Updated October 1, 2024
As you know, getting out on the water on your inflatable SUP, kayak, raft, canoe, or towable can give you a charge like nothing else. Sometimes, though, spending 10-25 minutes potentially huffing and puffing while you use your hand pump to inflate it can be a bit much. Maybe you’d like to save your energy for the activity itself or maybe there are several vessels for you to inflate and that can really take it out of you. In such circumstances, a portable electric pump is precisely the ticket.
Making a selection from the hundreds on the market can be a little daunting. Where do you start? To give you a leg up, some of the best are introduced for your consideration. To start, there is a basic comparison table, followed by reviews with key features, photos, and videos, and a buying guide to finish.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom of this post. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other related information on SUPs, canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
SUP for Yoga Fishing SUPs SUP Life Vests SUP Boards Surfing Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles Stand Up Paddleboards Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Waterproof Dry Bags
Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables
- OutdoorMaster Shark SUP Air Pump
- NIXY Elite Paddle Board Pump
- Sevylor SUP and Water Sport Pump
- Sea Eagle BTP Mano Two Stage Pump
- Seamax SUP20D Double Stage Pump
- Airhead Velocity SUP Pump
- Nalanda SUP Electric Air Pump
- Bravo 20 SUP Electric Pump
Best Electric Air Pump for Inflatables Comparison Table
| Picture | Pump | Pressure Range | Power Source | Auto Shutoff | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | OutdoorMaster Shark SUP Air Pump | 1 - 20 PSI | 12V Vehicle Accessory Socket or Battery | Yes | $$ |
  | NIXY Elite Paddle Board Pump | 1 - 20 PSI | 12V Vehicle Accessory Socket or Battery | Yes | $$ |
  | Sevylor SUP and Water Sport Pump | 1 - 15 PSI | 12V Vehicle Accessory Socket or Battery | Yes | $ |
  | Sea Eagle BTP Mano Two Stage Pump | 1 - 14.5 PSI | 12V Vehicle Battery | Yes | $$ |
  | Seamax SUP20D Double Stage Pump | .5 - 20 PSI | 12V Vehicle Accessory Socket | Yes | $$ |
  | Airhead Velocity SUP Pump | 1 - 20 PSI | 12V Vehicle Battery | Yes | $$ |
  | Nalanda SUP Electric Air Pump | 1 - 20 PSI | 12V Vehicle Accessory Socket | Yes | $ |
  | Bravo 20 SUP Electric Pump | 1 - 22 PSI | Integrated 12V Battery, 12 V Vehicle Battery | Yes | $$$ |
| Picture | Pump | Pressure Range | Power Source | Auto Shutoff | Price |
OutdoorMaster Shark SUP Air Pump
Lightweight and easy to use, the OutdoorMaster Shark air pump inflates up to 3 SUPs in a row to a maximum pressure of 20 PSI.
It has a cooling system with a fan venting hot air from the bottom, a digital display, auto-shutoff, and is powered by your vehicle’s accessory outlet.
With an H3 valve and two other nozzles, it fits most high-pressure inflatables and includes a deflation function.
For increased safety, there’s a built-in 12A fuse for safety in the event of a power surge.
- Power: 12V accessory outlet (cigarette lighter)
- Valves: H3 and 2 other nozzles compatible with most HP inflatables
- Functionality: dual-stage HP inflations, auto-shutoff function, digital display for monitoring and settings, deflation function
- PSI Range: to 20 PSI
- Other Features: carry handle, built-in fuse, flexible air hose
- CA65 and CE certifications
- Price: $$
The NIXY Elite Paddle Board Pump comes with an H3 valve making it compatible with all SUP boards and kayaks.
Using a vehicle’s cigarette lighter or 12V battery the dual-stage HP pump inflates at 1 PSI/minute and has auto-shutoff and deflate functions.
Rubber feet on springs provide shock absorption and it comes with a handy bag with a shoulder strap for easy portage. NIXY also includes a 90-day warranty against defects.
- Power: 12V accessory outlet (cigarette lighter), or clamps to the vehicle battery
- Valves: H3 compatible with all SUPs and kayaks, optional adapters
- Functionality: dual-stage HP inflations, auto-shutoff function, adjustable PSI knob, deflation function
- PSI Range: to 20 PSI
- Other Features: carry handle, carry bag, flexible air hose, high-flow pump speed of 1 PSI per minute, 4 rubber feet on springs for shock absorption
- 90-day warranty for defects
- Price: $$
Sevylor SUP and Water Sport Pump
The Sevylor SUP and Watersport Pump comes at a bargain price but delivers great performance for the inflation of SUPs, kayaks, and a variety of other inflatables with an H3 valve and numerous adapters.
