The best CO2 inflators 2024 and where to buy them for the lowest price

They say two things in life are certain: death and taxes. For cyclists, we’d add a third – punctures. The trick to reducing the hassle of flats is being prepared, so you can be riding again as quickly as possible, reducing the amount of time your mates stand around glaring at you. CO2 inflators are a cyclist’s best friend in this regard.

A good CO2 inflator can get you up to full pressure in seconds. For most riders, the little critters come out of our pockets fairly infrequently – but when they are produced, we want them to be quick, effective, and self-explanatory.

CO2 inflators can come in various forms: from simple, stand-alone chucks to units integrated into multi-tools or mini pumps. We'll start by taking you through the best units we've had on test, and dive into the pros, cons, and everything you need to know about CO2 inflators just after that.

When looking at the inflators we considered ease of use, effectiveness, size and any other included features.

The Quick List

CO2 Chucks

Pumps

The best CO2 inflators 

CO₂ chucks

Best overall CO2 chuck

Sometimes it's the simpler products that are harder to get right. With fewer aspects and parts, the onus becomes proportionally greater to get the execution spot on. Pleasingly, though, Muc-Off has done an excellent job with its Road Inflator Kit.

First is the size: it's pretty compact compared to other simple, inflator chucks. Some designs out there are smaller still, but they lack the features of this Muc-Off inflator – such as the sheer ease of use.

The moderately wide metal head makes it a doddle to screw the CO2 cartridges in and, once screwed all the way in, there's no notable leaking from anywhere on the unit. You could even have it primed and ready to go ahead of an important, unsupported race or event.

Thanks to the double threading, the chuck can be simply attached to both Schrader and Presta valves without any modifications. On the back of the inflator, there's a button for controlling the flow of CO2, from a fast stream to as slow a trickle as you like.

Perhaps because of the thickness of the metal head, I didn't find it got so cold when using the inflator and didn't require gloves or a foam sleeve on the cartridge to act as a barrier. Nevertheless, Muc-Off does supply a Neoprene sleeve with the unit.

It's one of those tools you don't give a second thought when you're using it because it simply works, straightforwardly and without hassle.

Joint best overall CO2 chuck

 Lezyne’s Control Drive has a quality feel to it; the CNCed aluminium unit looks very smart and the flow control knob is smooth and nicely damped. It can be used on both Presta and Schrader valves without having to change anything thanks to the stepped hole and the T-shape gives plenty of leverage to screw it onto the cartridge and pierce it. 

Although it is a push fit, the connection was secure with no CO2 leakage. The flow control knob was very simple to use and controlled the gas well; I'd have no qualms about putting a half-used canister back in my pocket with the chuck attached for later use. The Control Drive has been around for a number of years, but Lezyne got the design right first time so why change it? Much like the Muc-Off inflator, this product simply works and is highly recommended. 

Inline inflator chuck

Topeak has one of the biggest ranges of pumps and CO2 inflators on the market. This Micro Airbooster fills a similar role to Muc-Off's Road Inflator Kit but goes about it with quite a different design.

It's much longer and thinner for one thing, which might suit certain people's packing requirements better. A really neat little feature is the safety spacer that allows you to screw a CO2 cartridge into the unit without the chance of accidentally piercing it – although this does make the whole package quite long.

Like the Muc-Off inflator, the chuck can be used with both Schrader and Presta valves without any modifications or adjustments. The flow can also be controlled by just how hard you press the chuck onto the valve.

But herein lies the problem for the Micro Airbooster. Although Topeak supplies a silicone sleeve, gripping by the sides to force the unit onto the valve meant that the sleeve slowly slipped down as I pushed. 

What's really needed is pushing the unit onto the valve from the bottom – but that's one of the small sections that isn't covered by the gripper.

It's not the end of the world: you could add some tape to the cartridge or, if you're wearing gloves, it might simply not be a problem. The chuck does work well in other respects, but it's a bit of extra faff and a less clean execution than the  Muc-Off inflator.

Best protected

Available in a wide range of Chris King style colours, the Holeshot can be matched to your frame, valves or sunglasses,should you so desire. Similar to the Topeak Micro Airbooster, the Holeshot is an inline inflator that is pushed onto the valve, and then further pressure on the CO2 cartridge releases the gas. It only works on Presta valves though. 

Its compact shape makes it very convenient to carry in a saddlebag or pocket, although this does mean that there is limited leverage from the small wings when screwing onto a cartridge. It is also the lightest device on test, so one for the weigh weenies.

It’s available on its own or in a kind of ‘starter pack’ that includes 2 canisters and a protective rubber sleeve. The sleeve is actually very good as it covers the base of the gas canister as well as the sides - this is important for the Holeshot as direct pressure on the base is needed to activate the flow of CO2. The pressure-based flow control felt smoother and easier to modulate than the similar Speedchuck

There was no obvious leakage of gas, and inflation was very quick but I really struggled to remove the chuck from the valve afterwards. Whether this was down to my poor technique, the fact that the valve was threaded or that it was frozen together I don't know. However, the inline design certainly doesn't help here as your hand has to squeeze between the spokes to exert the necessary upward force to remove it. 

Most compact

Intended for rapid deployment in race situations, the L-shaped Speedchuck pretty much does what it says on the tin. As you push the inflator onto the valve, you can also press down on the spring, releasing the CO2 immediately - done right it is a very quick way to get air back into your tyres, but if you fluff it then it’s a quick way to empty a canister.

