[2022 Updated] 4 Best Air Compressors Under $150

Looking for an air compressor under a budget can be very annoying as you have to check each of the compressor specs as well as their performance or durability which can be very time-consuming or you may not be able to find one according to your need.

Worry, not here we have researched and came up with the best air compressor under $150 explaining each of their features.

Best Air Compressor Under $150

PRODUCT

WEIGHT

PRICE

CRAFTSMAN (CMEC6150K) Pancake Air Compressor

32.5 Pounds

Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor

4.5 Pounds

TEROMAS 12V DC / 110-120V AC Portable Air Compressor

1.1 Kg

California CAT (1P1060S) Portable Air Compressor

29 Pounds

Here are detailed specifications of each product accordingly.

1. CRAFTSMAN (CMEC6150K) Pancake Air Compressor:

The Craftsman (CMEC6150K) is one of the best air compressors under $150.

As most of the budget air compressors are not very powerful but this is a great unit as it offers a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI with a tank capacity of 6 gallons which is very impressive.

Also, the cfm rating of this compressor is 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI allowing for a quick recovery time.

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For this compressor, no daily maintenance is required as it is oil-free which increases its lifetime duration as well as it can easily start in cold weather.

As for the weight, it is 32.5 pounds.

The Craftsman (CMEC6150K) includes 13 different accessory kits which are tire gauge, three inflator adaptors, tire chuck with plug, blow gun with OSHA safety nozzle, rubber tip, blow gun with plug, etc. 

Feature list:

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

Pros:

  • Easily Starts Up In Cold Weather
  • Includes Different Accessory Kits
  • Has A Tank Size Of 6 Gallons
  • Oil-Free Pump Design For Maintenance-Free Operation

Cons:

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

2. Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor:

The second budget air compressor is by Viair and Viair 00088 88P is a compact and lightweight compressor having a weight of about 4.5 pounds which makes it easy to carry around and you can take it on your road trips without any problems.

This compressor comes with a maximum working pressure of 120 PSI with a CFM rating of 1.47 cfm.

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This is a great compressor for trucks, SUVs, sedans, small ATVs, etc.

This portable compressor is powered via alligator clamps direct to the battery and it is suitable to inflate tires up to 33 inches of tires using the direct battery connection with the 2 battery terminal clamps.

As for the length of the power cord, it is 10 ft and the air hose is 16 ft long.

Additionally, this unit has an LED/Power indicator, 3pc Inflation Tip Kit, and you can measure the tire pressure using the gauge mounted on top of this model. 

Feature list:

  • Dimensions: 6.75 x 6.25 x 10.75 Inches
  • Weight: 4.5 Pounds
  • Maximum Pressure: 120 PSI
  • Voltage: 12 Volts (DC)
  • CFM Rating: 1.47 
  • Power Cord: 10 Ft
  • Air Hose: 16 Ft
  • Amp Draw: 20 Amps
  • Dual Battery Clamps
  • LED / Power Indicator
  • Solid Brass Twist On Tire Chuck

Pros:

  • Portable And Lightweight
  • Is Very Easy To Use
  • Has A CFM Rating Of 1.47 CFM
  • Is Powerful And Perform Quiet Operations
  • Has A LED/Power Indicator
  • It Connects Directly To Vehicle Battery

Cons:

  • Pressure Gauge May Show Inaccurate Reading
  • The Hose Connection May Leaks
  • May blows fuses Or May Get Hot
  • Does Not Include Carry Bag
  • Users Reports Of Getting A Defective Unit

3. TEROMAS 12V DC / 110-120V AC Portable Air Compressor:

Just like the above model the TEROMAS 12V DC is also a portable air compressor.

It features two power cords one of them is 110V-120V for home or indoor use and the other one is 12V.

One thing to keep in mind that this compressor is not suitable for truck tires.

This is a great tire inflator with a gauge and it also features an auto-shut-off function which you can use to pre-set the required pressure you require and when it reaches that pressure it will automatically turn off the compressor to stop it from overinflating the tires.

