Best Mini Tire Inflators

This compressor is partially hands-free: Users can preset the desired tire pressure and the compressor automatically stops once the level is reached. At 2.2 pounds, the lightweight inflator is easy to manage. To operate, the inflator connects with a 12-volt car socket via a 10-foot heavy-duty cord. Bright LED lights are embedded into the pump for safety and convenience in dark conditions. It can inflate tires from approximately 15 to 32 psi in less than five minutes.

This 1-pound digital tire inflator plugs into a vehicle’s 12-volt socket to operate. Car owners set the desired psi value on the machine, which automatically fills the tire—then adds a bit, accounting for the air loss when the valve connector is detached. It works on all vehicles with an engine size under 3.5 liters, which limits larger SUVs and trucks. It has an easy-to-read display, and comes with overheat protection that shuts off the device when it nears 167 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to car tires, it works on bikes and comes with needle a needle valve for balls as well as cone adaptors for pool toys and inflatable kayaks or SUPs. The simple storage bag helps maintain the machine’s exterior and keep all the accessories together. An integrated LED flashlight boosts safety.

This handheld tire inflator feels like a standard drill in your hand. It weighs only 3.3 pounds and that stalk is just over 1 foot tall (overall width is 9.21 inches).  Instead of a trigger, it has a click button, which only requires a quick press when preset to the desired pressure. There also a light by the button, which helps in the dark or to read small letters on the side of the tire. It will fill a standard 195/55/R15 car tire from flat to 35 psi within 5 minutes. It’s not suitable for larger truck tires, motorboats or floating water craft. The max pressure is 140 psi, which is high for a tire pump this size. It comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, a 12V car adapter and a bag for keeping it and all the attachments for pumping balls and other inflatables together. The 24-month warranty is double most inflators its size.

This is another handheld drill lookalike, but weighs in a little more at 3.96 pounds and stands slightly taller at 14 inches (overall width is about 10.5 inches). Like the AUTDER unit, it uses a built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery for convenient tire inflation. It automatic shuts off when the pre-set pressure is reached and a LED light will help illuminate the job in the dark. Maximum psi is 100, but it’s 20-volt battery is powerful and tops off in seconds. (The battery also dies quicker, but it comes with a 12V car adapter.) It will re-fill four 195/60 R14 tires from empty to full is about 3 minutes. It can also handle larger tires. In 5 minutes, it can fully inflate three 215/60 R16 tires on one charge. It also comes with adapters for balls and other inflatables and a storage bag  and offers a 12-month warranty.

This tire inflator’s exterior is streamlined and made of durable, lightweight plastic. In turn, the machine is easily transported and stowed. The edges are smooth and rounded, so the 1.9-pound compressor is less likely to wear down car upholstery. The device includes a zippered case, too. Cord length is limited, however, due to its compact size. The 12-volt power cord is less than 10 feet and the air pump hose length is less than 2 feet. The design offers a LED light for nighttime use and a quick connector nozzle plus three nozzle attachments. Users can also set their needed psi for an automatic air fill and shut-off.

The Oasser P 1S is compact and well-suited for quick top-offs or light duty use. It is the smallest tire inflator that also does an effective job. It weighs only 1.32 pounds and is 9.6 inches long. It has a rechargeable battery that can be plugged into a wall outlet at home to recoup a full battery. It also can be powered using a 12V adapter for the car when the ignition is switched on. For faster charging, it has to be plugged into the 12V outlet with the car on even if it has a full charge. It’s max pressure is 120 psi. This pump is so small and gets extremely hot; it needs to cool after 5 minutes of use. It doesn’t work on  vans, motorhomes or air mattresses. It comes with a bag that stores everything, but there’s little wiggle room.