Metabo HPT EC28M review
A 25 lb, 59 dB compressor for finish carpenters who work in occupied homes. Its airflow is the lowest on our list, so treat it as a nailer companion, not a general-purpose compressor. At 59 dB it is about as loud as a normal conversation.
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How loud is it?
- Metabo HPT EC28M59 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 | 59 dB |
|---|---|
| Noise source | Manufacturer rating, measuring distance not stated |
| CFM at 90 PSI | 0.8 |
| CFM at 40 PSI | 1.3 |
| Max PSI | 125 |
| Tank | 1 gal |
| Horsepower | 0.5 HP |
| Pump | Oil-free |
| Stages | — |
| Power | 120V outlet |
| Duty cycle | — |
| Weight | 25.2 lb |
| Price band | $150–$300 (checked October 18, 2026) |
A dash means the manufacturer doesn't publish that figure. We never estimate one.
Our take
Metabo HPT calls the EC28M the first of its low-noise series, and the 59 dB rating puts it in the ultra-quiet group alongside California Air Tools and Makita. What sets it apart is size: at 25.2 lb it is the lightest corded compressor we list, and it carries like a toolbox.
Its airflow is also the lowest on our list. The manual lists 0.8 CFM at 90 PSI and the retail listings give 1.3 CFM at 40 PSI. That is plenty for a 23-gauge pinner or an 18-gauge brad nailer at a normal pace, but it will fall behind a framing nailer in a hurry and cannot run continuous-use tools.
If you need a quiet compressor to sit in a client's living room while you install trim, this is a strong fit. If you also want to inflate truck tires or run a ratchet, look at the Makita MAC210Q or California Air Tools 2010A instead.
Pros
- Lightest corded compressor we list at 25.2 lb
- Rated at 59 dB
- Draws very little current, friendly to shared circuits
Cons
- 0.8 CFM at 90 PSI limits it to pin, brad and finish nailers
- Small 1-gallon tank
What it can run
It keeps up with the Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer at up to about 24 shots a minute (with a 30% margin), which suits unhurried trim work. Nothing heavier on our tool list fits.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Best for: Pin and brad nailing in occupied homes.
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; you move it around often (about 25.2 lb).
Skip it if: you plan to run impact wrenches, sanders or spray guns for long.
How it compares in its class
- Ranked #10 of 12 in best quiet air compressors.
- Quieter than 10 of the 11 other rated models in that list.
- 0.8 CFM at 90 PSI against a class median of 2.3 CFM, so below average airflow for the class.
- Price band $150–$300; 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.
Metabo HPT EC28M: quick answers
How loud is the Metabo HPT EC28M?
It is rated at 59 dB (manufacturer rating, measuring distance not stated), which is about as loud as a normal conversation.
What can the Metabo HPT EC28M run?
With 0.8 CFM at 90 PSI, it suits light work such as brad nailing at a steady pace, inflation and blow-off rather than continuous air tools.
Is the Metabo HPT EC28M oil-free?
Yes. The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to check or change.
What power does the Metabo HPT EC28M 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.
- metabo-hpt.com: noise
- notice-facile.com: CFM @ 90 PSI
- adamstarpntool.com: CFM @ 40 PSI
- business.walmart.com: max PSI
- Amazon product listing: tank, pump type
- kmstools.com: horsepower, weight
Alternatives to consider
California Air Tools 8010A
60 dB · 2.2 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
Quiet home garage with more stored air
Makita MAC320Q Quiet Series
60 dB · 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI · $300–$600
The most airflow you can get at 60 dB
Appears in: Best quiet air compressors · Ultra quiet (≤60 dB) · Oil-free · Portable