An air compressor is required to operate the airbrush. There are many options available for a wide range of prices, and it can be difficult to choose the best airbrush compressor. Vertigo! I hope we at VeryCreate can help you clarify this point.
If you don’t have the time and want to find our favourite recommendations, here is our list of shortcuts:.
- Shaving brush TC910 (recommended)
- Iwata-Medea Studio Series Power Jet Pro Double Piston (High Quality)
- Master Blaster without name
- Toothed airbrush compressor with air receiver Type of piston. Brand NO NAME Syringe
- Main Airbrush Model TC-40T
- Paasche D3000R 1/5 HP compressor with receiver, controller and moisture separator
- Paasche DC850R airbrush compressor for airbrushes
- Master Aerograph TCP Global
- PointZero 1/5 HP airbrush compressor
- Skyline Airbrush compressor (good for beginners)
- Compressor Sparmax Stormforce TC2000
- Paasche DA400R 1/4 HP compressor with regulator and water separator
- Airbrush Twin Cylinder Compressor AW Pro 1/3 HP
- Iwata-Medei Studio Smart Jet Series Single Piston Air Compressor
- Compressor Sparmax Arisme AC66X
- Grex AC1810-A 1/8 HP 115V portable reciprocating compressor
- Compressor airbrush with carrot teeth under the trademark NO PURPOSE
- Compressor Sparmax Airstream AC27, black
- Iwata-Medei Studio Series Single-stage Air Compressor Silver Jet
- Highly efficient airbrush main compressor with filter, black air hose and double brush holder
- Iwata Neo Air miniature air compressor
- Brand NO SIGNIFICATION bag airbrush compressor
- Studio Iwata-Medei Series Ninja Jet Single Piston Compressor
If you are considering buying an airbrush, read our article on the best airbrush and compressor sets!
And if you want to know more about airbrushes, try reading our article on the best airbrushes here.
Compressors must be equipped with a readable pressure gauge to ensure maximum versatility and use.
If you already have a compressor for your operation and you do not have a problem with loud engine noises during operation, here is an excellent manual for using a compressor for airbrushing. However, most airbrush enthusiasts want to be able to use their airbrush indoors and can make special demands on the compressor. It is also very important to have a high quality airbrush! If you are new to airbrush, here are some important points you should know:
- How much mobility do you need? Are you a totalizator for delivering lessons or clubs and use it for clients of nail studios or solariums? You have very little storage space and you need the smallest possible compressor? Do you need a light weight for a light lift?
- Most compressors are produced in China, Japan or Taiwan. Many of them are trademarks and are almost identical to the Stollar margin fortrademarks. In this case, you pay for the name that the company puts on your compressor. Private label compressors often offset higher costs with excellent customer service or better quality and build on their excellent reputation as a long-term supplier of air brushes and compressors. Feedback from customers is an excellent source to determine whether a product name is worth the price and the hype.
- What noise level are you looking for? Very quiet so people can sleep, usually so quiet that the neighbors in the apartment next door can’t hear them running? Is the sound normal?
- What level of fine, uniform airflow do you need? What is your tolerance to splashes and stains?
- How long does your painting class normally last? 30 minutes or 4 hours or all day?
- What level of versatility do you need? Just to paint models? Or switching from one airbrush to another for different purposes?
- What’s your budget? Of course you don’t want to spend too much, but is the price of only the determining factor?
- Most of the very cheap compressors come from the same manufacturer in China. Private label for different companies and can have different functions, but they are for the most part the same.
Types of compressors for hobby airbrushes:
There are about three basic types:
Compressors with receiverare compressors of which the receiver is separated from the actualcompressor.
These are the most popular compressors for both amateurs and professionals. The motor pumps air into the storage tank and the airbrush pulls it out. It has great advantages.
The units can work incredibly quietly and ensure constant irrigation and an even air flow over long periods of time. They are reliable and do not overheat. Psi values can be refined for versatility and precision of operation.
