10 Best Air Compressor Hoses in 2023 — Reviews & Top Picks
-
Pete Ortiz - Last updated:
If you have an air compressor, you simply need an air compressor hose. Otherwise, your air compressor isn’t very useful in the least. While the air compressor hose costs far less than the actual air compressor, it is equally important.
A poor-quality air compressor hose can reduce the overall efficiency of your air compressor. Simultaneously, a perfect air compressor hose can take a so-so air compressor to the next level. This may seem like a simple accessory, but it has a large effect on your machine’s overall performance.
To help you decide on the best air compressor hose for your needs, we reviewed 10 of the most popular hoses currently on the market. We also wrote a complete buyer’s guide, which will help you sort through the factors that go into choosing the perfect hose.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
|
|
Good Year 12674 Rubber Air Hose |
|
CHECK PRICE |
Best Value
|
|
Campbell Hausfeld PA117701AV Air Hose |
|
CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice
|
|
Hitachi 115155 Polyurethane Air Hose |
|
CHECK PRICE |
|
|
Estwing E1450PVCR Rubber Hybrid Air Hose |
|
CHECK PRICE |
|
|
TEKTON 46137 Hybrid Air Hose |
|
CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Air Compressor Hoses
1. Good Year 12674 Rubber Air Hose – Best Overall
Out of all the air compressor hoses we looked at, the Good Year 12674 Rubber Air Hose came out on top. It has solid brass fittings and a spiral synthetic yarn for reinforcements. It is 50 feet long and relatively inexpensive. You can also save a bit more by purchasing the hoses in packs, though the average homeowner likely just needs one.
It is made of rubber, which is the most common material used. The max operating pressure is 250 pounds per square inch (PSI). This should be plenty for most users. However, if you have a specific job in mind, ensure that this is high enough to perform it.
The hose weighs just over 7 pounds. Again, this is about average when you take the material and length into account. We liked that this air compressor hose was kink-resistant and quickly went onto reels for storage. If you travel, this is the best hose out there only because it won’t get tangled up in your trunk. Overall, we think this is the best air compressor hose available this year.
- Kink-resistant
- 50 feet long
- 250 operating PSI
- Weighs 7 pounds
- Inexpensive
- Some quality control problems
2. Campbell Hausfeld PA117701AV Air Hose – Best Value
Not everyone has tons of money to spend on a hose. Luckily, there are a few budget options out there that are still suitable for most everyday uses. Out of all the inexpensive hoses on the market, the Campbell Hausfeld PA117701AV Air Hose stands out as one of the best. It is much less expensive than many of the other options on the market, in fact, we think it’s one of the best air compressor hoses for the money. It is a bit shorter at only 25 feet. However, this is plenty for most homeowners. Most people don’t need a hose that is 50 feet long.
It is designed to withstand some stricter working conditions. It is reinforced with a PVC construction, which makes it durable and flexible. You should have no problem using it on the worksite, where damage is almost inevitable. It has a decently high airflow volume so that you can use it with many different pneumatic tools. It is resistant to abrasion and oil.
The packaging states that it has a 200 max PSI. However, many people reported that it failed far below this amount. In general, while this is a high-value option, you’re getting what you pay for.
- Inexpensive
- 200 max PSI
- Made with PVC
- High airflow volume
- Tends to fail before max PSI is reached
3. Hitachi 115155 Polyurethane Air Hose – Premium Choice
Sometimes, you need something a little more than the average air hose. If you use your air compressor a lot or are a professional, you need something that can withstand regular use. If this describes you, then you need the Hitachi 115155 Polyurethane Air Hose. This air hose is a bit more expensive than some competitors, but it is made better. You’re getting your money’s worth.
We loved that it was lightweight. It only weighs about 2.2 pounds, which is far lower than most other options on the market. It has heavy-duty bend restrictors to prevent unnecessary breakage while it’s being used in harsh conditions. It remains flexible in cold conditions but doesn’t become too flexible in warmer conditions. It is also spiral reinforced for durability, elongating its lifespan and preventing breakage.
It is rated to work at 300 PSI, which is one of the highest on the market. This air hose can do things that others just can’t.
However, this air hose is a bit expensive. It is more expensive than what’s in most people’s budget. Furthermore, your average homeowner generally doesn’t need an air hose that can work at 300 PSI.
- Lightweight
- 300 max PSI
- Heavy-duty bend restrictors
- Spiral reinforced
- Expensive
4. Estwing E1450PVCR Rubber Hybrid Air Hose
At 50 feet long, the Estwing E1450PVCR Rubber Hybrid Air Hose is more than enough for most users. It is made of blended rubber and PVC, which helps it maintain strength and remain flexible. It is almost 4 pounds. When you consider how long it is, it’s relatively lightweight. It is also kink-resistant and can deliver up to 300 PSI of operating pressure. We found that this hose was suitable for home DIYers and some professionals as well.
Unlike some hoses, this one is designed to work in all weather conditions. It is pliable in even sub-zero degree temperatures. The couplers and fittings are made of solid brass for extra durability, and the hose comes equipped with bend resistors. These resistors prevent wear and tear at the joints, prolonging the life of the hose.
It is essential to point out that this air hose is ¼-inch wide. Most hoses are a bit bigger at ⅜ of an inch. Because of this, it does not deliver as much airflow as some other options on the market. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you plan on using it for. However, you should keep it in mind when making your purchase.
- Flexible
- Lightweight
- 50 feet long
- 300 PSI of operating pressure
- Low airflow volume
5. TEKTON 46137 Hybrid Air Hose
The TEKTON 46137 Hybrid Air Hose is not a lousy hose by any means. It is made to stay flexible in most weather conditions, including the cold. It can slide off rough surfaces without being damaged by abrasion, which can not be said for all products out there. It is generally pretty lightweight. Though at almost 5 pounds, it does weigh a bit more than other options we reviewed. It is made out of a hybrid polymer, which is one reason it is so lightweight when compared to other options.
The reliable brass connectors are high-quality and will stand up to corrosion. Brass is the usual material found on higher-quality options – for a good reason. The bend restrictors help prevent kinks and relieve some of the stress near the end of the hose. This hose is also made in the USA.
This hose is rated at 300 PSI. This should be plenty for most homeowners and even some professionals. Many users reported that it performed just fine in the range under 300 PSI, so it seems to live up to its advertising.
- Flexible in cold climates
- Solid brass connectors
- 300 PSI
- Weighs 5 pounds
- Some quality control problems
- Stretches a little too much
6. Flexzilla HFZ3850YW2 Air Hose
For an air hose, the Flexzilla HFZ3850YW2 Air Hose is quite expensive. It is one of the most expensive options on the market. It is 50 feet long, which may be some of the reason it is a bit more expensive. However, other similarly sized hoses are much cheaper.
This hose is designed to be used in most climates, even those that are colder. It is rated to remain flexible in frigid temperatures. It is abrasive-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about dragging it over rough surfaces. It also features built-in aircraft aluminum fittings and bend restrictors for a little extra durability as well.
It is made out of a hybrid polymer, allowing it to coil easily and avoid kinking. The maximum PSI is 300. This is just about everything the average person needs, and most professionals will probably be just fine with this max PSI as well. At only 1 pound, this hose is extremely lightweight as well.
Most of the problems with this hose lie in its cost. It is much more expensive than most other options and outside most people’s budgets.
- 50 feet long
- Flexible in cold temperatures
- Made of a hybrid polymer
- Expensive
- Not especially durable
7. Plews & Edelmann Amflo 12-25E Air Hose
The Plews & Edelmann Amflo 12-25E Air Hose is very average. It costs about what you would expect it to and is 25 feet long. It has a smooth finish that is great for indoor use, as it won’t damage paint, trimming, or flooring. It is lightweight at about one pound. It is also designed to remain flexible in colder temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about it becoming stiff in the winter.
It is designed to be resistant to oils and many other chemicals, which improves the hose’s durability substantially. It won’t twist or crimp either. The rugged PVC bend restrictors prevent unnecessary damage at the end of the hose, where failure is most likely to happen. It is rated at 300 working PSI.
Unfortunately, this air hose does not seem to be very durable. Micro air holes are standard, which will cause tiny leaks to develop. It will leak through the sidewalls slowly over time. This harms the PSI and will eventually render the hose unusable.
- Resistant to oil
- Lightweight
- Micro air holes are common
- Not durable
8. Master Airbrush TH-024-10 Braided Airbrush Hose
Because of the low cost, the Master Airbrush TH-024-10 Braided Airbrush Hose may appear to be a good budget option. However, you’re getting what you pay for – which isn’t much at all. This hose is extremely lightweight at less than a pound. However, this is mostly because it is also very short at only 10 feet, and is a significant reason we rated it very low. It isn’t going to be useful in many situations.
