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
- 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
- 𝟭𝟰,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗕𝗧𝗨 (𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗥𝗔𝗘) 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: DREO AC516S 14000 btu portable air conditioners take cooling to spaces up to 400 sq.ft. , its 16ft cooling reach makes it Ideal for bedroom, living rooms, home offices, or studios. Maintain your ideal comfort with adjustable cooling from 65℉ to 86℉.
- 𝗔d𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲-𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Isolates the compressor, this quiet ac units for bedroom bringing noise down to 46dB. Ideal for noise-sensitive environments like nurseries, conference rooms, or light-sleep households.
- 【High-Efficiency 14,000 BTU Cooling】 This portable AC unit delivers robust cooling with a 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) and 10,000 BTU (SACC) capacity. Its advanced compressor efficiently cools spaces up to 700 sq.ft, making it ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and offices. Enjoy a refreshing and cool environment even during the hottest summer days.
- 【Multiple Modes For Needs】 Experience year-round comfort with four specialized modes of this room air conditioner: Cooling for hot days, Dehumidification to reduce moisture, Fan for air circulation, and Sleep mode (below 48dB) for quiet nighttime use. Intuitive controls designed for effortless personalization, making this air conditioner portable a great choice for various spaces.
- 【14000 BTU Cooling Efficient】: 14000 BTU ASHRAE 128 （10000 BTU SACC/CEC), 115V/60Hz, R32 refrigerant, a most energy efficient compressor that can fastly consistent 61F-86F air cooling for 550-700 sq. ft. bedrooms, living rooms, home kitchen, offices, cabins and more. stable and efficient way to make you feel cool all the time in the hot season.
- 【3 in 1 Cooling/Dehumidify/Fan】 The smart portable air conditioner offers the convenience of 3 functions, including Cooling, 3-Speed Fan, and Dehumidify, which meets your needs in hot seasons. You can freely adjust the temperature from 61F to 86F in cooling mode. 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.
- 【14000 BTU Powerful Cooling Efficient】The Powerful Portable AC unit owns a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU(ASHRAE) / 10,000 BTU(SACC),making it perfect for spaces up to 750 sq. ft. The adjustable temperature range of 64℉-90℉ allows you to customize your cooling experience to your liking
- 【3-in-1 Cooling/Dehumidify/Fan Mode】 Enjoy the convenience of Cooling,Fan,and Dehumidify modes with this air conditioner portable, which meets your needs all year round. And the 90 pints/day dehumidifier removes excess , creating a comfortable and healthy environment. Perfect for living room, bedroom, apartment, home kitchen,basement,office and more
- 【10,000 BTU Cooling Power for Up to 250 Sq. Ft】Experience rapid cooling tailored for rooms up to 250 sq. ft, perfect for bedrooms,offices,or small apartments.It can quickly cool the room even in hot weather, with temperature adjustment ranging from 61°F to 86°F (16-30°C)
- 【3-in-1 Versatility: Cool,Dehumidify,Fan】Switch effortlessly between cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes to adapt to any environment. Ideal for humid climates, the dehumidifier combats dampness, while the fan circulates fresh air,4 adjustable fan speeds(low,mid,high,auto)
- 【6-IN-1 FUNCTIONS】 The 16000 BUT smart portable air conditioner offers the convenience, including Cooling, Fan, and Dehumidify, which meets your daily needs. You can freely adjust the temperature in cooling mode, can effectively reduce the humidity in small room, and as a fan to circulate indoor air at all times, removing excess moisture and releasing fresh air for a healthy and comfortable environment.
- 【SMART REMOTE】: Control your comfort with our digital remote air conditioner! With its 24-hour programmable timer and adjustable thermostat , you can easily set the temperature to the level you want. The LED control panel and simple remote control make it easy to change and check settings from across the room.
- Powerful 14,000 BTU Cooling for Large Rooms: This portable air conditioner delivers 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 9,300 BTU (SACC) cooling capacity, efficiently cooling spaces up to 700 sq.ft. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and garages, it provides fast and energy-saving temperature control to keep you comfortable all summer long
- 3 in-1 Functionality – Cool, Fan & Dehumidify: Enjoy versatile cooling, fan, and dehumidifying modes with this portable AC unit. The powerful dehumidifier removes up to 95 pt of moisture per day, helping to create a fresh and healthy indoor environment by reducing excess humidity
- Professional Cooling Power: Candy Portable AC with ASHRAE 14,000 BTU (SACC 9,800 BTU) rapidly cools rooms up to 700 sq.ft, ideal for living rooms, master bedrooms, or open studios.The smart portable air conditioner offers the convenience of 3-in-1 functions, including Cooling, 3-speeds Fan , and Dehumidify , which meets your daily needs
- Smart Control & Convenient:14,000 btu window portable air conditioner includes remote control(23 feets control distance) + touch panel with 3 speeds (High/Medium/Low)，four 360°smooth-rolling casters at the bottom and the built-in handle of our floor portable ac allow you to easily move the installation position(living room, office, bedroom, kitchen, apartment ect), anytime, anywhere, comfortable and cool
- 【4-in-1 Versatility】With an ASHRAE rating of 8000 BTU, it is capable of providing fast and effective cooling for spaces up to 350sq.ft. while providing fan and dehumidification in any home, bedroom, office or cabin; capable of meeting your various needs for a cool summer.
- 【Easy to Install & Easy to Carry 】 Features rolling wheels that do not require any permanent installation and can be moved to the space you need. Applicable sliding window size: 25 inches ~ 50 inches, no height requirement.Suitable for single room cooling including bedroom, apartment, dorm room, garage and more.
- 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
- ❄️【𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲】This 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner has an upgraded compressor refrigeration system, can cover room area up to 450 sq.ft and the maximum wind speed can reach 350 m³/h. In the hot summer, this indoor ac unit can cool quickly,it can reduce the room temperature to a comfortable temperature for the human body in about 5 minutes. The portable AC can be set to 27 temperatures (60℉-86℉), and you can choose a suitable temperature to meet your needs. And it has a CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 6.6, saving a lot of energy, and is very suitable for living rooms, apartments, bedrooms, offices, gym, renters, etc
- ❄️【𝟑-𝐈𝐧-𝟏 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞】In addition to cooling, this air conditioner portable can also be used as a dehumidifier and fan. When it is raining or in a room with high humidity, you can turn the machine on to Dry mode (you need to insert a drain pipe after turning it on). It can remove 50 pints of moisture a day, giving you a dry and comfortable environment. When the weather is not too hot, but you need an airy environment, you can turn on the fan mode and enjoy the good mood brought by the natural wind. EUHOMY room air conditioners are committed to keeping you cool in the hot summer
- Portable AC: This BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU (ASHRAE 128) portable ac unit is also as a fan and dehumidifier. Our 8000 btu air conditioner keeps any room breezy and comfortable with easy installation.
- Smart Device: When it comes to portable wifi ACs, fans and dehumidifiers, our Wifi AC Unit (12.95″ x 12.56″ × 26.7″) works with a special app for iOS and Android, Alexa and Google Assistant.
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.
