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6 Best Air Pumps for Inflatables – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2021)

Inflatable items are some of the favorite things for kids. They’re also great for parties and you go camping. They range from inflatable animals to pools, mattresses, and other things that you can use when you go camping. However, it’s not exactly pleasant when you have to inflate them yourself, especially if you don’t have the right equipment.

Did you know that an air pump will inflate your items in no time? It’s more timesaving and you will not have to struggle anymore or try to figure out other alternative options.

But if you want this to be an even easier task, you need to make sure you find the best air pump for inflatables. As such, we came up with this buying guide. Below, you will find product reviews for air pumps that could be what you need. We’ve also included information that will prove itself useful when you’re shopping for an air pump.

Best Air Pumps for Inflatables Comparison Chart

PRODUCTDETAILS
EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump

EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump

  • Price: $$$
  • Maximum Pressure: 70 PSI
  • Power: 120W
  • Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.7 x 5.4″
  • Voltage: DC12V
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Audew Upgraded Portable Air Compressor Tire Inflator

Audew Upgraded Portable Air Compressor

  • Price: $$$
  • Maximum Pressure: 150PSI
  • Power: 38L/min
  • Dimensions: 9.2 x 4.3 x 8.3″
  • Voltage: DC 12V
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Airhead AHP-120 Kwik Tek Air Pump Canister

Airhead AHP-120 Kwik Tek Air Pump Canister

  • Price: $
  • Maximum Pressure: .92 PSI
  • Power: 170 W
  • Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 6″
  • Voltage: 120 V
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P.I. AUTO STORE Premium Air Compressor Tire Inflator

P.I. AUTO STORE Premium Air Compressor

  • Price: $$$
  • Maximum Pressure: 100 PSI
  • Power: 120 W
  • Dimensions: 7.1 x 6.7 x 2.9″
  • Voltage: 12V DC
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Intex Quick-Fill AC Electric Air Pump

Intex Quick-Fill AC Electric Air Pump

  • Price: $$
  • Maximum Pressure: 38.9 CFM
  • Power: 210 W
  • Dimensions: 5.8 x 10 x 5.4″
  • Voltage: 110-120 Volt
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Lifeline AAA 300 PSI 12 Volt DC Air Compressor

Lifeline AAA 300 PSI 12 Volt DC Air Compressor

  • Price: $
  • Maximum Pressure: 300 PSI 
  • Power: N/A
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 5.9 x 4″
  • Voltage: 12 Volt DC
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Best Air Pumps for Inflatables Reviews (Editor’s Picks)

1. EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump

EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor PumpIf you want something affordable and effective, this EPAuto air compressor pump brings everything you need to the table. It is suitable for multiple uses, which is one of the things that make it so amazing in the first place. That being said, thanks to its versatility, it can be used for bikes, cars, midsize SUVs and sedan vehicles. But its usability extends above that – you also get additional adapters, such as short or long cone adapters for your swimming pool accessories or inflatable kayak, needles value for balls, and so on.

The product is easy to read, as it has 4 display units, respectively KPA, KG/CM, PSI and BAR. Also, in order to prevent your items from being over-inflated, there is an auto shut off system. The inflation process will shut off automatically when you reach the desired pressure. Additionally, in the case of overloading, there is an overheat protection as well.

As versatile as this product is, it’s not suitable for truck tires, no matter what type of tire we’re talking about.

Pros

  • Very versatile, can be used to inflate balls, pool accessories, bike tires, kayaks, and many others
  • Has an overheat protection system
  • Auto shut off system in case it overheats
  • Easy to read
  • Can be easily plugged into cigarette lighter sockets

Cons

  • Cannot be used for truck tires
  • Some products don’t last for too long

2. Audew Upgraded Portable Air Compressor

Audew Upgraded Portable Air Compressor Tire InflatorYou need something fast, that doesn’t keep you waiting when you have to inflate your items. Well, this Audew air compressor tire inflator might be just what you’re looking for. It has a 38L/min air flow rate. That being said, it will only take 3-5 minutes for you to inflate a tire from 0 to 35 PSI. If you used to struggle when inflating tires in the past, this won’t be an issue for you anymore.

The unit is easy to store since it is portable. You need less space to store it, which is very convenient. Not to mention that it has a 10ft long cord. It is very useful when you need to reach the front and rear tires of your motorcycle, bike or car, as well as SUV. There’s also a power cord storage from the side, which means you won’t have to worry about a messy air hose and power cord.

