Finding the perfect portable air conditioner can feel overwhelming, especially with the numerous models and features available.
I’ve researched some of the most popular options on the market to help you make the best choice for your cooling needs.
Whether you’re looking for energy efficiency, smart technology, or quiet operation, this list has something for everyone.
Here’s Our Top Picks of The Best Portable Air Conditioners in 2025
- 𝗨𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗜𝗰𝗲𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Increase coverage up to 14 ft. away with this 8000 BTU ASHRAE (5000 BTU SACC) portable air conditioners and its best buddy, the fan, giving you instant chills even in hot summer days. Additionally, you can keep the temperature between 61°F to 86°F using various controls to tailor the cooling to your preferences.
- 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗢’𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: reduces the standing ac compressor and turbulence noise to just 45dB, ideal for bedtime or working environments without interruptions.
- Powerful Cooling Efficient: BLATACY Powerful Portable AC unit owns a cooling capacity of 16,000Btu has an most energy efficient compressor that quickly supply cool air to your large living rooms, bedrooms, apartments, home kitchens, garages, basements, and offices in large spaces up to 730 sq.ft, in a consistent and efficient way that keeps you cool all the way through the hot summer months. Plus, you can customize your cooling experience to your needs with a variety of controls that maintain temperatures from 61°F – 88°F.2
- 5-in-1 Versatile Design: This portable air conditioner offers convenient 5-in-1 functionality including cooling, 3-speed fan, sleep and dehumidification to meet your seasonal needs. You can freely adjust the temperature in cooling mode, ranging from (61°F to 88°F) during the hot season. The dehumidification mode effectively reduces humidity in small rooms and acts as a fan to circulate the air in the room at all times, for precise and intelligent control of your climate2
- Three-in-One Unit: Our 12,000 BTU (8,000 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 11.7” x 27.9) in rooms up to 550 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom
- High Cooling Efficiency – Experience high cooling efficiency with our portable air conditioners, equipped with an upgraded air compressor capable of delivering 10,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 7100 BTU (SACC). This portable AC can effortlessly lower the temperature in rooms up to 450 sq.ft. within 5 minutes, providing an unparalleled cozy cooling experience in bedrooms, living rooms, offices, or garages
- 3-in-1 Versatile Air Conditioner – Our portable air conditioners quenches all your needs, from cooling to fan to dehumidifier mode, aiming to enhance your indoor living environment. Submerge yourself in a cooling room at 61℉under the cooling mode, especially during scorching and stifling summer days. Promote indoor air circulation with our portable air conditioner featuring two adjustable speeds under the fan mode. Maintain optimal humidity level at 40%-60% under the dehumidifier mode
- SMARTCOOL – Midea 8,500 BTU ASHRAE (5,000 BTU SACC) Portable Air Conditioner delivers fast, effective cooling for spaces Up to 150 sq. ft. while providing fan and dehumidification functions in any home, creating a relaxing and comfortable environment
- SMART CONTROL – Control your portable AC from anywhere using the SmartHome app for iOS and Android. Switch modes, set a schedule, and more. Pair your AC unit with Alexa or Google Assistant devices for voice control options
- 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: The EUHOMY 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner boasts a maximum wind speed of 290 m³/h, effectively cooling areas up to 350 sq. ft. It can adjust the temperature down to a minimum of 61℉, this ac unit ensures rapid cooling. Our air conditioner’s impressive 16 ft air supply distance guarantees that you’ll feel the coolness throughout the room like bedroom, living room, office, RVs, dorms, apartment, cabin, campers, and even the garage. Installation is simple—just move the unit to any room with a hanging or sliding window, connect the included hose and window adapter, and you’re ready to go. Additionally, you can direct the airflow by simply adjusting the blades
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟑-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The EUHOMY 8,000 BTU portable ac serves a triple purpose as a cooling air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, offering great value. With a cooling range of 61 – 90℉, it features two wind speeds (low/high), allowing you to easily adjust according to your needs. In dry mode, this portable ac unit effectively removes up to 51 pints of moisture per day, minimizing issues related to excess water vapor.When using dry mode or using it in a humid place, it’s recommended to connect the drainage pipe. You can choose to insert the pipe into the middle drainage hole or use the bottom drainage outlet for continuous drainage
- ❄️【𝟑-𝐈𝐍-𝟏 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲】The air cooler integrates useful functions you want. It can blow cold air as a Fan & Air Conditioner & Air Cooler. Double cooling effect: If there is no water in the water tank, the fan will be an ordinary air cooler.
