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 more than 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?
Best of the Best
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 the Black+Decker 14,000-BTU Portable 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.
Excellent Value
Btu rating: 12,000 Btu | Dimensions: 18.5" D x 13.9" W x 30" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 380 | Weight: 67.2 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): manufacturer doesn't specify
If value is what you crave, SereneLife's SLPAC242B Portable Air Conditioner is the model you should focus on. This 12,000-Btu can cool nearly 400 square feet, and it has cooling, dehumidifier and fan modes, so you can choose the best setting for your needs.
This model features a quick-and-easy setup with a sleek design, which makes it suitable for nearly any room with a window. Just attach the hose to the back, run it out the window, plug the air conditioner in and you're ready to go.
SereneLife's portable air conditioner features ultra-quiet operation with auto swing vents that help circulate the air. It can also help remove mildew, mold and condensation to protect your furniture and clothing.
The included remote means you can control the unit from wherever you are comfortable — there's no need to get up. You can adjust the speed, select the temperature, turn on the sleep setting and more.
Most Comprehensive
Btu rating: 8,000 Btu | Dimensions: 11" D x 11" W x 27" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 350 | Weight: 46 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 5
The Zafro 8,000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner offers a wide range of functionality that gives it the versatility to serve you in a broad range of ways. It's compact with a lightweight design so you can move it from room to room, creating traveling comfort, as needed.
With three operating modes — cool, dry and fan — this air conditioner can give you what you need in every room. It's simple to operate and has a digital display, so you know exactly what the unit is doing at a glance. You can even control it with the included remote, if desired.
The low-noise sleep mode is comparable to a quiet conversation, ensuring operation has little impact on your quality of sleep. It also features a 24-hour timer and automatic shutoff to help reduce energy consumption.
We like the removable and washable double-layer filter. This allows you to clean the machine as needed to keep it operating at peak efficiency while protecting you and your family from dust.
Best Design
Btu rating: 10,000 Btu | Dimensions: 18.11" D x 19.41" W x 30.43" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 450 | Weight: 71 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 7.9
We love the sleek, modern design of the LG Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner. It has a smooth, unobtrusive aesthetic, which makes it suitable for any room in your home, no matter what the decor.
The 10,000 Btu rating makes this model a good choice for rooms up to 450 square feet. This means it could cool even the larger rooms in most homes.
The dual inverter compressor means this model can save you up to 40% over non-inverter portable air conditioners. It also ensures it will run at such a quiet level that you might not even notice it's on.
With LG's ThinQ smartphone app, you can control your air temperature, no matter where you are. If you forgot to shut the machine off before leaving the house, no problem. Likewise, if you want to start cooling your bedroom before you leave work, that is an option as well.
Simple Yet Solid
Btu rating: 14,000 Btu | Dimensions: 14.1" D x 16.5" W x 27.1" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 600 | Weight: 72.8 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 7.9
The straightforward design of the TURBRO Portable Air Conditioner makes it stand out as an efficient, easy-to-use model that can cool even your largest room in a matter of minutes. It features 14,000-Btu performance that can cover up to 600 square feet, letting you stay comfortable when the outdoor temperatures are at undesirable levels.
This portable air conditioner is a smart device with Wi-Fi connectivity. This means you have complete control, no matter where you are, giving you comfort and convenience at the tap of a screen.
To help you save money on your energy bill, the TURBRO has a 24-hour timer, so you can make sure it's never running when it's not needed. And if you're too relaxed to get up and change any settings, you can use your voice to accomplish the task.
We love that this unit has a top air outlet with auto swing louvers and long-distance air blowing to provide efficient cooling. And the two fan speeds mean you can set the cooling power at a level that is best for your needs.
Most Compact
Btu rating: 1,100 Btu | Dimensions: 18" D x 11" W x 29" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): NA | Weight: 37.4 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): NA
The Coolzy Pro Portable Air Conditioner is rather unique in that it is meant to be a personal air conditioner. This means it functions much like a small portable fan. You set the air conditioner close to you to keep you cool, rather than lowering the temperature of the entire room.
The compact design makes this the smallest compressor-driven air conditioner on the market. This allows it to run on 340 watts of electricity, which is a fraction of the power typically required for portable air conditioners.
The innovative, targeted airflow design means this model does not need to be vented out a window. In essence, this machine can be placed in any room of any size because it's cooling the user, not the space.
It features adjustable and removable flaps so you can control the volume of air, the direction and the distance it travels. For convenience, the remote can control fan speed, temperature, sleep mode and the timer function.
Most Versatile
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 Portable Air Conditioner and Dehumifier 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.
Best for Everyday Use
Btu rating: 10,000 Btu | Dimensions: 14" D x 15.3" W x 24.8" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 450 | Weight: 47.3 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): 6.7
If you like our pick for the Best of the Best, but don't need as much power, this Black+Decker 10,000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner is a solid option. It offers reliable performance, an array of features and an easy-to-install window kit for convenience. Combined, these pros make this model a great option for everyday use.
The 10,000-Btu performance lets you cool mid-sized to large rooms (up to 450 square feet). This makes it ideal for the main bedroom, an office or even a living room. And besides cooling, this unit can serve as a dehumidifier to keep the same rooms dry without cooling.
