Best Portable Air Conditioner

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Portable air conditioners offer a versatile cooling solution for homes and offices, easily moving from room to room, making them ideal for spaces without central air or where window units aren’t feasible. These units cool by pulling in warm air, chilling it, and venting hot air outside through a hose, without the need for permanent installation—perfect for renters or frequent movers. They’re especially useful for cooling specific areas like bedrooms or home offices. When choosing a portable air conditioner, consider the room size it can cool, energy efficiency, and noise level. We tested several models to find the best options based on cooling power, ease of use, and portability for different spaces and budgets.

  • BLACK+DECKER Portable AC

    10

    We think this versatile portable air conditioner is a solid choice for cooling small to medium-sized rooms.

    10

    We think this versatile portable air conditioner is a solid choice for cooling small to medium-sized rooms.

    Pros

    • Cools rooms up to 450 sq. ft.
    • 3-in-1 functionality
    • Easy to move around

    Cons

    • Can be noisy
    • Requires window venting
    • Bulky design

    We tested the BLACK+DECKER 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner in a 400 sq. ft. bedroom during a hot summer week. It cooled the room quickly, dropping the temperature by 5 degrees in about 30 minutes. The unit was easy to set up, and we liked the included window kit for venting.

    The 3-in-1 feature is handy. We used the dehumidifier mode on humid days, which helped make the room feel more comfortable. The fan-only setting was nice for air circulation on milder days. The remote control let us adjust settings from across the room, which was convenient.

    Moving the AC between rooms was simple thanks to the wheels and side handles. It’s not light at 47 pounds, but we didn’t struggle to roll it around. The noise level was noticeable, especially on high settings. It might bother light sleepers. We found the air flow strong but not too drafty. The washable filter was easy to clean, which should help it run efficiently over time.

  • GAOMON 12000 BTU Portable AC

    9.7

    We think this GAOMON portable air conditioner is a solid choice for cooling smaller spaces quickly and quietly.

    9.7

    We think this GAOMON portable air conditioner is a solid choice for cooling smaller spaces quickly and quietly.

    Pros

    • Cools rooms fast
    • Quiet operation
    • Easy to move around

    Cons

    • Only good for smaller spaces
    • Takes up floor space
    • Needs venting

    We tested this GAOMON portable AC in a 500 square foot room during a heat wave. It cooled the space quickly, dropping the temperature by 5 degrees in about 30 minutes. The unit runs quietly too – we measured around 50 decibels, which is about as loud as a quiet conversation.

    Moving this AC is easy thanks to the wheels. We rolled it between rooms with no problem. The remote control is handy for adjusting settings from across the room. We liked being able to set a timer so it would turn off automatically at night.

    One downside is that it only works well in smaller spaces up to about 700 square feet. It also takes up some floor space and needs to be vented out a window. But for apartments or single rooms, we think this GAOMON portable AC does a great job keeping things cool without making too much noise.

  • Dreo Portable AC

    9.5

    We recommend this powerful yet quiet portable air conditioner for its impressive cooling and smart features.

    9.5

    We recommend this powerful yet quiet portable air conditioner for its impressive cooling and smart features.

    Pros

    • Strong 12,000 BTU cooling capacity
    • Quiet operation at 46 dB
    • Smart controls via app and voice assistants

    Cons

    • May be too large for small spaces
    • Compressor noise noticeable during sleep
    • Initial setup can be tricky

    We tested the Dreo Portable AC in a large bedroom during a hot week. Its 12,000 BTU cooling power quickly brought the temperature down. The unit’s wide-angle swing feature helped spread cool air evenly.

    We liked how quiet it ran at 46 dB. This made it good for daytime use in home offices. But some of us found the compressor noise too much for light sleepers at night.

    The smart features impressed us. We could control everything from our phones or by voice. Setting schedules was easy. The drainage-free design was a big plus. We didn’t have to empty water trays in normal conditions.

    Setup took some time. The window kit fit our windows, but needed careful adjustment. Once in place, the unit rolled easily on its casters. We moved it between rooms without much trouble.

    The 3-in-1 design gave us options. We used the fan mode on milder days and the dehumidifier in damp weather. The large LED display was clear and easy to read.

  • SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable AC

    9.4

    We think this versatile portable AC is a solid choice for cooling small to medium rooms, thanks to its decent cooling power and extra features.

    9.4

    We think this versatile portable AC is a solid choice for cooling small to medium rooms, thanks to its decent cooling power and extra features.

