Head-to-head comparison · Tire Inflators
VIAIR 88P vs 400P
Both clamp to the vehicle battery. The 400P moves more air, reaches higher pressure and handles 35-inch tires; the 88P is less than half the weight.
By Watt Versus Editorial· Updated
This page was drafted with AI assistance from manufacturers' specs and manuals, and is checked by our editor.
Why the VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor (40043) wins
For trucks on 33 to 35-inch tires, the 400P is worth the extra size: 2.3 CFM against 1.97, 150 PSI against 120 and a 25 ft hose. On a crossover or SUV, the 88P is enough.
Prices change often. Check the current price and availability on Amazon.
Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link)
VIAIR 88P Portable Compressor (00088)
A 120 PSI compressor of 4.75 lb that clamps to the vehicle battery, rated for tires up to 33 inches.
VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor (40043)
A 150 PSI, 2.3 CFM compressor that clamps to the vehicle battery, built for truck and off-road tires up to 35 inches.
Side-by-side
Specs compared
| Specification | VIAIR 88P Portable Compressor (00088) | VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor (40043)Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | Editorial score:8.0/10 | Editorial score:8.5/10 |
| Best for | Best for SUVs and Crossovers | Best for 35-Inch Tires |
| Max pressure | 120 PSI | 150 PSI |
| Power source | 12 V vehicle battery, via dual battery clamps | 12 V vehicle battery, via dual battery clamps |
| Battery | Not needed (runs from the vehicle battery) | Not needed (runs from the vehicle battery) |
| Airflow | 1.97 CFM at 0 PSI | 2.30 CFM at 0 PSI |
| Duty cycle | 25 minutes at 30 PSI | 33% at 100 PSI |
| Max tire size | Up to 33 in | Up to 35 in |
| Display | 120 PSI pressure gauge | Inline 100 PSI gauge on the hose |
| Hose length | 16 ft | 25 ft coil hose with 5-in-1 inflator/deflator |
| Power cord | 10 ft; 20 A max draw | 8 ft; 30 A max draw |
| Included accessories | Carry bag, 3-piece inflation tips kit, Presta valve adaptor, brass twist-on tire chuck, LED work light | Carry bag, 3-piece inflation tips kit, Presta valve adaptor, sand tray, inline fuse holder |
| Weight | 4.75 lb | 10.4 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Where to buy | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) | Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link) |
Scroll sideways to see both columns →
At a glance
Key differences
- 1Airflow: 2.30 CFM for the 400P, 1.97 CFM for the 88P.
- 2Max pressure: 150 PSI against 120 PSI.
- 3Max tire size: up to 35 inches against 33 inches.
- 4Hose: 25 ft coil with a 5-in-1 head, against 16 ft.
- 5Weight: 10.4 lb against 4.75 lb.
Product by product
Pros and cons
VIAIR 88P Portable Compressor (00088)
A sturdy, fast step up from plug-in inflators for SUVs and light trucks. If your tires are bigger than 33 inches, buy the 400P.
Pros
- Rated for tires up to 33 inches
- Can run for 25 minutes at a time at 30 PSI
- 16 ft hose and 10 ft cord reach every wheel
- IP53-rated against dust and splashes
Cons
- Clamps to the battery rather than the 12 V socket, so the hood has to be open
- No auto shut-off listed
- Only a 1-year warranty
VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor (40043)
The inflator for big truck and off-road tires: it moves far more air than the cordless tools here. For quick top-offs on a car, a cordless unit is less hassle.
Pros
- 2.3 CFM of airflow, against 1.97 CFM for the 88P; the cordless tools publish no airflow figure
- Rated for tires up to 35 inches: the pick for lifted trucks and airing back up after off-road trips
- 25 ft hose reaches all four tires and a trailer from one spot
- 5-in-1 hose head lets you let air out and check pressure as well
Cons
- 10.4 lb and clamps to the battery, so it is not a quick glovebox top-off tool
- No auto shut-off: you watch the gauge and stop it yourself
- Only a 1-year warranty
Choose the VIAIR 400P if
- Your tires are 33 to 35 inches.
- You air down off-road and need to refill four tires quickly.
Choose the VIAIR 88P if
- You drive an SUV or crossover on smaller tires.
- You want a compressor that fits under a seat.
Both
Dual battery clamps, a carry bag, inflation tips and a Presta adaptor, and VIAIR's 1-year warranty. Neither lists an auto shut-off.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the VIAIR 88P and 400P?
- The 400P has more airflow (2.30 against 1.97 CFM), higher pressure (150 against 120 PSI), a longer hose and is rated for tires up to 35 inches against 33.
- Do VIAIR portable compressors plug into the 12 V socket?
- The 88P and 400P connect to the vehicle battery with clamps; they draw up to 20 A and 30 A.
- Which VIAIR is lighter?
- The 88P, at 4.75 lb against 10.4 lb.
More comparisons
VS comparison
Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator 2475-20 (Tool Only) vs Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator 2848-20 (Tool Only)
Both use TrueFill auto shut-off. The M18 is rated to 150 PSI with four presets and a longer hose; the M12 is smaller and suits cars.
Updated October 15, 2026
VS comparison
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Inflator CMCE520B (Tool Only) vs DEWALT 20V MAX Tire Inflator DCC020IB (Tool Only)
Two inflators that run from a battery, a wall outlet or a car's 12 V socket, both rated at 160 PSI with auto shut-off and high-volume inflation.
Updated October 15, 2026
VS comparison
Fanttik X10 Cross Cordless Tire Inflator vs AstroAI AIRUN H 12V Tire Inflator
Both weigh under 2.5 lb. The Fanttik carries its own battery and adds a blower and power bank; the AstroAI plugs into the car and never needs charging.
Updated October 15, 2026