5+ Best Air Compressor Under 500 Dollars {2024}

If you are a mechanic or a renovator or a garage owner or any project owner, then you definitely need a high-quality professional-grade air compressor to do your tasks perfectly right. But if you are looking for a perfect air compressor under a good budget then it’s time to choose the best air compressor under 500 dollars.

But we are often confused between the air compressors because there are several air compressors available from different brands and for the selection of the right air compressor we need proper knowledge that’s why we have come up with 6 best air compressor under $500 with detailed reviews with pros and cons.

So that you can choose the best without wasting any time on research.

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


List of Top Compressors Under $500

Buddy, if you are in hurry then we have also provided the list of all our selected air compressors under 500 with their tank size and CFM. So that you can easily select without going through the full reviews but if you to read the detailed review then just scroll down.

Image Name Tank Size CFM Rating Price
Stealth Ultra Quiet Air Compressor 20 Gallon 5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI & 6 CFM at 40 PSI Check Latest Price
California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor 10 Gallons 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI & 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI Check Latest Price
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor 4.2 Gallons 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI & 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI Check Latest Price
DEWALT Air Compressor 4.5 Gallons 5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI Check Latest Price
California Air Tools CAT-4620AC-22060 Air Compressor 4.6 Gallons 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI & 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI Check Latest Price
PORTER-CABLE 20-Gallon Portable Air Compressor 20 Gallons 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI & 5 CFM at 40 PSI Check Latest Price


Buying guide for Best Air Compressors Under $500

Buying guide for Best Air Compressors Under 500 dollars
Buying guide for Best Air Compressors Under 500 dollars

So if you have any confusion regarding which air compressor to choose under 500 dollars then here we have provided the proper buying guide with few factors so that you can get a proper idea that which air compressor is perfect for you.

How Much tank size is perfect?

This is one of the most confusing factors that which size of the tank is perfect for you because under $500 you won’t able to get a huge air tank size like 30. 40  or 60 gallons, but you can get up to 20 gallons. 

So if you have Heavy-duty tasks (auto detailing, painting) for a longer period then obviously you should go with a 20-gallon air tank.

But if you have medium-duty tasks like to operate Drill, Speed Saw, Impact Driver: 1/2″, Impact Wrench: 3/8″, Impact Wrench: 1/2″ etc. for sandblasting, auto repairing then you can go with 10-gallon capacity.

But if have a task those are not required consistent air then below 10 gallons capacity is more than enough.

In short, if you have non-stop tasks for a longer time duration then you should go with a large tank capacity otherwise up to 10 gallons capacity is good enough.

How much CFM of air compressor do you need?

CFM is cubic feet per minute. If I describe CFM in one sentence then the amount of air that a compressor can produce at a content pressure.

This is also one of the major factors which you consider during your buying journey. Generally, the CFM rating is the performance of the air compressor. And under $500 you get 4 to 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI.

So if you want an air compressor for medium to heavy-duty tasks then you can choose 5 CFM or above. But if you want a compressor for light to medium-duty tasks then go with less than 5 CFM air compressors.

HP (Horsepower)

HP is the unit of power. Which means it indicates the power of the motor. So under $500, you will get 1.5 HP to 2.0 HP of air compressors. More HP means the motor is more powerful and it can recharge the tank faster.

So you should always go with a higher HP of air compressors to get better performance.

Oil-Free Pump vs Oil Lubricated Pump

We are often confused between oil-free or oil-lubricated pumps. Here we have provided a detailed comparison so that you can easily understand which pump you have to choose.

Oil Lubricated Pump:- Oil lubricated pumps are those which required lubricating oil to run properly. And you need to check the oil level frequently so it requires daily maintenance and because these pumps are more powerful and efficient than oil-free models. So these make more noise.

Oil-Free Pump:- Oil-free doesn’t mean that these pumps do not require lubrication. These are pre-lubricated pump and does not require maintenance. And these pumps are also efficient enough for small and medium compressors. And the noise level is also quite less on these air compressors.

