Best Portable Air Conditioners

As temperatures continue to rise and traditional cooling solutions aren’t always feasible, portable air conditioners have become an increasingly popular choice for maintaining comfort in our living spaces. Whether you’re renting an apartment that doesn’t allow window units, need to cool a room without central air, or simply want the flexibility to move your cooling system from room to room, a portable AC unit could be the perfect solution. With numerous models on the market offering various features and capabilities, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the top portable air conditioners available today, considering factors like cooling capacity, energy efficiency, noise levels, and value for money, to help you make an informed decision that will keep you cool and comfortable all summer long.

Top 5 Portable Air Conditioners

1. BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT – Best Portable Air Conditioner Overall

 

 

Want to turn that sweltering sunroom into an inviting oasis? Enter: The Black+Decker portable air conditioner — a tiny powerhouse that scoffs at the stifling summer heat. Imagine if your sunroom had decided to live in the oven with all the doors and windows open, but has to wait until the sun goes for a dip before it becomes a sauna. But fear not! After only 30 minutes of this bad boy being plugged in, it cools the room from a sweaty muggy 80° down to a nice chill 72° — yes, finally, hangouts without leaving a puddle of sweat!

Not only does this unit cool like a champ, it also works as a pro when it comes to humidity, blowing away that sticky air that makes you feel like you’re walking through a swamp. And while it does its thing, it stays quiet, too — hovering in the neighborhood of 54 decibels, which is about the same as a quiet fridge hum, moving through your conversations without interrupting.

Measuring a compact 14×16. 5×27 inches, so it’ll tuck neatly into your corner without claiming valuable space. Sure, you’ll probably have to make some custom cuts to accommodate your window, but don’t sweat it — it comes with everything you need. Combined with a nifty slide-out filter, self-evaporation feature and multiple modes, you’re good to beat the heat or the chills all year round.

So, go ahead, kick back and let this AC unit be your summer hero. Your sunroom is going to be the coolest room in the house!

 

2. Midea Duo Smart Inverter – Best Splurge Portable Air Conditioner

 

 

If you’re searching for an air conditioner that won’t just chill your digs but also do so in near-complete silence, let me recommend this wonder from Midea with a dual hose. It’s the ninja of portable ACs—efficient, quiet, and oh-so-sneaky at only 42 decibels. Even at its loudest, it won’t break your calm — it tops out at a paltry 56 decibels. Just right for those come-hither nights, or for soothing your wee one’s fragile psyche.

Now, what makes Midea stand out from the competition? Dual-hose system, sure, but Midea takes it a step further with a hose-in-hose design that carefully sends outdoor heat right back outside, as it should be. You could call it a citadel against the burning sun!

And let’s get techy briefly: you can now call for Alexa or Google Assistant to change settings—who doesn’t want a word or two to control their climate? If voice commands aren’t for you, no biggie; the remote is your reliable partner-in-crime. Just don’t freak out when fingerprints begin to dance all over that shiny surface — it’s a small price to pay for awesome cooling.

It cools spaces up to 550 square feet to keep you chill all summer long. So, go on, treat yourself — a chilled summer is on the way!

 

3. Whynter ARC-14S – Best Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner

 

 

You have choices when it comes to portable air conditioners. But for a second let’s take about dual-hose models – which are the overachievers of the portable AC world. The Whynter Portable Air Conditioner, for instance. It’s like your cool friend, who draws not only new air but knows how to put hot air out with a second hose. Yeah, this bad boy does take up more space and it might take a bit of a bite out of your budget, but isn’t comfort worth it?

The Whynter ARC-14S is what you need to conquer sweltering summer days. This space heater packs a serious punch with 14,000 BTUs of cooling power — perfect for living rooms, small apartments, or anywhere up to 500 square feet. You can choose your level of chill, from 61 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, easily, then adjust everything from three fan speeds to a 24-hour timer — all from the cozy spot on the couch with the remote in hand.

But wait, there’s more! Enjoy clean, fresh air as if you’re basking in a mountain breeze, thanks to a washable pre-filter and activated carbon filter. And since this unit is efficiency-minded, you’ll only empty the drip tank when humidity overshoots 70%. Tipping the scales at 73 pounds, it rolls around nicely on its four wheels, so moving it? A cinch. Just be sure to throw on a protective cover when winter rolls around, keeping dust at bay. So go on and have yourself a mellow summer!

 

4. BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT – Best Portable Air Conditioner for Apartments

 

 

Say hello to the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT, your new summer heat fightin’ best friend! This nifty 8,000-BTU portable air conditioner is just right for your comfy bedroom or that quaint studio apartment in which you reside. We know you’re sick of feeling like you’re in a sauna; this little gem will keep you cool and collected — literally.

