Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor For The Money [2024 Guide]

WEN 2202T 15-Amp 20-Gallon
9.7/10

Best For Money

  • 86 lbs
  • 135 PSI
  • 20 Gallon
  • Oil-Free Pump
  • 3.8 CFM @ 90 PSI
  • 5.0 CFM @ 40 PSI
  • 2-Years Warranty
Stealth 20 Gallon SAQ 12018
9.6/10

Best Quietest

  • 121.4 lbs
  • 150 PSI
  • 20 Gallon
  • Oil-Lubricated
  • 5 CFM @ 90 PSI
  • 6 CFM @ 40 PSI
  • ‎Limited Lifetime Warranty
Porter Cable PXCMF220VW
9.5/10

Best Home Garage

  • 97 lbs
  • 150 PSI
  • 20 Gallon
  • Oil-Free Pump
  • 4 CFM @ 90 PSI
  • 5 CFM @ 40 PSI
  • UL / CSA Certified Unit

The air compressors help us with a variety of routine tasks. Ranging from lighter to heavier work, such as bolting, screwing, inflation, etc. Thus, these compressors make our job easier.

Today I’ll be shedding light on one of their kind “the best 20 gallon air compressors”. Now, these beasts are a combination of higher raw power, rock-hard durability, jaw-dropping performance, and portable size for ease of movement.

They are specially built for serious people like you and us. Those who have to do some serious heavy-duty work and they don’t hesitate to use power-hungry tools to make your work epic and you as a professional.

Here we have written down a 20-gallon air compressor buying guide. It’ll help you compare and short-list the right compressor according to your needs, tools, and job as well.

Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor [Year] [Buying Guide]

Certain factors play a very important role in the efficient working of your tool. So, the below points will clear the fog in your mind about what to look for in the best 20 gallon air compressor.

Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)

It is a measure of how fast and how much air is supplied by the compressor to the pneumatic tool. Thus higher CFM results in a higher volume of air output at maximum speed.

The reason I consider CFM as the 1st important factor is that a huge range of tools demands a large amount of air at an astonishing speed to work precisely.

Noise

The noise level plays an important factor, especially when using the compressor indoors. The noise level also depends on the type of pump and its design.

For hassle-free working, you should use a quiet air compressor with a tolerable range. Another way is to apply tips to make your air compressor quieter.

In this way, you’ll avoid getting to the bad side of the neighbors and also have a peaceful shop just for your dear customers.

Tank Size

The tank or gallon size determines the volume of gas enclosed in the cylinder for a longer period of operation.

The higher capacity means extended tool working time and less frequent refilling. This ultimately results in time-saving and makes your work faster.

Space And Portability

Mobility of the compressor within the site and from site to site is essential to the job. Thus a smaller footprint and lower weight along with the wheels make the equipment perfectly portable.

Durability

Durability may depend on the design and the quality of the material used in the main parts of the compressor. Enhanced durability means a longer lifespan, and frequent use with accurate, consistent, and tough performance.

Oiled Vs Oil-Less

If I were to talk about oiled vs oil-less compressors both have their benefits and flaws depending on the usage and requirements.

Oil-free has the advantages of needing less maintenance, being cost-free, and being easy to clean. While oiled compressor has the advantages of being noise-free, having longer pump life, and can handle heavy-duty jobs.

Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor Reviews 2024

Here we are in our reviews section. We did deep research, customer review analysis, and team debate to hand out these best 20 gallon air compressors.

List of Best 20 Gallon Air Compressors

2202T Wen Air Compressor 20 Gallon, 15-Amp [Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor For The Money]

The WEN 2202T is one of the powerful single-stage air compressors built for garages, shops, and job sites.

It has a 105 PSIG cut-in pressure with a flow rate of 3.8 CFM @ 90 PSI and 5.0 CFM @ 40 PSI. That’s right their optimum compressed air power for running up spray guns, staplers, nailers, or any other pneumatic tools.

The compressor is integrated with a 15 Amps motor that provides a max pressure of 135 PSI. The overall CFM along with motor power makes it more versatile for a variety of woodworking and painting jobs.

With motor is its handy-dandy auto-shutoff functionality. As soon the compressor reaches its maximum pressure, the auto-shutoff system turns off the compressor for safety as well as reliable compressing.

The 20-gallon compressor tank is made with reinforced steel that increases durability against rough job site conditions.

There is the 1/4-inch NPT coupler air outlet for quicker air hose changing. While on the other hand, the compressor has a 23 mm drain plug.

The compressor measures about 19.5 x 17.5 x 42 inches in dimension/size. Plus, the vertical frame makes it less spacey. As for portability, the compressor has dual rubber-footed legs and wheels.

