Quietness is a must when it comes to choosing an air compressor for home use. If you’re seeking the best quiet 20-gallon air compressor in the market whether it’s for tire inflation, impact wrench, or polisher, then you’ll find the right one here:
Here are the best quiet 20 gallon air compressors you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Sander: Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9
- Best For Spray Gun: WEN 2202T
- Best For Cut-Off Tool: Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
- Best For Polisher: California Air Tools 20020
- Best For Impact Wrench: Industrial Air IL1682066.MN
- Best For Tire Inflation: Flexzilla Portable Air Compressor
| 6 Best Quiet 20 Gallon Air Compressors | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Sander | Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9 | |
Best For Spray Gun | WEN 2202T | |
Best For Cut-Off Tool | Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor | |
Best For Polisher | California Air Tools 20020 | |
Best For Impact Wrench | Industrial Air IL1682066.MN | |
Best For Tire Inflation | Flexzilla Portable Air Compressor | |
Best For Sander: Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9
- Powerful enough for sanders – 135 peak PSI
- Long-lasting - all-season select synthetic lubricant
- Heavy
The Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9 is specifically built for enthusiast DIY-ers with professionals in mind. At 135 peak PSI, it provides enough pressure for hungrier air tools, like sanders.
But the most convincing feature, also making it stand out from other similarly-powerful counterparts, is the all-season select synthetic lubricant which is 4x longer-lasting than petroleum-based models.
It also has low maintenance, meaning that it can run for up to 2000 hours before change-out.
Making it more a true high performer is the manual overload motor protection, the protective enclosed belt guard, and the cast-iron cylinder and frame. But take note that this design makes the unit a bit heavy to be brought up stairs.
| Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 22 x 23 x 43 inches |
Horsepower | 2 HP |
Noise Rating | 80 dBA |
Air Flow Capacity | 5.8 CFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.2 CFM |
Highlight Features | 135 peak PSI all-season select synthetic lubricant |
Boasting a maximum PSI of 135, the Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9 is powerful enough for sanders.
Best For Spray Gun: WEN 2202T
- Reliable performance - auto-shutoff feature
- Able to regular the air flow rate and control the tank’s internal pressure at a time - two pressure gauges
- Quick and straightforward hose changing - ¼” NPT coupler design
- Vague instructions
- The one-way valve is a bit noisy
Whether for the workshop, job site, or garage, the WEN 2202T won’t let you down with its 2HP motor and the 135 PSI of maximum pressure. It is powerful enough to meet a wide range of painting and woodworking needs as well as support almost light-duty air tools like spray guns.
Two of the good things about this air compressor are the auto-shutoff feature for safety and the two pressure gauges to regulate the air flow rate and control the tank’s internal pressure simultaneously.
Changing hoses on this unit is surprisingly easy and fast thanks to the ¼” NPT coupler design. For the price, it is hard to beat.
| WEN 2202T Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 19.5 x 17.5 x 42 inches |
Horsepower | 2 HP |
Air Flow Capacity | 5.0 CFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 3.8 CFM |
Highlight Features | auto-shutoff feature two pressure gauges ¼” NPT coupler design |
If you are operating a spray gun, you will want the Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9.
Best For Cut-Off Tool: Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
- Ideal for cut-off tools – 150 peak PSI
- Easy to start at any time – low-voltage & cold-weather start function
- Quieter than similar counterparts - dual piston pump
- The drain valve is manually activated, not automatic as stated
- Unclear instructions
This air compressor can deliver 150 PSI of maximum pressure, making one of the most powerful 20-gallon options out there. It works well for almost all air tools and accessories like cut-off tools.
Beside the incredible power, it is proven to last much longer than conventional induction motors. It also can operate consistently in any condition, whether at low voltage or during cold months.
But the best part is the additional dual piston pump for quiet 68-decibel noise level during operation – which is a lot quieter than similar counterparts.
| Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 20 x 18 x 42 inches |
Horsepower | 1.8 HP |
Noise Rating | 68 decibels |
Air Flow Capacity | 6 CFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5 CFM |
Highlight Features | 150 peak PSI low-voltage & cold-weather start function dual piston pump |
The Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor is capable of producing 150 PSI of peak pressure, which is perfect for cut-off tools.
Best For Polisher: California Air Tools 20020
- Low-maintenance & durable - oil-free dual piston pump
- Ideal for polishing – 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI
- Wish the control panel label was higher quality
When it comes to the best 20-gallon air compressor for polishers, the California Air Tools 20020 springs to our mind very quickly. We like it for its reliability, power, and quietness.
While providing 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI and featuring a 2 HP motor, it is only 70-decibel rated – 30% lesser than standard.
It is low-maintenance thanks to the oil-free pump design. This pump has also been tested to last 6x longer than comparable air compressors, with the cycle of 3000+ hours before wear.
| California Air Tools 20020 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 20 x 20 x 45 inches |
Horsepower | 2.0 HP |
Noise Rating | 70 Decibels |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.30 CFM |
Highlight Features | oil-free dual piston pump 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI |
The California Air Tools 20020 can refill a 20-gallon tank at 5.3 PSI, allowing it to operate any polisher without pausing for the tank to repressurize.
