30-gallon air compressors are common these days as they are good for both industrial use and at home. However, choosing the capacity is not the only thing you need to decide when buying an air compressor.
In this post, we will show you other factors to consider so that you can get the best quiet 30-gallon air compressor, including the right noise level and more.
Here are the best quiet 30-gallon air compressors you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: DEWALT DXCMLA1983054
- Best For Sanding: Industrial Air ILA1883054
- Best For Tough Applications: Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM
- Best For Winterizing Yard Irrigation System: NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor
- Best For Paint Spraying: Campbell Hausfeld VT6271
- Best For Inflation: Porter Cable PXCMLC1683066
| 6 Best Quiet 30-gallon Air Compressors | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 | |
Best For Sanding | Industrial Air ILA1883054 | |
Best For Tough Applications | Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM | |
Best For Winterizing Yard Irrigation System | NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor | |
Best For Paint Spraying | Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 | |
Best For Inflation | Porter Cable PXCMLC1683066 | |
Best Overall: DEWALT DXCMLA1983054
- Durable - thermally stable cast iron cylinder body, high-grade cast iron V-twin pump, & one-piece cast iron crankcase
- Convenient - a cast iron balanced flywheel, easily accessible oil fill, oil level sight glass, stainless steel reed valves, and automotive-style ball bearings
- Ideal for longer air tool run times - 155 maximum psi
- A bit effort-taking when draining it
Built for the professional and job-site tough, the DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 is simple to install, convenient, durable, and performs excellently.
It features a cast-iron balanced flywheel, easily accessible oil fill, oil level sight glass, stainless steel reed valves, and automotive-style ball bearings. Besides, it’s constructed from a thermally stable cast iron cylinder body and a one-piece cast iron crankcase.
The V-twin pump is also made of high-grade cast iron.
But the real star is its 155 maximum psi, which comes in handy for longer air tool run times, no matter whether it is sanders, paint sprayers, or nail guns.
It is operated with 120V outlets but you can convert it for 240V applications if wanted.
| DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 30-gallon |
Horsepower | 1.9 |
Noise Rating (DPA) | 78 |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.7 CFM |
CFM @ 40 PSI | 7.0 CFM |
Maximum Pressure | 155 PSI |
Highlight Features | thermally stable cast iron cylinder body, high-grade cast iron V-twin pump, & one-piece cast iron crankcase a cast-iron balanced flywheel, easily accessible oil fill, oil level sight glass, stainless steel reed valves, and automotive-style ball bearings 155 maximum psi |
Budget-friendly, made by a reliable brand, and functional, the DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 becomes our Best Overall Performer this year.
Best For Sanding: Industrial Air ILA1883054
- Powerful and durable - heavy-duty induction motor and Twin-cylinder cast iron pump
- Easy to operate – feature an on/off switch, quick-set regulator & include synthetic oil
- Maneuverable - two pneumatic wheels, a front handle, and a small footprint
- Optimize sanders’ performance – 155-psi maximum pressure
- The drain valve is difficult to get to
- The power cord is short
- Unclear instructions
Built with a heavy-duty induction motor and a Twin-cylinder cast iron pump, the Industrial Air ILA1883054 makes sanding like a breeze. But the thing that our testers couldn’t get over is how much quieter it was, especially compared to the Sears air compressors.
It’s easy to operate.
Included in the package is synthetic oil while the unit is designed with an on/off switch, quick-set regulator, and many more.
For extra portability, it’s also constructed with two pneumatic wheels, a front handle, and a small footprint. Meanwhile, the 155 maximum psi helps optimize your tool performance.
| Industrial Air ILA1883054 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 30 Gallons |
Horsepower | 1. 9 HP |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5. 7 CFM |
CFM @ 40 PSI | 7 CFM |
Maximum Pressure | 155 PSI |
Highlight Features | the heavy-duty induction motor and Twin-cylinder cast iron pump feature an on/off switch, quick-set regulator & include synthetic oil two pneumatic wheels, a front handle, and a small footprint 155-psi maximum pressure |
While sanding is commonly a long-time, effort-taking task, which is also the most challenging issue for 30-gallon air compressors, the Industrial Air ILA1883054 can handle it without you breaking a sweat.
