ConsFirst / Tire inflators / Compare
Milwaukee M18 Inflator vs Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Milwaukee M18 Inflator ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on inflation speed, gauge accuracy, durability. Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator wins on size & storage.
The biggest complaint about the Milwaukee M18 Inflator is battery and charger not included; for the Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator it's slow inflation. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Milwaukee M18 Inflator | Fanttik X8 Apex Tire Inflator | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in tire inflators | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Tool-battery | Cordless rechargeable |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 3% | 4% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.8 |
| Inflation speed | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Gauge accuracy | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Size & storage | 2.0 | 5.0 |
| Durability | 4.5 | 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 M18 Inflator
- Battery and charger not included
It runs only on Milwaukee's M18 battery, with no 12V plug option, and the battery and charger cost extra. Car and Driver calls this its most egregious flaw.
- Large and heavy
Car and Driver weighed it at 8.7 lb and says it's too big to carry in a daily driver. Popular Mechanics' tester measured 8 lb 11 oz with a 5Ah battery.
- Screw-on chuck
Car and Driver found the screw-on valve connector a pain for cold fingers. Popular Mechanics found it let out a little air on removal, so the tester set about 0.5 psi extra.
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 M18 Inflator if
Owners of Milwaukee M18 batteries
Trucks, SUVs and frequent top-offs
Off-road air-downs and garage use
Skip it if: You don't own M18 batteries; You want something small for the glovebox; You want a clamp-on chuck
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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