Buying guide for best portable air conditioners
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Staying comfortable throughout the heat of summer can be a challenge. One solution is to invest in a portable air conditioner. With this type of machine, you can cool only the room you’re in, spending less money and energy than you would on a whole-home air conditioner.
We researched, evaluated and listened to customer feedback on over 50 portable air conditioners to grasp what’s available. Before you buy a portable air conditioner, you'll need to know which type is right for you, how powerful it must be and which features are essential. You'll also want to learn about all the possible bells and whistles, such as air purification and eco mode.
Our top choice is the Black+Decker 14,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner. With a wonderfully modern design, it’s the largest model on our short list and can cool a room of 700 square feet. It features three operating modes (air conditioner, dehumidifier and fan) and includes a remote.
Which portable air conditioner is best?
Black+Decker 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner
Product specifications
Btu rating: 14,000 Btu | Dimensions: 16.5" W x 14.06" D x 27.09" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 700 | Weight: 59.8 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 6.2
Black+Decker is known for its stellar outdoor products and machines. We love this portable indoor air conditioner because it has that same dedication to quality. It’s a solid, well-built product with a 14,000-Btu rating, which makes it capable of cooling rooms as large as 700 square feet. Although it weighs a hefty 60 pounds, built-in handles and caster wheels help it move from room to room with ease.
Besides cooling, this model has a dehumidifier and fan. You can operate it in whatever mode is appropriate for the weather and environment. The top-mounted control panel has an LED display and intuitive graphic buttons for easy use right out of the box.
This portable air conditioner includes a window kit, exhaust hose, remote and instruction manual. It’s easy to install, performs exceptionally well and is the best portable air conditioner for large rooms.
SereneLife 3-in-1 8,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner
Best Bang for the Buck
Product specifications
Btu rating: 8,000 Btu | Dimensions: 14.6" W x 13.8" D x 27.2" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 350 | Weight: 46.3 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 9.8
Do you want a portable air conditioner for a midsize room? This 8,000-Btu machine can cool approximately 350 square feet of space. Like most of our other top picks, it has three operating modes (cooling, dehumidifying and fan) and an intuitive, easy-to-use control panel.
One of its most impressive features is the vents that can move from fully closed — giving the unit a nice clean look — to up or down for maximum circulation. And, when you need to change modes, alter the temperature or turn off the machine, you can use the included remote.
We like that the SereneLife portable air conditioner scores high in nearly every category, but we love that its price is comfortable for nearly any budget. If you want pure value, this is an air conditioner to consider.
LG 7,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner
Trusted Brand
Product specifications
Btu rating: 7,000 Btu | Dimensions: 17.32" W x 13.27" D x 27.36" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 300 | Weight: 56.4 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 6.9
LG has been around for nearly 70 years. In that time, the company has become a trusted brand known for consumer electronics and appliances. The company frequently appears on "best of" lists — sometimes multiple times. This LG portable air conditioner is great for bedroom and office use. It can cool up to 300 square feet and has a 7,000-Btu rating.
As far as desirable features, it operates at just 50 decibels, making it one of the quietest models on the market, and it has an auto-restart feature to keep you comfortable amid a power failure. We like the washable filter and the clean-filter reminder light, which helps owners keep their machines in peak condition.
This sleek air conditioner blends well with nearly any decor. The 24-hour on/off timer keeps you in control, even when you’re not at home, saving you money on your energy bill. If reliability sits at the top of your wish list, we think this trusted machine is an excellent option.
Whynter 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier
Most Versatile
Product specifications
Btu rating: 14,000 Btu | Dimensions: 19" W x 16" D x 35.5" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 500 | Weight: 73 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 7.69
Whynter is an award-winning company that satisfies its customers. This Whynter air conditioner is a versatile machine with a 14,000-Btu rating, making it suitable for larger rooms up to about 500 square feet. Its standout features are its dedicated intake and exhaust hoses, which cool a room with efficiency.
The air conditioner ships with eco-friendly CFC-free Green R-32 refrigerant, making this product an Earth-kind option. The thermostat has a 28-degree range, allowing you to select any temperature from 61 to 89 degrees. And, like other models, it can cool, dehumidify or serve as a simple fan.
