The best portable air compressors for cars you can buy

At $20, the DBPower 12V DC Portable Electric Auto Air Compressor Pump is an affordable yet versatile option.

While the DBPower 12V DC Portable Electric Auto Air Compressor Pump doesn't have all of the bells and whistles of the other compressors on this list, it comes in at under $20 and is versatile. With a maximum pressure of up to 50 psi, this compressor can inflate standard midsized car tires. It also includes three adapters for inflating sports balls, bikes, etc.

A pressure dial on the unit lets you monitor the tire pressure, and because this unit doesn't have an automatic shutoff, you'll need to be attentive and turn the pump off manually when you reach the desired pressure. This unit can only be used for 10 minutes at a time or the motor can overheat, so it's ideal for small jobs. This compressor is backed by a one-year warranty.

The DBPower 12V DC Portable Electric Auto Air Compressor Pump has a 4.2 out of 5-star Amazon rating, based on more than 600 reviews. One customer writes, "It can be kind of slow, and sometimes the gauge seems like it's not moving at all, but with five minutes and some patience, you're good to go ... The power cord is really long; I just plug it into the power port in the console and roll down my front windows, and it reaches all four tires with no issue."

Pros: Affordable price, includes three adapters, suitable for midsize tires, easy to use

Cons: No automatic pressure shutoff, no overheat protection, can only be used for 10 minutes at a time, no digital display

Buy the DBPower 12V DC Portable Electric Auto Air Compressor Pump on Amazon for $19.99

With its compact design, the P.I. Auto Store Premium Air Compressor won't take up much space, yet you will always have it on hand.

About a year ago my car tire's valve stem started to leak. Until I could get it replaced, I had to carefully monitor my tire pressure. I purchased the P.I. Auto Store Premium Air Compressor to store under my seat so that I could refill my tires whether I was on the road or at home. I also found that while this unit may be small, it's plenty powerful and convenient to have around.

This air compressor weighs just 2 pounds, and at 7 x 3 x 6.5 inches, it fits under a seat or in the trunk. The cables and hose can be stored inside the unit (although, it's difficult to reinsert them). This compressor also comes with a storage bag, spare-tire valve stem caps, and a valve adapter for bicycle tires.

Best of all, the air compressor is easy to use. It plugs into a 12-volt cigarette lighter, and its quick connection design means you don't have to twist the hose onto your tire valve, saving both time and air. The LED screen is large and easy to read, even in sunlight, and the unit automatically stops inflating once it reaches the pressure that you've set, so there's no risk of overinflation.

One of my favorite features is that once you've connected the compressor, it automatically determines the current air pressure in the tire. I also appreciate the LED light and the flashing red light option, which is ideal for safety and visibility in case of a breakdown.

The P.I. Auto Store Premium Air Compressor has a 4.1 out of 5-star Amazon rating, based on nearly 2,600 reviews. One customer writes, "It worked very fast to inflate my tire. I like its compact size and how it stores the cords right inside itself and the case is an added plus. I have it stored in my trunk and feel much safer on the road knowing I don't have to worry about it needing batteries or charging. The display is easy to read and it does shut off once the psi setting is reached."

Pros: Compact design comes with storage case, LED light and flashing red light options, automatically reads tire pressure, quick connect design helps to save time and prevents air from escaping

Cons: No overheat protection, not suitable for truck tires

Buy the P.I. Auto Store Premium Air Compressor on Amazon for $44.97

The Ryobi P737 Portable Cordless Power Inflator's cordless and ergonomic design make it convenient and easy to use.

While air compressors that are powered by your vehicle are handy to have, you're restricted by the length of the unit's power cord. The Ryobi P737 Portable Cordless Power Inflator eliminates that restriction, making it easy to reach trailer tires, air mattresses inside your house, and any other item that may need inflating. This battery-powered inflator is compatible with the Ryobi ONE+ battery system, so if you have other ONE+ battery-powered products, the batteries are interchangeable. Annoyingly, the battery is not included.

This inflator is versatile, and with two nozzles and a sports equipment needle, you can use it for plenty of tasks around the house or in the garage. The inflator's base features a compartment to hold all of the nozzles so you don't lose them. Additionally, a pressure gauge is included right on the unit for accuracy, and the inflator can power up to 150 psi. Weighing just 2.5 pounds, you can store the inflator in your car (you might also want to get the optional car charger accessory) or easily carry it around with you while you're doing tune-ups. This inflator is backed by a three-year manufacturer's warranty.

The Ryobi P737 Portable Cordless Power Inflator has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating at The Home Depot, based on more than 2,700 reviews. One customer writes, "Topping up the tire pressure on the snowblower or a lawnmower is much easier when I take the Ryobi out to the tool rather than schlep the tool into the garage where the big compressor sits." Another customer says, "The inflator works just as advertised. It pumped up a normal car tire from flat to 30 pounds in just under the five minutes the duty cycle calls for."

Pros: Cordless design, compatible with Ryobi's ONE+ batteries, includes storage within the base for adapters, onboard pressure gauge, three-year manufacturer's warranty

Cons: Does not include battery, must hold trigger down to operate

Buy the Ryobi P737 Portable Cordless Power Inflator from The Home Depot for $24.97

The Slime Heavy Duty 2X Pro Power Tire Inflator offers fast, powerful air compression suitable for larger jobs and more frequent use.

While the other air compressors on our list are ideal for light or occasional use, you'll want something more powerful if you'll be relying on your air compressor regularly or for larger jobs. The Slime Heavy Duty 2X Pro Power Tire Inflator is up to the task: This inflator features dual cylinders for powerful and fast inflation, allowing this compressor to inflate a car tire in only two minutes. (Most other pumps take at least five minutes to complete that task.)

Additional features highlight the durable, quality design of this inflator. Its power cord gives the unit a 30-foot reach for overall ease of use, and the dial gauge lets you monitor a tire's pressure. This unit also has a thermal break to prevent the motor from overheating. While it's plenty powerful, the motor is also quiet. Rather than connecting to your vehicle's cigarette lighter, this compressor connects directly to your vehicle's battery.

The Slime Heavy Duty 2X Pro Power Tire Inflator has a 4.1 out of 5-star rating from Walmart, based on 48 reviews. One customer writes, "It is easy to operate and with the long reach, I plan on using it on my RV." Another customer writes, "I have 16-inch heavy-duty truck and trailer tires with a max air pressure of 80 psi and this inflator does the job very well."

Pros: 30-foot cord for increased reach, dual cylinder motor for plenty of power, in-line dial gauge allows you to monitor pressure, thermal break to prevent overheating

Cons: Connects to vehicle battery rather than into a cigarette lighter

Buy the Slime Heavy Duty 2X Pro Power Tire Inflator on Walmart for $66.74