A cordless tire inflator replaces the compressor and the power outlet: you set the pressure, connect the hose and the tool stops on its own. Transport Canada recommends checking tire pressure at least once a month, because a tire can look properly inflated and still be 20% under-inflated.
We ranked 4 models from our catalog, from $159 to $224. For the rest of the gear, see our tire changing tools.
In this guide:
- The 4 models, from least to most expensive, with their features
- A table to compare them quickly
- How to choose: battery platform, pressure, gauge, power source
- When and how to check your tire pressure
Our quick picks for cordless tire inflators
- Small budget → Makita DMP180Z : $159
- Most versatile → DeWalt DCC020IB : $178
- Our overall pick → Makita DMP181Z : $189
- 40V max platform → Makita MP001GZ : $224
Comparison table
| Model | Power | Key feature | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DMP180Z | 18V LXT battery | 121 psi, stored valve adapters | Small budget | $159 |
| DeWalt DCC020IB | 20V MAX battery, 12V DC or 110V AC | Three modes, three power sources | DeWalt fleet and 12V socket | $178 |
| Makita DMP181Z | 18V LXT battery | 161 psi, remembered setting, LED light | General use | $189 |
| Makita MP001GZ | XGT 40V max battery | 161 psi, 1.0 kg, 74 dB(A) | Makita 40V max fleet | $224 |
Find the rest of the gear in our tire changing tools collection. Free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
1. Makita DMP180Z 18V LXT Inflator
The Makita entry point
18V LXT, sold separately
121 psi (830 kPa)
Backlit digital
Automatic at the set pressure
Built-in valve adapters
$159
The Makita DMP180Z is the most affordable inflator in this guide, at $159. It runs on a Makita 18V LXT battery, sold separately. Its digital gauge is backlit and the tool shuts off automatically at the set pressure.
The base is stable and the tool stores its valve adapters in its body. Its maximum pressure is 121 psi.
Pros
- Lowest price in the guide, $159
- Backlit digital gauge
- Automatic shut-off at the set pressure
- Valve adapters stored in the body
Things to consider
- 121 psi maximum, versus 161 psi on the DMP181Z
- Tool only: battery and charger sold separately
Best for: The owner who already has Makita 18V LXT batteries and wants an inflator at a low price.
Not ideal for: Anyone who wants the highest pressure. Look at the Makita DMP181Z.
Price: $159
See the Makita DMP180Z at Équipement Polar →2. DeWalt 20V MAX DCC020IB Cordless Inflator
The most versatile, three power sources
20V MAX battery, 12V DC or 110V AC
High pressure, high volume, deflation
Digital
Automatic
Built-in LED light
3-year limited, 1-year service
$178
The DeWalt DCC020IB is the only model in this guide that runs on three sources: a 20V MAX battery, a vehicle 12V DC socket or a 110V AC outlet. The 12V cord is included. The battery, charger and 110V adapter are sold separately.
It offers a high-pressure mode with automatic shut-off, a high-volume mode and a deflation mode. The gauge is digital and an LED light lights up the work area. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year warranty, 1 year of free service and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Three power sources: battery, 12V DC and 110V AC
- High-pressure, high-volume and deflation modes
- Automatic shut-off and digital gauge
- 3-year warranty
Things to consider
- Currently out of stock: restock coming
- Tool only: battery, charger and 110V adapter sold separately
Best for: The owner of DeWalt 20V MAX batteries who also wants to inflate from the car 12V socket.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs an inflator right away. Look at the Makita DMP181Z.
Price: $178
See the DeWalt DCC020IB at Équipement Polar →Need advice choosing your inflator?
Tell us which battery you have. Our team will point you to the right model.
See tire changing tools Contact our experts3. Makita DMP181Z 18V Cordless Inflator
Our overall pick
18V LXT, sold separately
161 psi (1,110 kPa)
Backlit digital, psi, kPa or bar
Automatic, setting remembered
25-1/2 in overall
LED light
$189
The Makita DMP181Z reaches 161 psi, 40 psi more than the DMP180Z. Its backlit screen shows pressure in psi, kPa or bar. It shuts off automatically at the set pressure and remembers that setting when the tool stops.
An air release function lowers the pressure if you overinflate, and an LED light helps in the dark. Battery protection monitors discharge, temperature and current. The hose measures 25-1/2 in and XPT technology protects the tool from dust and liquids.
