Smittybilt 2781 Air Compressor
#3 in Heavy dutyFull review
For off-roaders who air down and want fast refills on big tires without paying ARB prices. Drivers who only top up car tires should get something smaller.
Smittybilt $229.99$229.99
The Smittybilt 2781 Air Compressor is the better tire inflator overall, rated 3.8 to 3.2. The Smittybilt 2781 Air Compressor leads on airflow and features. The VIAIR 88P wins on value. The VIAIR 88P costs $140.10 less ($89.89 vs $229.99).
VIAIR 88P
#6 in Heavy dutyFull review
For car, SUV and light-truck owners who want a sturdier, battery-powered alternative to a socket inflator for the trunk. Off-roaders airing up 33 in tires should step up to a 300P or 400P.
Amazon $89.89$89.89
Prices were last checked October 22, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Smittybilt 2781 Air Compressor for airflow (160 L/min (maker) vs 55.8 L/min (maker)) and features (runs 40 min at a time, 150 PSI max; no auto shutoff vs runs 25 min at a time, 120 PSI max; no auto shutoff).
- Choose the VIAIR 88P for value ($89.89 vs $229.99).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every heavy duty tire inflator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Smittybilt 2781 Air Compressor | VIAIR 88P |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 35% | 64 $229.99 | 98 $89.89 |
| Airflow 30% | 100 160 L/min (maker) | 20 55.8 L/min (maker) |
| Features 20% | 60 runs 40 min at a time, 150 PSI max; no auto shutoff | 44 runs 25 min at a time, 120 PSI max; no auto shutoff |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Smittybilt 2781 Air Compressor | VIAIR 88P | |
|---|---|---|
| Inflating | ||
| Max pressure | 150 PSI | 120 PSI |
| Airflow (maker) | 160 L/min | 55.8 L/min |
| Auto shutoff | No | No |
| Duty cycle | 40 min on | 25 min on |
| Noise | - | 81 dB |
| Power | ||
| Power | Battery clamps | Battery clamps |
| Power bank | No | No |
| Power cord | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Build | ||
| Air hose | 288 in | 192 in |
| Light | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | - | 9.8 x 3.2 x 5.6 in |
| Weight | 21 lb | 4.8 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |