Portable rechargeable battery powered inflators are the ultimate in convenience and ultra-portability. They are certainly no replacement for larger AC powered portable air compressors, however for quickly and easily topping off a low tire or inflating or deflating pool floats, air mattresses, etc. they really can't be beat.
All 5 top rated portable tire inflators are powered by removable rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery packs which are not included with the tool. If you own tools with compatible batteries then you are good to go, otherwise we have included links in the full product review for the best battery and charger deals. Certain inflator models such as the Craftsman CMCE520B & Dewalt DCC020IB can also be powered from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or 12-volt DC accessory jack, which is convenient if you are in your vehicle and don't have a charged battery pack with you. Both of these premium inflators can also use standard 120-volt AC power however, the Dewalt AC adapter is sold separately while the Craftsman is included.
2024's Top 5 Cordless Rechargeable Tire Inflators
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
DEWALT 20V MAX DCC020IB | Power 20V DC 12V DC 120V AC Bare Tool Requires Battery Pack | 20V MAX Lithium Ion Battery Dewalt Quality Great Reviews! | |
Makita DMP180ZX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Inflator | Power 18V DC Bare Tool Requires Battery Pack | 18 Volt Lithium Ion Battery Great Reviews! | |
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCE520B Portable Inflator / Deflator | Power 20V DC 12V DC 120V AC Bare Tool Requires Battery Pack | 20 Volt Lithium Ion Battery Craftsman Quality | |
RYOBI P747 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Inflator/Deflator | Power 18V DC Bare Tool RequiresBattery Pack | 18 Volt Lithium Ion Battery Inflates Deflates | |
RYOBI P737 18-Volt ONE+ Portable Cordless Tire Inflator | Power 18V DC Bare Tool RequiresBattery Pack | 18V Lithium Ion Battery Low Price |
2024 Cordless Inflator Buying Guide
2024 Best Cordless Inflators
DEWALT DCC020IB 20V MAX Review
DEWALT 20V MAX Video
MAKITA DMP180ZX 18V LXT Review
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCE520B Review
RYOBI P747 18V ONE+ Inflator Review
RYOBI P737 ONE+ Tire Inflator Review
Ryobi Battery Systems
Quick Tip
The Bottom Line
DEWALT DCC020IB Cordless Inflator Review
When speaking of quality tools, the DeWALT name and reputation holds it' own.
DeWALT's DCC020IB portable inflator is a heavy-duty inflator that can conveniently run on any of three different power sources.
- 12 Volt DC
- 20V MAX Battery
- 120 V AC
A long 13.75-foot 12 Volt DC power cable is included with the bare tool (model DCC0201B). This enables you to power the inflator from a vehicle's 12-volt DC power jack with a 10 Amp power draw.
You can also make the inflator completely portable by popping in a DeWALT 20V MAX rechargeable battery pack. If you don't own any existing DeWALT 20V max tools and wish to use this power option, you'll want to order the DeWALT DCB205CK 20V Battery Pack Kit which includes a 20V max 5.0Ah XR Lithium-Ion battery pack, 4 Amp charger and a DEWALT branded carry bag.
If you want to power the DCC020I from standard 120 Volt AC power, you'll need the optional DeWALT N557514 power supply adapter. It's currently around $45.
Included with bare tool (DCC020IB):
- DCC020I Air Inflator
- 12V DC Power Cord
- High-Pressure Tapered Nozzle
- Presta Valve Adapter
- Inflator Needle
The manufacturer states that the DCC020IB inflator can inflate a standard 17" car tire from flat to 35 PSI in around 4 and a half minutes or a standard 17" truck tire from 0 to 35 PSI in just over 8 minutes. Using a DCB230 battery, the inflator can fill over 6 average car tires or between 3-4 truck tires on a single charge.
In addition to the 29-inch-long high-pressure hose, the DeWALT DCC020I also includes a high-volume inflator/deflator hose for large items such as air mattresses, rafts, and swimming pool floats.
We like the solid compact design and heavy-duty rubber feet to prevent walking while in use. The versatility of triple power options is a big winner however, we didn't like the AC power adapter was not included in the package.
DeWALT 20V MAX Tire Inflator Video
DeWALT DCC020I Features
- AC/DC or Battery
- LED Light
- 12V DC Plug
- Integrated Storage
- Inflate/Deflate
- Automatic Shutoff
- 0.5 Pressure SCFM
- 15.2 Volume SCFM
- Length 5.2"
- Width 11.2"
- Height 9.8"
- 5.5 Lbs.
Our DeWALT DCC020I Ratings
Power
Plenty of power to inflate auto and small truck tires.
Quality
Excellent quality compressor for the price.
