Ranked by decibels: noise first, airflow secondQuietest we list: CAT-1P1060S · 56 dB
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Ranked by noise, then airflow

Best pancake air compressors

The best pancake air compressor is the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake, the quietest 6-gallon pancake we found at 78.5 dB, with 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI. If you need the most air from a pancake, the Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank' stores more thanks to its 200 PSI tank.

Last updated October 18, 2026Prices checked October 18, 20264 compressors comparedBy the Silent Air Compressor editors · How we pick

Our #1 pick

BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake

78.5 dB · 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI · 6 gal tank

Check price on Amazon$150–$300

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How loud are the top picks?

  1. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake78.5 dB
  2. Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank'79 dB
  3. PORTER-CABLE C2002 6 Gallon Pancake82 dB
Numbers are ranks on this page. Manufacturer ratings against everyday sounds.
Pancake: quick comparison
#CompressorNoiseAirflowMax PSITankPowerPrice band
1BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake78.5 dB2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI1506 gal120V outlet$150–$300
2Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank'79 dB4 CFM @ 90 PSI2006 gal120V outlet$150–$300
3PORTER-CABLE C2002 6 Gallon Pancake82 dB2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI1506 gal120V outlet$150–$300
4CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon 150 PSI Pancake82 dB2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI1506 gal120V outlet$150–$300

Pancake compressors are cheap, stable and loud

A pancake compressor puts a direct-drive pump on a flat, round tank that sits steadily on a floor or roof. Most are 6 gallons, 150 PSI and around 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, which is plenty for nailing, inflation and blow-off. The catch is noise: universal motors spinning at high RPM put most pancakes in the 78–82 dB range, which is vacuum-cleaner loud or worse.

Quietest in class

The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake is the quietest pancake on our list at 78.5 dB. If you work indoors, a 60 dB ultra quiet compressor is a much bigger step down in noise.

What to compare

  • Max PSI: a 200 PSI pancake stores noticeably more usable air than a 150 PSI one of the same size.
  • CFM at 90 PSI: 2.6 is typical; 4.0 is excellent for a pancake.
  • Couplers: two regulated outlets let two people nail from one compressor.
  • Cold starts: low-amp motors start more reliably on extension cords and in winter.

The rankings

Noise figures are manufacturer or retailer ratings (source shown on each card), not our own measurements. Price bands reflect Amazon prices on the check date and change often.

  1. 1
    BOSTITCH · Model BTFP02012

    BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake

    BTFP0201278.5 dB
    Illustration: pancake

    Best for: The quietest 6-gallon pancake. Rated at 78.5 dBA, a few decibels under most rivals, with 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, a 150 PSI tank and a 29 lb weight.

    Noise
    78.5 dB
    CFM @ 90 PSI
    2.6
    Max PSI
    150
    Tank
    6 gal
    Pump
    Oil-free
    Power
    120V outlet
    Weight
    29 lb
    305060759078.5 dB

    Noise source: Manufacturer rating (dBA), measuring distance not stated.

    Pros

    • Quietest pancake on our list
    • 29 lb
    • High-efficiency motor starts easily on an extension cord

    Cons

    • Still far louder than dedicated quiet compressors
    • Some listings disagree on the exact noise figure
    Check price on AmazonFull review$150–$300 · price checked October 18, 2026
  2. 2
    Metabo HPT · Model EC914S

    Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank'

    EC914S79 dB
    Illustration: pancake

    Best for: Most air from a pancake compressor. The most capable pancake we found: 200 PSI and 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI from a 6-gallon tank. It is louder than the Bostitch, but it stores far more air.

    Noise
    79 dB
    CFM @ 90 PSI
    4
    Max PSI
    200
    Tank
    6 gal
    Pump
    Oil-free
    Power
    120V outlet
    Weight
    42 lb
    305060759079 dB

    Noise source: Distributor spec sheet (ISO 3744); Amazon lists 73 dB.

