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A Best Portable Tire Inflators should be in every car and house garage. They are small, easy to use, and perfect for filling up tires when you’re in a pinch. You can use them to make small changes to your tire pressure as needed and also to fill up your spare tire. You can use them on bikes, motorbikes, and lawnmowers to make them more useful.
There are a lot of great pocket tire inflators on the market, but there are also some that aren’t worth your money. Some have so little power that they can’t even blow up a pool toy, let alone a tire. And since you never know when you might need a portable car tire inflator to get you out of a jam, it’s best to have one that works well and is made well. So, to help you find the best portable air compressor, we’ve made a list of the top 7 picks.
Everyone can find a compact tire inflator that works for them in this buying guide. Some portable tire inflators are smaller than others, and a few are top-of-the-line models with lots of features. We also included a couple of options that are easy on the wallet.
Best Portable Tire Inflators Comparison Table
| Product Name | Maximum PSI | Power Source | Inflation Time (car tire) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator | 150 PSI | 12V DC power cord | 3-5 minutes | $50-$70 |
| Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator | 150 PSI | Rechargeable battery and 12V DC power cord | 3-5 minutes | $70-$90 |
| ViAir Portable Air Compressor | 150 PSI | 12V DC power cord | 5-8 minutes | $100-$200 |
| Utrai Jstar Five | 150 PSI | 12V DC power cord | 2-5 minutes | $60-$90 |
| Teromas Handheld Corded | 150 PSI | 12V DC power cord | 3-5 minutes | $30-$50 |
| AstroAI Pistol Grip | 100 PSI | 12V DC power cord | 3-5 minutes | $20-$30 |
| AAA Mini 12V DC Portable Tire Inflator | 300 PSI | 12V DC power cord | 8-10 minutes | $15-$25 |
Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.2 x 6.2 x 3.8 inches |
| Weight | 2.1 pounds |
| Max Pressure | 150 PSI |
| Power Source | 12V DC |
| Power Cord Length | 10 feet |
| Air Hose Length | 2.6 feet |
The Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator has a built-in high-performance chip that lets it quickly fill tires up to 150.0 pound-force per square inch (psi) and the Best Portable Tire Inflators. This cordless tire inflator has a 7,800-mAh battery that can be charged, so you won’t have to worry about low battery life, having to turn on your car to fill your tires, or running out of AAA batteries.
This flexible tire inflator has a three-mode LED light that lets drivers pump up their tires even when it’s dark outside. With a 5V/3A USB-C input port and a 5V/2A USB-A port on the side of the device, the Fanttik X8 Apex can also be used as a portable charger. Press the “Mode” button to switch between values in psi, bar, and kPa. With the automatic shut-off feature, you can set your desired psi and then walk away. When you come back, your tires will be at the right pressure.
The Good
- Max pressure of 150 PSI is high.
- Easy to store and move because it is light and small.
- Long air hose and power cord make it easier to use.
The Bad
- Due to its small size, it may take longer to pump up bigger tires.
Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.2 x 7.2 x 3.7 inches |
| Weight | 1.8 pounds |
| Max Pressure | 150 PSI |
| Power Source | 12V DC |
| Power Cord Length | 10 feet |
| Air Hose Length | 1.6 feet |
The Fanttik X8 Best Portable Tire Inflators is wireless, portable, and easy to use. It costs less than the X8 Apex, but it has almost as many features and inflates tires just as quickly. Our team members actually liked how this tire inflator felt in their hands better than the more expensive one. This tire inflator is incredibly light and has a 5,200-mAh battery that is strong enough to pump up to 150 psi.
The big LED screen on the tire inflator makes it easy to switch between the four pre-set inflation modes. There is a manual mode that lets users customize their experience based on what they want to inflate and how much pressure they want. The USB-C input port on this tire inflator lets you charge it whenever you want, so you won’t have to fight with cords as you fill up your car’s tires.
The Good
- Lightweight and small design makes it easy to store and move
- Max pressure of 150 PSI is high.
- Includes a case that makes it easy to carry.
The Bad
- Due to its small size, it may take longer to pump up bigger tires.
ViAir Portable Air Compressor
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.8 x 5.8 x 7.5 inches |
| Weight | 5.3 pounds |
| Max Pressure | 150 PSI |
| Power Source | 12V DC |
| Power Cord Length | 8 feet |
| Air Hose Length | 25 feet |
ViAir Best Portable Tire Inflators are simple and durable. It has an analog gauge and battery connectors. The 12-foot hose can be extended to 16 feet for larger trucks and SUVs. The 4.5-pound item can be attached to the vehicle or carried in a robust bag. It fills a 33-inch off-road tire in five minutes with a max pressure of 150 psi, but it’s loud.
Off-roading on sandy terrain requires lower tire pressure. Slack tires have higher grip in loose sand. You may not be near an air pump when you return to civilization.
The Good
- Max pressure of 150 PSI is high.
- It comes with a 25-foot-long air hose, which is a plus.
- Can also be used to pump up things like sports balls and air mattresses.
