8 Best Portable Tire Inflators, According to Auto Experts

If you have to keep one tool in your car, make it this portable tire inflator. Powering it up is no problem thanks to two options: You can use the detachable 20-volt battery or your car's 12-volt outlet. We like that it has a few handy extra features as well, like a digital display gauge for pressure readings, an auto shut-off setting once the desired pressure is reached, a USB port for charging other devices, like your phone, and a built-in light so you can use it in low-light settings.

According to the auto pros at Car and Driver, this tire inflator reached desired pressure levels faster than most other competitor models. Plus, the rubberized handles are comfortable to grip and the value is hard to beat. Just keep in mind that it's not suitable for larger truck tires, according to the manufacturer.

Slime markets this tire inflator as "nothing fancy," but that doesn't mean it won't get the job done. Our experts noted that it feels flimsier than other tire inflators, a factor of its lower cost. But its performance was comparable to other units when it came to inflation speeds. We also like that it comes with a lengthy 10-foot cord that plugs into your car's 12-volt outlet. Plus, a bright LED light is included as well as various attachments. Though there's no other power source, this air compressor remains "efficient, easy to use and super-portable" according to Hearst Autos Gear Team.

Spending more on the Stihl KOA 20 cordless air inflator gets you a versatile device that our experts say should stand the test of time as well as any model. That's thanks to its durable construction and IPX4 weather-resistant rating, meaning it can withstand splashes of water, whether from rainfall or the pool. Despite its heavy-duty design, its weight is about average and one tester described the overall ergonomics as “comfortable and well-balanced.”

The digital display with push button controls makes it easy to toggle between units of pressure (PSI, BAR or KPA, depending on the system you use) and set a precise level of inflation. There's also a deflation mode, nice for taking the air out of inflatables.

The inflator’s smart, intuitive design features onboard storage of the nozzle and hoses on the underside of the housing. Though some of the accessories were a little hard to remove, “at least that means they’re not going to fall out accidentally,” said another tester.

Much like our best overall pick, this air compressor has two power options so you can use it with a fast-charging battery or via your car's 12-volt outlet. Either route you choose, this cordless tire inflator is one of the easiest to operate thanks to its lightweight, portable design. The pros at Car and Driver explain that all you have to do is "set the desired PSI, clamp on the connector and pull the trigger." According to their tests, inflation times were exceptionally fast, albeit noisy. We also like that a carrying case is included, along with a second battery.

No time to waste? This powerful console-stye air compressor will get you back on the road in no time. In Car and Driver's tests, it blew other tire inflators out of the park with super speedy inflation times. However, its efficient performance goes hand-in-hand with the console unit's larger, heavier construction which may be better suited for your garage. It also skips out on a few features like a built-in LED light, and the battery and charger are not included in the price.

Owners of Black + Decker’s 20V MAX battery system will be pleased to learn that this multi-purpose tire inflator is compatible, and an excellent choice for inflating both tires and items around the house. It’s unique as it offers three power sources: A rechargeable Li-Ion battery and the possibility to be plugged into DC 12V sockets as well as wall outlets. According to auto experts at Car and Driver, this unit wasn’t the fastest inflator out there and the battery and charger must be purchased separately, but it includes multiple attachments and is not quite as bulky as other console units tested.

The Viair 88P is a reliable choice if you need to inflate a tire quickly on the go. It's the only air compressor on our list that can run off your car's battery, so as long it's juiced, you're in business. It currently has an average 4.6 Amazon star rating across some 8,000 reviews to back it up. Though not a dealbreaker, the Viair features an analog gauge instead of an easy-to-read digital one and it lacks a built-in light. Nevertheless, this portable air compressor is a powerful tool to have and one that comes with a variety of attachments and accessories like a carrying case.

Car and Driver's team of auto experts was impressed by not only the great value of this tire inflator but also by its portability and quietness. It includes a digital display, LED light and three extra adaptors should you need to inflate other household items like bike tires or air mattresses. Best of all, it has two power options, making it ideal for indoor and roadside use — just plug it into your car's 12-volt outlet or into a wall plug. We also like that it's available in a multitude of colors, though testers point out that it wasn't the sturdiest among the bunch.