Buying guide for best portable AC unit that doesn’t require a window 2024
If you live in a hot climate or find yourself suffering through sweltering heat in the summer, it’s a good idea to purchase an air conditioner. Traditional AC units require a window for installation because they drive out hot air. However, portable units that don’t require a window can be moved from room to room at your convenience.
We looked for the best AC units that don’t require a window to help you make the best purchasing decision. A high-end portable air conditioner is easy to install, effectively cools an enclosed area and is easy to transport. Whether you live in a hot or dry climate, we think you’ll appreciate our round-up of the best AC units. Check them out before that next unbearable heat wave hits.
Which portable AC unit that doesn’t require a window is best?
Mideo Duo MAP12S1TBL Portable Air Conditioner
Best of the Best
Product specifications: Cooling capacity (Btu): 12,000 | Airflow (cfm): N/A | Power consumption in watts: 1,200 | Noise level in decibels: 42 | Size and weight: 19.53" W x 16.73" D x 34.48" H; 72.8 pounds
This Mideo portable air conditioner has a dual hose design that’s more effective than single-hose units at shutting out heat and locking in cool air. It features variable-speed inverter technology and conserves 40% more energy than leading air conditioners, making it one of the best choices for energy-conscious consumers.
Smart controls provide ways to control this air conditioner in addition to onboard buttons. For example, with the MSmartHome App for iOS and Android, you can power the unit on and off from anywhere as long as your phone has an internet connection. You can integrate the unit with your smart network and control it via Alexa or Google Assistant devices on the same network. Plus, it’s quiet, operating at just 42 decibels.
User reviews for this air conditioner are overwhelmingly positive, as it’s so easy to set up and operate. For perspective, there are reports that it can keep living spaces up to 1,200 square feet at 73 degrees when the outdoor temperature is as hot as 95 degrees.
BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT
Best Bang for the Buck
Product specifications
Cooling capacity (Btu): 12,000 | Airflow (cfm): N/A | Power consumption in watts: 1,400 | Noise level in decibels: 52 | Size and weight: 16.5" W x 14.06" D x 27.09" H; 56.8 pounds
BLACK+DECKER is known for its high-quality appliances, and this unit is the first of a few portable conditioners we’ve deemed worthy of our favorites list. It’s a 12,000-Btu air conditioner with a coverage zone of 550 square feet that also functions as a dehumidifier and fan.
It has a more robust build than some of our other top-rated picks, but greater size offers increased durability. It’s surprisingly easy to move thanks to its side handles and casters on the bottom, and the top control panel makes it easy to adjust the temperature. It features a slide-out washable filter, automatic water evaporation and a 24-hour timer.
The low price and versatility make this portable air conditioner an awesome choice for those who want maximum value. The control panel and remote control are easy to operate, and the included window kit makes home installation easy.
Mideo Duo MAP14HS1TBL Portable Air Conditioner
Best with Heat Pump
Product specifications
Cooling capacity (Btu): 14,000 | Airflow (cfm): N/A | Power consumption in watts: 1,300 | Noise level in decibels: 42 | Size and weight: 19.53" W x 16.73" D x 34.48" H; 76.8 pounds
If you get déjà vu when you look at this portable air conditioner, it’s probably because the design nearly matches that of our top pick. However, this unit packs more power and is better for cooling a larger space.
This portable air conditioner has many of the same features as our top choice, including variable-speed technology and a dual design for effectively shutting out heat and containing cool air. It also offers additional functionality, such as a dehumidifier mode, but the critical function that sets it apart from our top pick is its heating mode: You don’t need to purchase a separate space heater for winter if you own this appliance.
It’s significantly more expensive than some of the budget-friendly options we’ve selected, but those looking for an air conditioner that doubles as a space heater will love it. The smartphone control via the app is highly convenient, and it’s compatible with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
LG LP1419IVSM Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
Best Design
Product specifications
Cooling capacity (Btu): 14,000 | Airflow (cfm): N/A | Power consumption in watts: N/A | Noise level in decibels: 44 | Size and weight: 18.11" W x 19.41" D x 30.43" H; 71 pounds
If you prefer to buy an air conditioner from an established, recognizable brand, check out this portable air conditioner from LG. It offers adequate cooling for interior spaces up to 500 square feet, and dual-inverter technology allows it to deliver powerful performance while simultaneously operating at a low noise level.
This portable air conditioner is 15% more energy efficient than Energy Star certification requires, so it’s one of the best units for those concerned about power consumption. LG’s proprietary ThinQ technology lets you control the unit from anywhere — start or stop cooling, change the mode or set your preferred temperature. It has four preset fan and cooling modes and operates at just 44 decibels, making it suitable for nighttime use.
The energy efficiency of this unit makes it one of the best portable air conditioners for anyone worried about high electricity bills. It also has several key features you should look for in a portable air conditioner, such as an exceptional cooling range, an efficient compressor, a smartphone app and voice controls.
EF Ecoflow Wave 2 Portable Air Conditioner
Best Battery-Powered Unit
Product specifications: Cooling capacity (Btu): 5,100 | Airflow (cfm): N/A | Power consumption in watts: 1,159 | Noise level in decibels: 44 | Size and weight: 12" W x 13" D x 20" H; 18 pounds
If you want an air conditioner you can pick up and toss in the car for a road trip, this is a must-buy. It’s a battery-powered, portable air conditioner with the convenience of heating and cooling modes. The high-powered compressor can drop the temperature by 18 degrees in five minutes in cooling mode, and it can raise the temperature by 18 degrees in five minutes in heating mode.
