10 best20 Gallon Air Compressorsof June 2025
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1

Makita MAC100Q Quiet Series, 1/2 HP, 1 Gallon Compact, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor
Makita

10.0
2

Metabo HPT Quiet Air Compressor | 125 PSI | 1 Gallon | EC28MM
Metabo HPT

10.0
3

AstroAI Portable 160 PSI Heavy Duty Tire Inflator Pump with Screen, Dual Cylinders & Dual Motors, Dual Power Air Compressor for SUVs, RVs, ORVs, Trucks, Cars, Air Mattresses, etc. Yellow
AstroAI

9.9
4

BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor, Oil-Free, 6 Gallon, 150 PSI (BTFP02012)
Bostitch

9.7
17% off
5

Pawfly Adjustable Aquarium Air Pump 4-LPM 2 Outlets with Oxygen Accessories for 20-100 Gallon Fish Tank Pond
Uniclife

9.5
OtherUp to 11% off
6

Metabo HPT Air Compressor | The Tank™ | 200 PSI | 6 Gallon | Pancake | EC914SM
Metabo HPT

9.2
13% off
7

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Cordless Air Compressor | Tool Only, No Battery | Brushless Motor | 135 Max PSI | 2-Gallon Capacity | 27.3 Lbs. | Optional AC Adapter | EC36DAQ4
Metabo HPT

9.0
8

VIVOSUN Commercial Air Pump 634GPH, 25W, 40L/min 6 Outlet for Aquarium and Hydroponic Systems
VIVOSUN

8.7
9

VEVOR 7HP Gas Powered Air Compressor, 13.2 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor Tank, 9CFM@115PSI Gas Driven Piston Pump Air Compressed System with 115PSI Max Pressure for Construction Sites Workshop
VEVOR

8.5
10

Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor, 6 Gallon (EC710S)
Metabo HPT

8.2
A Guide to Selecting the Best 20 Gallon Air Compressors
Choosing a 20-gallon air compressor can be a great decision if you need a balance between portability and enough air capacity for various tasks. These compressors are popular for home workshops, garages, and small businesses because they can handle a range of tools and projects without being too bulky. When picking the right one, it's important to understand the main features and how they relate to your needs, so you can get a compressor that will work efficiently for your intended uses.
Tank Size (20 Gallons)
The tank size, in this case 20 gallons, refers to how much compressed air the unit can store at one time. This is important because a larger tank allows you to use air tools for longer periods before the compressor needs to refill. For most home and light professional tasks, 20 gallons is a sweet spot—it’s big enough for things like inflating tires, running nail guns, or even some painting, but still manageable to move around. If you plan to use tools that need a steady flow of air for longer periods, this size is a good fit. If your tasks are very short or infrequent, you might not need this much capacity.
Horsepower (HP)
Horsepower measures the power of the compressor’s motor. More horsepower generally means the compressor can refill the tank faster and handle more demanding tools. For 20-gallon compressors, you’ll usually see motors ranging from about 1 to 2 horsepower. Lower horsepower is fine for light tasks like inflating or brad nailing, while higher horsepower is better if you plan to use tools that need more air, like impact wrenches or spray guns. Think about the types of tools you’ll use most often to decide how much power you need.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
CFM tells you how much air the compressor can deliver at a certain pressure, and it’s one of the most important specs to match with your tools. Tools like paint sprayers or sanders need higher CFM, while nailers or inflators need less. 20-gallon compressors typically offer between 3 and 6 CFM at 90 PSI. Check the CFM requirements of your most demanding tool and make sure the compressor can meet or exceed that number at the pressure you’ll use. This ensures your tools run smoothly without the compressor struggling to keep up.
Maximum PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
PSI is the maximum pressure the compressor can build up in the tank. Most air tools work well at 90 PSI, but some need more. A 20-gallon compressor usually offers between 120 and 150 PSI. Higher PSI means the compressor can store more air in the same tank size, which can be helpful for longer tool use. Make sure the compressor’s maximum PSI matches or exceeds the requirements of your tools, but for most home and workshop uses, anything above 120 PSI is usually sufficient.
Portability
Portability refers to how easy it is to move the compressor around. 20-gallon models are heavier than smaller ones, but many come with wheels and handles. If you need to move your compressor between different work areas, look for features like sturdy wheels and a comfortable handle. If it will mostly stay in one place, portability might not be as important, but it’s still good to consider how you’ll move it for storage or maintenance.
Noise Level
Noise level is how loud the compressor is when running, usually measured in decibels (dB). Quieter compressors are more comfortable to use, especially indoors or in shared spaces. 20-gallon compressors can vary a lot in noise, so if you’re sensitive to sound or will use it in a quiet area, look for models that advertise lower noise levels. If noise isn’t a big concern, you can focus more on performance specs.
Oil-Free vs. Oil-Lubricated
This refers to how the compressor’s pump is maintained. Oil-free compressors are easier to maintain and don’t require regular oil changes, making them good for occasional or light use. Oil-lubricated compressors tend to last longer and run more quietly, but they need regular maintenance. If you want something simple and low-maintenance, go oil-free. If you plan to use the compressor often and want durability, consider oil-lubricated.

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