6 Best Air Compressors Australian Buyers Guide 2024

What are Air Compressors?

Air compressors are exactly what they say on the tin, they push air from the environment through pressurised pipes at speed, pulling in air from a broad space, and pushing it through a narrow space. That’s the non-scientific version, but it’s the easiest way to explain it.

Using either gas or electric power sources they create a steady supply of pressurised air that is used to quickly pump inflatables, or power pneumatic tools. 

In the guide below, we’ll explore the ins and outs of how and why you might need one.

Why Do You Need an Air Compressor?

Air compressors are most commonly used for inflating tires. It’s an obvious use, and even for amateur gardeners and DIY’ers it can come in handy to speed up car and bike tire inflation, or blow up above ground pools in summer.

But there are plenty of other brilliant uses for air compressors that will always come in handy around the house (as well as on site for any professional readers).

Most useful is their use for pneumatic tools, like nail guns, and ground breakers, or even speedy fence painting as they can be attached to spray guns to achieve perfect even finishes on boundary fences and sheds.

My favourite use though? Air compressors can be attached to industrial pressure washers (Be sure check our review on the best pressure washers here). Now I don’t know about you, but I hate scrubbing the decking, and we’ve got all sorts of wildlife here that love to make a mess of our patio. 

The wall; behind the pond is constantly covered in algae, and even the best pressure washer won’t budge the worst of the dirt. Unless of course, it’s a pressure washer connected to an air compressor!

Seriously, unless you’ve used a compressed pressure washer, you don’t know what you’re missing out on.

What to Look for When Buying an Air Compressor

There are a couple of key factors to look at when choosing the best compressor, which we’ll discuss below, but one simple thing to look for is size.

Air compressors are very varied when it comes to weight and size. Basically, bigger air compressors have more power, and hold more air.

Air Compressor Noise Levels

Air compressors can be incredibly loud machines, but regularly checking the oil level will help reduce sound. The noise level of air compressors can be up to 100 decibels (if it’s any louder, don’t buy it) which is the noise level of a chain saw, but the quieter you go, the better.

Air Compressor PSI

Really, the only truly important factor when choosing the best air compressor is its PSI (Pounds per square inch), which measures the pressure of gases, in this case, atmospheric air.

A less powerful air compressor can fill up a tire to the same PSI as a more powerful model, but the higher powered compressor would be faster.

Different Types of Air Compressor

Stationary Air Compressors

Firstly, it’s important to state that stationary air compressors can be moved, but they are much bulkier, and generally better just used around the house. Stationary air compressors are generally much more powerful than portable air compressors.

The down side of stationary air compressors is the noise level as they are running pressurised pistons to generate the pressure that allows us to use a constant supply or high pressure air.

If you have to use a stationary air compressor for a long period of time you should use ear defenders to protect yourself from any hearing damage, but do make sure to check the decibel of any air compressor you buy before purchasing.

Stationary air compressor are usually quite heavy, so if you do plan on keeping it in the garage, that’s ok, but if you’re buying an air compressor to spray walls, fences, or run power tools from in the garden, then look for smaller models that can be easily carried around.

Portable Air Compressors

Portable air compressors are the small air compressors that run from your car battery (either from spark plugs, or cigarette lighters). They’re great tools for an emergency, but usually only run at up to 12V so aren’t nearly powerful enough for running power tools from.

You can buy air compressors with built-in batteries, but make sure you check the battery life before you buy an air compressor. Old-fashioned compressors will run from full-charge to empty in a matter of minutes, so check if it has a modern lithium-ion battery.

How to Use an Air Compressor

Depending on the type of air compressor you have, the guidance can vary, so make sure to consult the directions supplied with your model, but there are a few general principles that should be followed:

• Ensure the air compressor is always on flat, stable ground and stored upright, when in use, it should remain stable, and any cables should have enough excess that they trail on the floor to prevent tripping or knocking the compressor while in operation.
  
  
• Air compressors should have their oil level clearly displayed. If the oil level is below, or neat to minimum, refill the oil. Oil is essential for the operation of the pistons that power compression. 
  
  
• If there is a drain valve on your air compressor, close it before use.
  
  
• Turn the compressor on, and let it run until it reaches full pressure (PSI).
  
  
• Set the value to the minimum PSI of the tool you plan to use, or to the PSI of the tire you are about to inflate.
  
  
• Connect the hose from the compressor to the tool / inlet valve, and turn it on. 
  