While the aesthetics of this machine may not fit every room, it has functional versatility and would be a great air conditioner for a garage. The self-evaporation feature makes this a highly desirable unit, as it can remove up to 71 pints of moisture from the air while using the auto-drain.
Ginost 10,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner
Budget-friendly
Product specifications
Btu rating: 10,000 Btu | Dimensions: 14.6" W x 13.8" D x 27.2" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 450 | Weight: 56.9 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 2.6
While this air conditioner is rather plain-looking with a cube-like shape, we were impressed by its simplicity and affordability.
Its 10,000 Btus can cool up to 450 square feet, and it only has eight onboard buttons, which is quite manageable. The buttons include power, operating mode select, speed and timer. You can engage the lock and sleep modes and select the temperature. If you prefer, you can use the remote, which has a 16-foot range.
While the energy efficiency isn't the best, customers are generally pleased with the performance and the low price. If you want a solid entry-level portable air conditioner that will satisfy your cooling needs, this is one of our favorite models to recommend to consumers on a budget.
Black+Decker 8,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner
Best for Small Rooms
Product specifications
Btu rating: 8,000 Btu | Dimensions: 15.3" W x 14" D x 24.8" H |Cooling area (sq. ft.): 350 | Weight: 45.8 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 5.4
If you're a fan of Black+Decker but do not need a large machine that can cool an entire living room, this 8,000-Btu offering is a great option for a smaller space, like a bedroom.
Besides being smaller in size and power, this model is lighter, weighing just over 45 pounds. It offers cooling, dehumidifying and fan operation and has a slide-out washable filter that makes maintenance a (cool) breeze. It even has a 24-hour timer and auto-water evaporation.
We are fans of the brand, and this model comes highly recommended. If you're looking for a comfortable night's sleep or want to keep your office at an optimum temperature, check this air conditioner out.
SereneLife Compact Portable Air Conditioner
Compact Design
Product specifications
Btu rating: 10,000 Btu | Dimensions: 27.6" W x 12.8" D x 11.6" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 300 | Weight: 55 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 2.6
This is the second appearance of SereneLife on our favorites list, but this model differs a bit from our "best bang for the buck" pick. One reason: While it has a higher Btu rating (10,000), the manufacturer only recommends it for rooms up to 300 square feet. Also, you can connect to Wi-Fi at the touch of a button.
Beyond those two differences, this model has the same features as the 3-in-1 air conditioner. It offers three modes of operation, emits an acceptable noise level, features push-button controls with an LED display and comes with a remote.
If you want a compact, affordable, portable air conditioner that works with onboard controls, a remote or an app, consider this model. The rolling wheels let you slide it to any room in the house, and the app lets you control the machine from anywhere — even if you're not home.
How we chose the best portable air conditioners
BestReviews employs a broad-based approach to choosing products. For these portable air conditioners, we assembled an extensive list of 60 models and considered the features of each. We researched how these features work and why they matter to the user experience. Besides relying on our expertise, we looked at the customer experience of over 170 users to understand what people want and which products meet or exceed their expectations. Finally, we viewed our data and curated a list of the very best models.
What to consider when buying a portable air conditioner
Types of portable air conditioners
Single-hose vs. dual-hose systems
There are two basic types of portable air conditioners: single-hose and dual-hose. A single-hose system is more affordable and less efficient, making it best for smaller rooms. In short, the single hose is an exhaust hose that expels hot air created by the air conditioning unit. To replace that air, fresh air is drawn in through any other opening in the room, such as beneath the door or through other cracks or openings.
A dual-hose system has a second, dedicated hose that draws air in and cools it directly, making the process much more efficient. The downside of a dual-hose system is its higher price.
Specialized units with additional features
The primary purpose of an air conditioner is to cool the air in your living space to make things more comfortable. However, some models can be used year-round, as they include a heating function. Additionally, while portable air conditioners normally remove moisture from the air, most have a dedicated dehumidifier feature that works without cooling. And, since all portable air conditioners exchange air, the best models offer air filtration to remove pollen, mold and other airborne particulates.
Sizing and cooling capacity
A portable air conditioner must be sized to fit the needs of a room. If it’s too small, the room may never reach the desired temperature. This will result in higher energy bills and improper cooling cycles. The ideal air conditioner should run in 15- to 20-minute cycles of cooling and resting.
If the unit is too big, the cooling cycle will be too short. This will place increased strain on the unit, the humidity will not be removed and you will not feel comfortable.
