Best 12 Volt Air Compressors – 2020 Top Picks Reviewed

Viair's 88P compressor promises to be a powerful and portable air compressor. The tool can easily take on tires as wide as 33 inches. The air compressor is perfectly suited for ATVs, sedans, trucks, and SUVs. The 12V air compressor has dual battery clamps, which are heavy-duty.

For inflation, the clamps need to be connected to the engine and a tire valve stem needs to be connected to the unit. The pressure build-up inside can be simply checked using the 120PSI gauge built into the top of the unit.

An LED light acts as a power indicator for the unit. Plus, a solid brass twist has been added to the chuck for added strength, durability and prevention of possible air leaks. The duty cycle of the equipment is 25 minutes, given it is working under 30PSI.

A ten-foot long power cord, a 16-foot long air hose, and a three-piece inflation tip kit are also included with this unit

Bottom Line

Overall, it is one of the best compressors available in the market. It is also a cheaper alternative to similar pumps. It does its job well and has been applauded by many. However, if the unit fails, the company charges return shipment costs.

Helteko’s Portable Air Compressor Pump is made from high-quality materials, including high-grade ABS plastic and stainless steel. These high-quality materials ensure durability and longer life. If you are not yet impressed, then you will be pleased to know this compressor is totally digital and automatic. Helteko’s Digital Tire Inflator has an automatic switch-off feature. As soon as the tire reaches the correct pressure, this feature turns the compressor off automatically.

Moreover, the large LCD display helps display measurements accurately. The display gives off readings in PSI, BAR, KPA, and KG/CM². The compressor can easily inflate a medium-sized tire in three to five minutes. Also, it comes with a spare tire inflator that has a long 3.5-meter-long cable. This enables you to inflate wheels of cars, bikes, SUVs, and even motorcycles.

In addition, the LED lighting helps attract the attention of drivers in an emergency situation. The compact and beautiful design makes the compressor even more likable.

Bottom Line

Although inexpensive, the gadget may not work as well as it claims. However, it is digital and the features it offers are certainly unique, making it a good investment.

The EP Auto 12-Volt DC Portable Air Compressor Pump is completely digital. The device plugs directly into the cigarette lighter of your car and is thereby, up and running in seconds. A plug to allow ease of this connection has also been added to the device.

The compressor has a variety of uses and is also available in a variety of colors depending on your taste. You can pick from red, blue, green, or yellow. The pump can inflate tires whose engine size is less than 3.5 liters which includes cars, bikes, sedans, and medium-sized SUVs. A universal valve connector for the Schrader valve is ready for use immediately whenever the need arises.

The pump also comes with additional adapters and nozzles that allow you to inflate basketballs, kayaks, swimming pools, or any other inflatable accessories. It is important to note that the compressor has not been designed to inflate truck tires or other heavy-duty objects. The maximum pressure this model can reach is 70 PSI.

Moreover, the digital display makes it easy to read pressure measurements. You can easily read off measurements in PSI, KPA, BAR, and KG/CM even in the dark. A built-in LED flashlight makes the job of inflating tires even easier if the need to perform inflation arises in a dark place.

In addition, the unit switches off automatically when the desired pressure level is reached. Also, to prevent the compressor from overheating, the entire system shuts off when the unit warms up too much. This increases durability and helps protect the unit's parts.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is a great unit for medium-sized tires and inflatable accessories, but it’s not suited for heavy-duty inflation. However, with its digital functioning, it will auto-switch off when the pressure reaches a certain level and auto-power off when the unit overheats, which are significant bonuses.

Klutch's 12-Volt Tire Inflator is a heavy-duty pump. It is perfectly suited to fill the tires of larger vehicles with ease. These include SUVs, RVs, trucks, and other large-sized vehicles. The powerful tire inflation is supported by its ease of connection with the car battery. The alligator clips help connect the unit directly to the vehicle's automotive battery for maximum power. This, in turn, allows you to fill large tires and that, in under minutes.

The 26-foot-long polyurethane air hose makes the compressor even easier to use. It’s easier to extend the hose to allow easy inflation of tires without having to place the pump right beside the tire. Plus, three different nozzle adapters allow the pump to work with a variety of inflatable objects. A pressure gauge is included to help you monitor pressure.