Best For Tough Applications: Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM
- Reliable operation - an auto-start/stop pressure switch control & an easy-access side drain valve
- Durable and protective – cast-iron frame and cylinder, manual overload motor protection, and belt guard
- Ideal for tough handyman tasks – include synthetic oil & 135-psi maximum pressure
- Wish it was a bit more portable
Our first impression of the Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM is its superbly reliable operation.
While the whole frame and cylinder are made of heavy-duty cast iron, along with manual overload motor protection and belt guard, it is included with synthetic oil with 2000 service hours between change-outs.
Compared to the petroleum-based oils, this kind stands out for its 4x longer performance.
Along with 135-psi maximum power, it’s perfect for tough applications.
| Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 30 gallons |
Horsepower | 2 |
Noise Rating (DPA) | 80 |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.7 |
Maximum Pressure | 135 psi |
Highlight Features | an auto-start/stop pressure switch control & an easy-access side drain valve cast-iron frame and cylinder, manual overload motor protection and belt guard include synthetic oil & 135-psi maximum pressure |
Out of a bunch, the Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM offers the most excellent performance for tough applications.
Best For Winterizing Yard Irrigation System: NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor
- Ideal for complicated tasks - 175-psi maximum pressure, FC35-grade cast-iron pump, and Honda GX390 OHV engine
- Safe to use - low oil shutdown built on the Honda engine, oversized flywheel, ASME-certified horizontal tank, and steel belt guard
- Long-lasting & perform smoothly - dynamically balanced LVT pump
- Expensive
NorthStar 30-Gallon Horizontal is not your ordinary air compressor. It’s professionally designed for use in remote areas that lack electricity.
The 175-psi maximum pressure combined with FC35-grade cast-iron pump and Honda GX390 OHV engine allows it to be ready with you on the job. Whether it’s blowing out the winterizing yard irrigation system or changing tires on a semi.
It’s safe to use like the Honda engine is built with low oil shutdown, meanwhile, the air compressor itself features an oversized flywheel, ASME-certified horizontal tank, steel belt guard, and more.
Many longtime users of this product also say that it lasts super-long while keeping smooth performance. That’s a big thank you to the dynamically balanced LVT pump.
| NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 30 Gallons |
Horsepower | 12 |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 24.4 CFM |
CFM @ 40 PSI | 26.8 |
Maximum Pressure | 175 max. PSI |
Highlight Features | 175-psi maximum pressure, FC35-grade cast-iron pump, and Honda GX390 OHV engine low oil shutdown built on the Honda engine, oversized flywheel, ASME-certified horizontal tank, and steel belt guard dynamically balanced LVT pump |
We highly recommend the NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor for anyone finding a super-powerful, durable, and reliable 30-gal air compressor for complicated tasks, like blowing out winterizing yard irrigation systems.
Best For Paint Spraying: Campbell Hausfeld VT6271
- Great storage - ASME code tank, wheels, and a front handle
- Ideal for medium-duty tasks - 5000 service hours and a 135-psi maximum pressure
- The handle could be better
- Short power cord
Designed to offer 5000 service hours and a 135-psi maximum pressure, Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 is perfect for light- to medium-duty tasks. Such as tightening, bolting, nailing, stapling, grinding, and paint spraying.
In the meantime, it is praised for delivering decent maneuverability and great storage, all thanks to the ASME code tank, wheels, and a front handle.
If you own a small garage or shop, this is the best to-go.
| Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 30-Gallon |
Horsepower | 3.7HP |
Noise Rating (DPA) | 87 |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 10.2 CFM |
Maximum Pressure | 135 psi |
Highlight Features | ASME code tank, wheels, and a front handle 5000 service hours and a 135-psi maximum pressure |
The Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 is custom-made for small shop/garage owners who want something that can tackle medium-duty tasks, like paint spraying.
Best For Inflation: Porter Cable PXCMLC1683066
- Powerful - 1.6HP engine, 135-psi maximum power, and durable 1-stage Twin-V cast iron pump
- Easy to use - full pre-assembly & feature an on/off switch, quick connect air outlet, and quick-set regulator
- Simple portability - two pneumatic tires
- A bit pricey
The Porter Cable PXCMLC1683066 is a light-duty 30-gallon air compressor, which means it’s best to tackle tasks like inflation.
