5 Best Portable Air Conditioners Reviewed Now

Does the summer heat feel like it’s melting your focus? You know that feeling: sticky air clinging to you, making even simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain. You want cool air, but you don’t want the hassle or expense of a huge, window-rattling unit. That’s where portable air conditioners come in, promising relief without the permanent commitment.

However, stepping into the world of portable ACs can feel overwhelming. Which size is right for your room? Do you need a single-hose or a dual-hose model? Comparing features, BTUs, and noise levels quickly turns into a confusing chore. You want relief now, but you don’t want to buy the wrong machine and waste your money.

Don’t sweat the small stuff! This guide cuts through the technical jargon. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in a portable air conditioner. You will learn the key differences between models so you can confidently choose the perfect, energy-efficient cooler for your space.

Let’s stop dreaming about cool air and start breathing it. Keep reading to discover the best portable air conditioner for your summer comfort.

Top Portable Air Conditioner Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 8,500 BTU (5,100 BTU SACC) for Rooms Up To 350 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Full Function Remote Control & Window Kit, BPACT05SM, White

Three-in-One AC Unit: Our 8,500 BTU (5,100 BTU SACC) portable air conditioner combines an air conditioner, dehumidifier and fan for all your cooling & ventilation needs in rooms up to 350 sq. ft.
For Small Rooms & Living Spaces: Our room air conditioners provide fast, effective cooling for up to 350 sq. ft., making it ideal for dorms, apartments, cabins, offices, bedrooms, or living rooms
User-Friendly Controls: Featuring a top-mounted control panel with LED display, this ac unit for bedroom allows you to easily manage your indoor air conditioner settings for personalized comfort
Full Function Remote Control: Our portable AC unit comes with a convenient remote control that allows you to control all the features without having to get up and use the control panel
Eco-Friendly: Utilizing R-32 refrigerant, this air conditioner portable unit is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency making it one of the best portable room ac units available

SaleBestseller No. 2

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 8,000 BTU (3,950 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 400 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT08WT, White

Three-in-One Unit: Our 8000 BTU (3,950 BTU SACC) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner has a full function remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display
Portable AC: Use this personal air conditioner (15.3” x 14” x 24.8”) in rooms up to 400 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom
Follow Me Remote: Our portable AC unit comes with a full function remote control that features a FOLLOW ME function, which allows the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control
Easy Mobility: Thanks to casters on the bottom and side handles on both sides of the small air conditioner, this air cooler can be moved from room to room without any hassle
Installation Kit: When it comes to fans that blow cold air, this indoor ac unit includes an easy-to-install window kit. A large, vented airflow outlet ushers in cool air

Bestseller No. 3

COOLECH 42 INCH Windowless Portable Air Conditioners w/4 Modes & 3 Speeds, 1-Gal Tank for 15H Cooling, 12H Timer, Swamp Cooler Air Conditioner No Window Needed, 90° Oscillating AC Unit for Bedroom

【𝟒 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 & 𝟑 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞】With 3 wind speeds (low-18ft/s, medium-22ft/s, and high-28/ft/s), our evaporative air cooler delivers an airflow distance at up to 28 ft/s. Choose from 4 modes (Cooling/Normal/Sleep/Nature): Normal for daily use, Sleep for restful nights, and Cooling for a powerful cooling effect on hot days. Beat the heat effortlessly and enjoy a cool, comfortable living space with the COOLECH swamp cooler!
【𝟑 𝐈𝐍 𝟏 𝐚𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐧, 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫 & 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐫 】This air cooler for room works as a fan, humidifier, and air cooler in a sleek design. 1) Fan: Delivers powerful airflow for ventilation. 2) Humidifier (add water): Combats dryness, improving air humidity and relieving dry skin. 3) Air Cooler (add water and ice packs): Uses evaporation to create a cooling environment, perfect for hot days. The COOLECH 3-in-1 evaporative air cooler adapts seamlessly to your needs.
【𝟗𝟎° 𝐎𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝐬𝐪. 𝐟𝐭】Boasting 17.7-inch air outlets and a 90° auto-oscillation range, this 42-inch swamp cooler air conditioner delivers even cooling airflow to the room. with a powerful airflow of up to 1400 CFM and 28ft air throw distance, COOLECH portable swamp cooler can quickly cool room areas up to 300 sq. ft, allowing you to enjoy a cooling breeze even from a considerable distance.
【𝟏𝟓𝐇 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟏-𝐆𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤】Enjoy efficient cooling with our portable swamp cooler indoor. Equipped with a large 1-gallon water tank and 4 upgraded ice packs, it offers up to 15 hours of continuous cooling without frequent refills; reduces indoor dryness by 35%, ensuring a comfortable environment. Plus, with the visible water level, you can monitor the water tank easily and refill it when needed. (Data collected during low-speed tests.)
【𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲】COOLECH's upgraded air cooler for room features the 2025 latest cooling technology: high-performance motor, innovative air duct design, and 3 high-density cooling pads. Quickly reduces ambient temp by 36-50°F by converting water into a cool mist, delivering a cooling airflow. Tip: Enhance the cooling effect by adding frozen ice packs to the water tank. (*Tested at 95°F in the lab, the cooling effect varies based on indoor humidity.)

