Metabo HPT
Metabo HPT EC28M 1-Gallon Ultra-Quiet Portable Compressor
$179
Best Air Compressors · head-to-head
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Metabo HPT EC28M 1-Gallon Ultra-Quiet Portable Compressor is cheaper at $179. Every spec and price links to its source.
Metabo HPT
$179
Craftsman
—
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $179 | — |
| Brand | Metabo HPT | Craftsman |
| Released | — | — |
| Tank capacity gal | 1 | 6 |
| Max (psi) | 125 | 150 |
| Scfm at 90psi | 0.8 | 2.6 |
| Power source | corded | corded |
| Pump type | oil_free | oil_free |
| Motor hp | 0.5 | 1 |
| Noise dba | 59 | 78.5 |
| Release | — | — |
Sources — Metabo HPT EC28M 1-Gallon Ultra-Quiet Portable Compressor: metabo-hpt.com (verified 2026-06-19). Craftsman CMEC6150 6-Gallon 150 PSI Pancake Compressor: craftsman.com (verified 2026-06-19).
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Only one whitelisted tester (Pro Tool Reviews) published a hands-on review of this exact model, covering it as the Hitachi EC28M before the Metabo HPT rebrand. Reviewers physically used it for trim work and light framing, scored it 9.3/10, and called it a 'winner' - quiet, light, and reliable for finishing work. No independent lab measurements were metered, and no second whitelisted source tested it. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Ultra-quiet operation; easy to hold a conversation standing right next to it; Compact and lightweight (25.2 lbs) with a durable roll-cage/carry handle, easy for small jobs; Fast recovery time keeping up with a single trim nailer; oil-free, low-maintenance pump.
Flagged: Underpowered for fast or heavy framing - the 1-gallon tank gets outrun when working quickly.
One whitelisted outlet, Pro Tool Reviews, hands-on reviewed this exact model (CMEC6150), scoring it 9.0/10. The reviewer used it to inflate high-pressure ministry-van tires and to run a Ridgid framing nailer that 'performed flawlessly,' praising its power, portability, and maintenance-free oil-free pump. The only caveat noted is that it cannot sustain two active roofing nailers or a sander. No independent lab benchmarks were published (SCFM/PSI figures on the page are manufacturer specs), so the assessment is qualitative. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Enough air power to inflate high-pressure van tires and run a framing nailer; Portable handle design, rubberized feet, and durable construction; Maintenance-free oil-free pump plus dual 1/4-inch NPT outlets.
Flagged: Not suited to two active roofing nailers, a sander, or high-CFM tasks (drilling, grinding, spraying).