is enough to connect to the battery to power it, but the load on the network can present a serious problem for the wiring. 42 amperes of current required is a task for heavy trucks and SUVs, which they do well.

It is noteworthy that the manufacturers were very confused about the usability of the Agressor AGR-160. Proof of this is the presence of an eight-meter hose with quick couplings, which allows you to manipulate the device as you please. The length of the power cable, in turn, is only 2.4 meters, but if desired, it can be increased without problems (albeit with the loss of the warranty for free two-year service in case of breakdown). An important factor of convenience is the visual analog pressure gauge, the main scale of which is set aside for readings in bars familiar to the Russian user. In the end, we are faced with one of the best compressors in the segment, the price-quality ratio of which is significantly superior to that of competitive models.

Advantages

• the highest productivity in the class (160 liters per minute);
• convenient analog pressure gauge of high accuracy;
• long air hose (8 meters);
• optimal combination of price and quality.

disadvantages

• not identified.

AVS KS 900

Rating: 4.7

A very cheap and very efficient Chinese-made automobile compressor, the efficiency of which is largely superior to that of the rest of the rating. With a rated power of 350 watts, it is capable of pumping 90 liters of air per minute, allowing up to 10 bar of pressure in the compression chamber. With such indicators (and a cursory glance at the price), the question involuntarily arises: how low is the reliability indicator of this model?

According to users, AVS KS 900 is a rare case when you shouldn't worry about performance over a long period of use. Yes, the device has certain problems with the readings of the analog manometer (the magnitude of the error can increase over time), but otherwise it works quite well. The temperature regime leaves almost no chance for going beyond the permissible limit, since the range varies from -35 to +80 degrees Celsius. The current consumption from the network does not exceed 30 amperes, and the weight, as befits a normal device, is 4.5 kilograms.

Advantages

• high productivity (90 liters per minute);
• wide temperature range;
• good reliability;
• optimal energy consumption and, as a result, high efficiency;
• the lowest price in the segment.

disadvantages

• big questions about the safety of individual structural elements during operation.

Berkut PRO-24

Rating: 4.7

The most powerful member of Berkut's professional compressor line could not compete with more flexible models in terms of overall cost, ergonomics and performance. Which in no way speaks of his complete worthlessness. The productivity of Berkut PRO-24 is 47 liters per minute with an energy consumption of 250 watts. This ratio indicates a high efficiency of the installation, causing small energy losses for heating the motor.

As for the parameters of permissible operating temperatures, the manufacturer most honestly outlined the range from -30 to +80 degrees Celsius, which were subsequently confirmed more than once by independent tests from fans to get to the bottom of the truth. The maximum operating pressure in the compressor chamber can be up to 10.5 atmospheres, which is quite suitable for working with the wheels of heavy vehicles and SUVs. From the point of view of cost, this model comes out somewhat more expensive than its opponents, which significantly influenced its popularity.

Advantages

• wide range of operating temperatures;
• effective combination of power and performance;
• high efficiency;
• good indicators of working pressure in the compressor chamber.

disadvantages

• high price.

The best stationary compressors with a receiver

WESTER LE 050-150 OLC

Rating: 4.9

A device with a high cost and a very rational approach to the coordination of technical parameters. WESTER LE 050-150 OLC – compressor with a capacity of 1500 watts and a capacity of 206 liters per minute, which makes it possible to freely regulate the pressure in the range from 1 to 8 bar. It is considered the most successful model of this manufacturer, focused on use in small workshops of an industrial or domestic level.

The main advantage of this compressor is the volume of the receiver (50 liters), due to which it is possible to significantly reduce the time for re-injection of air. In addition, since WESTER specializes not only in the production of compressor technology, you can find a huge variety of different pneumatic tools and equipment in its product range. For the purposes of this configuration, special quick-release couplings were installed on the LE 050-150 OLC so that users do not bother with a long and painstaking change of connection elements. In general, the device was made with a clear eye on the ease of use, for which it was awarded undeniable leadership in its category.

Advantages

• optimal ratio of the volume of the receiver (50 liters) to the total capacity (206 liters per minute);
• availability of quick-release mechanisms for connecting elements;
• possibility of fine adjustment of pressure in the range from 1 to 8 bar;
• an abundance of body kits designed specifically for this compressor.

disadvantages

• not found.

Patriot 24-260 Pro

Rating: 4.8

A Chinese-made compressor with a rather controversial reputation, but an extremely high degree of popularity. Its main advantage lies in the most optimal ratio of cost parameters and technical characteristics, which is noted by almost all consumers, experts and people close to the compressor technology segment. With a rated power of 1,800 watts, the Patriot 24-260 Pro delivers an astonishing 260 liters per minute, making it suitable for use in garages or small workshops.

But the most controversial aspect of this compressor is the equipment with a receiver, the volume of which barely reaches 24 liters. In this regard, it becomes necessary to periodically shut down the installation for re-pumping air. Otherwise, the nuances encountered are not so critical, and they can only cause problems in some specific situations.

Advantages

• power consumption at the level of 1800 watts;
• there is a special pad made of thick rubber, which significantly reduces vibration and noise;
• productivity is 260 liters per minute;
• low price for such a productive installation.

disadvantages

• small receiver volume with high performance.

Fubag OL 195/24 CM1.5

Rating: 4.7

By chance, the device manufactured by the German company Fubag closes the line of the best stationary compressors, the capacity of which was almost 180 liters per minute. However, the main advantage of this model lies not in the plane of technical parameters, since here the 'battle' with competitors was deliberately lost. The main plus is the highest German quality, expressed in the durability of the device as a whole and its individual units in particular.

Paying attention to the smallest details, it should be noted that it compares favorably with other Fubag OL 195/24 CM1.5 models in size and weight (only 19 kilograms). The volume of the receiver here is 24 liters, and if we judge from the point of view of industrial use, then even this figure may be enough. The maximum pressure in the receiver can be up to 8 bar, but in case this indicator is exceeded, its design has an exhaust valve that bleeds excess compressed air. From the standpoint of safety and the aforementioned durability, the model is great, and has just as much right to be bought on the market as its more productive counterparts.

Advantages

• the presence of forced air cooling, which excludes overheating during prolonged operation of the compressor;
• the piston rings are made of graphite-teflon alloy. There is an increase in the working resource;
• high degree of reliability;
• productivity is 180 liters per minute.

disadvantages

• technical performance is lower than that of competitors.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.