With decades of comprehensive experience covering the latest news, reviewing the best equipment, and advising on your next car purchase, The Drive is the leading authority in all automotive fields.
If you purchase a product through one of our links, Drive and its partners may receive a commission. read more.
Author: Lisa Conant / Last updated September 6, 2021
When powering pneumatic tools in your workshop, garage or job site, you have many options. When a portable pancake compressor is not strong enough to run the equipment you need, but you need to be more portable and space-saving than a larger permanently installed air compressor, a 20-gallon air compressor may be the ideal solution .
Although 20-gallon air compressors are not enough to power most industrial-grade pneumatic tools, they are very suitable for running air brushes, Brad nail guns, frame nail guns, pneumatic drills, sanders, and so on. They are a versatile and practical supplement to almost any DIY workshop or construction site, and can improve your work efficiency.
If you are buying a new 20-gallon air compressor in the market, please quickly read our top product reviews and buying guide. It will enable you to confidently choose the 20-gallon air compressor that best suits your needs and get you up and running immediately.
This is a space-saving vertical air compressor that can reach 175 PSI, with an airflow rate of 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI.
This vertical air compressor can reach 135 PSI, providing you with airflow rates of 3.8 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI.
The single-stage horizontal air compressor has an impressive 200 PSI capacity and produces an airflow rate of 6.2 CFM at 90 PSI and an airflow rate of 7.7 CFM at 40 PSI.
More about tires and wheels
The Craftsman 20-gallon air compressor is our best overall 20-gallon air compressor. It combines powerful functions, reliability and portability at a reasonable price. This is a single-stage air compressor capable of generating 175 PSI, providing you with an airflow rate of 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI and an airflow rate of 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI.
It is powerful enough to run impact wrenches, spray guns, grease guns, hammers, nail guns, air brushes, etc. The best part is that it is equipped with a dual quick coupler setup, so you can run two tools at the same time. It is also equipped with a maintenance-free, oil-free pump, which is easy to use.
The sturdy handle and durable rubber wheels allow you to easily move this air compressor to wherever you need it. It comes with a one-year warranty, which is a far cry from the lifetime warranty provided by Craftsman in the past, but we will do our best. Compared with some other models on the market, its sound is also a bit louder.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly air compressor that will not skimp on reliability and performance, check out the WEN 20-gallon portable vertical air compressor. It is a single-stage air compressor that can reach 135 PSI, providing you with an airflow rate of 3.8 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI. It is very suitable for spray guns, sanding, spraying, surface preparation, nailing, frame nailing, sanding, etc.
Its space-saving vertical design and durable wheels and handles make it an economical and portable choice. It has a convenient automatic shutdown function, once the compressor reaches the maximum PSI for safe operation, it will shut down the compressor. We also like the fact that it provides a two-year warranty.
One disadvantage is that it is equipped with an oil lubrication pump, which requires more maintenance than some of the other models on our list. It is also equipped with only one coupler, so you cannot run multiple tools at once.
DEWALT 20-gallon portable horizontal electric air compressor is a compact and quiet single-stage air compressor that can provide the power of many two-stage air compressors. With a maximum capacity of 200 PSI, it provides impressive airflow rates of 6.2 CFM and 7.7 CFM at 90 PSI and 40 PSI. It can provide 53% more runtime than many other 20-gallon air compressors.
The increased capacity of this compressor makes it one of the most versatile options on our list, capable of running a variety of light and medium-sized tools and equipment. Considering its capacity, it runs at 78 decibels, which is surprisingly quiet. It also enjoys a substantial two-year warranty.
We don't like some things about this unit. It is one of the heaviest on our list, weighing 137 pounds. However, it does have large 10-inch pneumatic wheels to help make it more portable. Secondly, it is equipped with an oil-lubricated belt drive, which requires more maintenance than many other options on our list. Finally, it is one of the most expensive options on our list.
The Campbell Hausfeld 20-gallon horizontal portable air compressor provides impressive power and performance for a variety of tasks. It is very suitable for DIY experts, enthusiasts or for their own home decoration. The maximum PSI of this compressor is 150, which can push air at a rate of 4 CFM at 90 PSI.
This is enough to power most nail guns, staplers, amateur painters, bolt tools, and inflators. It is equipped with a clean and simple oil-free pump that can achieve long-term, maintenance-free functions. It is quick and easy to assemble, and can be easily and unobtrusively stored in your garage or workshop.
The function of this device is not sufficient for sanding, roof applications or HVLP painting operations. It comes with a one-year warranty and only has a coupler, but it is a sturdy and durable compressor that critics have hardly complained about.
If you are looking for an air compressor that will not cause you headaches due to operating noise, you need to consider California Air Tools 20 gallon steel tank air compressor. This is one of the quietest air compressors in the industry, with a noise level of only 70 dB during operation. As an added bonus, this model also has a durable oil-free, maintenance-free dual piston pump with a design life of more than 3,000 hours.
The maximum output power of this compressor is 125 PSI, providing you with a large air volume of 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI, all of which have a low power consumption of only 14 amps. Another important feature of this compressor is the double coupling system, which allows you to run two tools at the same time. It has a fast recovery time, rising from 95 PSI to 125 PSI in less than a minute.
On the downside, this air compressor is one of our higher-cost recommendations. There were also some concerns about poor customer service, and the tanks of several units built were not welded in a straight vertical position and were slightly tilted to the side.
Another ultra-quiet option is the Porter-Cable 1.5 HP 20-gallon silent vertical air compressor. Its operating noise level is only 69 decibels, and many users do not need ear protection. In fact, the operating noise of this device is 80% lower than other similar models.
