The Best 12V Air Compressors: Be Prepared on the Go

This 12-volt air compressor is perfect for any motor vehicle. It features an impressive 120 PSI of max working pressure. Although it’s ultra compact, it can be used on tires up to 33 inches, making it a great choice for regular sedans as well as trucks. Plus, there’s an LED light indicator that lets you know exactly when you’re finished filling your tires. The full Viair set also comes with a 16-foot air hose and a three-piece inflation tip kit, solidifying this compressor as a top option for both beginners and auto experts alike. You should know that it does not feature a digital gauge, nor does it include a light. While it is still easy to use, it can be hard to see in the dark.

For something a little more cost-effective, this is an excellent alternative. It might not be as powerful as some of its rivals, but it’s undoubtedly effective, not to mention super convenient. Instead of attaching to your car battery, it features a 12v DC cigarette lighter socket plug, which is great for the not-so auto savvy. It’s great for cars, bikes, sedans, and even midsize SUVs. Plus, you can even use it for inflatables, basketballs, etc., especially considering it features an auto-shutoff feature when the tire pressure is too high. It also has advanced auto heat detection. As to be expected with the low price point, it lacks a bit in performance. While it is perfect for small vehicles, most SUV and truck owners may want to consider something more powerful. You may also experience trouble with the overall quality. Some users even report receiving models that fail prematurely. 

Less of an actual air compressor than a super-convenient multi-functioning tool, the POTEK is a 3-in-1 power source, jump starter, and air compressor molded into one. This versatile tool comes with a 750 instant amps car jump starter and is equipped with a powerful 18AH lead-acid battery for emergencies. Almost as a bonus, it features two AC charging ports and a USB port for electronics and appliances under 300W. The 150 PSI tire inflator can have any standard tire at full capacity in just 6-8 minutes. Two drawbacks to this model are the price and size. However, the high price is made up for with its performance. But because it combines so many features into one package, it can take up a considerable amount of space in a vehicle.

Speed is a major determining factor in finding the right air compressor, so if speed is your number-one concern, this is a clear choice. The compressor’s impressive 120W solid metal motor produces quick airflow and inflation, making it an all-around easy and painless experience. This air compressor is also versatile, at least when it comes to power sources utilized. It comes with an AC/DC 12V outlet plug as well as a 110-volt wall plug, making it perfect for home use or road use. The Kensun also contains a backlit LCD. Plus, it features an ultra-bright LED work light that allows you to inflate in the dark; it is a must for emergencies. Overall, the performance and features drive the price point considerably higher than other models. This wouldn’t be worth mentioning if it were capable of filling larger tires than comparable models.

Of course, all 12v compressors are portable, but this particular model is easily one of the best compact options. With dimensions of 9.2 x 7.1 x 2.8 inches and weighing just under three pounds, this is one of the smallest options you’ll find — at least with such advanced capabilities and power. This TEROMAS tire inflator features both a 12-volt outlet plug and a 110/120V plug. It also provides three different adapters for inflating various items. It can generate 150 PSI, which is a bit surprising considering its small size. Plus, it features an auto-off function, a digital display and LED lighting, and a convenient carrying bag for portability, making this easily one of the best space-saving options available. There are limitations, though. This model has some limits in terms of reach, and on larger vehicles, it may not offer enough length for use on all four tires.

If you’ve got an off-road vehicle, this compressor demands your attention. This powerful design is capable of inflating 35-inch tires, something many others fall short of. It can produce a 150 PSI maximum operating pressure and fill a 35-inch tire in approximately five minutes. It comes with a 30-foot air hose and an 8-foot power cord to ensure you can reach all four corners of a vehicle. This reach is also perfect for aiding other motorists. This is by no means a compact compressor; in fact, size may be an issue. It weighs in at just under nine pounds and measures 12-inches long. Even with the dedicated storage bag, this is a considerable amount of space to sacrifice.

This air compressor features an easy-to-use digital control system with decent illumination levels for use in the dark. Furthermore, it includes a built-in LED flashlight to aid in such scenarios. As for performance, it can produce 150 PSI and is an excellent choice for use with motorcycle and car tires. The 10-foot power cord offers enough to reach all four corners on small cars. It also includes interchangeable attachments for other uses. At this listing price, you can expect some limitations. Its 2-foot air hose isn’t doing anyone any favors and will likely lead to one having to switch between power sources during operation. The gauge also lacks accuracy, but not so much that it won’t get you back on the road.

When building a complete roadside emergency kit, this is yet another obvious contender. That is because it is a combination of a jump starter, power source, and air compressor. While it is not the only all-in-one tool on the list, it is the more affordable of the two. The jump starter can deliver 1200 amps and is more than enough to jump light trucks with small engines. Furthermore, the five different power sources can prove very useful, and the 150 PSI compressor quickly fills tires. However, the imbalance of this design is something to be aware of. The compressor is more than capable of inflating large tires, but the jump starter may struggle with big engines. Owners of vehicles with an engine displacement of 5.7 liters or more may want to consider a more powerful jump starter.

We recommend this compressor for those on the hunt for a model that easily stores in any vehicle. Its slim design, respectable operational speeds, and decent reach make an excellent choice for cars and motorcycles. While the company doesn’t offer much information on the specs, reviews state that it can fill tires to 35 PSI in under 10 minutes. It also features an easy-to-use digital control system that accurately reads tire pressure. It also incorporates ample LED-lighting despite the small size. This model is compact, and it is easy to store anywhere. However, it doesn’t come with a carrying bag or dedicated storage case. That may not seem like a drawback, but power cords and air hoses can tangle, and the included attachments are very easy to lose.

This is the compressor for those with a tight budget. It lists well under the average price and will fill nearly any car tire in an emergency. This model is very compact and measures 8 x 6 x 4 inches. Despite its small footprint, it can generate a whopping 300 PSI and fill car tires in under 10 minutes. It is also effortless to use with a simple power switch and analog pressure gauge. However, if you’re looking for something that can do more, this isn’t the tool — except for the attachments, it’s just a compressor. And while it does have a 10-foot power cord, the 1.5-foot air hose poses some limitations in reach.