You’ve planned an amazing camping trip. You’ve scored a picturesque campsite, complete with breathtaking views, flat ground, and easy access to water (be it a lake, a river, a bay, or the ocean). You have packed everything you need to enjoy a safe and comfortable adventure surrounded by Mother Nature, including a variety of inflatables that provides the creature comforts of home, like a mattress and even a couch or a few chairs. You’re also planning on bringing an inflatable kayak, boat, paddle board, and maybe even some inner tubes.
Needless to say, you have all of the gear that you need for an amazing camping trip, but you’re missing one simple, yet vital piece of equipment: an electric air pump. Sure, you could manually blow up all of that inflatable gear, but doing so not only requires a lot of time, but it also requires an incredible amount of effort and energy.
Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best electric air pumps. You’ll also find a handy buyer’s guide, which details the key factors that you should take into consideration when you’re shopping.
We wrap things up by providing answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that people have about these handy tools. In short, with the information presented in this guide, you’ll have no trouble selecting an electric air pump that will best suit your individual needs.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- Best Pick: Helteko Air Compressor Tire Inflator
- Preimum Pick: Outdoor Master 20PSI High Pressure SUP Air Pump The Shark
- Budget Pick: Fortem Tire inflator Portable Air Compressor
Electric Air Pumps Reviews
Best Pick: Helteko Air Compressor Tire Inflator
Starting out or list of the best electric air pumps is the Helteko Ai Compressor Tire Inflator. It’s our pick for the best overall electric air pumps for several reasons. It’s equipped with a special AC/DC switch mode that makes the pump more convenient and easier to use, as you can use it can be powered both a 12 volt car cigarette lighter plug when you’re on the go, as well as a 110 volt wall plug if you ever need to use it at home.
The Helteko electric air pump is very versatile, as it can effectively inflate vehicle tires, as well as pretty much any inflatable device that you can imagine; just switch the nozzle attachment and you’ll be able to inflate whatever you need to.
The Helteko electric air pump is constructed of ABS plastic and stainless steel, so it is super durable, will be able to withstand all types of conditions, and will last for years to come. It’s also equipped with a digital, backlight digital display screen, so you can easily read the current PSI of whatever it is that you’re trying to inflate, as well as the target PSI.
With a noise level of just 50 dBA, you can inflate your items without having to worry about disturbing the peace. It’s even equipped with an emergency LED light, so you can blow up your tires or gear after the sun goes down. The pump is long enough so that you can reach the items you need to inflate with ease.
It comes complete with a carrying case, too, so you can keep it well protected and take it with you wherever you go. Backed by a satisfaction guarantee and a 2 year warranty – and affordably priced – the Helteko Air Compressor really is an outstanding choice.
What We Liked
- AC/DC switch mode, so it can be powered by a 12 volt car cigarette lighter plug or a 110 volt wall plug
- Comes with an assortment of nozzles, making it a highly versatile pump that can be used to blow up everything from vehicle tires to inflatable kayaks, and even sports balls
- Backlight digital display is easy to read
- Super-fast inflation
- Constructed of ABS plastic and stainless steel, so it’s durable, yet lightweight
- Long cord allows for convenient inflation
- Comes with a protective carrying case
- Backed by a 2 year warranty and a satisfaction guarantee
- Affordably priced
Premium Pick: Outdoor Master 20 PSI High Pressure SUP Air Pump The Shark
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line electric air pump and you have room in your budget to spare, then you should consider our top pick for the best premium model: the Outdoor Master 20 PSI High Pressure SUP Air Pump: The Shark.
It’s the only SUP electric air pump on the market that’s equipped with an active cooling system for up to 20 PSI, so it can inflate up to three paddle boards in a row. The fast, high pressure inflation and consistent cooling system ensures rapid and consistent inflation.
- Active cooling system - Outdoormaster shark sup electric air pump with active cooling system up to 20psi for 3 boards in a row. Enjoy a sleekly designed paddle board pump with fast, high pressure inflation and consistent cooling system - made to share!
- Fast & powerful dual stage & auto off for easy inflation - Automatic dual stage pump: 1st stage for maximum speed at 350l/min and 2nd stage for maximum pressure at 70l/min. The auto-off function turns the pump off when target pressure is reached when inflating.
- 12V DC car connector & deflation function - Connect to your car's 12v dc connector and the paddle board pump will work. Feature 12A fuse for increased safety. Deflation function could ensure quick deflate your inflatables to compact size, easier to fold and storage!
