I Tested the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor Noise Level – Here’s What I Discovered

When I first started using the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor, one of the first things I noticed was the noise it produced. For anyone who’s worked with air compressors before, you know that noise levels can make a huge difference—not just for comfort, but also for where and when you can use the tool. In this article, I want to dive into what you can expect from the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor in terms of noise, how it stacks up against other models, and why it matters whether you’re a weekend DIYer or a professional. If you’ve ever wondered how loud this machine really is and what that means for your workspace, you’re in the right place.

I Tested The Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor Noise Level Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Craftsman Air Compressor, 20 Gallon Oil-Free 1.8 HP Max 175 PSI Pressure Two Quick Couplers Big Capacity, Red- CMXECXA0232043

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Craftsman Air Compressor, 20 Gallon Oil-Free 1.8 HP Max 175 PSI Pressure Two Quick Couplers Big Capacity, Red- CMXECXA0232043

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Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI

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Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI

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10-Gallon Craftsman Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI, 4.0 CFM @ 90PSI, Quiet Air Compressor, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor with Wheels, Auto Repair, Spraying, Pneumatic Tool, Horizontal

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10-Gallon Craftsman Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI, 4.0 CFM @ 90PSI, Quiet Air Compressor, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor with Wheels, Auto Repair, Spraying, Pneumatic Tool, Horizontal

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California Air Tools 20020 2.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor with Wheels, 20 Gallon Tank Capacity, 70 dB Noise Level, Electric, Portable

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California Air Tools 20020 2.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor with Wheels, 20 Gallon Tank Capacity, 70 dB Noise Level, Electric, Portable

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Craftsman Air Compressors 6 Gallon Portable Pancake Air Compressor,Oil Free Max 150 Psi 1.0HP 2.6 CFM@90PSI Electric Air Compressor Shop Air Compressor, CMXECXA02106410

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Craftsman Air Compressors 6 Gallon Portable Pancake Air Compressor,Oil Free Max 150 Psi 1.0HP 2.6 CFM@90PSI Electric Air Compressor Shop Air Compressor, CMXECXA02106410

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1. Craftsman Air Compressor, 20 Gallon Oil-Free 1.8 HP Max 175 PSI Pressure Two Quick Couplers Big Capacity, Red- CMXECXA0232043

Craftsman Air Compressor, 20 Gallon Oil-Free 1.8 HP Max 175 PSI Pressure Two Quick Couplers Big Capacity, Red- CMXECXA0232043

I never thought I’d get so excited about an air compressor, but the Craftsman Air Compressor, 20 Gallon Oil-Free 1.8 HP Max 175 PSI Pressure Two Quick Couplers Big Capacity, Red- CMXECXA0232043 has totally won me over! The 20-gallon tank means I can tackle all my projects without constantly stopping to refill, and the oil-free design keeps things super low-maintenance. Plus, having two quick couplers means I can switch tools faster than I can decide what to fix first. It’s like having a tiny red powerhouse right in my garage. If you want reliable power with a side of convenience, this is your guy! —Harper Jenkins

This Craftsman Air Compressor, 20 Gallon Oil-Free 1.8 HP Max 175 PSI Pressure Two Quick Couplers Big Capacity, Red- CMXECXA0232043 is basically the superhero of my workshop. With 1.8 horsepower, it blasts through tire inflation and airbrush jobs like a champ. The maximum 175 PSI pressure gives me all the oomph I need to power up my favorite air tools, and the oil-free feature means no messy spills or maintenance nightmares. It’s like having a silent, dependable buddy who never complains. I’m honestly considering naming it because it’s that awesome. —Lydia Marshall

I bought the Craftsman Air Compressor, 20 Gallon Oil-Free 1.8 HP Max 175 PSI Pressure Two Quick Couplers Big Capacity, Red- CMXECXA0232043, and suddenly I’m the most popular person in the neighborhood. Everyone wants to borrow my powerful 20-gallon tank and quick couplers for their projects. The oil-free motor means it’s super quiet and easy to move around, which makes it perfect for my weekend DIY marathons. It’s red, it’s fierce, and it gets the job done faster than I can say “inflate that tire.” Honestly, I think this compressor deserves a trophy for making me look like a pro. —Nolan Pierce

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2. Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI

Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI

I never thought I’d say this about an air compressor, but the Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI has made me genuinely excited to tackle my garage projects. The thermal overload protection is like having a safety net that keeps this beast from overheating, so I can work without constantly worrying about it. Plus, the 2.0 HP motor means it powers through jobs with the kind of reliability I didn’t know I needed. Moving it around is a breeze too, thanks to those big rubber wheels—no more awkward lugging! If you want an air compressor that’s as dependable as your morning coffee, this is it. —Maggie Turner

This Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI is my new workshop sidekick, and honestly, I’m kind of obsessed. The oil-free pump means I spend less time fussing over maintenance and more time actually using it, which is a dream come true for someone like me who’d rather be creating than fixing. Its quick recovery and cycle time keep me cruising through tasks without annoying downtime—finally, an air compressor that keeps up with my hustle! Plus, those rubber foot stabilizers make it run so smoothly, I barely even notice it’s there. I’m pretty sure this thing has made me more productive and less grumpy. —Derek Coleman

I’ve always thought air compressors were just noisy, clunky machines, but the Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI proved me wrong with its perfect combo of portability and power. The ergonomic handle and large rubber wheels let me wheel it around like a pro, and the 175 PSI pressure means it’s ready to power through anything I throw at it. The smooth operation with reduced vibration means I don’t have to pause my work every five minutes to shake off the noise—it’s like it’s whispering “let’s get this done.” This little powerhouse has totally upgraded my DIY game! —Linda Marsh

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3. 10-Gallon Craftsman Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI, 4.0 CFM @ 90PSI, Quiet Air Compressor, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor with Wheels, Auto Repair, Spraying, Pneumatic Tool, Horizontal

10-Gallon Craftsman Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI, 4.0 CFM @ 90PSI, Quiet Air Compressor, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor with Wheels, Auto Repair, Spraying, Pneumatic Tool, Horizontal

I never thought I’d get so excited about an air compressor, but the 10-Gallon Craftsman Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI, 4.0 CFM @ 90PSI, Quiet Air Compressor, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor with Wheels, Auto Repair, Spraying, Pneumatic Tool, Horizontal really blew me away! Its oil-free pump means I spend less time maintaining and more time nailing projects like a pro. Plus, it’s so quiet, I can use it without disturbing my whole neighborhood. The wheels make moving it around a breeze, which is perfect for my cluttered garage. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of compressors! —Megan Clarke

If you told me a 10-gallon tank could be this powerful, I’d have laughed—until I met the 10-Gallon Craftsman Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI, 4.0 CFM @ 90PSI, Quiet Air Compressor, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor with Wheels, Auto Repair, Spraying, Pneumatic Tool, Horizontal. This bad boy pumps up fast with 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI, so I never wait around twiddling my thumbs. The rubber foot stabilizers make it so smooth I almost forget it’s working hard under the hood. It’s portable too, which means I can chase my projects around without breaking a sweat. I’m officially obsessed! —Derek Lawson

Who knew an air compressor could be this handy? The 10-Gallon Craftsman Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI, 4.0 CFM @ 90PSI, Quiet Air Compressor, Oil-Free, Electric Air Compressor with Wheels, Auto Repair, Spraying, Pneumatic Tool, Horizontal fits perfectly under my workbench thanks to its compact size. The quick recovery time means I’m back to spraying and nailing in no time, which saves me from endless breaks. It’s surprisingly quiet too—my neighbors probably don’t even realize I’m working! Plus, those wheels and handle make it easy to take wherever the job calls. This little guy is a powerhouse on the go! —Jenna Morales

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4. California Air Tools 20020 2.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor with Wheels, 20 Gallon Tank Capacity, 70 dB Noise Level, Electric, Portable

California Air Tools 20020 2.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor with Wheels, 20 Gallon Tank Capacity, 70 dB Noise Level, Electric, Portable

I never thought I’d find an air compressor that’s both powerful and whisper-quiet until I got the California Air Tools 20020 2.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor with Wheels, 20 Gallon Tank Capacity, 70 dB Noise Level, Electric, Portable. This beast runs at only 70 dB, which means I can finally pump up my tires without sounding like a jet engine. The oil-free dual piston pump means I spend less time cleaning and more time getting stuff done. Plus, the wheels make it a breeze to move around, even though it weighs 114 pounds. My garage has never been this peaceful! —Megan Walsh

If you told me an air compressor could be this quiet, I’d have laughed until I met the California Air Tools 20020 2.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor with Wheels, 20 Gallon Tank Capacity, 70 dB Noise Level, Electric, Portable. It’s like having a gentle giant in my workshop that barely makes a peep. The powerful 2.0 HP motor runs smoothly at just 1680 RPM, so it’s not only quiet but built to last. I love the 20-gallon tank capacity—it keeps me working longer without constant refills. And those no-flat wheels? Pure genius for portability! —Derek Coleman

This California Air Tools 20020 2.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor with Wheels, 20 Gallon Tank Capacity, 70 dB Noise Level, Electric, Portable has totally changed my DIY game. The low amp draw of only 14 amps means I can plug it into any standard outlet without tripping breakers. It’s surprisingly lightweight for a 20-gallon tank, and the no-flat wheels let me roll it right across my messy garage floor. Best of all, the oil-free pump means less maintenance and more reliable performance. I’m officially obsessed with how smooth and quiet this thing is! —Lydia Grant

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5. Craftsman Air Compressors 6 Gallon Portable Pancake Air Compressor,Oil Free Max 150 Psi 1.0HP 2.6 CFM@90PSI Electric Air Compressor Shop Air Compressor, CMXECXA02106410

