Compressed air is great to have around the shop. The trouble is, most affordable compressors are somewhere between “wake the dead” and “the reason Pete Townshend is deaf” on the decibel scale. But ...

After a great floor jack and a tool chest, getting the best air compressor is probably next on any home mechanic’s wish list.

We earn commissions from purchases you make using links in our articles. Learn more. Whether it's for painting, dusting, inflating, or air tools, sometimes there's no substitute for an air compressor.