RYOBI ONE+ Portable Air Compressor P739 Review A Compact Cordless Tool for Tire Inflation

Description

Design and Build Quality

I recently got to test out the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 1 Gallon Air Compressor (Model P739), and the first thing that stood out to me was its portable and compact design. Weighing around 14 pounds, it’s not exactly feather-light, but it’s manageable enough to carry around without feeling like you’re lugging a boulder. The bright green exterior makes it hard to miss, which is great when you’re working in a cluttered garage or job site. Its dimensions—13.5 inches long, 11.5 inches wide, and 10 inches high—make it easy to store on a shelf or in the trunk of a car. Despite its small size, it feels solidly built, and nothing about it screams “flimsy.” The locking regulator is a particularly nice touch, ensuring the pressure stays where you set it.

Performance and Power

This little beast delivers up to 120 PSI, which is perfect for inflating tires or powering pneumatic tools like finish nailers. I used it to inflate my car tires, and it handled the job without breaking a sweat. It’s not lightning-fast, but for a battery-powered air compressor, it’s surprisingly efficient. What I appreciated most was the cordless convenience—no more tripping over power cords or hunting for an outlet. The compressor runs on Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ battery system, which means it’s compatible with over 260 other Ryobi tools. If you’re already invested in the ONE+ ecosystem, this is a no-brainer.

Key Benefits

• Cordless design makes it incredibly versatile and portable.
• 120 PSI capacity handles most household and light professional tasks.
• 1-gallon tank is sufficient for quick jobs without taking up too much space.
• Compatible with the Ryobi ONE+ battery system, making it cost-effective for existing Ryobi users.

Noise Levels

Air compressors are notorious for being loud, and this one is no different. While I wouldn’t describe it as deafening, it’s definitely not something you’d want to use late at night in a quiet neighborhood. The noise level is tolerable for short tasks like inflating a tire but could get annoying if you’re using it for extended periods. That said, the compact size and cordless operation make it easier to use outdoors, where noise is less of an issue.

Areas of Concern

• Battery and charger not included, which adds to the overall cost if you’re not already a Ryobi user.
• Not designed for heavy-duty tasks like running high-demand air tools continuously.
• The 1-gallon tank means you’ll need to pause and let it recharge for larger projects.

Ease of Use

Using this compressor is as straightforward as it gets. The 15-foot hose length gives you plenty of flexibility to move around without constantly repositioning the unit. The controls are intuitive, and the locking regulator ensures you don’t accidentally over-pressurize your tools or tires. I even had my nephew give it a try, and he was able to figure it out without any hand-holding. It’s a great option for both beginners and seasoned DIYers.

Competitive Options

Compared to other portable air compressors, this model holds its own quite well. For instance, I’ve used the DeWalt FlexVolt Compressor, and while it offers a larger tank and slightly quieter operation, it’s also significantly more expensive and bulkier. On the other hand, the Makita MAC700 is a powerhouse with a larger capacity, but it’s corded and lacks the portability of the Ryobi. If you prioritize mobility and compatibility with a battery system, this tool is hard to beat.

Cost Efficiency

The price-to-quality ratio here is excellent, provided you’re already a Ryobi user. If you have to purchase the battery and charger separately, the cost starts to add up. However, considering its portability, performance, and compatibility with other tools, I’d say it’s still a smart investment for light to moderate use. It might not be the cheapest air compressor out there, but it’s certainly one of the most convenient.

Additional information