You’ll appreciate it’s calmer than your neighbor’s relentless after-hours karaoke parties. At only 53 pounds, it’s light enough to move around, so you can easily pursue the sun. Just remember, though, while it’s really cute, it’s not a miracle worker; rooms bigger than 350 square feet may find it a little out of its depth, like you at the last family reunion.

But hold onto your remote! At a reasonably priced point for such cool air, this unit has easy-to-use features, including a remote handy for adjusting cooling while you lounge on your couch. Oh, and let’s just gloss over that washable air filter, which slides right on out for keeping the air breezy without working up a sweat.

So, if you’re ready to have your summer fun without smoldering into a puddle, the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT is the all-person air conditioning unit of your dreams—one cooling breeze at a time. Go ahead, embrace the chill! It’s the gift your future self will appreciate.

 

5. SereneLife SLPAC10 – Best Budget Portable Air Conditioner

 

 

Enter the SereneLife SLPAC10, your new summer sidekick that’s focused on breezy good times without blowing up your bank account. At a pricepoint that is about half what some other high-end units cost, you might be asking yourself what’s the catch. Spoiler alert: there’s not! This little darling is easy to set up, with a window kit that expands like a magician’s trick. No kidding, you could have it chilling down your space in five minutes flat, just get a few basic hand tools and get to work.

At 52 pounds, the SLPAC10 is somewhat on the light side, which means you’ll want to show it off. Moving it between floors? A walk in the park! Best of all: It glides easily over any surface: hardwood, carpet, you name it. And if you need to cool down, it can cool a mid-sized room down by about 6.3 degrees in just an hour. Not too shabby, right?

But there’s one elephant in the room before you break out the incense and throw a cooling party — this unit is quite a chatterbox. At 61 decibels, it’s not a whisperer. It’s also slightly lower down on the BTU scale at 10,000, so it’s not going to dethrone the king-size 14,000 BTU units. But if you want something that gives you jerky that is easy to use and really portable, be prepared to welcome the chill!

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Portable Air Conditioner:

Just because portable air conditioners offer a convenient way to cool your space doesn’t mean all models are created equal. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to consider various factors that impact performance, efficiency, and suitability for your particular needs. From room size and cooling capacity to energy efficiency ratings and noise levels, understanding these elements will help you choose the ideal portable air conditioner that enhances your comfort while fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers, or swamp coolers, function by drawing warm air through water-saturated pads. As the air passes through, moisture evaporates, effectively cooling the air before it circulates into your home. These units are particularly effective in dry climates, where humidity is low.

It’s worth noting that evaporative coolers work best when outdoor humidity levels are low. They not only provide cooling but also add moisture to the air, which can be beneficial for your respiratory health. However, if you live in a humid area, you might find these units less effective, as they can make your space feel increasingly muggy. Understanding where and how you plan to use your portable air conditioner will greatly influence your decision.

Room Size and BTU Rating

Consider the size of the room where you plan to use the air conditioner. You’ll need to select a unit with an appropriate BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating based on the square footage to cool your space effectively.

Energy Efficiency and Ratings

With energy costs constantly on the rise, choosing an air conditioner with high energy efficiency ratings can save you money in the long run.

Factors such as the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) provide important insights into how much cooling you can expect per unit of energy consumed. A higher rating indicates a more efficient unit, which translates to lower electricity bills. Furthermore, many modern portable air conditioners are designed to be eco-friendly, incorporating features that reduce energy consumption, making them a smart investment for both your wallet and the planet.

Noise Levels

Even the best portable air conditioners can produce noise, which can be a concern, especially if you plan to use it in your bedroom or a quiet office. Look for units that have a lower decibel rating for quieter operation, as some models have noise-reducing features that can make them more suitable for nighttime use.

Maintenance Requirements

Units vary in their maintenance needs, so understanding these requirements can save you time and hassle. Choose a unit with easily accessible filters that you can clean or replace frequently to ensure optimal performance.

Noise can also be impacted by how well you maintain your unit. Regular cleaning of the filter and drain will help it operate efficiently and quietly. Neglecting maintenance can lead to increased noise levels and less effective cooling. Some models even come with self-evaporative systems that reduce the amount of manual maintenance required, making them more convenient for your lifestyle.

Check for Warranty and Support

StepbyStep, ensuring a product’s warranty and customer support availability can give you peace of mind, especially with complex appliances like portable air conditioners.

Another important factor to consider is the manufacturer’s warranty and customer support options. Look for an air conditioner that offers a lengthy warranty period, which reflects the brand’s commitment to quality. Read the terms and conditions thoroughly to understand coverage specifics, and check if the brand provides accessible customer support for service inquiries or issues that may arise after purchase.

Summing up

Ultimately, before you invest in a portable air conditioner, you should assess your space requirements, energy efficiency ratings, noise levels, and cooling capacity to ensure it meets your needs. Consider factors such as the unit’s portability, maintenance requirements, and budget to make an informed decision. By weighing these considerations, you can select the best air conditioner that provides comfort while fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle.