When it comes to air pumps used to maintain oxygenation of your aquarium’s water, there are really only a few factors that matter. The strength of the pump, the tank size it is able to support, and how much power it uses are all relevant aspects, but perhaps the most important quality is the noise produced by the pump. Ideally, these pumps should be nearly inaudible, and they certainly should not inhibit your hearing in any way. There are a ton of pumps available on the market, but not all of them are as quiet as you would like. Finding the best quiet air pumps can be a challenge.
With so many options out there, it can be difficult to decide which is the right one for you, especially since there is no way to test these devices before purchasing them. You must also consider whether the pump will be visible, or if you will install it in a nearby cabinet. You also need a pump that is compatible, or won’t get in the way of your fish tank filter. The location of the pump and your space restrictions may also play a role in your available options. Above all, an air pump that produces little or no noise is going to be top priority.
Below is a list of reviews for many of the top noiseless air pumps, which can be used as a buying guide for those in the market for a new pump.
The Quiet Air Pumps Comparison Table
Product Image | Product name | Features | Star Rating |
---|---|---|---|
1. Tetra Whisper Air Pump | For use in 10-Gallon aquariums Whisper air pumps provide reliable service at an economical cost Efficient and easy to use | 4.6 out of 5 | |
2. Mylivell Quietest Aquarium Air Pump with Air Stone and Silicone Tube Black | Super Silent Low power consumption Stable performance | 4.4 out of 5 | |
3. Marine Metal Quiet Bubbles Water Resistant Air Pump | Pumps 1.4 STL / minute Designed for fresh and saltwater use Space saver clam shell package 4.5"W x 8.375"L x 2.375"D | 4.5 out of 5 | |
4. Aqueon Quiet Flow Air Pump | Contemporary, upright design Rubberized base lessens residual pump noise Each air pump includes replaceable check valve, diaphragm and dust filter pad | 4.1 out of 5 | |
5. Million Air Pump 400 | Extremely quiet operation Low energy consumption, High airflow output Single or double Outlet air pump Variable control modes allows for a variety of applications | 4 out of 5 | |
6. bedee Mini Fish Air Pump for Aquarium Ultra Silent with Air Stone and Silicone Tube | Driven by a thin piezoelectric ceramic plate Stable and durable Suitable for small fish tank | 4.5 out of 5 | |
7. Penn-Plax Air-Pod Air Pump | Aquarium Air pump runs on 4D batteries Pump has an adjustable flow control dial Aquarium Air pump is safe to use in tanks | 3.6 out of 5 | |
8. Quiet One Lifegard Aquarium Pump | Safe for salt or freshwater ECO-SAV generates more power with less energy consumption 317-Gallon per hour, 6-Feet cord | 4.3 out of 5 | |
9. Penn Plax Air Pod Pump for 100 Gallon Aquariums APP6 | Powerful aquarium air pump with a sleek, modern design Sound cancelling dome technology for quiet operation Ideal for aquariums up to 100 gallons. | 4.7 out of 5 | |
10. HIRALIY Aquarium Air Pump with Dual Outlet Adjustable Air Valve, Ultra Silent | Aquarium Air Pump with Dual Outlets Adjustable Flow Rate Suitable for 1 Ultra Quiet Fish Bubbler Minimum 20 dB | 4.5 out of 5 |
Check Out Our Quiet Air Pumps Reviews
1. Tetra Whisper Air Pump
This sleek air pump is made with an ergonomic shape that blends well with most modern decors, so it is perfect for aquariums that don’t have a place to hide the pump. The Tetra Whisper is available in four distinct sizes, each suited for a different tank size. Options include pumps for 10-gallon tanks, 20-40-gallon tanks, 40-60-gallon tanks, and 60-100-gallon tanks.
This pump provides an affordable and aesthetically pleasing solution to providing aeration to your aquarium, and it comes with a plastic air valve, although the rest of the tubing must be purchased separately. The pump is whisper-quiet and exceptionally powerful considering its size and scale. The two largest versions of the Tetra Whisper come with two outlets, and the smaller versions come with one.
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2. Mylivell Quietest Aquarium Air Pump with Air Stone and Silicone Tube Black
The Mylivell Aquarium Air Pump has a very unique design, with a shape that almost resembles that of a ray fish. As with the other air pumps in this list, the Mylivell air pump is extremely quiet, with an operating noise of around 33dBa. This 1 watt model is extremely energy efficient, with a flow rate of 240 ml/min. With this flow rate, the pump is suitable for smaller fish tanks with a capacity up to 13 gallons.
The suction cup allows you to fix this air pump to the side of your tank or bowl. It comes with a highly efficient air stone and plenty of silicone tubing in the box. You may wish to trim the tubing to a usable size and keep the rest as spare if you are using a small tank. This quiet air pump is another that uses a thin piezoelectric ceramic plate rather than a traditional motor. This makes if very compact as well as quiet.