It is definitely worth spending a few extra seconds to ensure that the chuck and evolve are properly and securely connected before releasing the gas (which kind of defeats the purpose of the Speedchuck). Flow control is, like the Holeshot, purely reliant on the amount of pressure that you apply, so is a little crude, but it does allow you to stop mid-flow. Hand protection is probably a good idea when using this device as you are very likely to come into contact with the freezing chuck.

The Speedchuck is the least expensive inflator in this guide, so will appeal to riders watching the pounds as well as the stopwatch, but the other inflators offer better control. 

CO₂ pumps

Best as a pump

 My name is Tim, and my confession is that I had to read the instructions and watch a little video to figure out quite how the Snap-It Apogee connector worked. However, once I got the hang of it I liked the idea - more secure than push-fit but no chance of unscrewing the valve core accidentally. Perhaps have a quick practice at home rather than trying to figure it out by the side of the road for the first time though!

The pump is quite long, so it would be best to use the supplied bottle cage mount as I doubt it would fit in many saddle bags and would certainly protrude from a jersey pocket. The mount can also have a couple of canisters screwed into it to carry them securely alongside the pump. 

Inflation is via the flexible steel mesh hose which can either be attached to the pump or directly to a CO2 canister. 

When used as a pump it took about 150 strokes to get a 28mm road tyre up to rideable pressure (about 60psi), which isn't too bad at all. I did have to slide the rubber seal down the shaft and out of the way though, and the pump/hose interface got really rather hot.

It was effective too as a CO2 inflator, although again I needed a bit of guidance on how to use it properly. You screw the cartridge all the way in which both pierces it and blocks it off. You can then slightly unscrew the canister to start the flow of gas and control it. Obviously this needs to be done fairly gently so as not to simply undo the canister entirely. 

Best all-rounder CO₂ pump

Topeak's HybridRocket HP is more slimmed down than Crankbrothers Klic HP Gauge + CO2, but it still packs a lot of functionality. 

The pump has an integrated hose that works with both Presta and Schrader valves, while the CO2 system at the other end also works with both systems – unlike the Crankbrothers pump. A very thoughtful touch is the unit's rubber coating, which insulates your hands from the cold. 

The two areas that Topeak's HybridRocket HP does lose out on are the stroke volume (about half that of the Klic HP Gauge + CO2) and the pressure gauge. On the other hand, beyond the slimmer size and ability to work with more valve types, the Topeak pump also integrates storage for up to two CO2 cartridges – which is a neat extra touch.

There are those diametrically opposed to any pump being attached to a road bike, save for the sort that matches the top tube in length and sits just underneath. Even then, only if the bike is also sporting mudguards. But aside from this hardcore of arch-traditionalists, the size of the HybridRocket HP is small enough not to look out of place on an endurance bike. 

Best CO₂ Mini Pump for Compact Size

The tiny XLab Tire Mate is barely larger than a CO2 cartridge itself and fulfils a very useful role. 

It's always good practice to bring a pump. CO2 might save time, but you only get so many tries and getting stranded because you've run out is one of the most frustrating experiences you can put yourself through. 

However, pumps can be bulky – and those that aren't don't tend to pump particularly well. You could bring both a small pump and a CO2 chuck, but by that point you might as well just bring a bigger and better pump.

By combining a pump and CO2 inflator in one diminutive package – it literally fits in a saddle bag – you get the best of both worlds. A low pack weight and volume, but with a backup if you run out of cartridges. 

There are some compromises, though. The cartridges attach and are primed with a lot of scope for faff. I was glad that I didn't run out of cartridges though, as the volume of air that is moved with each pump is truly minuscule.

So it's very much a 'just-in-case' tool, but if you're not expecting an issue and just want a little bit of extra insurance, it does impart a minimal impact on your ride.

Best pump for CO2

 The Air Rush is a very compact mini pump and CO2 inflator combined that will happily fit in any bag, pocket or tool tub. Moreover, the connector works with both Presta and Schrader valves simply by pulling on the connector to extend it for Presta. If it’s used as a CO2 inflator, there is a knurled flow control valve so that gas can be metered out.

It is supplied with a rather tight and awkward (but very secure) frame mount, but given its diminutive size,  it is probably easier to keep it tucked away and protected from the elements. There are threaded sections on both ends of the pump, one for the CO2 canister when in use and one for attaching the canister before it's needed. I guess if you use the bottle cage mount then it would help keep the pump and canister together.

As a pump, it is strictly for emergency use only - it took over 300 strokes to get a 28mm tyre up to about 60psi, but it did get there eventually (once I had worked out that the flow control valve needed to be closed first...). The connection to the valve was a bit fiddly at first; you have to push the pump firmly down onto the valve and then screw it down to secure it, but it did create a good seal. 

The Apogee and the Air Rush are at opposite ends of the spectrum; the Apogge is a good pump and an adequate CO2 inflator whereas the Air Rush is a good CO2 inflator and a last resort pump - take your pick.

CO₂ inflators: everything you need to know

A few years ago, you'd rarely see a rider out without a mini-pump, but now you see a lot of smaller loads stuffed into jersey pockets, in the shape of the CO2 inflator and canisters. But there are pros and cons of both options.

CO2 inflators and canisters pros and cons:

Mini pump pros and cons:

One approach is to carry CO2 which will get you quickly up to pressure when required, but to have a backup pump as well. However, those who don't like the feel of too much kit jangling in their pockets may choose to chance it with CO2 alone.

How we test

As you can imagine, testing the CO2 chucks meant not only assessing them for their inflating abilities, but also their ease of use, size, packability and value for money. The CO2 pumps also had to be tested for how well the pump performed on its own, which could sometimes take several hundred strokes and resulted in rather weary arms.