Researched comparisonLast updated October 2026 · How we review
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Quick Answer
Craftsman is the lowest-priced pick, Makita is the compact 18V option, Milwaukee lists 150 psi with saved pressure settings, and DEWALT is the one that also runs on 12V DC and 110V AC.
- DEWALT 20V MAX Air Inflator, Tool Only (DCC020IB): best for a dual-mode inflator that also runs on 12V DC and 110V AC
- Milwaukee M18 Inflator (2848-20): best for a 150 psi M18 inflator with a 36 inch hose and four saved pressure settings
- Makita 18V LXT Cordless Inflator, Tool Only (DMP180ZX): best for a compact 18V LXT inflator with a backlit gauge and a built-in light
- CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless High Pressure Inflator, Tool Only (CMCE521B): best for a low-cost V20 inflator with a digital pressure display
Prices as of October 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT.
A cordless tire inflator lets you top off a low tire in the driveway or on the road without hunting for an outlet. These four tool-only inflators from DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita and Craftsman each run on a battery from their own cordless tool system.
How We Chose
We picked one cordless tire inflator from each of DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita and Craftsman. They are not identical: the DEWALT is a larger dual-mode unit that also runs on 12V DC and 110V AC, the Milwaukee and Craftsman list 150 psi, and the Makita DMP180ZX lists 120 psi, and all four are listed as tool only, so you need a battery from the matching system. This is a researched comparison, and prices were checked this month. Specs come from each manufacturer’s own page where it gives them. Warranty terms come from the manufacturer’s own website where it names the model or product line, then from the Amazon listing, and we say so where neither gave a length. Each card lists the warranty.
The Lineup
Specs come from each manufacturer’s own pages. * Value from the Amazon listing, because the manufacturer’s page does not state it. † DEWALT: the manual lists accessories rated for at least 160 psi but does not state a rated maximum pressure. Prices as of October 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Amazon may show a different seller than the brand or Amazon.com. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
DEWALT 20V MAX Air Inflator, Tool Only (DCC020IB)
$143.00 as of Oct 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT on Amazon · Three power sources
Best for: a dual-mode inflator that also runs on 12V DC and 110V AC
DEWALT’s page for the DCC020IB lists high-pressure inflation with automatic shutoff, high-volume inflate and deflate modes, a digital gauge, an onboard LED light and three power sources: a 20V MAX battery, 12V DC or 110V AC. The battery, charger and AC adapter are sold separately. DEWALT’s page and manual do not state a rated maximum pressure, a weight or a hose length, so the pressure and weight cells come from the Amazon listing.
Warranty: 3 years limited
Check Price on Amazon →Milwaukee M18 Inflator (2848-20)
$169.14 as of Oct 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT on Amazon · Highest price
Best for: a 150 psi M18 inflator with a 36 inch hose and four saved pressure settings
Milwaukee’s page for the 2848-20 lists a 150 PSI maximum, a 36 inch hose with an all-brass Schrader chuck, automatic shutoff at a selected PSI and up to four saved PSI settings. It says the tool tops off 33 inch light truck tires in under a minute and fits all M18 batteries. Milwaukee’s manual lists an output of 1.41 SCFM at 0 PSI. The page does not list a battery in the box.
Warranty: 5 years
Check Price on Amazon →Makita 18V LXT Cordless Inflator, Tool Only (DMP180ZX)
$93.00 as of Oct 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT on Amazon · Compact
Best for: a compact 18V LXT inflator with a backlit gauge and a built-in light
Makita’s page for the DMP180ZX lists a 120 psi maximum, automatic stop at a preset pressure, a backlit gauge display, a built-in LED light and a 25-1/2 inch hose. It weighs 2.3 pounds without the battery and 3.1 pounds with one. It is sold tool only, so the battery and charger are separate, and it comes with a Presta valve adapter and sports ball needle.
Warranty: 3 years limited
Check Price on Amazon →CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless High Pressure Inflator, Tool Only (CMCE521B)
$49.00 as of Oct 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT on Amazon · Lowest price
Best for: a low-cost V20 inflator with a digital pressure display
CRAFTSMAN’s page for the CMCE521B lists up to 150 PSI maximum pressure, a digital pressure display, a brushed motor and onboard accessory storage, with a high-pressure tapered nozzle, inflator needle and Presta adaptor in the box. The battery and charger are sold separately. The manual says the inflator does not have a calibrated pressure gauge, so check readings against a separate gauge. It has the lowest price of the four.
Warranty: 3 years limited
Check Price on Amazon →Our Take
For the lowest price, the Craftsman is the straightforward choice. Pick the Makita for a compact 18V LXT unit, the Milwaukee if you already own M18 batteries and want a 36 inch hose and saved pressure settings, and the DEWALT if you want the option to run on 12V DC or 110V AC as well as a battery. Match the inflator to the battery system you already own, since the batteries are sold separately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cordless inflator fill a car tire?
Yes, within limits. Milwaukee says the 2848-20 tops off 33 inch light truck tires in under a minute, and Makita says the DMP180ZX tops off car and light truck tires. As general guidance, these are for topping off, not for filling a flat from empty.
What does tool only mean for these inflators?
Tool only means the inflator is sold without a battery or charger. DEWALT, Makita and Craftsman say so on their pages, and you need a battery from the matching 20V MAX, 18V LXT or V20 system.
Which of these inflators reaches the highest pressure?
Milwaukee and Craftsman list a 150 psi maximum and Makita lists 120 psi for the DMP180ZX. DEWALT’s page and manual do not state a rated maximum, so we show the Amazon listing figure for it.
Do these inflators shut off automatically?
Milwaukee and Makita list automatic shutoff at the set pressure, and DEWALT lists it in high-pressure mode. Craftsman’s page does not state automatic shut-off.
What warranties do these inflators have?
DEWALT and Makita list three-year limited warranties, Milwaukee lists five years, and Craftsman lists a three-year limited warranty on its product page. Each card shows the term, with a link where we found the manufacturer’s warranty page.
