Nobody wants to feel uncomfortably hot in their own home. If you need a way to cool down your house in the areas you need it most during the hot summer months, a portable air conditioner can be an excellent solution. Our guide can help you navigate the many options to help you find the best portable air conditioner for your needs.
Source: which.co.uk
Buying Guide
There are many portable air conditioners on the market made in different sizes and for different budgets and needs. Here are a few tips to consider before you purchase:
- How portable air conditioners work: A portable air conditioner has a hose that vents outside rather than sitting in a window to allow you to move it inside a room within reach of the hose length.
- Considerations to make when purchasing: These air conditioners can be convenient for some, but they also aren’t always very portable. They typically weigh at least 50 pounds, and their movement is limited by the venting hose.
- Available draining systems: Most portable air conditioners have an exhaust system that removes water through evaporation. In cases of high humidity, it might become necessary to manually drain the storage tank.
- Why portable air conditioners are noisy: Because a portable air conditioner sits inside a room, it seems noisier than a window unit, whose cooling components sit outside your window.
- BTUs and what they mean: Air conditioning energy is measured by the British Thermal Unit (BTU). The higher the BTU, the more area an air conditioner can cool, but higher BTU units are often more expensive. In general, look for 20 BTU per square foot of the area you want to cool.
Buying Recommendations
Recommendations
Best Premium
for Small Rooms
Mid-Size Rooms
for Large Rooms
Size
18.1 x 15.2 x 29.3 in
17.1 x 13 x 29.1 inches
16 x 19 x 35.5 in
17.9 x 15 x 30.7 in
BTU
14,000
8,000
14,000
14,000
Square Feet of Coverage
550 to 700
Up to 100
Up to 500
450 to 600
Warranty
1 year limited
1 year parts and labor
1 year limited, 3 years for compressor
2 years
Best Premium
Recommendations
Size
18.1 x 15.2 x 29.3 in
BTU
14,000
Square Feet of Coverage
550 to 700
Warranty
1 year limited
for Small Rooms
Recommendations
Size
17.1 x 13 x 29.1 inches
BTU
8,000
Square Feet of Coverage
Up to 100
Warranty
1 year parts and labor
Mid-Size Rooms
Recommendations
Size
16 x 19 x 35.5 in
BTU
14,000
Square Feet of Coverage
Up to 500
Warranty
1 year limited, 3 years for compressor
for Large Rooms
Recommendations
Size
17.9 x 15 x 30.7 in
BTU
14,000
Square Feet of Coverage
450 to 600
Warranty
2 years
Budget Portable Air Conditioners
Save money with these budget-friendly portable air conditioner options.
1. Shinco Portable Air Conditioner – Editor’s Pick
The Shinco Portable Air Conditioner is our top budget good choice for smaller rooms because of its simplicity to set up and multiple operation modes.
Specs
Size: 14.5 x 13.8 x 27.2 inches
BTU: 8,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 200
Warranty: 1 year
BTU: 8,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 200
Warranty: 1 year
What we like about it
- Multiple modes
- Choice between Fahrenheit and Centigrade
- Sleep mode
- Two fan settings
Drawbacks
- Low dehumidifying capacity
- Remote needs to point directly toward unit
2. BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner
Specs
Size: 16.5 x 11.5 x 26 inches
BTU: 8,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 150
Warranty: 2 years limited
BTU: 8,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 150
Warranty: 2 years limited
What we like about it
- Easy-to-clean filter
- Includes window kit
- Ventable through another room, if necessary
- Carry handles
Drawbacks
- Short exhaust hose
- No removable drain pan
Sale
Black + Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner, 8,000 BTU
- QUIET & POWERFUL - Our 5,000 BTU DOE (8,000 BTU ASHRAE) compact air conditioner (16.5 x 11.5 x 26 in,) will keep you cool and comfortable all summer. An adjustable fan speed cools the air to 65°F at the coolest setting. Sleep mode makes it extra quiet while you rest
- PERFECT FOR SMALL ROOMS - This floor-standing portable AC unit provides steady, fast, effective cooling for rooms up to 150 sq. ft. It’s the ideal small air conditioner for dorms, apartments, cabins, campers, offices, bedrooms, or living rooms
- SIMPLE & QUICK TO INSTALL – Just wheel this portable air conditioner into any room with a double hung or sliding window. Attach the included hose (4’ 11”) & window adapter, & plug it in to an outlet! At the end of the season, just unhook & store
Premium Portable Air Conditioners
These premium portable air conditioners are our top picks for people with higher budgets who want a few more bells and whistles.
1. Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner – Editor’s Pick
With its easy installation, quick-wash filter, and fan and dehumidifier modes, the Honeywell MN14CCS Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier is our top premium pick.
Specs
Size: 18.1 x 15.2 x 29.3 in
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: 550 to 700
Warranty: 1 year limited
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: 550 to 700
Warranty: 1 year limited
What we like about it
- Dual dust filtration
- Quiet for its size
- Rollable unit for portability
- Bucket-less evaporation draining system
Drawbacks
- Heavy and large
Honeywell MN14CCS Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier, Fan with Remote Control & Advanced LCD Display cools Rooms Up To 550-700 Sq. Ft, Black/Silver
- Designed for comfort with 3 fan speeds, digital controls and an advanced LCD display, 24 hour energy saving timer & remote control | 14,000 BTU Cools rooms up to 700 sq. ft.
- Product Dimensions – 18.1" L x 15.2" W x 29.3" H | Exhaust hose length – 12” to 47”, diameter – 5” | Temperature range – 61ᵒ F to 89ᵒ F | Removes up to – 95 pints/day | Noise rating – 53 dB | Window bracket width – Min. 20” to 47” | CFM – 194
- Filter cleans easily under a faucet for easy maintenance | Full set window kit included for quick & easy installation for vertical and horizontal windows
2. EdgeStar Portable Air Conditioner and Heater
Specs
Size: 15.75 x 18.88 x 35.25 in
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 525
Warranty: 1 year
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 525
Warranty: 1 year
What we like about it
- Dual-hose operation
- 24-hour programmable timer
- Year-round capability
- 3 fan speeds
Drawbacks
- Bulky and heavy
- Needs to be drained frequently in humidity
EdgeStar 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner & Heater
- 400 - 525 sq. ft. ideal room size (depends on heat load)
- Window kit (34" max) with extendable exhaust hose up to 49" included
- Maximum noise level: <56dB, 24 hour programmable timer; Dimensions: 35" H x 18.75" W x 15.75" D
Portable Air Conditioners for Small Rooms
These portable air conditioners for small rooms can ensure that you’re not wasting energy with too much cooling power.
1. Midea Portable Air Conditioner – Editor’s Pick
The MIDEA MPF08CR81-E Portable Air Conditioner comes with excellent customer reviews and reliable cooling to make it our top pick for small rooms.
Specs
Size: 17.1 x 13 x 29.1 inches
BTU: 8,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 100
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
BTU: 8,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 100
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
What we like about it
- Fan and dehumidifying functions
- Wide temperature range from 62 to 90°F
- Adjustable window bracket
Drawbacks
- Very short hose
- Loud for its size
MIDEA MPF08CR81-E Portable, 8,000 btu, White
- EASYCOOL: The Midea Portable Air Conditioner, ASHRAE rating 8, 000 BTU (4000 BTU 2017 SACC standard) delivers fast, effective cooling for spaces Up to 100 Sq. Ft while simultaneously providing fan and dehumidification functions in any home, bedroom, office or cabin; creating a relaxing and comfortable environment.
- EFFORTLESS OPERATION: Enjoy the simplicity and comfort of digital controls. The portable AC features an easy-to-read LED display and includes a compact remote control (batteries included) to easily set the time, temperature, and mode, from across the room. Its 24-hour adjustable timer can cool a room to a temperature between 62°F-90°F and has 3 modes to choose from - cooling, dehumidification, fan only.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Roll your air conditioner to the preferred cooling area, attach the 5ft hose and adjustable window brackets (fits openings from 26. 5-48“), turn the unit on and let your cooling begin! An exhaust hose and window kit are included, no extra tools are needed for assembly. Installation instructions are simple and can be done by anyone.
2. LG Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control
Specs
Size: 23.7 x 18.7 x 16 inches
BTU: 8,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 150
Warranty: 1 year limited
BTU: 8,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 150
Warranty: 1 year limited
What we like about it
- Includes window installation kit
- Easy to install and set up
- Energy-saving mode
Drawbacks
- Low water storage capacity
LG LP0817WSR 8,000 BTU White Portable Air Conditioner - Rooms up to 200 Sq. Ft
- COOLS UP TO 200 square feet.: Stay cool and comfortable when Mother Nature turns up the heat! This 8,000 BTU (5,500 BTU – DOE) portable air conditioner can cool rooms up to 200 square feet (10’x20’ room size).
- OSCILLATING AIR DISCHARGE: Inclined top air discharge swings up and down to sweep air evenly throughout the room, eliminating hot spots. Oscillation feature can be turned off using remote control.
- INSTALLATION KIT INCLUDED: Slide-together window bracket has click-lock connection point for exhaust hose. Other end of exhaust hose slides securely into place on the back of the air conditioner. Installation kit fits vertical and horizontal windows from 18” to 50”. Detailed installation instructions included.
Portable Air Conditioners for Mid-Size Rooms
Mid-size rooms up to 500 square feet should cool well with these best portable air conditioners.
