5+ Best Air Compressor for Auto Detailing {Experts Reviews}

We have reviewed here the six best air compressors for auto detailing. So that you can easily find one of them according to your need.

Auto Detailing or Car detailing or Mobile detailing basically a combination of multiple processes such as:-Cleaning, Paint Correction, Paint Protection, and dashboard, Leather Seats and flooring protection, etc. Where you need to take care of all the interior and exterior parts of the whole car or any Automotive vehicle.

If we divide auto detailing then it will be divided into three parts:- 

  • Interior Car Detailing
  • Exterior Car Detailing
  • Full Car Detailing.

But all these above processes are not easy and it consumes lots of time. But the only way to reduce your time and make all the process easier is to use a good and powerful air compressor for auto detailing. Because of the air compressors you can save tons of time and do all the tasks efficiently.

But there are plenty of air compressors present in the market and it’s a big challenge to find the best air compressor for auto detailing who can fulfill all your needs.

So if you want to find the best air compressor for car or mobile detailing then you are in the right place. We covered here the 6 best air compressors for automobile detailing with a detailed guide so that you can easily choose one for your garage or workshop.


List of 6 best air compressor for auto detailing

Image Product Details   Price
backpac California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Compressor Horsepower:- 2HP

Tank Capacity:- 10 Gallon


Weight:- 82.5 Pounds


Dimensions:- 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 inches


Maximum Pressure:- 125 PSI


Air Pressure Delivered:- 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI & 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI


Material:- Metal


Noise Level:- 70 dB


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 110V


Warranty:- 1 Year of limited warranty.
Latest Price on Amazon
backpac Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor Horsepower:- 1.8 HP

Tank Capacity:- 20 Gallon


Weight:- 121.4 Pounds


Dimensions:- 19.67 x 17.52 x 41.81 inches


Maximum Pressure:- 150 PSI


Air Pressure Delivered:- 6 CFM at 40 PSI and 5 CFM at 90PSI
Material:- Metal


Noise Level:- 68 dB


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 120V


Warranty:- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Latest Price on Amazon
cordlessblower Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor Horsepower:- 3 HP

Tank Capacity:- 5.2 Gallon


Weight:- 75 Pounds


Dimensions:- 29 x 19.5 x 19 inches


Maximum Pressure:- 140 PSI


Air Pressure Delivered:- 6.9 CFM at 40 PSI and 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI


Material:- Cast Iron


Noise Level:- Less Noise


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 120V


Warranty:- 1 year Limited Warranty
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cordlessblower California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor Horsepower:- 1 HP

Tank Capacity:- 8 Gallon


Weight:- 48 Pounds


Dimensions:- 26 x 14 x 23 inches


Maximum Pressure:- 120 PSI


Air Pressure Delivered:- 3.10
CFM at 40 PSI and 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI

Material:- Steel


Noise Level:- 60 dB


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 110V


Warranty:- 1 year Limited Warranty
Latest Price on Amazon
cordlessblower Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor Horsepower:- 2 HP

Tank Capacity:- 2.6 Gallon


Weight:- 59.6 Pounds


Dimensions:- 18 x 22 x 10 inches


Maximum Pressure:- 130 PSI


Air Pressure Delivered:-  3.8 CFM at 40 PSI and 3.3 CFM at 90 PSI


Material:- Cast Iron


Noise Level:- 80 dB


Power Source:- Electricity


Voltage:- 120V


Warranty:- 1 year Limited Warranty
Latest Price on Amazon
cordlessblower RIDGID 200 psi 4.5 Gal. Electric Quiet Compressor Tank Capacity:- 4.5 Gallon

Weight:- 62 Pounds


Dimensions:- 23 x 15.6 x 21.13 inches


Maximum Pressure:- 200 PSI


Material:- Metal


Noise Level:- 77 dB


Power Source:- Electricity
Latest Price on Amazon

Read More: Best Air Compressor for Automotive Air Tools


1. California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Compressor ( Best Air compressor for automobile detailing)

California Air Tools is one of the famous companies when it comes to air compressors and they always believe in providing quality products to their customers. Their products are always equipped with all the features so that it becomes the best in their price range and the same case happens with this product also. That’s the reason we have selected this product as our best pick.

This machine is packed with a powerful 2 HP motor that is capable of operating at 1680 RPM and because of this powerful motor and high rate of RPM the time it takes to fill the tank form 0% to 100% in just 120 seconds. 

This air compressor is capable for work with a maximum pressure of 125 PSI. and this air compressor provides 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI this air pressure is enough to get all the detailing job done without any problem. 

You will find here a huge 10 gallon air tank which is made up of steel to ensure its durability. and The 10 gallon is enough to get all the job done. And because of the huge capacity of the tank, you can operate the air tools for a longer duration.

Because of the huge tank capacity, it becomes too heavy and bulky to carry. But because of the portability wheels, it can easily move here and there. So the wheel of this air compressor enhances its portability.

This air compressor motor works on oil-free technology and because of the oil-free pump it requires less maintenance and it also helps to enhance its durability. Which makes it cost-effective too. 

Because of the oil-free technology and dual-piston pump, it has a life cycle of 3000+ hours before wear and this number is almost 3 times than the other conventional air compressors.

This air compressor is equipped with a huge powerful motor but the main advantage of this motor is it produces only 70 dB of noise. Which makes it super comfortable for working for a longer duration.

This compressor is also equipped with a thermal overload protector and because of this, it can easily protect itself from overheating issues. This is one of the best safety features. Which can also improve the durability of this air compressor.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • HorsePower:- 2HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 10 Gallon
  • Weight:- 82.5 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 inches
  • Maximum Pressure:- 125 PSI
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI & 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Material:- Metal
  • Noise Level:- 70 dB
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 110V
  • Warranty:- 1 Year of limited warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Oil-free technology requires less maintenance.
  • Large 10-gallon tank size.
  • Produces less noise.
  • 3000+ hours of life cycle before wear.
  • Very Good customer rating.
  • Comes with a thermal overload protector.

Cons

  • The portability of the wheel is not that good.

2. Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor (best air compressor for car detailing)

The second product on the list from Stealth and this is a well reputable air compressor manufacturing company. This air compressor is also equipped with all the features with a huge 20 gallon of tank so if you want a powerful compressor with a higher capacity of the tank then this might be a good option for you.

The motor of this compressor generates 1.8 HP of power and because of this, it can recharge the air tank from 0 to 100 in just 70 sec. This super powerful motor is more than enough for all the auto detailing tasks.

Despite being 1.8 HP of powerful motor, it produces only 68 dB of noise. Which is close to negligible in compression with others. So you need not use any kind of earbuds to protect your ear. And the company also claims that it provides 3 times longer life than others.

This air compressor is capable of working with a maximum of 150 PSI. and this also can provide the pressure of 6 CFM at 40 PSI and 5 CFM at 90PSI. This pressure is enough for all the auto detailing works for your workshop.

This air compressor has been designed in such a way that it supports an easy cold start and low voltage start. So that you can use it at any time and any place. And this air compressor is capable of doing multiple tasks such as Support inflation, finishing nailer, angle grinder, cut-off tool, impact wrenches, drill, hammer, chisel, sander, polisher, crease air tools.

This air compressor is equipped with a huge 20 gallons of air tank capacity. And because of this huge capacity of tank, it feels too heavy, but the pneumatic wheels make it portable so that you can move this unit easily here and there.

The motor of this air compressor works on oil-free technology so it requires less maintenance.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • HorsePower:- 1.8 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 20 Gallon
  • Weight:- 121.4 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 19.67 x 17.52 x 41.81 inches
  • Maximum Pressure:- 150 PSI
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 6 CFM at 40 PSI and 5 CFM at 90PSI
  • Material:- Metal
  • Noise Level:- 68 dB
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 120V
  • Warranty:- Limited Lifetime Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Produces less noise.
  • 20 gallons of huge capacity.
  • Oil-free technology.
  • Maximum pressure of 150 PSI.
  • Multipurpose air compressor.
  • Empty to full in just 70 seconds.

Cons

  • A little bit expensive but totally justify the price.

Read More: Best Air Compressor For Sanding


3. Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor

Makita is one of the best brands when it comes to air compressors and they always believe in providing quality products to their customers and this product from Makita is also equipped with all the advanced features So if you want a powerful motor then this air compressor is the best option for you. Because of all its features it comes next in our list of best air compressor for automobile  detailing.

This air compressor is packed with 3.0 HP of the motor which makes it so powerful. And this 3.0 HP is more than enough for the Auto detailing purpose and other than that it is also compatible with multi-purpose usage.

This comes with a 5.2 gallon air tank which can sustain an operating pressure of 140 PSI and delivers 6.9 CFM at 40 PSI and 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI  to get your detailing job done effectively and efficiently.

