Silent & Low Noise Air Compressors

Silent and low noise air compressors let you put compressed air right where the work happens: in a workshop, laboratory, dental surgery or beside the production line, without building a separate compressor room. Below are the quietest machines we supply, grouped by the noise level the manufacturer quotes, so you can compare like for like.

40 dB(A): Bambi BB range

The quietest machines we sell. The Bambi BB range are oil lubricated piston compressors built into a fully soundproofed cabinet, quiet enough to sit in an office, studio or surgery. Sizes run from the BB8 up to the dual motor BB50D.

54 dB(A): Bambi PT and VTS oil free ranges

Where the air must be free of oil, the Bambi PT range and Bambi VTS silent range deliver oil free air at around 54 dB(A). VTS models are available with an integrated desiccant dryer for dental, laboratory and medical use.

59 to 63 dB(A): CompAir L02 to L11 rotary screw

When you need industrial output but still want a quiet working environment, the smaller CompAir rotary screw machines are enclosed and acoustically lined. The L02 and L03 are quoted at 59 dB(A), the L04 and L05 at 62 dB(A), and the L07 and the regulated speed L11RS at 63 dB(A). Choose a fixed speed or regulated speed model, or an Airstation with the receiver and dryer built in.

Quiet rotary vane: Hydrovane HV01, HV02 and HV04

The receiver mounted Hydrovane HV01, HV02 and HV04 are compact, plug in rotary vane units designed to run close to the point of use with low noise levels.

Why are air compressors loud?

Most of the noise comes from the compression element, the cooling fan and the air intake. Traditional open piston compressors are loud because every stroke is a pulse of noise with nothing around it to absorb it. Quiet machines tackle this with acoustic cabinets, slower running speeds and smoother rotary screw or vane elements. Regulated speed machines are quieter again at part load, because the motor slows down when demand drops.

Choosing a quiet compressor

Compare the dB(A) figure each manufacturer quotes, and remember the scale is logarithmic: a machine 10 dB(A) quieter sounds roughly half as loud. Think about where it will sit, how the warm air will be vented and whether you also need oil free air or a dryer. A worn compressor gets noisier, so regular air compressor servicing keeps it quiet as well as reliable. Not sure which model suits your space? Tell us about your site and we will recommend one.