7 Best Air Compressors Under $400


For whichever reason you’re interested in an air compressor, you’ve come to the right place. Air compressors are essential for providing power to pneumatic tools.

After extensive research and reviews, we formulated a list of the 7 best air compressors under $400.

In Short, Here Are The Highest-Rated Air Compressors Below $400 On The Market

  • DEWALT D55146
  • Makita MAC2400
  • BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT
  • Stealth 20 Gallon
  • CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K
  • California Air Tools 10020C
  • DEWALT DCC2560T1

1. DEWALT D55146

First up, the DEWALT D55146 is a solid air compressor under $400. This unit is a great choice for those who don’t need too much tank capacity. It provides 4.5 gallons and 120 volts. However, its most impressive feature is the surprisingly high 225 max psi for the price.

This air compressor is horizontal with a 33.5-inch length making it easy to fit in compact areas. It also offers 1.6 horsepower. although its noise level isn’t the best on this list, 78dB isn’t too bad either. Overall, it’s a great choice if you don’t need as much tank capacity but also like a higher max psi.

Users Say: “I own several compressors. I wanted a new one to keep in my in-town garage. It takes up less room standing up and is very easy to move around. I can pick it up and put it in my truck by myself. It’s quieter than my old Ridgid compressor. Most important, it doesn’t stall like my Ridgid. Works very well without any drama.”

Tech Specs & Details

  • Wheels
  • 225-PSI Max
  • 120 Volts
  • Size: 33.5 x 23 x 15
  • 4.5 Gallons
  • Noise Level: 78 dBA
  • 1.6 Horsepower
  • 5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI

2. Makita MAC2400

For good reasons, the Makita MAC2400 is one of the highest-rated air compressors under $400. There are a plethora of reasons why we love it. For one, it provides an immense 2.5 horsepower. You’ll also appreciate the robust build quality. With the cast-iron cylinder, the overall lifespan is greatly increased, as well!

Users Say: “I can’t believe how quiet this thing is! Such a VAST improvement over my old compressor that was loud enough to disturb people over 100 yards away! I can stand right next to this thing while it’s running and carry on a normal conversation. This is very portable, but not exactly “light” to move around by the hand-hold, but I strapped it to a small lightweight wagon and I can easily wheel it wherever I need it. The best compressor I’ve ever owned!”

Tech Specs & Details

  • Size: 20 x 18 x 18.75
  • 120 Volts
  • Electric Powered
  • 2.5 Horse Power
  • 4.2 Gallon Tank

3. BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT

If you’re looking for a near flawlessly reviewed air compressor without wheels, the BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT is an amazing choice. This unit is cordless making it very convenient and easy to use. Providing a max 150PSI and a 6-gallon capacity, it’s very powerful for the price. You’ll enjoy that it’s oil-free, as well.

The compressor has a decently low noise level averaging at 80dB. With the purchase, you also get a 1-year limited warranty. Overall, it’s an outstanding choice running below $400 and we highly recommend it!

Users Say: “This was a great buy. We used it to power a framing nail gun to repair and install a fence. It held its pressure with no problems it was light enough to move around. It was very quiet I thought for an air compressor. Overall it a great product. If I had a wish list of what I would change about it if I could. I would put wheels and a Long handle on it to make it more portable. I’m 60 years old and that would have made it a lot more easy friendly for me.”

Tech Specs & Details

  • 6 Gallon Tank Capacity
  • Size: 21.13 x 19.5 x 18
  • Oil-Free
  • 18-gauge
  • Noise-Level: 80 dBA
  • 1-year limited warranty
  • 150PSI, and 2.6SCFM

4. Stealth 20 Gallon

The Stealth 20 Gallon is an outstanding air compressor with wheels for easy portability. It has a max PSI of 150 and a max 1.8 horsepower. This too is yet another convenient oil-free air compressor.

Not only will that save you money but it also eliminates some hassle. It’s exceptionally rated among users with stellar reviews. Made of steel, it’s very durable and able to last a long time. This air compressor is 121.4 pounds at 19.67 x 17.52 x 41.81. With 120 volts and 1440 watts, you’ll enjoy its power for the size.

Like the previous one, this tank has a 20-gallon capacity. However, this one is much more inexpensive, as well. Another key feature for easy maneuverability is its rubber handlebar. They also boast of its added longevity with its dual-piston pump system. Overall, we believe this air compressor is an excellent buy for the money. Be sure to check out the reviews below!

Users Say: “I am extremely pleased with this product and the company. The unit arrived in a well-protected box, with plenty of styrofoam for additional protection. The vertical style is perfect for my application, the wheels are perfect for moving the unit to different locations in my shop.
When I plugged in the unit and turned it on, I knew I had made an excellent decision. The unit is extremely quiet and the air tank was filled very rapidly. The air gauges are easy to read. I am extremely happy with this unit!!! I have to emphasize how quiet it is!!!”

Tech Specs & Details

  • Wheels
  • Size: 19.7 x 17.5 x 41.8
  • Noise Level: 68 Decibel
  • 1.8 Horse Power
  • 150 PSI
  • Oil-Free
  • 20 Gallon Tank Capacity

5. CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K

Running below $400, the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K is a remarkable air compressor, as well. It has a spacious 6-gallon tank, 120 Volts, and a max PSI of 150. You’ll also find the vast added accessories very useful.

Coming with a tire gauge, rubber tip, OSHA safety glasses, blowgun, 3 inflater adapters, blow gun plug, and tire chuck with a plug; you have just about everything you need and more.

This air compressor is, rightfully so, a number 1 Amazon bestseller. Amongst users, it has stupendous reviews across the board. It recently had a significant price reduction of 9%. Although we’re unsure if this discount is permanent or temporary, we believe it’s, either way, a fantastic bang for the buck!

Users Say: “I had a little trouble receiving my air compressor, but Amazon helped me get it straightened out. This compressor is extremely easy to use. Everything for a quick start-up is in the manual. However, I know some don’t believe in reading instructions so make sure you close the valve on the bottom of the tank before starting. Great pancake air compressor. I use it for filling up tires and blowing out filters mostly. Even if you use up the air, it fills up quickly. I love that it is easily portable in case of emergencies or just to save from having to get out an extension cord.”

Tech Specs & Details

  • Made In USA
  • Oil-Free
  • Size: 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88
  • 6 gallon
  • 1 year limited warranty
  • 120 volt
  • 150 max PSI
  • 32.5 Pounds

6. California Air Tools 10020C

Next up, the California Air Tools 10020C is an exceptional air compressor with wheels. This unit is very powerful providing 7.0 Amps, 2 horsepower, and 5500 Watts. You’ll also appreciate that it’s oil-free. It offers 6.40CFM at 40 PSI which qualifies it for most applications. The air tank holds up to 10 gallons, as well.

This air compressor is relatively quiet compared to most on the market. With a 70dB noise level, it surely won’t annoy you. A few other things worth mentioning are the robust build quality, dual pistons, and a max PSI of 125!

Users Say: “Arrived no problems. Out of the box no problems. Installed wheels and air cleaners with no problems. Plugged in, turned on no problems. The quietest compressor I ever owned. I wish I had one like this the last 30 years I was a Trim and Cabinet Contractor. Compressors were so loud that we always put them outside of where we were working to avoid the noise. No oil mess to deal with either. This is for my garage so it won’t be used commercially, but I will use it for some projects. I hope it does well over the years to come.”

Tech Specs & Details

  • Size: 16″ L x 15.1″ W x 35.9″ H
  • Wheels
  • Oil-Free
  • 10 Gallon Air Tank
  • Noise Level: 70 Decibels
  • 25 Foot Cord
  • PSI: 40
  • CFM: 6.40

7. DEWALT DCC2560T1

Air Compressors Under $400

Last but not least, the DEWALT DCC2560T1 is a fabulous air compressor under $400. It has a slightly quiet noise operating level hovering around 79dB.

Manufactured in the USA, it has excellent construction quality built for longevity. You’ll also appreciate its ability to shoot 1,220 nails per charge. With the suitcase-like handlebar and manageable 21.5-pound weight, it’s easy to relocate.

This air compressor provides 60 Volts and a max 135PSI. Another beneficial attribute is it’s entirely oil-free.

Unfortunately, this compressor has a much lower tank capacity of 2.5 gallons. This gallon amount is roughly half the volume of other air compressors in this price range. Aside from that, we believe it’s a great choice. Be sure to check out the reviews below!

Users Say: “This is a great little air compressor. I actually bought it to bedline my car. Now, are there better portable compressors for that? Yes. But I already had five batteries since I also have the Dewalt power bank. So this was the most cost-effective way for me. I also use it to fill up the tires on my car and truck since it’s a lot fast than using one of those 12v ones. Would definitely recommend if you need a small portable compressor for tools and/or if you have big tires.”

Tech Specs & Details

  • Size: 15 x 12 x 18
  • Galan Capacity: 2.5 Gallons
  • 60V max
  • Noise Level: 79 dB
  • Weight: 21.5 pounds

Quick Recap

Here Are The Best Air Compressors Under $400 You Can Buy Online

  • DEWALT D55146
  • Makita MAC2400
  • BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT
  • Stealth 20 Gallon
  • CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K
  • California Air Tools 10020C
  • DEWALT DCC2560T1

 

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