The compressor includes a cylindrical housing (1), in the bore of which moves a piston (3) whose periphery is adjusted with little play in the cylinder (1). The end (5) of the piston (3) includes a gas inlet (6) and supports two spherical joints (7) as well as connecting rods (8, 8') which are symmetrical in relation to the axis of the piston (3). The connecting rods (8, 8') pass with play through a transverse wall (11) of the housing (1) and are driven by a mechanical member (13), which includes a mobile component (14) having a rectilinear reciprocating movement, and by a compensator (15). The connecting rods (8, 8') are connected to the compensator (15) by means of ball joints (16, 16') and the compensator (15) is connected by a ball sorbet joint (17) to the mobile component (14). Application: in the manufacture of piston-cylinder machines, in which the piston is driven in a relative reciprocating movement without radial load transmission.