SaleBestseller No. 4

Humhold 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners with Heater, Remote Control, 4-in-1 Free Stand Smart Cooling AC Unit with Heating, Dehumidifier, Fan Mode for 550-700 sq.ft Room, Auto Swing,Timer, Black

【14,000BTU Cooling & 12,500BTU Heating】Humhold Efficient Portable AC unit owns a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU(ASHRAE) / 10,000 BTU(SACC), Heating capacity 12,500 BTU, has an most energy efficient compressor that can supply 61F-86F cool or warm air to 550-700 square feet of large space in your living room, bedroom, apartment, home kitchen,basement and office, stable and fast way to make you feel cool all the time in the hot summer,and warm up your room quickly in winter.
【4-in-1 Mode Cooling/Heating/Dehumidify/Fan】 Our portable air conditioner offers the convenience of 4 functions, including Cooling, Heating, 3-Speed Fan, and Dehumidify, which meets your needs all four seasons. You can freely adjust the temperature in cooling/heating mode, ranging from 61F to 86F. The Dehumidifier capacity of 95 Pints/day can effectively reduce the humidity in small room, and as a Fan to circulate indoor air all the times, removing excess moisture and releasing fresh air for a healthy and comfortable environment.
【Touch & Remote Control w/t LED Display】 Our portable ac unit is equipped with an easy-to-read Front LED Display and Touch Panel，combined with full-function remote control which has backlight LED display and up to 23 feets control distance, you can easily set the temperature and wind speed you want while sitting on the sofa or lying on the bed, no need to get close or stand up, maximize the convenience of mobile air conditioners.
【No Need To Drain】With Built-in water self-evaporation system, there is no need to drain water for daily use, the water will automatically evaporate through hose. If use it dry mode or placed in humid environment such as basement, laundry room, it needs to drain every 8 hours, or the unit will stop for the water tank inside is full, you can unplug the drain plugs on the back and connect water pipe to drain (package included), then start the machine again. The filters are designed to easy disassemble without any tools and can be washed directly by water flushing.
【Smart & Sleep Mode with 24H Timer for Enery Saving】 Built-in internal temp-sensor, Smart Mode enables the inverter ac unit run in Cool or Fan mode based on the room temperature, Keep the room at the most comfortable temperature 73F-77F. Sleep Mode will maintain an optimal temperature in low speed, and provide you less than 48dB quiet bedroom. You can also preset to stop the ac unit after 0.5-24 hours, all these funtional modes are money-saving and let you have a suitable temperature for relaxation and good sleep in the wonderful summer.

SaleBestseller No. 5

SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner With Heat & Built-in Dehumidifier 10,000 BTU, Portable Heater & AC For Rooms up to 450 Sq Ft - Remote Control & Window Mount Exhaust Kit Included

HANDY AND PORTABLE: The Serene Life Portable Air Conditioner System features a lightweight, handy, sleek body design intended to be used in the bedroom, living room, or garage at home or office. It features rolling wheels for easy portability.Controller type:Remote Control
BUILT-IN DEHUMIDIFIER: you don’t only get the cooling effect of the portable AC but also helps reduce humidity levels, a huge financial and space saving!
4 OPERATING MODES: The compact floor AC indoor cooler conditioning unit features a simple electric plug in operation and has 4 modes - cooling, heating, dehumidifier, and fan. Also features automatic swing mode w/ moving wind vent for maximum air circulation
REMOTE CONTROL: Features a digital touch button control panel which includes the power, mode, timer, temperature, and fan speed settings. Other functions such as unit selector (°C/°F), sleep key can be adjusted using the included remote control
GREAT FOR ALL YEAR ROUND: With 10, 000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 6,000 BTU (SACC) cooling power and 9, 000 BTU Heating power, this is the best option to save space and money. The cold air can cover a room up to 450+ sq. ft. , Air flow is rated at 290 m3/hr., moisture removal/dehumidifier at 15 liters/hr. w/ an operating noise level of only 52-56 dBa

