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Airing down for sand, rock or snow is easy; airing back up four big tires at the end of the trail is where a compressor earns its place. The figures that matter are duty cycle (how long it can run before resting), airflow, current draw on your battery, and hose length. The six below range from a cordless glovebox inflator to twin-motor compressors with an air tank.
Every specification on this page comes from the manufacturer’s own product page, checked on 26 October 2026. We have not used these products ourselves, so the picks are based on published specifications only.
For gauges, deflators and pressure basics, read tire pressure gauges, deflators and compressors and our all-terrain tires guide.
How we chose these
- Portable, in a case or bag, rather than hard-mounted.
- Duty cycle and current draw published.
- Weight, hose length and protection features stated.
ARB publishes airflow in litres per minute at 0 and 200 kPa; VIAIR’s product page text gives duty cycle and fill-rate charts instead of a flow number. The two cannot be compared directly from these pages.
Comparison table
| Compressor | Duty cycle | Airflow (maker) | Max current | Weight | Hose | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIAIR EVC31 PRO | Not stated | Not stated | Battery powered (3 x 2600mAh); 12V port backup | Not stated | 30 in | Not stated |
| ARB CKMP12V2 | 50% | 87.2 L/min at 0 kPa; 65.9 L/min at 200 kPa | Not in page text | 7 kg | 7 m (23 ft), 150 psi hose | Weatherproof case; stainless heat shield |
| VIAIR 400P EF Digital | 100% at 40 PSI; 30% at 100 PSI | Fill-rate chart only | 30 A (87.3 A inrush) | 10.75 lb | 25 ft | IP54 |
| VIAIR 450P EF Digital | 100% at 100 PSI | Fill-rate chart only | 23 A (76.4 A inrush) | 13.05 lb | 30 ft | IP54 |
| ARB CKMTP12 | 100% at 20 °C | 174.4 L/min at 0 kPa; 131.8 L/min at 200 kPa | 50.4 A at 200 kPa | 15 kg | 7 m | Overheating protection; particulate filter |
| ARB CKBLTP12 | 100% | ARB: 50% more output than its brushed compressors (no figure on page) | Not in page text | Not in page text | Not in page text | Polarity-correction harness |
“Not stated” or “Not in page text” means the maker’s page text does not give the figure.
1. VIAIR EVC31 PRO: for a cordless backup in the glovebox
The EVC31 PRO is VIAIR’s cordless inflator for daily drivers, with three 2,600mAh batteries and the option to run from a 12V accessory port. VIAIR says it reaches up to 150 PSI and inflates most passenger car tires from 25 to 35 PSI in about a minute, with a digital screen and preset pressures.
- Includes a carry bag, ball needle, Presta valve adapter and a 24 in USB-C cable (VIAIR).
Pros: no wiring to the battery; preset auto-stop; fits under a seat.
Cons: made for passenger tires, not airing up large off-road tires.
Check the VIAIR EVC31 PRO on Amazon
2. ARB Portable Air Compressor (Brushed) Single 12V (CKMP12V2): for a compact single-motor kit
ARB’s single-motor portable kit lives in a weatherproof polypropylene case with a built-in pressure switch, a stainless steel heat shield over the hot areas and a 7 m high-temperature hose with US standard fittings. ARB lists airflow up to 87.2 litres per minute at 0 kPa and 65.9 at 200 kPa, with a 50% duty cycle.
- Kit includes the hose, battery clamps and an inflation kit; 3-year warranty (ARB).
Pros: complete kit in a hard case; airflow published.
Cons: 50% duty cycle means rest breaks on big tires.
Check the ARB Portable Air Compressor (Brushed) Single 12V (CKMP12V2) on Amazon
3. VIAIR 400P EF Digital: for faster fills with auto-stop
VIAIR says the 400P EF Digital is the choice in this pair for faster inflation and maximum airflow. A digital gauge with preset auto-stop shuts it off at your target pressure, and it has an LED work light with an emergency flashing mode. Its 100% duty cycle at 40 PSI covers typical tire pressures.
- Max working pressure 150 PSI; 2-pin SAE connection with a 40 A inline fuse holder; 70 dB at 0 PSI (VIAIR).
- Size 12.44 x 6.69 x 7.57 in; works from -40 to 158 °F.
Pros: auto-stop; continuous at tire pressures; IP54.
Cons: duty cycle drops to 30% at 100 PSI.
Check the VIAIR 400P EF Digital on Amazon
4. VIAIR 450P EF Digital: for long runs and higher pressures
The 450P EF Digital is VIAIR’s pick for longer run times and high-pressure work: it keeps a 100% duty cycle at 100 PSI and draws less current than the 400P. It shares the digital auto-stop, LED work light and sand tray, with a longer 30 ft hose.
- Max working pressure 150 PSI; 67 dB at 0 PSI; size 13.75 x 6.69 x 7.57 in (VIAIR).
Pros: full duty cycle even at 100 PSI; lower amp draw; long hose.
Cons: heavier than the 400P.
Check the VIAIR 450P EF Digital on Amazon
5. ARB Portable Air Compressor (Brushed) Twin with Air Tank (CKMTP12): for big tires and air tools
ARB’s brushed twin doubles the airflow of its single unit: up to 174.4 litres per minute at 0 kPa and 131.8 at 200 kPa, with a 100% duty cycle at 20 °C. The portable kit adds an air tank, a hard-mounted activation switch and circuit protection, all in a carry case.
- Current 28.4 A at 0 kPa and 50.4 A at 200 kPa; 3-year warranty (ARB).
Pros: highest published airflow here; air tank; continuous duty.
Cons: heaviest here at 15 kg; high current draw needs a healthy battery.
Check the ARB Portable Air Compressor (Brushed) Twin with Air Tank (CKMTP12) on Amazon
6. ARB Portable Air Compressor (Brushless) Twin 12V (CKBLTP12): for vehicles with smaller charging systems
ARB’s brushless twin uses a staggered start so it can run on vehicles with smaller charging systems, and it can shut down one motor to keep working when the charging system is drained. ARB says its brushless compressors give 50% more output than its brushed models. A polarity-correction harness lets either clamp go on either battery terminal.
- 3-year warranty (ARB).
Pros: smart start-up and motor isolation; polarity-proof clamps.
Cons: ARB’s page text does not give airflow, weight or hose length.
Check the ARB Portable Air Compressor (Brushless) Twin 12V (CKBLTP12) on Amazon
Which one fits you
| You drive | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A daily driver, occasional top-ups | VIAIR EVC31 PRO | Cordless, fits a glovebox |
| A mid-size 4×4 on weekend trips | ARB CKMP12V2 or VIAIR 400P EF Digital | Compact kits for normal tire sizes |
| Large tires or a group of vehicles | VIAIR 450P EF Digital or ARB CKMTP12 | Continuous duty at higher pressures |
| A vehicle with a small alternator | ARB CKBLTP12 | Staggered start and motor isolation |
Practical tips
- Check the current draw against your battery and wiring; VIAIR fits a 40 A inline fuse holder on its 400P and 450P.
- Use a gauge and follow the deflation steps in our tire pressure equipment guide.
Sources
Specifications from each manufacturer’s product page, checked 26 October 2026: VIAIR EVC31 PRO, ARB Portable Air Compressor (Brushed) Single 12V (CKMP12V2), VIAIR 400P EF Digital, VIAIR 450P EF Digital, ARB Portable Air Compressor (Brushed) Twin with Air Tank (CKMTP12), ARB Portable Air Compressor (Brushless) Twin 12V (CKBLTP12). Makers can change specifications; check the product page before you buy.