Pros
- 161 psi maximum pressure
- Pressure in psi, kPa or bar on a backlit screen
- Pressure setting remembered
- Air release and LED light
- XPT protection against dust and liquids
Things to consider
- Tool only: battery and charger sold separately
- $30 more than the DMP180Z
Best for: The owner of Makita 18V LXT batteries who inflates a car, a truck, a motorcycle and bicycles.
Not ideal for: Anyone working on the 40V max platform. Look at the Makita MP001GZ.
Price: $189
See the Makita DMP181Z at Équipement Polar →4. Makita MP001GZ 40V max XGT Inflator
For the XGT 40V max platform
XGT 40V max, sold separately
161 psi
10 min on / 5 min off
74 dB(A)
10-3/4 in (272 mm)
2.2 lb (1.0 kg)
$224
The Makita MP001GZ is the inflator for the XGT 40V max platform. It reaches 161 psi, like the DMP181Z, and its duty cycle is 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off. It weighs 2.2 lb (1.0 kg) and measures 10-3/4 in.
The backlit digital gauge sets pressure in psi, kPa or bar. The tool stops at the target pressure, remembers the setting and offers an air release function. An LED light, a 25-1/2 in hose and XPT protection complete the package.
Pros
- 161 psi maximum pressure
- 10-minute duty cycle
- Light at 1.0 kg, 74 dB(A) noise level
- Remembered setting, air release and LED light
Things to consider
- It needs an XGT 40V max battery, a different platform than the 18V LXT
- $224 price, the highest in the guide
Best for: The owner of Makita XGT 40V max tools who wants a single battery fleet.
Not ideal for: Anyone who only has 18V batteries. Look at the Makita DMP181Z.
Price: $224
See the Makita MP001GZ at Équipement Polar →How to choose your cordless tire inflator
The battery platform
The best inflator is the one that uses the batteries you already own. The Makita DMP180Z and Makita DMP181Z run on an 18V LXT battery, the DeWalt DCC020IB on a 20V MAX battery and the Makita MP001GZ on an XGT 40V max battery.
All four models are sold without a battery. Plan for the battery and charger if you do not have the platform yet.
Maximum pressure
The Makita DMP180Z goes up to 121 psi. The Makita DMP181Z and Makita MP001GZ go up to 161 psi. The pressure to use for your tires is the one on the vehicle information placard, not the inflator maximum.
The gauge and automatic shut-off
All four inflators have a digital gauge and automatic shut-off. The Makita DMP181Z and Makita MP001GZ also remember the setting and show pressure in psi, kPa or bar.
Power source and run time
The DeWalt DCC020IB can also run from a vehicle 12V DC socket or a 110V AC outlet, so you do not depend on the battery charge. The Makita MP001GZ has a duty cycle of 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off, enough to inflate several tires in a row.
When and how to check pressure
Transport Canada recommends checking pressure at least once a month, with cold tires, meaning the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours. A single tire under-inflated by 56 kPa (8 psi) can cut its life by 15,000 km and increase fuel consumption by 4%.
The recommended pressure is on the tire information placard, often on the driver's door edge. See the Transport Canada page on tire inflation for details.
Budget: which inflator at which price
- Under $180: Makita DMP180Z ($159), DeWalt DCC020IB ($178)
- $180 and up: Makita DMP181Z ($189), Makita MP001GZ ($224)
Completing your gear
An inflator does not replace tire changing tools. Find them in our tire changing tools collection. To tighten wheels to the right torque, see our torque wrenches.
Ready to choose your tire inflator?
Browse our tire changing tools or ask our team for advice. Free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
See tire changing tools Contact our expertsFAQ: cordless tire inflators
What is the best cordless tire inflator?
Which cordless tire inflator should I choose for my battery?
Can a cordless inflator fill a car, a motorcycle or a bike tire?
How often should I check my tire pressure?
What pressure should I put in my tires?
Should I inflate tires when they are cold?
Are the inflators sold with a battery?
Conclusion
The right cordless tire inflator depends on the battery you already own. For general use, the Makita DMP181Z at $189 is our pick.
For a small budget, the Makita DMP180Z at $159. For DeWalt 20V MAX, the DeWalt DCC020IB at $178.
Find all the gear in our tire changing tools collection.