Airbrush compressors are a tool that has become increasingly popular in recent years. These handy machines can provide a constant supply of compressed air to your airbrushes, allowing you to use them for hours upon end without needing to stop.
These handy tools take away the stress of worrying about the air supply and allow you to focus all your energy on the task at hand and the work that you are completing. This allows you to effortlessly use your airbrush to complete incredible works of art.
The great thing about airbrush compressors is that there are a variety of different options available on the market. The art sector of the market is constantly growing and because of this, you have a lot of options to choose between when buying an airbrush compressor.
Unfortunately, this can make finding the airbrush compressor that is right for you difficult in some cases. But that’s where we come in.
To help you find the perfect airbrush compressor for you, we’ve put together this guide to the best airbrush compressors on the market. We’ve taken a look at all the options on the market and put together a shortlist of 5 airbrush compressors for you to look at.
If that wasn’t enough, we’ve also put together a handy buyer’s guide which is full of all the information you need to know about airbrush compressors. Finally, we’ve put together an FAQ section to help you find the airbrush compressor that is right for you.
In a hurry?
Airbrush compressors are a great piece of kit to help you complete artwork, and if you need one in a hurry we would recommend the Zeny Pro 1/5HP Airbrush Compressor Kit.
We’ve ranked this tool the best on the market because it is excellent value for money and packed with great features which are irresistible, including:
- Significantly more airflow and air pressure than air compressors by other brands.
- A lightweight and compact design which makes the device easily portable so that you can take it to wherever you need it.
- Air on-demand technology that allows the device to simply work whenever you are, saving you energy.
- Maintenance-free with an oil-less piston, thermal auto-shutoff, and low operating noise.
OUR TOP PICK
Our favorite option on the market is the ZENY Pro 1/5HP Airbrush Compressor Kit.
We love this airbrush compressor kit because it comes with a high-quality compressor but also has lots of other features that make it excellent value for your money.
The main reason that we love this compressor is because it is capable of providing more airflow and air pressure than its competitors.
This means that you will be able to use your airbrush for longer amounts of time than you would be able to with a different competitor.
As well as this, the compressor is also capable of delivering a smooth airflow thanks to its storage tank.
Another reason that we love this airbrush compressor is because of its physical design.
Traditionally, compressors of any kind tend to be very big and bulky making it difficult to move them from A to B when you need to.
But that isn’t an issue with this device as it comes with a compact design which is also lightweight making it easily portable.
If that wasn’t enough, the device also comes with a built-in handle to make transporting it even easier.
It is completely maintenance-free and comes with lots of other excellent features such as air on-demand technology, and thermal auto shut-off.
With all of these wonderful features and the fact that this is one of the quietest options available, there’s no doubt that this is one of the best on the market.
Pros
- Provides more airflow and air pressure than other brands
- Delivers smooth airflow thanks to its integral storage tank
- Lightweight, portable, and compact with a built-in handle
- Comes with precise air adjustment allowing you to easily select the air pressure
- Air on-demand technology means the machine only works when you are
- Maintenance-free with an oil-less piston, thermal auto shut-off, and less noise
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
EDITORS CHOICE
Another great option is the Master Airbrush Multi-Purpose Air Compressor Kit.
Master is one of the best companies when it comes to anything to do with airbrushes, and this compressor kit definitely lives up to their reputation.
The main reason that we love this airbrush compressor is because it is so user-friendly. As well as that, this compressor is also incredibly versatile which allows you to use it for lots of different tasks with your airbrush.
This is thanks to its high air volume and strong airflow which can be easily adjusted between 0 and 57 PSI to suit your needs.
If this wasn’t enough, the device is also incredibly lightweight, compact, and portable with a carry handle to make transporting it even easier.
It also has “air on-demand” technology which means that the compressor shuts down when the airbrush is not being used, avoiding unnecessary energy waste or wear to the machine.
With all of these excellent features and the fact that it is suitable for all skill levels of airbrushing, this is one of the best options on the market.
Pros
- User-friendly and easily versatile
- Delivers high air volume and airflow with a minimal operating noise
- Precise air adjustment capability between 0-57PSI
- Portable, lightweight, and easy to transport with a carry handle
- “Air on-demand” system automatically shuts down when not in use
- Great kit for all skill levels from beginners to advanced
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
BEST VALUE
We also love the Point Zero 1/5HP Airbrush Compressor. If you want an airbrush compressor that is very powerful but also very quiet then this is the perfect choice for you as it produces only 55dB operating noise while you use it.
But that’s not the only thing that is great about this air compressor, it is packed with lots of other great features.
As well as being quiet, this device also comes with a power-saving mode to stop you from wasting energy.
This mode not only turns the device off while the airbrush is not being used but also automatically shuts the device off when it reaches 58PSI.
Initially, this might not seem like a great feature, but you rarely need your air compressor to run continuously at this measurement.
By turning it off, the air compressor naturally slows down until it reaches 40PSI, upon which it will start up again and carry on running until it reaches 58PSI again.
This combined with the oil-less design of the device means that minimal wear will come to the motor and it will continue to work for years to come.
With all of these amazing features, it is clear that this is one of the best options on the market.
Pros
- Quiet yet powerful with only 55dB of noise
- Comes with a power-saving mode to save energy
- Automatically turns off when the pressure reaches 58PSI to reduce motor wear
- The oil-less design makes it suitable for anything
- Comes with a sensitive pressure regulator and an integrated gauge and water trap
- Alter the airflow easily with precise adjustment
Cons
- Does not include an airbrush
RUNNER UP
You should also consider the Master Airbrush Cool Runner II Dual Fan Air Compressor.
