5+ Best Air Compressor Under 300 Dollars in 2024

Are looking for a moderate-duty air compressor? If yes, then under $300 you have got some powerful air compressor. That’s why have comes up with 6 best air compressor under 300 dollars.

Air Compressor is a multipurpose machine and you can easily use this for medium to heavy-duty tasks.

So if you have a budget of $300 then this guide will help you to find the best air compressor according to your need.


List of Best Air Compressor Below 300 Dollars

If you are in hurry, we have also prepared a list of all the top air compressors under $300 with their tank size and maximum pressure to easily get an idea that which air compressor is perfect for you.

Image Name Tank Capacity HP Price
 Makita MAC700 Big Bore Air Compressor 2.6 Gallons 2.0 HP Check Latest Price
WEN Oil-Free Vertical Electric Air Compressor 10 Gallons 1.5 HP Check Latest Price
California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor 8 Gallons 1.0 HP Check Latest Price
Makita MAC320Q Electric Air Compressor 3 Gallons 1.5 HP Check Latest Price
California Air Tools CAT-4610AC Air Compressor 4.6 Gallons 1.0 HP Check Latest Price
DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor 6 Gallons N/A Check Latest Price


Top Air Compressor Under $300 Reviews

Here we have done the complete review of all the air compressors so if you are interested in knowing guide will help you a lot.

1. Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor

When we talk about air compressors than Makita is one of the best brands present in the market. And we choose this air compressor as our top pick product because it’s too powerful to perform well in every condition.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 2.0 Hp
  • Tank Size:- 2.6 Gallons
  • Air Flow:- 3.3CFM at 90 PSI & 3.8 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 130 PSI
  • Weight:- 59.6 Pounds
  • Volt:- 120 Volts
  • Noise level:- 80 dB

This air compressor comes with a very powerful 2HP of oil-lubricated motor and this motor has a speed of 1720 RPM. And because it’s oil-lubricated so it’s much more efficient than oil-less compressors.

It can operate with a maximum pressure of 130 PSI. And it can capable of providing 3.3 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.8 CFM at 40 PSI. So with this high airflow, it can capable of running moderate to heavy air tools.

This has a tank capacity of 2.6 gallons. So it’s a small capacity and this is not perfect for long-term use. 

The motor is so powerful but it can produce only 80 dB of noise. So it won’t feel too noisy and you can use it indoors also.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Powerful Motor.
  • Large airflow.
  • Good for moderate to heavy tasks.
  • Provide high RPM.

Cons

  • Small air tank.
  • Continuous maintenance is required of the motor.

Why you should buy this?

So, if you want a powerful air compressor for indoor as well as outdoors then this is the best air compressor for under $300. And you know that Makita is the best brand available for air compressors.


Read More: Best 30 Gallon Air Compressor


2. WEN 10 Gal. Oil-Free Vertical Electric Air Compressor

This is another top air compressor for under 300 dollars. And comes with a large tank capacity. So let’s see its benefits, pros, and cons.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 1.5 HP
  • Tank Size:- 10 Gallons
  • Air Flow:- 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI & 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 150 PSI
  • Weight:- 79.4 Pounds
  • Volt:- 120 Volts
  • Noise level:- High

The 1.5 HP of the powerful motor makes it perfect to provide the high airflow of 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI & 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI and with this high airflow, it can capable to run the various air tools from light to heavy-duty.

The 10 gallon of huge air tank capacity makes it perfect for long-term use. And this air tank can sustain the maximum pressure of up to 150 PSI which is quite enough.

This comes with a very powerful oil-less motor so it requires less maintenance and provides a longer life span.

The two pressure gauge makes it easy to use and super convenient to maintain the right pressure for the tank as well as for the air tools.

It is quite heavy but it comes with portable wheels which makes it perfect to move from here and there.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High tank capacity.
  • High air delivery is good for heavy-duty tasks.
  • Required less maintenance.
  • Durable enough.
  • Good response from the customer.

Cons

  • The noise level is high.

Why you should buy this?

So if you want a large tank capacity and it comes with a high airflow to operate the light to heavy-duty air tools then this is the best option available in this price range. But you have to compromise the noise level.


Read More: Best Air Compressor for Auto Repair Shop


3. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor

This is another best air compressor under 300 dollars from California air tools and it comes with lots of advanced features. So let’s do a complete review of this air compressor.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 1.0 HP 
  • Tank Size:- 8 Gallons
  • Air Flow:- 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI & 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 120 PSI
  • Weight:- 48 Pounds
  • Volt:- 110 Volts
  • Noise level:- 60 dB

This air compressor comes with 1 HP of a powerful motor and it can also provide the pick power of 2 HP and provide the airflow of 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI.