The engine does not start every time the nozzle is sprayed until the tank has lost enough air. They’ll last a long time without wear and tear if you take care of them.
If you are surprised by the noise when the compressor is switched on and off, you will need a silent compressor.
The only drawback is that they are usually large compressors, sometimes quite heavy, and that you have to empty the tank manually after each use because of the condensation, otherwise the inside of the tank will rust because of the condensation (unless you spit out large tanks for aluminum units).
DUAL pistons without receiver are two-piston compressors that work together.
They are switched on and off so that each motor can rest, which optimally extends the life of the compressor. They do better with the airflow than the compressors need and are generally made with good parts and workmanship.
They can still be pretty hot. Some models are surprisingly quiet.
Their price is comparable to that of tank compressors.
Compressorswithout receiveron request
You light them and they generate pressurized air. You turn them off when you’re not airbrushing. The advantages are that they are not very expensive, they are very light and portable, and some are small enough to fit in your pocket. There are many drawbacks.
They are often noisy, warm to the touch and switch off (often after you have just entered the paint stream), they vibrate strongly (some shake directly on the table), some are made of cheap materials, or they have an uneven airflow that can have a negative effect on your paint because the air at the outlet sometimes has a ripple or a crack.
Sometimes the residual wrinkle can be minimized by using a long coiled air hose. Often there is no humidifier, so you will need to purchase a separate accessory for your kit. They cannot produce high pressure for thicker inks.
They are not designed for intensive staining or for daily use for decades.
Here are our recommendations for the best air compressors for amateurs and professionals:
Compressors for tanks
1. Shaving brush TC910 (recommended)
Badger compressors are highly respected and loyal fans. They have good customer service and a good reputation.
After examining more than 23 different airbrush compressors, we highly recommend this TC910 badger. Badger has released new updates, and this version contains most of the improvements so far. We don’t just hand out 100% of our reviews! Give this airbrush a compressor and you won’t be disappointed!!!
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- 3 litres (1 gallon) tank
- Heavy metal case
- A FIFTH OF HORSEPOWER.
- Automatic disconnection of the thermal protection
- 2 airbrush holders
- 18 GBP
- 16.5 x 6.8 x 14.5 inches
- 57 pounds per square inch
Total valuation: 100%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability, although heavy.
5 of 5 stars Silence
5 stars out of 5 Universality
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
2. Double piston Pro Motorjet System (better quality)Studio Iwata-Medei
This compressor is at the top of our price range, but despite the very high price, we could hardly let it rise above our best references, because it is so much appreciated by consumers and professionals. If you have a budget, this is what you need!
>Check the price of the Amazon.
- ONE-SIXTH OF THE POWER.
- 2 l container
- Dual air regulator for precise air pressure control with quick coupling.
- Double pressure gauges mounted with moisture filters
- Perfect quality
- 2 airbrush holders
- Robust metal housing
- Automatic shutdown
- Super quiet
- 22 GBP
- Double pumps
- high-quality construction and design
- Strong appreciation from consumers and professionals
- 1 to 50 pounds per square inch
- 7 x 13 x 12.3 inch
Total valuation: We dock at a small point at a high cost = 99%. If you have a budget, it is 100%.
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
5 of 5 stars Silence
5 stars out of 5 Universality
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
3. Untitled Master Blaster
This compressor is almost the same as Badger’s above. It comes from a company in Florida that manually checks and tests all – to compressors it controls. However, I was surprised to see that they didn’t have much feedback about Amazon. Maybe that’s why you should switch to the Badger or Iwata brand.
>Check the price of the Amazon.
- 3 l container
- 47 dB
- 0-100 pounds per square inch
- 2 airbrush holders
- Robust metal housing
- Automatic shutdown at 57 psi; automatic start at 43 psi.
- nineteen pounds
Total valuation: 96%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability, although heavy.
5 of 5 stars Silence
4 out of 5 stars Universal
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
4. Nameless Tropics
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- ONE-SIXTH OF THE POWER.
