Editorial Note: This content was researched and produced by Motor1.com‘s expert review team. Links in this article may result in us earning a commission but do not impact our advice or recommendations. Learn More
Aidan Pounder is a Motor1 product tester who has written reviews spanning from tonneau covers to rooftop cargo boxes. If he’s not burning through the clutch on his 2003 Ford Focus Zx3, you’ll find him keeping up with the latest happenings in the world of European football. Car Rim
This tire inflator with a gauge outdoes all the rest with its high-quality materials.
A lightweight tire inflator with surprising inflation speed.
One of the best products for those looking for a tire inflator with gauges.
A simple, yet effective tire inflator that’s exceptionally quiet while in use.
A digital tire inflator with a gauge that has impressive inflation speed.
A simple tire pressure gauge might be able to tell you how much pressure is in your tires, but it doesn’t offer any solutions if your tire pressure is less than optimal. The best tire inflators with gauges don’t just display how much pressure is in your tires, but they also provide a way to inflate, or in some cases deflate your car’s tires .
Driving long distances without a tire inflator with a gauge tucked away somewhere in your vehicle is a bad idea. In an emergency situation, they could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a lengthy wait for a rescue vehicle. Ensure you’re prepared for any roadside emergency by reviewing our recommendations for the best tire inflators with gauges on the market, as well as the best tire inflators, tested by our team of auto experts.
In this review, our team of experts thoroughly tested and evaluated each tire inflator with gauges based on each inflator’s inflation speed, how easy it was to use, and the number of additional features each device had – as well as how well said features worked. We have tested different options for maintaining psi, including air compressors and smaller format options.
The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. Each tire inflator with gauges’ ratings, including their overall ratings and specific test scores in each review category, are highlighted below:
Based on these criteria, the best tire inflators with gauges are the Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator , Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator, AstroAI A220B , Tirewell 12V Tire Inflator, and the Fortem Tire Inflator.
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
The tire inflators in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching retailers like Amazon, RealTruck, and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors such as shipping, brand, customer ratings, and prices.
Our product testing team then ordered the tire inflators that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a car, taking note of factors like inflation speed, how easy the air compressor was to use, and the number of additional features. Each tire inflator with a gauge was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
Learn more about how we tested each tire inflator here.
Before looking at our in-depth testing of each tire inflator with gauges in this review, we compared the best tire inflators, looking at cost, voltage, and power source. For those interested in learning more about each product we tested, check out our review sections below:
Best Tire Inflator With Gauge 4/5 Check Price
The Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator has a built-in high-performance chip to quickly inflate tires up to 150.0 pound-force per square inch (psi). This cordless tire pump with a gauge comes with a rechargeable 7,800.0-mAh battery, so you won’t need to worry about low battery life or needing to stock up on AAA batteries. A high-quality LCD screen lets you see pressure readings in real-time on the digital display.
You can rely on the automatic shut-off feature to inflate your low tire by simply pre-setting your desired psi, allowing you to walk away and come back to fully inflated tires. This versatile tire inflator features a three-mode LED light to allow you to inflate your tires in the dark, as well as the ability to act as a power bank with a 5V/3A USB-C input port and a 5V/2A USB-A port on the side of the device. Press the mode button to cycle between psi, bar, and kPa readings.
You can see how the Fattik X8 Apex performed in each category below:
Our product testing team awarded the title of Best Tire Inflator With Gauge to the Fanttik X8 for its superior inflation speed and its long list of features.
Inflation Speed: Fanttik’s flagship inflator is one of the quickest tire inflators with gauges than the Fanttik X8. This tire inflator was lightyears ahead of our other top picks in this article in terms of inflation speed.
Ease of Use: The fact that the Fanttik X8 is a cordless tire inflator makes a world of difference. This tire inflator with a gauge is incredibly easy to use, as you don’t even need to connect the device to the car charger or wall. Simply pre-set your desired psi, connect the device to the tire valve, and come back to fully inflated tires at the exact psi you want thanks to the auto shut-off feature.
Features: This tire inflator is incredibly versatile and has a range of features. We found the three modes of LED lights to be helpful, effective, and easy to switch between. In terms of the device doubling as a power bank, our team hadn’t come across any tire inflators with a gauge that offer such multi-purpose features.
One customer remarked that if you own a car that doesn’t have a spare tire, then you should never go without this device. Another customer praises the quick inflation time of this tire inflator and appreciates how the gauge gave an accurate reading of the psi in his truck tires.
Runner-Up Tire Inflator With Gauge 4/5 Fanttik Amazon
Offering five different preset modes of inflation, the Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator allows users to quickly inflate a variety of different inflation objects. A 5,200.0 mAh battery powers this cordless tire inflator, meaning you won’t have to worry about power cables and replacing batteries. A USB-C input port allows you to charge this tire inflator at your convenience.
The only difference between this tire inflator and our top pick is the fact that the X8 Apex has slightly more power and can be used as a portable charger. The Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator offers rapid inflation due to its performance chip and boasts a 150.0 psi high-pressure capacity.
