ConsFirst / Tire inflators / Compare
Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator vs Fanttik X8 Apex Tire 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 #3 of 8) and scores better on inflation speed, ease of use, durability. Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator wins on size & storage.
The biggest complaint about the Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator is battery costs extra; for the Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator it's slow inflation. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator | Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in tire inflators | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Tool-battery | Cordless rechargeable |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 4% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.8 |
| Inflation speed | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Gauge accuracy | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Size & storage | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Durability | 4.0 | 3.0 |
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.
Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator
- Slow inflation
Tom's Guide took 3:43 to fill a tire to 30 psi and lists slow inflation as a con.
Source: Tom's Guide - Short hose, no car or AC adapter
Tom's Guide notes the short (13-inch) air hose and that it comes with no car accessory-outlet or AC adapter.
Source: Tom's Guide - Battery holding charge
Battery life is the most-mentioned mixed aspect on Amazon; some owners say it doesn't hold a charge. Value for money is also mixed.
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 Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator if
Keeping in a door pocket or glovebox
Topping off car and bike tires
Easy-to-read display
Skip it if: You want fast fills on big tires; You want a 12V cord as backup; You'll forget to keep it charged
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