5+ Best Air Compressor Under 200 dollars in 2024 {Expert Reviews}

Are you looking for the best air compressor under 200 dollars? If yes, then in this we have reviewed top air compressors below $200.

Each air compressor review includes its specifications, benefits, pros, and cons so that you can get the best compressor for under $200 without wasting a minute.

But you need to know the limitations of this price range. Under $200 you have to sacrifice the power, tank capacity, and pressure.

However, not everybody needs a powerful compressor with a large tank capacity that is why we have come up with the top 6 air compressors below 200 that have a tank capacity between 0 to 6 gallons.

But if you want a powerful compressor or a large tank size air compressor then read this article: Best 30 Gallon Air Compressors

And if you want an air compressor for an automotive shop then read this: Best Air Compressor for Auto Repair Shop.

So without any further delay let’s get straight into it.


Best Air Compressor Under 200 Dollars List

Buddy if you are in hurry then we have prepared a list of all the top air compressors with their tank size, power. So that you can easily select one without reading the whole article. But if you want the complete in-depth review then scroll down.

Image Name Tank Size Maximum PSI Price
  Metabo HPT “THE TANK” Pancake Air Compressor 6 Gallons 200 PSI Check Latest Price
  DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor (DWFP55126) 6 Gallons 165 PSI Check Latest Price
  Craftsman Air Compressor with 13 Piece Accessory Kit (CMEC6150K) 6 Gallons 150 PSI Check Latest Price
  California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor 8 Gallons 120 PSI Check Latest Price
  California Air Tools 2010A Ultra Quiet Aluminum Tank Air Compressor 2 Gallons 120 PSI Check Latest Price
  Craftsman Air Compressor Red- CMXECXA0200341 3 Gallons 155 PSI Check Latest Price


Top Air Compressor Below $200 Reviews

1. Metabo HPT “THE TANK” Pancake Air Compressor (Top Pick)

This air compressor from Metabo HPT is a very popular brand for Power tools and air compressors and it’s a very powerful pancake air compressor. So easily use this for light to moderate tasks. So let’s check few notable features of this air compressor.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 1.3 Hp
  • Tank Size:- 6 Gallons
  • CFM:- 4CFM at 90 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 200 PSI
  • Weight:- 41 Pounds
  • Volt:- 120 Volts
  • Noise level:- 73dB

This air compressor comes with a powerful motor of 1.3 HP. Which has the capability to provide maximum pressure up to 200 PSI. This amount is greater than a basic pancake air compressor.

This has enough power and pressure to provide a high airflow of 90 PSI at 4 CFM. So that you can simultaneously run 3 finish nailers or 5 brad nailers or 2 framing nailers or 2 roofing nailers or 2 siding nailers.

This pancake air compressor can give you good performance for a long time because it comes with a 6 gallon capacity of the air tank. And under $200 it’s a good deal.

All metal bodies and handles make it durable and the design of this compressor makes it portable so that it can be used on jobs easily.

The best part is that this motor comes with an oil-free design. Therefore it requires less maintenance which makes it more convenient for day-to-day use.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High pressure.
  • Powerful motor,
  • Operate multiple tools at a time.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Required less maintenance.
  • Performance is better than any other pancake air compressor.

Cons

  • Weight is a little heavier than other pancake air compressors.

Why should you buy this?

This air compressor is very powerful as compared to its price but this is a bit noisy and because of its power and performance it’s our top pick product. So if you want a powerful air compressor then this is the best option available.


2. Makita MAC100Q Quiet Series Air Compressor

Makita is one of the best brands for air compressors in the USA And this air compressor is small, handy, and powerful. So let’s know about its features, benefits pros and cons.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 0.5 HP
  • Tank Size:- 1 Gallon
  • Air Flow:- 0.7 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 150 PSI
  • Weight:- 29.3 Pounds
  • Volt:- 120 Volts
  • Noise level:- 58 dB

This is the smallest and lightest air compressor which comes with 0.5 HP of motor which can capable to provide the airflow of  90 PSI at 0.7 CFM.

This is one of the most silent operated air compressor which can produce only 58 dB of noise. So you can easily use this for indoor use.

This comes with 1 Gallon capacity of the air tank. So it’s more than enough to handle all the light-duty tasks.

This is a very lightweight air compressor which means it’s quite portable to move this compressor to your job site.

And because of the oil-free pump, it requires less maintenance and provides a smooth experience with longer life.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Lightweight and Portable.
  • Silent operation.
  • Required less maintenance.
  • Durable.

Cons

  • Less tank capacity.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want the smallest portable unit that can provide you smooth performance for a longer time then this can be the best air compressor for you.


