3–2 on published sub-scores
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tire Inflator 2475-20 vs VIAIR 88P
Both units have been through the same bench protocol. Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tire Inflator 2475-20 takes 3 of the five sub-scores we publish, VIAIR 88P takes 2. The specs and the trade-offs below are what actually separate them.
This page compiles the hands-on testing we have already published in the individual reviews. It adds no new measurements: every score, spec and figure below comes from the linked review.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tire Inflator 2475-20
The most precise and best-built portable inflator here. Its gauge and auto shut-off are flawless, and it tops up car tires in under two minutes — but a 2.0Ah pack runs out before the fourth tire.
VIAIR
VIAIR 88P
The most honest 12V compressor for the money: fast, robust and reliable, as long as you accept a screw-on chuck and an analog gauge that reads about 2 PSI high.
Sub-scores from our reviews
The five dimensions behind every overall score on this site, taken verbatim from each review. A dash means the review does not publish that sub-score.
| Dimension | Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tire Inflator 2475-20 | VIAIR 88P |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation speed | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Gauge accuracy | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Build quality | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Portability | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Value | 4.1 | 4.6 |
| Overall score | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Typical price | $99.00 (bare tool) | $64.99 |
Specifications both publish
| Spec | Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tire Inflator 2475-20 | VIAIR 88P |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum pressure | 120 PSI | 120 PSI |
| Air flow | 0.6 CFM at 0 PSI | 1.8 CFM at 0 PSI |
| Power source | Milwaukee M12 12V battery (bare tool) | 12V DC, alligator battery clamps, 9 ft cord |
| Hose length | Built-in 4 in chuck, no hose | 16 ft |
| Duty cycle | Continuous with thermal protection | 25 minutes at 30 PSI, 72°F |
| Weight | 3.2 lb (1.45 kg) with a 4.0Ah battery | 4.5 lb (2.04 kg) |
| Included adapters | Presta adapter, ball inflation needle, storage case | Presta valve adapter, sports needle, plastic storage case |
What you accept with each
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tire Inflator 2475-20
- $99 bare tool, and you need M12 batteries and a charger on top
- A 2.0Ah compact pack ran out during the fourth tire in our runtime test
- No 12V car adapter in the box — battery power only
- 0.6 CFM makes large truck tires a slow job
VIAIR 88P
- No auto shut-off, so you must watch the gauge and stop it yourself
- Analog gauge read roughly 2 PSI high against our calibrated tester
- Loud at close range; roughly 88 dB at one meter
- Battery clamps mean opening the hood rather than plugging into a 12V socket
Which one, for whom
Choose the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tire Inflator 2475-20 if you weight gauge accuracy, build quality, portability more heavily.
Choose the VIAIR 88P if you weight inflation speed, value more heavily, and the lower price ($64.99 against $99.00 (bare tool)) matters.
Neither is a bad unit — both cleared the same protocol. Read the two full reviews before deciding: Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tire Inflator 2475-20 review and VIAIR 88P review.