PVC vs Rubber vs Polyurethane Air Hose

An air hose is a flexible tube that is used to transport flow or air pressure. There are many types of air hoses; among them, PVC air hose, rubber air hose, and Polyurethane air hose are most popular.

Today we will compare these three types of air hoses: PVC vs Rubber vs Polyurethane air hose, and find out the best one that fits your needs.

PVC air hoses are made of stiff plastic with lighter weight but prone to crack. Rubber air hoses are made of flexible rubber with heavy weight with longer durability. On the other hand, Polyurethane air hoses are tackier and kick-resistant with good durability. 

In this article, we will find out the best air hose type for your needs. So, let’s read the article and find out your answer.

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What are PVC air hoses?

PVC air hoses are produced from Polyvinyl chloride materials and high tensile polyester reinforcement. PVC air hose is the most frequent and cost-effective solution for most air transmission applications. 

Because of their low weight, kink tolerance, and flexibility, PVC air hoses are extensively utilized in compressed air transmission, ventilation technology, pneumatic equipment, and other applications.

PVC air hoses also have the advantage of being available in a wide range of vibrant colors. To avoid tripping on the job site, use clear, red, green, blue, purple, yellow, or other recognized colors.

What I like:

• Its chemical resistance helps to stop corrosion and chemical stress cracking.
• Cheap price

What I don’t like:

• Doesn’t work well in cold weather

What are Rubber air hoses?

The main components of rubber air hoses are nitrile rubber and polyurethane. Working pressures for rubber air hoses range from 150 to 500 PSI. 

For its extreme pressure tolerance, it can be used in such applications where pressure is an important factor. Rubber air hose is available in a variety of diameters and colors.

What I like:

• High pressure tolerance.
• Very flexible.

What I don’t like:

• Heavy weight and expensive

What is a Polyurethane air hose?

Polyurethane air hoses have longer service time than other air hoses. It is made of both plastic and rubber. Its premium quality can maintain great flexibility even in colder weather. It has less user fatigue for its lightweight feature.

What I like:

• High temperature resistance
• Kick resistance

What I don’t like:

• It is tackier than other air hose 

See Vaccum Hose: Silicone vs Rubber Vacuum Hose

A quick comparison chart: PVC vs Rubber vs Polyurethane Air Hose

Basis of Comparison	PVC Air Hose	Rubber Air Hose	Polyurethane Air Hose
Material	Stiff plastic	Flexible rubber	Plastic and Rubber mix
Weight	Lightweight	Heavy weight	Lightweight
Durability	Moderate	Moderate	Excellent
Price	0.5$ to 0.6$ per ft	0.6$ to 0.8$ per ft	0.5$ to 0.7$ per ft
Dimension	3/8 inches	1/4 inches	1/4 inches
Corrosion Resistance	Medium	High	High
Temperature Tolerance	-7℃ and 65℃	-40°C to 75°C	-20℃ to 60℃
Pressure resistance	200 – 300 PSI	250 – 300 PSI	250 – 300 PSI
Reusability	Moderate	Excellent	Excellent

PVC vs Rubber vs Polyurethane Air Hose: Detailed key Differences

We have used all three types of air hoses and observed many users’ feedback on it to understand which one is best for what. Let’s talk about the differences.

• Durability:

In the matter of durability, Polyurethane Air Hose has the longest lifespan because it is composed of premium quality rubber and plastic mixture components. 

Our second consideration is rubber air hose in case of durability. Rubber air hoses can sustain in a remarkable time period and under a good amount of pressure. 

Our third competitor here is PVC air hose. It has considerable service time for general uses. But, it is more likely to break under a certain amount of pressure and get cracked, that’s why it has less durability than other two types of air hose.

• Flexibility:

PVC air hoses are not that flexible under all temperatures. They work well in hot temperatures like under sunlight, but in colder weather, they don’t work well. 

On the other hand, Rubber air hoses are more flexible under all temperatures. 