Cost
The bare DCC020I usually retails around $120
Overall Rating: 4.5
This is an excellent inflator with versatile triple power options. We gave the DeWALT DCC020I an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
- AC/DC Operation
- Heavy Duty
- Three Year Support
- Excellent Buyer Reviews
Cons
- No AC Adapter
- No Quick Connect
DEWALT DCC0201B 20V Lithium-Ion Inflator
ASIN: B07H39S9JQ - UPC: 885911532143
Makita DMP180ZX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Inflator Review
Makita's DMP180ZX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion cordless inflator is a powerful, easy to carry tire inflator built with Makita quality. The DMP180ZX is very compact and light, weighing only 2.3 lbs. or 3.1 lbs with a Makita 18 volt lithium-ion battery installed.
Speaking of batteries, like all of the other inflators in this roundup review, the Makita does not come with a battery or charger. If you don't have Makita 18V batteries from other tools you'll likely want to buy the DMP180SYX kit which includes a 1.5 AH 20V battery & charger.
This tool makes it a breeze to fill sports balls, inflate bicycle tires, and more. With a 25-1/2" air hose and maximum 120 PSI air pressure capability, you can easily top off vehicle tires including light trucks.
The DMP180ZX includes a backlit easy to read pressure gauge and a built-in LED worklight.
Like other Makita tools the DMP180ZX tire inflator incorporates a good balance of rugged design while also being lightweight and ergonomic. Makita provides a 3-year limited warranty on the tool.
Safety features include automatic shutoff when preset air pressure setting is reached prevents over-inflation. Makita Star Protection Computer Controls™ technology monitors battery & tool conditions during use to protect against overloading, over-discharging and overheating.
Makita DMP180ZX Instruction Manual
Makita DMP180ZX Parts Breakdown
Manufacturer's Product Page - DMP180ZX
Makita DMP180ZX Features
- 18 Volt Battery
- LED Work Light
- Lightweight
- Star Protection
- 120 Max PSI
- Automatic Shutoff
- Backlit Display
- 3 Year Warranty
- Length 9.88"
- Width 3.0"
- Height 6.88"
- 2.3 Lbs.
Our Makita DMP180ZX Ratings
Power
Good power for cordless inflators in this class. 120 PSI maximum.
Quality
Makita makes quality tools, and this cordless tire inflator is no exception.
Cost
The Makita DMP180ZX cordless inflator usually retails around $100.
Overall Rating: 4.5
This is an versatile compact inflator with a good balance of price vs power. We gave the Makita DMP180ZX an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Lightweight
- Three Year Warranty
- Excellent Buyer Reviews
Cons
- No 12V Adapter
- No Trigger Lock
Makita DMP180ZX Inflator
ASIN: B085DV34VC - UPC: 088381-898249
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCE520B Inflator Review
The Craftsman V20 CMCE520B features 3 power source options enabling use of this inflator using a CRAFTSMAN V20 Lithium Ion Battery, Standard 120V AC wall outlet, or with your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or 12-volt DC accessory jack.
The CMCE520B is a bare tool meaning it does not come with a V20 battery or charger. The AC power cord and 12 volt vehicle cable are included, so you can use the V20 inflator out of the box. If you don't have other V20 tools the cheapest way to obtain a Craftsman 20 volt battery & charger is to look for a deal on a V20 tool kit that includes them. When this review was written the best deal I could find was the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (CMCD700C1) which includes a 20V MAX Lithium Ion battery, and charger, along with a nice CMCD700 Drill for around 60 bucks.
Craftsman's V20 inflator is a very versatile tool. Using the high volume - low pressure attachment, you can easily inflate or deflate large air filled items such as air mattresses or pool floats. The auto shutoff feature makes topping off your vehicle's tires to the specified pressure a snap. All cords and attachments with the exception of the V20 battery & charger are included and conveniently stored in the pump's case.
The unit is compact and easy to carry and use. The backlit digital PSI display is easy to read and the auto-shutoff doesn't require holding a button or trigger like the Makita DMP180ZX does.
One thing to note is, The 120 V AC cord will power the unit, however it will not charge the battery. You need to use a separate V20 battery charger.
The Craftsman CMCE520B V20 Inflator / Deflator is backed by a three year limited warranty.For further detail of warranty coverageand warranty repair information, visit www.craftsman.com
or call 1-888-331-4569
Craftsman V20 CMCE520B Features
- AC/DC or Battery
- Automatic Shutoff
- 120V AC Plug
- 3 Year Warranty
- Inflate/Deflate
- Digital Pressure Gauge
- High Volume - Low PSI
- Low Volume - High PSI
- Length 6.02"
- Width 11.73"
- Height 6.99"
- 3.8 Lbs.
Our Craftsman V20 CMCE520B Ratings
Power
Good power for cordless inflators in this class.
Quality
Good quality inflator for the price point.
Cost
The CMCE502B usually retails below $100.
Overall Rating: 4.5
Triple power options with included AC adapter bump the Craftsman V20 tire inflator to an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
- AC/DC or Battery
- Inflates & Deflates
- Three Year Warranty
- Auto Shutoff
Cons
- Plastic Case
- No Built in Charger
Craftsman V20 CMCE520B Lithium-Ion Inflator
ASIN: B07JLTMQJT - UPC: 885911549264
Ryobi P747 18-Volt ONE+ Inflator Review
The Ryobi P747 18V ONE+ Cordless Inflator/Deflator provides good value for the money.
