ConsFirst / Tire inflators / Compare
Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator vs DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on gauge accuracy, ease of use, size & storage.
The biggest complaint about the Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator is battery costs extra; for the DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator it's bulky. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator | DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in tire inflators | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Tool-battery | Tool-battery |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 6% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Inflation speed | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Gauge accuracy | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Size & storage | 3.5 | 2.0 |
| Durability | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–120 · $$$ over $120. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator
- Battery costs extra
The bare tool ships without a battery or charger, which adds cost and weight (Popular Mechanics, Milwaukee). Some Amazon owners note the same in mixed value comments.
- Pricey for its performance
Car and Driver left it off its picks because the price, even without a battery, is too high for decent but not standout inflation. Value for money is mixed on Amazon.
- Battery life mixed
Battery life is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary.
DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator
- Bulky
Car and Driver says its multiple power options add bulk, so it toes the line between portable and not. It weighs 5.5 lb without a battery (Popular Mechanics).
Source: Car and Driver, Popular Mechanics - Battery not included
The battery and charger cost extra (DeWalt, Popular Mechanics), and some Amazon owners say it isn't worth the price without a battery.
- Battery life and value mixed
Battery life and value for money are mixed aspects in Amazon's review summary.
Who should pick which
Pick the Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator if
Owners of Milwaukee M12 batteries
A small inflator with set-and-walk-away shut-off
Cars, light trucks and bikes
Skip it if: You don't own M12 batteries; You want the fastest possible fill; You need more than about 120 psi
Pick the DeWalt 20V Max Corded/Cordless Air Inflator if
Owners of DeWalt 20V batteries
Tires plus air mattresses and pool toys
Backup 12V power in the car
Skip it if: You want a small inflator to keep in the car; You don't own DeWalt batteries; You want a clamp-on chuck
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