Looking for the Best Portable Air Conditioners to cool off your home or RV? If so, you’ve definitely come to the right place, as this guide will walk you through the best and the quietest portable air conditioners to buy in 2023.
While central air and window air conditioners are great, they aren’t suitable for every situation or every budget. In some cases, choosing one of the best portable air conditioners on the market is the better choice for cooling down small to medium-sized areas.
What is the best portable air conditioner to buy? In our opinion, the Whynter ARC-14S air conditioner is the best choice for most homeowners.
A portable air conditioner is similar to a window air conditioner. However, a portable air conditioner can easily be moved (on wheels) to any additional rooms where it may be required.
Using standard electrical household current and a simple heat exhaust hose, portable air conditioners exhaust warm air outside while introducing refrigerated cold air into any room.
Portable AC units come in different sizes, are homeowner friendly, and do not require an outdoor condenser, special wiring, or other professional installation.
Best Portable Air Conditioner
We researched 16 of the best manufacturers – then narrowed the list down to the Top 10 Portable Air Conditioners, including their Key features, Cooling Capacity, And Prices.
Editor’s Pick: Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner
Topping our list as the overall best portable air conditioner is the Whynter ARC-14S. Providing the benefits of a proven air conditioner, dehumidifier, and air purifier, The Whynter portable AC unit is perfect for making your home feel more comfortable throughout the year.
Whether you need a considerable temperature reduction or want to take the dampness out of your air, this unit from Whynter has you covered.
Key features of this product include:
14,000-BTU cooling capacity
Auto draining – All moisture fully exhausted using the Cooling function
Dual hoses
Cools up to 500 square feet
Remote control included
It comes with a storage bag
Reviewers find that this portable air conditioner from Whynter produces cold air, distributes it well throughout a reasonably large area, and doesn’t make too much noise. Many buyers are also quite happy with its ease of use, especially when changing the air filter.
The Patented “Auto Draining” feature exhausts all condensation while using the A/C feature, eliminating the need to empty a drain pan. However, when using the Dehumidifier function, you will need to open the provided drain pan.
Although this air conditioner is only rated for 500 square feet, some users note that they have used it in larger spaces with excellent results.
One issue some people have run into is that this unit isn’t powerful enough to provide sufficient cooling in either poorly insulated rooms or with too much sunlight coming in through the windows and heating up the area.
While users’ lack of insulation problem is more involved, a simple curtain or some drapes can solve the problem of the sun heating the room and allow the air conditioner to do its job without having to fight the effects of the sun.
“Editor’s Pick” – Whynter
Runner Up: Serene Life 12,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner + Heater
Coming in second in our portable ac reviews is the Serene LIFE 12,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner. Like the ARC-14S, this model acts as an air conditioner and a dehumidifier, though it does not include air purification technology.
However, The Serene Life unit also includes a Heater. It is also an excellent option for larger spaces.
Key features of this product include:
12,000-BTU cooling and Heating capacity
Single Hose
Cools or heats up to 500 square feet
Remote control included
Built-in 100-pint dehumidifier
People who have purchased this portable air conditioner find it an excellent fit for uses ranging from providing extra cooling in a bedroom to being the sole air conditioner in small apartments.
Frequently cited advantages of this model include its excellent cooling capacity and relatively quiet operation. Several buyers have also commented on this air conditioner’s value, as it is reasonably priced for its features and capabilities.
The only real downside to this portable air conditioner is that it is a single-hose rather than a dual-hose model. Dual hose models tend to cool down rooms quickly and are more efficient at removing warm air.
However, the Serene LIFE unit makes up for its single-hose quite well with its excellent cooling capabilities.
“Runner-Up”: SERENE LIFE
Best Value: BLACK + DECKER 10,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner
If you’re looking for a quiet portable air conditioner at a great price point, the BLACK + DECKER 10,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner may be a good option for you. With ample cooling capabilities for rooms up to 250 Square Feet, and very user-friendly features, this model stands out as the best value on our list.
Key features of this product include:
10,000-BTU cooling capacity
Single Hose
Cools up to 250 square feet
Remote control included
Built-in dehumidifier
Most people who have bought and used this unit find that it quickly cools down small spaces and does a reasonably good job of keeping up with the heat. As you might expect, several reviews also mention that this BLACK + DECKER product is excellent value for the money.
Some users have found a slight issue with this air conditioner: the sliding plastic adjuster for mounting the hose into a window isn’t as sturdy as it might be.
Overall, we found the Black + Decker Portable 10,000 BTU the Best Portable AC for the money.
“Best Value” Portable AC – Black + Decker
Best Portable AC With Heater: BLACK + DECKER 14,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner + 11,000-BTU Heater
For people with limited space or who don’t want to invest in two separate pieces of equipment, having a combination portable air conditioner and heater in one unit can be a huge convenience.
This model from BLACK + DECKER offers good heating and cooling capacity for any space up to 350 Square Feet and can act as a Fan and Dehumidifier.
Key features of this product include:
14,000-BTU cooling capacity
11,000-BTU heating capacity
For use in spaces of up to 350 square feet
Built-in dehumidifier
Programmable digital controls
Remote control included
Reviews of this model highlight its quiet operation and ability to quickly cool down spaces when used in air conditioner mode. Likewise, it is a reasonably efficient and fast-acting heater to warm up a room.
Although it isn’t truly a compact model, it is reasonably small, allowing it to be used in cramped rooms without taking up excessive floor space.
