Best Inflator Reviews 2018

When you’re out for a road trip or a weekend getaway, your car tires could run out of pressure, requiring emergency attention. To save you from the agony of calling for roadside assistance, we’ve reviewed five quality air compressors by the best inflator brands in the market today. And yes – there’s one for any budget!

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Max Pressure

Max Amps

Voltage

Size/Weight

Our Top Choice

Kensun Model J Air Compressor

Kensun has been active in the automotive market since 2009, providing some of the highest quality products.

Lightweight and portable, making it easy to move from your house to the trunk of your car. Comes with white LED lighting for night use.

The 23.6 inches air hose might not be long enough for some people.

Digital inflator

90 psi

10 Amps

110 volts, 12 volts

11.8” x 4.3” x 6.7”/ 5 pounds

Best Value

VIAIR 70P Portable Air Compressor

VIAIR is one of the leading industry manufacturers of air compressors and accessories for off-road, on-road, and industrial markets.

Comes with a gauge mount on top that allows you to monitor the pressure easily. Comes with a deluxe carry bag, accessory power plug, and inflation tips.

The inflator can only connect to 12V DC power port, making it hard to use at home.

Heavy-duty inflator

100 psi

15 Amps

12 volts

10.5” x 6.8” x 5.8”/ 5.9 pounds

TireTek RX-i Tire Inflator Pump

TireTek is an automotive accessory manufacturer that also specializes in inflators and tire pressure gauges.

Comes with three power outlets – two USB charging sockets and a 12V DC. Features noise-cancelling technology.

The metal tends to get hot after inflating all 4 tires.

Digital inflator

100 psi

12 Amps

12 volts

14” x 9.4” x 5”/ 6.5 pounds

EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump

EPAuto’s strong dedication to professionalism, quality products, and great customer service has been instrumental to the company’s success today.

Comes with easy-to-read display units. Features a LED flashlight that provides illumination when inflating your tires at night.

With constant use, this inflator can heat up too, so you might want to take some breaks in between.

Digital inflator

100 psi

10-15 Amps

12 volts

9.7” x 8” x 5.6”/ 3.8 pounds

Slime Digital Tire Inflator Pump

Slime has been a worldwide leader in auto care products since 1989. That’s a long time to understand what quality entails.

Features a bright LED light for night use. The inflator is compact and powerful, coming with rubberized feet for utmost stability.

The inflator is noisier than expected, but it does the job perfectly well.

Digital inflator

35 psi

15 Amps

12 volts

2.8” x 6.5” x 6.5”/ 0.0125 pounds

(Updated May 25, 2017)

Skip ahead and go directly to the reviews.

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Watch Our Inflator Review

How Do I Choose the Best Inflator?

Think of it this way: you car is newly cleaned and the gas tank filled to the brim. Everyone in the family is excited about the road trip, but things don’t go as planned. About an hour on the road, a loud thumbing noise suddenly emerges from one of your car tires. You don’t have a choice other than to pull over on the roadside, walk around the car, and try to understand what just happened. Yes – you guessed it right – a flat tire!

Well, you could be lucky to be near a gas station where you can inflate your tires, but sometimes luck might not be on your side. To ensure you drive safe and sound knowing that you’re sorted in such occasions, we suggest that you get a good inflator and ensure you have a spare tire in your car’s trunk. And yes – the benefits of these small machines are many. Apart from keeping your car tire pressure in check, you can also use them to air up your inflatable while going down to the beach, or your air mattress the next time you go camping.

But with all the goodies these air compressors offer, it can be difficult to get the right one. Firstly, there are different types available, and you might want to learn about them before you begin your shopping. Here’s a brief of what we’re talking about:

Digital Inflators – These come with an LCD display, more like a pocket calculator. Their purpose is to make all the readings easily visible and easy to read.
Dial Inflators – These air compressors have an analog dial that resembles the clock face. They have a simple needle that indicates the pressure.
Heavy-duty Inflators – Well, these can be either digital or dial inflators, but they deliver more pressure. Think of them as portable air compressors that are used to inflate truck tires.

To give you a clear picture of what you should be looking for in an inflator, let’s check the consideration factors before we jump straight to our top picks.

Price

So let’s start with the price. Frankly, inflators aren’t that expensive, and any driver can find a good model that fits their budget. But here’s the catch: inflator brands have invested a considerable amount of resources to bring new innovations to the industry, debuting with portable options that can perform as well as their big counterparts. In a normal range, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to around $80 for a good inflator.

When it comes to budget, expect to spend more for an inflator that offers more maximum pressure and those from well-known brands. Heavy-duty models that are capable of inflating several tires without heating, or can handle SUV-sized tires will also be a bit expensive. However, don’t worry because there are more affordable inflators that come with almost all the bells and whistles as their expensive cousins.

While you might be on a tight budget, we highly recommend that you avoid getting the really cheap models as they might not do the job as expected. Some might be too noisy, while others may overheat after inflating just a single tire.