- Digital display with real time pressure monitoring - Use the digital display to set your desired pressure and monitor the pressure in real time. Pumping has never been easier!
- Full set nozzles attachments - Comes with full set of nozzles to fit most high pressure inflatables including C7 & H3 valve, like stand up inflatable paddle boards, air beds, kayaks, boats, arch, swimming pools, tents and so on.
It’s an automatic dual stage pump. The first stage provides maximum speed at 350 L/min and the second stage offers a max pressure of 70 L/min. It’s equipped with an auto-off function, too, so the pump automatically shuts off when the target air pressure has been reached. There’s a deflation function, too! When you’re ready to wrap things up, just attach it to your gear, switch to deflate mode, and in a matter of seconds, you’ll be ready to pack up.
It connects to your vehicle’s 12 volt DC connector for on-the-go inflation and deflation. It comes complete with a full set of nozzles that fit the majority of high pressure inflatables, including C7 and H3 valves, so you’ll be able to blow up pretty much anything you own. To ensure your safety, it’s fitted with a 12 A fuse, so you’ll have peace of mind when you’re inflating and deflating your gear.
This electric air pump by Outdoor Master is equipped with a digital display for real-time pressure monitoring. Just set the air pressure you want to reach and keep tabs in real time; seriously, inflating your gear has never been easier! To ensure reliability, the pump has been put through – and has successfully passed – rigorous safety testing, and has been granted a CA65 and a CE certification, which confirms quality and reliability.
A smart design, state-of-the-art technology, rugged construction, durability, reliability, and ease of use; it’s easy to see why we chose the Shark by Outdoor Master as our pick for the best premium electric air pump. Do note, however, that as our premium pick, the price tag is a big hefty.
What We Liked
- Equipped with an internal patent structure that provides ultra0fast cooling performance under 3-digit temperature conditions
- Powered by a 12 volt DC outlet and features a 12A fuse for improved safety
- With 20 PSI high pressure, it can safely, quickly, and effectively inflate up to three items in a row
- Dual-stage pump: 1st stage delivers a max speed of 350 L/min and 2nd stage delivers a max pressure of 70 L/min
- Comes with several nozzles, including a C7, a, H3, a 0.28 inch diameter opening cone-shaped nozzle, and a 0.67 inch diameter round nozzle, so it’s highly versatile and can be used to blow up an assortment of items.
- Successfully passed rigorous safety testing and has received both CA65 and CE certifications
- Durable construction, yet lightweight, compact design, and a built-in carrying handle, allows for easy transport
- Digital display allows you to set your target air pressure and real-time monitor the pressure as it’s pumping
Budget Pick: Foretem Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor
For a high-quality, versatile, easy to use air pump that won’t break the bank, the Foretem Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor is a great choice. As our pick for the best budget electric air pump, it’s affordably priced, but the low cost doesn’t mean that the quality was compromised.
Powered by a DC 12 volt vehicle cigarette outlet for on-the-go inflation, and it delivers up to 120W of power for rapid inflation. It’s constructed of durable materials, so it will stand up to all types of elements and will last for years to come, yet it’s lightweight and is outfitted with a built-in carrying handle, so you can easily take it with you wherever you go.
- Portable and Compact - Take your Fortem air compressor for car with you and be ready for any emergency. The 14ft reach cables are stored inside the small compact unit making air compressors the perfect accessory for automobiles.
- Multi-purpose - Perfect for car, truck, suv, motorcycle tires. Includes three nozzle attachments for sports balls, air mattress, pool toys and other inflatables. Can also be used as an air pump for bike. Compatible with all vehicles with DC-12V cigarette lighter power outlet.
- Built-In Safety Features- Super bright automatic LED flashlight makes our car air pump suitable for roadside emergency and nighttime use. Fortem 12v air compressor is ready whenever you need to inflate a flat tire.
- Easy To Use – Start car ignition, connect car plug to the DC-12-volt power outlet, set the PSI desired, and wait for the display to stop blinking. Flip switch to on, the inflator then pumps air and turns off automatically once PSI is reached.
- One Year Warranty - Made from extremely durable, lightweight plastic. Enjoy daily drives, not worrying about your tire pressure. Your heavy duty portable air pump is covered for a full year!
