Buyer’s Guide to the Best Mini Air Compressors
Air compressors are invaluable when it comes to self-sufficiency at home. It allows you to inflate a variety of items, ranging from balloons and balls to bicycle and car tires. However, something that annoys many people is the fact that they are difficult to carry around and occupy a lot of space. It would be far more convenient to have an air compressor that’s movable and can be stored away when not in use. Thankfully, portable mini air compressors do just that.
They are made for people on the go and prioritize convenience over power. While you do lose out on the ability to inflate larger tires, if you have a car tire that’s normal sized or a bit smaller, these are the perfect purchase.
Even if you don’t, having an air compressor that can be stored and taken out at any time is a huge help in many situations. Having a spare in your car is always recommended in case you can’t immediately go to a mechanic or tire store.
Here, we have compiled a list of the most well-rounded and well-reviewed mini air compressors available. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best portable mini air compressors on the market.
Best mini air compressor reviewed items
Oasser P1S Portable Mini Air Inflator
The P1S is a budget-oriented mini air compressor from the company Oasser. Oasser has made a name for itself in this market, and the P1S does not disappoint.
Review
This mini air compressor is one that stands out from the rest. While there are many highlights in this compressor, the one that stands out the most is surely the wireless part. Put the battery on charging and after a while, you will be good to go. No cables needed whatsoever. This is especially useful in situations where you don’t have immediate access to a power source.
In addition, this model has an above average psi of 120, ensuring you get a decent amount of power from the device. Many people will definitely be happy with the fact that there are about three different unit systems on this device, so you can pick whichever one is the most comfortable for you.
Furthermore, any recently used pressure settings are stored on the on-board memory, so you don’t have to set it up all again. The accessories are also great with different nozzles for toys, tubes, balls and cars
The display is digital with an LCD showing pressure settings, though this display is also a downside. Since sunlight has a brightness far greater than that of an LCD display, viewing angles suffer. This problem would no longer exist if the developers increased the brightness of the panel or simply used a mechanical gauge for measurement instead.
Another more concerning problem is the quality control or lack thereof. Many users reported that their devices broke down after only a few uses with many complaining about the battery being the primary point of failure.
Audew Portable Mini Tire Inflator
This tire pump from Audew is another great inflator. Audew has aimed it toward a more casual user.
Review
The Audew 12V portable tire inflator truly pushes the boundaries of what we call portable. Its size is even smaller than that of a smartphone, making it the ideal companion for those outdoor excursions. It is available in such a small form factor that you can even put it in your pocket or shove it somewhere and forget it was even there.
Furthermore, the slick design and very legible markings on the gauge are much appreciated. Compared to digital meters, this simple approach is just as good since you get no problems viewing the gauge in sunlight.
Additionally, this mini air compressor has a unique sealing design that fits most items all the while improving the seal around the cable. According to Audew, this helps minimize any air leakage during the filling process. Cable length is also longer for an unhindered process of using the device.
The company itself has great faith in its product, considering that it offers 180 days of free replacement and even a refund within 90 days.
However, there are many aspects that fall short of other mini air compressors. The first is the power. This device just lacks the oomph of the other compressors. It offers a pressure of about 100 psi. Compared to 120 and 150 which are 20% and 50% more pressure respectively, it clearly shows this inflator lost power to reach this compact size. Consequently, it will take the Audew mini air compressor much longer to inflate a tire than other products in this range.
Also, while the mechanical gauge does have its advantages, it lacks all the bells and whistles of a digital display and that really shows. One or two mini gauges with different unit systems would be highly appreciated.
Lastly, the accessories for this item are not up to par either. They feel like they were designed and made at the very last minute. The accessories lack the connectivity featured on other products. Audew also skimped out on any extra features like a flashlight or wireless operation.
Oasser P1 Portable Mini Air Inflator
The P1 is another offering from Oasser in the budget-friendly sector, providing good all-around features without ripping a hole in your wallet.
Review
Oasser’s P1 is about 50% more powerful than the other offerings in a size only a little larger than them. It provides a pressure of about 150 psi. A higher psi translates to being able to gush out more air, which means filling air quicker in tires.
Thus, in general, getting a compressor with the highest psi value is always recommended due to it being so vastly effective and faster compared to compressors with lower psi values. This is exactly what makes the Oasser P1 very enticing for anyone wanting a no-compromise mini air compressor with great performance and no gimmicks. Keep in mind that even then, a portable mini air compressor will always be less powerful than a full air compressor.
Operating the unit is as simple as selecting the output you want (psi, kg/cm², kPa, bar) on the display and then setting the necessary cutoff pressure.
The display on the P1 is an LCD. A digital display may allow for greater convenience in general, but the display itself is dull and far from vivid. Thus, expect to have problems reading the figures whenever under direct sunlight, although you will be perfectly fine at night. In daylight, a mechanical measuring gauge is far more practical.
This device supports AC/DC charging at quick speeds, resulting in a charge time of only about one and a half hour.
The accessory support on this model is great and looks well-built. There’s even a handy storage bag that comes with the compressor. You get access to different kinds of accessories, giving you the ability to connect to various kinds of items. The included attachment supports most major inflatables, but the accessories will definitely expand that number by a few. Balls, tubes, bicycle tires and even toys can be inflated using those handy tools that come with the air compressor.
Conclusion
All the aforementioned portable mini air compressors will definitely give you your money’s worth, but if you want to get the most bang for your buck, we most certainly recommend the P1S from Oasser. Given its amazing portability (the defining feature of a portable mini air compressor) and truly wireless operation, many users will have a blast using this device. Nice extras like the high-intensity flashlight are also very helpful.
One thing to note is that the purchased unit should be scrutinized and tested thoroughly since many users reviewed a failed device. In the event of a fault, the product should be swapped out for a new one as soon as possible. Despite this minor issue, the P1S remains the more versatile and portable option for most users. So, go ahead and try it out!