Some say that you can’t put a price on being cool and comfortable, but it’s not always practical to invest in an extensive air conditioning system. It can be particularly tough if you are renting or living out of an RV. In these cases, a portable air conditioner is a good choice. A portable AC unit can be superior to a traditional window unit. They’re compact enough for traveling, and you can move them from room to room without having to disassemble and reassemble them in the window. We list some of the best portable air conditioners, so you can get the cool comfort of an air conditioner without having to deal with a cumbersome contraption (dare you to say that five times fast).
Summary List
- Best Overall: Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
- Best Value: Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner
- Honorable Mention: Midea Smart 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
- Most Convenient: SereneLife SLACHT128 4-In-1 Air Conditioner and Heater
- Best for Large Rooms: De’Longhi 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
- Best 10,000 BTU: Shinco 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Our Methodology
To choose the best portable air conditioners on the market, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of air conditioners before choosing the top contenders. Although I haven’t personally tested these products, my selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, and discussions on relevant online forums.
Best Portable Air Conditioners: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Best Value
Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner
Honorable Mention
Midea Smart 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
Most Convenient
SereneLife SLACHT128 4-In-1 Air Conditioner and Heater
Best for Large Rooms
De'Longhi 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
Best 10,000 BTU
Shinco 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Our Verdict
For a high-quality portable air conditioner, consider the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner, which can cool 25-foot by 25-foot rooms, or the Black+Decker BPACT14WT Portable Air Conditioner, which can cool rooms between 200 and 300 square feet.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Portable Air Conditioner
Power and Room Size
You need to know the size of the room that you need to heat or cool before deciding on the best unit for you. In general, the higher the number of BTUs, the more square footage an air conditioner will cool. Most manufacturers state the maximum square footage their units can cover.
Noise
While all portable air conditioners will produce noise, it is important to consider the decibel levels produced by your unit before purchasing. Some portable air conditioners offer a silent mode feature for use in your bedroom at night.
Thermostat
Some portable air conditioners include a programmable thermostat, which allows you to set it to the temperature you want. The unit will shut off once the room has reached the set temperature. This is a convenient feature allows you to preset a temperature without having to manually turn the air conditioner on or off.
Portable Air Conditioner Pricing
For less than $300, you can pick up a portable air conditioner suitable for small spaces, as these units usually have a relatively low BTU rating. The majority of portable air conditioners are on sale for between $300 to $500, and these units will be suitable for cooling and heating medium to large rooms. If you spend over $500, you should bet a portable air conditioner that’s suitable for use in large rooms, has a programmable thermostat, and features a dehumidifier.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A portable air conditioner is a self-contained unit that is ideal for cooling small areas or single rooms. They typically sit on the floor and are easy to install. Most models also have wheels so you can easily move them from room to room.
Yes, all portable air conditioners need to be vented in some way. Portable air conditioners pull in warm air, cool it, and let the cooled air out of the front of the unit. The remaining warm air and moisture need to be vented out of the back of the unit.
Portable air conditioners can be used for emergency cooling. A server room should have central air conditioning for primary cooling, but portable units can be installed in the server room as a backup option.
Yes, portable air conditioners are extremely energy efficient. Compared to regular air conditioners, they use much less energy. Dual hose types are more energy-efficient than single-hose types of portable air conditioners.