Both legs and wheels enhance the overall compressor stability and prevent the risk of the compressor tripping over during work. On the flip side, there is the onboard handle for easier transportation and storage.

Pros
  • Easy to setup
  • 2-years warranty
  • Compact design
  • Faster recovery time
  • Friendly customer helpline
  • Airing up the bike, car, wagon tires, and other inflation jobs
  • Easily works with painting jobs, DIY projects, and home garage work
  • Smoothly run cut-off saw, plasma cutter, paint sprayers, nail guns, staplers, and other pneumatic, and air tools
Cons
  • Takes time to build pressure
  • Missing parts incidents upon shipping
  • Product damage and oil leaking cases due to poor shipping

Stealth 20 Gallon SAQ 12018, 1.8 HP, 68 Decibel [Best Quietest 20 Gallon Air Compressor]

What I have seen with the Stealth ‎SAQ-12018 is its quietness. It’s the 5th compressor that goes into my list of quiet air compressors.

Now, this bud holds the power of 5 CFM @ 90 PSI and 6 CFM @ 40 PSI with 150 maximum pressure… which I think is good enough for running up a caulking gun, polisher, shear, sander, chisel, impact wrench, finishing nailer, framing nailer, brad nailer, angle grinder, and die grinder.

As for the motor, it’s a high-efficiency induction motor that generates 1.8 Horse Power. Amazingly, the motor has 3 times a longer life span than other standard induction motors.

The motor charges up the 20-gallon air tank from empty to full in 1 minute, and 10 seconds. Plus, also helps in quick low voltage and cold weather startup.

Another great feature along with the motor is the oil-free dual-piston pump. The pumps grant higher performance and a longer life span. On the other hand, the oil-free system makes the air compressor ultra-quiet with a 68 dBA noise level.

The icing on the cake is that the oil-free system grants less maintenance and overall reduced oil costs compared to oil-lubricated air compressors.

Oh! Wait! I forgot to mention that… Above CFM, 20-gallon tank capacity, and high HP induction motor grant you more power to further run cleaning tools, cut-off tools, and other air tool accessories, do inflation and do DIY painting jobs.

The Stealth is built with a heavy-duty Q235B special alloy metal to withstand a harsh job site environment. Another benefit is the housing metal cage bar that protects the motor and other components from any type of damage.

It has 8-inch rubber-reinforced wheels that give higher mobility for easy transportation from place to place. There is also the reinforced rubber handle grip that grants strong hand gripping.

The compressor weighs about 121.4 lbs with a vertical frame to enhance portability as well as save space for smaller shops/garages.

Lastly, the compressor has a Limited Lifetime Warranty with Passed ETL Certification. Plus, comes with an electric cord and a user manual.

Pros
  • ‎Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • Builds pressure quickly
  • Simple mounted gauges and controls
  • Quieter dBA level for shop/garage work
  • It has a dandy little front hanger for the air hose hanging
  • Dual quick connects to avoid tool unplugging hassle
  • For doing inflation, detailing cars, and DIY painting jobs
  • Run caulking guns, polishers, shears, sanders, chisels, impact wrenches, hammers, finishing nailers, framing nailers, brad nailers, angle grinders, and die grinders
  • Run cleaning tools, cut-off tools, and other air tool accessories
Cons
  • Poor customer service
  • Product damage due to poor shipping

Porter Cable PXCMF220VW 20 Gallon Air Compressor [Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor For Home Garage]

Meet the dream team of heavy-duty and long-life induction motors and pumps. During the non-stop functioning, both ensure reliable performance.

The powerful drive induction motor features high-quality winding with an output of 1.5 HP. Low starting torque and low-voltage start-up are the plus points too.

The tough Twin-V cast iron pump provides air delivery of 4 CFM at 90 PSI and 5 CFM at 40 PSI. A max of 150 PSI with the vertically positioned 20 gallons.

The pump is oil-free, thus you don’t need to check or refill the oil. No pulleys and belts confirm the maintenance-free.

The vertical body with a 7-inch rubber wheel for convenient job site mobility. Rubber feet stabilize the up-right still the position of 97 lbs. weighted tank.

What I think is amazing about Porter is its weight. That’s why I consider it the best portable 20 gallon air compressor because of its lightweight design compared to others.

The compressor pump and the motor are covered with a protective casing. The advantage is that it protects the working components such as regulators and gauges.

The combination of the bearable noise level of 84 dB and toxic chemical-free makes it perfect for indoor use.

The additional features include a pressure switch with an on/off, tank pressure gauge. Moreover, the pressure relief valve for fast and full tank draining is worth a lot.