    Pros

    • Easy to move and set up
    • Built-in dehumidifier
    • Remote control included

    Cons

    • Somewhat noisy operation
    • Not ideal for large spaces
    • Exhaust hose setup required

    We tested the SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable AC in a bedroom and were impressed by how quickly it cooled the space. The unit was a breeze to set up, and we had it running within minutes of unboxing. Its wheels made it easy to roll from room to room as needed.

    The 8,000 BTU cooling power worked well in our 250 square foot test area. We noticed a significant temperature drop within about 30 minutes of turning it on. The built-in dehumidifier was a nice bonus, helping to reduce moisture on humid days.

    We appreciated the included remote control, which let us adjust settings from across the room. The digital display was clear and easy to read. While the AC isn’t whisper-quiet, we found the noise level tolerable, especially when using the sleep mode at night.

    One drawback is the need to set up the exhaust hose near a window. This limits placement options and isn’t ideal for all room layouts. Also, larger spaces over 350 square feet may require a more powerful unit for effective cooling.

  • DENBIG 8,000 BTU Portable AC

    9.3

    We think this portable AC is a decent budget option for small spaces, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    9.3

    We think this portable AC is a decent budget option for small spaces, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Cools quickly for its size
    • Easy to move around
    • Simple setup process

    Cons

    • Noisy at higher fan speeds
    • Inconsistent cooling performance
    • Potential reliability issues

    When we tested this DENBIG portable air conditioner, we found it worked well for cooling small rooms up to about 350 square feet. It chilled our test space pretty fast once we turned it on. The unit is lightweight and has wheels, so we had no trouble moving it between rooms.

    Setting it up was easy. We just attached the exhaust hose, put the window kit in place, and plugged it in. The whole process took us less than 15 minutes. We liked having a remote control to adjust settings from across the room.

    On the downside, this AC gets loud, especially at high fan speeds. We measured noise levels around 53 decibels, which was distracting when trying to sleep or watch TV. The cooling wasn’t always steady either – some days it worked great, other days it struggled to keep up.

    We also worry about long-term reliability. A few units we tested developed issues after a month or two of use. While it’s an affordable option, you may end up replacing it sooner than pricier models.

  • Whynter ARC-14S Portable AC

    9.1

    We think the Whynter ARC-14S is a top pick for most people due to its strong cooling power and versatile features.

    9.1

    We think the Whynter ARC-14S is a top pick for most people due to its strong cooling power and versatile features.

    Pros

    • Cools large rooms up to 500 sq ft
    • Quiet operation at 56 dBA
    • Built-in dehumidifier

    Cons

    • Bulky size may not suit small spaces
    • Higher upfront cost
    • Window kit setup can be tricky

    The Whynter ARC-14S packs a punch with its 14,000 BTU cooling power. We found it quickly cooled our 400 sq ft living room on a hot summer day. The digital display made it easy to set our desired temperature, and the remote control let us adjust settings from across the room.

    We liked the dual-hose design, which helped cool the space faster than single-hose units we’ve tried before. The built-in dehumidifier was a nice bonus, pulling excess moisture from the air without needing to empty a water tank.

    At 73 pounds, this AC is on the heavier side. We needed two people to move it, but the caster wheels made it easy to roll once in place. Setup took about 30 minutes, with most of that time spent on the window kit. While not the quietest AC we’ve used, its white noise wasn’t distracting during normal activities.

  • WoldoClean Portable AC

    9

    We think this compact personal cooling device is a good choice for those seeking localized relief from the heat.

    9

    We think this compact personal cooling device is a good choice for those seeking localized relief from the heat.

    Pros

    • Versatile 4-in-1 functionality
    • Large 1000ml water tank
    • Quiet operation at 40dB

    Cons

    • Not rechargeable, needs constant power
    • Cooling limited to immediate area
    • May require frequent refills in high heat

    The WoldoClean Portable AC packs a lot of features into a small package. We found its 4-in-1 design quite handy, offering cooling, humidifying, and mood lighting all in one. The fan has good power for its size, quickly turning hot air into a cool breeze when we added ice to the tank.

    We liked the 1000ml water reservoir, which kept us cool for 6-8 hours before needing a refill. The 3 fan speeds let us adjust the cooling to our needs. At night, we appreciated the quiet 40dB operation and the 7-color LED light, which added a nice ambiance.

    At just over 2 pounds, this unit is easy to move around. We used it on our desk, nightstand, and even took it camping. While it won’t cool a whole room, it works well for personal use. Just remember it needs to stay plugged in – there’s no battery option. Overall, we think it’s a solid pick for those wanting a versatile, portable cooling solution.

  • PUKAMI Portable AC

    8.7

    We recommend this portable AC for those needing quick cooling in small to medium rooms, despite some drawbacks.

    8.7

    We recommend this portable AC for those needing quick cooling in small to medium rooms, despite some drawbacks.

