The 10 Best Electric Air Pumps
This wiki has been updated 36 times since it was first published in October of 2015. Save your breath -- and we mean that literally. With one of these electric air pumps, you can inflate a variety of objects without exhausting your lungs and lips. We've included models suitable for blowing up sports equipment, automobile and bicycle tires, air mattresses, and pool toys. Always be sure to use these devices with extreme caution and never leave them unattended when running. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. EPAuto Portable
2. Kensun Swift Performance
3. Cycplus A3
Editor's Notes
November 06, 2020:
The TorrX Smart, OlarHike Portable, and Gooloo Compressor have been removed due to availability concerns.
Newly added this year is the Cycplus A3, equipped with an intelligent battery management system that protects it from both overloads and overheating. Due to the amount of power and compact nature of many of these pumps, overheating is definitely a concern with extended use, so we feel this one is a practical choice.
We've also included the Oasser P2, which has a similar shape to a cordless drill, making it easy to hold and maneuver into tight spaces. This comes in handy when inflating bicycle, motorcycle, or automobile tires. It can also be programmed to shut itself off automatically when a preset pressure level has been reached.
We realize the OutdoorMaster Shark is a rather expensive "niche" product specifically geared for stand up paddleboards and little else, but we like its sleek design and the fact that it has an internal cooling system for withstanding continuous use in warm outdoor environments.
Finally, we've added the Teromas Air Compressor for its high pressure rating and ability to blow up a tire from zero to 35 PSI in less than four minutes.
August 15, 2019:
As a kid, I distinctly remember having to use one of those manual bike pumps to fill my tires with air on a regular basis. After all, they're easy to use and pretty effective. Without diminishing their importance, the electric variety of pump takes the concept a bit further, enhancing functionality and adding a wide range of compatibility with other items, such as pool floats and toys, air beds, automobile tires, and sports equipment (e.g. basketballs, soccer balls, etc.). That is not to say that a manual bike pump is incapable of inflating a basketball, rather, the pump does so more slowly due to its reliance on physical manpower to get the job done, which gives the electric air pump its edge and appeal, particularly for car enthusiasts, campers, and athletes. Another value of the electric air pump is its ability to pack a lot of power and force inside a very small "package", which is something you won't get with an ordinary bike pump or workshop air compressor.
Consider the TorrX Smart, for example. The last thing a professional (or youth) sports team wants to be concerned about is lugging bulky air compressor equipment onto the field every time a ball needs to be inflated. The powerful lithium-ion battery in this little gem allows it to complete up to 50 top-offs, while its compact size fits easily inside most backpacks. Perfect for automobile use, the Kensun Swift Performance connects to both AC and DC power outlets, while the dual-motor design gives it the power and speed to fill large tires as quickly as possible. As valuable as an air compressor is for saving time in the workshop, it's not exactly a practical solution for getting you back on the road in the event you get a flat tire. I also added the Jaco SmartPro for its auto shutoff functionality when its preset PSI value has been reached. The ball bearing construction and metal impeller on the Etekcity Quick-Fill ensure both smooth and quiet operation when inflating pool toys or air beds. With a built-in LED flashlight, the EPAuto Portable is a dependable option to store in your car for nighttime use. Both the OlarHike Portable and Intex Quick-Fill are equipped with ergonomically-designed handles for extended use. Finally, the Signstek Portable is dedicated to blowing up party decorations, saving your lips, fingers, and lungs from exhaustion when preparing for a celebration with balloons.
Special Honors
Air Venturi Nomad II Capable of being powered by a 12-volt car battery or any 110 or 220-volt outlet, the fan-cooled Air Venturi Nomad II delivers a maximum pressure output of 4,500 PSI, adjustable auto shutoff, and integrated LEDs for use in dark environments. It operates at a noise level of 92 decibels and offers a compact and portable design that is ideal for quickly filling up a variety of air guns. pyramydair.com
4. Jaco SmartPro
5. Oasser P2
6. OutdoorMaster Shark
7. Etekcity Quick-Fill
8. Teromas Air Compressor
9. Signstek Portable
10. Coleman QuickPump
What Do I Need To Consider Before Purchasing An Electric Air Pump?
It's also helpful to know what type of nozzle or thread you'll need a pump to fit.
