[2023 Updated] 5 Best Air Compressors under $400

Having an air compressor can help you in your projects as they work with various tools.

But when it comes to finding the air compressor which is under your budget can be quite difficult as there are various models available each with different specification and pricing. 

Here, we have listed the best air compressor under $400 with each of their features So you can easily find the right budget air compressor for your needs. 

If you are in a hurry here is a quick table!!

Best Air Compressor under 400 for 2023

1. Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor: (Top Pick)

This large filter helps it in the air intake and increases its efficiency.

It features a powerful 2.5 horsepower motor and it pumps 90 PSI at 4.2 CFM and 40 PSI at 4.8 CFM making it great for the two nailers.

The two nice features about this model are that it has copper finned discharge tubing which helps to dissipate the heat quickly and also to reduce the water in the air tank and the other thing is that it usually runs at lower RPM of 1,730 which reduces the chances of voltage drop and tripped breakers to prevent it from damaging your motor.

Furthermore, it has roll cage construction for additional protection, and to prevent the motor from overheating it also has built-in thermal overload protection.

Also, the pump is oil-lubricated which really helps to reduce wear and also provides cooler running temperatures.

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 20 x 18 x 18.75 Inches
• Weight: 81 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 130 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 4.2 Gallons
• Horsepower: 2.5 HP
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• 90 PSI @ 4.2 CFM
• 40 PSI @ 4.8 CFM

Pros:

• Powerful 2.5 HP
• Great Tank Capacity 4.2 Gallons
• Durable Cast Iron Cylinder
• Large Automotive Style Filter
• Built-in Thermal Overload Protection

Cons:

• Not Great To Be Used In Cold Conditions
• Some Users Reports Of Getting A Defective Unit

2. CRAFTSMAN (CMEC6150K) Pancake Air Compressor: (Best for Low Budget)

The maximum pressure of this compressor is 150 PSI and it delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI allowing for a quick recovery.

This air compressor comes with 13 different accessory kits which include tire gauge, blow gun with OSHA safety nozzle, rubber tip, three inflator adaptors, tire chuck with plug, blow gun with plug, etc which makes it great for beginners.

The Craftsman (CMEC6150K) has a great tank capacity of 6 gallons.

The great thing about this air compressor is that it can easily start in cold weather and has two couplers which allow it to be used by two users. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 Inches
• Weight: 32.5 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons
• Style: Air Compressor w/ Accessory Kit
• Noise Rating: 71 dB Or Above
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI

Pros:

• Easily Starts Up In Cold Weather
• Great Tank Size Of 6 Gallons
• Oil-Free Pump
• Two Couplers 

Cons:

• User Reports Of Getting A Defective Unit 
• Some Users Complaints Of Not Getting The Accessories

3. Makita Big Bore (MAC700) 2.0 HP Air Compressor:

For easy portability, it features a roll bar handle allowing you to easily take it from one place to another without any issue.

For greater efficiency and to increase the air intake it comes with a large automotive style filter and it has an oil-lubricated pump.

You don’t have to worry about voltage drop and tripped breakers as it runs at low 1,720 RPM and also because of the oil-lubricated pump it runs efficiently and cooler which results in increasing the motor and pumps life.

Furthermore, it also includes additional features such as a tank drain valve, oil sight glass (for viewing oil level), finned discharge tubing (for reducing the water in the tank and for quick heat dissipation), and a convenient oil drain.

Features list:

• Dimensions: 18 x 22 x 10 Inches
• Weight: 59.6 Pounds
• Operating Pressure: 130 PSI
• Horsepower: 2.00 Hp
• Tank Capacity: 2.6 Gallons
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Pump: Oil-Lubricated
• Noise level (dB): 80
• 3.8 CFM At 40 PSI 
• 3.3 CFM At 90 PSI 

Pros:

• Cast Iron Construction
• Oil-Lubricated Pump
• Tank Size Of 2.6 Gallons
• Copper Finned Discharge Tubing For Quick Heat Dissipation
• Roll Bar Handle For Portability

Cons:

• May Leaks Air Over Time
• User Reports Of Getting A Defective Unit 

4. Ingersoll Rand Twin Stack (P1IU-A9) Air Compressor: (Great For Roofing And Decking)

It has a 2.0 horsepower motor with a maximum pressure of 135 PSI and it delivers 4.3 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.2 CFM at 135 PSI.

This air compressor is great for many different tasks such as roofing, interior trim, decking and it performs operation quietly due to its belt-driven design.

Due to its two quick disconnect couplers, it can run two tools simultaneously without any problems.

Furthermore, it features a durable cast iron cylinder and oil-lubricated design which makes it quite durable and long-lasting.

Also, the front panel of the air compressor is easy to use and its enclosed frame protects it from damages. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 17 Inches
• Weight: 77 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 135 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 4 Gallons
• Horsepower: 2 HP
• Noise Level: 79 dBA
• Coupler: Two 1/4-Inch Universal Couplers
• Material: Iron
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 110 Volts
• 4.3 CFM at 90 PSI
• 3.2 CFM at 135 PSI

Pros:

• Two Quick Disconnect Couplers (1/4-Inch)
• Oil-Lubricated Design
• Durable Cast Iron Cylinder
• Belt Driven Design For Quieter Operation

Cons:

• Some Users Reports Of Getting A Faulty Unit

5. California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor: (Great For Quiet Operation)

Because of its oil-free single-piston pump design provides high performance and durability and it has a life cycle of 3000 Plus hours when compared to the other similar models of the air compressors having the life cycles of 250 hours or less.

This model has a 2.0 horsepower motor which runs at 1680 RPM which results in creating less wear and noise.

This unit has a maximum pressure of 125 PSI and it pumps 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI.

This compressor is oil-free so no daily maintenance is required and it can easily start in cold weather.

The great thing about this unit is the thermal overload protector which protects the compressor from overheating and easy start valve which allows the unit to easily startup.

Furthermore, it features Teflon cylinder rings, stainless steel reed valves, two 1/4″ universal quick connector, etc.

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 Inches
• Weight: 82.5 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 125 PSI
• Horsepower: 2.0 HP
• Tank Capacity: 10 Gallons
• Material: Metal
• Sound Level: 70 dB
• Power Source: Corded-Electric
• Voltage: 110 Volts
• Amperage Capacity: 14 Amps
• 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI
• 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI

Pros:

• Oil-Free Pump
• Thermal Overload Protector
• Noise Level Is 70 dB
• Large Capacity Tank (10 Gallons)
• Two Universal 1/4″ Quick Connector

Cons:

• Most Of The User Reports Of Getting A Defective Model 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the best air compressor for under 400 dollars?

The two models Makita (MAC2400) and (Makita MAC700) are the best in terms of performance and reliability. But, if you are on a low budget then Craftsmans (CMEC6150K) is a great choice for you.

What should I look for when buying a compressor?

The things you should look for are PSI, CFM, HP (horsepower), Tank Capacity, Oil or Oil-Free, Duty Cycle, etc. 

Does air compressor tank size matter?

It depends on your need or what type of work you want to do. If an air compressor has a high capacity tank then it will hold more air in it allowing you to use the compressor more before the pressure drop.

Are Harbor Freight Air Compressors Any Good?

Yes, they are very good as most of the users who bought them are quite satisfied with their performance and reliability. But before buying any compressor keep in mind to check its PSI, CFM, and tank size so that you can perform your work without any issue.

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