When you want an air compressor, you want to ensure that it is the best one. Also, having a quality air compressor will allow you to have the right air pressure that you need for all of your projects. This post is going to break down the best air compressors under $500.
Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor
The Makita air compressor is perfect for those who want an air compressor that has an output for two nailers and makes less noise. This is because of the engineered pump cylinder that Makita has used for this quiet air compressor. Additionally, it has more stroke and bore, so the compression has been increased, there is less noise, and the recovery is faster.
If you are going to be using this on the job site, you will be happy to know that it is ready for the task. That’s because it comes with a 4.2-gallon twin-stacked tank that allows it to keep operating at 130 PSI. Moreover, it comes with a small amount of AMP draw, so there are fewer chances of the breakers being tripped and the voltages being dropped. It is no surprise that this air compressor from Makita has done well since the company is used worldwide.
This air compressor comes in Makita blue, so you will be able to see it wherever it is on the job site. Many people will say that a Stealth air compressor is quieter than a Makita, but this is still very quiet for a machine that has an output for two nail guns. Overall, this is a great choice for those that want a powerful air compressor for their job site and all of their projects.
Additional Features
Copper discharge tubing, so there is increased heat dissipation and less water in the tank.
Convenient oil drain valve.
The tank drain valve is in a better position for easy maintenance.
California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor
The California Air Tools has been designed to be the best quiet air compressor in the industry because it only has 70 decibels of sound. California Air Tools has placed in a motor that operates at only 1680 RPM, which means less noise is made from this air compressor. Additionally, it has been manufactured to increase duty cycles so that people can use this air compressor for longer.
Moreover, the oil-free pump has been designed to last for over 3,000 hours before you need to worry about any wear. This is a big difference compared to other air compressors under $500 that can only last up to 500 hours. Additionally, since the pump is oil-free, you can use this air compressor in different temperatures and terrains. It makes it a portable air compressor that is hard to beat.
This air compressor comes in the classic California Air Tools grey, which is perfect for those who want their tools to match a job site. Also, you can purchase multiple packages all under $500. You can buy the air compressor plus air hose, air compressor plus coupler and plug kit, or air compressor plus couple and plug kit type D all under $500. Those are a lot of options for many different kinds of workers.
Additional Features
Only 70 decibels, so it is a quiet air compressor
An oil-free pump means less cost and maintenance
10-gallon air tank with wheels, so it is a portable air compressor
The easy-start valve feature lets you release the right amount of air from the pump so that the air compressor can start
BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
This is the best air compressor under $500, and it is also a pancake air compressor. The BOSTITCH is oil-free, so you do not need to do any daily maintenance or risk any oil spills in your area. It comes with a high-flow regulator to maximize air tool performance.
BOSTITCH is a company that many trust with air tools, so it is no surprise that it has made it to this list. Additionally, it has a low noise level so that you can have that quiet work environment with this air compressor. To find out more about some of the best pancake air compressors, check out our post on the best pancake air compressors out there.
The BOSTITCH is a compact air compressor that many people enjoy because it is made from high-quality parts while giving every user the best air compressor experience they could ask for. It comes in its standard yellow, which is perfect for keeping an eye on its whereabouts while working.
Additional Features
It weighs 29 lbs, so it is easy to move around
There are two universal couplers, so two people can use them at once
The high-efficiency motor has been made for cold start-ups so that you can start your air compressor anywhere
Airflow performance is maximized using the high flow regulator and couplers
DEWALT Air Compressor
The DEWALT air compressor is another air compressor under $500 that people will enjoy because of the many features. It comes with a vertical stand feature and a collapsible handle so that people can prop their air compressor in the correct position for them. Like many of the other air compressors on this list, it has a 78 dBA noise level, so it is helpful for those who want a quiet work environment.
Additionally, it has a quick recovery because of the motors inside the air compressor. It can also be easily moved around the job site because of the 10″ non-flat foam tires. This is the right air compressor for someone who needs something strong and portable. Moreover, it comes with an oil-free pump, which means that there is less maintenance to do to keep this machine running.
The DEWALT air compressor is another compressor that comes in a bright yellow. Also, it is helpful that the console is made of metal because it will be more durable on a job site. Job sites are notorious for causing scratches and dents on machines, but when they are properly protected, then there is a better chance of it lasting for a longer time.
Additional Features
Users have 80% more usable air compared to the industry leader air compressors
The 5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI allows the compressor to recover quicker after charging its initial tank
A vertical stand with a collapsible handle means that people can save space by moving and storing this air compressor
It has 1.6 horsepower so that you can finish the job quickly
California Air Tools CAT-4620AC-22060
Another air compressor under $500 comes from California Air Tools. This is the best air compressor if you want one that is quiet because it has only 70 decibels of sound in testing. The new motor runs at 1680 RPM, so there is less noise and wear to the air compressor. Additionally, the new motors allow users to have an increased duty cycle, so the run time while using this air compressor is longer.
Like the other air compressors on this list, this one is oil-free. The company also claims that because it is oil-free, users will use their air compressor for over 3,000 hours before needing to replace anything. This is one of the heavier air compressors on the list because it does weigh 67.2 lbs, but it can still be easily moved around any job site.
This air compressor is also available in 110 volts while still being under $500. It comes in the typical California Air Tools grey, so it will match with many other construction tools you may have lying around on the job site.
Additional Features
It has a 4.6-gallon aluminum twin tank that is rust-free
The motor is 2.0 horsepower
Comes with a one-year limited warranty
It has an easy start valve so that you can start your air compressor anywhere
Twin-Stack P1IU-A9 Portable Air Compressor
This air compressor is made by Ingersoll Rand and is the best air compressor under $500 for those who want a portable one. It is ideal for people who want versatility and still get the job done because it can be taken across all job sites in all kinds of weather. The twin tank gives the compressor up to 135 PSI pressure, so your compressed air comes out powerfully. Also, the ergonomic design makes it easy to move around, but it does weigh 77 lbs.
Additionally, it is helpful that the tank fills from zero to full pressure within 60 seconds, so you can start working as soon as possible. The belt-driven design also allows for a quiet working environment. Also, it comes with two quarter-inch couplers, so two tools can be used at once, which adds to this air compressor’s efficiency.
Additional Features
It has an easy-to-operate front panel so that many people can use it
Noise level reaches 79 dBA, which means a quieter work environment can be established
The All Season Select synthetic lubricant allows for 2,000 hours of work before you need to change anything
It comes in a protective shroud, so you do not need to worry about it getting damaged
Conclusion
Having the best air compressor under $500 is essential for many people because you want the right one for your needs. This list has shown you some of the best air compressors you can buy, and they all have nearly 5-star ratings. They are all compact, portable, and quiet, so it is up to you to choose the right one for your job site. The perfect air compressor can only be picked by you, but if you need any more assistance, make sure to check out some of our other posts on air compressors.