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3. Marine Metal Quiet Bubbles Water Resistant Air Pump
This is one of the few pumps that includes a silicone tube and weighted air stone, which is crucial for using the pump with an aquarium, fish tank, or bait bucket. The device is powered by two D batteries, which allows it to be highly portable. It is ideal for fishermen needing a way to keep bait buckets fresh, or as an emergency backup for a wired air pump. The pump is entirely water-resistant, including the battery contacts, which are made from a beryllium-copper alloy.
The device is sealed with neoprene, and the switch is protected by a rubber boot. The back of the device holds a clip that can attach to any bucket or tank. The included silicone tube is 24 inches long, which is long enough to support many tank and bucket sizes.
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4. Aqueon Quiet Flow Air Pump
The Aqueon Quiet Flow pump is the next generation of aquarium air pumps, designed to include new features and a sleek, modern design. This device can support tanks up to 100 gallons, and it has a rubber base that is designed to stifle vibration and absorb sound. The result is an air pump that is virtually silent. The unit is vertically oriented, which prevents kinks from forming in the air lines.
It comes equipped with a specialized valve that checks for issues with the power system, and it prevents damage to the unit during electrical malfunction. The Aqueon has a simplistic design akin to a standing computer speaker, which allows it to seamlessly blend with many decor styles.
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5. Million Air Pump 400
The Million Air is a perfect example of an inexpensive home aquarium air pump that functions at a high level. The device is extremely quiet, and it uses very little energy, which makes it economical and unobtrusive. It has powerful air flow through dual output ports, and the air flow rate is fully adjustable. The Million Air is ideal for tanks between 30 and 50 gallons, which is the range for many homes tanks. This device is durable and long-lasting, providing your home aquarium with efficient and thorough aeration that is consistent and quiet.
It is small and easily fits in the palm of your hand, so it will sit out of sight and out of mind once it has been installed.
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6. bedee Mini Fish Air Pump for Aquarium Ultra Silent with Air Stone and Silicone Tube
The Bedee Air Pump is unique in this list, as it doesn’t use a traditional motor to work the pump and filter air. Instead, it is driven by a thin piezoelectric ceramic plate which allows this pump to work quietly under 35dBa. The eye-catching design clips onto the side of your fish tank and comes with air stone and silicone tube included.
It is exceptionally quiet and can easily fit in the palm of your hand. The bedee Mini Fish Air Pump has a flow rate of 450 ml/min and is perfect for small tanks between 1 – 15 gallon capacity. It comes with AC power adaptor, 3.6ft of tubing and compatible air stone, as well as a 12 month warranty.
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7. Penn-Plax Air-Pod Air Pump
The Penn-Plax Air-Pod is stylish and quiet, so it won’t detract from your decor when you add it to your tank or aquarium. It is made from durable materials that make it supremely dependable and long-lasting, and it can support tanks of to 55 gallons. The Air-Pod is designed in a pyramidal shape with rounded, smooth corners and edges, which melt away into the background.
It comes in white and has the Air-Pod logo adorned on the side, and it produces powerful aeration that you can count on. There are even repair kits available if there is a problem with your pump and you don’t want to go through the hassle of completely replacing it.
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8. Quiet One Lifegard Aquarium Pump
This powerful pump takes away the frills and bells of other models and focuses solely on high performance. It is compatible with both salt and fresh water, and it has an Eco-Sav design that allows less energy to be translated into more pumping power. It can pump a whopping 758 gallons per hour, making it more than powerful enough to handle even a 100-gallon tank.
It is so heavy-duty that it could be used to power an outdoor fountain, yet it remains as quiet as a mouse. The device is simple and industrial, but it performs at such a high rate, it doesn’t really matter what it looks like. The unit has a 6-foot power cord, so it can be installed just about anywhere.
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9. Penn Plax Air Pod Pump for 100 Gallon Aquariums APP6
This adjustable air pod pump from Penn Plax is powerful and quiet, and it requires low energy to perform at a high rate of return. Penn Plax are a Brooklyn based company, and have been around since 1956. The body of the unit is in the shape of a dome, which acts as a noise cancelling housing for quiet operation. When I say quiet, I mean less than 30dBa quiet. The device rests on rubber feet, which absorb sound and vibration while keeping the unit firmly in place. The motor is also suspended which allows for greater noise reduction too. It has two airflow outlets wiht adjustable air flow and can support tanks up to 100 gallons.
The power cord will easily reach a nearby wall outlet near your tank. The airflow rate is fully adjustable with a small toggle switch on the top casing of the device.
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10. HIRALIY Aquarium Air Pump with Dual Outlet Adjustable Air Valve, Ultra Silent
This small unit is great for aquariums and fish bowls up to 80 gallons in capacity. It measures 6.02 x 3.98 x 3.78 inches and weights just over 1lb. It has a simple design that allows it to blend in with most decors. The unit operates at between 20dB and 30 dB of volume depending on use. The silicone tube and 4 weighted air stone are built in to the the device, which is exceptionally convenient for those looking for a single purchase to fulfill their aquarium aeration needs. This device offers stable performance and durable, long-lasting strength.
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