A comparative study of several equations of state (EOS) derived from the van der Waals theory was performed. The aim was to select the models able to represent PVT properties of hydrocarbons in large pressure and temperature ranges. 34 hydrocarbons of various sizes and structures were selected. Experimental data of vapor liquid equilibria (vapor pressures and liquid volumes) and PVT properties of compressed fluids were systematically compared with results obtained using selected EOS. It was shown that only the complex EOS (especially the COR equation) are able to represent volumetric properties in wide temperature and presssure ranges, the critical region included.