The 7 Best Portable Tire Inflators in 2021
“Tires that contain the specified amount of air pressure last longer and contribute to vehicle safety,” explains the AAA. Having tire pressure that’s too low negatively affects a vehicle’s fuel economy, braking distance, and even steering responsiveness.
The good news is that it’s simple to monitor and maintain proper tire pressure – even if you’re not exactly vehicle-savvy. Sure, you could constantly go to lube shops or use gas station machines, but that’s not necessary. Instead, make a small but well-worthwhile investment in a personal portable tire inflator.
These small machines won’t set you back much, but provide tremendous benefits. You can keep an eye on your vehicle’s tire pressure and inflate or deflate your tires as needed, all with just a few presses of a button.
Most of them also have other features, including being able to inflate bicycle tires and sporting equipment. Portable tire inflators also make excellent gifts for anyone who owns a vehicle.
Tire inflators are certainly not all created equal. Some are extremely basic and not particularly efficient, while others have dozens of bells and whistles that you truthfully don’t need (and will likely never use). To simplify the buying process, we’ve narrowed down the top seven portable tire inflators.
Best Buy
1. P.I. AUTO STORE Premium Air Compressor and Tire Inflator
The first portable tire inflator on our list stands out from the first glance. It’s rectangular, as opposed to many others that are unusually-shaped, and it has a large LCD screen with a digital display.
That screen is one of the best features about this air compressor – it allows you to manually set the required tire pressure. Instead of having to sit and monitor the tire pressure as they gradually inflate, you can simply start the machine and let it do its thing.
The auto shutoff feature stops the tire inflator once the tires have reached the targeted pressure, which is typically in less than three minutes. No more worrying about over- or under-inflating!
Aside from the digital tire pressure gauge and auto shutoff, the P.I. Auto Store air compressor has several other attractive features and benefits.
The air compressor comes with a storage and carrying case, weighs just two pounds, and has integrated cable storage, so it’s extremely convenient and simple to store and transport. It’s also very quiet in comparison to other models and has cables that are nearly 13 feet long.
A super-bright LED light makes it easy to work in the dark if necessary, and a red emergency light allows you to signal for help in a true emergency. Finally, the tire inflator includes snap-on connector valves, which are more accurate and don’t come unscrewed as easily as screw-on types.
2. SKEY Air Compressor Tire Inflator
Although this air compressor is at the upper end of our list in terms of price, it comes with some handy features that make it well worth the cost. For starters, it’s very compact and has a unique shape resembling a handheld power drill, complete with an ergonomic non-slip rubberized handle.
This makes the SKEY air compressor not only easy to store, but comfortable to hold and operate as well. The air compressor is also lightning fast, with up to 150 PSI to inflate tires in a matter of seconds.
A large, bright blue LCD screen eliminates any confusion or uncertainty, with multiple digital displays showing both current and target tire pressure, a progress meter to show how much inflation is left, and remaining battery life. It also has an auto shutoff, so you can “set and forget” the target pressure.
One of the nicest features of the SKEY tire inflator is that it has a removable, rechargeable battery and there are multiple ways to charge it.
It can be plugged directly into a home outlet, and it also a USB port for easy charging in your vehicle or even from a portable power bank. There’s also onboard air nozzle storage to keep everything organized.
3. VacLife Air Compressor Tire Inflator
The amount of bang you get for your buck with the VacLife air compressor seems almost too good to be true, but it isn’t!
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that this tire inflator is super compact. It’s so small, in fact, that it fits in many vehicle glove compartments. Don’t let the small size fool you, however – this air compressor inflates tires quickly and features a large LCD screen that allows you to check the tire pressure, then increase or decrease it with just a few presses of a button.
The auto shutoff feature gives you peace of mind so you no longer have to worry about overinflating your tires. One multipurpose nozzle both inflates and deflates, making it super simple and convenient to maintain recommended tire pressure in all situations.
This tire inflator is powered by your vehicle’s 12V outlet and has a nearly-12-foot-long cable, so it’s easy and comfortable to reach all four tires. A bright LED light enables you to work on your tires at night if necessary, and three additional nozzles are included for inflating other items such as bicycle tires and sports balls.
4. VIAIR 88P 120 psi 12-Volt Portable Tire Inflator
On a list of impressive tire inflators, this VIAIR model truly stands out. It’s capable of inflating tires up to 33″ in size, which many full-size pickup trucks use – that’s quite a bit larger than the others we’re reviewing. This air compressor is also powered by your vehicle’s battery, which gives it a substantial amount of juice.