The main advantage of this air compressor is that it comes with copper finned discharge tubing for proper heat dissipation and Thermal Overload Protector so you need not to worry about overheating. And it also maintains the safety of the air compressor.

This air compressor comes with Rugged wheels and these wheels enhance its portability so that you can move here and there easily.

This motor is oil-lubricated for cooler running temperatures and reduced wear So required less maintenance and this air compressor is also made up of cast iron which helps to increase its durability and performance.

Product Description (best air compressor for automobile  detailing)

  • HorsePower:- 3 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 5.2 Gallon
  • Weight:- 75 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 29 x 19.5 x 19 inches
  • Maximum Pressure:- 140 PSI
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 6.9 CFM at 40 PSI and 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Material:- Cast Iron
  • Noise Level:- Less Noise
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 120V
  • Warranty:- 1-year Limited Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • 3 HP of a super powerful motor.
  • Produces less noise.
  • Comes with a thermal overload protector.
  • Copper finned discharge tubing for increasing heat dispassion.
  • Superb Customer rating.

Cons

  • Tank size is a little bit less than other compressors.

4. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor

California air tools is the most famous brand for air compressors. And they always believe in providing quality products to their customers. That’s Why this compressor also comes with 1 hp of pump and 8 gallon of tank so that you can fulfill all your needs. So if you want a compressor within 250$ with all the other features then this might be the best option for you. by reason of all these features this comes next in our list of best air compressors for mobile detailing.

Air compressor is packed with 1 HP of powerful motor which is capable of running with a speed of 1680 RPM. Because of this it only takes 130 second to fill the air tank empty to full. In spite of running at 1680 rpm, this air compressor provides only 60 dB noise. Which is very less and you get noise free operation.

This compressor comes with an 8 gallon of air portable tank and this air compressor can handle all of the detailing work without any trouble. So if you want a compressor with little less price then this air compressor is one of the best options for you.

This air compressor is capable of operating with 120 PSI and delivers air at 90 PSI over a range of 2.20 CFM and 3.10 CFM at 40. Therefore the delivery rate of this compressor is not as high as the above air compressors. But yes you can do the detailing task with this compressor.

This air compressor comes with an oil-free dual-piston pump because of this oil-free technology it requires less maintenance and this has designed to have a life cycle of 3000 plus hours before wear and tear. As compared to others this number is 4 to 5 times more.

It is also equipped with a thermal overload protector so that it can dissipate the maximum amount of heat to keep itself cool. So you need not to worry about overheating.

It has two separate pressure gauges, one is for tank pressure and another one is for air delivery pressure. It makes it super convenient for use. 

Detailed information regarding the product

  • Horsepower:- 1 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 8 Gallon
  • Weight:- 48 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 26 x 14 x 23 inches
  • Maximum Pressure:- 120 PSI
  • Air Pressure Delivered:- 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI and 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Material:- Steel
  • Noise Level:- 60 dB
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 110V
  • Warranty:- 1-year Limited Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • The oil-free pump used here.
  • Cost-effective
  • Silent Operation.
  • Equipped with thermal overload protection.
  • Long life cycle.
  • Unbelievable customer rating.

Cons

  • No such cons.

5. Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor

When it comes to air compressors this makita is one of the best brands present in the market. This Makita MAC700 is a very powerful machine with less tank capacity of 2.5 gallon but you can add another tank if you want. So if you do not require much tank capacity but if you want a powerful compressor then this will be the best option for you. With this all the features  

This air compressor is packed with 2.0 HP of powerful motor with a large RPM of 1720. Despite having so much RPM, it just produces 80 dB of noise which is super less. And you won’t feel so noisy like others.

The 2.6-gallon air tank sustains the working pressure of 130 PSI and it delivers 3.8 CFM at 40 PSI and 3.3 CFM at 90 PSI which provides the air tool with a longer run time with good performance. 

The pump is equipped with a large automotive style oil lubricated filter for increased air intake geather efficiency. Which helps to enhance its performance.

This air compressor does not come with pneumatic wheels. But this does not affect its portability because it has a roll bar handle for its portability and it also helps to ensure protection too. So you can easily move here and there.