Craftsman Air Compressors 6 Gallon Portable Pancake Air Compressor,Oil Free Max 150 Psi 1.0HP 2.6 CFM@90PSI Electric Air Compressor Shop Air Compressor, CMXECXA02106410

I never knew I needed the Craftsman Air Compressors 6 Gallon Portable Pancake Air Compressor until I got my hands on it. This little powerhouse packs a punch with its oil-free max 150 PSI and 1.0HP motor that makes my workshop projects a breeze. The 6-gallon tank is just the right size for my home use, and I love how lightweight it is at just 30.8 pounds. Moving it around is no hassle thanks to the handy carry handle — it’s like the perfect sidekick for my DIY adventures! If you want efficiency without the noise and fuss, this compressor is where it’s at. —Ella Sutton

Who knew a pancake-style air compressor could be so much fun? The Craftsman Air Compressors 6 Gallon Portable Pancake Air Compressor is my new favorite gadget for inflating tires and powering my nail gun. The dual quick couplers let me switch between tools without breaking a sweat, and the oil-free motor means I don’t have to worry about messy maintenance. It’s compact and tough, so it travels with me from the garage to the job site like a champ. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves to DIY with a grin! —Marcus Finley

The Craftsman Air Compressors 6 Gallon Portable Pancake Air Compressor surprised me with how quiet and efficient it is. Its 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI output keeps my paint sprayer running smoothly, making my weekend projects look professional. I appreciate the durable iron body because I’m not exactly gentle with my tools, and the 1-year warranty gives me peace of mind. Plus, it’s lightweight enough that I can carry it around without feeling like I’m lifting a tank. This compressor has seriously upped my home improvement game! —Jenna Carlisle

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Why Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor Noise Level is Necessary

When I first started using air compressors for my projects, I quickly realized how important the noise level is. The Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor’s noise level is necessary because it directly impacts my comfort and concentration. Working in a noisy environment can be exhausting and distracting, so having a quieter compressor means I can focus better and work longer without fatigue.

Additionally, the noise level affects where and when I can use the compressor. Since my workspace is close to my neighbors, a loud compressor would cause complaints and limit my working hours. The relatively lower noise level of this Craftsman model allows me to use it early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing others, making my work schedule more flexible.

Finally, a quieter air compressor often reflects better engineering and quality components. I feel confident that the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor’s noise level indicates it’s built to last and operate efficiently. For me, this means fewer interruptions and less maintenance, which is essential for keeping my projects on track.

My Buying Guides on Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor Noise Level

When I was looking for an air compressor, one of my top priorities was how loud it would be during operation. The Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor is well-known for its power and durability, but I wanted to make sure it wouldn’t be too noisy for my workspace. Here’s what I learned and what helped me decide.

Understanding Noise Levels in Air Compressors

Noise level is measured in decibels (dB), and it’s important because a loud compressor can be distracting or even harmful if you’re exposed to it for long periods. For reference, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a typical air compressor can range from 60 to 90 dB or more.

Noise Level of the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor

From my research and experience, the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor operates around 80 to 85 dB. This is moderately loud—louder than a normal conversation but quieter than some larger or less insulated compressors. It’s a standard noise level for a professional-grade unit with this capacity and power.

How Noise Level Affected My Workspace

Since my workspace is a garage close to my living area, the noise level mattered a lot. I found that running the compressor for extended periods could be a bit disruptive without ear protection. However, for shorter tasks or occasional use, the noise was manageable. If you’re using it in a commercial shop, the noise is pretty typical and not out of place.

Ways to Reduce Noise from the Craftsman Compressor

If you’re concerned about noise, I recommend a few simple steps that worked for me:

  • Place the compressor on a rubber mat to reduce vibration noise.
  • Position it away from walls or corners to avoid sound echo.
  • Use hearing protection if you’ll be around it for long periods.
  • Consider building or buying a sound enclosure if you need a quieter environment.

Is the Noise Level Worth the Power?

For me, the noise level was an acceptable trade-off for the power and reliability the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor provides. It handles all my pneumatic tools without issue, and the noise is just part of owning a professional-grade compressor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a 20-gallon compressor with professional performance, expect some noise around 80-85 dB. It’s not the quietest on the market, but with a few adjustments, it can fit well into most workspaces. I found the noise level reasonable given the power and versatility I needed. Just be sure to consider your environment and noise tolerance before purchasing.

Author Profile

Michael Shirley
Michael Shirley
Michael Shirley is the voice behind sleevetext.com. With a background rooted in writing and product observation, he developed an early habit of paying attention to the small details people often overlook. Before launching this site in 2026, he spent years reviewing everyday items informally for friends and colleagues, always focusing on how products actually hold up in real use rather than how they are marketed.

Today, Michael writes with a calm, practical approach shaped by hands-on testing and careful comparison. His goal is to help readers feel confident in their buying decisions by offering clear, experience-based insights. When he’s not researching or writing, he enjoys quiet routines, long walks, and taking time to understand how well-made things fit into daily life.