Air compressor has become a need of every house, especially for remodeling projects. It doesn’t mean you want an air compressor like a rotary screw or diesel air compressor. An air compressor is also essential for your workshop if you want to increase your efficiency and time spent on your projects. If you have some price limitations, a better option would be to go for the best air compressor under 200. There will be some limitations linking tank size and pressure capacity which you must be prepared for.
Here, we have lined up the best air compressor under $200 for you to give you some excellent choices even in this budget.
Best Air Compressor under $200 – Comparison Table
Product Image | Product Name | Weight | Capacity | Maximum Pressure | Price |
CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon, Oil-Free Air Compressor | 32.5 lbs. | 6 | 150 max PSI | ||
California Air Tools CAT 4710SQ Air Compressor | 43 lbs. | 4.7 | 120 Bars | ||
DEWALT Pancake 6 Gallon Air Compressor | 30 lbs. | 6 | 165 max PSI | ||
BOSTITCH Pancake 6 Gallon Air Compressor | 31 lbs. | 6 | 150 max PSI | ||
PORTER-CABLE 6 Gallon Air Compressor | 31.2 lbs. | 6 | 150 max PSI | ||
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor | 29 lbs. | 1 | 8.2 Bars | ||
SENCO PC1010 Air Compressor | 20 lbs. | 1 | 125 max PSI | ||
Metabo HPT EC710S Pancake Air Compressor | 36.5 lbs. | 6 | 150 Bars | ||
Campbell Hausfeld DC030098E Air Compressor | 26 lbs. | 3 | 8.62 Bars | ||
Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 Air Compressor | 14.7 lbs. | 1 | 110 max PSI |
Best Air Compressor under $200 – Product Reviews
[acf field=”listschema”]
1. CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon, Oil-Free Air Compressor
Key Features
- 5 lbs. product weight
- 6 Gallons capacity
- Oil-free pump
- 150 max PSI for quick compressor recovery
- Maximum portability
CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon air compressor is widely known for its comparable size, weight, and tank capacity. It is a great portable air compressor so you take it everywhere with you when needed. Its compact design makes it extremely helpful to use in houses and workspaces with stairs or distant garages. The manufacturer also offers a 1-year limited warranty on this air compressor.
This model is ideal for beginning home renovators with not many accessories as it features a 13-piece accessory kit included in the purchase. More often than not, the units with the included accessory kit are inflated but not in the case of CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Air Compressor. It features an oil-free pump for maintenance-free operation and a long life.
CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon Air Compressor’s 13-piece accessory kit has many important attachments. These attachments include a tire gauge, blow gun, safety novel, inflator adapter, and PVC air hose with coupler and plug. Even for a novice home remodeler, you get everything you required in a good low-cost package. It weighs only 32.5 lbs. and starts easily in cold weather. There is a dual compressor system that reduces its recovery time for longer projects.
It is probably the quietest air compressor available in the market. This air compressor is full of features that will help you do your job easily and effectively. It has been specifically designed for DIY and homeowner customers as the sound is in few decibels only. Other than low sound, this air compressor is known for its durability and reliability. California Air Tools CAT 4710SQ air compressor is made highly portable. It is designed with an oil-free pump making it almost maintenance-free. It features a powerful 1.0 HP motor operating at 1680 RPM that helps in creating less noise and wear. It only takes 106 seconds to fill up the tank can recover from 90 PSI to 120 PSI in under 30 seconds. Compared to other brands, this top-rated air compressor has an oil-free dual-piston pump that gives a life cycle of 1000 plus hours. You can use this air compressor in a variety of temperatures and uneven terrains. It has 4.7 Gallons capacity that is perfect for staple guns, airbrushes, and more. It features a built-in regulator to manage pressure effectively.
DEWALT DWFP55126 Air Compressor is a pancake-styled air compressor that promotes portability. It features a high-efficiency motor for its easy start-up even in cold weather or extension cord application. This air compressor offers a 165 max PSI 6.0 Gallon tank and 2.6 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI pump, which enables long tool run time with quick recovery. It looks like a small air compressor but performs extremely well in its size range. It only weighs 32 lbs. promoting portability between your house and workplace. 6 Gallons capacity means it will work great on any remodeling project. It runs for a long time when charged completely. It features a high flow regulator and couplers that maximizes the air tool performance. DEWALT Pancake 6 Gallon Air Compressor has a long life oil-free pump for maintenance-free operation. It produces only 75.5 decibels of noise so a pretty quieter air compressor. This unit has a console cover that protects the controls and allows easy repairs. Other than that, there are 2 universal couplers to support two users at once, and a ball drain valve for quick and thorough tank draining.
BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Air Compressor is another pancake-style air compressor that is portable and lightweight. This air compressor boasts a 6 Gallons tank with a low storage footprint due to its compact design. It is particularly sturdy in terms of smaller air compressor models. It features an oil-free and maintenance-free pump that delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. It has maximum tank storage of 150 PSI for long tool run time with quick recovery. It has superior construction that can make it charge completely in only 2.5 minutes. It is a comparatively quieter air compressor with only 78.5 decibels of noise. There is a high-efficiency motor for easy start-up in cold weather and extreme conditions. There are no attachments included in the purchase of this air compressor. You need to buy the attachments, hoses, and tools separately to complement the compressor. There are a high flow regulator and couplers present to maximize the air tool performance. There are two universal couplers to support two users at once.
PORTER-CABLE C2002 is another pancake-style air compressor for your daily use. It is a highly affordable air compressor with a 6 Gallon capacity. It is extremely portable and easy to use. You can use this air compressor conveniently for a variety of tasks from filling tires and inflating a pool to firing nailers. It features an induction motor that provides long life and optimum performance. PORTER-CABLE C2002 air compressor doesn’t come with extra tools and hoses, you need to buy them separately. It runs smoothly as it has 150 PSI maximum and 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. It also recovers very quickly compared to other similar units available in the market. It weighs only 31 lbs. so you can easily store it in any storage space. This air compressor is perfect for home renovations as it has a powerful compressor with low-amp. You can use it for anything from inflating air mattresses to running a nail gun for small home repairs. It features an oil-free pump so you can run it for a long time without any maintenance hassle. Its rubber feet prevent wear to your floor.
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor is one of the quietest air compressors available in the market today. It produces only 56 decibels of sound which means even less noise than a conversation. It features a 0.6 HP motor that operates at only 1680 RPM. This motor creates extremely little noise and less wear. It has a “Single Piston Pump” design for high performance and durability. This air compressor has a 1-Gallon steel tank and weighs only 29 lbs. making it very portable. The oil-free pump of CAT-1P1060S is designed to have a life cycle of 3000 plus hours before any wearing happens. Normally, the air compressor pumps have a life cycle of about 250 hours only so way better than those. You can easily carry it on difficult terrains and use it easily. CAT-1P1060S delivers 1.2 CFM @ 90 PSI that allows you to use finish nail guns, brad nail guns, staple guns, airbrushes, and blowguns. It proves to be a great air compressor for house renovations and garages. You can use it for cleaning and inflating tires, beds, toys, and sports balls. If you are fed up with air compressors that produce excessive noise, the CAT-1P1060S is the one for you.
The SENCO PC1010 is a tiny air compressor but extremely powerful. It has a 1-Gallon capacity that makes it a very portable air compressor. It has been designed to carry out specific home and garage jobs that don’t require a ton of horsepower. You and your family do not have to worry about the earsplitting noise that such tools usually make as it is famous for its quieter operation. It is a great product for home use as it helps in doing tasks like filling air into bicycle and motorcycle tires, using airbrushes, and great support for the nailers or pinners. It can also be used for wood repairs, minor remodeling work, and dusting out dirty electronic items. This air compressor has 1 HP on peak and ½ HP while running continuously. SENCO PC1010 Air compressor is lightweight and easy to use. This is best even if you have a tough job at hand. It is easy to maneuver so you can carry it anywhere you need it. It can be stored anywhere, can be easily hauled to any job, and runs quietly when you are using it.
Metabo HPT EC710S Air Compressor is an exceptionally handy tool that is built to last. You can also take it everywhere that a plug is offered. It has been constructed with quality material so it has a long lifetime. The accessory kit for the compressor is also included in its purchase so you don’t have to buy separately like many other air compressors. This air compressor has a 6-Gallon capacity and is a powerful unit. 6-Gallons capacity means you have the required power that you need for demanding compression tools without any extra load on the motor. It features a 1 HP motor with a handy pressure gauge to make it more efficient. The SCFM is 2.8 @ 90 PSI, you can quickly adjust the air pressure according to your requirement. A lot of air compressors with 6-Gallons capacity are way too loud but not this one. The Metabo EC710S Air Compressor performs operations more quietly. The 1 HP oil-free motor can easily start work in extreme weather conditions. There is a carrying handle on top of this unit to carry it around easily as it only weighs 36.5 lbs.
Campbell Hausfeld DC030098E Air Compressor is a small but powerful unit. Its tank has a 3-Gallon capacity with an oil-free pump so you don’t have to worry about its maintenance. This air compressor purchase includes complete accessories set that have hoses and blower tools, so you don’t have to buy it separately. You can get to work straight away with this air compressor as you don’t have to assemble anything. This air compressor quickly inflates and fastens to save you time and money. You can ideally use it for inflation, brad nailing, stapling, and airbrushing. It has a 3-Gallons capacity and weighs just over 20 lbs. so very lightweight and easy to carry around. You will find conveniently placed gauges and regulator for easy monitoring of tank and line pressure. Campbell Hausfeld DC030098E also features a 1-piece shroud that protects the user from hot and moving parts. The instructions for set up, maintenance, and usage are pretty clear so you won’t face any problem. The full kit includes a recoil air hose, blow gun, inflation needles, industrial plug, industrial coupler, and aluminum tapered nozzle and tire chuck.