So now it’s up to you that which type of air compressor you want.

Portability

So if you want an air compressor for multi-job sites then you need a super portable air compressor. So that you can easily move the air compressor from one place to another.

Some air compressors come with a compact lightweight design and you can easily carry these compressors from one place to another.

But some air compressors are large and heavy in weight there are equipped with portable wheels.

Durability

We are only looking for the features of air compressors and we forget to check the build quality that the air tank should make from a durable material (like cast iron or cast aluminum) or not. So you always need to check the material is durable enough to provide long-term performance or not.


Best Air Compressor Under 500 Dollars Reviews

Here we have provided a detailed review with their pros and cons so that you can get a perfect idea about the compressors and you can able to choose the best according to your requirements.

1. Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor

Stealth is also one of the best brands available for air compressors. And this air compressor from Stealth is equipped with very high performable features. And the best part is that Stealth provides 20 gallons of large air tank under $500.

 Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 1.8 HP
  • Tank Capacity:-  20 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 150 PSI
  • CFM:- 5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI & 6 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil-Free Pump
  • Noise Level:- 68 dB

This Stealth air compressor comes with a 1.8 HP of oil-free pump. So the pump required less maintenance as compared to an oil-lubricated pump and also provides longer life.

Because this is a highly powerful air compressor and can deliver 5.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 60 CFM at 40 PSI. So it supports all types of air tools and you can easily use this compressor for heavy-duty tasks.

This air compressor comes with a huge air tank with a capacity of 20 gallons and it can sustain up to 150 PSI. With this large capacity, you can use this machine for nonstop long-term uses.

It is one of the quietest air compressors under 500 Dollars because the motor is so quiet that it can produce only 68 dB. Which is quite less as compare to its power.

This air compressor also has two air gauges with a regulator to regulate the machine. Other than that it has a dual air hose connector so that you can use two air tools at a single time.

Because of it has huge 20 gallons of air tank which makes it heavy but the rubber reinforced wheels make it portable and you can easily carry it to your job site.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Huge tank, good for long-term operation.
  • Super silent operation.
  • Highly durable and long-lasting.
  • Portable compressor.
  • Perfect for heavy-duty tasks.
  • Easy to use.

Cons

  • No such cons.

Why should you buy this?

So if you have a non-stop heavy-duty task and you want the best compressor under $500, then let me share with you that this Stealth air compressor is the best option available. And it’s also one of the quietest options available under 500.



2. California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor

California air tool is also one of the best tool making companies and air compressor is one of them and this brand is super famous because of their super quiet air compressor. And this compressor is also best quite an air compressor under $500.

Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 2 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 10 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 125 PSI
  • CFM:- 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI & 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil-Free Pump
  • Noise Level:- 70 dB

This air compressor comes with a highly powerful 2 HP of oil-free pump. So because the pump comes with an oil-free design so it requires almost no maintenance. So you do not have to check the oil level daily.

Because of this powerful pump, this machine can deliver 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI which is quite high and you can easily operate all the air tools with this air compressor.

This air compressor also comes with a huge 10 gallons of the cast aluminum air tank. So with the high CFM with 10-gallon capacity makes it perfect for heavy-duty tasks. So if are a hard-core mechanic and you have lots of tasks to do then this is the best option available.

Because this is equipped with one of the quietest motors so it can also produce a very less amount of noise and that is 70dB which is quite less as compared to another air compressor.

It is also equipped with two air gauges with a regulator available for easy-to-use operations and it also has two air hoses so that you can connect two air tools at once. 

The best part about this air compressor is that it comes with portable wheels which makes it portable enough to move it from here and there easily.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Super silent operation.
  • Required less maintenance as compared to others.
  • Easy to use control panel.
  • Highly durable and long-lasting.
  • Overheat protection is available.
  • Thermal overload protection.

