If you're looking for a real air horn, not some weak stock replacement, you're probably wondering two things. How loud are they, and where can you get one that actually delivers? This guide covers both. We’ll break down how loud different horns are, what affects their volume, and what to look for when buying one.

How Loud Is an Air Horn?

Air horns are measured in decibels. A basic electric horn usually hits around 110 to 120 dB. That is louder than a stock horn and definitely grabs attention. If you want something that cuts through traffic or makes an impression at a show, you will want a complete horn kit with an air system. These typically fall between 140 and 150 dB.

The loudest horns available are the Nathan Airchime series. These are not replicas or knockoffs. They are the exact horns used on real locomotives and produce around 150 dB.

At HornBlasters, we carry horn kits that push those limits. Whether you are after attention on the road or want to make sure you are never ignored, we have options that deliver the sound and performance you need.

What Affects Loudness?

• Air Pressure
  The pressure stored in your air tank is one of the biggest factors in how loud your horn sounds. Our systems are designed to run at 150 PSI because that is the sweet spot for peak volume. Anything higher than 150 PSI starts to change the tone and can make the horn sound thinner or more high-pitched. Lower pressures will also reduce loudness.

• Horn Design
  The shape and length of a horn affect the tone and how far the sound travels. Longer horns with wider bells create deeper tones that feel louder and carry farther. Shorter horns may still be loud, but the tone is sharper and does not cut through as well.

• Valve Size
  The size of your air valve controls how fast air moves to the horn. A larger valve lets more air rush through instantly, which gives the horn a stronger honk. Smaller valves can restrict that airflow, weakening the sound even if you are running full pressure.

• Air Line and Fittings
  The diameter of your airline and the bends in the system also matter. Larger lines keep pressure strong and allow air to reach the horn faster. Too many tight bends or narrow lines can slow the air and lower the volume.

• Weather and Temperature
  Colder air is denser than warm air. That means in colder weather, your horn can actually sound louder and carry farther than it would on a hot day. It is a small difference, but it is real and worth noting if you are chasing maximum impact.

Types of Horns

Not all horns are built the same, and knowing the differences helps you figure out what fits your needs.

Electric Horns

These are the simplest option. They usually replace your stock horn using the same wiring, so install is fast and easy. You get a louder honk than factory, which is enough to get attention in traffic or cut through someone on their phone at a red light. They do not require an air system, so they are great for anyone who wants an upgrade without much effort. While they are louder than stock, they do not have the same deep tone or commanding presence that a complete horn kit can deliver.

Standard Air Horns

These run on compressed air and are powered by a small onboard air system. They deliver a louder and more aggressive tone than electric horns. What separates them from train horns isn’t the number of trumpets but the tone itself. Standard air horns usually have a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while train horns are tuned to produce that deep, authentic U.S. train chord. If you want more presence on the road without going all-in on a full air system, standard air horns are a strong middle-ground. They also work well on cars and smaller vehicles where space is limited.

Train Horns

Train horns use multiple trumpets, each tuned to the musical chords used on real freight trains in the United States. These systems are powered by a full air system that includes an air compressor and an air tank. The result is a deep, powerful honk that reaches up to 150 decibels and cuts through any background noise. If you want to be heard in traffic or turn heads at a show, this is the loudest and most commanding option available.

Where to Buy an Air Horn That Actually Delivers

There are a lot of places selling air horns, but most of them fall short. Big marketplaces are filled with cheap kits that look the part but don’t hold up. They might sound weak, fall apart under regular use, or just stop working altogether after a few months.

At HornBlasters, we build complete, high-performance horn kits that are made to last. Whether you’re looking for a compact electric horn or a complete train horn kit, we’ve got options for every vehicle and goal. Our kits include everything needed for the install. Such as the air tank, compressor, air line, fittings, wiring, valves, and mounting hardware.

We also back every kit with lifetime 24/7 customer support and an industry leading warranty. You’re not just buying a box of parts. You’re getting expert help before, during, and after your install.

What to Look for When Buying

Not all horn kits are built the same, and picking the right one depends on what you drive and what you want it to do. Here are a few things to think about before buying:

• Vehicle Fitment
  First, look at your available space. Some kits can tuck behind a bumper, inside a frame rail, or mount where the spare tire used to be. Others need more room. Train horn kits with larger tanks and compressors need space to mount everything securely.
• Your End Goal
  Are you looking for a safety upgrade that helps you be heard in traffic, or do you want something that’s going to shake the ground at a show? If your main goal is just a louder horn than stock, an electric or basic air horn kit will do the job. But if you want that deep, powerful tone that sounds like a freight train, you will need a full air system and a train horn.
• Air System Requirements
  Louder horns need more than just air. They need the right air system behind them. That means the right tank size, a compressor that can keep up, and valves that deliver air quickly when you hit the horn. We run most of our systems at 150 PSI because that is the sweet spot for peak loudness. Anything weaker won’t deliver the sound you are expecting, and going over 150 PSI can actually reduce the tone quality.
• Product Support
  This is often overlooked, but it makes a big difference. If you run into a problem during the install or need help troubleshooting down the road, it helps to buy from a company that actually answers their phone and knows their products. At HornBlasters, we offer lifetime 24/7 customer support. Whether you need wiring help, mounting advice, or a replacement part years later, we’ve got you covered.
• Proven Reliability
  Thousands of people run our kits every day in their cars, trucks, bikes, semis, and boats. Every product we sell has been tested and proven. We don’t just ship out parts and hope they work. We stand behind every kit with an industry leading warranty and a team ready to help if you ever need it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about upgrading your horn, don’t settle for something you’ll regret in a few months. Loudness matters—but so does build quality, support, and having the right parts for your ride. HornBlasters makes it easy to find the perfect setup, get it installed, and honk with confidence.