Bestseller No. 6

LifeMaster 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners, Room Air Conditioner with Digital Remote for Room up to 350 Sq.Ft, 3-in-1 Portable AC Unit with Installation Kit for Home/Office/Dorms

3-IN-1 OPERATIONS - AIR CONDITIONER, DEHUMIDIFIER, AND FAN: A chilly room temperature from a room air conditioner is not always the requirement, because of which it comes with a built-in dehumidifier and a fan mode with 2 speed settings. Switching between these modes is super easy with the digital remote control.
QUIET & POWERFUL - Our 8,000 BTU ASHRAE ( 5,100 BTU DOE ) compact air conditioner (12.8 x 11.6 x 27.6 in,) will keep you cool and comfortable all summer. An adjustable fan speed cools the air to 65°F at the coolest setting. Sleep mode makes it extra quiet while you rest, Casters for easy mobility
EASY SETUP AND MAINTENANCE WITH AN EXHAUST KIT AND A REMOVABLE AIR FILTER: Your quiet portable air cooler for room is quick and easy to set up. Just take your AC where it is required and install the window mount exhaust kit and the exhaust hose in a few minutes and you are done. Also, the removable air filter makes it super easy to wash.
PERFECT FOR ALL ROOMS - This floor-standing portable AC unit provides steady, fast, effective cooling for rooms up to 350 sq. ft. It’s the ideal small air conditioner for dorms, apartments, cabins, campers, offices, bedrooms, or living rooms
EASY INSTALLATION: Roll your air conditioner to the preferred cooling area, attach the 5ft hose and adjustable window brackets (fits openings from 26.5-49“), turn the unit on and let your cooling begin. An exhaust hose and window kit are included, no extra tools are needed for assembly. Installation instructions are simple and can be done by anyone.

Bestseller No. 7

GarveeTech 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner 3-in-1 Cooling AC Portable Air Conditioner for Room with Sleep Mode, Ventless Floor Air Conditioner, 3 Speeds Fan & Dehumidifier

[ Powerful Cooling Performance ] With 8000 BTU (ASHRAE) cooling capacity, this portable AC efficiently covers spaces up to 250–350 sq ft, keeping you comfortably cool during hot summer days. Adjust the temperature between 65°F and 86°F to suit your preference.
[ 3 in-1 Versatility ] Customize your comfort with three modes—Cooling, Dehumidifying, and Fan—giving you flexible control over your environment. The Garveetech room air conditioner makes it easier than ever to achieve your ideal setting.
[ Hassle-Free Installation ] No need to worry about window type or size! Designed with adjustable panels, this bedroom AC fits most windows (16 in to 47 in ) for a quick, secure setup.
[ Minimal Drainage Required ] Thanks to its built-in condenser and water pump, this upgraded AC reduces the need for frequent drainage compared to traditional portable units. (Note: High-humidity areas may still require occasional draining.)
[ Quiet Operation ] Engineered with noise-reducing foam around the compressor, this portable air conditioner operates at just 50 dB—perfect for bedrooms, offices, and other quiet spaces.

SaleBestseller No. 8

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner, 14,000 BTU (10,200 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft., Smart Portable AC with Follow Me Remote and Window Kit, BPACT14WT, White

Three-in-One Unit: Our 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,200 BTU SACC) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner has a full function remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display
Portable AC: Take this personal air conditioner (16.5” x 14.06” x 27.09) in rooms up to 700 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom
Smart AC with Voice Control: This smart air conditioner allows Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled using our mobile app available on iOS and Google Play stores, and voice controlled by Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
Follow Me Remote: Our portable AC unit comes with a full function remote control that features a FOLLOW ME function, which allows the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control
Installation Kit: When it comes to fans that blow cold air, this indoor ac unit includes an easy-to-install window kit. A large, vented airflow outlet ushers in cool air

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Portable Air Conditioner

A portable air conditioner (PAC) is a fantastic solution when you cannot install a window unit or need cooling in a specific room. Choosing the right one requires knowing what to look for. This guide will help you make a cool decision!

