[2023 Updated] 5 Best Air Compressors under $300

Air Compressors are an amazing tool that helps you in a lot of ways.

Some Air Compressors are very expensive and are not budget friendly.

So here in this article we have listed some of the best air compressor under $300 so that can help you easily pick the right air compressor that is in your budget.

Here, is a quick table if you are in a hurry!!

Best Air Compressor under 300 for 2023

1. Makita Big Bore (MAC700) 2.0 HP Air Compressor: (Top Pick)

And the tank size is 2.6 gallons with a motor having a horsepower of 2.0 hp.

Also, if you want a small size compressor it is great for you as it is one of the best small air compressors available in the market.

To have greater efficiency and increased air intake it comes with a large automotive style filter and it has an oil-lubricated pump.

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

For easy portability, it features a roll bar handle allowing you to easily take it from one place to another.

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

Features list:

• Dimensions: 18 x 22 x 10 Inches
• Weight: 59.6 Pounds
• Operating Pressure (PSI): 0 – 130
• Horsepower: 2.00 Hp
• Tank Capacity: 2.6 Gallons
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Pump: Oil-Lubricated
• Noise level (dB): 80
• CFM: 40 PSI (3.8 CFM) And 90 PSI (3.3 CFM)

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

2. California Air Tools 8010 Air Compressor: (Best For Quiet Operations)

The noise level of this model is about 60 dB which makes it good to use where noise is an issue.

The maximum pressure of this unit is 120 PSI and it delivers 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.00 CFM at 40 PSI.

It has a powerful 1.0 horsepower motor that operates at 1680 RPM which creates less wear and noise.

The weight of this compressor is 54 pounds and because of its wheel kit, you can easily take it from one place to another.

For durability and high performance, it has an oil-free dual-piston pump and this dual-piston design has a life cycle of 3000 Plus hours when compared to other air compressors that have a life cycle of about 500 hours. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 26 x 14 x 23 Inches
• Weight: 54 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 120 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 8.0 Gallons
• Horsepower: 1.0 HP (Rated) – 2.0 HP (Peak) Motor
• Material: Steel
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Voltage: 110 Volts
• Amperage Capacity: 8 Amps
• Sound Level: 60 dB
• 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI
• 3.00 CFM at 40 PSI

Pros:

• Oil-Free Pump
• Large Tank Size Of 8.0 Gallons
• Steel Construction
• Quiet Air Compressor (60 dB)
• Fill Tank From Empty To Full In 130 Sec

Cons:

• Can Overheat Quickly
• Some Users Reports Of Getting A Defective Model

3. BOSTITCH (BTFP02012) Pancake Air Compressor:

It does not require daily maintenance as it features an oil-free pump.

This pancake compressor has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI and it delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.

The noise level of this unit is 78.5 DBA (but most of the users claim it to be very loud) and has a great tank capacity of 6.0 gallons.

With its two universal couplers it can be used by two peoples and to maximize this model air tool performance it features high flow regulator and couplers. 

Note: (It does not include hose or gun kit)

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 17 x 17 x 19.2 Inches
• Weight: 31 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 6.0 Gallons
• Horsepower: 0.8 HP
• Noise Level: 78.5 dBA
• Measurement System : Metric
• 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI

Pros:

• High-Efficiency Motor
• Tank Capacity Of 6.0 Gallons
• Oil-Free Pump
• Two Universal Couplers

Cons:

• Regulator May Be Faulty
• User Reports Of Getting A Defective Model 

4. CRAFTSMAN (CMEC6150K) Pancake Air Compressor:

The weight of this portable pancake compressor is about 32.5 pounds and it has a great tank size of 6 gallons.

The maximum pressure of this unit is 150 PSI and it delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI which allows for quick recovery.

The great feature of this air compressor is that it can easily start in cold weather and 2 couplers which allows 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:

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

Cons:

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

5. Senco (PC1010) 1 Gallon Air Compressor: (Best For Light Work)

The maximum pressure of this model is 120 PSI and it delivers 1.4 CFM.

The Senco PC1010 air compressor is designed for hobbies, home improvement jobs, light airbrushing, nailers, pinners, and for filling the air in the motorcycle tires and bicycles.

As this compressor is oil-less it also does not require daily maintenance and has a light tubeless pump.

Keep in mind when buying this air compressor that it is great for the only lightwork not for heavy-duty work.

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 10 Inches
• Weight: 20 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 120 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 1.0 Gallons
• Horsepower: 1.0 HP
• Style: Portable
• 1/4″ Quick Disconnect Coupler
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 115 Volts
• SCFM Output: 1.4 CFM

Pros:

• Lightweight 
• Easy To Carry
• Oil-Less Motor
• Direct Drive Induction Motor

Cons:

• May Leak Air
• User Reports Of Getting A Defective Model 

What Should You Consider Before Buying An Air Compressor under $300?

Here are some of the things you should look for when you want to buy an air compressor.

How much Horsepower is necessary?

If the work you want to do requires a lot of horsepowers then picking the one with high power is ideal as it will help you with the workload, As heavy-duty work requires a powerful air compressor.

How much Tank Capacity you need?

The tank capacity is very important as it will allow your air compressor to work continuously without any disturbance. In this list, the tank capacity ranges from 1 gallon up to 8 gallons. So be sure to check the tank capacity of each model before purchasing any one of them.

How much amount of Air Pressure is required?

The air pressure of an air compressor is usually written in the term PSI. Each of the compressors has different pressure ratings and most of the smaller tools require 90 PSI to work whereas larger tools require 100 to 120 PSI.

Do you need Portability?

If the work you are doing requires a lot of moving then getting an air compressor that does not have much weight and to have a handle for easy portability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What Size Air Compressor Do I Need?

For this, you need to ask yourself some questions such as what your need is, which type of projects you want to do, or which type of air tool will you be using. Also, where will you be using it whether it is at the garage or at the workshop. By doing this you will get an idea of what size of air compressor is best for you.

How Does an Air Compressor Work?

An air compressor consists of a motor that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy. It can be either an electric motor, diesel, or a gasoline engine. An air compressor takes the air from its surroundings and then it compresses it and then it stores in its tank. The air stored in the tank can be used for different applications e.g air tools. 

How to Choose a Small Air Compressor?

When choosing a small air compressor you need to keep in mind that they are not a good choice for high-end tools such as sanders or pneumatic wrenches. As these tools require higher compression power. 

So before getting a small air compressor you need to check its CFM as it tells you how much faster the air compressor will supply you air. As for the Tank size, it ranges from 1 gallon to 6 gallons if you get an air compressor with a large tank then it will allow you to use the air more and you can work continuously without any issue. For the PSI you can determine that yourself as every air tool has specific PSI requirements which you can find on the air tools specification list. 

Conclusion: What are the Best Air Compressors Under 300?

In my opinion, the Makita (MAC700) and California (8010) are the best choice. As both of these air compressors are quite powerful and reliable. And most of the users who got this are satisfied with their durability and performance.

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