Using power from your car lighter or 12V battery, it has adjustable auto-shutoff and digital controls with an integrated pressure gauge to fill your inflatable to 15 PSI at a rate of up to 190/liters per minute.
Lightweight with an ergonomic handle, it stores easily in your car or dry bag.
- Power: 12V accessory outlet (cigarette lighter), or clamps to the vehicle battery
- Valves: H3 compatible with all SUPs and kayaks, low-pressure adapters for use with Double Lock, Mini Double Lock, Boston, and pinch valves
- Functionality: HP inflation, auto-shutoff function, digital display and controls with an integrated LCD pressure gauge and a choice of PSI, KPA, or mbar
- PSI Range: to 15 PSI
- Other Features: ergonomic carry handle, heavy-duty extension hose with a high-pressure valve, low-pressure extension hose, airflow of 190 liters/minute
- Price: $
Sea Eagle BTP Mano Two Stage Pump
The Sea Eagle BTP Mano Two-Stage Pump is a high-performance model for quick inflation of SUPS, kayaks, and other inflatables.
Using an H3 valve, the inflation system begins with a low-pressure turbine blower and finishes with a high-pressure piston that inflates most SUPs and kayaks in a few minutes.
Common adapters are included that fit a variety of valves on other watercraft, toys, and air mattresses.
It includes an auto-shutoff and deflation function and connects to your vehicle’s 12V battery with an 8’6” cable and alligator clips.
Note that it is not possible to go through the cigarette lighter.
It also comes with a 6-foot inflation hose and a carry bag for easy portage.
- Power: 12V, clips to the vehicle battery
- Valves: H3 compatible with all SUPs and kayaks, and common adapters
- Functionality: dual-stage – low-pressure turbine blower with high volume and a high-pressure piston, auto-shutoff, deflation function
- PSI Range: to 14.5 PSI
- Other Features: carry bag, 6-foot inflation hose, 8’6” cable with alligator clips
- Price: $$
Seamax SUP20D Double Stage Pump
The Seamax SUP20D Double Stage Pump is a sturdy, reliable, and fast model that can inflate an ordinary iSUP in 5 minutes or less.
Compatible with several valve types and with 5 valve adapters it matches up with practically every kayak or SUP and other inflatables as well.
With an auto-shutoff function when inflation reaches the designated PSI, it will also shut off after 20 minutes to avoid damage and overheating. 12V battery power is accessed through the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. Other features include a sand filter on the air intake, a durable 4.5-foot reinforced air hose, and a 9-foot DC power cord.
- Power: 12V accessory outlet (cigarette lighter)
- Valves: compatible with HR (Halkey-Roberts), Bravo, Naru, and similar air valves, 5 valve adapters
- Functionality: dual-stage HP inflation – turbo-fan 1st stage (30 liters/minute) and HP cylinder type compressor 2nd stage (70 liters/minute), auto-shutoff function, digital controller and pressure gauge, LCD display
- PSI Range: .5 to 20 PSI
- Other Features: carry handle, built-in 12A fuse, 9-foot DC power cord, sand filter on the air intake, 4.5-foot reinforced air hose
- Price: $$
The Airhead Velocity SUP Pump has a single-stage high pressure/high volume design for quick inflation of up to 20 PSI for Airhead SUPs and a variety of other SUPs, kayaks, and inflatables with H-valves, Boston valves, and Leafield C7 valves.
Accessing 12V power from your vehicle battery or another battery source with a 10’ battery cable and alligator clips, it has auto-shutdown upon reaching your PSI goal and a 20-minute time limit auto-shutdown to avoid damage and overheating.
It also comes with a handy mesh storage bag.
- Power: 12V, clips to the vehicle battery
- Valves: H-valve, Leafield C7 adapters, compatible with Boston valves
- Functionality: single-stage high pressure/high volume inflation, auto shut-off function, 20-minute shut-off function
- PSI Range: to 20 PSI
- Other Features: mesh storage bag, 10’ battery cable with alligator clips
- Price: $$
The Nalanda SUP Electric Air Pump is a very reasonably priced model that can fill a 10’ SUP in a little more than 10 minutes.
It has a digital LCD display in BAR or PSI, efficient dual-stage inflation, and auto shut-off when you meet your pressure requirement or after 20 minutes to protect from overheating.
