Husky’s “silent” air compressors sound like a great workshop upgrade, especially their 20-gallon model with a vertical tank.
I have been working with Home Depot and Husky – a ToolGuyd sponsor – on a list of tools I would love to test for review, and their 20-gallon air compressor is close to the top. It has actually been on my wishlist for a while.
Oil-free air compressors are often portable and require little maintenance, but there’s a downside – they’re extremely noisy and obnoxiously so. Not this one!
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Husky says that their silent air compressor is 80% quieter than other compressors in its class, thanks to its 73dBA (outdoor) noise rating.
Here’s a quick look at its key features and specs:
- 20-gallon air tank
- 120V AC
- 11A power draw
- 1.5HP motor
- Oil-free pump
- 165 PSI max pressure
- Delivers 4.0 SCFM at 90 PSI
- Delivers 5.0 SCFM at 40 PSI
- 73 dBA (outdoor) noise rating.
- Measures 41.42″ tall x 20.43″ wide x 17.3″ deep]
- Weighs 107 lbs
- 3-Year warranty
It features a reinforced roll cage to protect the motor, 8-inch heavy duty wheels, kick plate for easier mobility, 2x quick-release couplers, a metal control panel with large regulator knob, 2x metal-case pressure gauges.
Husky has a handy chart showing the types of air tools you can expect to power with different sizes of air compressors.
Given its specs, max pressure, and storage capacity, the 20-gallon quiet air compressor should be able to handle inflation and nailing applications without breaking a sweat, as well as medium-duty paint spraying tasks. It should also be able to handle lighter duty automotive air tools with modest expectations.
For heavy-demand and continuous-use tools, such as grinders and impact wrenches, you’ll need to upgrade to something larger.
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Why I Think This Might be a Great Upgrade
Ignoring for a moment that this is a “quiet” air compressor, I feel that it’s a great size for my needs right now.
Its air tank has a much larger storage capacity than common pancake-style air compressors, and yet it’s still portable. It has large wheels, and I feel that its weight is still manageable.
I like to use cordless nailers when I need a lot of mobility, but prefer air nailers when I’m in my workshop. Simply put, air nailers are smaller and lighter than cordless models, and without compromises in power or performance. (Do you disagree? Let me know in comments!)
This Husky compressor has a 20-gallon tank, which for my purposes would mean less frequent pump activation cycles. Its 165 PSI max operating pressure means that it can store plenty of air in the tank. And, its quieter motor means lower noise when it does cycle.
I’m not quite ready to equip my garage workshop with a stationary air compressor, or plumb it with rigid airline tubing. I want an air compressor that delivers ample power and air volume, and one I can wheel out of the way between projects.
I hinted to Home Depot that I’m also hankering to try one of their oil-lubricated oil compressors, but I think this 20-gallon “silent” model hits a nice balance between features, performance, and size.
Price: $319
Husky’s Other Silent Air Compressor Sizes
Home Depot has several other models in Husky’s line of “silent” air compressors.
Note: the 1-gallon model is on sale at the time of this posting for $158, and the 4.5 gallon model for $208.
Husky 1-gal Silent Air Compressor ($169) – 60 dBA “ultra-quiet” operation, “perfect for clean-up, inflation, or trim installation.”
Husky 2-gal Silent Air Compressor ($179) – 61 dBA – dual pump design, “perfect for trim finish work and projects needing quiet operation.”
Husky 4.5-gal Silent Air Compressor ($219) – noise level below 65 dBA, delivers 3.0 SCFM at 90 PSI, collapsible handle for easy mobility and storage.
Smaller air compressors are great for powering smaller air nailers or for inflation tasks, and their lighter weight and portability is definitely a plus.
I’ve been meaning to get back into airbrushing, and a 1- or 2-gallon compressor with 60 or 61 dBA noise level would be great for that.
There’s a chance I might back down from the 20-gallon model and go for the 4.5-gallon air compressor. 3.0 SCFM at 90 PSI should be plenty for my immediate needs. However, the 4.5-gallon air compressor has a larger footprint than the 20-gallon model.
The 4.5-gallon model would suit my needs nearly as well as the 20-gallon model, but I feel the 20-gallon will be easier to store out of the way between tasks or projects.
One thing that’s for certain – it’s good to have choices.
fred
Seems like a decent unit. HD also sells this one that they say is quiet:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stealth-Professional-20-Gal-150-PSI-2-Portable-Vertical-Electric-Air-Compressor-SAQ-12018/308596228
and this less expensive Husky – also said to be quiet:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-Gal-200-PSI-Oil-Free-Portable-Vertical-Electric-Air-Compressor-C202H/312074157
Stuart
That second one is rated at 81dB(A), which I’m not sure I would personally consider a “quiet” series model. Quieter is subjective – it’s still good to be less noisy than competing like-spec models.
thinman
Do you know how this compares to the California compressor regarding noise level. I’ve been interested in a quieter compressor but have never seen a California “in person.”