You can use it for multiple things, as it comes with 3 extra nozzles for balls, mattresses, inflatable boats, and many other things.

Pros

  • It is versatile – it comes with additional nozzles to let you inflate multiple items
  • Has an auto shut off system and SOS light
  • Can quickly inflate what you need
  • Easy to store
  • Very long power cord

Cons

  • Only works on a cigarette lighter

3. Airhead AHP-120 Kwik Tek Air Pump Canister

Airhead AHP-120 Kwik Tek Air Pump CanisterWe really liked this product thanks to the fact that it can be used with in-home AC power. Thanks to this, you will be able to use it without the cigarette lighter. It is a 120-volt air pump.

Since you might want to use the air pump for multiple things, this product is quite versatile. It is able to provide inflation, as well as deflation for various inflatables. Given that you are not limited by its use, it’s easy to inflate multiple belongings. It comes with three universal valve fittings to make this possible. With its 300 liter-per-minute air-fill rate, it won’t take an eternity to inflate whatever you need.

It’s portable and will allow you to move it around very easily. You have a carry handle for that. The power cord is pretty long too, respectively 10 feet long. That will help you reach tires properly when you need to inflate them.

Pros

  • Has a carry handle for easy carriage
  • 10 feet long power cord
  • Can be used to inflate various things
  • Can be used with in-home AC power

Cons

  • Takes longer to inflate compared to similar units

4. P.I. AUTO STORE Premium Air Compressor

P.I. AUTO STORE Premium Air Compressor Tire InflatorIt’s always important to have a unit that is very easy to use so you don’t have any trouble with it. Thankfully, you won’t experience any difficulty with this P.I. AUTO STORE air compressor tire inflator. In fact, it is very simple to use. All you have to do is plug it into your 12-Volt cigarette lighter. You can also plug it into a 12V outlet. Then, you have to set the pressure on the large backlit LCD display gauge and make sure to connect the snap-on quick connector with the tire valve.

Since safety is important, the manufacturers came up with the auto shut off system of this air compressor, to ensure there won’t be any safety issues. The auto shut off feature will make sure the unit will shut off by itself when it’s done inflating. There is also a red SOS light that you can use on road in case you’re dealing with an emergency.

Pros

  • Has a compact robust design
  • Can be stored in your trunk very easily
  • Easy to use
  • Has a red SOS light for emergency situations on the road
  • Auto shut off system
  • Can inflate a tire from flat to 30 PSI in less than 3 minutes

Cons

  • It can get really hot

5. Intex Quick-Fill AC Electric Air Pump

Intex Quick-Fill AC Electric Air PumpEasy carriage is important if you want something portable that can be taken with you on road trips. You can make this possible if you decide to buy this air pump. It has a sleek design with a carry handle, and it will fit in your hand perfectly.

We liked how the accordion hose has 3 interconnecting nozzles. Thanks to that, it will fit large, medium and small air valves, and thus, it can be used to inflate multiple things, adding versatility. You can inflate and deflate various items very easily.

Also, unlike other air pumps that can only be used if connected to the cigarette lighter, this actually has a household AC power adapter for home charging. It will be easy to get it to work this way. The price is great, and the capacity is high. Compared to other pumps, this one can actually fill your inflatables much faster and you will not have to wait an eternity to get to use them.

Pros

  • It can quickly fill your inflatables
  • Has an AC power adapter for home charging
  • Easy to carry
  • It comes with 3 interconnecting nozzles

Cons

  • It can be a little noisy

6. Lifeline AAA 300 PSI 12 Volt DC Air Compressor

Lifeline AAA 300 PSI 12 Volt DC Air CompressorVersatility is something very important when it comes to air compressors. The more things you are able to inflate, the better – because it means you will get more advantages. This product has multiple nozzle adapters, to make sure you can use it with multiple inflatable items. As such, you will be able to inflate pool toys, balls, bike tires, as well as mattresses and air beds.

You can easily plug it into the cigarette lighter socket by using the DC power cable. Afterward, you have to connect the air hose to the tire and turn on the compressor. You can look at how easily the tire inflates to the PSI you want. It’s very simple to use so you won’t experience problems with it.

In the event that you have an emergency on the road, it’s great to have this unit in your truck. It will save you from a bad situation. Also, you will have a 10 feet DC power cable that will allow you to reach the tires that need to be inflated.