If you ever need to move the air conditioner to another room, it has casters on the bottom for easy rolling. Additionally, there are built-in handles on the sides to help you move the machine to wherever you want to put it with minimal effort.
As for features, this model has a compact design and a top-mounted control panel with an LED display. For convenience, it comes with a remote and has a slide-out, washable filter.
Best for Small Rooms
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 don't need a large machine that can cool an entire living room, the Black+Decker 8,000-Btu Portable Air Conditioner 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. And it comes with a remote control so it's easy to operate from across the room.
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.
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.
Trusted Brand
Btu rating: NA | Dimensions: 13.9" D x 13.9" W x 43.5" H | Cooling area (sq. ft.): 280 | Weight: 19.6 lb | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): NA
Honeywell is a trusted brand with a history of making consumers happy. This Honeywell Evaporative Air Cooler is no exception. The fan pulls warm air through a wet, absorbent panel that cools the air to create a more comfortable living environment for the homeowner.
This model does not use a compressor to cool the air. This means it requires considerably less energy to run than a traditional model (only about 145 watts). While it doesn't deliver the chill of a compressor, it requires no installation, so it can be effortlessly moved as needed.
The tall unit has oscillating, vertical vents that distribute the air evenly over a 90-degree span for maximum cooling effect. This helps ensure comfort in rooms up to 280 square feet. However, because of its design, this model is even effective in open-air situations, such as a covered patio, as it can mimic the sensation of a cool breeze.
This Honeywell air conditioner weighs less than 20 pounds. It's mounted on wheels, so it can be rolled to wherever it's needed with almost no effort.
Feature-packed
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? The SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner is an 8,000-Btu machine that 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.
The included remote makes it easy to change modes, alter the temperature or turn off the machine.
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.
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.
A single-hose unit has an exhaust hose that expels hot air created by the air conditioning unit. Fresh air is drawn in through any other opening in the room, such as beneath the door or through other cracks or openings, to replace that air.
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 that they tend to be more expensive than single-hose units.
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, many have a dedicated dehumidifier feature that works without cooling. 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, resulting 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 won't feel comfortable.
An air conditioner's cooling power is expressed in British thermal units (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, the room is 400 square feet. To get a basic Btu estimate, multiply the square footage by 25. Using the same example, 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, so it's best to add roughly 10% more for each factor to get optimal 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.
- ZAFRO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: With 8,000 Btu and a 350-foot-square-foot coverage zone, this unit is best for small-to-medium-sized apartments.
- LG Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner: This unit boasts 10,000 BTU and 450 square feet of coverage, making it excellent for most homes and offices.
- Mideo Duo: A powerful air conditioner with 12,000 Btu that can cool rooms up to 450 square feet in no time.
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 search for an Energy Star-certified air conditioner. This certification means the air conditioner uses 8% less energy than conventional models.
While we're on the topic of eco-friendly 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.
- ZAFRO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Although it's not Energy Star-certified, this unit is known for its power-saving performance.
- LG Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner: Its SEER is 7.9, making it an energy-efficient unit with an impressive cooling capacity.
- Mideo Duo: It's not an Energy Star appliance, but its 12.3 SEER is fantastic, given its powerful cooling output.
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." However, noise type and volume level are highly 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.
- ZAFRO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: It's a standard unit that runs at 45 decibels. However, it's noticeably quieter than our top two picks.
- LG Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner: The motor runs at 44 decibels, making it one of the most quiet units.
- Mideo Duo: It's one of the most powerful portable units, so we're surprised at how quietly it runs at just 42 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. Typically, if you will be venting through a sliding door, 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.
- ZAFRO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Installation is simple. All it requires is the user to roll it into any room with a hung or sliding window, attach the included hose and window adapter, and plug it in.
- LG Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner: It includes a window installation kit, and all the user needs to do is connect the hose to prepare it.
- Mideo Duo: The installation kit includes all necessary adapters and panels, and customers claim that installing is incredibly easy, even without instructions.
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: This means that the controls are easy to use without the need for consulting an instruction manual.
- Auto-off: It's an energy-saving function that automatically powers off the unit after a specific amount of time.
- Temperature select: This allows you to set the preferred temperature you want the air conditioner to maintain.
- Programmable timer: This is an excellent feature for nighttime use. You can set a timer that automatically shuts off the unit.
- Remote operation: A remote allows you to control the unit's power, temperature and speed settings from afar.
- Smart operation: Many air conditioners are Wi-Fi compatible and can integrate to your existing smart home network.
- Voice control: Hands-free voice control is convenient for controlling the unit without touching the control panel or remote.
- Adjustable speeds: Faster speeds circulate air more rapidly, but slower speeds are best for not-so-hot temperatures where you just want a calm breeze to cool things down.
- A variety of modes: The most versatile air conditioners also function as dehumidifiers and fans.
- Adjustable air direction: Most air conditioners have adjustable ventilation ports for directing air in the direction you want.
- Dimmable lights or night mode: LED control panels can be distracting at night, but a night mode or dimmable lights work wonders to minimize nighttime distractions.
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 white 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.
- ZAFRO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: The design is more boxy than other units, but that makes it perfect for sliding into corners.
- LG Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner: It's highly compact and is available in black, white and gray.
- Mideo Duo: It's a bit bulky, making it suitable for larger spaces.
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.