Stuart
I don’t. I looked at specs side by side, and as far as I could tell there are reasons to go in both directions. I’ve never tried either brand before, but Husky and their customer service is better known to me.
Each model is going to have different specs and noise profiles; I can compare specific models if it helps, but brand vs. brand is going to be incredibly hard to do in a helpful manner.
Rafe
California has a wide range of compressors with different decibel levels, as low as the 60’s. They are very quiet, but I wouldn’t recommend buying anything other than their ‘Industrial’ models, which are expensive. I had a ‘Commercial grade’ and I burned it out fast doing site finish carpentry. It was quiet though. Anything up to low- mid 70’s is still pretty quiet, and usable inside without ear protection.
PW
I would second this. I love the quietness of my CAT compressor, but I had to replumb it after a couple years of light use. They’re wonderful when they work, but not built to last.
thinman
Thanks to all three for your comments. I’m very glad to hear this about California compressors. I’ve wanted a quiet compressor for a long time and have been seriously considering the CAT’s. If Huskey is good I will check them out. Thanks again
MM
Looks like a good unit for basic DIY. I doubt it would be of much use for automotive work, these days everyone is using cordless replacements for the low-volume air tools and this doesn’t have the volume to run air sanders, grinders, etc. I hope it has a drain valve at the bottom of the tank and we just can’t see it in the photos, though.
If anyone has more serious air compressor needs, i.e. stationary units for a workshop, I highly recommend Eaton Compressor. Their “gimmick”, if you can call it that, is using a very large displacement pump assembly but turning it a lot lower RPM compared to a typical compressor. It makes the compressor very heavy but it also makes the units more efficient and a lot quieter. When I purchased mine, 19 years ago, I was told that it was possible to have a phone conversation while standing right next to the running compressor. That ended up being 100% true. The 7.5HP and larger sizes even have pressure lubrication in the crankcase–they have an oil pump just like an automotive engine that feeds the bearings. Their pumps are made overseas (Taiwan, if I remember right) but mine came with a made in USA motor and made in USA ASME-code tank.
fred
Now many years ago. we were very happy when we retired our old air compressor (in our metal fabrication shop) for a Sullair unit. Certainly not something for home use (unless you happen to have a 3 phase 460V service) – but I’d highly recommend the brand. I see they advertise units that have noise levels under 50db. I believe that they were acquired by Hitachi.
fred
I should have added that we had (in another business) a Sullair portable (towable anyway) compressor that gave excellent service for use in pavement breaking etc.
MM
I rented a towable Sullair once, I needed to move an openside shaper in a tight spot in my machine shop where it was impractical to get a forklift in there, so I made a set of air skates to float the machine around. My shop air didn’t have enough oomph to run the skates so it was time for the local equipment rental yard to save the day. That was an awesome unit, a screw type compressor running off a Kubota diesel, I think it was rated for something in the neighborhood of 185 cfm.
Rafe
You absolutely cannot do continuous spray with 4 CFM on a 20 gal tank as suggested on their chart. You’re only going to have an optimized output for a moment then it’s going to fluctuate and/or drop substantially making it hard to spray anything effectively. Bordering on false advertising here.
kent_skinner
I think for most people a smaller tank would be more useful than a larger tank. For example, if you’re running a nail gun or filling a tire, the tank has to fill to the pressure you want before it does any good. Yes, it’ll give you a bit more runtime, but a smaller tank with similar size motor will be full and ready to go much faster.
In reality, a large tank doesn’t get you much unless you’re running high volume tools intermittently.
Stuart
Pump/motor size and fill-up speed is usually proportional to tank size. In this case, I’m interested in form factor as well, not just air storage capacity.
Steve
It’s a 2 piston compressor so it helps a lot. Mine fills in like 6-7 minutes.
Kent
For most people, it’s overkill and slow. Like you said, it takes 6-7 minutes to fill the tank. Which means 5 minutes before you can fill a tire, fire a nail gun, etc.
If you need big capacity and more flow at high pressure, it’s clearly the way to go. I have 2 compressors, and the 3/4hp pancake unit gets used a whole lot more often than the 3hp beast.
My initial comment should have been more clear – guys like Stewart know this, so he’s buying what’s best for him. However, for the average suburban garage, a smaller tank is probably a smarter purchase.
PETE
I have the silent 4.5gal husky compressor- love it. We recently had to do some touch up drywall texture in the house. Was super happy that we could wheel the compressor inside, still have a normal conversation.
If i needed a larger compressor i’d certainly buy the larger model if i needed it.
