Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series review
The strongest 60 dB compressor we found: 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI from a 1.5 HP motor, a 3-gallon tank and a protective roll cage. It is our top quiet pick if your budget stretches. At 60 dB it is about as loud as a normal conversation.
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How loud is it?
- Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series60 dB
Manufacturer rating, measuring distance not stated. Brands measure at different distances, so treat 1–2 dB differences as a tie. Why dB ratings vary.
Full specifications
| Noise rating | 60 dB |
|---|---|
| Noise source | Manufacturer rating, measuring distance not stated |
| CFM at 90 PSI | 2.6 |
| CFM at 40 PSI | 3.5 |
| Max PSI | 135 |
| Tank | 3 gal |
| Horsepower | 1.5 HP |
| Pump | Oil-free |
| Stages | — |
| Power | 120V outlet |
| Duty cycle | — |
| Weight | 52.5 lb |
| Price band | $300–$600 (checked October 18, 2026) |
A dash means the manufacturer doesn't publish that figure. We never estimate one.
Our take
The MAC320Q is the bigger sibling of the MAC210Q. It keeps the 60 dB rating and the slow 1,750 RPM design, but a 1.5 HP motor and 3-gallon tank raise output to 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.5 CFM at 40 PSI, the most airflow we found at this noise level.
In practice, that extra airflow lets two finish nailers share one compressor, or keeps a framing nailer fed at a steady pace. It is still not enough for continuous-use tools like sanders or grinders, which need a much larger compressor no matter how quiet it is.
Owners call it very quiet and say it refills in under a minute. The main reservations are price and weight. It costs noticeably more than California Air Tools' quiet models, and at 52.5 lb it is a two-handed carry.
Pros
- Highest CFM of any 60 dB compressor we list
- Roll-cage construction
- 135 PSI max
Cons
- Most expensive portable quiet compressor here
- 52.5 lb is heavy to carry far
What it can run
With a 30% safety margin, 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI comfortably covers these tools from our list (nailers assumed at 30 shots a minute):
- Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (0.025 cu ft per shot)
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Best for: The most airflow you can get at 60 dB.
Buy it if: you work indoors or near people and want conversation-level noise; your main jobs are nailing, inflation and blow-off; you want a pump with no oil to change.
Skip it if: you plan to run impact wrenches, sanders or spray guns for long.
How it compares in its class
- Ranked #2 of 12 in best quiet air compressors.
- Quieter than 5 of the 11 other rated models in that list.
- 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI against a class median of 2.3 CFM, so above average airflow for the class.
- Price band $300–$600; see every spec side by side in the comparison table.
Ownership tips
- Drain the tank after each use (daily on a shop compressor) to stop rust from the inside.
- The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to change; keep the intake filter clean instead.
- Plug it straight into a wall outlet and use a longer air hose instead of a long, thin extension cord.
- Test the safety relief valve now and then by pulling its ring briefly, and never adjust or plug it.
General guidance; always follow the owner's manual. More in our maintenance checklist.
Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series: quick answers
How loud is the Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series?
It is rated at 60 dB (manufacturer rating, measuring distance not stated), which is about as loud as a normal conversation.
What can the Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series run?
With a 30% safety margin it covers Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer from our tool list, based on 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI.
Is the Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series oil-free?
Yes. The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to check or change.
What power does the Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series need?
It runs from a standard 120V household outlet. For larger units, a dedicated 20A circuit is best; avoid long, thin extension cords.
Spec sources
Where each figure on this page comes from (checked October 18, 2026). We don't present manufacturer figures as our own measurements.
- Amazon product listing: noise, max PSI, tank, horsepower, pump type
- makitatools.com: CFM @ 90 PSI, CFM @ 40 PSI, weight
Alternatives to consider
California Air Tools 8010A
60 dB · 2.2 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
Quiet home garage with more stored air
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S
56 dB · 1.2 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
Quiet indoor trim work, airbrushing and inflation
Appears in: Best quiet air compressors · Ultra quiet (≤60 dB) · Oil-free · Portable