The Polyurethane air hose has considerable flexibility under all-weather, but sometimes it tends to be a bit tackier in low temperatures.

• Temperature Tolerance:

PVC air hose may be used in any temperature, cold or hot, but it kinks a little in the cold. 

Rubber air hoses are extremely temperature tolerant in a wide range of temperatures. They can work perfectly roughly in temperatures between -40°C to 75°C. 

For Polyurethane Air Hose, they are also a good temperature resistant type. They can operate perfectly between temperatures ‎-20℃ to 60℃.

• Ease of Use:

PVC air hose is best for moving works where Rubber air hose is best appropriate for static work; and, Polyurethane Air Hose is for both moving or static works.

• Weight:

Before purchasing an air hose you should also consider the weight of the hose type for better movement and management. PVC air hose is lightweight, Rubber air hose is heavier and Polyurethane Air Hose is between.

• Price: 

Price is an important factor for choosing an air hose for your work. PVC air hoses are cheaper than two other types of air hoses. They are around 0.5$ to 0.6$ per ft. 

Rubber hoses are costlier than PVC ones. Its price is around 0.6$ to 0.8$ per ft. 

And the Polyurethane Air Hose is also more costly than the PVC hose. This can cost around 0.5$ to 0.7$ per ft.

Video Review: PVC Air Hose vs Rubber Air Hose

Best PVC Air Hose

1. WYNNsky 3/8″ X 25ft PVC Air Compressor Hose Kit

This 3/8″ PVC air hose kit has a good quality ingredient for manufacture to ensure longer lifetime and its lightweight feature suits for any DIY works. 

With two-millimeter thickness and temperature resistance between -7℃ and 65℃, the air hose will fulfill your need with adorable durability.

2. Craftsman 50-ft L x 3/8 in. Dia. PVC Air Hose

This lightweight Air hose is suitable for regular duties for general-purpose tasks. Its good quality material reduces the chance of fatigue.

Its high-pressure resistance (around 300 PSI) protects it from fatigue and ensures long service time.

Best Rubber Air Hose

1. Estwing E1450PVCR 1/4″ x 50′ PVC / Rubber Hybrid Air Hose

This is made from the best quality PVC/Rubber Hybrid materials that makes it strong and flexible as Rubber and as light as PVC.

It is suitable for any weather and temperature between -40°C to 75°C. It can also take a lot of pressure up-to 300 PSI which adds more usability in pressure works.

2. Good Year 50′ x 3/8″ Rubber Air Hose Red

This C class oil resistant Rubber air hose is a great solution for an oily environment. Moreover, its National Pipe Thread Tapered (NPT) end fitting helps to connect/disconnect the hose quickly with ease. 

It lasts a long time because of its high-quality rubber and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber covering.

Best Polyurethane Air Hose

1. Primefit PU140502-B Reinforced Premium Polyurethane Air Hose

This Polyurethane Air Hose is unique for its lightweight and exceptional flexibility feature. It can even work fine in a significantly lower temperature and pressure. It can tolerate a maximum of 200 PSI pressure. 

In case of replacement or repair, it’s perfect hose end makes it possible to repair it without hassle.

2. WYNNsky Reinforced Polyurethane (PU) Air Hose

With 300 PSI  pressure tolerance and the finest hose end fitting makes this product is unique in the market. This item can be used in any workplace like home, office, shop house, construction site, and more without hesitation. 

Also, its anti-corroding hose end is better than steel or zinc that last a long time. It will guarantee a longer lifetime and the best service for you.

Let’s Learn more about Polyurethane Air Hose in this Video

Final Verdict:

I hope our comparison among PVC vs Rubber vs Polyurethane air hoses will help you to purchase the right product for your needs. If you are going to use the air hose for normal work at home then you go for the PVC air hose. They are cheaper in price and fit for your home work. 

If you are in outdoor work and need to move the air hose more frequently then the Rubber hose is your best option. Finally, if you have heavy work, where there is a lot of pressure and movement then go for the Polyurethane air hoses without hesitation.