Pros

  • Very versatile, can inflate tires as well as balls, pool toys and many other things
  • Great for road trip emergencies
  • It has a long, 10 feet cable
  • It has a DC power cable

Cons

  • Is a little too loud

Tips for Choosing Your Best Air Pump for Your Inflatables – Buying Guide

Best Air Pumps for InflatablesWhether you need to inflate your water gear or your tires, you need to make sure that you get the best air pump. Not all air pumps are the same. Some can be very slow, or they may not be suitable for what you need to inflate. This is why you need to make sure to look for the right traits in these units. Here are the things to look for in an air pump.

  • Portability

Since you may be needing this air pump for various items, it’s important to have a portable one that you can carry with you wherever you go. A portable unit can be kept in your boat or trunk and taken out when one of your items deflates. Many air pumps come with long hoses and a carry handle, making transportation much easier. This is the type of air pump you should look for if you need something that can be carried without issues.

  • Compatibility

If you own multiple inflatable items, then it’s best to look for an air pump that will be compatible with all the things that require inflating. It will improve your life and save a lot of time. Many air pumps come with a wide range of nozzles that fit multiple inflatables.

That being said, some will be suitable for volleyball, basketball, and anything of the sort. Others will be good for things that can be used on water, such as pool toys, an inflatable fishing boat, and others. They may also fit an inflatable stand up paddleboard, kayaks, and tires. If you know you are going to need one for the road, then it’s important to make sure it is suitable for tires as well.

  • Cord Length

Cord length is something to take into consideration, mostly depending on how you are going to use it. As expected, some people will need a smaller cord, while others will require a longer one. Depending on the purpose of the air pump, you need to decide the desired cord length. Before purchasing an air pump, look at the specifications and find out whether the cord length is enough for you or not. It will help you find a suitable pump for you.

  • Auto Shut-Off

It’s extremely important to have an air pump with an auto shut-off feature. After all, you don’t want it to pump more air than needed in the inflatables. That would either end up ruining your inflatables or your air pump.

An auto shut-off feature will make sure your unit shuts down when your inflatable reaches the pressure you desire. But in order to make that possible, there needs to be a pressure gauge that monitors the pressure. This way, you will have peace of mind that your unit is safe and that your inflatables will reach the right level very quickly.

  • Liters per Minute

Why is it important to consider the liters per minute aspect? Well, liters per minute refers to how much air a pump can fill up in a minute. That being said, the higher the amount of air it can take, the faster your items will be inflated. If you’re someone who doesn’t like waiting a lot, you really need to consider this aspect. It will usually be mentioned in the description of your product, so don’t overlook it.

  • Dual-Action

Although you might need the air pump for inflating your items, it’s better to have a unit with dual action. It means that your air pump will be able to both inflate and deflate your belongings. Deflating them will make them easier to store – so, if you need something like this in your life, make sure to look for this feature.

  • Size

While you may be thinking that a bigger unit will be better at the job, it would be a bad choice if you also want the air pump to be portable. Bulkier units will be harder to carry and you certainly don’t need that. You can find powerful air pumps that aren’t too heavy or bulky, so make sure to look for one of these.

What Are the Pros of Owning an Electric Air Pump?

Air Pumps for Inflatable ReviewsWhy would someone purchase an air pump for their inflatables? While you may think it’s not such a necessary unit, you’ll be surprised at how useful it actually is if you own many inflatables. Here are the benefits of owning an electric air pump.

  • Timesaving

Air pumps will save you a lot of time in the long run since inflating so many things would take ages without an air pump. These units will quickly fill up your inflatables with air – and we’re talking about a few minutes. As such, you end up saving a lot of valuable time. Whether it’s for your tires or pool equipment, an air pump will prove to be very useful.

  • Versatility

One of the best things when it comes to air pumps is that they can be very versatile. That being said, they will be able to inflate a lot of things, from your tires to your volleyballs, basketballs, pool toys, inflatable boats, and many other things. It’s always great to own a multi-purpose unit, so air pumps can bring this benefit into your life.

  • Great for Emergencies

There are situations when a tire will fail you in the middle of a road trip, and it’s not a pleasant experience. In this case, you need something to save you. An air pump will solve the problem easily. Some pumps come with a red SOS light as well, which can also be used on the road when you’re dealing with an emergency.

Wrap Up

It’s always nice to save your time and money, and this also applies when it comes to your inflatables. While inflating them would otherwise take a lot of time, an air pump will do it very quickly, ensuring you get to use the items as soon as possible. In order to make this happen, you need the best air pump for inflatables. Hopefully, this article helped you pick one.

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