Best Portable Tire Inflators

If you own a vehicle, you should have a portable tire inflator, also called a portable air pump. Every fall, temperatures drop, and so do tire pressures. Portable tire inflators can help top-up your tires to maintain proper handling and maximize your fuel economy. These portable air pumps can also help you if you suffer a slow leak type of flat tire, which is the most common type. The tire inflator can help you re-inflate and get to safety, or to a tire repair shop.

Car Talk's Key Takeaways

• Nearly any portable tire inflator will get the job done.
• You need not spend more than $50-$100 for a top-rated tire inflator.
• These portable tire inflators are great for bikes and sports balls.
• These are not intended to blow up large pool toys (floats).
• A garage air compressor is in the same price range.

Car Talk’s Recommended Portable Tire Inflators

The following are recommendations based on interviews with ASE-certified mechanics:

• Best 12-Volt Pump: AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor»

• Best Battery-Operated Tire Inflator: EMSON Bullseye Pro Digital Tire Inflator»

• Best Tiny Battery-Operated Tire Inflator: Syncwire 150 PSI Portable Tire Inflator»

• Best Dual Battery Tire Inflator: Worx WX092L.9 20V Power Share Portable Air Pump Inflator»

Car Talk's Top Recommendations

#1 AstroAI: Best 12-Volt Plug-In Tire Inflator

About AstroAI Portable Tire Inflators

The big plus to a 12-volt plug-in air pump is you never need to worry about its battery dying since your car supplies the power. The AstroAI is a pump we’ve tested and have found to be among the best of its type.

Pros and Cons

Specs

• 12-volt power
• Digital pressure gauge display
• Schrader connection
• Price range: $34-$55

#2 Bullseye Pro Tire Inflator: Best Battery-Operated Pump

About Bullseye Pro Portable Tire Inflators

In our testing, the Bullseye Pro Tire Inflator pump proved simple to use and it had a high-quality feel. Since it is rechargeable, you need not plug it in while operating it.

Pros and Cons

Specs

• 150 PSI max
• 12-volt charging or USB
• 1.9 lbs
• Schrader connection
• Price range: $69-$90

#3 Syncwire Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor: Best Tiny Air Pump

About Syncwire Portable Tire Inflators

If you are seeking a very small portable air pump, you can’t go wrong with the Syncwire Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor. This is one of the smallest and lightest pumps you will find. In our testing this tiny unit punched well above its weight class. This unit would also be great for biking.

Pros and Cons

Specs

• 150 PSI max
• Palm-sized
• Multiple connections including Schrader valve
• Price range: $64-$80

#4 Worx WX092L.9 20V: Best Dual Battery Pump

About WORX Portable Tire Inflators

If you want a pump that will work with your Worx 20V batteries used in either tool, this is an ideal choice. Why not use the batteries you already own?

Pros and Cons

Specs

• 3-foot air hose
• 20 V
• 150 PSI max
• Price range: $89-$120

What is a portable tire inflator, and what does it do?

A portable tire inflator is a compact air pump intended for occasional and emergency use. These pumps come in many form factors. There are some that look like little lunch boxes, some that look like drills, and others that are about the size of a smartphone with twice the thickness.

Inflator tire pumps of this type can handle topping off your tire in fall or winter, inflating a flat tire on the side of the road, and any bicycle or sports ball needs. They are great at making pressure, but they only provide a limited volume per minute, so they don't work to blow up a giant pool toy.

There are a few different types. Some use the same battery as your drill and other electric tools. Others may look like such a tool but be much less expensive because they only require a very small battery, not your full-size tool battery. Some are very tiny but still work quite well. Others look like a little lunchbox and have a 12-volt power cord only (no battery). Each has its merits, and your own preference will be the best guide to choosing one.

One important thing we wish to convey is that they all get the job done. They are all very affordable. In fact, the price of garage air compressors is now about the same as these portable tire inflators. Tools have become very inexpensive over the last decade. Even with inflation, you can find a good unit for under $40.

What to consider when buying a portable tire inflator

From our perspective, the first decision is whether you want a tire inflator that is powered by a battery or one that will plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt power socket. There is no wrong answer. We like the battery-powered ones because they are quicker to put to use - when charged. Most also have a 12-volt connection to add to their battery, so you need not stress that it will be dead when you happen to need it.

The 12-volt only tire inflators are also handy, since you can leave one in your trunk forever, and when you need it, you pull it out, plug it in, and get to rescuing your tire. These are also less expensive.

The ones that share batteries with other tools are great, but those batteries are way larger than needed to inflate a tire or even four. What we don't like about those is that if you want to keep the unit in your trunk, then what do you do with that large-capacity lithium-ion battery? Lug it around all the time?

There are also tire inflators that are built into battery jump starters. We love this idea. Hey, if you are going to carry both, why not combine them?

Features to expect with your portable tire inflator

Definitely look for a product that has a built-in flashlight. Almost all portable air pumps come with one. A back-lit screen is also nice. These tire inflators also work well as tire pressure gauges. Every portable tire inflator we have ever tested (and the list is long) also came with a sports ball pin and some other small connectors. Some also include a few spare valve covers. They ALWAYS immediately roll under the car when we remove them, so try to keep an eye on those.

What is the cost of a high-quality portable tire inflator?

One of our favorite inflators is the AstroAI 12-Volt Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor. It is priced at just over $30. Our favorite battery-operated inflator, the Bullseye Pro Digital Tire Inflator, retails for between $89 and $69. There is no need to spend more than $100 for a portable pump.

Car Talk expert ASE mechanics weigh in on portable tire inflators

Straight from our experts:

John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor

The Worx self-contained 20-volt Power Share works well, and the battery is the same as that of my lawn tools. I like it that you set the pressure and turn it on and it shuts off when it reaches the proper pressure. This is nice for bike tires, golf carts and lawn tractor tires.

Jr. Damato, ASE-certified mechanic. Juniors Automotive Sales and Service, Middleboro, MA

All portable pumps get the job done. If you work on your car at home a lot, check out a garage air compressor. The prices are now as low as portable inflators.

John Goreham, Car Talk Staff Writer

I must have owned ten portable air pumps. In my vehicles, I keep a 12-volt AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor and it has served me well. In my garage, I like to use the EMSON Bullseye Pro Digital Tire Inflator. I find it is easier to use than a pump with a cord. Having recently tried the Syncwire 150PSI Portable Tire Inflator, I’d recommend that to anyone who wants a super-small pump that gets the job done.

Can anyone use a portable tire inflator?

Using a portable tire inflator is extremely easy. We suggest trying it the day it arrives. Familiarize yourself with its operation. That’s it. If it has a battery, keep it charged. I use a gallon ziplock bag to contain all the accessories since I find that once in a while, I have a spill in my cargo area, and that keeps the inflator from getting wet.

Use common sense when inflating a tire. Move to a safe place. Never repair a flat tire that has been driven on while the tire was mostly or fully deflated. It must instead be replaced. Keep your spare tire inflated at all times.

Conclusion

A portable tire inflator is a must-have item for every vehicle owner. One should be in every trunk or cargo area of every vehicle. Choose your favorite from our list, and don't spend over $100. If you prefer ease of use, opt for a battery-operated unit. If you like the idea of never having to charge a battery, a 12-volt unit may be easier to maintain in working order.

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