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16 best portable air conditioners passed our test 2024

Brian Johnson
  Jul 27, 2024 3:02 AM

To withstand the blazing heat of a summer day, a portable air conditioner is definitely a must-have item in every household. With its compact design and portability, you can stay cool when moving between different spaces throughout the day. So how to choose the best portable air conditioner that suits you? All will be answered with the most in-depth reviews below. Explore them now!


TOP LIST PRODUCTS

Showing  1 - 10  in  16 results
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1
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

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  • Brand
    SereneLife
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2
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

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    BLACK+DECKER
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3
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

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  • Brand
    SereneLife
4
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

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    ZAFRO
5
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    8.6
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    Whynter
6
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    8.6
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    BLACK+DECKER
7
  • SCORE
    8.6
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    ZAFRO
8
  • SCORE
    8.6
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    Dreo
9
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    8.4
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    De'Longhi
10
  • SCORE
    8.4
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    Vremi

Last update on 2024-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONERS

1. BEST OVERALL: Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner Whynter ARC-14SH 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

View price on Amazon

  • AWARD-WINNING: Good Housekeeping's 2022 "BEST OVERALL PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER Provides powerful cooling over large areas"

  • POWERFUL & QUIET: 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 9,200 BTU (SACC) cooling capacity | 13,000 BTU (ASHRAE)/ 8,200 BTU (SACC) heating capacity; Noise level (dBA): <56

  • ADVANCED SELF-EVAPORATION: Dual hose operation; Cools up to a 500 square foot space (ambient temperature and humidity may influence optimum performance); Patented auto drain function fully exhausts all condensate automatically in most environments; Dehumidifying capacity: 71 pints per day; Air Flow (at high speed): 430 m3/h / 253 CFM; 3 fan speeds…Read more.

The Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner has superior cooling efficiency compared to other types of air conditioners, thanks to a dual hose inside the AC. A dual hose uses outside air instead of inside air to cool down the internals of the AC, helping it cool the room faster and more efficiently. In dehumidification mode, it removed up to 101 pints of moisture in a 24-hour period, and as a heater, it could generate heat up to 77°F. Another of its most popular features is its programmable timer that allows you to set a schedule for the day. You can also monitor the temperature on the digital index. 

 

2. BEST BUDGET: SereneLife SLPAC10 Portable Air Conditioner SereneLife SLPAC10 Portable Air Conditioner

View price on Amazon

  • HANDY AND PORTABLE: The SereneLife 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

  • 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

  • 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!...Read more.

SereneLife SLPAC10 not only offers good value but also offers at an affordable price, which will definitely be an item you can consider. The highlight of this air conditioner is its solid cooling performance but low energy consumption. While its noise will be a bit annoying, it's generally a quality and versatile device.

 

3. BEST SMART: Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner

View price on Amazon

  • INNOVATIVE DUO HOSE DESIGN - Midea's industry-first hose-in-hose design enables the unit to intake and exhaust air outdoors. The hose-in-hose portable air conditioner can form balanced air circulation indoors, effectively preventing hot air from seeping into the room through gaps around doors and windows.Controller type:Remote Control,Voice Control,Android,iOS.AirFlow efficiency:388.82 CFM. Daily Moisture Removal (L)-58.99

  • INVERTER TECHNOLOGY - Engineered with the variable-speed inverter technology, Midea Duo Inverter portable air conditioner cools more with considerably less electricity than traditional portable units. It saves more than 40% energy compared to U.S. federal standards…Read more. 

The device has outstanding cooling, quiet operation, and does not make a single sound. Moreover, it is also considered one of the smartest air conditioners because it uses many features paired with Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control. You can turn on, off, or set a schedule with just your phone. However, the integration of many features within the device means that it uses a lot of energy. 

 

OTHER CHOICES:

The prices of the products are just right at the moment when we check. They are subject to changes by the Seller, so some may be slightly different from those found on Amazon when you see them. Please note that they are just for reference. If you want to know the exact price, don't hesitate to check Amazon. 


HOW TO BUY THE BEST PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONERS

You are not a proficient shopper and do not know what criteria to buy the best portable air conditioners. Here are the top criteria to help you buy the best air coolers.

1. Energy efficiency

Take a look at the AC's Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) to determine energy efficiency. The EER tells you how many BTUs are used for each watt of power. This will help protect the environment and secure your monthly energy bill. 

2. Size

Portable air conditioners are rated by the British Thermal Unit (BTU) per hour. The larger the BTU, the more cooling power it provides. Therefore, during the selection process, you should consider this factor first to avoid buying an AC that is not suitable for your room, leading to wasted energy and money.

3. Brand 

To buy the best air coolers, you should choose reputable brands on the market to have a clearer and more straightforward warranty in the event of damage or need to return.


FAQs

1. Can I adjust the length of the exhaust hose?

You should not increase the exhaust hose's length of the portable AC because this may cause you to lose warranty rights from the manufacturer and your air conditioner will overheat.

 

2. Will a portable air conditioner work for many rooms?

Portable air conditioners cool the area immediately but cold air will not go down the corridors or narrow doorways. So, if the gap between one room and another is large, the air conditioner will only give a slight cooling effect. Using fans is also a good way to increase the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner.


4.7
3 ratings