A 14 foot power cable is stored within the unit, allowing for easy reach and neat, convenient storage. It comes complete with multiple nozzles, so you can inflate a wide variety of items. A built-in LED flashlight shines bright light, which means that you will be able to inflate your items with ease, even under the cover of darkness.
The Fortem electric air compressor is super-easy to use. Just start up your vehicle, plug the cord into your DC 12 volt power outlet, set the compressor to your desired PSI, wait for the display to stop blinking, turn the switch on, and once the desired PSI is reached, it will shut off automatically.
For your peace of mind, the Fortem compressor is backed by a one year warranty, and of course, as our top pick for the best budget model, it’s affordably priced.
What We Liked
- Constructed of durable materials, yet compact, lightweight, and features a built-in handle for easy transport
- Powered by a DC 12 volt cigarette power oulet
- Features a 14 foot power cable that’s stored inside the unit
- Comes with multiple nozzles for versatile inflation
- Can be used to inflate a variety of items, from tires to sports balls
- Numerous safety features, including a built-in LED flashlight and automatic shut off
- Super easy to use
- Digital, backlight display
- Backed by a 1 year warranty
- Affordably priced
Valwix 20 PSI High Pressure SUP Air Pump: The Whale
Next on our list of the best electric air pumps is the Valwix 20 PSI High Pressure SUP Air Pump: The Whale. Like our top pick for the best premium electric air pump, this one is equipped with active cooling technology that allows it to inflate up to three stand up paddleboards in a row.
That’s because the device automatically starts cooling down as soon as it starts inflation. Thanks to this active cooling technology, the continuous working period of the Whale electric air pump is 45 percent long than most other models, so you can inflate your gear a whole lot faster. It also features dual-stage auto off inflation.
- ACTIVE COOLING TECHNOLOGY - Inflates 3 BOARDS UP TO 20 PSI IN A ROW for families and group outing. AUTOMATICALLY COOLS DOWN from the first second of inflation, the Whale pump shares a 45% longer continuous working period than most electric SUP pumps on the market , allows you to SKIP THE WAIT TIME and get right to the fun.
- DUAL STAGE,AUTO OFF INFLATION - 1st stage for MAXIMUM SPEED at 350L/min and 2nd stage for MAXIMUM PRESSURE at 70L/min, approximately 8-10 mins for pumping up one iSUP. AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF at desired pressure to ensure accurate inflation without having to keep an eye on it. Completely deflates the SUP into a sheet in 3mins for easy packing and storage.
- 12V CAR CONNECTION & REAL TIME PRESSURE - Connected to CAR CIGARETTE LIGHTER or power station with 12V OUTLET. Real time digital display, target pressure function ensures the board stay in recommended PSI range that offers precise level of rigidity and prolong its lifespan.
- SAND-PROOF MESH INLET, ENHANCED VENTILATION - Metal mesh blocks sand, grass and dirt out of the air intake to ensure maximum airflow. Improves cooling efficiency by 30%, and reduce 57% chance of motor burnout. This paddle board pump should service you a life time.
- 7 VALVE SET FOR BOTH HIGH/LOW PRESSURE INFLATABLES - Comes with H3 (Hokey-Roberts/ HR) nozzle for most branded paddle boards, Boston nozzle for kayaks, inflatable boats. Round/ pinch nozzle for pool floats, inflatable pools, air mattress, tents etc..CE/ROHS certificated safe and solid material offers a promising water journey.
The first stage is a maximum speed at 350 L/min and the second stage for a max pressure of 70 L/min, so it takes about 8 to 10 minutes to fully inflate one stand up paddle board. It automatically turns off when it reaches the desired air pressure, ensuring accurate inflation without having to keep constant watch on the pump.
When you’re ready to pack things up and head home, switch to the deflate mode and you can have a SUP fully deflated in just about 3 minutes.
The air pump is powered by a 12 volt car cigarette outlet or a power station with a 12 volt outlet. A digital display ensures and allows you to track the recommended PSI range in real-time. A metal mesh inlet prevents sand, grass, dirt, and other types of debris from entering the air intake, so it always delivers maximum airflow for extreme reliability.
This improves the cooling efficiency by up to 30 percent and reduces the chance of motor burnout by up to 57 percent for long lasting life expectancy. It comes with seven different valves, too, so you can inflate virtually everything with this one easy to use electric air pump. For your peace of mind, the Whale is CE/ROHS certified, which confirms that it has successfully passed rigorous safety testing.
