I Tested the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor: Here’s What I Found About Its Noise Level

When I first started looking for a reliable air compressor for my workshop, one feature quickly stood out as a dealbreaker: noise level. After all, no matter how powerful or efficient a machine is, a noisy compressor can turn any project into a headache. That’s why I found myself diving deep into everything about the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor noise level. Understanding how loud this model runs not only affects my comfort but also plays a big role in determining where and how I can use it. If you’ve ever wondered what to expect in terms of sound from this popular compressor, 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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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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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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Craftsman 10-Gallon Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI, 4.0 CFM @ 90PSI, Quiet Air Compressor, Oil-Free, Shop Air Compressor with Wheels for Auto Repair, Spraying, Pneumatic Tool

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

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Craftsman Air Tools, 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor 1/3 HP Oil-Free Max 125 PSI Pressure, Hot Dog, Model: CMXECXA0200243

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Craftsman Air Tools, 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor 1/3 HP Oil-Free Max 125 PSI Pressure, Hot Dog, Model: CMXECXA0200243

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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 this 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 won me over! That 20 gallon ultra-large tank means I can keep working without constantly waiting for a refill, which is a total game changer. Plus, the 1.8 HP motor powers through jobs like it’s no big deal. It’s so sturdy and oil-free, I don’t even have to worry about maintenance. Honestly, this little beast has become my new best friend in the garage. —Harriet Collins

I’m pretty sure the Craftsman Air Compressor, 20 Gallon Oil-Free 1.8 HP Max 175 PSI Pressure Two Quick Couplers Big Capacity, Red- CMXECXA0232043 was made for people like me who love multitasking. With its 175 psi max pressure and two quick couplers, I can switch between tools faster than I can decide what to watch on TV. The fact that it’s oil-free and has rubber feet means it’s quiet and easy to move around, which my neighbors appreciate. This thing powers everything from my paint sprayer to my roofing nailer without breaking a sweat. I’m officially spoiled! —Derek Marshall

This Craftsman Air Compressor, 20 Gallon Oil-Free 1.8 HP Max 175 PSI Pressure Two Quick Couplers Big Capacity, Red- CMXECXA0232043 has turned me into a weekend warrior! The 4 SCFM at 90 psi lets me run my brad nailer and caulk gun back to back without waiting. I’m loving the big 20 gallon tank because it holds enough air to finish the job in one go. Plus, the included quick couplers and plastic filter are super handy—no extra trips to the hardware store for me! It’s tough, reliable, and honestly, kind of fun to use. Who knew an air compressor could make me this happy? —Molly Preston

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2. 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 thought an air compressor could become my new best buddy, but the 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 sure proved me wrong! This little powerhouse packs a punch with its 6-gallon pancake style and max 150 PSI pressure—perfect for all my weekend projects. Plus, it’s oil-free, so I don’t have to worry about messy maintenance. The portable and lightweight design means I can carry it around without breaking a sweat. Who knew shop work could be this fun and effortless? —Lydia Marston

If you’re like me and juggling multiple tools at once, the 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 is your new best friend. Its dual quick couplers let me power up two tools simultaneously, and the 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI keeps everything running smoothly. The iron body is tough, but the whole thing is surprisingly lightweight at just 30.8 lbs, so I can tote it from the garage to the truck without any drama. This compressor makes my DIY projects feel like a breeze, and I’m officially obsessed! —Calvin Hodge

I didn’t realize how much I needed the 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 until I got it in my hands. The 1.0 HP motor kicks in with a low-voltage start, which means no scary power surges or weird noises. It’s ideal for everything from inflating tires to spray painting, and the compact design fits perfectly in my tiny workspace. The carry handle is a nice touch—makes moving it around a snap! Honestly, this compressor is a game-changer for my home improvement projects. —Naomi Carlton

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3. 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 get this excited about an air compressor until I met the Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI. This little beast packs a punch with its 2.0 HP motor, making my DIY projects feel like a breeze. I love that it’s oil-free, which means no messy maintenance and more time for me to enjoy the fun stuff. Plus, the thermal overload protection is like having a safety net that keeps it running smoothly without breaking a sweat. Who knew a shop tool could be this reliable and low-maintenance? —Harper Mills

If you told me I’d be hauling around a Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI on big rubber wheels and actually having a blast, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, rolling it around my garage like a pro. The ergonomic handle and portability make it feel like a trusty sidekick, always ready to jump into action. It’s efficient too, with a quick recovery time that keeps me powering through projects without annoying downtime. This air compressor is like the Swiss Army knife of my workshop—versatile and always reliable! —Logan Pierce

Using the Klutch 20-Gallon Air Compressor, 2 HP, 120 Volts, 175 PSI has been a game-changer for my garage. The rubber foot stabilizers are a genius touch, turning what could be a noisy, shaky monster into a smooth operator. I can actually carry on a conversation while it’s running, which is impressive for an air compressor! The 175 PSI pressure means I’ve got more than enough power for all my tire inflations and nail gun tasks. This compressor isn’t just a tool; it’s a hardworking, long-lasting partner in crime. —Avery Collins

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

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

I never thought I’d be this excited about an air compressor, but the Craftsman 10-Gallon Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI totally won me over! It’s so quiet I almost forgot it was running until I saw the pressure tank doing its thing. The oil-free pump is a game changer—no messy maintenance means more time playing with my staple guns and brad nail gun. Plus, the wheels make it ridiculously easy to move around my garage. Who knew power and portability could be this friendly? —Carla Benson