The P747 has two modes.
1. High volume inflation/deflation for large inflatables like air mattresses and pool toys.
2. High pressure inflation for tires, sports balls, etc.
Ryobi's P747 specifications are pretty good considering the low price. Using the high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) connection the compressor provides 7.2 SCFM. The high-pressure low-volume (HPLV) connection supplies .49 SCFM at 35 PSI. According to the manufacturer the P747 can inflate a car tire from flat to full in 4 minutes or inflate a twin air mattress in 30 seconds using a high capacity P108 4.0 Ah LITHIUM+ Battery, which is sold separately.
The inflator is a light 2.9 lbs. and its compact design make it easy to carry and store. It features an easy-to-read digital pressure gauge and a 0 - 150 PSI range and auto-fill shutoff.
Everything is included (except the battery/charger) and conveniently stored in the housing of the unit. Like the other reviewed inflators, you'll need a battery and charger if you don't have other Ryobi 18-volt cordless tools.
Ryobi makes good quality cordless tools and the P747 18V ONE+ Cordless Inflator is part of the RYOBI 18V ONE+ System of over 225 Cordless Tools and backed by a Ryobi 3-year limited warranty.
Ryobi P747 Features
- 18 Volt Cordless
- Digital PSI Gauge
- 3 Inflation Tips
- Integrated Storage
- Inflate/Deflate
- Automatic Shutoff
- 150 PSI Maximum
- 3 Year Warranty
- Length 9.26"
- Width 3.96"
- Height 10.32"
- 2.9 Lbs.
Our Ryobi P747 Ratings
Power
Adequate power cordless inflator, considering low price.
Quality
Good quality compressor for the price.
Cost
The bare Ryobi P747 usually retails around $60.
Overall Rating: 4.5
Ryobi's P747 cordless inflator is a good balance of power, utility and price. We gave the unit an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
- Light 2.9 Lbs.
- Onboard Storage
- Inflates & Deflates
- Excellent Buyer Reviews
Cons
- Slow to High PSI
- A Little Noisy
Ryobi P747 Tire Inflator
ASIN: B081GBXWYT - UPC: 033287178780
Ryobi P737 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Tire Inflator Review
RYOBI P737 18-Volt ONE+ Portable Cordless Power Inflator for Tires is the one to buy if you want the smallest, lightest and least expensive inflator in this roundup review. The P737 is ultra small and lightweight, weighing only a scant 1.6 lbs.
Of course you have to trade-off a few features of the larger compressors for this portability. The P737 does not have a high volume low pressure port like some of the larger models. However, for jobs such as bicycle tires and topping off vehicle tires this is a great tool.
The tool comes with self storing inflation tips for inflating various item such as sports balls, etc. A 20" inflation hose with quick connect easily snaps on most tire valves.
Like the others, this is a bare tool with no battery or charger.
The P737 Ryobi 18V One+ cordless inflator is covered by a 3-year limited warranty.
Ryobi P737 Features
- Super Compact
- Onboard Storage
- 3 Inflation Tips
- Ergonomic Grip
- Ultra-Light
- 150 PSI Maximum
- 3 Year Warranty
- 18V ONE+ System
- Length 9.0"
- Width 2.86"
- Height 6.4"
- 1.6 Lbs.
Our Ryobi P737 Ratings
Power
Adequate power for the small size with 150 PSI maximum pressure.
Quality
Good quality cordless inflator considering the budget price point.
Cost
The Ryobi P737 tire inflator usually retails under $50.
Overall Rating: 4.5
The Ryobi P737 cordless inflator is a good value. We rate it 4.5 stars.
Pros
- Super Lightweight
- Easy to Read Gauge
- Low Price
- 3 Year Warranty
Cons
- Not as Quick
- No Trigger Lock
Ryobi P737 Cordless Tire Inflator
ASIN: B017JIWT9U - UPC: 033287169221
Ryobi One+ 18V Battery Systems
If you buy either of the Ryobi 18V inflators above and don't have compatible Ryobi batteries & chargers, you'll need to look here.
Ryobi P118B 18V Battery Charger & Ryobi P189 18V 1.5 Ah Battery Pack
Quick Tip: Be sure to have a fully charged battery on hand for your cordless inflator. There is nothing worse than preparing to use the tool and discovering the battery is weak or dead.
The Bottom Line
While rechargeable battery powered cordless inflators won't replace larger AC powered portable compressors, they do have a place in your garage or vehicle. Their sheer portability and ease of use make them a tool you might want to consider. If your bike tire is flat or the low tire light comes on in your vehicle when you are leaving for work, you could plug in your big compressor and drag it out and then drain the condensate when your done, or grab one of these ultra portable devices and be done in minutes.
Keeping properly inflated tires is essential. It would be hard to go wrong selecting any of these portable air inflators to ensure that you can easily accomplish this task. All of the cordless inflators reviewed on this page come with three-year limited warranties and are highly rated by thousands of satisfied users.