    Pros

    • 200 PSI cut-out roughly doubles usable air versus 100 PSI tanks
    • 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI is high for a pancake
    • Very popular with buyers

    Cons

    • 79 dBA (ISO 3744) is loud indoors
    • 42 lb, heavier than most pancakes
    Check price on AmazonFull review$150–$300 · price checked October 18, 2026
  3. 3
    PORTER-CABLE · Model C2002

    PORTER-CABLE C2002 6 Gallon Pancake

    C200282 dB
    Illustration: pancake

    Best for: Classic budget pancake for weekend projects. The classic orange pancake: 6 gallons, 150 PSI, 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI (ISO 1217) and two regulated couplers. It is reliable and easy to own, but loud.

    Noise
    82 dB
    CFM @ 90 PSI
    2.6
    Max PSI
    150
    Tank
    6 gal
    Pump
    Oil-free
    Power
    120V outlet
    Weight
    30 lb
    305060759082 dB

    Noise source: Amazon listing spec, measuring distance not stated.

    Pros

    • Two factory-installed couplers for two users
    • Low-amp motor starts well in the cold or on a cord
    • Long track record with buyers

    Cons

    • 82 dB is one of the loudest compressors we list
    • Shroud is plastic
    Check price on AmazonFull review$150–$300 · price checked October 18, 2026
  4. 4
    CRAFTSMAN · Model CMXECXA02106410

    CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon 150 PSI Pancake

    CMXECXA0210641082 dB
    Illustration: pancake

    Best for: Lowest-cost 6-gallon pancake from a known brand. A budget-friendly 6-gallon pancake with the same 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI as pricier rivals. Craftsman's own manual lists 82 dB and recommends hearing protection.

    Noise
    82 dB
    CFM @ 90 PSI
    2.6
    Max PSI
    150
    Tank
    6 gal
    Pump
    Oil-free
    Power
    120V outlet
    Weight
    30.8 lb
    305060759082 dB

    Noise source: Manufacturer manual, measuring distance not stated.

    Pros

    • Lowest price among the pancakes we list
    • 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, 3.5 SCFM at 40 PSI
    • Light at about 31 lb

    Cons

    • 82 dB: wear hearing protection
    • Newer model with a shorter track record
    Check price on AmazonFull review$150–$300 · price checked October 18, 2026

Frequently asked questions

What is the quietest pancake air compressor?

The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake, rated at 78.5 dB by its manufacturer.

Is a pancake compressor good for an impact wrench?

Not really. A 6-gallon pancake at 2.6–4.0 CFM can loosen a stuck bolt in short bursts, but a 1/2-inch impact wrench averages 4–6.5 CFM and far more under load. For tire changes, a 10-gallon or larger compressor with 5+ CFM at 90 PSI works much better.

Pancake vs hot dog compressor: which is better?

Pancakes are more stable on uneven surfaces and roofs; hot-dog tanks are narrower and easier to carry with tools. Performance depends on the pump and pressure, not the tank shape.

More rankings

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    The full quiet ranking, every size.

  • Ultra quiet (≤60 dB)

    Ultra quiet air compressors rated 60 dB or lower, no louder than normal conversation.

  • Portable

    Portable air compressors you can carry, ranked by noise first, then CFM and weight.

  • Oil-free

    Oil free air compressors ranked on noise and airflow.

  • 10 gallon

    10 gallon air compressors compared on dB, CFM at 90 PSI and max PSI.

  • 60 gallon

    60 gallon air compressors for home and pro shops, compared on CFM, two-stage vs single-stage, 240V needs and noise, including the quietest oil-free option.

  • 80 gallon

    80 gallon air compressors for busy shops: CFM at 90 PSI, horsepower, wiring and noise compared, with the quietest option in the class called out.

  • Cordless

    Cordless air compressors and battery inflators compared: which can run a nailer, which only fill tires, and which is quietest on a battery.