Best 2 Gallon Air Compressor Reviews

If your old small air compressor gets tired of pumping air for your tools, and it keeps running continuously to keep the tank pressure at a certain level.

Or you are looking for a new portable air compressor for your home use that would be used for nailing, inflating, and other small jobs, or you’re interested in choosing a portable compressor for carpentry jobs, in that case, a 2-gallon air compressor might a good option.

2-gallon air compressors are designed to run those tools that require a small amount of air, such as finish nailers, staple guns, brad nailers, or tire inflating. It has the limitation in airflow, tank size, and tank pressure.

So, before diving deep into this guide, Make sure. 

What is a 2-gallon air compressor used for? 

• Inflating Tires: One of the primary uses of this kind of portable air compressor is to inflate tires, including those on cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and sports equipment like basketballs or footballs. These compressors’ airflow capacity ranges from 1.5 to 2.8 CFM at 90PSI, so they can quickly and efficiently fill the tires to the recommended pressure.

• Powering Pneumatic Tools: Many pneumatic tools, such as nail guns, staplers, and floor nailers, require a sheer amount of compressed air to function. A 2-gallon air compressor provides sufficient air pressure to power these tools for various applications, including construction, carpentry, and home garage tasks.

• Cleaning and Dusting: Compressed air can be used for cleaning and dusting hard-to-reach areas. They can blow away dust, debris, and dirt from equipment, machinery, computer components, keyboards, and other delicate or intricate surfaces with appropriate attachments. But as their tank size is small, so they can hold you up with an air blow gun for a while.

• Airbrushing: Airbrushes require a minimal amount of air. So, definitely, A 2-gallon air compressor can supply the necessary air pressure to operate airbrush, making it suitable for artistic endeavors and small-scale painting projects.

It’s important to note that while a 2-gallon air compressor is suitable for these tasks, it may have limitations in terms of continuous use and high-demand applications. So, if your jobs require a large amount of air to get the job done, a 6-gallon or 10-gallon air compressor might be okay. Also, you can see our recommended 20-gallon air compressors for heavy-duty tasks.

What kind of tools can you run using a 2-gallon air compressor (Chart)

Brad nailer	Yes
Finish Nailer	Yes
Framing nailer	Ideal for concessional use, not recommended for professional uses
Floor Nailer	Yes
Impact Wrench	No
Air grinder	No
Airbrushing	Yes
Cut-off Tool	No
Inflating Car tires	Yes
Blow guns	Yes
blow out sprinkler system	Not Adequate

The 3 Best 2-gallon air compressor reviews

Fortress 2-gallon air compressor

We listed the Fortress 2-gallon compressor at the top of our selection. It’s the best unit we have tested, offering 2.2 CFM air at 90PSI, 135 PSI maximum tank pressure, full roll case protection, 1.2 HP oil-free pump system. Fortress serves all these features at a lower price than the competitors, making it a money-worthy choice. 

Oil-free pump: 

This fortress portable air compressor is equipped with an oil-free pump. So, this provides you with efficient and hassle-free operation without needing regular maintenance involving oil changes or lubrication. 

The benefit of an oil-free pump is it ensures a clean and dry compressed air output. This makes it suitable for sensitive applications that require a high level of air purity, such as dental clinics or airbrushing.

Ultra Quiet: 

The manufacturer claimed its noise level was at 60 DBA. Unfortunately, we measured it was around 68 DBA from the very nearest position, which was surprising for me. Its oil-free Low rpm pump makes it significantly quieter than a traditional compressor. This reduced noise level provides a more comfortable and peaceful working environment, especially where noise reduction is essential.

Verdict: Is this Fortress 2-gallon air compressor ideal for you?

Well, it’s a 2-gallon tank capacity compressor that can safely handle a maximum tank pressure of 135 PSI. The pump motor can deliver 2.2 CFM air at 90 PSI. So, if your jobs require airflow rates around 2.5 CFM at 90 PSI, this compressor is worth your investment.