And the oil-free designed motor is perfect to provide a smooth experience and required less maintenance. So you don’t have to check the oil level on daily basis.

This machine also comes with 8 gallons of air tank and sustains the air pressure up to 120 PSI. So the large tank capacity makes it perfect for use for longer.

And tank filling time is also too low it can feel the tank from 0 to 100 just in 130 seconds.

The best part of this air compressor is that it comes with a highly silent motor which produces only 60 dB of noise. So that you can feel the silence while working.

It is also designed in such a way that it can dissipate the maximum amount of heat so that it can keep your air compressor cool for longer.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Tank filling fast.
  • Super silent motor.
  • Lightweight.
  • Oil-free design.
  • Powerful motor.
  • Durable enough.

Cons

  • No such cons.

Why you should buy this?

So if you want a large tank capacity with a super silent motor then this air compressor is the best option available in the market.


Read More: Best 6 Gallon air compressor


4. Makita MAC320Q Electric Air Compressor

This is another air compressor from Makita is also one of the best air compressors below $300. And let’s see all the benefits and pros and cons of these air compressors.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 1.5 HP
  • Tank Size:- 3 Gallons
  • Air Flow:- 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 135 PSI
  • Weight:- 52.5 Pounds
  • Volt:- 110 Volts
  • Noise level:- 60 dB

This air compressor produces only 60 dB with super silent operation. So according to silent operation, it’s perfect for indoor but the weight is a little heavy so it may little difficult to carry it.

This machine is equipped with 1.5 HP of powerful oil-less motor which runs with a speed of 1750 RPM and the oilless design requires less maintenance so it gives you a trouble-free experience.

This air compressor comes with 3 gallons of air tank which can sustain the maximum pressure of up to 135 PSI. And it can deliver the airflow of 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI. Which is good for light to moderate levels of tasks.

The build quality of this air compressor is quite good which makes it perfect for indoors and outdoors like construction areas.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Super silent operation.
  • High RPM.
  • Powerful motor.
  • Good for inside and outside.
  • Durable

Cons

  • Weight is a little high.

Why you should buy this?

So if you want a powerful air compressor that can run light to moderate duty air tools and you want a trusted brand then this is the best option available in the market.


5. California Air Tools CAT-4610AC Air Compressor, Silver

California air tools are also one of the top air tool brands in the USA. and it is also a very powerful motor air compressor that comes with lots of features. So let’s know about them perfectly.

Key Specifications

  • Power:- 1.0 Hp(Rated / Running)/ 2.0 HP (Peak)
  • Tank Size:- 4.6 Gallons
  • Air Flow:- 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI & 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 120 PSI
  • Weight:- 45.5 Pounds
  • Volt:- 110 Volts
  • Noise level:- 60 dB

This is another perfect air compressor for indoor use because its super silent motor produces only 60 dB of noise. So you will not feel noisy while operating.

It comes with a very powerful motor of 1 HP operates with 1680 RPM. And this powerful motor is responsible for high airflow of 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI.

It has a two hotdog-style air tank with a capacity of 4.6 gallons. Which can sustain up to 120PSI of maximum pressure. So you can easily use this for much longer than the above one. But it’s less powerful than the above one.

Because of this air compressor comes with an oil-free designed motor. So it requires less maintenance. So don’t have to check the oil level daily.

It also comes with thermal overload protection so it can protect itself from heating issues.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Good for indoors.
  • Less maintenance is required.
  • Super silent operation.
  • Thermal overload protection.

Cons

  • Not as powerful as the above one.

Why you should buy this?

So if you want an air compressor mainly for indoors then this is the quietest air compressor under $300 and it’s good for moderate air tools.



6. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor (DWFP55126)

Dewalt is one of the best brands available for compressors. And this is the best pancake air compressor below $300 that comes with is also powerful but not as powerful as the above one.

Key Specifications

  • Tank Size:- 6 Gallons
  • CFM:- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
  • Maximum Pressure:- 165 PSI
  • Weight:- 30 Pounds
  • Volt:- 120 Volts
  • Noise level:- 75.5 dB

This air compressor comes with a powerful oil-less motor. So it requires less maintenance and also provides an easy start in cold weather.

This has a maximum pressure of 165 PSI and it can provide airflow of  90 PSI at 2.6 SCFM. So it can handle all the light-duty tasks.