Features

Yes – most inflators might come with some common features, especially the digital models, but there are some factors that differ. Here are some features you should keep in mind as you start your shopping process for a good air compressor:

Type – Do you want a digital model that comes with an LCD display? Do you want the analog type that comes with a dial to indicate the pressure? Both work pretty well, but the digital models are easy to use and get accurate readings.
Pressure rating – Pressure rating is one of the most important features. When you look at most car tires they have a pressure rating of 35 psi, so every inflator comes with a minimum of this pressure rating. However, some brands have gone ahead to make inflators with higher pressure ratings, some even reaching a cool 150 psi. Depending on the size of your car tires, make sure to get one with the right pressure rating.
Power source – These inflators are made to help you keep your car tire pressure in check while on the road, right? Well, true – and that’s why all of them allow 12V DC connection. This means you can just plug it into your car’s cigarette port and power it instantly. But that’s not the whole story – some inflators can also use your home’s socket, allowing up to 110V connection.
Air flow – Whether the pressure rating of your inflator is 100 psi or 80 psi, sometimes you’ll want an option that will help pump your tires in the shortest time possible. Some pumps can take longer to do the work, while others take only a few minutes. In general, the higher your CMF rating is, the more air per minute will be inflated. Simple!

Construction and Design

The most common part in the construction aspect is the pressure gauge. Just as mentioned above, different inflators come with different ways to show the pressure readings, with most modern models going the digital way.

There’s also the aspect of air hose connection. You will expect to get an inflator with either a valve stem connection, or one with screw-on connection. The air hose output adapter, on the other hand, is specifically designed to fit the nozzle of your tires. However, you can get some models with extra clips that can inflate air mattresses as well.

Performance and Ease of Use

If you’re thinking about driving without your own inflator in the trunk of your car – let us stop you right there! You can never tell when an emergency will arise and your tires need urgent inflating. But working on flat tires can be dangerous, especially if you’re in the middle of the road and in an unfamiliar place. You’ll want an option that will get the job done in minutes, so to speak.

Given that these small machines produce a lot of pressure, you just can’t get away from vibrations and noise. But hey – it doesn’t have to be much! Some brands understand this and have incorporated Noise Protection technology when making their inflators, reducing the noise significantly.

There are inflators with an “auto-inflate” feature, making filling tires a breeze. You simply attach the hose, press a button, and you’re done – the tires automatically inflate!

We also suggest that you get an inflator with a longer cord so that you don’t have to struggle reaching your car’s rear tires. If you’re worried about working in the night, you don’t have to be because most options will also feature LED lighting to provide enough illumination around your work site. Amazing, right?

What is the Best Inflator?

Any driver will agree with us that the performance of a vehicle depends on the condition of their car tires, and the best way to keep them up and running is to ensure they have enough pressure. To make this a reality, our review gives you important information to help you get the right inflator for your needs. Don’t wait until low tire pressure dulls your day – get one of these inflators and stay on the safe side!

Our Top Choice

The Kensun Air Compressor Model J offers unique versatility, allowing you to connect it to your AC wall socket or DC cigarette lighter socket in your car. Want a more affordable option that offers 18/20 liters/minutes? We think you’ll love the Kensun AC\/DC Portable Air Compressor.

Kensun Portable Tire Inflator with Digital Display for Car (12V) and Home (110V)

Kensun Inflator ACJ

Features

Kensun is a well-known brand that supplies automotive accessories throughout the US. It’s committed to creating some of the highest quality solutions for the automotive industry, from car lights to inflators to LED headlights.

The Kensun Air Compressor allows you to maintain your tire pressure, preventing unnecessary wear. It’s portable meaning that you can carry it in your trunk and inflate your tires effortlessly. With an advanced functionality, there’s no need to keep on worrying about the distance to the closest gas station.

Here are a couple of features why this inflator made it to our list, and why it will prove to be a great investment for you:

Provides unique versatility by being compatible to both car’s DC connection and home’s AC connection
This tool weighs 5 pounds
Has a 12V voltage and 120 wattage
Has max of 90 psi
Comes with white LED light that provides illumination when inflating in the dark
Advanced functions such as digital pressure gauge, digital preset functions, and continuous working time
Package includes an AC/DC adapter and black woven hose that’s 23.6 inches long

Prefer a different inflator instead? Check out what Kensun offers today, and you’ll be spoilt of options!

Best Value

The VIAIR 70P Portable Air Compressor is a small portable inflator, yet powerful enough to inflate up to 100 psi. Want an even more portable inflator with 85P horsepower? Go ahead and get the VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor and it might be just what you’re looking for.

VIAIR Heavy Duty 70P Portable 12 Volt Inflator/Air Compressor

VIAIR Inflator 00073

Features

VIAIR boasts quality engineered air compressors that can work even in the world’s harshest environments. The company is recognized as a leading manufacturer and distributor in the automotive industry, promising reliability, performance, and value to its customers.

The Viair Portable Compressor comes with a deluxe carry bag for your convenience. It features a powerful pump that has the capacity of inflating up to 18 tires without needing a refill. It allows you to monitor the pressure with an off and on switch for easy control.

