While out driving, a flat tire is one of the worst inconveniences that could happen, especially if you don’t have the tools to replace it with a spare or inflate it. Luckily, it’s easy to keep a tire inflator handy nowadays, as most models are portable yet potent enough to remedy roadside ordeals.
On that note, we’ve compiled a couple of what we think are the cream of the crop, all of which are bound to save you in a pinch. In summary, the list includes the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC550A, Smittybilt 2781, Kensun Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor, Potek 1000A Peak Jump Starter and Michelin XR1.
Navigation
- Best Tire Inflator Comparison Chart
- Best Tire Inflator and Battery Charger — Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC550A
- Best Tire Inflator for Off Road — Smittybilt 2781
- Best Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor — Kensun Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor
- Best Tire Inflator with Gauge — Potek 1000A Peak Jump Starter
- Best AC/DC Tire Inflator — Michelin XR1
- Verdict
- FAQs
Best Tire Inflator Comparison Chart
| Model | Image | Highlight | Price |
| Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC550A |  | Best tire inflator with a battery charger | Check Price at CloreAutomotive.com |
| Smittybilt 2781 |  | Best tire inflator for off-road enthusiasts | Check Price at Smittybilt.com |
| Kensun Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor |  | Best portable tire inflator | Check Price at Kensun.com |
| Potek 1000A Peak Jump Starter |  | Best tire inflator with an analog gauge | Check Price at PotekElec.com |
| Michelin XR1 |  | Best AC and DC tire inflator | Check Price at Walmart.com |
Best Tire Inflator and Battery Charger — Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC550A
If power is the name of the game, the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC550A fits the bill.
Arguably, the best tire inflator and battery charger will need a ton of power, and that’s where the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC550A comes in. First off, it features 1,100 peak amps, as well as offering 325 cranking amps. In addition, it uses ergonomic HD clamps with copper insulated jaws to penetrate any corrosion buildup on the battery of the vehicle for optimal electric connection.
Also, its digital voltmeter that allows you to check the internal battery’s status is a nice touch, and it even has a 5V 2.4A USB port for charging devices to boot.
Best Tire Inflator for Off Road — Smittybilt 2781
If efficiency is what you’re after, then the Smittybilt 2781 can deliver.
For off-road enthusiasts, a slow and inefficient tire inflator just won’t cut it. Fortunately, the heavy-duty Smittybilt 2781 has got you covered. Put simply, it doesn’t sacrifice form factor for power and vice-versa. In other words, it’s relatively portable, and yet it houses a 12V motor and offers a maximum airflow of 160 liters per minute. It even has a long continuous cycle, capable of going on and on for up to 40 minutes at 40 psi. Also, there’s no risk of it overheating, thanks to its auto thermal cutoff switch.
Best Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor — Kensun Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor
The Kensun Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor proves that portability doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of power.
If portability is the most important factor for you, then the Kensun Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor is likely your best bet. Its compact design coupled with its built-in handle makes it easy to carry around anywhere, and at the same time, it’s a breeze to stow away or keep readily accessible when not in use.
Despite that, it isn’t lacking in features and performance. For starters, it has an analog pressure gauge, AC and DC chargers and a continuous runtime of up to 30 minutes, which is impressive considering its small size.
Best Tire Inflator with Gauge — Potek 1000A Peak Jump Starter
With balanced performance and an analog gauge, the Potek 1000A Peak Jump Starter is easy to recommend.
The Potek 1000A Peak Jump Starter is among the top-rated tire inflators with a gauge, offering a perfect balance of portability, power and features.
As mentioned, it features an easy-to-read gauge, which is an analog affair that some may prefer over digital counterparts. On top of that, it has a peak amp of 1,000 and a 12V DC plug. Also, it’s equipped with a 150 psi air compressor with various nozzles out of the box, allowing you not only to inflate your tire but also inflatable pools, balls and the like. There’s even a 200 lumen LED light so you can work on your flat tire in the dark.
Best AC/DC Tire Inflator — Michelin XR1
Ports galore, powerful air compressor, high peak amps, radio and wireless speaker functionality, an LED work light—the Michelin XR1 has it all.
The Michelin XR1—also known as the Michelin ML0728 Multi-Function Portable Power Source XR1 Jump Starter, which is a mouthful—offers a ton of features.
Firstly, it has two AC outlets, one DC plug and a USB port. In short, there’s plenty of sockets to go around. Secondly, it features a 260 psi air compressor, 1,000 peak amps, 300 cranking amps, automatic temperature shutoff switch and multiple nozzles, so functionality is one of its strong suits. Lastly, it has additional features such as a radio, Bluetooth connectivity that lets it double as a wireless speaker and an LED work light.
Verdict
Tire inflators come in all shapes and sizes, but there are several models that deliver exceptional quality and value, including the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC550A, Smittybilt 2781, Kensun Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor, Potek 1000A Peak Jump Starter and Michelin XR1.
It’s easy to find the best tire inflator that can meet your needs nowadays, but there are still a few that stand out from the pack. To sum things up, the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC550A sets itself apart with its powerful performance, and the Smittybilt 2781 distinguishes itself because of its efficiency, making it one of the best options for off-road buffs. Our list also includes the Kensun Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor for its portability, the Potek 1000A Peak Jump Starter for its balanced offering and the Michelin XR1 for its numerous outlets and features.
FAQs
The Smittybilt 2781 is among the most efficient tire inflators available. Plus, it can run continuously for up to 40 minutes at 40 psi.
The Michelin XR1 offers two AC sockets, one DC outlet and a USB port, so it won’t run out of plugs that easily. Also, it has extra features such as an LED work light, as well as radio and wireless speaker functionality.
When it comes to power, the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC550A is hard to beat. It offers a peak amp of up to 1,100 and a cranking amp of 325, making it suitable to address every need in this regard.
The Potek 1000A Peak Jump Starter uses an analog gauge for easy inflation. Moreover, it includes various nozzles that make it flexible and LED lights for working in the dark.