Best For Impact Wrench: Industrial Air IL1682066.MN
- Reliable - CSA listed and UL certified design
- Fast heat dissipation - V-twin cast-iron oil-lubricated pump
- Ideal for impact wrench – 1.6HP motor and 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI
- Heavy
- The handle is prone to be bent
This air compressor might not be a good choice to run pneumatic tools, but is perfect for simple applications like impact wrenches, air ratchets, and spray guns. It’s high-quality, easy to use, and requires minimal assembly – which is perfect for beginners.
The V-twin cast-iron oil-lubricated pump is our most favorite feature about this tool, as it dissipates heat a lot faster than other types of pump to last longer.
Furthermore, this air compressor is CSA listed and UL certified for safe, reliable performance.
| Industrial Air IL1682066.MN Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 28.5 x 19.75 x 48.5 inches |
Horsepower | 1.6 HP |
Air Flow Capacity | 6.2 CFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.3 CFM |
Highlight Features | CSA listed and UL certified design V-twin cast-iron oil-lubricated pump 1.6HP motor and 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI |
If you are in need of the quietest 20-gallon air compressor for impact wrenches, our favorite pick is the Industrial Air IL1682066.MN
Best For Tire Inflation: Flexzilla Portable Air Compressor
- Allow for simultaneous use of two tools – two quick-connect universal brass couplers
- Able to inflate most tire types - 125 max PSI
- Easy to mobile - elastomeric ergonomic grip and 8” oversized wheels
- It builds pressure a bit slowly
The Flexzilla Portable Air Compressor is a top-rated option for tire inflation because of its 125 max PSI, delivering ample power to fill up most tire types, even large trunk tires.
Making it more suitable for tire inflation is the two quick-connect universal brass couplers so that you can inflate two tires at a time, much more convenient than the single couplers. The pressure regulator and gauge also comes in handy.
While the tool is quite heavy, its elastomeric ergonomic grip and 8” oversized wheels strike back, making mobility a lot easier.
| Flexzilla Portable Air Compressor Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 16 x 15.5 x 42.25 inches |
Horsepower | 2 HP |
Air Flow Capacity | 5.8 CFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 2.5 CFM |
Highlight Features | two quick-connect universal brass couplers 125 max PSI elastomeric ergonomic grip and 8” oversized wheels |
The Flexzilla Portable Air Compressor’s 120 PSI max and refill rate of 5.6 CFM are perfect for tire inflation.
How To Choose The Best Quiet 20 Gallon Air Compressor?
Oil-Lubricated Pump
There are two types of pump of air compressors:
- Oil-lubricated pumps
- Oil-free pumps
In terms of quietness, the first pump type is the winner because all parts are well-lubricated with oil, so they run more smoothly and manage the operation sound better. The pump itself becomes long-lasting, too.
However, this pump type requires more maintenance tasks than the oil-free pumps and is costlier to run.
Power Source
This element takes a huge role on the operation sound level of an air compressor.
There are two power source options in the market: gasoline and electricity. Guess what? An electric model runs more quietly than a gas-powered one. It’s also more lightweight and convenient to use.
But take note that this type of air compressor is only suitable for home use and light-duty tasks.
For industrial work, it’d be better to go for a gas-powered air compressor as it’s more powerful.
Other Features
Airflow rating
It shows you the amount of air output of the machine, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
CFM rating of air compressors is regularly counted at 40 PSI or 90 PSI. the higher the CFM rating at a certain PSI count, the better.
At 90 PSI, an air compressor’s air flow rating at 0.6-5 CFM is good. Therein, 0.6-2 CFM is perfect as a supplementary option for the major air compressor. 2-3 CFM is for light-duty air tools and accessories. 4-5 CFM is for workshop use.
Maximum PSI
It shows you the maximum air pressure that an air compressor can produce. Choose this feature based on the total amount of air pressure required for your tools.
In general, a model featuring 120 PSI of max air pressure is versatile enough for most air tasks.
Which Brands Make The Best Quiet 20 Gallon Air Compressor?
Ingersoll Rand
This renowned American multinational company specializes in science technology and industrial technology, with over 40 brands across all the markets.
WEN
With over 70 years of experience in manufacturing a variety of common electricity tools like air compressors, WEN knows pretty well how to make high-quality products at the most competitive price range.
Stealth
Stealth is a reliable stop for worldwide customers who want a portable yet powerful air compressor to tackle your air tasks faster with less interruptions. Their products are also known for superior durability and quiet operation.
FAQs
Is a 20-gallon air compressor good for air tools?
A 20-gallon air compressor is good for any air tool rated 5 CFM at 40 PSI or less.
How do I pump my tires with an air compressor?
The following tutorial video shows you how to properly pump tires with an air compressor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzUThq3fzs0
Does tank size matter to air compressors?
Yes, it does. The larger the tank of air compressor, the more the air capacity to use before the machine requires refilling.
Does HP matter in an air compressor?
No, it doesn’t. When it comes to air compressors, flow and pressure are the most important features while HP isn’t. Modern models can work well with less HP and they’re in fact more energy-efficient than those with higher HP.
Can you make an air compressor quieter?
Yes, you can. To make an air compressor quiet, try these hacks:
- Move the intake
- Put rubber grommets around the motor
- Block/encapsulate off the machine
- Cover the intake with a muffler
- Wrap the motor
Conclusion
Purchasing a quiet 20-gallon air compressor is not easy at all. You probably find yourself researching for days and weeks before finding the right one at the desired price range. Hopefully, this ultimate buying guide was helpful to you. Thanks for reading!