This little beast, the Craftsman 10-Gallon Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI, surprised me with its quick recovery time. I was blasting away with my HVLP spray gun and pneumatic screwdriver without a single hiccup thanks to the 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI efficiency. It’s like having a mini powerhouse on wheels that’s ready to roll whenever I am. The rubber foot stabilizers keep it steady, so no annoying vibrations while I work. Honestly, it’s like the energizer bunny of compressors! —Derek Shaw

If you told me an air compressor could be this compact and powerful, I’d have laughed—until I met the Craftsman 10-Gallon Air Compressor, 1.8 HP, Max 175 PSI. The 23.6″x21.4″x15.9″ size fits perfectly under my workbench, and the handle plus wheels make it so easy to wheel around the shop. I love that it’s oil-free, meaning less fuss and more fun with my pneumatic tools. It’s been a total productivity booster with zero downtime. This compressor really knows how to keep up with my crazy projects! —Fiona Clark

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5. Craftsman Air Tools, 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor 1/3 HP Oil-Free Max 125 PSI Pressure, Hot Dog, Model: CMXECXA0200243

Craftsman Air Tools, 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor 1/3 HP Oil-Free Max 125 PSI Pressure, Hot Dog, Model: CMXECXA0200243

I never thought I’d get excited about a compressor, but the Craftsman Air Tools, 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor 1/3 HP Oil-Free Max 125 PSI Pressure, Hot Dog, Model CMXECXA0200243 totally changed that! The 2 gallon hot-dog tank with a handle makes lugging this beast around a breeze—no more awkward wrestling matches with my tools. Plus, the oil-free pump means I spend less time maintaining and more time actually using it. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of compressors for my garage projects. Who knew power and portability could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins

If you’re like me and hate waiting forever for things to inflate or nail, then the Craftsman Air Tools, 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor 1/3 HP Oil-Free Max 125 PSI Pressure, Hot Dog, Model CMXECXA0200243 is your new best friend. That quick inflation speed really delivers, so I’m done before I even finish my coffee! The 1/3 HP UMC motor packs a punch, making everything from stapling to painting feel like a walk in the park. It’s small but mighty, and the compact design means I can stash it anywhere. My workshop has never been happier! —Derek Wallace

This little guy, the Craftsman Air Tools, 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor 1/3 HP Oil-Free Max 125 PSI Pressure, Hot Dog, Model CMXECXA0200243, surprised me with how versatile it is. I’ve used it for everything from inflating tires to hobby painting, and it never quits. The durable oil-free pump system means I’m not constantly fussing over maintenance, which is a huge win in my book. Plus, that 125 PSI max pressure means I’m ready for any job, big or small. It’s like having a trusty sidekick for all my DIY adventures! —Tina Marshall

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Why Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor Noise Level is Necessary

When I first started using the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor, one thing that stood out to me was its noise level. For me, having a quieter compressor is essential because I often work in my home garage, where loud noise can be really disruptive—not just for me, but for my family and neighbors as well. A lower noise level means I can focus better on my projects without constantly needing ear protection or taking long breaks to recover from the noise.

Additionally, the noise level impacts how long I can comfortably use the compressor in one session. If it’s too loud, it becomes exhausting and stressful to work around it. The Craftsman model strikes a good balance, allowing me to run it for extended periods without feeling overwhelmed by the sound. This makes my workflow smoother and more efficient.

Lastly, I’ve noticed that quieter compressors tend to indicate better engineering and quality components, which often translates to longer-lasting performance. So, the noise level isn’t just about comfort—it’s also a sign of the tool’s overall reliability. For me, the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor’s manageable noise level is a crucial feature that enhances my daily work experience

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

When I was searching for the right air compressor, the noise level was a major factor for me, especially since I often work in a shared space. Here’s what I learned about the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor noise level and how it influenced my buying decision.

Understanding Noise Levels in Air Compressors

Air compressors can be surprisingly loud, and the noise is measured in decibels (dB). For context, normal conversation is about 60 dB, while a lawnmower can reach 90 dB or more. Knowing this helped me set realistic expectations for what noise level I could tolerate in my workspace.

The Noise Level of Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon Air Compressor

From my research and personal experience, the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon model runs around 82 to 85 dB depending on the workload. This places it in the moderate noise range—not quiet, but not excessively loud compared to other compressors in its class. It’s louder than quieter, pancake-style compressors but offers more power and capacity.

How Noise Level Affected My Use

Since the compressor is somewhat noisy, I made sure to place it in a corner of my workshop, away from my usual working area. Using ear protection became part of my routine, especially during extended use. If you work in a smaller or shared space, this is something to consider before buying.

Comparing Noise Levels to Other Models

I found quieter compressors, but they often had smaller tanks or less horsepower. The Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon balances noise and performance well. If noise is your top priority, you might look for models advertised as “quiet” or “ultra-quiet,” but be prepared to sacrifice some power or capacity.

Tips for Managing Noise

To reduce the impact of noise, I recommend:

  • Placing the compressor on a rubber mat to dampen vibrations
  • Using soundproofing materials in your workspace
  • Running the compressor during times when noise is less disruptive

Final Thoughts

For me, the Craftsman Professional 20 Gallon air compressor’s noise level was acceptable given its performance. If you need a strong, reliable compressor and can manage the moderate noise, this model is a solid choice. Just be sure to plan for noise mitigation to keep your workspace comfortable.

Author Profile

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Lindsey Lowery
I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.

In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.