It is also smaller around than most air hoses at ⅛ of an inch, so it doesn’t provide the same air volume as other options on the market. It will not be able to run some pneumatic tools because of this. The ends are smaller, which means you will likely need an adaptor if you live in the USA. This will cost you a bit of extra money, which removes this hose as a good budget option.
As the name suggests, this air hose is only suitable for airbrushes and similar, minimal tools. It is not useful for most other tools or uses. This makes it extremely un-versatile, which is a big reason we rated it so low.
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Smaller than average
- Short
- Requires an adaptor
9. BluBird BB3825 Rubber Air Hose
The BluBird BB3825 Rubber Air Hose costs about average. It is decently flexible, though we don’t buy its “most flexible” advertising. It is relatively lightweight as well and weighs just under 3 pounds in all. It lays flat and does not kink under pressure. It also doesn’t stick to debris and dust, which is true of some plastic hoses.
It comes with a 10-year warranty that covers just about everything. This is a unique feature, as most air hoses do not come with a decent warranty.
Designed to remain flexible in cold weather, you don’t have to worry about this hose becoming locked-up in the winter. It also works in hot temperatures and doesn’t become a noodle until it is scorching. It is braided, not spiraled. It tends to hold up quite well because of this.
However, while the actual hose is high-quality, the hose and connector connection is low-quality. They tend to break often, which makes them leak air and can cause them to explode in some situations.
- 10-year warranty
- Lightweight
- Poor connections
- Poor customer service
- Hard to act on warranty
10. YOTOO 102002 Hybrid Air Hose
While we wanted to like the YOTOO 102002 Hybrid Air Hose, it has quite a few problems. Firstly, it is not kink-resistant at all. This makes it a bit frustrating to use, as you have to untangle it every time. It is not particularly suitable to travel with either since it will kink while bumping around in your trunk. Secondly, sometimes refunds are offered. However, you have to pay for the return shipping in most cases, which is very expensive. In many cases, it is better just to skip returning it altogether because of this. It has a limited warranty, but it is minimal.
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, this hose is not very durable in some cases. Some users reported that it lasted for months. In other cases, it failed after only a few uses. There is some sort of quality control problem that makes some hoses weaker than others.
With that said, the hose is relatively lightweight and can stand up to 300 PSI regularly. These are great features, but they don’t override the durability problems or kinking problem.
- Lightweight
- Up to 300 PSI
- Not kink-resistant
- Quality control problems
- Difficult to act on warranty
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Air Compressor Hose
While choosing an air compressor hose might seem straightforward, it can be a bit complicated. There are many factors and specifications you need to look for. Companies don’t always make these features obvious either, making it difficult to choose the correct hose for your purposes.
Depending on what you plan on using it for, the exact hose you need will differ from the hose someone else needs. Because of this, there are many factors you need to consider personally before you start shopping. If you know you need a hose with at least 300 PSI of working pressure, you’ll know that a 200 PSI hose just isn’t going to work.
Below, we’ll take a look at all of these specifications and essential features so that you know precisely what hose you should purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
When our readers begin looking for an air compressor hose, they usually ask a few questions. Below, we’ll answer these common questions so that you can hopefully decide on the best hose for you easier.
What length air hose do I need?
The length air hose you choose will affect your pneumatic tools’ performance, as well your ability to do other simple uses like filling up balls and tires. The longer the hose, the more things you’ll be able to do without having to move your whole air compressor. It may seem like a good idea just to purchase a 50-foot hose and call it a day.
However, we generally do not advise this. Fifty-foot hoses are decently expensive and bulky. Because of this, they can cause you more problems than they’re worth. Plus, you will also lose weight with a bit of air pressure while the air is in transit. The further the air has to move, the less pressure you’ll have in the end.
You need to consider what projects you plan on using and how much mobility you’ll need to have. If you’re just using a single tool at a workbench, you probably don’t need that much mobility. However, if you’re moving around a whole room, you probably want something that is a bit longer. You want just as much mobility as you need so that you also lose as little pressure as possible. Longer is not always better, especially for homeowners who just need the hose to power a single tool.
Most standard air hoses have couplers, which allows you to extend the hose for as long as you want theoretically. You can connect hoses of various lengths. However, you will notice a small drop in pressure for each extra hose you connect. Because of this, it is generally best to choose a hose that is the length you need, as opposed to connecting a bunch of smaller hoses.