Makita 2 gallon air compressor

When it comes to choosing a 2-gallon air compressor for the toughest job sites, the first priority is the compressor must be robust enough and must have proper protection. The unit must be quiet enough and have the capability of delivering sufficient air according to the tool’s requirements. The Makita 2-gallon air compressor meets all these requirements at an upper-mid price. 

Here’s, why we recommend this compressor for professional job sites. 

One notable model from Makita is the 1 HP, 2 Gallon, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor (MAC210Q), which incorporates the Quiet Series Design, combining powerful performance with minimized noise emissions.

The MAC210Q stands out with its impressively low sound level, reaching only 60 dBA; we measured around 64 DBA. This makes it particularly suitable for indoor applications, including case and base installation, trim and finish carpentry, cabinet or furniture making, and various other tasks. The compressor operates at a lower RPM, ensuring an extended lifespan for both the motor and the pump. Its reliable 1-horsepower induction motor enables it to deliver air pressure of up to 135 PSI. Its tank can handle this pressure safely. 

Portability is another advantage of the MAC210Q, thanks to its lightweight design weighing only 44 lbs. It is not too light, But its well-balanced design makes it easy to move. This feature allows for easy transportation between different job sites or workshops. Moreover, the roll-cage construction offers an added layer of protection for the pump and motor assembly during transportation, storage, and use on job sites.

The MAC210Q has several additional features that enhance its performance and user convenience. It boasts a low AMP draw, minimizing the occurrence of tripped breakers during startup. Furthermore, its oil-free dual-piston pump is specifically designed for maintenance-free operation, eliminating the need for regular oil changes and reducing overall maintenance requirements.

Overall, the Makita 1 HP, 2 Gallon, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor (MAC210Q) is a reliable and efficient choice, combining quiet operation, durable construction, and impressive performance. It provides the necessary power and portability for a variety of applications, making it a favorite among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Milwaukee 2-gallon air compressor

The best cordless 2-gallon air compressor we have tested is the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compact Compressor. If you want a compressor for car tire inflating purposes, yes, this Milwaukee cordless compressor would be a good choice. We tested this cordless 2-gallon compressor using a 16-gauge nail gun; the motor kicked on after firing 10 nails; this result is really inadequate for professional jobs who are involved to carpentry jobs. It takes 32 seconds to recover the tank pressure. It can deliver 1.2 SCFM air at 90 PSI, this might be ideal for car tire inflating, but if you choose it for big tires, you should be patient when it fills the tires. 

Overview of this 2-gallon portable compressor

The Milwaukee 2-gallon air compressor Boasting an impressive noise level of only 68dB(A), this cordless compressor stands out as the quietest option available, surpassing the majority of corded alternatives in terms of noise reduction.

Designed with the needs of professionals in mind, this 2-gallon air compressor is tailored to excel in demanding job site environments. Its compact and stack able design ensures convenient storage and effortless transportation, allowing it to seamlessly accompany you to, from, and around the worksite.

With a single charge, you can drive up to an impressive 1,600 18ga Brad nails, ensuring you can complete your tasks efficiently.

Adding to its versatility, this air compressor is compatible with all MILWAUKEE® M18™ REDLITHIUM™ batteries, enabling easy battery pack interchangeability. This feature ensures you can swiftly swap batteries and continue your work, eliminating downtime and ensuring your job is promptly finished.

Is 2-gallon air compressor enough?

A common question that arises is whether a 2-gallon air compressor is sufficient for various tasks. 

Firstly, let’s understand what a 2-gallon air compressor actually means. The tank size of an air compressor indicates the volume of compressed air it can store. A 2-gallon air compressor is designed to hold two gallons of compressed air, which is approximately 7.6 liters. While this may seem small compared to larger tanks, it can still be quite useful for specific applications.

The average air emitting capacity of a 2-gallon air compressor is around 1.8 CFM to 2.2 CFM at 90 psi. These specs are ideal for light-duty tasks requiring low to moderate air pressure. It is ideal for tasks such as inflating tires, sports equipment, and inflatable toys. If you frequently work on small household projects or engage in hobbies like airbrushing, stapling, or nailing a 2-gallon air compressor can meet your needs effectively.