Cons

  • No such cons we found in this air compressor.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want a super silent air compressor for a heavy-duty task and you have a budget under $500 then let me tell you that this is the best option available in the market. You should go for it.


3. Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor

Makita is one of the best brands available for air compressors. And it’s known for durability and performance. And this Makita air compressor is one of the best bestselling air compressors for under 500 Dollars.

Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 2.5 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 4.2 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 130 PSI
  • CFM:- 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI & 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil Lubricated
  • Noise Level:- 79 dB

This air compressor comes with a super powerful 2.5 HP oil-lubricated pump. Because the pump is oil-lubricated so it can provide good performance for a longer period with higher efficiency but you need to change its lubricating oil after a certain period.

Because of this powerful pump, this air compressor can deliver a decent amount of air to do all of your tasks easily. It can capable to deliver 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI and 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI.

It has a highly durable cast iron made 4.2 gallons of air tank which can sustain 130 PSI of air pressure. So the capacity is good for light to medium intensity of tasks.

The pump of this air compressor runs at lower RPM so that it can provide long-lasting performance as well as produces a low noise level of 79 dB. So it can also give silent operation.

The copper finned discharge tubing helps to dissipate the maximum amount of heat to keep the compressor cool for longer operation and also reduce water in the tank.

This air compressor has two built-in pressure gauges with a regulator for easy to use operation. So you can easily maintain the required airflow during your tasks.

This is also equipped with a handle which makes it portable enough. You can carry this air compressor from one place to another. But because of its heavy weight, you can not carry it for a long distance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Provides silent operation.
  • Provides high CFM.
  • Highly durable and long-lasting.
  • Good heat dissipation technology is used.
  • Oil pump for better efficiency and performance.

Cons

  • The weight is a bit heavy to carry this air compressor.

Why should you buy this?

So if you have medium to heavy-duty tasks then and you want a compact air compressor from a highly known brand then this air compressor is the best option available in the market.

4. DEWALT Air Compressor

When we talk about the best list of air compressors under 500, and it does not have Dewalt, then it cannot be so. This Dewalt air compressor is equipped with all the features which make it perfect for this list.

Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 1.6 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 4.5 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 225 PSI
  • CFM:- 5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil-Free Pump
  • Noise Level:- 78 dB

This Dewalt air compressor is equipped with a powerful 1.6 HP of oil-free pump. And because of its oil-free design, it requires almost no Maintainance.

It comes with a highly durable 4.5 gallons of air tank which can withstand a maximum pressure of 225 PSI. So the capacity is more than enough to provide good performance.

And this can be capable to deliver 90 PSI of air pressure with a high 5.0 CFM. So this machine is also capable of heavy-duty tasks. So this compressor is the perfect option for small framing tasks to large rim carpenter crews.

The best part about this air compressor is that it comes with large portable wheels with a collapsible handle to easily carry this air compressor to your Jobsite.

This air compressor is also one of the best silent compressors and makes only 78 dB of noise level to provide a quiet work environment. So that you can focus on your tasks only.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Highly portable air compressor.
  • Good for light to heavy-duty tasks.
  • Provide silent operation.
  • Less maintenance is required.
  • Easy to operate.

Cons

  • Take capacity is less.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want a high performable air compressor for your job site tasks and you want to choose the best brand under 500 then this Dewalt air compressor is the best option available in the market.


5. California Air Tools CAT-4620AC-22060 Air Compressor

As I told you earlier the California air tool is one of the best brands available for air compressors and this air compressor is one of the best silent and portable air compressors under $500. So so let’s do the complete review for this compressor.

 Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 2.0 HP
  • Tank Capacity:-  4.5 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 125 PSI
  • CFM:- 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI & 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil-Free Pump
  • Noise Level:- 70 dB

So air compressor comes with super powerful 2.0 HP of pump which is powerful enough to provide good performance with less noise. And let me tell you that despite having 2 hp, it only produces 70 dB of noise.