Campbel Hausfeld FP2028 Air Compressor has a pancake style and ideal for a diversity of operations. It has a 1-Gallon capacity and quickly and inflates to save you time and money. This compressor provides a smooth and consistent performance by eliminating the pulsations caused by piston action. You can easily use this unit for tire inflation, powering air brad nailers, air staplers, and airbrushes. This air compressor delivers a 110 maximum PSI by operating on a 120V household current. It also delivers more torque and higher RPM so you can have your work done more efficiently. FP2028 air compressor includes a 5-piece accessory kit and hoses to get you readily started on your next job. There is a durable handle attached to it that ensures portability. Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 Air Compressor has an easy-to-read gauge that is located on the compressor body. With this, you can easily check and monitor the air pressure. The package includes a 25-feet recoil hose, needle, needle adapter, 2 inflator nozzles, air chuck, and on-board storage to organize the accessories.
An appropriate air compressor is the one that works best for your daily routine and gives you internal satisfaction as well. Here are some aspects you need to look at before making a purchase…. An air compressor is nothing without an efficient motor. You won’t need a motor with a ton of horsepower in this category. A motor with 0.3 HP to 1 HP will do the job well for you. If a motor has less than 0.3 HP, don’t go for that. Remember, the horsepower will directly affect the price of the air compressor. The more the horsepower is, the more you are bound to pay. Go for air compressors with the oil-less motor as the maintenance hassle will be eliminated. Such motors have a Teflon coating that minimizes friction and generated heat to prolong life span. Tank capacity is another important aspect of an air compressor. It depends on your demand and the kind of work you need to be done. If you need it for a small household task, a tank with even 1-Gallon capacity will work for you. You can also easily find an air tank with a 6 Gallons capacity. More capacity also means a noisier unit with added transportation difficulties. Many air compressors reviewed above are pancake-style models. They are typically more compact and powerful units in the mentioned price range. If you need a tank with big storage, the pancake-style air compressor will work fine for you in such a case. It promotes a small storage footprint and easy portability. There are heavier units also available that have wheels and foldable handles. It is better to have a compressor with anti-scratch rubber feet if you have wood floors. Some units also have built-in compartments to store the related accessories and attachments. You need to remember that many air compressors don’t include the required accessory kit. Yes, it lowers the unit price but then you have to separately buy the tool kit. Keep in mind that the accessories are mandatory when using an air compressor. It is better to look for units that come with the included or optional accessory kit to make sure you have everything you need to move on. PSI output determines the overall usability of your air compressor. If you need the air compressor for heavy-duty nailers, impact wrenches, and drills, you need a high and steady PSI output. If you need to run multiple tools at once, you need an air compressor that runs consistently at a certain PSI split. PSI output capacity doesn’t matter much if you are looking to clean out electronics, run airbrushing tools, fill up tires, and other home remodeling tasks. Make sure what you actually require and then choose a suitable model with the required PSI. Must Read: Two Stage Vs. Single Stage Air Compressor – Which One is Best? [acf field=”faqschema”]
To run the air tools effectively, you need an air compressor with a range of 30-140 CFM. For running a tire machine, an air compressor with a CFM of 20-25 for a medium-sized shop will be adequate. Oil-free air compressors are cheaper, lighter, and require almost no maintenance. Oil air compressors are more durable than the previous one. If you want to use it for home renovations and a garage, an oil-free air compressor is a good option. CFM is the volume of air a compressor delivers at specific PSI levels. A compressor with a higher CFM level can deliver more air which is ideal to use for heavier applications like framing nail guns and operating air wrenches. Choosing the best air compressor for your home and away use is a matter of comparing features and experience. If you have no experience in this, it is better to choose one that is lightweight, easy to break down and store, and have all the accessories included in its purchase. Even in a tight budget, you can have an air compressor you need from the list provided above. Best of luck….
Pros
Cons
2. California Air Tools CAT 4710SQ Air Compressor
Key Features
Pros
Cons
3. DEWALT Pancake 6 Gallon Air Compressor
Key Features
Pros
Cons
4. BOSTITCH Pancake 6 Gallon Air Compressor
Key Features
Pros
Cons
5. PORTER-CABLE 6 Gallon Air Compressor
Key Features
Pros
Cons
6. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor
Key Features
Pros
Cons
7. SENCO PC1010 Air Compressor
Key Features
Pros
Cons
8. Metabo HPT EC710S Pancake Air Compressor
Key Features
Pros
Cons
9. Campbell Hausfeld DC030098E Air Compressor
Key Features
Pros
Cons
10. Campbell Hausfeld FP2028 Air Compressor
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Best Air Compressor under $200 – Buyer’s Guide
1. Motor
2. Tank Capacity
3. Air Compressor Style
4. Accessory Kit
5. PSI Output
Best Air Compressor under $200 – FAQs
1. What is the accurate size to run air tools?
2. What size air compressor should I have to run a tire machine?
3. Oil or Oil-less compressor, which one is better to use?
4. Do the air compressor with higher CFM better than other ones?
Final Views