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 2026
- 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
- 【INVERTER TECHNOLOGY for 40% Energy Saving】 Engineered with the variable-speed inverter technology, this Portable ac unit saves more 40% energy than traditional ac units by maintains stable temperatures at the desired level and varying the rotation speed of the compressor. With built-in internal temp-sensor and Auto Smart mode,our floor ac unit run between Cool or Fan mode based on the room temperature, Keep the room at the most comfortable temperature around 73F-77F.
- 【16000 BTU Cooling Capacity】This Powerful Portable AC unit owns a fast cooling capacity of 16,000 BTU(ASHRAE) / 12,000 BTU(SACC), has an most energy efficient compressor that can offers 61-86F and more cooling air to 600-800 square feet of large space in your living room, bedroom, apartment, home kitchen,and office, stable and fast way to make you feel cool in the hot seasons.
- 【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.
- 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.
- 𝟯-𝗶𝗻-𝟭 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗖 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁: You can not only choose from Cool/Fan/Dry modes, but the AC318S also has three functions to control within each mode, making it perfect for all scenarios. Stay dry and comfortable with DREO AC unit powerful dehumidification!
- 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
- 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.
- 3 OPERATING MODES: The compact floor AC Indoor Cooler conditioning unit features a simple electric plug in operation and has 3 modes cooling, dehumidifier and fan; Also features automatic swing mode W/ moving wind vent for maximum air circulation
- 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!
- 𝗨𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗜𝗰𝗲𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Increase coverage up to 16 ft. away with this 12000 BTU ASHRAE (8000 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.
- 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
- 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: The EUHOMY 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner boasts a maximum wind speed of 350 m³/h,cooling up to 450 sq. ft. It can efficiently cools down to 61°F for easy temperature control. Our air conditioner’s impressive 16 ft air supply distance guarantees that you’ll feel the coolness throughout the bedroom, fitness room, living room, dorms, cabin, and even the garage. Installation is quick and simple: just move the unit, connect the included securely sealed hose and universal window adapter to a standard sliding window. And the adjustable blades can let you direct the airflow
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟑-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The EUHOMY 10,000 BTU portable AC combines cooling, dehumidifier, and fan functions. 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 operating in high humidity, the drainage pipe 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓 be connected to prevent water accumulation. You can choose to insert the pipe into the middle or the bottom drainage outlet for continuous and hassle-free drainage
- Powerful Cooling and Diverse Functions: This portable air conditioner has an ASHRAE 10000 BTU (SACC 6000 BTU) cooling capacity, which can effectively cool spaces up to 450 sq. ft. It offers three operation modes: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan, as well as two adjustable fan speeds to cater to your different comfort requirements. The cooling mode permits temperature adjustments ranging from 62°F to 86°F, enabling you to set your desired temperature for maximum comfort.
- Easy Operation and Portability: This air conditioner is equipped with a 24-hour timer, which allows you to set it to turn on or off at specific times for added convenience and energy efficiency. It also features a fully functional remote control and an easy-to-use LED display panel, enabling you to adjust settings effortlessly from a distance. The unit is designed with casters and side handles, making it easy to move around and transport between different rooms, such as bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and dormitories.
- Rapid Cooling for 750 Sq.Ft Areas: 14,000 BTU cooling power with 77° wide airflow drops temperatures from 89°F to 61°F in 15 minutes. Energy-saving design and quiet operation deliver comfort in any season.
- 3 in-1 Multifunction + 3-Minute Installation: Instantly switch between cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes. Mount with ease: Attach hose, lock adjustable window bracket (20.47”-39.9”), and power on—no tools or permanent fixtures needed.
- VERSATILE 3 IN 1 OPERATION – This air conditioner offers 3 operation modes: Auto AC Cooling, Dehumidifier, and Fan. Covers rooms up to 350 sq. ft. and has an air flow rate of 270 cubic meters per hour, ensuring convenient wide-area climate control
- POWERFUL COOLING – Experience powerful cooling with this AC unit. Comes with a metal control box for safety, it prevents fire and explosion. With a cooling capacity of 8000 BTU (ASHRAE) and 5000 BTU (DOE), stay cool and comfortable in any space
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.