Read More: Best 6 Gallon air compressor


3. Craftsman Air Compressor with 13 Piece Accessory Kit (CMEC6150K)

This is also another top pancake air compressor below $200 from Craftsman. It is a set of air compressor, Brass Quick connect blow out the plug with 13 Pieces of extra accessories. So you got almost all the necessary kits with this air compressor.

Key Specifications

  • Tank Size:- 6 Gallons
  • CFM:- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 150 PSI
  • Weight:- 32.5 Pounds
  • Volt:- 120 Volts
  • Noise level:- 78.5 dB
  • 13 Piece Accessory Kit
  • Camco Blow Out Plug With Brass Quick Connect

This pancake air compressor is not so powerful as the above one but it also comes with a 6-gallon capacity air tank so you can get good performance for a long time.

This air compressor comes with a powerful oil-free pump which can capable to provide maximum air pressure up to 150 PSI. and because it’s oil-free so it requires less maintenance.

This powerful pump provides airflow of 90 PSI at 2.6 SCFM. So you can also use this compressor for light-duty tasks like nailing, blow out water pipes, Inflation, etc.

This compressor contains multiple couplers. So that you can use two different accessories with a single compressor.

You can get a blow-out plug with a brass quick connector with its package and this connector helps you to blow out waterlines perfectly.

The package also contains 13 different pieces of accessories. So that it makes your journey much easier. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Get extra accessories.
  • Good for multiple tasks.
  • Capacity is good in this price range.
  • Less maintenance required.
  • Lightweight.
  • Two different gauges are given.

Cons

  • Feels noisy.

Why should you buy this?

So if you are a beginner and you want a compressor with accessories then you can go with this option otherwise choose different options.


Read More: Best Air Compressor For Upholstery Staple Gun


4. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor

This is also a very powerful and the best air compressor under 200 dollars with a large capacity tank. As well as this is one of the supper silent air compressors Comes with portable wheels. Let’s know about its features.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 1.0 Hp
  • Tank Size:- 8 Gallons
  • CFM:- 2.20CFM at 90 PSI & 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 120 PSI
  • Weight:- 41 Pounds
  • Volt:- 120 Volts
  • Noise level:- 60 dB

The powerful oilless motor requires less maintenance and it can capable to provide high airflow at multiple pressure and volume of 2.20CFM at 90 PSI & 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI. So you can choose according to your need.

This compressor comes with a huge 8-gallon tank which is really a good option in this price range under 200 dollars. And this can sustain 120 PSI of air pressure.

The huge size of this air compressor makes it bulky and heavy but because of the portable wheels, it does not feel too heavy and makes it very convenient to move here and there easily.

It is a super silent air compressor despite the arrival of a 1 hp of a powerful motor. It produces only 60 dB of noise so it doesn’t feel too noisy.

The motor is so powerful that it can fill the 8-gallon air tank in just 2 minutes and 10 seconds. So you do not have to weigh too much.

This also comes with an overload voltage protector so it can easily sustain the voltage fluctuations. Which makes it long-lasting.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Silent operation.
  • Powerful enough for light-duty tasks.
  • Voltage protection.
  • Tank full just in 130 sec.
  • Less maintenance.

Cons

  • Heavy.

Why should you buy this?

If you have to do your tasks continuously for a very long time then the huge 8-gallon capacity is perfect for you under 200$. So you can go with this air compressor.


5. California Air Tools 2010A Ultra Quiet Aluminum Tank Air Compressor

This is another best and powerful compressor under $200 that comes from California air tools but it has less tank capacity. So let’s know about this.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 1.0 Hp
  • Tank Size:- 2 Gallons
  • CFM:- 2.20CFM at 90 PSI & 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 120 PSI
  • Weight:- 35.3 Pounds
  • Volt:- 110 Volts
  • Noise level:- 60 dB

This air compressor comes with a very powerful 1 HP of motor and because of the oilless design, it requires less maintenance. Which makes it long-lasting.

The motor is enough powerful to provide 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI. So you can easily set according to need. And this is more than enough for light-duty tasks.

It has a small tank capacity of 2 gallons. So you can not use this compressor for a long time at once. But this capacity is good for small or light-duty works like nailing, inflating, etc.

The aluminum body enhances its durability and makes it rust-proof to improve its life span. And because aluminum is a lightweight material which enhances its portability.

It also comes with overload protection. So you need not worry about the voltage fluctuations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Powerful motor.
  • The durable and lightweight material used.
  • Silent operation.
  • Good for indoor works.
  • Less maintenance required.

Cons

  • Small tank capacity.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want an air compressor for small tasks like nailing, inflating then you can go with this model this is also the best-selling air compressor for under 200 dollars.


6. Craftsman Air Compressor Red- CMXECXA0200341

This is also one of the topmost powerful air compressors below $200 for Craftsman. Which has a small tank capacity and makes it super portable.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 1.5 HP
  • Tank Size:- 3 Gallons
  • CFM:- 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI & 3.7 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 155 PSI
  • Weight:- 36 Pounds
  • Volt:- 120 Volts
  • Noise level:- N/A

This air compressor comes with a super powerful 1.5 HP of motor which can provide an airflow of 90 PSI at 2.6 CFM and 40 PSI at 3.7 CFM. 

And because of the oil-free design, it required less maintenance. So need not check the oil level every single day.

This comes with a 3 gallon of the air tank. The tank capacity is small so you can use this for light-duty tasks. And because of the small tank size makes it portable to move here and there easily.

It comes with 2 gauges which makes it convenient to check the pressure level of the tank and the output airflow.

You can easily use this air compressor for a nailer, airbrush, spray gun and it can also use for inflating tires, toys, etc.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Powerful motor.
  • Lightweight.
  • Good for light duty task.
  • Multiple uses.

Cons

  • The tank size is too small.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want an air compressor for light-duty tasks like nailing, airbrushing, spray gun, and inflation then this is the best option available in the market.


Buying Guide to Choose Best Air Compressor Under $200

Buying Guide to Choose Best Air Compressor Under 200 dollars
Buying Guide to Choose Best Air Compressor Under 200 dollars

While we were reviewing the best air compressors under 200 dollars, we realized that many features/specifications have been repeated too many times which may confuse you. And this mini buying guide can solve your problem and you can choose the right one.

Horsepower

Under $200 you do not think that you will get more than 1.5 HP of motor because 200 dollars are the very minimum price for a compressor. But if you want more Horsepower then you have to increase your budget and go with $ 300 or $ 400.

Oil-Free Pump

An oil-free pump requires less maintenance because it does not require oil as a lubricant. So you need not check the oil level.

But the thing is oil-free pumps are less efficient than an oiled pump. But under $200 you only get an oil-free pump. And let me tell you one thing that for light-duty tasks these pumps provide good performance.

Tank Size

You’ll get the highest capacity for up to a 6-gallon air tank under a $200 air compressor. We have chosen 2 to 6 gallons in our list.

So the reduced tank size can hold the air for a short time so smaller tanks are perfect for light-duty tasks.

PSI

This is the most important factor of an air compressor. First of all, PSI stands for pounds per square inch, and all the light to medium-duty of air tools required 50 to 90 PSI of air pressure  And our selected compressor can provide 90 PSI of air pressure. So you can easily handle light to medium-duty tasks.

But if you want to operate heavy-duty tasks then you need to go with higher PSI.

CFM

CFM is another most important factor which you should look at before choosing an air compressor.

CFM (Cubic feet per minute) is basically the air volume that a compressor can supply and for light-duty operations like nailing, airbrushing, inflating required 2.5 to 2.8 CFM is more than enough.

But if you want to run heavy-duty air tools like impact wrenches then it requires above 3.0 CFM then you need to increase your budget.

Other Accessories

So if you are a beginner and you want an air compressor with other accessories then we have also selected a compressor that comes with other extra accessories.


FAQs for Top Air Compressor Under 200 Dollars

What is the best air compressor under 200?

There are plenty of air compressors present in the market under $200 but if you want our recommendation then  Metabo HPT “THE TANK” Pancake Air Compressor Is the best on our list.

Because it is very powerful and good for light to moderate levels of tasks.

Is it OK to leave an air compressor full?

It’s not a major problem to keep your compressor tank full of air. 

But my recommendation is that you can keep your compressor full if you use your compressor daily. Otherwise, you should drain the tank completely. Because the air compressor doesn’t take much time to fill the tank completely.

Which is better oil or oilless air compressor?

Definitely, oil compressors are more efficient than an oilless compressor. But it depends on your need that which type of air compressor is good for you.

If you want a compressor for light to moderate duty tasks then you can go with oil-less compressors. But if you want heavy-duty compressors then you should go with an oil compressor.

Can an air compressor explode?

It is possible that the air tank may explode but this is extremely rare and occurs when the operator does not take care of the air tank. So always care about the tank pressure while air is filling.


Conclusion: Best Compressor Under $200

We have included everything so that you can find the Best Air Compressor Under 200 dollars.

I thought you have selected one of them according to your need. So which $200 air compressor you have selected, If I missed one of your favorite air compressors below 200 then let me share in the comment box.

And If you want our recommendation then  Metabo HPT “THE TANK” Pancake 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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