- ❄️【𝟐.𝟓𝐋 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤 & 𝟒 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐱𝐞𝐬】The water pump pumps up the water from the water tank and flows behind the water curtain. The blown wind carries water vapor, which is combined with ice packs and turn the “cool” function on, then cooling effect will be enhanced, and the wind will be warm and moist without drying out. It can work for nearly 10 hours with full water and don’t worry if there is no water in the tank, it will keep blowing cold wind. No need to waste too much time and energy on water tank, just rinse the built-in fiber curtain with water!
- ❄️【2025 Robust Motor for 3S Cooling】The FANCOLE swamp cooler air conditioner features an upgraded motor with high-temperature-resistant materials and efficient coolant circulation. This design ensures rapid cooling, extended product lifespan, and reduced maintenance. Thanks to the optimized air duct system, this portable swamp cooler indoor delivers faster airflow, lowering ambient temperature by 41-49°F in just 3 seconds.
- ❄️【4 Cooling Modes & 3 Speeds】Our ventless portable air conditioners has 3 wind speeds (Low-15 ft/s, Medium-20 ft/s, and High-27 ft/s) Whether you need a breeze or a strong cool breeze, it can be easily achieved. In addition, this 4 cooling mode portable ac unit includes Cooling/Sleep/Normal/Natural and supports 12 cooling combinations, you can find a personalized cooling experience whether you are working, resting, or sleeping.
- 【360° Whole-Room Cooling】Portable air conditioner triple-layer cooling system with 3D honeycomb filters rapidly circulates air across 400 sq.ft spaces. 30ft/s turbo wind and wide oscillation reach every corner – ideal for living rooms, offices, or open areas.
- 【Rapid Cooling】Portable AC 1.72Gal detachable water tank (50% larger than standard models) works with 4 high-density ice packs for accelerated cooling. Dual fill ports allow quick refills without moving the unit.
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- 【3.0Gallon Water Tank for 21-Hour Cooling】This 3.1 – gallon water tank offers 21 – hour continuous cooling. It uses advanced evaporation tech to turn water into a cooling mist, spreading cool air widely. Ideal for living rooms, offices, or outdoor events in summer. The large capacity means fewer refills for lating cooling time
- 【Double Tanks & Detachable for Easy Cleaning】Our portable air conditioner features dual water tanks, choose between the traditional top-fill method or external Back-Fill Hose for easy, spill-free refills. The detachable tanks are super easy to clean. Just take them out, wash with water, and you’re set. This keeps the water clean, boosts cooling, and extends the ac unit’s life
- ✅ 【Fan, Air Cooler & Humidifier 3 in 1】 Vidihill evaporative air cooler serves as a fan, humidifier, and air cooler in a sleek design. Fan mode: use without water for a refreshing breeze. Cooler mode: Add water and ice for a cooling effect. Humidifier mode: Activate the humidifier button for cold air and relief from dryness.
- ✅【1000ml Water Tank with Top Fill Design】Vidihill portable air conditioner proudly present a convenient 1000ML top-fill water tank, ensuring an uninterrupted cooling experience. In addition, it has a visual scale mark, allowing you to monitor the water level of air conditioner at a glance to ensure optimal performance at all times. It’s not just about cooling efficiency, while also about a peace of mind.
Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
When it comes to cooling efficiency, the Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is a game-changer. With its dual hose system, it provides faster cooling than most single-hose units and is ideal for large spaces.
Pros
- Efficient cooling: The dual-hose system ensures quicker and more effective temperature reduction.
- Eco-friendly: It uses CFC-free refrigerants and is RoHS-compliant.
- Built-in dehumidifier: Great for humid climates.
- Easy mobility: Comes with casters for convenient movement.
Cons
- Noise level: It can be a bit loud, especially at higher fan speeds.
- Bulky design: Takes up more space than some competitors.
TCL 5P93C Smart Series Portable Air Conditioner
The TCL 5P93C combines smart technology with powerful cooling, making it a great choice for tech enthusiasts.
Pros
- Wi-Fi enabled: Control it via your smartphone or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Energy efficiency: Features an Energy Star rating.
- Compact design: Fits well in smaller rooms or apartments.
- Quiet operation: Runs smoothly without disruptive noise.
Cons
- Price: Slightly higher than comparable models without smart features.
- Setup: Initial setup can be tricky for some users.
BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
A budget-friendly option, the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT is perfect for smaller spaces and occasional use.
Pros
- Affordable: Offers excellent value for the price.
- Compact: Lightweight and easy to move.
- Quick installation: Straightforward setup with minimal tools required.
Cons
- Limited cooling capacity: Best for small rooms up to 150 square feet.
- Lacks smart features: No Wi-Fi or app compatibility.
Honeywell Portable Evaporative Cooler with Fan
While not a traditional air conditioner, the Honeywell Portable Evaporative Cooler is an eco-friendly cooling solution that works well in dry climates.
Pros
- Low energy consumption: Consumes significantly less electricity than AC units.