Pros
  • Takes less space
  • UL / CSA Certified unit
  • Quicker pressure buildup
  • Casing protection for vital elements
  • Doesn’t require belts/pulleys to maintain
  • Compact, handy design for easy transport
  • 7-Inch durable wheels for faster movement
  • Longer tool runtime for power-hungry tools
  • Oil-less design means minimal maintenance
  • Low voltage start-up minimizes current draw
Cons
  • A bit noisy
  • Parts assembly issue
  • Heat dissipation is not good

DXCMPA1982054 Dewalt 20 gallon air compressor [Best Portable 20 Gallon Air Compressor]

The compressor has a heavy-duty dual voltage induction motor of 1.9 RHP for higher efficiency. Thus ensuring trouble-free operation leads to driving high pump performance.

As standard, it is assembled and plugged into a 120-volt outlet. It can also be converted for a 240-volt application by a skilled electrician.

The dual voltage feature makes it a perfect solution for versatile tasks. It is ideal to accomplish the jobs performed in the house as well as in the workshop.

What I admire about DeWalt 20 gallon air compressor is its beastly CFM strength. Packed with 7.0 CFM at 40 psi and 5.7 CFM at 90 psi and up to 155 PSI maximum operating pressure which is perfect for longer air tool run times.

This industry-leading air compressor is made for optimal tool performance for the DIY user, professional, or contractor. As well as ideal for high-consumption air tools such as nail guns, paint sprayers, sanders, and more.

The oil-lubricated air compressor is a single-stage and V-twin cast iron pump. The 1-piece cast iron crankcase design makes it thermally stable and more durable. Make it tough at job sites and designed for the professional.

It is shipped with a synthetic compressor oil for its noise-less oil-lubricated pump to ensure hassle-free operation. I advise you to use a dipstick with the bottle to pour oil to avoid an oil spill mess.

The oil level sight glass for checking the amount of oil consumed during the pump operation. It also makes the easy and clean refilling of oil by the quick access to the refilling spot.

There is rapid access to the high-flow regulator, tank, and tool pressure gauge. A quick-connect air outlet and On-Off switch are also easy to reach.

The plus features are automotive-style ball bearings and durable Swedish stainless steel reed valves. All these onboard features make usage easier and hassle-free.

Additionally a 12” cast iron balanced flywheel for maximum functioning and convenience. For removing jammed and stubborn nuts and bolts, higher torque is needed. The high-flow regulator supplies 20% more torque for tough tasks like those mentioned above.

Pros
  • 2-years pump warranty
  • 1-year warranty for all other parts
  • Dual voltage conversion
  • The tank is ASME Certified
  • Durable and leak-proof design
  • Exceptionally quiet performance
  • 20% higher torque for tough tasks
  • Swedish stainless steel reed valves
  • Shipped with a Dewalt synthetic compressor oil
  • Quick on-board access to gauges and regulators
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Leakage occurs, but a few times
  • Not shipped with filter accessory
  • Draw high current, thus high power consumption

IL1682066.MN Industrial Air 20 Gallon Air Compressor [Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor For Shop]

It is equipped with a heavy-duty dual-voltage induction motor. It means it can be operated for both 120V and 240V. Although it is factory-wired with 120V but can also be converted to 240V. A power convenient option for the customer.

It has safe and handy onboard controls for the necessary and frequent use of parts. The tank and tool pressure gauges and quick-connect air outlet are easy to access. Also, the on-off switch and quick-set regulators are accessible without any trouble.

The compressor is engineered for tough jobs. Perfectly used at the mechanic shop, service truck, and livestock operation. The components are strong enough to withstand wear and tear under tough and challenging conditions.

The high-performance dual voltage induction motor can drive trouble-free pump performance. The heavy-duty motor provides 1 HP, electrically powered at 120V. It ensures optimized performance and efficiency.

Thermally stable cast iron, V-twin cylinder, and oil-lubricated pump with drive belt technology deliver maximum pressure ratings of 135 PSI. The UL and CSA-certified pump provides 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.2 CFM at 40 PSI.

The 20-Gallon ASME portable tank is equipped with pneumatic tires for maximum portability. A small footprint for space-saving. Front handles offer easy mobility to the various job sites and within the work area.

The other benefit that makes it worthwhile is that it is designed with a one-piece cast iron crankcase and an aluminum head. A machined cast iron valve plate and a 10-inch cast iron balanced flywheel are of added value.

Moreover, the combination of stainless steel reed valves, quick-set regulators, and working pressure gauges provides accurate control of pressure. Plus the quick connect air outlet and on/off switch at the right location ensure its ease of use.

The oil-lubrication pump ensures trouble-free and smooth working. And don’t forget the synthetic air compressor oil that is coming along with the compressor.

For the oil level, you can have a sight glass to know the right time for oil refilling. A hassle-free and easily accessible oil filling point makes the refilling trouble-free.