This is the second Master product that we have looked at, and they both have some very similar features so let’s focus on the differences between this and the Master device that we checked out earlier.
This device is also capable of reaching highs of 57 PSI and comes with controls to allow you to set the PSI. Additionally, it is portable and compact, with a carry handle for you to easily transport it.
The main way that this airbrush compressor differs is because it comes with 2 cooling fans.
These cooling fans are located near the motor of the device and prevent the compressor from overheating when it is run for long periods.
With all of this, plus the 3 additional airbrushes that come in this set, it is clear that this is one of the best options available.
Pros
- Precise air adjustment between 0 and 57 PSI
- Portable and compact with carry handle
- Long duty cycle with premium rotor windings for longevity
- Comes with 2 cooling fans to prevent the device from overheating
- Includes 3 types of Master airbrush to get you started
- Comes with a supply of water-based acrylic colors and an airbrush holder
Cons
- Does not just contain the airbrush compressor
RUNNER UP
Finally, we can’t ignore the Letsport Cordless Airbrush Kit. This device is the odd one out on this list as it is a cordless airbrush kit designed to only use for small periods.
While this might not be the ideal option for some tasks, it can come in handy when you are working on smaller jobs.
While this device is not suitable for use while it is being charged, it does have one of the best batteries on the market.
The majority of cordless airbrush compressors will only have enough power to run for approximately 30 minutes.
Whereas this airbrush is designed to run for periods of up to 1 hour off of a single charge. It also comes with a low battery reminder which will cause the compressor to vibrate, notifying you that it is due for a recharge.
Additionally, it comes with a removable and replaceable reservoir, and also has a trigger control allowing you to easily stop/start the compressor as and when you need it.
With all of these brilliant features, there is no doubt that this is one of the best options on the market.
Pros
- Wireless airbrush kit
- Longer battery life than its competitors - get 1 hour out of a single charge
- Low battery reminder vibrates when you need to recharge
- Portable and compact with everything that you need
- Comes with a removable and replaceable reservoir for ease of use
- Trigger control makes it very easy to use
Cons
- It has to be charged for you to be able to use it
Best Airbrush Compressor Buying Guide
With so many different options on the market, we understand that finding the best airbrush compressor for you can be a difficult task. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you.
The airbrush compressors that we have looked at are some of the best on the market, but if you want to find out more about these little devices, we’ve put together this guide to help you.
The Type of Airbrush Compressor
The first thing that you need to consider before you make a purchase is the type of airbrush compressor that you are considering buying. There are a couple of different types available so you want to ensure that you purchase the one that can do all the jobs that you want it to.
While there are a couple of different types of airbrush compressors, the two main types are diaphragm and piston compressors. Both of these types are better suited for different jobs. For example, the diaphragm compressor is better suited to tasks where you require a continuous flow of air.
Whereas the piston compressors are better suited to tasks where you may want to stop and take breaks in between using the airbrush. Just like with anything, both of these types of airbrush compressors have their advantages and disadvantages.
Diaphragm compressors tend to be cheaper, but they are less suited to a lot of jobs that you might require an airbrush compressor for. So you should weigh up the task at hand with the advantages and disadvantages then make a choice that suits you best.
Matching it to your Airbrush
Another incredibly important thing that you need to consider before purchasing an airbrush compressor is whether or not it is compatible with your airbrush.
Of course, this is only something that you will need to consider if you already own an airbrush. If you are new to airbrushing, you could always match your airbrush to the compressor rather than the other way around.
The most important thing to match with your airbrush is the air supply that the compressor can provide. Some airbrushes will require a certain amount of air to be able to operate so it is vitally important that the compressor can provide this.
The majority of airbrush compressors will be able to supply enough air supply to be able to do this, however, it is always best to double-check just in case.
Consider the Price
Finally, it is also very important that you consider the price of the airbrush compressor that you are buying. In general, the price of the airbrush compressor will have a direct impact on its quality so you must think about the price that you are paying.
While there are some cases where budget airbrush compressors are of incredible quality, more often than not you will find yourself with an airbrush compressor that will not last for very long.
That being said, you can be a bit more lenient with the price you are paying for a compressor than you could for the airbrush itself.
The main thing you need to consider when thinking about price is whether or not you want the air compressor to last. If you are happy paying less now knowing that you will probably have to change it within a year or two then there is no need to worry about buying a branded airbrush compressor.
However, if you want the airbrush compressor that you buy to last you for years to come then you would probably be better off investing the money upfront in a branded airbrush compressor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an airbrush compressor?
If you are new to airbrushing, you may not have heard of an airbrush compressor. These devices are an essential part of using airbrushes as they can supply you with a constant supply of compressed air.
This means that the airbrushes will continually be able to supply color to your artwork as long as they are connected to the airbrush compressor, allowing you to focus your energy on your work rather than the mechanics behind the airbrushes.
What PSI should I use for airbrushing?
PSI is a measurement used to measure pound per force and is the force that the airbrush compressor will be able to supply air at. Ideally, you should purchase an airbrush compressor that can supply at least 30 PSI.
However, for some tasks, you will need a higher PSI to be able to successfully complete the job. So, to choose the level of PSI you should be using, you first need to consider the job that you are looking to complete and choose one that is appropriate for the job.
How do you stop overspray when airbrushing?
Overspray is one of the more frustrating parts of airbrushing, but luckily there are some methods that you can use to avoid this happening. The most effective method is to use a clean airbrush every time you begin spraying.
However, you could also choose to thin the paint that you are using to either a 50/50 or a 70/30 ratio. All of these methods will be effective in reducing the amount of overspray you get when using your airbrushes.