Because the pump has an oil-free pump so it requires less maintenance and you don’t have to check the oil level regularly. So it’s a big advantage.

This is so powerful that it can deliver 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.4 CFM at 40 PSI. So you can easily use this machine for heavy-duty tasks.

This air compressor comes with 4.6 Gallons of air tank which is quite less for non-stop operations. So its a not a good option for long-term operations. But because of casting aluminum material, the build quality is quite good.

This washing machine is also equipped with two different pressure gauges with a regulator so that you can maintain the required pressure level. And it also has two air hoses so you can use multiple tools at once.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Super quiet.
  • Highly powerful air compressor to provide good CFM rating.
  • POrtable air compressor.
  • Durable and long-lasting.
  • Required less maintenance.

Cons

  • Tank capacity is less.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want a quiet and small air compressor for light to heavy-duty tasks then let me tell you that this air compressor is also one of the best options available in the market. You can choose this.


6. PORTER-CABLE 20-Gallon Portable Air Compressor

Porter-Cable is also one of the best tool manufacturing companies and is known for its high-quality products in a very economical price range. And this air compressor is also one of the best options available because of its large air tank with a powerful machine.

 Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 1.5 HP
  • Tank Capacity:-  20 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 150 PSI
  • CFM:- 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI & 5 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil-Free Pump
  • Noise Level:- 84 dB

This air compressor is equipped with a highly durable oil-free 1.5 HP pump. And because it has an oil-free design so it requires less maintenance.

Because of this powerful pump, it can provide 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI. So this machine can run enough air pressure to operate light to medium duty air tolls.

The best part is that it comes also with a huge 20 gallon of air tank. So if you have non-stop long-term operations then this capacity is perfect for you.

This compressor is also equipped with dual pressure gauges with a regulator to provide easy-to-use operation. And with the dual hose connector, you can connect multiple air tools at a time.

The huge 20 gallons capacity makes it heavy but the rubber wheels make it portable and you can easily move this from here and there.

Now it comes to its noise level because this air compressor is one of the powerful air compressors, that’s why its noise level is an ok type not that low but not that high also. It produces only 84 dB of noise.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Large tank capacity.
  • Durable and long-lasting.
  • Good for non-stop tasks.
  • Portable air compressor.
  • Less maintenance is required.

Cons

  • Noise level is high as compared to others.

Why should you buy this?

So if you have non-stop light to medium-duty tasks then you can easily prefer this air compressor. But the noise level of this air compressor is a bit higher as compare to others otherwise all good.


FAQs for best compressors under 500 Dollars

FAQs for best air compressor below 500 Dollars
FAQs for best air compressor below 500 Dollars

1. Which is the best air compressor below $500?

So in the market, there are plenty of under $500 compressors present from different brands but if you want my recommendation then 
For Large Tank:- Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor.
For Small Tank:- Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor

2. Which brand of air compressor is best?

We are often confused between the brands and thought which brand is perfect for an air compressor. Here we have provided the top 5 brands for air compressors:-
Makita
Dewalt
California Air Tools
Porter-Cable
Stealth
There are also plenty of other brands available in the market and those are also dining pretty well.

3. What is the best air compressor for a home garage under $500?

So in the home garage, we have lots of tasks to do like auto repairing, tire inflating, painting. So you need a powerful air compressor with a large air tank. So under 500 dollars, you can go with Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor. Which has huge 20 gallons of air tank with a high 5.0 CFM at 90 PSI.


Conclusion: Best Air Compressor Below 500 Dollars

In This article, we have included everything so that you will discover your best air compressor under $500 according to your requirements. 

So Which below $500 air compressor do you like the most? Let me know in the comment box.

Still, if you are facing a problem with finding the Best Compressor Below $500 then you can also choose our top pick:- Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor

So guys If you liked this post don’t forget to share.

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.

Leave a Comment