Let’s check out some of the features that make up the Viair Portable Compressor.

Built for portability with its small and compact design
Weighs 5.9 pounds
Has max of 12V voltage and 15 amps
Max of 100 psi
Easy to use and operate as it only needs a connection with the valve stem to be turned on
Made to last a lifetime since it’s made with a 12 and 24 volt air compressor that’s professionally approved
Comes with a vibration insulator

Prefer another option with a capacity of more liters? VIAIR has a lot of options that you will love!

The TireTek RX-i Tire Inflator Pump delivers a cool 40 liters of air/minute, meaning that it will inflate your car tire in under 3 minutes. Want an even more portable design with a maximum pressure of 100 psi? If yes, the TireTek Compact-Pro Portable Tire Inflator Pump might be just what you’re looking for.

TireTek RX-i Digital Tire Air Compressor 12V 160W 40LPM with Auto Cut-Off

TireTek Inflator TT-303

Features

With a wide range of quality products, TireTek supplies to millions of customers across the globe. Its main philosophy is grounded on accuracy, longevity, and quality production.

The TireTek RX-i inflator pump comes with a free case for storage to help you keep the inflator clean and well-protected. It has a simple automatic shut-off mechanism that works to prevent over inflation of your tire. This digital inflator makes the process of tire inflation a total breeze as it comes with a fixed air hose that can easily be screwed on the tire to start inflating.

Here’s more this inflator has in store for you:

It features 2 USB charging ports and an extra power outlet that can be used to charge your devices
Weighs 6.5 pounds
Has max of 12V voltage
It’s of premium quality and comes with a one-year no-quibble warranty for your convenience
Features a powerful automobile pump with a capacity of 160W that inflates your tire quickly
It has a bright LED light that’s useful in the dark with rubber feet that keep the pump stable
Comes with a noise-cancelation technology that reduces unwanted vibration and noise

Prefer a different inflator instead? Check out other options that TireTek offers today!

The EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump offers a maximum pressure of100 psi, allowing you to connect it to your car’s cigarette lighter socket for operation. Want another digital inflator that’s even more portable? We thought you might like the EPAuto 12V DC Auto Portable Air Compressor Pump.

EPAuto Portable Digital Inflator/Air Compressor 12V 120W with 100 PSI

EPAuto Inflator AT-010-1Z

Features

EPAuto has been in the automobile accessories industry for quite a while. Its innovations are made with quality standards that most consumers find appealing.

The EPAuto 12v 120w Air Compressor Pump is not only portable, but also comes with an automatic shut off mechanism that disables the machine functions when you get your desired pressure level. It also has an automatic switch that prevents overheating, keeping you safe from any hazards when the inflator overloads.

Let’s look at some of its features below.

It’s easy to operate as it comes with 4 display units for easy reading
Weighs 3.8 pounds
Features an overheating prevention mechanism that turns off automatically
It can be used on a various automobiles, including bikes, giving you more usability
It plugs into the cigarette lighter socket directly giving you more convenience

Not quite what you envisioned? Why not check out other inflators by EPAuto? There’s an option for everyone!

The Slime Digital Tire Inflator Pump boasts the latest advancement in technology, allowing users to plug it directly into their car cigarette lighter for optimal operation. Want a heavy-duty inflator that gives you a maximum pressure of 150 psi? Invest a few more dollars on the Slime Pro Power Heavy-Duty 12-Volt Tire Inflator and you’re sure to love it.

Slime 12-Volt Digital Air Compressor/Tire Inflator with LED Light

Slime Inflator 40022

Features

Slime has shown commitment to quality customer service by providing reliable innovations that work as expected. Currently its influence has spread across 80 countries and has grown from its humble beginnings to a big business.

The Slime Digital Tire Inflator is a one-of-a-kind air compressor that comes with the capacity of inflating a midsized tire in less than 6 minutes. Its bright and long-lasting LED lights help you see in the dark, plus it conveniently plugs directly into the car cigarette lighter.

Let’s check out some of Slime Digital Tire Inflator features and see what to expect from it:

Makes use of Inflate Right technology that prevents over inflation
Weighs 0.2 ounces
Max of 35 psi
Features an accurate gauge that gives you great functionality
It makes use of a 12V accessory power that keeps it at peak performance
Has a digital display that makes operation a breeze
Comes in a compact design that features rubber feet for stability

Want more inflators to compare for the perfect fit? Don’t hesitate to find out what Slime offers today!

Get the Best Inflator of 2018!

Finding the right inflator for your needs has never been easier than with our review. We’re happy to have offered you a helping hand in your bid to get a good inflator, but if you didn’t find the right fit, don’t hesitate to check out other options by these brands. We can assure you that these brands are reputable, so you can’t go wrong when it comes to quality.

Our Top Choice

Kensun Model J Air Compressor

Best Value

VIAIR 70P Portable Air Compressor

TireTek RX-i Tire Inflator Pump

EPAuto Portable Air Compressor Pump

Slime Digital Tire Inflator Pump