You can see how the Fanttik X8 Portable performed in each category below:
Fanttik X8 Portable: Our Experience
The Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator was one of our favorite tire inflators to use due to its great feel in hand and quick inflation speed.
Inflation Speed: Although this tire inflator was marginally slower at inflating our test vehicle’s tires compared to the X8 Apex, we still granted it a perfect inflation speed score. This is because both Fanttik tire inflators were much quicker at inflating tires than any other tire inflators with gauges that we tested.
Ease of Use: Cordless, lightweight, and portable. In terms of a tire inflator with gauges, it’s hard to beat those three characteristics. The X8 Portable Tire Inflator’s auto-detect and auto-shutoff features made inflating our test vehicle’s tires a breeze.
Features: While this tire inflator with gauge can’t claim that it doubles as a power bank, it does come with a wealth of features. The LED light modes were bright and effective while navigating through different features on the digital display was straightforward for our team members.
Reviewers online rave over the Fanttik X8 Portable Tire Inflator. Many note that they were pleasantly surprised that such a small tire inflator could produce so much power and inflate car tires as quickly as it does. Several reference this tire inflator with gauges being a big step up from a gas station air compressor.
Best Budget Tire Inflator With Gauge 4/5 Check Price
Professionally calibrated, the AstroAI A220B can consistently return a reading of within 1.5 percent of your actual tire pressure. With three nozzles and an extra fuse included in the box with this 12.0-V DC tire inflator, you can inflate tires on a variety of vehicles and a number of items, such as balls, balloons, mattresses, and pillows. However, it should be noted that the manufacturer states this product isn’t suitable for inflating blow-up pools or canoes.
A programmable inflation feature allows you to pre-select the psi you’d like to pump your tires up to, while an auto shut-off feature means you won’t need to stress about potential over-inflation. A large backlit LCD screen makes it easy to use this product in the dark. A 120.0-Watt, 10.0-foot-long car cigarette lighter cord makes this tire inflator with a gauge convenient to use to inflate all four of your vehicle’s tires.
You can see how the AstroAI performed in each category below:
The AstroAI A220B was recognized by our review team as a great tire inflator to have for inflating things besides tires. Between its affordable sub-$40 price point and powerful footprint, this inflator offers a lot of value. We also enjoy the instant shutoff features and readable screen.
Inflation Speed: This tire inflator with a gauge was incredibly quick to inflate our testing vehicle’s tires from a low-pressure point after deflating them via the bleeder valve. The inflator had one of the quickest inflation rates, with only the Fanttik X8 outperforming this product in this testing category.
Ease of Use: Between the 10.0-foot-long power cord and the automatic shut-off feature, this tire inflator is really easy to use. The length of the power cord allowed our team members to easily reach each tire valve to inflate a full set of tires, while the automatic shut-off feature made the inflation process relatively hands-free.
Features: A programmable inflation feature and automatic shut-off capabilities are two features of this tire inflator that stand out. These two features make the actual inflation process itself much quicker with significantly less effort required than most tire inflators with gauges. Additionally, an integrated LED flashlight is a nice feature to have.
One customer in particular raves over the flashlight that’s featured on this portable tire inflator, as he found himself needing to find the tire valve stem in low-light conditions. Another customer mentions the time this product saves as she doesn’t have to stand outside at a cold gas station trying to inflate a flat tire.
Most Durable Design 4/5 Check Price
The Tirewell 12V Tire Inflator can inflate tires to a maximum pressure of 150.0 psi with an airflow of 2.12 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Stability technology comes in the form of a fuselage with a four-rod design, which effectively reduces vibration and noise. Rubber feet make sure the tire inflator doesn’t move around during operation, making the tire inflator more powerful.
Weighing only 8.4 lbs., this tire inflator with a gauge is also very portable. A dual-cylinder direct-drive motor powers this inflator, making it powerful and quick to inflate tires. Featuring a 5.0-m extension hose and battery clamp, you won’t even need to open your car doors to inflate your tires, as you can simply pop the hood, attach the battery clamp to your car battery, and be ready to use this product.
You can see how the Tirewell performed in each category below:
Tirewell 12V Tire Inflator: Our Experience
In our experience, the Tirewell 12V Tire Inflator is a simple yet effective tire inflator with a gauge to use.
Inflation Speed: This tire inflator with a gauge was quite quick to inflate our testing vehicle’s tires. Part of the reason this tire inflator had a fast inflation speed was because it automatically shut off prior to the tires being fully inflated, which is ultimately why this product lost one point in this testing category.
Ease of Use: The long and durable power cord makes inflating all four tires of a car easy work. Additionally, the inclusion of a battery clamp means there’s a variety of ways to power your tire inflator, making the act of inflating tires that much easier.