What We Liked
- Features cutting-edge active cooling technology that can inflate up to three SUP boards up to 20 PSI in a row
- Dual-stage, auto-off inflation: 1st stage for max speed at 350 L/min and 2nd stage for max pressure at 70 L/min, and fully inflates one SUP in about 8 to 10 minutes
- To power options: plugs in to a 12 volt cigarette lighter or a power station with a 12 volt outlet
- Real time digital display allows you to keep tabs on the target pressure function
- Metal mesh over the power inlet blocks sand, grass, dirt, and other debris out of the air intake, ensuring max airflow by improving cooling efficiency and reducing risk of motor burnout
- Comes with a total of seven valves, making it a highly versatile pump that can inflate virtually all of your gear
Prow Electric Air Compressor Tire Inflator
The Prow Electric Air Compressor Tire Inflator is another excellent choice. It can be powered by an AC 100 volt and DC 12 volt, allowing for exceptional versatility, as you can use it at home or when you’re on the go.
Wherever you’re inflating, the 120 W motor is powerful for super-fast inflation; it can inflate vehicle tires to 35 PSI in less than 5 minutes! An auto shutoff feature features a digital pressure gauge with different measurement options, including PSI, BAR, and KPA, so as soon as the target pressure is reached, the pump will turn off, outfitted with a built-in LED light, you’ll be able to inflate your tires or gear in the dark with ease.
- Prow AC DC air compressor tire inflator- with AC (110v) and DC (12v) cables can be usedat any time and in any place.It can be used in the garage in the morning without having to ignite the engine or even in the middle of a deserted street.Inflates fast with a strong 120W motor. Inflates car tires to 35 PSI in 5 minutes and under.Please note: After using the tire pump for 20 minutes straight, it is advised to leave it to cool down for at least 10 minutes.
- Auto shut – off digital gauge and bright LED light.- This electric air compressor comes with a digital pressure gauge with an option of different measurement units – PSI / BAR / KPA with a desired air pressure setting technology and automatic shut – off as soon as the car tire inflator overheats. This air pump for car tires comes with a LED light to help you in darkness or any emergency situation you may find yourself in.
- Variety of adapters for a variety of uses: The car air pump comes with a variety of adapters that are suitable for the car, motor cycle and bicycle. Note: The tire inflator is not suitable for big vehicles and trucks. Suitable for inflation of basket balls, footballs, sport balls, pools, golf carts etc. Note: Not designed for large volume pools.
- Compact and portable - This portable air compressor comes with a carry – on -bag making it comfortable and nice for easy storage in the car which makes the car tire pump into a recommended car gadget. Please note: The DC cable is located together with the air hose in the base of the air compressor.
- You can be relaxed when buying the portable air compressor from Prow. Prow a company leading in quality, manufactures this tire inflator with meticulousness that it should have long-term durability, and gives a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty together with outstanding customer service.
The Prow electric air compressor comes with a variety of adaptors in several different sizes, so it can effectively inflate car, bike, and motorcycle tires, as well as various types of outdoor and sporting gear and equipment; do note, however, that it isn’t suitable for large vehicles, such as trucks.
The compact, portable, and lightweight construction makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. A backlit LCD display is easy to read both during the day and at night, and lets you pre-set the necessary pressure, and the air pump will instantly shut off once the desired pressure is reached.
The powerful 120 volt solid metal motor inflates at a speed of 30 liters per minute. All of these awesome features, and this electric air pump from Prow is backed by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty, too.
What We Liked
- Powered by both 110 volt and 12 volt outlets for versatile use
- Rapid inflation; can inflate vehicle tires to 35 PSI in 5 minutes or less
- Auto shutoff function instantly turns the pump off as soon as the desired pressure setting is reached
- Equipped with a bright, built-in LED light
- Comes with nozzles in a variety of different sizes for extreme versatility; inflate car, bike, and motorcycle tires, sporting equipment, and camping gear
- Compact, lightweight, portable, and durable design
- Easy to use
- Backed by a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty
Electric Air Pumps Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have taken the time to read through our list of the best electric air compressors, you can clearly see that there are several high-quality, reliable options to choose from. Since it’s likely that you only need one pump, however, you are probably wondering which one you should choose. The best way to do that is by really considering what it is that you need before you start shopping and then taking some key factors into consideration.