What’s more, you can charge it four ways: AC, solar, car and power stations — and it doesn’t require any drainage in cooling mode when the humidity is below 70%. The add-on battery offers eight hours of continuous cooling, and the engine operates at just 44 decibels.
Although pricey, the convenient functionality may be worth the investment. Few other air conditioners provide the same portability, and for a battery-powered unit, it’s surprisingly powerful. It’s one of the best air conditioners for outdoor tent camping, RV use and home use.
Coolzy Pro Portable Air Conditioner
Most Quiet
Product specifications: Cooling Capacity (Btu): 1,100 | Airflow (cfm): N/A | Power consumption in watts: 340 | Noise level in decibels: 45 | Size and weight: 11" W x 18" D x 29" H; 35.2 pounds
Sometimes, there’s a trade-off between staying cool and having a quiet air conditioner. Luckily, this portable air conditioner operates at just 45 decibels and provides excellent cooling for small- to medium-sized spaces.
This air conditioner comes with a remote control for adjusting temperature and fan speed settings, and you can direct the airflow wherever you need it most. With its dual functionality, you can switch between active cooling on the hottest days and fan mode when you prefer a gentle breeze. It uses just 340 watts, making it far more energy efficient than some of the more robust portable air conditioners. Plus, its wheels and handles make it easy to move around.
It’s a fine option if you want a budget-friendly air conditioner that requires no maintenance. Setting it up is easy, and it offers enough cooling power to keep you comfortable on hot, humid days.
Whynter Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Best for Versatility
Product specifications: Cooling capacity (Btu): 14,000 | Airflow (cfm): 253 | Power consumption in watts: 1,300 | Noise level in decibels: 56 | Size and weight: 16" W x 19" D x 35.5" H; 73 pounds
What we love most about this award-winning portable air conditioner is its versatile functionality, powerful cooling engine and broad coverage zone. It has an energy-efficient design and operates under 56 decibels, making it suitable for those who want to stay cool while they sleep.
It can be used as an air conditioner for spaces of up to 500 square feet, and it has additional modes for essential fan use and dehumidification. The activated carbon filter and washable pre-filter provide superior air quality, and the dual-hose system keeps out heat and maximizes cool air output.
It’s a midtier portable air conditioner, but as one of the best-value picks, you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck. This unit offers powerful cooling and versatile functionality, making it excellent for those who want to improve the air quality in their home and cool off when the heat or humidity gets too high.
BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT
Best for Bedrooms
Product specifications: Cooling capacity (Btu): 10,000 | Airflow (cfm): N/A | Power consumption in watts: 1,220 | Noise level in decibels: 52 | Size and weight: 15.3" W x 14" D x 24.8" H; 47.3 pounds
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better portable air conditioner than this one at such a great price. It offers powerful cooling and excellent coverage along with many of the top features you’d expect from the best air conditioners.
The top of the unit has an LED control panel for adjusting temperature and fan speed, and you can set a timer up to 24 hours in advance. The remote control lets you control the power and other settings from afar, and with 10,000 Btu, you can effectively cool rooms of up to 450 square feet.
Although it’s not as powerful as the first BLACK+DECKER on our list, this unit has plenty to offer and boasts many of the same features. The casters and side handles make it easy to move from room to room. And, like many of our other favorite air conditioners, it works great as a dehumidifier and standard fan.
BLACK+DECKER BPACT12WT
Best for Small Spaces
Product specifications: Cooling capacity (Btu): 8,000 | Airflow (cfm): N/A | Power consumption in watts: 935 | Noise level in decibels: 54 | Size and weight: 15.3" W x 14" D x 24.8" H; 45.8 pounds
If you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend more than $400 on a portable air conditioner, check out this offering from BLACK+DECKER. Although not as powerful as some other units we love from the brand, it’s excellent for cooling a small- or medium-size room like a bedroom, living room or small basement.
It packs 8,000 Btu of cooling power, and you can use it as a dehumidifier when the humidity climbs too high or as a fan for when you want a breeze. The top-mounted control panel is easy to read thanks to a bright LED screen, and the included remote makes it convenient to toggle settings from afar. As with many other BLACK+DECKER air conditioners, it comes with a window installation kit and step-by-step instructions to guide you.
This portable air conditioner is fantastic for small spaces, as it effectively cools enclosed areas of up to 250 square feet. Some users find it too robust, but it’s equipped with casters and handles that make moving it a piece of cake. Although not the quietest unit, it’s unlikely to disturb you while you sleep.
Honeywell 470 CFM Indoor Portable Evaporative Air Cooler
Best Swamp Cooler
Product specifications: Cooling capacity (Btu): N/A | Airflow (cfm): 700 | Power consumption in watts: N/A | Noise level in decibels: N/A | Size and weight: 13.9" W x 13.9" D x 43.5" H; 19.6 pounds
Portable air conditioners are excellent for staying cool, but despite the “portable” label, many units are relatively robust and take up a lot of space. This compact, slender Honeywell air conditioner can keep you cool without the need to rearrange your room to find space for it.
It covers small- and medium-sized rooms of up to 280 square feet, and the oscillating air vents evenly distribute air for superior coverage. The wheels make it easy to travel from room to room, and it offers a handful of quality-of-life features. For example, there is an integrated low-water alarm, an easy-access water-fill door and a washable dust filter. Plus, it can be used as a traditional fan and humidifier.
It’s an excellent bargain pick, and the value you get is difficult to find in other units. Its slim profile and oscillating tower are great for a bedroom or office, and it’s highly energy efficient.