Key Features to Look For

Not all portable ACs are the same. Pay close attention to these main features:

Cooling Power (BTUs)

What it is: BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure how much heat the unit can remove. More BTUs mean more cooling power.
What to know: You need the right size for your room. A small bedroom needs fewer BTUs than a large, open living area. Always check the recommended room size on the box.

Exhaust System Type

Single-Hose vs. Dual-Hose: Single-hose units pull air from the room to cool the condenser and then blow the hot air out. Dual-hose units pull fresh outside air for cooling, making them generally more efficient and faster at cooling. Dual-hose is often better quality.

Dehumidifying Function

Many PACs also act as dehumidifiers, pulling moisture out of the air. This is great for humid climates, as dry air feels cooler.

Programmable Timer and Remote Control

These features let you set a schedule or change settings without getting up. They greatly improve the user experience.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The quality of materials affects how long your PAC lasts and how noisy it is.

Casing and Durability

Look for sturdy plastic casings. Cheaper plastics can crack over time. Metal components inside, especially for the fan and compressor, usually mean better longevity.

Noise Level (Decibels – dB)

Since the compressor is inside the room with you, noise matters. Check the decibel rating. Units under 55 dB are usually quiet enough for sleeping. Quieter operation often indicates better internal engineering (quality construction).

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Improved Quality: Units with high EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings save you money on electricity. Inverter technology, though sometimes pricier upfront, often runs quieter and more smoothly than traditional on/off compressors.
Reduced Quality: Very lightweight units sometimes use cheaper fans, leading to louder operation and less effective air movement. Poorly sealed exhaust hoses can leak warm air back into the room, defeating the purpose.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where and how you will use the unit.

Portability and Setup

Check the weight and the sturdiness of the wheels. You must move the unit near a window for the exhaust hose. Setup should be easy; most modern units include all necessary window venting kits.

Drainage

When the unit dehumidifies, it collects water. Some units evaporate this water automatically (auto-drainage). Others require manual draining via a hose or plug. Manual draining can reduce user convenience significantly.

Best Use Cases

Temporary Cooling: Perfect for apartments or dorm rooms where permanent A/C isn’t allowed.
Spot Cooling: Use it to cool down a home office during the day while the main A/C is off, or to cool a server closet.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Portable Air Conditioners

Q: How do I vent a portable air conditioner?

A: You must vent the hot air outside. The unit comes with a flexible hose and a window kit. You attach the hose to the back of the unit and then secure the window kit into an open window. The hot air blows out through the hose.

Q: Are portable ACs as effective as window units?

A: Generally, window units are slightly more efficient because their heat exchange parts are outside. However, modern dual-hose portable ACs come very close to matching window unit performance.

Q: Do I have to empty water from my portable AC?

A: It depends on the model. Many units collect water in a small internal reservoir. If the unit does not have an auto-evaporation feature, you must empty this reservoir regularly, especially on humid days.

Q: What is the easiest type to set up?

A: Single-hose units are often the simplest to set up quickly. However, dual-hose units provide better long-term cooling performance.

Q: Can I use a portable AC without a window?

A: No. Every portable air conditioner must have an exhaust hose to push the hot air it removes from the room outside. Running it without venting will just heat your room up.

Q: How much electricity do they use?

A: They use more electricity than a fan, as they run a compressor. Check the unit’s wattage or look for a high EER rating to find the most energy-efficient options.

Q: What size BTU should I buy for a 400 sq. ft. room?

A: For a standard room around 400 square feet with normal ceiling height, you usually need between 10,000 and 12,000 BTUs. Always add a few extra BTUs if the room gets direct sunlight.

Q: What does ‘self-evaporating’ mean?

A: Self-evaporating means the unit uses the heat from the hot air exhaust to evaporate most of the collected water. This means you empty the drain pan less often.

Q: Can I run two portable ACs in one room?

A: You can, but it is usually unnecessary and wastes energy. It is better to buy one correctly sized, powerful unit rather than two smaller ones.

Q: How long do portable ACs typically last?

A: With regular cleaning and proper maintenance, a good quality portable AC should last between 5 to 10 years. Keep the filters clean to help the compressor last longer.