Silentaire Super Silent 20-A Whisper Quiet Airbrush Compressor 1/5hp 0.7 CFM 55-85psi Low Noise Level Review (2026)
Updated September 14, 2026 · Research-based review
Our verdict
A 1/5 HP compressor built specifically to run near-silently, with a small tank, built-in moisture trap, and a one-year manufacturer warranty. It costs more than standard hobby compressors and, unlike many oilless tanked units, it runs on compressor oil, so it needs periodic oil maintenance alongside its noticeable weight.
Silentaire Super Silent 20-A whisper quiet compressor, 1/5hp at 0.7 CFM and 55-85psi for low-noise airbrushing.
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What we liked
- + Whisper quiet operation is ideal for painting late at night
- + 55-85psi range gives headroom for priming and detail work
- + Silentaire is known for durable refrigerator-style compressors
Trade-offs
- - High cost compared with standard hobby compressors
- - Heavy unit is not suited to moving between rooms often
Who this compressor fits
The Super Silent 20-A is built for painters who are bothered by compressor noise, whether that is late-night painting sessions, a shared apartment, or a home studio near a bedroom. Silentaire markets this line specifically around near-silent operation rather than raw output or tank capacity, and one owner review describes it as quiet enough that you have to strain to tell it is running. That focus makes it a niche pick rather than an all-purpose compressor, since painters who do not mind normal compressor noise can get similar airbrushing performance for less money elsewhere. It suits one or two airbrushes rather than a busy multi-user studio setup, and it is aimed squarely at hobbyists rather than production-scale painting operations that run compressors all day long.
Specs and what is included
The unit runs on a 1/5 HP motor feeding a 0.4 gallon tank, delivering about 0.7 CFM of free air flow at up to 85 psi operating pressure, on standard 110V/60Hz household power. It ships with a pressure regulator that has a built-in moisture trap, a line pressure gauge for precise readings, a safety or bleeder valve, an air intake filter, and a carry handle. Notably, Silentaire includes a complimentary bottle of compressor oil, since this is an oil-lubricated design rather than one of the oilless units common in cheaper hobby compressors. A one-year manufacturer warranty covers the unit against early defects, which is useful reassurance for a compressor priced above typical hobby units.
Living with it day to day
Because this is an oil-based compressor, owners need to check and top up oil periodically following Silentaire's instructions, which is extra upkeep compared with oilless tanked compressors at this price point. Shipping weight runs around 43 pounds, so while the carry handle helps move it occasionally, this is a unit meant to stay set up at a painting station rather than travel to conventions or club nights. The built-in moisture trap in the regulator should still be drained periodically during long sessions, same as any airbrush compressor, to keep water out of the line.
How it compares with tanked rivals
Against tanked oilless units like the PointZero and Timbertech ABPST08, both scored close behind at 8.4, the Silentaire's main advantage is noise level, since its whisper-quiet reputation goes well beyond the roughly 50 to 55 decibel range those oilless compressors run at. That quiet operation comes at a real cost premium and the added chore of oil maintenance, which neither PointZero nor Timbertech requires. Buyers who want a bundled airbrush kit rather than a compressor alone should also look at the Master Airbrush TC-320 or VIVOHOME kits, which pack an airbrush in with a similarly sized tank compressor.
Verdict and who should look elsewhere
This compressor is the right call for anyone whose painting space genuinely demands near-silent operation, such as late-night hobbyists or shared living situations, and who is willing to pay more and maintain an oil-lubricated pump for that quiet. Painters who are fine with typical compressor noise, or who want to avoid oil upkeep entirely, are better served by an oilless tanked compressor like the PointZero or Timbertech ABPST08 at a lower price. Anyone needing to move their compressor frequently between rooms should also weigh the roughly 43 pound shipping weight before choosing this unit.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Silentaire Super Silent 20-A need oil?
Yes, it is an oil-lubricated compressor and ships with a complimentary bottle of Silentaire compressor oil, so it needs periodic oil top-ups unlike many oilless hobby compressors.
How quiet is the Silentaire Super Silent 20-A really?
Owner feedback describes it as extremely quiet, with one reviewer saying they had to strain to tell it was running, which is notably quieter than typical hobby tank compressors.
What is included with this compressor?
It includes a pressure regulator with a built-in moisture trap, a line pressure gauge, a safety valve, an air intake filter, a carry handle, and a bottle of compressor oil, backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Is this compressor easy to move between rooms?
It has a carry handle but a shipping weight around 43 pounds, so it is better suited to staying set up at a fixed station than being moved often.
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