Features: Stability technology is a unique feature that separates this tire inflator with a gauge from the competition. Rubber feet are also a nice inclusion, but this inflator’s ability to inflate tires quickly and quietly is something that not many other products can offer. Additionally, we really like the metal housing, which helps this product stand apart from competitors.
Positive reviews praise the heavy-duty nature of the product and its durability. A few negative reviews complain about the airflow this tire inflator produces.
Runner-Up Budget Tire Inflator With Gauge 4/5 Check Price
Portable and compact, the Fortem Tire Inflator weighs a mere 1.94 lbs. and is only 7.64 by 6.14 by 2.95 in. in size. This tire inflator with a gauge ships with three additional nozzles so this product will not only pump up car tires, but also other inflatable items such as balls and mattresses. A 14.0-ft. power cable that can be tucked into the body of the tire inflator itself means you won’t have to worry about reaching all four tire valves – unless you drive a stretch limo, that is.
This tire inflator is compatible with all vehicles that feature a 12.0-V DC cigarette lighter outlet. Built-in safety features, such as an automatic LED flashlight that’s molded into the body of the tire inflator itself, mean this product is ready to go and safe to be used roadside or at nighttime. An automatic shut-off feature ensures you won’t over-inflate your tires, while a one-year manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind for your first year of use.
You can see how the Fortem performed in each category below:
Strong Tire Inflator: Our Experience
The Fortem Tire Inflator was quick to inflate our testing vehicle’s tires, and our team members found it easy to use.
Inflation Speed: This tire inflator with a gauge had a relatively average inflation speed. This will inflate your tires in a reasonable amount of time without taking too long.
Ease of Use: This tire inflator was easy to use and set up. Using this product was nice, as it was notably lighter than the other tire inflators with gauges that we tested.
Features: The built-in LED flashlight and auto shut-off are two features of this inflator. The only drawback to these features that we found is that the flashlight cannot be turned off and will continuously shine light while the tire inflator is connected to a power source.
One reviewer praises the Fortem tire inflator for being much easier to read thanks to the digital tire pressure gauge than the analog gauge on his old tire inflator. Another reviewer mentions how quiet this tire inflator is. A few negative reviews forewarn others that the fuse broke instantly after the first use.
At its most basic, a tire inflator with gauges will be made from stainless steel, and you’ll be lucky to get a gauge that swivels as an added feature. This doesn’t have to be the case. From versatile and multi-purpose tire inflators to tire inflators with built-in flashlights for inflating tires in the dark, a tire inflator with gauges can be much more useful than you imagine. Two factors we think are important to consider are voltage and hose length.
Low-voltage tire inflators with gauges take more time to inflate a tire with low pressure than those that have higher voltages. A number of the products we tested were 12.0-V tire inflators, which we believe is the optimal voltage for inflating a car tire. Take the time to evaluate whether you can forgo purchasing a higher-voltage tire inflator with a gauge.
While we don’t think you need 20.0 ft. of hose to comfortably inflate all four of your car’s tires, we do think that additional hose length can come in handy. At the very least, we recommend making sure that the tire inflator you purchase has a long enough power cord and air hose to reach all of your car’s tires.
In this article, along with sharing helpful purchasing tips for those interested in purchasing a tire inflator with gauge, we reviewed the top tire inflators with gauge in 2024:
Below are some common frequently asked questions about tire inflators with gauges:
Some tire air pumps have gauges, but not all tire inflators are created equal. If you want a product that can allow you to read the air pressure gauge while also giving you the ability to use it as a tire inflator or deflator , then you’ll need a tire inflator with a gauge.
Unless the tire pressure is specifically noted on a tire’s sidewall, then it’s safe to assume 40.0 psi is a good tire pressure. Normal tire pressure is usually between 32.0 to 40.0 psi when your tires are cold.
Most modern cars feature built-in tire pressure sensors that allow the driver to read all four tire pressures simultaneously from within the inside of a car. Prior to 2005, most onboard tire-pressure monitoring systems used indirect pressure monitoring.
Air compressors are larger, heavy machines typically found in homes, garages, and workshops used to power tools or inflate an object. Tire inflators are meant to be portable, usually powered by a 12.0-volt jack. They also have shorter recycle times than most air compressors.
Below are the criteria for the tire inflators we tested. We primarily based our assessments on each device’s performance and overall design.
Our reviews team assesses each product with an understanding each option should be able to perform its intended task. From there, we adjust scores based on value and performance.
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here .
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
Aidan Pounder is a Motor1 product tester who has written reviews spanning from tonneau covers to rooftop cargo boxes. If he’s not burning through the clutch on his 2003 Ford Focus Zx3, you’ll find him keeping up with the latest happenings in the world of European football.
As a member of both the APA and IMPA, Charles Noyes has devoted himself to creating and refining quality content covering automotive products and accessories, motorcycle products, RV products, and more. As the lead editor serving the product review team, he has personally reviewed, critiqued, and fact-checked over 200 product reviews.
Acorn Style Copyright ©️ 2024 Motor1.com. All rights reserved.