In addition, a 5.3 CFM airflow with a maximum pressure of 150 PSI is supported by the unit. The compressor also comes with its own carry bag, which makes it super portable and makes storage easier and safer. The unit is also designed to protect itself during an overload.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is a good compressor unit for larger vehicles. It does what it promises, however, it is not digital and does not have an LED light which aren’t factors that should hold you back from investing in it.

JACO's SmartPro Digital Tire Inflator is a 12-volt portable air compressor. It can exert a maximum pressure of 100 PSI for powerful tire inflation. The design features the smart pressure technology, which allows you to set your desired pressure level and then just sit back and relax. The unit turns itself off automatically once it reaches the desired level. The compressor easily inflates standard tires up to 45 PSI and bike tires up to 100 PSI.

A bright LCD screen makes the unit digital and not only makes it easy to monitor and read off pressure readings, but it also makes sure you can do this in a dark place. The unit accurately measures pressure between zero to 100 PSI with an accuracy of one PSI. Moreover, the compressor inflates tires at a whopping rate of 25L every minute.

It is also heavy-duty and comes with two different kinds of nozzles. A 24-inch twistable air hose makes it easier for the pump to be connected to tires without needing to have the pump exactly beside it. The connector pump latches on perfectly to create the perfect seal required for excellent tire inflation.

Moreover, the long power cord that measures about ten feet makes it easy to reach all four tires. The power adapter plugs in smoothly to any 12-volt DC outlet present in your SUV, car, or truck. It also has a built-in bright LED light. This LED light alone has four different settings that include: off, flashlight mode, flashing red, and even emergency SOS.

Bottom Line

This is truly one of the best possible air pumps available in the market. With almost no cons and a variety of exciting features, this gadget is definitely something you need to consider while making your purchase.

The Viair 85P Portable Air Compressor is a 12-volt pump that can build up a maximum pressure of 60 PSI. However, this is possible only if the car engine is kept running. The air hose has an air flow of 1.26 CFM at zero PSI. An auxiliary power outlet plugs into any car’s cigarette lighter outlet.

The unit can inflate tires up to 31 inches wide. A screw-on tire chuck helps make a leakage-free connection between the pump and tire. Plus, a pressure gauge built into the top of the unit allows you to monitor the pressure at all times. The ten-foot long power cord helps you reach all four tires of your vehicle easily. This, in turn, does not require you to place the pump directly beside the tires for proper inflation and functioning.

The unit is also small, lightweight, and portable. This makes carrying it around easier and storing it is also a hassle-free task. Not only this, but the compressor also has a built-in LED light to allow use during nighttime or in dark places.

Bottom Line

Not the most durable compressor but is definitely lightweight and portable. It fills up tires fast and is noise-free, getting the job done in minutes and without giving you a headache!

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers loved this unit and stated that it worked great. They said that the quick connect hose made it easier to connect the hose to the tire and liked the fact that they could set the air pressure. They further reported that it was relatively quiet, easily transportable, and had nice storage compartments.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Boasting a compact and small design, this unit provides a maximum of 120 PSI and quickly inflates air mattresses, beach toys, and tires. It’s also designed with an LCD that displays both the target pressure and real-time pressure. Furthermore, it’s equipped with LED lights that allow easy nighttime use.

Bottom Line

With an incredibly adaptable design, the Kobalt tire inflator is extremely easy to use. Users just need to connect it and set the max pressure before hitting the unit’s start button. It’s also designed with a digital display, further making it easy to read the real-time pressure.

The Bon-Aire Goodyear i3000 Inflator boasts high pressure and perfect inflation. This 12-volt tire inflator is able to fill up 18-inch tires from zero to twenty-eight pounds of pressure in just under seven minutes. The unit is perfect for cars, ATVs, motorcycles, and tires of other similar vehicles. The unit is also designed to allow you to inflate objects such as balls, sports equipment, and other accessories/toys.

The compressor can be easily plugged into the vehicle's power outlet. It also comes with its own user manual, which makes performing the task of inflation even simpler. It is easier to clear up confusion and perform inflation accurately and with speed.

Moreover, its portability and lightness allow you to carry it around with you wherever you go. Meanwhile, the length of the unit is only about nine inches, which makes it easy to store in your trunk.

Bottom Line

Although it has a stiffer air hose and poor screw-on connector, it works well to inflate tires in under a few minutes. It is also extremely lightweight and portable and does not overheat during use. Plus, it promises versatility of use since you can use it for various purposes.