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The Best Portable Air Pump

Last updated on July 27, 2023

We looked at the top 12 Portable Air Pumps and dug through the reviews from 97 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Portable Air Pumps.

 

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Best Portable Air Pump

Our Review Process

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A flat tire never happens at a convenient time. Whether you’re on the road or your car is parked, changing a flat tire can be a pain, even if you have a handy spare in the trunk. That’s where a portable air pump comes in. An air compressor can fill your tire to help you get from where you are to a tire repair shop without having to try to switch out a spare.

But the best place to keep your air pump is in the trunk of your car, which means portability is essential. With a portable air pump, you aren’t limited to storing it in your garage. Just pop your trunk and you’re ready to go. Look for an air pump that’s small and lightweight enough that it won’t be in your way when you’re transporting groceries, luggage and other essentials.

Expert Vicki Liston is writer, producer and narrator of “On the Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show. She’s personally seen the value of a portable air pump, which has helped her out with a flat tire or two.  She’s also found that some air pumps can even come in handy for those around-the-house emergencies.

“Ensure you have a set of various nozzle adaptors and the possibilities are almost endless,” Liston says. “Unexpected house guests? That air mattress will fill up quickly and you are ready to entertain in no time. Do the kids need the wading pool and all 24 of their inflatable toys blown up? No problem and you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon out in the sun and watching them play.  Have a dust-laden item you need to clean? Use your pump like a mini blow gun and be done in a few seconds. Arrive early to a birthday party only to find the parents dizzy, out of breath, and still blowing up that 100-count pack of balloons? Yes, your portable air pump will prove that not all heroes wear capes.”

Ease of use is another important feature to look for in an air pump. Many models feature auto-shutoff, which means you simply input the desired PSI ­— which refers to the pounds of air per square inch — and the unit stops pumping once you’ve reached it. Most auto manufacturers recommend a PSI of between 32 and 35 when the weather is cold, but check the sticker inside your drivers-side door to get information specific to your own vehicle.

Our Picks For The Top Portable Air Pumps

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

AstroAI Portable Programmable Tire Inflators Air Pump, 100-PSI

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AstroAI

Portable Programmable Tire Inflators Air Pump, 100-PSI

You can check your tire pressure and correct it swiftly with this portable air pump. Most low tires can be brought up to the correct pressure within a few minutes thanks to the powerful motor. If you have an emergency at night, the built-in light can be a lifesaver.

Overall Take

Quick and CompactThis handheld portable air pump packs a powerful motor.

 Runner Up

EPAuto 12V DC Automatic Shut Off Portable Air Pump, 70-PSI

EPAuto

12V DC Automatic Shut Off Portable Air Pump, 70-PSI

An overheat protection system sets this portable air pump apart from others in its field. If the unit ever overheats, it will shut off to protect it from damage. It also features auto shutoff for its inflation, allowing you to input your desired PSI and wait until it reaches it.

Overall Take

Top PickOverheat protection and auto shutoff keep both this portable air pump and your tires safe.

Pros
" While its CE certification can be welcome news, it is the presence of an integrated overheat protector that will give you peace of mind every time you use this tire inflator. The overheat protection system instantly shuts off the device..."
Cons
"It takes some time to raise its pressure levels according to some portable air compressor reviews"
 Strong Contender

FLEXTAILGEAR Lightweight 5-Nozzle Portable Air Pump, .5-PSI

FLEXTAILGEAR

Lightweight 5-Nozzle Portable Air Pump, .5-PSI

Weighing just over 2 ounces, this portable air pump with five nozzles is surprisingly powerful. It inflates everything from pool floats to camping mattresses in seconds. You can even get the pump in a variety of colors, like space gray, blue and white.

Overall Take

Affordable PickWhen shopping on a budget, this portable air pump won't break the bank.

 We Also Like

Airmoto Battery Powered Built-In Flashlight Portable Air Pump, 120-PSI

Airmoto

Battery Powered Built-In Flashlight Portable Air Pump, 120-PSI

You never know when an emergency will strike, so you'll want to keep this portable air pump on hand. It's designed with a built-in flashlight and power bank. There are four pressure settings to choose from, which allow you to quickly inflate sports equipment, bicycles, motorcycles and automobiles.