1. Whytner Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner – Editor’s Pick
The Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner sits at the top of our list for mid-size room picks for its ability to cool a room reliably while keeping the air clean.
Specs
Size: 16 x 19 x 35.5 in
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 500
Warranty: 1 year limited, 3 years for compressor
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 500
Warranty: 1 year limited, 3 years for compressor
What we like about it
- Hose stretches up to 5 feet
- Eco-friendly refrigerant
- 24-hour programmable timer
Drawbacks
- Instructions are lacking
- Installation can be challenging
Sale
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan with Activated Carbon Filter Plus Storage Bag for Rooms up to 500 sq ft, Platinum and Black
- 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 9,500 BTU (SACC) cooling capacity
- Award Winning: 1. Good Housekeeping's "2020 Best Overall" and "can cool down a room faster than other portable units" 2. Consumer Report's 2020 Highest Score; UL listed
- Dual hose operation; Cools up to a 500 square feet space(ambient temperature and humidity may influence optimum performance); Dehumidifying capacity: 71 pints per day; Air Flow (at high speed): 430 m3/h / 253 CFM; 3 fan speeds
2. SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner
Specs
Size: 17.4 x 13.4 x 32.1 inches
BTU: 10,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 350
Warranty: 1 year
BTU: 10,000
Square Feet of Coverage: Up to 350
Warranty: 1 year
What we like about it
- Low-noise operation
- Remote control included
- Removes 1.8 L of water per hour
Drawbacks
- Weight can make manual draining cumbersome
SereneLife SLPAC Portable Air Conditioner, 10,000 BTU + HEAT, White
- HANDY AND PORTABLE: The Serene Life Portable Air Conditioner System features a lightweight, handy, sleek body design intended to be used in the bedroom, living room, or garage at home or office. It features rolling wheels for easy portability
- BUILT-IN DEHUMIDIFIER: You don’t only get the cooling effect of the portable AC, but it also helps reduce humidity levels, acts as purifier which makes your home less hospitable to allergens such as dust mites, mold, and mildew by selecting dehumidifier mode.Wipe with soft semi-dry cloth
- 4 OPERATING MODES: The compact floor AC indoor cooler conditioning unit features a simple electric plug in operation and has 4 modes - cooling, heating, dehumidifier, and fan. Also features automatic swing mode w/ moving wind vent for maximum air circulation
Portable Air Conditioners for Large Rooms
Your large room may benefit from having one of these top portable air conditioner picks in place.
1. hOmeLabs Portable Air Conditioner – Editor’s Pick
This 14,000 BTU portable AC unit from hOmeLabs is a winner in our book, thanks to its quiet and energy-efficient operation for a unit with its power.
Specs
Size: 17.9 x 15 x 30.7 in
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: 450 to 600
Warranty: 2 years
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: 450 to 600
Warranty: 2 years
What we like about it
- Includes foam window seals
- Removable and washable filter
- Large 100-pint dehumidifying capacity
- Long warranty
Drawbacks
- Low fan speed
- Weak remote signal
hOmelabs Portable Air Conditioner - 14000 BTU Quiet AC with Removable Washable Filter - Cooling Fan with Remote Control, LED Control Panel, Indicator Lights and Wheels for Easy Mobility
- PORTABLE, QUIET ENERGY-EFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONER - Experience a cool and relaxing day at home with the hOmelabs portable air conditioner. It cools quietly and is perfect for 450 to 600 square feet room with horizontal window opening. Equipped with an automatic vertical swing function that evenly distributes airflow throughout the room
- EASY TO INSTALL, NO HEAVY WINDOW UNIT TO LIFT - Our portable AC measures 17.9 x 15 x 30.7 inches and has wheels so it can be easily moved to any room that has a window accessible. Simply attach the hose and the window slide adapter, plug in the power supply and you’re good to go. Most customers are able to install in 8 minutes or less. At the end of a season or when you don’t need it, simply unhook the unit and store in your closet, basement or garage
- WASHABLE AIR FILTER AND REMOTE CONTROL - Keep your air clean and your portable AC running efficiently with the included washable filter. The filter indicator light will illuminate to remind you when to clean the air filter. We recommend you clean the filter approximately once every two weeks. The unit also comes with a remote control to quickly set your desired temperature, fan speed, change cooling modes or activate the sleep feature
2. Della Portable Air Conditioner
This 14,000 BTU portable AC unit from hOmeLabs is a winner in our book, thanks to its quiet and energy-efficient operation for a unit with its power.
Specs
Size: 16 x 13.5 x 29 inches
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: 550 to 700
Warranty: None
BTU: 14,000
Square Feet of Coverage: 550 to 700
Warranty: None
What we like about it
- Low-noise unit
- Cools quickly
- Holds up to 111 pints of water
- 24-hour programmable timer
Drawbacks
- No warranty
- Heavy
Portable Air Conditioners for Cars
If your car air conditioner isn’t working properly, you might consider trying one of these small, portable units.