Harrison
If you intend to keep it right next to you, the smaller 60db models are truly life changing. I have a small 1 gallon model and it’s fricken lovely, you can have a literal *quiet* conversation over it. If your needs really don’t go beyond what the smaller unit can output, I would strongly consider it. 70db is technically ‘twice as loud’ as 60db. It’s the difference between a quiet conversation between two people in a quiet room vs. talking at a busy restaurant.
70db is still nothing to scoff at though, compared to the atrocious pancake models people have been using for years. 70db seems to be where the quiet (but decent output) 15-12gal models have settled, so this husky at 73db seems not much worse than others on the market. If you need the output, I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Bonnie
I have a 58db Makita which I absolutely love. It’s barely more noticable than a box fan. Still got a crappy old pancake for filling car tires, but even with headphones it’s a pain in the ear.
DC
I had and loved the California Air Tools 10020 (20 gal) compressor and liked that it was quiet. I sold it because I needed space in my garage and got a bigger compressor because using an impact wrench with the Cal, I had to wait for the compressor to fill the tank.
Charles_A
I’ve got the dual tank setup, and it’s so quiet you forget it’s there. Easy to carry on a conversation right next to the thing, and easily runs a couple nailers at the same time.
Dan
How does this compare to Kobalt Quiet Tech 26-Gallon Single Stage Portable Corded Electric Vertical Air Compressor?
Quieter? I was debating on getting that one this year but this Husky looks really competitive and cheaper. (although a little smaller size)
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-QUIET-TECH-26-Gallon-Single-Stage-Portable-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1001014062
Joe
I have the kobalt and saw this in store. They both use the exact same parts. Only difference is the control panel is flipped upside down on the husky. Be ready for failure in a few years. They use a cheap steel spring in the regulator that rots out from condensation in the air. The regulator is not meant to be rebuilt. I managed to get mine apart to repair it and put an drier between the pressure switch and regulator. Lowes has also raised the price on the kobalt $100 so it’s not worth it anymore.
Sanfam
I was going to say everything you did, but with one addition: the motor has issues with cold starts and the rare high-pressure restart, either due to a bad cold start valve, an underpowered motor, or some other design problem.
I owned this (Kobalt version) for three months and while I liked it to start, I found the regulator to be complete trash and the pump motor to be increasingly inconsistent. It was extremely handy and I wish it wasn’t bad, as the price paid at that time was sub-$300 (I think I paid $260?) and it did what I wanted when it worked. Check the low reviews on either the husky or the Kobalt and you’ll see the same problems scattered across them.
As a complete surprise, the Harbor Freight 26gal Fortress is apparently extremely well constructed and uses quality components along with things like a different motor and different (seemingly reliable) regulator. The problem is that it tends to come in at near $400 these days and only has a 90 day warranty. Thats a straight pass for any sane person.
I do own the 1 gallon husky silent compressor and think it’s the bees’ knees. I use it constantly and greatly appreciate how quiet it is. I’ve also heard many good things about the 4 gallon husky, though I believe it’s pump motor is the same as the 20.
Joe
I have not had issues with the motor…yet. My brother also has the Kobalt and it has the high pressure restart issue when used with an extension cord. This is likely an issue with the cord he was using though. Next step for mine is to replace the regulator/manifold with a better one. Since “fixing” the regulator I get a 60 psi drop which is unacceptable. Need to try a different weight spring.
I really wanted the HF Fortress but at the time they had only released the small 2 gallon. I was tired of waiting and bought the Kobalt.
Dave (not here)
Bought this model a few months ago to replace an old 5-gallon Craftsman pancake when I needed to texture an entire house (scraped popcorn ceilings and did a ton of wall patching). Seriously impressed with the noise reduction and how quickly the tank filled – filled my texture gun about 3 times on a cycle, and it was always ready to go by the time I’d mixed up enough mud to shoot 3 more hoppers. Turned what would’ve been an all-day job into about 3 hours and paid for itself on the first use, plus you could still hear a mid-volume radio the whole time.
I agree with Stuart that nail guns are one of the things that are still better on air than cordless, and this is perfect for that use case as well. All of my impacts have batteries, so I can’t speak to how well this would hold up for automotive use, though serious gearheads are probably going bigger.
For the poster who asked, yes there is a drain valve at the bottom even if it’s not visible in the photos.
Nathan
any idea who makes it? I’m intrigued didn’t know such a thing was becoming real and I could see buying one of these for HVLP painting. which I wasn’t considering before.
I think a 8-10 gallon would be great for my needs but the pricing would have to be in that 200 dollar arena or I’d just buy the 20Ga.
Interesting.
Stuart
I cannot be sure, but Alton Industries answered several questions in the product page’s Q&A section.
fred
The UPC on HD’s web page is shown as : 810018920265
810018 is indeed Alton Industries
Travis
Stuart, about 5 or 6 years ago I purchased a quiet model compressor from California Air for my basement shop and it has been a fantastic addition. Doesn’t even wake anyone sleeping upstairs and has pretty much done every job I have needed it for except for painting. I would not buy another loud compressor even for my garage.
Minions Web
If you want a quiet compressor, you get jun-air.
No other.
If these husky compressors are like their old ones, it may take a few minutes to fill an 8″ balloon. Not a fan.
Josh R
I picked up the 2-gallon quiet compressor from Harbor Freight, and I love the silly thing. Works great, fills quick, and even when it’s running the noise isn’t irritating like some compressors are. Think I paid $120 for it, which still seems like a deal.
Liked it enough to get the bigger 27 gallon one, which is nowhere near as quiet, the noise is somewhat irritating, and it runs for a long time. Guess I need to build a compressor shed off the back of the workshop.
neandrewthal
These quiet compressors, like the 4.5 gallon one, pay for themselves on the job about once per week, and they last at least a hundred times longer than that. As a general contractor, I spend about 20 hours a week doing walkthroughs with designers, architects, plumbers, electricians, HVAC subs, painters, my own carpenters, etc. We can talk over nail guns, but not over loud compressors. With these, work doesn’t have to stop for a walkthrough.
Mike
How much does everyone still use their compressors? I’ve got a 50gal and a 20gal that don’t get used much at all anymore. Everything has been replaced by a battery or better options. Thinking about getting the M18 tire inflator which will replace about the only job left it does. Thinking I need to downgrade to a good small-sized one for the occasional tire or air tool that hasn’t been replaced yet.
Of course, I’m talking at home in the garage and not commercial applications.
MM
I have a huge compressor, at least by normal “garage” standards in my home workshop. It’s a 230V 7.5HP 4-cylinder unit with an 80 gal tank. It’s massive overkill for my needs, only reason I have it is that it was left over from my old machining business and the new owners didn’t want it, so I kept it for my home shop. I still own my air tools but I rarely use them. I’ve been using cordless impacts for light duty jobs for years. The current Dewalt “midrange” 1/2″ model has replaced my old trusty IR composite body pneumatic for the bigger stuff. M12 3/8″ cordless ratchet has replaced my pneumatic. IM12 90 degree and Dewalt straight die grinders replaced my pneumatics for most jobs. The only pneumatic tools I don’t have cordless replacements for currently are a 1/8 shank high-speed pencil type grinder, an auto-body type hammer and my 3/4″ impact wrench. I rarely use any of those. I use my shop air to seat beads if I have to change a tire but for topping up tires I use a cordless inflator, it’s just so convenient to be able to take the compressor to the tire rather than the other way around, not to mention the ability to auto-shutoff. Just press a button and wait until it shuts itself off.
What’s left? Blowing away sawdust, chips, and swarf when cleaning machines. I use air for that frequently.
fred
I have an old 2-stage 230V IR compressor that sits in its own space outside my home shop. I have it piped into the shop and garage. When I bought it about 50 years ago, I used it for much more than I do now. With lots of TLC it still works – but you certainly can hear it when its running. Now I start it up mainly when I have a furniture project underway. I still like pneumatic pinners (have a Grex 23ga and Cadex 21ga) and staple guns compared to cordless. I can’t recall however when I last started it up to power any of the tools that I might use in the garage – having cordless alternatives that are just more convenient.
For industrial use (e.g. the metal fabrication shop that I had an interest in) there may still be a case for pneumatic tools. When I sold-up about 10 years ago – we were still using lots of pneumatic sanders, grinders, air drills etc. Cordless was (still is) making some inroads – so I’m guessing the % use case is shifting a bit.
Marcelo
Still loud in closed shops.
I have switched to a dental compressor @73db. Works ok, but not as quiet as I’d like. Waiting for a dentist to retire and offer a six pack of Qatar Soccer World Cup non-saleable Budweiser’s for exchange of a 4-refrigerator motors compressors. These are quieter than a human breathing.
John+D
I just picked one of the 20gal units a week ago. It is shockingly quiet when compared to my old Rigid Triplestack (the one that you can remove the twin tanks from). I primarily use it to blow out my irrigation system and the occasional nailer. I used to worry the neighbors would complain when running the Rigid in my garage with the door closed.
It does have an issue starting when plugged into a circuit that has questionable wiring. It does not need a 20A circuit… just a solid 15A circuit. I had it plugged into an old 15A outdoor outlet with an extension cord (1960’s house, 50ft 10ga cord) and it would not start. It did start when directly plugged into the same outlet. It works fine with extension cords on better wired 15A outlets, so it’s borderline.
The only other downside is that it is very awkward to move it. The balance point is almost upright. By the time you rotate it to a comfortable wheeling position you are holding ~30-40lbs at the handle.
I’m happy with it. No frills, some downsides, but for the size and silence it’s a great price.