But compared to other similar counterparts, it is outstanding for the powerful 1.6HP engine, 135-psi maximum power, and durable 1-stage Twin-V cast iron pump.
It arrives with full pre-assembly so you can use it right out of the box. The usage is also easy as it features an on/off switch, quick connect air outlet and quick-set regulator.
If you’re worried about portability, then don’t. It is designed with two pneumatic tires.
| Porter Cable PXCMLC1683066 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 30 Gallons |
Horsepower | 1.6 HP |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.3 |
CFM @ 40 PSI | 6.2 |
Maximum Pressure | 135 psi |
Highlight Features | 1.6HP engine, 135-psi maximum power, and durable 1-stage Twin-V cast iron pump full pre-assembly & feature an on/off switch, quick connect air outlet, and quick-set regulator two pneumatic tires |
For light-duty tasks like inflation, the Porter Cable PXCMLC1683066 is hard to beat.
How To Choose The Best Quiet 30-gallon Air Compressor?
Maximum air pressure
The maximum air pressure refers to the PSI (pounds per square inch) rating.
It indicates how much air is present in the compressor. The PSI rating can range from 125 to 175 depending on the single-stage or two-stage model. You should choose the maximum air pressure that’s suitable for your jobs.
Airflow rate
This indicator shows the amount of air that the compressor can pump per minute. Measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). As a rule of thumb, a higher rating means greater efficiency.
The airflow rate of the air compressor must be higher than the intake rate of your tools, otherwise, the tools will stop in the middle of your work. To figure out the right CFM rating, you just need to multiply the maximum airflow rate of your tool by 4.
Oil or Oil-free Tanks
When shopping for an air compressor, you will have to pick one of the following types:
- Oil-free tank: low maintenance, cheaper to run, quieter, less messy, more adaptable, and more environmentally friendly.
- Oil tanks: more powerful and more durable.
For a small capacity like 30 gallons, the more common choice is the oil-free tank that requires little to no maintenance. But the ultimate choice is yours.
Noise
A noisy machine can be very irritating when it operates. Therefore, you should pay attention to the noise level when choosing a compressor, go with 70 dB or lower.
Which Brands Make The Best Quiet 30-gallon Air Compressor?
DEWALT
Founded a century ago, DEWALT is a long-standing brand on the power tool market. Through design improvements, it continuously optimizes the experience for customers.
Campbell
This brand has been making air compressors since 1940 with the expertise to deliver the most satisfying products possible. Its machines are easy to use, reliable, and suitable for both professionals and home users.
Porter Cable
With over a century of experience in the industry, this brand has set the standard for jobbing machines and tool shops.
FAQs
How can I make my oilless air compressor quieter?
These are a few ways to make your air compressor quieter:
- Use a soundproof box
- Use compressor deadening materials
- Distance the compressor from your position
- Isolate the compressor
- Install an intake silencer
Oil vs. Oil-free tanks?
These two types of air compressors have their own advantages, you need to consider carefully and take a pick based on your own preference:
- Oil-free tanks require low maintenance. They are also cheaper to run, quieter, less messy, and more adaptable. Lastly, they are more environmentally friendly.
- On the other hand, oil tanks are more powerful and more durable.
How much horsepower does a 30-gallon air compressor need?
A 30-gallon air compressor normally requires 1.5-3.5 horsepower.
How to drain a 30-gallon air compressor?
You need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn off the machine
Step 2: Drive down the pressure
Step 3: Find the drain valve
Step 4: Open the valve while tilting the tank if you need to
Step 5: Once you’re done, close the valve
How many CFM do I need to winterize my irrigation system?
According to professionals, in this case, you need at least 50 CFM.
Conclusion
We hope that our comprehensive guide on choosing the best quiet 30-gallon air compressor makes it clear for you about what to take into account when shopping for this machine.
Once you have got the idea of the ideal machine, remember to browse the most reliable brands we listed here to get a high-quality product. Good luck!
Eugene WilliamsHi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!