To further simplify the process of selecting the best electric air pump, here’s a look at some of the most important factors that you are going to want to consider when you’re shopping.
The Pressure Range Supported
When you are purchasing an electric air pump for inflating your outdoor or sporting gear, or your tires, it’s imperative to ensure that the pump you select can support the pressure that you want to inflate whatever it is that you are blowing up.
How do you know what pressure range you need? Take a look at the gear or tires that you are intending on using the pump to inflate and you should be able to find the recommended pressure range. For reference, most inflatable paddle boards have to be inflated to between 12 and 15 PSI, and most standard vehicle tires have to be inflated to a PSI of about 35.
The Power Source
Another key factor that you are going to want to consider before you choose an electric air pump is the power source. For maximum versatility, it’s best to choose a dual power source model; that it, is can be powered by both an AC and a DC power outlet.
These models can be plugged into both wall outlets and vehicle cigarette outlets, which means that you can inflate your tires, outdoor gear, and sporting equipment both at-home and when you are on the go. If the unit is AC-powered only, it will be completely useless if you want to use it to inflate your vehicle’s tires or your outdoor gear.
Likewise, if you choose a DC-powered pump, you won’t be able to use it to inflate items at home; unless, of course, you plug it into your vehicle. To ensure versatility, we highly recommended choosing a dual powered electric air pump.
The Nozzles
Another important factor that you’re going to want to take into consideration when you’re choosing an electric air pump is the nozzles that it comes with; both the type and the amount. If you want to use the device to inflate a variety of items, the more nozzles that it comes with – both the amount and the size –the better.
Different items that are designed to be inflated with air are outfitted with different sized valves; they aren’t “one-size-fits-all”; for example, the inlet/outlet valves on bicycle tires are a totally different size than the inlet/outlet valves on an air mattress or a stand-up paddle board.
That said, it’s best to look for an electric air pump that comes with variety of nozzles, and that those nozzles are sized so that they can fit most standard inflatable items. If you’re on the market for a universal electric air pump, we recommend choosing one that comes with at least four distinct nozzles.
The Portability
It’s also important to consider the portability of the device. If you’re going to be using it to inflate items when you’re on-the-go – camping or any other outdoor excursion, for example, or even for inflating your tires when you’re on the road – you are definitely going to want to make sure that it is portable.
If the pump is big and bulky, you’re going to have a hard time transporting it. It’s best to choose a model that is lightweight and compact in size, as this will give you the freedom to move around and use it wherever you need to.
The Construction
Yet another important quality to consider is the construction of the unit. It goes without saying that you want to choose an electric air pump that is durable, that can withstand wear-and-tear and all types of conditions, and that will last for years to come, and the materials that the unit is constructed of will directly determine all of these things.
It is important to note, however, that while you want to ensure that the materials are durable, you also want to be sure that they aren’t too heavy so that they won’t weigh down the unit and make it difficult to transport. The best electric air pumps are constructed of ABS plastics and stainless steel components; two materials that are both durable, yet lightweight, thus, the pump will really be able to take a beating (for lack of a better term), yet it will also be light and easy to tote around.
The Features
You’re also going to want to consider the features that the unit offers. Modern electric air pumps can be fitted with a wide variety of features, such as backlit LCD or digital displays, built-in LED flashlights, automatic shut-off technology, etc. These features make the unit more robust, reliable, and easier to use; however, it is important to note that the more features that the pump contains, typically, the more expensive it will be.
The Price
Last but not least, you’re going to want to consider the price. As you can see from the models that are featured on our list, the price of electric air pumps varies widely. Prices can be as low as below $20 to $150 or more. That said, lower priced units are generally pretty basic, while higher priced models are outfitted with a wide array of features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use an electric air pump?
A: It’s pretty simple and straightforward, actually. To properly use an electric air pump, use the following tips:
- Open up the air valve on the item you want to inflate
- Make sure you select an appropriately sized nozzle
- Connect the nozzle to the tube on the air pump
- Connect the nozzle to the inflation port of the item that you want to inflate
- Turn the unit on
How long will an electric air pump last?
A: It really depends on the construction of the unit and the care. To ensure it lasts as long as possible, opt for a model that is constructed of high-quality materials, and exercise proper care.
What can I inflate with an electric air pump?
A: As long as you choose a model that comes with nozzles in a variety of different sizes, you should be to use it to inflate pretty much any inflatable device, from tires to camping equipment to sporting gear.