Pros
  • 2-years limited warranty
  • ASME Certified tank
  • Very quiet operation
  • Shipped with synthetic oil
  • CSA Listed and UL Certified
  • Dual-voltage induction motor
  • Pneumatic wheels for mobility
  • Automotive-style ball bearings
  • Less vibration during operation
  • On-board controls for quick setup
  • Designed for faster heat dissipation
Cons
  • It’s a relatively heavy unit
  • The main pully belt misaligned
  • Heat is not properly dissipated

NorthStar 20 Gallon Vertical Air Compressor [Best 2 HP 20 Gallon Air Compressor]

Now, this Northstar 20 gallon air compressor has a powerful 2HP induction motor. This motor runs at 3440 RPM with a low amp draw for easier starts.

The compressor is engineered with a heavy-duty and durable 2-cylinder cast iron V-twin pump. It has the ability to deliver 5.0 CFM @ 90 PSI; and 6.0 CFM @ 40 PSI. On the other hand, the 6 ft cord with a plug eases the power connectivity.

Heat and moisture are strong enemies for the proper functioning of the machine. They also reduce the longevity of the machine to a great extent. Thus to prevent them, it is designed in such a way as to operate flawlessly and smoothly.

The V-style cylinder is oriented to eliminate hotspots and ensure consistent cooling. Thus resulting in the long life of the pump. Copper finned inter and after-coolers, cast iron heads shaped in a way to dissipate heat excellently.

Oil-lubricated pump driven by a belt runs without making noise and delivers a long pump life. That also means that there is much less compressor noise on the job site such as in shops, garages, etc.

ASME-certified 20-gallon tank built tough for commercial use and can deliver max 135 PSI. The air capacity is adequate for home and automotive repairs. Air ratchet, impact wrench, siphon feed sandblaster, nibbler, nailers, airbrush, touch-up spray gun, etc. are a few to mention.

The chance of the breakdown of the compressor during the operation is very low. One should not need to worry about it at all. It is engineered with superior technology for long service life. For less wear and tear and durable support, bearings are placed on both ends of the pump’s crankshaft.

Space-saving and portability go side by side, as they demand a smaller footprint in common. The vertical design and a portability kit ensure space-saving. Plus the smooth-rolling steel ball-bearing wheels and no-flat tire enhanced portability. Easy to transport within the project site or to another workplace.

Since compressors need repair and maintenance. The NorthStar thus provides superior after-sale Service and Support. Help is a phone call and emails away. While trained and professional technical staff fixes all repairs on the site.

Pros
  • Long power cord
  • Belt driven pump
  • ASME certified tank
  • Low oil consumption
  • Dual voltage selection
  • Brilliant Service and Support
  • Excellent heat dissipation design
  • Low ampere draw for a quick start
  • Long life span because of oiled pump
  • Engineered for durability and tough jobs
  • Built-in regulator for air pressure to air tools
Cons
  • The drain valve is positioned incorrectly
  • Regular maintenance is needed for oil refilling
  • The pressure regulator is of moderate quality

My Personal Recommendation

In the end, if you ask me about my choice, the WEN 2202T is overall the best 20 gallon air compressor for the money.

It has a balanced CFM with a 15-amp motor that grants versatility in using a wider range of power tools for woodworking and other jobs.

Plus, the 2-year warranty with amazingly cheaper price compared to other compressors.

Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor FAQs

Q: What is the best 20 gallon air compressor?

Ans: Below are the best 20 gallon air compressors:
1. WEN 2202T – Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor For The Money
2. Stealth SAQ 12018 – Best Quietest 20 Gallon Air Compressor
3. Porter Cable PXCMF220VW – Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor For Home Garage
4. DeWalt DXCMPA1982054 – Best Portable 20 Gallon Air Compressor
5. Industrial Air IL1682066.MN – Best 20 Gallon Air Compressor For Shop
6. NorthStar Single-Stage – Best 2 HP 20 Gallon Air Compressor

Q: What CFM for 20 gallon air compressor?

Ans: Mostly, the 20 gallon air compressors have a 4 to 7 CFM range.

Q: How long can a 20 gallon air compressor tank last?

Ans: These 20 gallon air compressors have a long lifespan. With a continuous work of 40,000 to 60,000 hours and in our language that is 15 to 20 years or even goes up to 30 years. It also depends upon the frequent usage and how many maintenance chores you do.

Q: How long does a 20 gallon air compressor take to fill?

Ans: Well, with the tank size like these compressors. It should take roundabout 5 minutes for the tank to completely refill.

Q: What can I do with 20 gallon air compressor?

Ans: Compressors like these are best for use in DIYer projects, in big garages, doing heavy woodworking jobs, or running large tools like wrenches, etc.

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