If you're buying an electric air pump for a specific purpose, your first priority should be finding a model that accommodates your needs. Many high-end electric air pumps are sold with extensions, so you can equip the hose to fit onto any type of nozzle. On the other hand, certain specialized pumps may not be compatible with every type of nozzle. You can usually determine an air pump's compatibility by reading its description. It's also helpful to know what type of nozzle or thread you'll need a pump to fit.
Depending on where you plan to use an electric air pump, you must confirm whether any viable model runs on batteries, outlet power, or some type of rechargeable power source. For example, any pump kept in your car should be able to charge itself by plugging into the vehicle's 12-volt socket. Any pump that's going to be used for an outdoor excursion, like camping or rafting, will require a long-lasting rechargeable battery or a set of disposable batteries that can be easily replaced.
An electric pump that runs exclusively on outlet power should be fine indoors, but you may want to consider a model that comes with a long power cord so that you can blow up pool rafts and other big ticket items in a driveway or the backyard. The bigger each item becomes, the more you'll want a pump that comes with an extended hose, eliminating the need to maneuver the pump as that item keeps filling with air.
If you plan on using an electric air pump in any fast-paced environment, whether it be filling up tires at a car wash or blowing up balloons at a fair, you'll want that pump to have a 400-800 liters-per-minute flow rate. Flow rate refers to how quickly an electric pump can release and distribute its air.
Why The Electric Air Pump Is Such A Valuable Utility
Many consumers purchase an electric air pump in response to a specific need. For example, a traveling salesman might keep an electric air pump inside his car in case one of his tires begins to leak. The longer that salesman has access to an electric air pump, the more he will come to rely upon that pump in any number of circumstances. An electric air pump can be enlisted as a multi-purpose utility, saving an average consumer time, money, and labor throughout the year.
The longer that salesman has access to an electric air pump, the more he will come to rely upon that pump in any number of circumstances.
In the summer, an electric air pump can be used to blow up an inflatable mattress at any vacation house, campground, or sleepover. It can also be used to blow up an inflatable kayak or raft along with any toys that your kids play with in a pool or at the beach. If you bring an electric air pump with you to the shore, you can use that pump as an air hose to spray the sand off of your feet. This, in turn, can save you the trouble of having to vacuum an entire car at the end of a relaxing vacation.
An electric air pump is ideal for blowing up snow tubes during the winter, as well. What's more, owning a device like this means you can quickly and easily deflate those tubes for storage. As winter gives way to spring, an electric air pump can be repurposed for blowing dust and cobwebs out of tight spaces (i.e. spring cleaning), or for clearing sawdust off of a work space or bench.
If you're a parent, teacher, or coach, any electric air pump that can be hooked up to a needle will pay dividends in terms of inflating footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, or other athletic gear. An electric air pump is also good for pinpointing any puncture holes, hidden tears, or leaks.
The Benefits Of An Electric Air Pump Over A Manual One
Some electric air pumps are considerably heavier than their manual counterparts, and certain electric models can increase your energy costs, if not your battery expenses. Despite this, an overwhelming upside to owning one of these devices is that it can handle jobs that a manual air pump typically cannot.
An electric air pump gets every job done more efficiently than a manual model.
An electric air pump gets every job done more efficiently than a manual model. The majority of electric air pumps come with an automatic pressure gauge that causes the compressor to stop whenever an item is inflated. Electric pumps can keep working for several hours, reducing time, degree of difficulty, and labor.
Electric air pumps come with various extensions for clamping onto different threads and nozzles, whereas most manual air pumps are specifically designed to fit onto only one or two nozzles. Electric air pumps are also sturdy enough to remain anchored, whereas manual pumps require the assistance of a foot or hand to keep them in place.
In the final analysis, a manual air pump will cost less, but it will not provide you with as much use or satisfaction. It is primarily made for isolated purposes, whereas any high-grade electric pump is meant to function as an all-in-one solution.
Jeff is a dedicated writer and communications professional from San Francisco with a bachelor of arts in anthropology from UC Berkeley. He began his career in computer consulting and later branched out into customer service. Jeff focuses on making complex topics easy to understand. With over 10 years' experience in research, his relentless curiosity fuels a love of writing and learning how things work, and has helped to build expertise in categories such as heavy-duty power tools and computer equipment. Jeff's passion for animals affords him a strong understanding of pet products, including dog houses, beds, and grain-free foods. When he's not writing, he prefers spending time with his family and three dogs, while kicking back and relaxing with a nice glass of red wine.