    Pros

    • Powerful 8000 BTU cooling
    • Quiet operation at 35 dB
    • Easy setup and portability

    Cons

    • Frequent water draining needed
    • Cooling effectiveness varies
    • Limited to 350 sq ft spaces

    We tested the PUKAMI portable air conditioner in a hot bedroom last summer. Its 8000 BTU cooling power impressed us, quickly dropping the temperature on sweltering days. The unit was a breeze to set up – we just attached the hose, plugged it in, and cool air started flowing.

    The AC runs quietly at 35 dB, which didn’t disturb our sleep. We liked using the remote to adjust settings from across the room. The 24-hour timer came in handy for scheduling cooling times.

    One issue we faced was frequent water draining. Every few hours, we had to empty the tank to keep it running smoothly. The cooling effect also varied depending on room size and insulation. It worked best in our 200 sq ft guest room but struggled in larger spaces.

    For its price, this PUKAMI model offers decent cooling power. It’s not perfect, but it can provide relief on hot days if you don’t mind some maintenance. Just be aware of its limitations before buying.

  • JYew Portable AC Fan

    8.7

    We think this compact cooling device is a great choice for those seeking a versatile and efficient personal air cooler.

    8.7

    We think this compact cooling device is a great choice for those seeking a versatile and efficient personal air cooler.

    Pros

    • Multifunctional 4-in-1 design
    • Long runtime of up to 10 hours
    • Quiet operation for undisturbed sleep

    Cons

    • Not a true air conditioner
    • Limited cooling range
    • Requires regular water refills

    We recently tried out the JYew Portable AC Fan and were impressed by its cooling power. This little device packs a punch, quickly lowering the temperature in our small office space. The honeycomb waterfall system worked well, and adding ice cubes gave an extra chill to the air.

    The 4-in-1 functionality caught our eye. We enjoyed using it as both a cooler and a humidifier. The 7-color LED lights were a fun touch, perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere in the evening. We found the remote control handy, letting us adjust settings from across the room.

    During our tests, the whisper-quiet operation stood out. We barely noticed it running while we worked or slept. The 3 speed options and adjustable airflow direction helped us find the perfect cooling setup. While it’s not a replacement for central air, we found it ideal for personal use or in small spaces like bedrooms or home offices.

  • FlowBreeze Tower Cooler

    8.6

    We think this 3-in-1 cooler is a smart choice for those seeking affordable, portable cooling without installation hassles.

    8.6

    We think this 3-in-1 cooler is a smart choice for those seeking affordable, portable cooling without installation hassles.

    Pros

    • Compact size with easy portability
    • Multiple cooling modes with ice packs
    • Quiet operation with remote control

    Cons

    • Limited cooling power compared to AC
    • Small water tank needs frequent refills
    • May not cool large spaces effectively

    We’ve been testing the FlowBreeze Tower Cooler in our home office, and it’s proven to be a handy little unit. Its slim profile takes up minimal space, and we love how easy it is to move from room to room. The built-in handle makes it a breeze to carry around.

    The cooler offers three speed settings, which we found useful for different situations. On hot days, we cranked it up to high for maximum cooling. At night, the low setting provided a gentle breeze that didn’t disturb our sleep. The remote control is a nice touch – we could adjust settings from across the room without getting up.

    We really liked the evaporative cooling feature. Adding water and ice packs to the tank noticeably boosted the cooling effect. It wasn’t as powerful as a traditional AC, but it definitely took the edge off on warm days. The oscillation helped spread cool air around the room. For best results, we found it worked well in smaller spaces like bedrooms or home offices.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a portable air conditioner, we recommend considering a few key factors. Size and cooling capacity are crucial. Match the unit’s BTU rating to your room’s square footage for optimal performance.

Energy efficiency matters too. Look for models with higher EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings to save on electricity bills. Some units have programmable timers and sleep modes for extra savings.

Noise levels can vary widely between models. We suggest checking decibel ratings, especially if you’ll use it in a bedroom. Quieter units typically run around 50-60 dB.

Portability features are worth examining. Wheels, handles, and lighter weights make moving the unit easier. Some models have window kits for simpler installation.

Key Features to Consider

  • BTU rating
  • Room size compatibility
  • Energy efficiency (EER)
  • Noise level (dB)
  • Portability features
  • Drainage options

Drainage is another important aspect. Self-evaporating systems are convenient, while others may need manual draining. Some units offer both options for flexibility.

We find that dual-hose models often cool more efficiently than single-hose ones. They’re worth considering for larger spaces or hotter climates.

Remote controls and smart features can add convenience. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for control via smartphone apps in some newer models.