This comes with 2 universal couplers so it can handle multiple tools at a time. Which makes it fast and saves your time.

The weight is only 30 pounds which makes it lightweight and portable enough to carry here and there easily.

This air compressor is equipped with a powerful motor but this motor can produce only 75.5 dB. So it won’t feel too noisy during the operation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High maximum pressure.
  • Multiple couplers.
  • Lightweight.
  • Durable.
  • Amazing customer response.

Cons

  • No such cons to this model.

Why you should buy this?

This air compressor comes with high maximum pressure. So if you want the best air compressor below 300 dollars from a good company Dewalt then this is the best option available.


Best Air Compressor Under $300: Buying Guide

Buying Guide to choose the best air compressor under 300 dollars
Buying Guide to choose the best air compressor under 300 dollars

So guys if you are facing problems finding the top air compressor under 300 dollars. Then this guide will definitely help you to find out the perfect air compressor according to your need.

Tank Capacity

When we are searching for an air compressor then the 1st thing that comes in our mind is tank capacity that how much tank capacity is perfect for you. 

Tank capacity totally depends upon your uses that how much time you want to spend with your air compressor that means how many tasks you have and tasks are easy, moderate, or heavy-duty. 

So if you have light to a moderate duty of tasks then and you want to use the compressor for a shorter period of time then you need a small air compressor and I think up to 6-gallon capacity is good for you.

But if you want to do heavy-duty tasks and you want to use your compressor for a long time then I suggest you go with a higher tank capacity will help you a lot.

Power

This is also the most important factor which you have to consider during your buying journey.

In air compressor power means horsepower, how much horsepower of air compressor is required to complete your job.

So if you have light duty tasks then up to 1 HP of motor is more than enough.

If you have medium to heavy-duty tasks then up to 3-4 HP is more than enough.

But if you have heavy-duty tasks then you need more HP but you can not get those air compressors at under $300, perhaps you will need to pay more.

PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch)

This is also one of the most important factors. PSI stands for Pounds Per Square Inch.

Maximum air tools required 50 to 90 PSI of air pressure and we have provided all the air compressors provided up to 90 PSI of air pressure. But if you need more then you have to increase your budget.

CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute)

CFM is basically the air volume that a compressor can supply. So maximum air tools required 0.5 to 4 CFM. So you can choose one according to your need.

Portability

So if you want the best compressor for under 300 dollars. It means you are looking for small air compressors. So you need to look at the portability. So that you can take your air compressor to your Jobsite.

Noise Level

Who doesn’t like the silence? Generally, air compressors are quite noisy so it’s very difficult to choose an air compressor with a low noise level. But we have provided all the air compressors are quite silent and you can select one of them.


FAQs for Best Air Compressor Under $300

FAQs for Best Air Compressor Under $300
FAQs for Best Air Compressor Under $300

What is the best air compressor for under $300?

There are plenty of air compressors present under $300 and if you want our recommendation for a top compressor under 300 dollars then 
Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor (Best Premium Option)
WEN 10 Gal. Oil-Free Vertical Electric Air Compressor (Large Tank Capacity Option)
California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor (Best Silent Option)

Is higher CFM better air compressor?

CFM stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute and it basically describes that how much air it releases in one minute. 

CFM is inversely proportional to PSI. If you decrease the CFM then PSI increases automatically and if you increase the CFM then PSI decreases automatically.

Air compressors with higher CFM can deliver more air. So it’s good to operate heavy air tools.

What is the difference between CFM and SCFM?

CFM stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute and SCFM stands for Standard Cubic Feet Per Minute.

The value of CFM is always smaller than SCFM because CFM is always calculated at a higher pressure than CFM.

What is the best air compressor for a home garage under 300 dollars?

Garage has plenty of tasks where you need a powerful air compressor with at least 8 to 10 gallons of an air tank.
So under $300, WEN 10 Gal. Oil-Free Vertical Electric Air Compressor is the best option available.


Conclusion for Best Air Compressor Below 300 Dollars

We have included everything so that you can find the  Best Air Compressor Under 300 Dollars.

I thought you have selected one of them according to your need. So which $300 air compressor you have selected, If I missed one of your favorite air compressors below 300 then let me share in the comment box.

And If you want our recommendation then

Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor (Best Premium Option)

WEN 10 Gal. Oil-Free Vertical Electric Air Compressor (Large Tank Capacity Option)

California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor (Best Silent Option)

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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