- 47 dB
- powder painting
- Automatic shutdown at 57 psi, automatic start at 43 psi.
- 1 year warranty
- Humidity regulator and fall
- A good price
- 0-100 pounds per square inch
- 18 GBP
- Two cooling fans for longer life
- 3 l container
Total valuation: 96%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
4 out of 5 stars portability
5 of 5 stars Silence
5 stars out of 5 Universality
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
5. Main model TC-40T
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- 3 l container
- 2 airbrush holders
- Humidity regulator and fall
- 5-year warranty
- 11.75 pounds
- 13.2 x 13.2 x 6 inches
- Automatic shutdown
- automatic start at 43 psi to 57 psi
- Fan cooled motor
- 48 dB
- Adapters required for Paasche and Badger toothbrushes
Total valuation: 96%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
4 out of 5 stars portability
5 of 5 stars Silence
5 stars out of 5 Universality
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
6. Paasha D3000R
Teflon tape is often needed for a good connection of the connectors.
>Check the price of the Amazon.
- A FIFTH OF HORSEPOWER.
- 20-40 pounds per square inch
- 47 dB
- Adapter for 1/8 inch BSP tubes
- Humidity regulator and fall
- Automatic shutdown
Total valuation: 92%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
4 out of 5 stars Portability without protective hood
5 of 5 stars Silence
4 out of 5 stars Universal
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
7. Paasha DC850 R
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- THREE-QUARTER HORSEPOWER.
- 58 dB – not as quiet as they say
- Double air hose connection with quick couplings
- Double pistons
- 1.6-gallon stainless aluminum tank
- 41 pounds
- Can work with up to 4 airbrushes at the same time.
- automatic shutdown
- very simple drain valve for the tank
Total valuation: . 89% for a stainless steel tank with two pistons, 72% if you need a portable tank because it is heavy.
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
1 star to 5 Portability
3 of 5 stars Silence
4 out of 5 stars Universal
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
8. Master Airbrush new compressor
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
Less power than the Master has a higher and lower price.
- A FIFTH OF HORSEPOWER.
- Automatic switch-off at 60 psi 35 psi
- 59 dB
- 2 year warranty
- Automatic thermal safety shutdown, so no overheating.
- 5 to 40 pounds per square inch
- Adapters required for Paasche and badger brushes
Total valuation: 88%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
4 out of 5 stars portability
3 of 5 stars Silence
5 stars out of 5 Universality
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
9. Zero point compressor
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- A FIFTH OF HORSEPOWER.
- 55 dB
- 3 l container
- On-demand operation with 58 psi presetting, automatic on/off switch
- Water separator and pressure gauge
- A good price
- 1/8 inch connector
- 13.6 x 12.8 x 5.8 inches
- 11.7 pounds
- Users are congratulated
The total score: 88%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
4 out of 5 stars portability
3 of 5 stars Silence
5 stars out of 5 Universality
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
10. Horizontal compressor for airliners NO Make
Although this airbrush compressor does not have a large tank connected to the tank compressors, it does have a 1/3 litre tank that is sufficient to produce a constant airflow for model builders, cake decorators and hobbyists. The price is very high and it is very portable.
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- Controller equipped with a filter and a pressure gauge
- Automatic switch-off at a resolution of 57 psi, automatic switch-on at a resolution of 43 psi.
- 1 year warranty
- Cheap price
- Water separator
- Airbrush mount
- .3 L small tank sufficient for a more uniform airflow.
- Thermal protection
- Protective plastic cover
- Cheap price
- max. 30 pounds per square inch
Total valuation: 84%
4 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
4 or 5 stars Silence
3 out of 5 stars Universal
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
Double piston compressors
We like double piston compressors, but we prefer tank airbrush compressors because of their high quality and long service life.
11. Sparmax storm force TC 2000
>Check the price of the Amazon.
- ONE-SIXTH OF THE POWER.