The service life of oil-free, maintenance-free pumps is four times that of oil-driven pump compressors. With a maximum pressure of 150 PSI and an airflow rate of 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI, the device is a strong competitor. It is an excellent choice for spray guns, air blowing, nailing, bolting, binding and even roofing applications.
Dual quick connectors, on-board air hose storage, and one-year limited warranty make it an even more attractive option. Given that the compressor weighs more than 100 pounds, it would be great if the wheels were bigger and stronger to make it easier to transport.
Another economical option that can generate considerable electricity without causing excessive consumption of your bank account is the Goodyear 20-gallon vertical portable air compressor. It is equipped with a 1.5-horsepower motor that can generate up to 165 PSI, providing you with stable airflow rates of 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI. This is a great space-saving option to power many of your home studios or light construction tools, including nail guns, staplers, amateur painters, wrenches, blowers, etc.
As an added bonus, this affordable device is equipped with easy-to-read proprietary digital regulators and meters. No need to worry about inaccurate knobs anymore, because you can set the exact pressure you need with the push of a button. It also has an oil-free, maintenance-free pump that allows you to use it reliably and easily for hundreds of hours. It also has a dual coupling system to increase versatility.
Regarding this air compressor, one thing we want to improve is to give it more durable wheels and stronger handles so that it can be transported and manipulated safely and easily around the store. We were also unable to find any warranty for this particular item.
Our reviews are driven by hands-on testing by actual buyers, expert opinions, "popular wisdom" evaluations, and our own expertise. We always strive to provide true and accurate guides to help you find the best choice.
Single-stage air compressors are also called piston compressors. In a single-stage air compressor, the air is compressed only once before being stored or used to drive tools and equipment. Air is initially drawn into the cylinder and compressed to a pressure of approximately 120 PSI. Then move the compressed air to the storage tank until it is needed.
Two-stage air compressors are also called two-stage air compressors. In these devices, air is compressed twice to provide twice the pressure, usually 175 PSI or higher. These are great choices for large tools or continuous operations with higher power demands.
DeWALT was founded in 1922 when the founder Raymond DeWalt invented the first woodworking machine. Today, the company is a world-renowned behemoth in the industry, producing innovative and durable products such as the DeWALT 20V Max XR brushless 1/2 inch cordless drill/drive kit.
California Air Tools is located in San Diego, California and was established in 2002. Although it is a relatively new air compressor manufacturer, some of the air compressors produced by the company are the quietest air compressors on the market, including its 2.0 HP professional air compressor compressor, California Air Tools 4620AC Air compressor.
Another long-term industry leader, Craftsman Tool Company was founded in 1927. It is the first manufacturer of vanadium steel wrenches, which are 50% thinner and 200% stronger than previous models. It continues to produce top products such as Craftsman's 3,300 watt portable inverter generator.
Porter-Cable was founded in 1906 and is now a subsidiary of the Stanley Black Decker family. This Tennessee-based power tool and equipment manufacturing company prides itself on setting high standards in performance, quality and reliability. Some of its popular products include the Porter-Cable 15 amp corded circular saw and the Porter-Cable 6-inch variable speed random orbital sander kit.
In air compressors, the amount of pressure they can generate is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Knowing the maximum PSI rating of your air compressor is essential to ensure that the air compressor you buy is powerful enough to run the tool or equipment of your choice. For most hobbies and general applications, you need an air compressor that can provide at least 100 PSI. For more industrial applications and larger tools or equipment, look for a PSI of 200.
The air flow rate of an air compressor is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and is directly related to the maximum PSI capacity of the compressor. Pneumatic tools and equipment have specific CFM requirements for them to function properly. For example, a typical Brad Nailer requires air to pass through it at a rate of 0.3 CFM at 90 PSI. Most orbital sanders require 6-9 CFM at 90 PSI. Before buying an air compressor, be sure to check your equipment requirements to ensure that the air compressor you buy is strong enough.
The 20-gallon air compressor offers two different types of pumps. One is an oil-lubricated pump, which is usually stronger and more durable. However, it also requires more maintenance. Oil-free pumps are generally cheaper and more user-friendly and environmentally friendly, but they may not be as powerful.
Check your power tools and equipment requirements before buying. A 20-gallon air compressor is usually sufficient to run any tool that requires 5.0 CFM airflow at a pressure of 40 PSI or less. This includes most of the pneumatic nail guns, amateur painters, staplers, wrenches, and bolt guns used as light to medium tools and equipment.
A 20-gallon air compressor usually consumes about 15 amps of current, so it fits in most 110-volt AC outlets.
This largely depends on the purpose for which you plan to use the compressor. If you only want to inflate the occasional bicycle or car tires, you can use a very cheap and compact 12-volt air compressor. However, if you like to do many household projects, carpentry or car repairs yourself, you should consider using compressors in the 8-30 gallon range.
Yes, you must empty the compressor every time you finish using the compressor. Leaving air or liquid in the tank can cause damage to the tank and cause dangerous working conditions. Compressed air has a high risk of explosion, so never leave the air in the compressor unattended.
Since you are actually an expert on the subject of 20-gallon air compressors, you may understand why we chose CRAFTSMAN 20-gallon air compressors as our first choice. It is strong enough to power most light and medium-sized pneumatic tools, uses a slim, space-saving design, and a dual coupling system that can run two tools at the same time. Moreover, its price is very reasonable.
If you are looking for a more economical option, be sure to check out WEN 20 Gal. Portable vertical air compressor. This is a reliable and powerful compressor without sacrificing performance due to price.
Other "tool" comments you might like:
Sign up for our newsletter
Send technology, performance and design to your inbox.
© Brookline Media Inc. All rights reserved.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that aims to provide us with a way to earn money by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.