1. Silini Mini Air Conditioner – Editor’s Pick
If you have a USB port in your car, you can plug in this mini air conditioning unit to cool off your interior fast.
Specs
Size: 8.7 x 7.2 x 6.4 inches
BTU: N/A
Square Feet of Coverage: N/A
Warranty: None
BTU: N/A
Square Feet of Coverage: N/A
Warranty: None
What we like about it
- 3 fan speeds
- Offers up to 8 hours of cooling
- Strong cooling power
- Powered by USB
Drawbacks
- Needs to be kept on a flat and steady surface
2. Palmer Air Conditioner
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Specs
Size: 7.6 x 6.8 x 6.8 inches
BTU: N/A
Square Feet of Coverage: 180 cm cooling distance
Warranty: None
BTU: N/A
Square Feet of Coverage: 180 cm cooling distance
Warranty: None
What we like about it
- Rechargeable battery or USB power
- Up to 8 hours of cooling
- Quiet operation
Drawbacks
- Short range of cooling
Portable Air Conditioners for Camping
When you’re a camper on the go, these portable air conditioner units can keep you conveniently cool.
1. Scinex Personal Air Cooler – Editor’s Pick
This small air conditioning unit by Scinex is our top pick for a lightweight, portable option for personal use while camping.
Specs
Size: 8.7 x 8 x 7.9 inches
BTU: N/A
Square Feet of Coverage: N/A
Warranty: 1 year
BTU: N/A
Square Feet of Coverage: N/A
Warranty: 1 year
What we like about it
- Built-in night light
- Fan and AC modes
- Easy and quick charging
Drawbacks
- Takes about 20 minutes to cool off a small area
Scinex Personal Air Cooler - Personal Air Conditioner for Office Desk, Small Portable AC Air Conditioner - Mini Air Conditioner Room Cooler with Built-In LED Night Light
- ✅BREATHE DEEP & FEEL REFRESHED: Let this portable AC unit turn your warm personal space into a cooler and more refreshing atmosphere. Enjoy a healthier room environment with cool and humidified air produced in no time. This mini ac performs best within 6 feet distance.
- ✅EASY TO USE & CONVENIENT: All you have to do is add water into the tank of this desktop air cooler, plug it into USB port or power bank and TURN ON. Fill the built-in water tank once and it will last up to 8 hours. We recommend ice water for a cooler effect.
- ✅ CREATE AN INSPIRING ATMOSPHERE: Relax, read a book or spice up the friendly gathering! Set the mood thanks to the air cooler LED night light that produces 7 amazing colors to suit your different needs.
2. Zero Breeze Portable Conditioner
Specs
Size: 18 x 11 x 7.5 inches
BTU: 1,100
Square Feet of Coverage: 50
Warranty: 1 year
BTU: 1,100
Square Feet of Coverage: 50
Warranty: 1 year
What we like about it
- Waterproof exterior
- Lightweight
- Multiple power options, like a car adapter or standard wall outlet
Drawbacks
- Slow cooling
Zero Breeze Z19-B Portable Air Conditioner for Camping, 5-in-1 Multi Functions, Suit for 1-4 Person Tent, RV, Van, Truck and Outdoors, Without Battery (Blue)
- OUTDOOR AIR CONDITIONER PIONEER: Zero Breeze is the first outdoor air conditioner manufacturer in the world. The newest launched model Z19, has been upgraded on the basis of the feedback from first thousands of users around the world. Built in with a 1100 BTU patented micro compressor, excellent to drop down the temperature from 90℉ to 72℉ in a 50 sq.ft closed tent. That will be more stable and efficient.
- 5-in-1 DESIGNED FOR THE OUTDOOR LOVERS: Most of the portable air conditioners in the market are designed for indoor. We designed with those enjoying spending time outdoors in mind. Achieves 5-in-1 features from the air conditioner, fan, USB charging station, Bluetooth music player, and LED lighting. Perfect to meet many demands outdoor.
- SUPER EASY TO CARRY AND USE: Z19 is only 12.8 LBS and the 1/5 size of the usual portable ac. It's really handy to carry on. Hassle free to load in the car trunk and take little space to storage. 4 steps quick installation: snap the exhaust hose and drain hose into the corresponding port, then insert the power cord, that’s all.
Final Thoughts
The best portable air conditioners can be an excellent option for you if you want to save a little money on a unit while still keeping hot rooms cool during the warmest months. These units tend to be a bit noisier than window AC units, though, so keep that in mind when you consider where you want to place one. We hope that our recommendations above help you find the best portable AC for your needs.
Last update on 2021-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
