Whether you live in a rented apartment, looking forward to touring the countryside in your RV, or lives in houses that don’t permit installing a window air conditioner, a portable air conditioner makes a perfect alternative. Unlike the window air conditioners that require a permanent installation, you can easily transfer your portable AC from one room to the other. A portable air conditioner is best described as a self-contained portables system that is ideal for cooling single rooms. They come in a standalone design with wheels for easy portability and an installation kit that ensures a quick set up.
Better yet, these units are energy efficient. Since you can quickly transfer these units from one place to the other, you don’t have to cool the whole house. This goes a long way in helping you keep the energy bills low. Similar to other products, the portable AC comes with variable performance capacity. Some models are ideal in cooling smaller spaces such as your desk or bed while other works well in keeping a large room cool. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have reviewed the top-rated models on the market.
Top 10 Best Portable Air Conditioners in 2023
[amazon bestseller=”Portable Air Conditioner” /]10. Honeywell 14000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner
If you are looking to cool a large room, then this model is up to the task. Combining various features in one, this multifunctional unit makes your space comfortable in the nick of time. It operates in three modes – like an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan. In the air conditioner mode, this unit uses the self-evaporating technology whereby it recycles moisture collected to cool the room. It also comes with three fan speeds that effectively cool rooms measuring up to 550 Sq.Ft. Moreover, the dehumidification mode clears up to 5 pints of moisture per hour, keeping your indoor air clean and fresh.
The Honeywell AC also comes with full thermostat control and a programmable timer. This allows you to cool your space before you reach home and enjoy a comfortable space to relax or watch the television. Plus, you also get to enjoy the convenience of a fully functional remote control. Other impressive features that we love about this model is the easy installation thanks to the provided window mounting kit and lightweight design for easy portability.
- Excellent energy efficiency
- It is very easy to transport from one room to the other
- Quiet operation
- Has a digital thermostat
- Audible noise at maximum fan speed
9. NINGPU Portable Air Conditioner
With the suffocating heat in the summer, you will often find solace in an air-conditioned room. However, as you probably know, air conditioners use a lot of energy, which may lead to a significant increase in energy bills. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to condition all the rooms in your home, especially if you spend most of your time in only one place. With an impressive 12,000 BTU cooling capacity, this air conditioner covers a space of up to 400 Sq.ft. This makes it a perfect addition to your bedroom, office, home living room as well as other personal uses.
Better yet, this unit not only helps you in cooling your space but also acts as an efficient dehumidifier. It also has a 2-speed function that lets you customize the settings to meet your needs. Plus, unlike other dehumidifiers, this unit comes with an automatic self-evaporation technology. This means you don’t have to empty the bucket. Moreover, thanks for the window kit, venting the air conditioner are easy, saving you time and energy when installing it.
- Multifunctional- works as a space cooler and dehumidifier
- Intuitive controls allow for straightforward operation
- Boasts of automatic self evaporation technology
- Super easy installation
- It doesn’t have a sleep mode
8. MIDEA MPF08CR81-E Portable Air Conditioner
With a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTUs, the MIDEA MPF08CR81-E might not be the most potent portable AC on the market. However, this makes it a perfect choice for people who are looking for an energy-efficient unit for cooling a small space. This portable AC quickly cools rooms measuring up to 100 Sq.Ft at the same time providing dehumidification functions. Whether you are looking to cool a small studio, bedroom, apartment, or office, this unit makes a perfect choice. The easy to read digital controls also allows for exact customization over timer, sleep settings as well as fan speed.
Different from other models, this unit comes with everything included. It comes with full-function remote controls and all the necessary accessories for installation. An adjustable window bracket that fits an existing window frame is included. Notably, this model also comes with inbuilt wheels that allow for easy mobility from one room to the other.
- Energy-efficient making it ideal to use in a small room
- Digital control panel
- Super easy installation
- Has a programmable timer
- Not suitable for large rooms
7. hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Quiet, Portable, and energy-efficient- it doesn’t get better than this! The hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU Portable AC lets you enjoy a cool and relaxing day in hot climates. One of the main selling points that makes this model stands out is probably the silent operation. Dissimilar to other models with the same capacity, this unit quietly conditions rooms measuring up to 700 sq. Ft. With this performance, you will never have to worry about sleepless nights or distractions when studying. For added efficiency, this unit also comes with an inbuilt sleep function that ensures even airflow distribution.
Excess air moisture can lead to mildew and mold growth. To prevent this, this portable AC comes with an inbuilt dehumidifier. By simply attaching the included hose to the gravity-fed drainage port, this unit allows you to remove up to 100 pints of water. Plus, thanks to the intuitive remote control and digital display, setting your preferred temperature, set the desired fan speed as well as changing in-between cooling modes is straightforward. Additionally, this unit comes with an economical air filter that is washable. This ensures that your indoor air is clean and fresh all the time.
- Washable air filter
- A silent operation that doesn’t distract your sleep
- A 100-Pint dehumidifier included
- Intuitive remote control
- High price but worth every penny
6. EdgeStar AP14003W Portable Air Conditioner
Doubling as a dehumidifier, the EdgeStar AP14003W portable space cooler is necessary to have for people looking for increased efficiency. Different from most units, this powerful AC quickly conditions rooms up to 525 Sq. Ft, in minutes. Surprisingly, you will get an incredible 14,000 BTU cooling capacity, enabling it cools large spaces. The self-evaporative dehumidifying technology also ensures no need for emptying the bucket. It also features electronic controls with an LED display, which allows for easy controls.
Speaking of ease of control, this AC comes with remote control. This means you will never have to get out of your couch for you to customize the settings. More importantly, this multifunctional unit comes with an array of settings. These include fan only mode, 24-hour timer, and three fan speeds. As the name depicts, this model also comes with a window vent kit for easy installation and caster wheels for easy mobility.
- Three fan speeds allow you to choose the perfect settings
- Has an automatic restart feature
- Self-evaporative dehumidification technology
- Has a 24-hour programmable timer
- Heavier than other models
5. Whynter ARC-148MS Portable Air Conditioner
Keep yourself cool and comfortable during this summer with the Whynter ARC-148MS Portable AC. Featuring a 14,000 BTU capacity, this mobile and powerful AC easily installs in almost all indoor spaces. Thanks to its powerful performance, this AC can cool areas that measure up to 500 Sq. Ft and doesn’t require permanent installation. This flexibility allows you to set it up in bedrooms, living rooms, server rooms as well as other high cooling demand areas.
For enhanced performance, this unit comes with an advanced self-evaporating technology that recycles the moisture collected when cooling your space. Another notable feature is the auto-restart function that reverts to the previous settings in case of a blackout. We also love the 24-hour timer that lets you program it according to your needs. This is not all- this unit comes with a washable pre-filter that ensures that your indoor space air remains cleaner and fresher.
- Wide Temperature Range
- Energy Saving Programmable Features
- Easy-to-Use Window Kit
- Has a dehumidify mode that keeps the indoor air cool and dry
- Has no sleep mode
4. SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Our homes are our safe haven where we unwind after a long day at work. However, the hot climate in the winter can ruin the whole experience. The SereneLife portable AC is designed to provide you with a cool comfortable living space that you can relax. In addition to being an excellent choice for homes, this model also makes a perfect choice for offices and other indoor spaces. Doubling as a dehumidifier, this unit also clears the air moisture to provide you with clean and fresh air to breathe.
To ensure uninterrupted comfort, this model also comes with a customizable fan mode and remote control. Installing this unit is never a hassle thanks to the included window mount exhaust kit. Also, this unit comes with rolling wheels and an ergonomic carrying handle that allows for easy portability. Some of the other features that we love about this unit include the digital touch button control panel, a low noise priority function, and a programmable timer.
- Low Noise Level Motor
- Built-in Dehumidifier
- Lightweight and Portable A/C Unit
- 3 Operating Modes
- Not ideal for very large rooms
3. LG LP0817WSR 115V Portable Air Conditioner
Designed for individuals who live in overly humid climates or have to deal with muggy summers, the LG LP0817WSR is a nice choice. Featuring a sleek, modern design, this free-standing AC makes an excellent addition to any indoor space. Its automatic swing air vents technology that ensures that your area is cooled uniformly. Besides being surprisingly lightweight, this unit comes with multi fan speeds that enable you to customize the settings to meet your needs.
Another excellent feature we love is the programmable 24-hour timer. With this feature, you can control the temperature and humidity even when you are away. In addition to its impressive cooling speeds, this model also comes with an inbuilt dehumidifier. Make no mistake; this is not a conventional dehumidifier. Surprisingly, this dehumidifier generates up to 1.46 pints per hour.
- Has a programmable 24hr timer
- Comes with a powerful built-in dehumidifier
- Multiple fan speed settings
- Modern design blends well with your interior decor
- Slightly noisy especially at the maximum fan speeds
2. Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
From one room to the other, Home to work, the Whiter ARC-14S portable AC is the ultimate climate control solution. Coming with an impressive 14,000 BTU cooling capacity, this model enables you to cool large spaces in minutes. More importantly, this is a dual hose portable AC unit, making it ideal for air conditioning almost any indoor space. It works diligently to cool small areas such as your bedroom, server room, living room, or office cool. Plus, with its advanced auto drain technology, you will never have to worry about collecting the air moisture using a bucket.
Even better, this AC is one of the few models that put more emphasis on conserving the environment. This newly designed ac is made using premium materials free from CFC and Lead. It is also has a high-energy efficiency to ensure that you stay cool, without consuming a lot of energy. And, thanks to the dual hose operation, this unit provides fast cooling, making it ideal for cooling spaces that are up to 500sq.ft.
- Energy efficient
- Made from premium materials that are safe and durable
- Silent operation
- Dual hose design ensures faster cooling
- High price
1. BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
Versatile, easy to customize and energy-efficient- you can now enjoy cool space during the hot months with the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT air conditioner. Along with its modern looks that blend well with any interior décor, this unit also comes with advanced features that ensure top class performance. With this model, you have two secure options that let you customize the settings to meet your needs. First, you have the LED electronic controls that are easy to use. Secondly, this unit comes with a remote control that lets you access its entire feature while seated on your couch.
Keep your apartment, bedroom, home, dorm, as well as your garage comfortable during the summer without spending much on energy bills. Boasting of advanced technology, you get to enjoy the precision and simplicity of the programmable 24-hour timer. Plus, thanks to the included air filter, this unit ensures that the indoor air remains clean and fresh. What’s more, the included window mounting kit is compatible with the sliding and double-hung windows.
- Advanced technology ensures enhanced efficiency
- Comes with a programmable timer
- Quiet operation that never distracts your peace of mind when sleeping or studying
- Compatible with most window designs
- None that we could find
Factors to Consider When Purchasing the Best Portable Air Conditioners
A portable air conditioner is an ultimate solution, especially when you are looking to cool a small space. Luckily, the market has a variety of these products, making it easy for you to pick the best model that suits your needs. However, the array of choices may also make it hard for some to make a perfect choice, especially if you are not aware of the features that you need to select.
The following tips will help you in finding an appropriate choice to meet your needs.
- The Cooling Power: As mentioned, portable AC units are built to cool spaces that are up to 500 sq. ft. They work perfectly for our bedrooms, living rooms, small offices, study, and other smaller spaces. As you would expect, these models do not come with the same cooling power. British thermal units (BTUs) usually indicate the AC’s capacity in removing heat from a room. The higher the units, the better the unit is in keeping a space cool. Therefore, if you are looking to keep a large room cool, go for the models with higher BTUs ratings.
- Single-Hose or Dual-Hose Setup: Portable A/Cs is categorized as single or dual hose set up. While each of these units works diligently to remove the hot air, their working mechanism is different. Single hose units working mechanism is rather straightforward. For the single-hose units, they use the warm air in the room installed and pushes out any hot air out. On the other hand, the dual hose units collect hot air outdoors, cool it, and push the fresh hot air out.
- Filter and Noise Output: High-quality filters are ideal in ensuring the indoor air remains clean and fresh. Additionally, the premium quality filter also reduces energy waste. While just about any air conditioner will produce some degree of noise, the levels vary from one model to the other. The noise levels are usually indicated in decibels. If you are looking for a model to use in your bedroom or study, we recommend going for models that make 55 decibels or less.
CONCLUSION
Gone are the days where we had only a few portable air conditioners on the market. While the vast choice available on the market can be an advantage when making an appropriate choice, you might find yourself confused, especially when you are not sure of the features you need. In our above guide, we have only selected the models that come with the best features and efficiency. We also hope that our detailed buying guide will give you the much-needed insights to help you make an informed choice. Happy buying!