  
• Most modern air compressors will stop pumping when the set PSI is reached, but keep an eye on the gauge and disconnect the hose and switch off the machine if it exceeds maximum PSI.
  
  
• When finished with the tool, store it safely and upright away from moisture.

1. Vepa VADD20-50 Belt Drive Air Compressor

The 50L tank on this lightweight air compressor from Vepa Air is ideal for domestic use, or on-site use, but doesn’t quite have the stamina of larger machines.

What you save in tank size, you save in cost though, and this is a truly good value machine, with 115psi as its standard pressure, running at 2850 RPM so you can work quickly and efficiently. 

When the 50L tank runs out, it can refill in about 20 seconds too, which is a pretty incredible turnaround.

2. DeWalt DCC1054N-XJ FlexVolt XR Cordless Air Compressor

DeWalt has designed a great mini air compressor here. It’s got a small 10L tank, but refills in seconds and runs on fast charging batteries, making it one of the most convenient (and best value) air compressors on review here.

If you’re after a quick, budget-friendly, air compressor for use at home, around the garden, or for light applications on-site, then this has to be it.

3. Vepa Air VSC2400 Oil-Less Silent Air Compressor

Vepa Air is dedicated to making high-quality air compressor units, and the VSC2400 is no exception. Its huge 100L tank and 3.3HP motor give consistently high pressure, making it perfect for almost any pneumatic tools.

It’s great for working over extended times too, thanks to its 75dB noise limit, making it one of the quietest air compressors on the market, and certainly quieter than any air compressors of its size.

4. Unimac ACM-250 24L Portable Direct Drive Air Compressor

The huge tank on this air compressor makes it one of the most capable portable air compressors on the market. With a speedy refill time it’s great for painting, and even better thanks to its quiet operation. 

The Unimac air compressor runs at roughly the same volume of normal conversation, so is safe for long periods of use.

It’s really the space efficiency of this model that helps it stand out, with a tank late enough for most bog jobs, but not so big that you can’t get it up and down stairs.

5. Vepa Air VADD15-24 Direct Drive Air Compressor

Vepa Air’s compact air compressor, the VADD15-24 is perfect for home use to run DIY pneumatic tools. Its 24L tank might not be huge, but it runs at 115psi and refills quickly (about 30 seconds) so you’ll not be without power for long.

6. Milwaukee M18FAC-0 FUEL Cordless Air Compressor

The portable air compressor by Milwaukee isn’t hugely powerful, nor is it that efficient, but it is incredibly convenient and super quiet.

If you’re after an affordable air compressor that stores easily, there aren’t many tools better than the Milwaukee M18FAC-0.

Vepa’s 50L air compressor is by far the best all-round air compressor on the market, with a reasonable, but not overly powerful 2HP, powered by any 240V mains socket. It's easy to use, lightweight, and small enough to store.

Its real selling point is the re-filling speed. Once your tank’s gone, it refills in about 20 seconds, making it one of the most efficient air compressors you can buy, and for a decent price tag too.

DeWalt’s DCC1054N is the best budget air compressor by a fair way. Its price tag alone puts a smile on our faces, but it’s its convenience that really wins out.

Weighing just 11kg, and fitting on most shelves, it's ideal for home use and opens up a whole world of pneumatic tools without having to splash out thousands on bulky models.

Air Compressor Frequently Asked Questions

How do air compressors work?

All air compressors have slightly different methods of pressurising air. Some air compressors work by pumping air through piston chambers which fill and empty at pace in a series of chambers.

This allows constant flow and circulation of gas, but uses more power. Other air compressors fill a pressurised tank and push air evenly through the hose. These are the best for steady tools like paint sprayers.

What size air compressor do I need?

Pneumatic nail guns require short bursts of power, so do not need a tank, and will work perfectly well on passive flows of compressed air, but for most tools, a tank is the best option as it gives a steady and constant stream of pressurised air.

Each tool should have a guide for the tank capacity required to run it efficiently.

What is a good size air compressor for home use?

For decorating, including painting walls and fences, you’ll need an air compressor with a tank, rather than a passive flow, so make sure you’re looking for air compressors with at least 5-6 CFM, otherwise you’ll be waiting for the pressure to refill every few minutes.

How much PSI do I need for air tools?

Most air tools need a PSI of around 70-90 PSI from the air compressor that powers them, which is usually in the range of any budget air compressor.

It might still be worth a mid-range compressor for these tasks though, as the compressor should have a higher capacity than the flow needed for the tool.

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