What diameter air hose do I need?
Air hoses are measured by their internal diameter. If an air hose is larger, then it can carry more air through it at once. The external diameter of a hose is not a good indicator of the internal diameter. Hose materials have varying degrees of thickness, which can throw you off if you’re just comparing hoses in a store. Because of this, it is essential to check how big the diameter is.
If you’re planning on using the air hose for a pneumatic tool, then the diameter is significant. The higher the cubic feet per minute (CFM) requirement of the tool, the larger your air hose will have to be. Tools that require 1-3 CFM are likely fine with smaller hose sizes. However, those that require 6+ will need a relatively thick hose.
The thicker hose you choose, the heavier it will be. Just a few millimeters of extra diameter can add up over a 50-foot hose. We don’t generally recommend just choosing the thickest hose possible for this reason. Instead, aim to get a hose size that matches what you plan on doing with it.
Different Materials
There are three primary materials that air compressor hoses are typically made out of PVC, rubber, or polyurethane. Generally speaking, these all have their pros and cons. Depending on what you plan on using the hose for, some materials might be better suited than others. Here’s what you need to know:
PVC
PVC is not coil or kink resistant. It will curl up and get tangled. However, it is also incredibly lightweight and easy to transport. It is much lighter than rubber. With that said, though, it isn’t exactly straightforward to transport because it will get tangled up.
PVC usually does not perform well in cold weather. It tends to freeze up and lose a lot of its flexibility, which can be a significant problem in some circumstances. It can stand up to medium-duty usage, which makes it suitable for most homeowners and professionals.
This material is generally very cheap. It is an excellent value for those on a budget.
Rubber
Rubber is becoming more and more popular. It is designed for regular heavy-duty usage, making it perfect for professionals who use their air compressor a lot. It is perfect for industrial and agricultural use as well. They rarely need replacing and will likely outlive you. They are a bit more expensive, but their longevity makes them worth it in most cases. In the long run, they will save you money.
Rubber is naturally resistant to abrasions and doesn’t kink. It will lay flat easily and doesn’t get all tangled up like PVC. It is cumbersome, though, which is its major downside. It is the heaviest material you can purchase. It has a so-so performance in the cold. It will work fine until it gets quite a bit below freezing.
Polyurethane
This is a rarer material, but it is useful in some situations. It is best for high-pressure applications as it is incredibly durable. However, polyurethane is not particularly flexible, which can make it a pain to work with. It does retain its flexibility in the cold, though, so it depends on your working conditions.
This material is exceptionally lightweight – similar to PVC. It will not kink, though, making it better for traveling. It is vulnerable to certain chemicals, so you have to be careful if you work with solvents.
Conclusion
Anyone with an air compressor needs an air compressor hose; that’s just a fact. The air compressor hose you choose will depend on what you do with your air compressor.
For most homeowners, we recommend the Good Year 12674 Rubber Air Hose. It is kink-resistant and durable enough for most applications. It can also run at a maximum operating PSI of 250, which is plenty for most homeowners.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, we also liked the Campbell Hausfeld PA117701AV Air Hose. It is a bit shorter. However, if you don’t need much mobility, there is no reason to invest in a super long hose. This one works great if you don’t need to move around much (or have a decently portable air compressor).
Hopefully, this article helped you figure out exactly what air hose you need for your compressor. Our reviews should provide you a pretty good overview of what is currently on the market.
Contents
- 1 A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
- 2 The 10 Best Air Compressor Hoses
- 2.1 1. Good Year 12674 Rubber Air Hose – Best Overall
- 2.2 2. Campbell Hausfeld PA117701AV Air Hose – Best Value
- 2.3 3. Hitachi 115155 Polyurethane Air Hose – Premium Choice
- 2.4 4. Estwing E1450PVCR Rubber Hybrid Air Hose
- 2.5 5. TEKTON 46137 Hybrid Air Hose
- 2.6 6. Flexzilla HFZ3850YW2 Air Hose
- 2.7 7. Plews & Edelmann Amflo 12-25E Air Hose
- 2.8 8. Master Airbrush TH-024-10 Braided Airbrush Hose
- 2.9 9. BluBird BB3825 Rubber Air Hose
- 2.10 10. YOTOO 102002 Hybrid Air Hose
- 3 Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Air Compressor Hose
- 4 Conclusion