An air conditioner's cooling power is expressed in British Thermal Units, or Btu. The higher the Btu, the more cooling power it has. To properly size an air conditioner in a room, all you need to know is the square footage of the room. To get the square footage, measure the length and width of the room and multiply. For example, if a room is 20 feet long by 20 feet wide, that equals 400 square feet. To get a basic Btu estimate, multiply the square footage by 25. A 400-square-foot room would need a 10,000-Btu air conditioner.
Hotter climates, open doors, poorly insulated rooms and south-facing rooms will require a higher Btu. Add roughly 10% more for each factor to get your final results.
Our top picks: Size and cooling capacity
- Black+Decker 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: With 14,000 Btu, this Black+Decker can cool a room up to 700 square feet, making it powerful enough to cool most living rooms.
- SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner: This versatile air conditioner has enough power to keep even a large bedroom cool all night.
- LG 7,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: This LG is a great choice for a bedroom or office, as it can adequately cool up to 300 square feet of living space.
- Whynter 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier: The Whynter is another top choice. Not only does it have a dual hose for maximum air exchange efficiency, but it also has a 14,000-Btu rating that makes it suitable for large rooms.
- Ginost 10,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: With a compact design and a 10,000-Btu rating, we think this model is versatile enough to fit nearly any room in your home.
Energy efficiency and environmental impact
Purchasing a portable air conditioner with the appropriate Btu rating is only part of the picture. You're also going to want to consider the energy-efficiency ratio (EER). This is the number you get when you divide the Btu rating by input watts (when the outdoor temperature is 95 degrees). The optimum EER is between 8 and 19, but the higher the number, the greater the efficiency.
Some people don't want to get bogged down in these calculations, especially when not all manufacturers make Btu and wattage figures easy to find. Instead, you can just search for an Energy Star-certified air conditioner. This certification means the air conditioner uses 8% less energy than conventional models.
And while we're on the topic of Earth-kind features, you can also make a difference by choosing an air conditioner with natural refrigerants — ones that have little or no negative impact on the environment and global warming. Additionally, a unit that features an eco mode can run the compressor at a slower speed, which won't be as effective in hot weather but will conserve energy, save money and offer quieter operation.
Our top picks: Energy efficiency
- Black+Decker 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: The Black+Decker portable air conditioner is not Energy-Star certified. However, it cools a larger area than our other top picks.
- SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner: The Serene Life portable air conditioner is not Energy-Star certified, but customers identify its efficiency as one of their favorite features. Additionally, it has the highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of all the models in our top five.
- LG 7,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: The LG has several features that owners can brag about, such as three operating modes and a clean and simple design. However, it does not rate highly in terms of energy efficiency.
- Whynter 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier: We love that the Whynter uses eco-friendly refrigerant, but the product falls short of being certified as energy-efficient.
- Ginost 10,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: While this model is available at a wallet-friendly price, it is the least energy-efficient of all the air conditioners in our top five.
Noise level considerations
According to the Centers for Disease Control, listening to "sounds above 70 decibels over a prolonged period may start to damage your hearing." But noise type and volume level are extremely subjective. One person might find 50 decibels intolerable, while another might find the white noise from a portable air conditioner running at 60 decibels soothing. On average, portable air conditioners run between 50 and 60 decibels. However, some models have a sleep or quiet mode that might drop them as low as 45 decibels.
If your portable air conditioner is still too noisy for you in night mode, you have a few options.
- Consider a different location for the air conditioner or your bed.
- Keep the air conditioner clean so there is no additional rattling from debris.
- Use a sound-dampening mat around or beneath the unit.
- Make sure the air conditioner is on a level floor.
- Add a low-pile rug beneath the unit.
- Consider wearing earplugs while sleeping.
Our top picks: Noise level
- Black+Decker 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: At 54 decibels, this model produces an average amount of noise comparable to a normal conversation at home.
- SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner: The SereneLife air conditioner also performed well in terms of noise level. It puts out roughly 55 decibels.
- LG 7,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: If you are looking for a quiet air conditioner, consider this one, which operates at roughly 50 decibels, the bottom end of average. When it comes to noise, this is a good thing.
- Whynter 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier: While it is fair to call this the loudest air conditioner on our shortlist, at 56 decibels, it only comes in 1 decibel higher than its closest competitor.