Compatible for use with almost all SUPs and kayaks, it accesses 12V power with a 3-meter cable through the vehicle cigarette lighter.
Lightweight and easily portable with its carry handle, you can pack it in your own SUP or kayak bag.
- Power: 12V accessory outlet (cigarette lighter)
- Valves: H3 valve, compatible with all SUPs and kayaks
- Functionality: dual-stage inflation, auto shut-off function, 20-minute shut-off function, an LCD display in BAR or PSI, deflate function
- PSI Range: to 20 PSI
- Other Features: 3-meter 12V cord and plug, flexible high-pressure air hose, carry handle, rubber feet for traction
- Price: $
The Bravo 20 SUP Electric Pump gets the highest marks from users for performance and speed.
Power can be accessed from an easily rechargeable integrated battery or from a 12V battery, including that of your vehicle.
The heavy-duty air hose fits a large variety of valves with 7 assorted adapters included that make it suitable for a full range of inflatables aside from SUPS and kayaks.
The twin-cylinder single-stage pump is very fast, inflating an 11’ SUP to 15 PSI in 7 minutes. It also has a deflate function and auto shut-off on reaching the pressure target and for overheating.
It’s a pretty impressive package and has a fairly high price to go along with it.
- Power: integrated 12V battery (rechargeable through a vehicle cigarette lighter or standard 110-240 AC/DC adapter), or from an outside 12V battery source including a vehicle battery
- Valves: H3, Boston, and 9mm kite valves, with 7 assorted adapter sizes, compatible with all SUPs and kayaks, and a range of other inflatables
- Functionality: twin-cylinder single-stage pump, pressure-dial indicator, auto shut-down, shut-off feature to avoid overheating, deflate function
- PSI Range: to 22 PSI
- Other Features: heavy-duty air hose, carry handle
- Price: $$$
Electric Air Pump for Inflatables Buying Guide
Compatibility
Whether your inflatable is a SUP, kayak, raft, or another item, its compatibility with the pump is a key factor. It needs to be possible for the air hose from the pump to be connected to the valve on the inflatable. When you look through the specifications you can find valves with names like Halkey-Roberts, HR, H3, or H-valve, all pertaining to the same thing, or perhaps military, Boston, Leafield, or others. The air hose requires compatibility to attach properly for an air-tight seal with the particular valve on the inflatable. An adapter may be required. Make sure your pump and inflatable have this compatibility or you won’t be able to inflate.
Power Source
Most of the electric pumps for inflatable watercraft have the idea built-in that you will be using a vehicle to transport it to the shore. With that in mind, most are designed to get power from the 12V vehicle battery directly through clamps and a cable or from the cigarette lighter or accessory source. One note of caution – if the vehicle battery is your source and you fear draining it, you can keep the engine running while using the pump. Also, this may improve output and decrease pumping time.
In some cases, it is possible to attach it to a battery pack. Not many offer the option of connecting to a regular power outlet. Finally, some models like the Bravo 20 reviewed above, have an integrated rechargeable battery as a possible power source.
Functionality
Electric air pumps for inflatables are available in one or two-stage versions. A one-stage pump simply inflates until the target pressure is attained. The speed depends on the power of the pump.
A two-stage pump begins by pumping through the first stage until a certain pressure is reached and then switches to the second stage, which is more efficient pumping at higher pressures, to top it off up to the desired pressure. Many two-stage models pump much more quickly than one-stage models. A drawback is that some are louder especially when pumping from the second stage.
Another feature available on many models is the deflate function. This allows you to reverse the airflow allowing you to suck the air out of your inflatable speeding up deflation time significantly.
Pressure
Each inflatable watercraft has a recommended maximum inflation pressure, usually measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) in the US and US-influenced areas. It is usually in the range of 10-15 PSI. Make sure your pump is capable of matching the PSI requirements for your vessel. The models reviewed here all are capable of at least 14.5 PSI.
Pressure Gauge and Auto Shut-Off
The models reviewed here and most of the best include a pressure gauge that allows monitoring of pumping progress. These can be digital with an LCD or old-school style analog versions. Auto shut-off is an excellent feature to look for that will turn off the pump when the target PSI is reached. This allows you to focus on other matters during pumping and to avoid overfilling and damage to the watercraft or the pump.
For other related information on SUPs, canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
SUP for Yoga Fishing SUPs SUP Life Vests SUP Boards Surfing Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboards SUP Paddles Stand Up Paddleboards Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats Waterproof Dry Bags
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