Overall Take

High-Tech OptionWith this portable air pump, you'll be able to inflate your tires up to 120 pound-force per square inch.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
19

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the portable air pumps available to purchase.
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Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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97

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Easy Get Product, TopTenReviews, 2K Reviews, Do Best Products, Car Outfitter.

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Our experts reviewed the top 12 Portable Air Pumps and also dug through the reviews from 97 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Portable Air Pumps.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Our Expert Consultant

Vicki Liston 
Home Improvement Expert

Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er.

Home improvement and all things DIY have been Liston’s passion since she bought her first house in 2007 and she started making video blogs in 2014. She’s performed hundreds of DIY projects, from small ones to major, wall-smashing renovations and can teach you how to make a trendy DIY barn door for cheap. The proceeds earned from “On The Fly…DIY” are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

FLEXTAILGEAR Lightweight 5-Nozzle Portable Air Pump, .5-PSI

User Summarized Score

8.8
5,639 user reviews

Our Take

Weighing just over 2 ounces, this portable air pump with five nozzles is surprisingly powerful. It inflates everything from pool floats to camping mattresses in seconds. You can even get the pump in a variety of colors, like space gray, blue and white.

What to Look For

  • One of the handiest features on today’s air compressors is auto shutoff. Instead of monitoring it as it inflates your tire, you just input the amount of air you need and it automatically stops once it gets there. The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor uses automatic shutoff. Although another model has an auto shutoff, it’s important to note that the PSI tends to read high, which means it may shut off before it’s reached your desired inflation level. With any air pump, though, you should monitor it until it’s finished and make sure it shuts off when it should.
  • You’ll find while you’re shopping that many air pumps are built to operate from your car’s cigarette lighter, which is a 12-volt socket. Some models will connect both to your car socket and a wall plug, making it something you can use in your garage. The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor,  works only with your car’s 12-volt plug.

“I recommend purchasing a unit that has two power plug options – a 12V car socket and an AC wall plug,” Liston says. “This will allow you to power the unit whether you are stuck on the side of the road or working out of your garage.”

  • Liston also recommends a power cord that’s at least 10 feet long to give you the reach you need. There are options that offer a power cord length of 11.5 feet. The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor comes close, at just over nine feet. If you opt for an air pump with shorter reach, you’ll need to keep an extension cord with your air pump so you’ll have the cord length you’ll need in an emergency.
  • The power of your air pump will determine how long it takes to fill up your tires. Some models are able to put out 11 liters per minute thanks to a 120-watt motor. With other options, you’ll only get eight minutes of use before needing to let it cool down.
  • The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor has a safety measure in the form of an overheat protection system. If the device reaches 1670 degrees Fahrenheit, the unit will shut down to protect it.
  • Some air pumps come with special nozzles that increase the variety of items you can inflate. The nozzles that come with the EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compresso allows you to inflate various vehicle tires as well as basketballs and swimming pool toys.
  • Chances are, you plan to keep your air pump in the trunk of your car, making portability essential. The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor is also a lightweight and portable option at just around three pounds.
  • Emergencies typically don’t happen when it’s most convenient. If you find yourself stranded with a flat tire late at night on the interstate, a light will come in handy. The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor has built-in LED lights so that you can see what you’re doing no matter how dark it is.

More to Explore

The days of flat tires may be numbered, thanks to a partnership between Michelin and GM. The companies are working on a tire called Uptis, which eliminates its reliance on air to keep its shape. The key to Uptis’s shape is a series of flexible spokes. That doesn’t mean you’ll never have to head to the repair shop with your tire, though, since you’ll still have to worry about tread wear and internal damage. Air has long been the preferred method for tire interiors due in large part to the fact that it keeps the tire lightweight. But the spokes on Uptis tires absorb shock to provide a smoother ride than drivers experience with air-filled tires.

More to explore