Best portable air compressors for 2024
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Despite how easy it is to use the compressed air machine available at your local gas station, too many people are still riding around on underinflated tires. According to TireRack.com, "If a vehicle's tires are under-inflated by only 6 psi ... the tire's tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%." Luckily, it's more affordable than ever to get your own portable air compressor and fill your tires in your very own driveway. There are options now with built-in flashlights, bike tire and sports attachments, and more. Starting at under $30, these could save you a trip to the gas station for a top-off or a call to AAA for a tow.
VacLife Portable Air Compressor - $27.99 (39% off)
Key features
Plugs into your car outlet
11.9-foot power cord
Automatically turns off once the pre-set pressure has been achieved
Includes built-in LED lighting
Includes three additional nozzles for sports balls, air mattresses, bike tires and more
"Not applicable for any large vehicles with tire pressure > 50 psi and tire width > 245 MM such as trucks, vans and off-road vehicles"
The VacLife tire inflator plugs into your car's 12V power outlet with an 11.9-foot power cord to get its juice. It has automatic shutoff capability once it hits your preset PSI level, a built-in LED flashlight, and comes with three additional nozzles for inflatables like sports equipment, bike tires and more. This one is a great budget option but won't work for large vehicles with tire pressure greater than 50 psi or tire width greater than 245 mm like some trucks and off-road vehicles.
FORTEM Digital Tire Inflator - $29.99
Key features
Plugs into your car outlet
14-foot long power cord
Includes three nozzle attachments for sports balls, air mattresses, bike tires and more
Includes a built-in LED flashlight for nighttime emergencies
Includes a one-year warranty
Includes carrying case
The FORTEM air compressor stores its 14-foot power cable within itself, making it super portable. The cable itself plugs right into your car's cigarette lighter port. This inflator comes with multiple attachments for car and bike tires, inflatable toys and more, and has a built-in LED flashlight. Like many others, the FORTEM has automatic shutoff functionality and allows you to set your desired PSI before starting your inflation. It even comes with a 1-year warranty! Learn more about the FORTEM right here.
EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump - $29.87 (31% off)
Key features
Best-selling air compressor on Amazon
Plugs into the 12-volt DC lighter port
Includes additional valve adapters for sports balls, air mattresses, bike tires and more
Does not support truck tires
Includes a built-in LED flashlight
Automatically turns off once the pre-set pressure has been achieved
The EPAuto air compressor is one of the most popular options out there. It plugs into your car's 12-volt lighter socket, comes with additional valve adapters for things like basketballs, inflatables, etc., features an automatic shutoff and has a built-in LED flashlight, like so many others. Also, like many of the more portable tire inflator options, this one isn't recommended for trucks or larger vehicles. Be aware that this air compressor actually has the shortest power cord on our list, clocked at only about 9 feet by a helpful answerer in Amazon's Q&A section, so if you like a little more slack, this might not be the best choice for you.