Instead of being charged and powered by plugging into a 12-volt outlet or a USB cable like many other tire inflators, the VIAIR uses heavy-duty alligator clamps that attach directly to the car or truck battery. To run the compressor, simply start your engine. Using this method, the inflator won’t run out of battery or power as it’s inflating tires.
A bright LED light lets you know the tire inflator is working, plus illuminates your work area at night.
Note that the VIAIR doesn’t have a digital display or auto shutoff feature, but it does use a traditional tire gauge-style display with ultra-accurate readings. The compressor does not need to be one to check tire pressure; only to inflate or deflate tires.
It also has an extra-long 16-foot cord designed specifically to reach the rear tires on larger vehicles and trucks. While it may not be the most high-tech model available, it is one of the most reliable and effective, particularly for SUV and truck owners.
5. FORTEM Digital Tire Inflator
For a no-frills but highly efficient tire inflator, the FORTEM is an excellent choice. It features a bright LCD screen with an easy-to-read digital display, a red emergency LED light, and auto shutoff.
Simple “+” and “-” buttons enable you to easily add air or deflate tires, while a display light blinks to indicate the tire inflator is working. This air compressor comes in a nice compact carrying case, and the hose and power cable both store nicely inside the unit.
The entire thing weighs less than two pounds, so it’s easy and convenient to store in your vehicle to have on hand whenever you may need it.
The FOREM digital tire inflator includes multiple nozzle attachments to inflate bicycles, sports balls, inflatable toys, and even balloons, in addition to tires. As soon as you attach the gauge nozzle to a tire, the inflator takes a reading and displays it on the large screen.
Note that this air compressor is powered by plugging into a vehicle 12V DC outlet, but it is not a rechargeable unit. It must be plugged in with the vehicle running in order to function properly.
6. Kensun AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator
The Kensun digital tire inflator includes both a 12V vehicle power plug and a 110-volt wall outlet plug, so it can be used on the go or right in the comfort of your garage. This makes it simple to routinely check your tire pressure, as well as inflate your tires (or deflate them) when necessary.
There’s also an LED light for working on your tires at night. The back-lit LCD screen makes it easy to read your tire pressure, and you can program the targeted pressure with just a few clicks. When the tires have reached the programmed pressure, the air compressor will automatically shut off.
A standard tire nozzle comes pre-installed and ready to use, but three others are also included and can be used on bicycles, children’s toys, camping and sports equipment, and more. While this Kensun tire inflator model is one of the smallest on our list, it certainly isn’t the lightest at five pounds.
However, there’s an excellent reason for the extra bit of weight – its motor is made from all metal, meaning it doesn’t contain plastic components. It’s built to last and, more importantly, to be there when you most need it.
7. AstroAI Air Compressor Tire Inflator
If you’re looking for a lightweight and ultra-fast tire inflator, look no further than the AstroAI air compressor.
This tire inflator can inflate a completely flat tire to full in under five minutes – and it does so quietly. To use the AstroAI inflator, you simply program your desired tire pressure using the “+” and “-” buttons, then let it do all the work.
When the tire has fully inflated, the auto-shutoff feature turns the unit off. The LCD screen even displays multiple reading units, including PSI, kPa, BAR and KG/CM.
The AstroAI tire inflator plugs into your vehicle’s 12V outlet for power and has a 10-foot-long power cord to easily access all four tires. There’s a bright white LED light that helps you work at night when needed, and also doubles as an emergency flashlight since it is independently operated.
Three nozzles plus an additional fuse are included, so the air compressor can also inflate air mattresses, balls, pool toys, and more. It also comes with both standard Schrader and Presta valve extenders for application on a wide range of vehicles.
Portable Tire Inflator FAQs
Because truck tires are substantially larger than those on a car, you need a larger air compressor to properly inflate them. There are several factors at play in determining the exact size you need, including PSI (pounds per square inch) and CFM (cubic feet per minute), which both refer to volume. The main factor, though, is gallon size. A small portable tire inflator like the ones on this list simply won’t cut it; most truck owners should invest in an air compressor that has a minimum 20-gallon tank.
While tire inflators are a type of air compressor, they aren’t exactly the same. Traditional air compressors are typically quite a bit larger than tire inflators, while inflators are portable, designed specifically to fit nicely into vehicle trunks. Tire inflators also often come with several automobile-specific features like LED and red emergency lights or jumper cables.
Several factors affect how fast a tire inflator actually airs up tires. Because of that, there isn’t one model that’s necessarily the “fastest.” How much air a tire needs, the size of a tire, and even the outside temperature can affect how quickly a tire inflates. All the models on our list are fast and efficient tire inflators, typically airing tires in a matter of a minute or two.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Get 15% off using the discount code NEXTL at checkout
Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