- Strong enough to launch two airbrushes at the same time.
- Double cylinder
- 13.65 pounds
- 12 x 9.9 x 7.8
- Automatically turns on at 40 feet per square inch and turns off at 60 feet per square inch.
- Ten feet. Cobra Airlines, a 10-foot wicker airline.
- Table clamp 2 Airbrush holder Humidification and control unit
Total valuation: 96%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
5 of 5 stars Silence
4 out of 5 stars Universal
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
12. Paasha DA400R
This two-piston compressor is a small power source and runs continuously to produce an even pressure. If for some reason you don’t need a cylinder compressor, this is a good choice. According to experts, it works harder than 50db, but anything below 55 is tolerated for a conversation and a low irritation factor.
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- A QUARTER HORSEPOWER.
- Double pistons
- Regulatory body
- Water separator
- 13 x 8 x 11.5 inches
- 13.6 pounds
- Automatic switch-off when not in use
- 1 to 50 pounds per square inch
- 1/8BPS adapter for competitive hoses
- 50 dB
- Paasche is an American company that has enjoyed an excellent reputation since the early 1900s.
Total valuation: 92%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
4 or 5 stars Silence
4 out of 5 stars Universal
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
13. AW Pro 1/3 HP twin cylinder
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- 1/3 OF THE POWER.
- Double piston
- 3.5 l container
- Has two power modes for each task, dual switch 1: Autostart at 3 bar, Autostop at 4 bar; switch 2: Max. 7 bar, maximum power mode delivers up to 100 psi
- 59 dB
- Pressure regulator and moisture separator
- 17.6 pounds
- 16.5 x 15.5 x 7 inches
- High evaluation of the owners
- A good price
Total valuation: 88%
5 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
4 out of 5 stars portability
3 of 5 stars Silence
5 stars out of 5 Universality
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
Compressors on request
We consider these airbrush compressors to be inferior to the double piston and receive compressors because of the above mentioned problems with the demand side of the compressor.
14. Iwata-Medei Studio Series Smart Jet
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- AN EIGHTH OF A HORSEPOWER.
- 1-35 pounds per square inch
- Pressure gauge
- Humidifier
- Air flow control by means of a throttle valve for reducing air pressure
- Automatic switch-off when not in use
- Airbrush mount
- 50 dB
- 1 year warranty
- 10 x 7 x 6 inches
- nine-lbs
Aggregate score: 80%, but we reduced the score to 75% for the high retail value.
3 of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
4 or 5 stars Silence
4 out of 5 stars Universal
4 out of 5 stars vibration-free
15. Arismus Sparmax AC 66X
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- It is equipped with a patented Silver bullet moisture separator.
- Airbrush mount
- Pressure gauge
- Air valve
- 2-year guarantee from a company with an excellent reputation
- Automatic shutdown for shelf life at 35 psi, at 25 psi.
- GBP 7,5
- 10.3 x 9 x 7.6 inches
Total valuation: 76%
3 of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
3 of 5 stars Silence
3 out of 5 stars Universal
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
16. Greek AC1810-A
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- Engine 1/8 HP
- Install and lock the controller with a moisture separator.
- Automatic switch-off when not spraying
- 55 dB
- Airbrush mount
- 10.9 pounds
- 10.1 x 6.3 x 12 inches
- One year limited warranty by a reputable company
- Some customers report that moisture is created when passing through the air receiver, so it may be necessary to add extra moisture to the air receiver.
Total valuation: 78%
4 out of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
4 or 5 stars Silence
4 out of 5 stars Universal
2 out of 5 stars vibration-free
17. Untitled Compressor Device
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- 1/6 HP engine
- Automatic shutdown at 57 psi to 43 psi.
- 1 year warranty
- Airbrush mount
- Pressure gauge
- Water separator
- Protective metal housing
- 10 GBP
Total valuation: 76%
3 of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
4 or 5 stars Silence
3 out of 5 stars Universal
4 out of 5 stars vibration-free
17. Nameless carrot tooth
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- Two cooling fans
- cheap prices
- 1 year warranty
- ONE-SIXTH OF THE POWER.