The Bad
- This portable tire pump is heavier and bigger than some others.
Utrai Jstar Five
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 8.8 x 5.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.17 pounds |
| Max Pressure | 150 PSI |
| Power Source | 12V DC |
| Power Cord Length | 10 feet |
| Air Hose Length | 2.5 feet |
Some of the items on this list are made for heavy-duty or specialized use, but the most common problems that drivers face on the side of the road are a dead battery or a flat tire. Utrai has fixed this problem with a multi-function unit that has a 24,000 mAh battery pack and a compressor with a maximum pressure of 150 psi.
Even bigger cars can be started with this, and it only weighs four pounds. It can work for up to 40 minutes, but the company that made it suggests stopping it every eight minutes to let it cool down. There are jumper cables and gadget chargers in the storage bag. It has a 5-watt LED light that can be used as a camp lamp or as a shop light.
The Good
- Max pressure of 150 PSI is high.
- Includes a case that makes it easy to carry.
- LED lights make it easy to use even when there isn’t much light.
The Bad
- This portable tire pump is heavier and bigger than some others.
Teromas Handheld Corded
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 3.1 x 6.9 inches |
| Weight | 2.16 pounds |
| Max Pressure | 150 PSI |
| Power Source | 12V DC |
| Power Cord Length | 10 feet |
| Air Hose Length | 3.5 feet |
The VacLife inflator we tried and the Teromas are about the same size, shape, and way they work. Both are flat and easy to store, and both will do the job. They both cost less than $50. But we think the Teromas is better for the average driver because it comes with both a plug for a 12V outlet and an adapter for a 120V home outlet.
The flat, box-shaped unit is easy to use and filled the tire on our Hyundai test car to 30 psi and 45 psi about 30 seconds faster than the VacLife did. It’s also calmer. It’s a little heavier, but the hose is longer, and it has two stems that curve and a ball needle.
The Good
- Easy to use and not too heavy
- Max pressure of 150 PSI is high.
- It comes with a carrying case to make it easier to use.
The Bad
- Some models have shorter air hoses than others.
AstroAI Pistol Grip
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 7.5 x 3.3 inches |
| Weight | 2.07 pounds |
| Max Pressure | 100 PSI |
| Power Source | 12V DC |
| Power Cord Length | 10 feet |
| Air Hose Length | 1.3 feet |
This lightweight, portable compressor from AstroAI is one of the best-selling tire inflators on Amazon. In our tests, it lived up to its fame. It’s small enough to keep in your everyday car in case of an emergency, and it’s strong enough to get you out of a jam. It has a 20V 2.0Ah Li-ion battery that can be charged in about an hour. It also has a power cord that you can plug into the wall or your car’s cigarette lighter with an adapter.
The pistol-shaped AstroAI is easy to use: just set the appropriate psi, clamp on the connector, and pull the trigger. Most of the mobile and console units we tested took longer to reach 30 and 45 psi than this one. (It was also louder than most of the other devices here.) Even better, the package comes with two batteries, each with a USB port that can be used to charge other devices. It all comes in a case that should fit in most cargo cubbies and maybe even your spare tire well.
The Good
- Pistol grip design for easy handling
- Easy to store and move because it is light and small.
- Digital screen for accurate readings of pressure
The Bad
- Compared to some other models, this one has a max pressure of only 100 PSI.
AAA Mini 12V DC Portable Tire Inflator
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 7.5 x 10.8 inches |
| Weight | 3.1 pounds |
| Max Pressure | 120 PSI |
| Power Source | 12V DC |
| Power Cord Length | 10 feet |
| Air Hose Length | 3 feet |
When you have a flat tire, you can count on this cheap, small, and easy-to-use unit from AAA. Because it’s easy to use, it’s perfect for people who drive but don’t know much about car care. Plus, it’s small and light enough to fit in most normal glove boxes. Don’t be fooled by its small size; it can handle up to 300 psi. Even though it might not put out that much power, people who have used it say it’s surprisingly strong.
Connect it to your tire, plug it into a 12V source, and turn it on. Because you only get a 10-foot power cord and a 1.5-foot air hose, it doesn’t reach as far as some others. Because of this, we only suggest it for vehicles that are small or medium in size. It comes with two extra nozzles that can be used to blow up things like air beds or pool toys.
The Good
- Small and light makes it easy to store and move
- 120 PSI is a lot of pressure.
- It comes with a carrying case to make it easier to use.
The Bad
- Some models have shorter air hoses than others.
FAQs
A portable tire inflator is a device used to inflate tires on vehicles, bicycles, and other inflatables. They are small, compact, and can be easily carried in a car trunk or backpack.
A portable tire inflator works by drawing air from the surrounding environment and compressing it to a high pressure using a motor and a pump. The compressed air is then released into the tire through a hose and valve, inflating the tire to the desired pressure.
Portable tire inflators can be used on a variety of tires, including those on cars, trucks, bicycles, and motorcycles. However, it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the inflator is compatible with the specific tire type and size.