It is equipped with copper finned discharge tubing for increased heat dissipation So that it can avoid overheating. And this ensures the long life of the compressor.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • Horsepower:- 2 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 2.6 Gallon
  • Weight:- 59.6 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 18 x 22 x 10 inches
  • Maximum Pressure:- 130 PSI
  • Air Pressure Delivered:-  3.8 CFM at 40 PSI and 3.3 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Material:- Cast Iron
  • Noise Level:- 80 dB
  • Power Source:- Electricity
  • Voltage:- 120V
  • Warranty:- 1-year Limited Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Produces less noise.
  • Overheat Protection.
  • Very Powerful air compressor.
  • Cast Iron enhances its Durability.
  • Due to its low weight, you can easily move around.
  • Unbelievable customer rating.

Cons

  • Less tank capacity.

6. RIDGID 200 psi 4.5 Gal. Electric Quiet Compressor (Best refurbished air compressor for mobile detailing)

RIDGID is also a very popular brand for air compressors. And this RIDGID air compressor is super powerful so if you want an air compressor that can produce high air pressure then this air compressor is the best option in this price segment. That’s why we choose this air compressor in our list of best air compressors for automobile detailing.

This air compressor is capable for work with a maximum pressure of 200 PSI which is enough for all types of auto detailing purposes. Other than that you can also use this air compressor for multipurpose also.

It is equipped with 4.5 gallons of two air tanks which is enough for detailing tasks. But if you require more capacity than you can add another tank with this unit so don’t worry about this that it has a lower capacity.

This air compressor does not come with pneumatic tires but portability is not the main concern with it as the weight of this compressor is only 62 pounds so that you can easily move here and there.

This air compressor is one of the quietest compressors and this produces only 77dB of noise. It can give you a quiet experience.

Note:- This is a refurbished product but we select this air compressor because of its features with a good customer rating.

Detailed information regarding the product

  • Tank Capacity:- 4.5 Gallon
  • Weight:- 62 Pounds
  • Dimensions:- 23 x 15.6 x 21.13 inches
  • Maximum Pressure:- 200 PSI
  • Material:- Metal
  • Noise Level:- 77 dB
  • Power Source:- Electricity

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Powerful Motor.
  • 200 PSI of maximum pressure which is much higher than other compressors.
  • Produces less noise.
  • Superb Customer Rating.

Cons

  • Refurbished Product but fully tested.
  • 4.5-gallon tank which is slightly less, but you can also add additional tanks if needed.

Read for more information Best Budget Air Compressor

Read for More Information best air compressor for automotive painting

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for best air compressor for auto detailing 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for best air compressor for auto detailing

Which is the best air compressor for mobile auto detailing?

There are plenty of air compressors present from different brands with different models for all auto detailing tasks but if you want our recommendation then we suggest California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Oil which has all the smart features within its price range. And this is one of the top rated air compressors for auto detailing.

How many CFM Compressors do I need for auto detailing?

CFM basically represents the volume which stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute. For auto detailing works good CFM of air compressor is necessary so you need at least 3 to 5 CFM is required for any auto detailing tasks.

How many PSI Compressors do I need for automotive detailing?

PSI is the most important factor for auto detailing or car detailing or mobile detailing because if your air delivery pressure is not sufficient then you are able to do the job properly so always try to select an air compressor with higher PSI.  So for auto detailing purposes you need a compressor that can maintain the PSI level, at least 30 to 40.

Which tank size of air compressor is required for mobile detailing?

Because Auto detailing or car detailing or mobile detailing is a long process so you need a large tank capacity with right CFM and PSI. So you need at least 5 gallon of air tank capacity to completely get your job done.

Oil free or Oiled pump is best for auto detailing?

If you need a larger capacity compressor than then it’s a rare chance to get an oil free compressor but Both air compressors are good for auto detailing taks.

How many CFM is equal to 1 HP?

Generally 1 HP of motors produces 2.5 to 4 PSI so we can say that 1 HP is equivalent to 3 to 4 PSI.


Conclusion for best air compressor for Automobile detailing

We have included everything so that you can find the best air compressor for auto detailing.

I thought you have selected one of them according to your need. So which air compressor for auto detailing or mobile detailing or car detailing you have selected, let me know in the comment box.

And If you want our recommendation then  California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet air compressor is our Top Pick you can definitely go with this product, this will not disappoint you.

So guys if you like our post then don’t forget to share this with your friends.

By the way thanks for visiting.

Hi. This is Subhadip. I am a Mechanical Engineer and I have been working in mechanical Industries for more than 3 years. I have expertise in several kinds of Mechanical Devices and Air Compressor is one of them. So I am here to help you find the best air compressor for your desired need.

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