One downside associated with this model is the weatherstripping that is provided for insulating the window into which its hose is fed. According to some reviewers, the material that comes with the air conditioner isn’t as durable as it could be and is prone to breaking.
However, this problem can be easily fixed by getting some commercially available residential weatherstripping material and using it in place of the weatherstripping that comes with the unit.
Best Portable “A/C Unit with a Heater” – Black + Decker
Looking For The Quietest Portable Generator For Camping This Summer – Check Out Our Review For The “Best Portable Generators” Sold on Amazon:
Best Portable AC Rooms up to 700 Square Feet: HONEYWELL 14,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner
If you want to cool a larger space, the HONEYWELL 14,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner may be the best portable air conditioner for your needs. This unit acts as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan and features the quality and durability buyers have come to expect from the HONEYWELL brand.
Key features of this product include:
14,000-BTU cooling capacity
Built-in dehumidifier
Cools up to 700 square feet
Three fan speed settings
Dual filtration system
Most reviews of this unit have been extremely positive, with many buyers highlighting its ability to cool down larger spaces rapidly and its lack of excessive noise when running.
Easy setup is also mentioned as a benefit of the HONEYWELL product as a significant advantage. Most users are happy with the appearance of the air conditioner, which HONEYWELL has designed to have a modern feel that fits well in most homes.
One disadvantage of this particular unit is its size. While not overly massive, this portable air conditioner is more significant than several of its competitive models.
The size, however, almost certainly won’t be a problem for you unless you’re trying to use it in an unusually small or cramped room, in which case the next AC unit on this list will likely be a better choice.
Best Portable AC for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft. – Honeywell
Best Compact AC for Rooms up to 200 Square Feet: SereneLife 8,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner
For very compact spaces, like workshops – this best small portable air conditioner from SereneLife is a great option to provide quick cooling without forcing you to pay for more cooling capacity than you need.
At the same time, this portable air conditioner is a well-made product that won’t disappoint in the quality department.
Key features of this product include:
8,000-BTU cooling capacity
Cools up to 200 square feet
Built-in dehumidifier
Digital control panel
Remote control included
Reviews of this SereneLife air conditioner highlight its effectiveness in cooling down bedrooms to make them comfortable at night and its overall quality. Value is another plus associated with this model since it comes in at one of the lower price points among portable air conditioners.
One slight problem some people may have with this unit is its weight. Despite being quite compact, the air conditioner weighs over 45 pounds, making it somewhat difficult to move around quickly.
While this won’t be a significant issue for most users, it’s worth keeping in mind if you plan to use it in an upstairs bedroom and will have to carry it up a flight of stairs.
Serene Life – Best Portable AC unit for up to 200 Square Feet
Best “Alexa Enabled” Portable Air Conditioner: Midea 10,000 BTU
Suppose you’re looking for a “Smartphone or Alexa-enabled portable air conditioner” also available at a great price. In that case, the Midea 10,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner may be your best option.
Highly rated and packed with features, the Midea 10,000 BTU air conditioner has ample cooling capabilities for rooms up to 200 Square Feet. Similar but larger capacity models are also available from Midea.
Additionally, this air conditioner can be used as a dehumidifier or as a Fan. The Midea has very user-friendly features, and this model stands out as one of the best values on our list.
Key features of this product include:
10,000-BTU cooling capacity
Single Hose heat exhaust
Cools up to 200 square feet
Remote or use Smartphone App to control Sleep Modes, Sweep, and Timer.
Built-in dehumidifier and Fan
Most people who have bought and used this unit find that it quickly cools down small spaces and does a reasonably good job of keeping up with the heat. As you might expect, several reviews also mention that this Midea product is excellent value for the money.
Overall, we found the Midea Portable 10,000 BTU to be the Best Alex Or Smartphone Enabled Portable AC for the money.
“Best Alexa Enabled” Portable Air Conditioner – Midea
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Portable AC
Before you decide which of these best portable air conditioners is right for you, there are a couple of factors you should take into account.
What Size Portable Air Conditioner do I need?
All of the portable air conditioner reviews we include above – indicate the recommended cooling capacity – based on the size of the room(s) you plan on cooling. Be sure to pay attention to the specific portable ac capability noted.
If you try to use an air conditioner with a capacity that’s too low for a large room or apartment, you’ll likely find that it cannot provide the cooling you expect, and your comfort, as well as the ac equipment, will suffer as a result.
How Do You Install a Portable Air Conditioner?
If you’re a visual learner, check out this article from WikiHow – With step-by-step instructions and diagrams to help you install your portable air conditioner correctly.
What is the Cheapest Portable Air Conditioner?
In our reviews for a cheap portable ac – you should consider the 5,300 BTU portable air conditioner from Midea.
However, the cheapest may not always be best for economy choices – The 14,000 BTU Black + Decker portable AC model also gets the job done efficiently and still at a great value.
Prices for these units cover quite a range, so there are options for almost all budget levels. If you’re working with limited resources, a value-friendly model like the BLACK + DECKER 14,000-BTU’s is the right choice.
If your budget is a bit larger, you may get more utility from a higher-end selection, such as the Whynter ARC14S, rated as our best portable air conditioner.
Conclusion:
The best portable air conditioner for you will depend on what you need from it and how you intend to use it. The models listed here, though, are among the best out there today.
Using this portable air conditioner review guide, you should quickly be able to find an ideal air conditioning unit for your home without having to wade through the hundreds of models on the market individually.