- Ginost 10,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: Although this model is priced considerably lower than our pick for the Best of the Best, it operates at the same noise level as the Black+Decker: 54 decibels.
Installation and ventilation requirements
While portable air conditioners may differ from one another, their installation is basically the same. Most slide and snap together for a simple, tool-free assembly. However, you will probably need a Phillips-head screwdriver to secure window-lock screws, and some models have a screw-in exhaust vent.
The main part of the installation is securing the exhaust hose. This piece attaches to the back of the air conditioning unit and, most often, vents out a window. Here are the key steps to accomplish that:
- Select a location near a window and an outlet. (It is not advisable to use an extension cord.)
- Install the window adapter kit as instructed. If you will be venting through a sliding door, typically, you would rotate the kit 90 degrees and follow the installation instructions.
- Attach window locks (if needed).
- Connect the exhaust hose from the air conditioner to the window or sliding door.
- If you will be using a drainage hose, attach that now.
- Plug the unit in. You are ready to go!
If you plan to run the exhaust through a drop ceiling, you will need to create an opening in the ceiling to allow the exhaust hose through. To prevent air leaks, you will need to seal any gaps around the hose with adhesive foam.
Our top picks: Installation and ventilation requirements
- Black+Decker 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: Besides featuring a simple installation with a window installation kit and exhaust hose, this model has a 0.8-liter water-collection tank. You don't have to worry about hooking up a drainage hose.
- SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner: While installation is a little more involved than the manufacturer suggests, it can be broken down into three general steps. 1. Roll the unit into place. 2. Install the window-mount exhaust kit. 3. Attach the exhaust hose.
- LG 7,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: The window-mount installation kit on this model lets you quickly install it in windows that slide up and down or side to side.
- Whynter 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier: Because the Whynter has a dual-hose system, it is slightly more time-consuming to install. However, the process is the same, so it isn't any more difficult than the other models. You just have to attach two hoses instead of one.
- Ginost 10,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: If you use this model in areas of high humidity, the manufacturer recommends inserting the drain hose into the drain hole in the back of the unit. Beyond that little caveat, this model features the same installation process as the other portable air conditioners.
Key features to consider
The main thing you want from a portable air conditioner is to cool the room it’s in. But that doesn't mean that’s all you get. Many options are available on today's portable air conditioners. Here are some to consider.
- Intuitive controls
- Auto-off
- Temperature select
- Programmable timer
- Remote operation
- Smart operation
- Voice control
- Adjustable speeds
- A variety of modes
- Adjustable air direction
- Dimmable lights or night mode
- Auto-evaporation
Design and aesthetics
Even the smallest portable air conditioner is too large to be considered unobtrusive. In other words, it's not something you can hide. So, the best strategy is to purchase one that fits with your decor, or at the very least, doesn't stick out.
Luckily, most manufacturers have thought about this. That is why portable air conditioners are made in neutral colors such as black or white. If your room has dark colors, a black portable air conditioner may be the better choice. If your room is bright with whites or beige, a white model may be less noticeable.
To help keep an air conditioner from being obtrusive, look for a simple design with clean lines. While LEDs and other flashy control panels might seem like good options, they can draw unwanted attention.
Our top picks: Design and aesthetics
- Black+Decker 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: If you want a sleek, unobtrusive portable air conditioner, Black+Decker's offering is our top choice for a stylish, functional design.
- SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner: While the SereneLife model has a cute two-tone design, its simplicity makes it feel like a budget choice rather than a style option.
- LG 7,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: LG's all-white offering is the epitome of unobtrusiveness. However, the sparse design is a little too plain to be our favorite.
- Whynter 14,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier: Some people prefer the blocky robotic look of the Whynter portable air conditioner. We like a sleeker design with smooth edges.
- Ginost 10,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner: Although the Ginost portable air conditioner gets points for being unobtrusive, the cubelike design makes it feel like something that would be more at home in an urban setting than your bedroom.
Our expertise
Before joining BestReviews as a product writer in 2018, Allen Foster worked at one of the country's largest home-improvement retailers. As part of his training, he attended many seminars and workshops on home products, from learning about tools and appliances to learning how to accommodate customer needs. He’s a knowledgeable DIYer who performs most of his own home repairs and worked in construction after college.