- Eco-friendly: No refrigerants needed.
- Humidifies air: Adds moisture to dry indoor environments.
Cons
- Not suitable for humid areas: Works best in arid climates.
- Limited cooling: Less effective than a standard AC unit.
DeLonghi PAC-UV Portable Air Conditioner
The DeLonghi PAC-UV stands out with its built-in UV-C technology for cleaner air, making it a great choice for those prioritizing air quality.
Pros
- Air purification: UV-C technology kills bacteria and allergens.
- Powerful cooling: Suitable for larger spaces.
- Energy-saving mode: Reduces energy consumption during extended use.
Cons
- Cost: On the higher end of the price spectrum.
- Weight: Heavier than many other portable units.
LG Smart Portable Air Conditioner
LG’s Smart Portable Air Conditioner combines performance with convenience, offering advanced controls and efficient cooling.
Pros
- Smart features: Wi-Fi enabled for remote control and scheduling.
- Quiet operation: Ideal for bedrooms or offices.
- Reliable performance: Consistently maintains desired temperatures.
Cons
- Price: Higher cost due to smart features.
- Size: Slightly bulkier than non-smart units.
Whynter ARC-12SDH Portable Air Conditioner and Heater
If you’re looking for a versatile unit that works year-round, the Whynter ARC-12SDH is worth considering.
Pros
- Dual functionality: Serves as both an air conditioner and a heater.
- Durable: Built with high-quality materials for longevity.
- Energy-efficient: Keeps utility bills in check.
Cons
- Noise: Slightly noisier due to the dual functionality.
- Cost: More expensive than single-purpose units.
EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable Air Conditioner
The EcoFlow Wave 2 is a portable powerhouse with cutting-edge battery technology for on-the-go cooling.
Pros
- Battery-operated: Ideal for outdoor use or areas without easy access to power.
- Compact: Designed for portability.
- Fast cooling: Cools down small spaces quickly.
Cons
- Battery life: Limited runtime on battery power.
- Price: Premium cost due to advanced technology.
How to spot a bad portable air conditioner
Spotting a bad portable air conditioner can save you money and frustration. Avoid units that have consistently poor reviews, lack essential features like adjustable settings or timers, or are made with low-quality materials. Units with a high noise level or inadequate cooling for their BTU rating are also red flags.
What type of portable air conditioner is best?
The best portable air conditioner depends on your specific needs. If you value energy efficiency, look for models with Energy Star ratings. For tech-savvy users, Wi-Fi-enabled units are great. Dual-hose systems are ideal for large spaces, while single-hose systems are better suited for smaller areas.
How many BTUs should a portable AC be?
The BTU rating depends on the size of the room you want to cool. As a rule of thumb:
- Up to 300 sq. ft.: 8,000-10,000 BTUs
- 300-500 sq. ft.: 10,000-14,000 BTUs
- Over 500 sq. ft.: 14,000+ BTUs
Are portable air conditioners as good as window units?
Portable air conditioners offer flexibility and easy installation but are generally less efficient than window units. Window ACs typically cool spaces faster and use less energy, but they require a permanent installation.
Do portable ACs have to be vented out a window?
Yes, most portable ACs need to be vented out a window to expel hot air. Some models offer venting options through a door or wall, but proper ventilation is essential for effective cooling.
FAQs
Do portable air conditioners have to be vented out a window?
Yes, venting is required for most portable AC units to function effectively.
Is 7000 BTU enough for a bedroom?
It depends on the size. A 7,000 BTU unit is suitable for rooms up to 150-200 sq. ft.
How much area will a 14000 BTU air conditioner cool?
A 14,000 BTU unit can cool spaces up to 500 sq. ft.
Is it okay to run portable AC all night?
Yes, but ensure the unit has an energy-saving mode to prevent excessive electricity use.
Do portable air conditioners use a lot of electricity?
They can be energy-intensive, but units with high energy efficiency ratings help reduce costs.
Can you leave a portable AC on 24/7?
It’s possible, but not recommended for long-term use without breaks to prevent wear and tear.
Do all portable air conditioners need an exhaust hose?
Yes, most require an exhaust hose for venting hot air, though evaporative coolers are an exception.
How long does a portable air conditioner take to cool a room?
Typically, 15-30 minutes, depending on the room size and unit capacity.
How many hours should portable AC run per day?
This varies based on cooling needs but running it intermittently throughout the day is ideal.
Where is the best place to put a portable air conditioner?
Near a window for venting and away from obstructions for optimal airflow.
How often should I drain my portable AC?
Frequency depends on humidity levels. Some units require daily draining, while others are self-evaporating.
Do I need to remove the window screen for a portable air conditioner?
It’s not necessary, but removing the screen can improve venting efficiency.