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The maximum working pressure is 150 PSI and It is a lightweight tire inflator with a weight of 1.1 kg so portability is no issue and due to its compact design, you can easily place it in your automobile during your outdoor trip.

As this is a multi-purpose compressor meaning you can use this both on the road and indoors and as it comes with 3 additional adapters so you can use it on motorcycles, cars, RV, inflatable boats, bike tires, etc.

It comes with a bright back-light LCD display that can display units in PSI, BAR, KG/CM², and has bright LED lights so you can use it during nighttime. 

Note:

1. The air compressor can not be used on big trucks and motor lorries.

2. When you connect the AC outlet for the first time, wait at least 5 seconds to let the air pump energize.

3. Avoid over-inflating, never exceed the recommended pressure. Overinflating may cause serious injury. Inflate up to 10 or 15 mins and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Feature list:

  • Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.1 x 2.8 Inches
  • Weight: 1.1 Kg
  • Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
  • AC Cable Length: 60 in;
  • DC Cable Length: 126 in;
  • Air Hose Length: 21.65 in;
  • Power: 120 W
  • Voltage: DC 12V / AC 110V-220V
  • Display Units: PSI, BAR, KG/ CM²;

Pros:

  • Features An Auto Shut Off Function
  • Has A Bright Digital Display And LED Light For Night Use
  • Is Easy To Carry And Portable
  • Includes 3 Additional Adaptors For Multi-Use

Cons:

  • Has No Presta to Schrader Adapter
  • Users Reports Of Getting A Defective Unit

4. California CAT (1P1060S) Portable Air Compressor:

Out Of all the air compressors in this list, the California (CAT-1P1060S) is the quietest compressor of them all as the manufacturer of this unit states that it has a sound level of 56 dB.

So if you want to use this compressor at home or where noise is concerned you can use it without any worries.

As for the maximum working pressure, it is 120 PSI and the horsepower motor is 0.6 hp (1.2 HP at Peak).

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This compressor motor operates at a lower RPM of 1680 which helps to reduce sound as well as reduces wear for better performance.

The CFM value of this model is 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI and 1.60 CFM at 40 PSI.

The tank capacity of this unit is 1 gallon so this compressor is only good only for small or light-duty work and as it has a compact design with a weight of 29 pounds so storing and carrying it around is no problem.

This compressor can be used in cold weather, as it can be easily started as it is oil-free and as it is oil-free so no daily maintenance will be required by you.

This compressor includes two pressure control gauges and has one universal 1/4″ quick connector.

The manufacture of this unit mentions that its oil-free single-piston pump is designed in such a way to provide users the durability and high performance and it has a life cycle of about 3000 Plus hours compared to other models of the compressors with life cycles of 250 hours (or less).

To protect it from overheating it comes with a thermal overload protection system. 

Feature list:

  • Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.7 x 14.75 Inches
  • Weight: 29 Pounds
  • Maximum Pressure: 120 PSI
  • Horsepower: 0.6 HP (1.2 HP Peak)
  • Tank Capacity: 1.0 Gallons
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Voltage: 110 Volts
  • Low Amp Draw: 4.5 Amps
  • Sound Level: 56 dB
  • Cord Length: 72 inches
  • Material: Steel
  • Measurement System: Metric
  • 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI
  • 1.60 CFM @ 40 PSI

Pros:

  • Is Portable And Easy To Carry Around
  • Is Great For Small Or Light Duty Work
  • Features Thermal Overload Protection
  • It Is A Quiet Compressor (56 dB)
  • Has Oil-Free Pump 

Cons:

  • It May Leak Air
  • It Is Not Very Powerful And Is Not Suitable For Big Jobs
  • User Reports Of Getting A Faulty Unit

Conclusion:

The Above are some of the top air compressors under $150 and if you can’t seem to decide which compressor to pick then compare each of their specs according to your need and what type of work you will be doing.

This will help you to narrow down your choice.

If you have any suggestions or want to ask something feel free to comment below.