- 40 dB
- Filter and pressure gauge
- Automatic shutdown at 57 pounds per square inch
- Requires a spiral air hose to compensate for wave formation.
- nine-lbs
Total valuation: 76%, mainly due to excellent price point
2 of 5 stars Constant air pressure
4 out of 5 stars portability
5 of 5 stars Silence
4 out of 5 stars Universal
4 out of 5 stars vibration-free
18. Sparmax AC27
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- Contains both a pressure control knob and a pressure gauge.
- Airbrush mount
- 6 x 6 x 7 inch
- GBP 6,6
- up to 45 pounds per square inch
- AN EIGHTH OF A HORSEPOWER.
- 54 dB
- Do not use with an extension cord as it may overheat.
- No humidifier.
Total valuation: 72%
3 of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
3 of 5 stars Silence
3 out of 5 stars Universal
4 out of 5 stars vibration-free
19. Iwata Silver Ray
>> Check the price on Amazon<< 
- 1-18 pounds per square inch
- 6.10 x 6.10 x 6.89
- 4.7 pounds
- Airbrush mount
- 30 minutes use before shutdown
- 50-57db
- No automatic switch-off when not spraying.
- No humidifier.
- Integrated pressure gauge
- IN HORSEN.
Total valuation: 72%
3 of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
3 of 5 stars Silence
3 out of 5 stars Universal
4 out of 5 stars vibration-free
20. Main Brush High Performance Airbrush
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- A FIFTH OF HORSEPOWER.
- Automatic start and stop
- 12.7 x 6.9 x 14.8 inches
- 8.4 pounds
- Pressure regulator
- On-line Moisture Dripper
- Cheap price
- 2 year warranty
- 59 dB
- maximum value of 40 pounds per square inch
- Customer feedback is varied, ranging from excellent to very poor.
Total valuation: 68%
3 of 5 stars Constant pressure
4 out of 5 stars portability
2 of 5 stars Silence
4 out of 5 stars Universal
4 out of 5 stars vibration-free
21. Iwata Neo Air Mini
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- Super portable and small for travelling
- 3 speed selection
- 1 to 15 pounds per square inch
- He weighs less than a kilo.
- Surprisingly quiet.
- Not intended for long life and daily use
Total valuation: These few points are cushioned because they are not practical for prolonged use 70%
3 of 5 stars Constant pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
4 or 5 stars Silence
2 of 5 stars Universal
5 out of 5 stars vibration-free
22. Name of the pocket rocket N0
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- Small size, very portable.
- Airbrush holder
- Automatic switch-off function : From 21 psi to 29 psi.
- 1 year warranty
- 4 inches x 6 inches
- Online Air Traffic Controller
- non-sustainable
Total valuation: 56%
2 of 5 stars Constant air pressure
5 out of 5 stars portability
2 of 5 stars Silence – high frequency sound
2 of 5 stars Universal
3 out of 5 stars vibration-free
23. Iwata-Medei Studio Series Ninja Jet
>> Check the price of the Amazon.
- 6.2 x 8.7 x 2.2 inches
- GBP 6,6
- Pressure scale, but no level indicator.
- Pressure limited 5-18 psi
- 1/12TH OF A HORSEPOWER.
- Airbrush holder
- unused for more than 20 minutes
- No humidifier.
Total valuation: 52%
3 of 5 stars Constant pressure (note that it is designed to be used at low pressure)
5 out of 5 stars portability
2 of 5 stars Silence
1 of 5 stars Universal
2 out of 5 stars vibration-free
Choosing the right compressor for your needs depends on your individual requirements, your budget and your preferences for quality and reputation. Here at VeryCreate we hope we’ve helped clean up some muddy water to help you decipher all options and features.
Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind that these are machines and that they occasionally break down. An excellent choice can serve you for years.
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