Best Portable Air Conditioners Affordable and Tested

We use different types of cooling appliances to stay away from the heat during summer. Most of them make loud noises while cooling.

Best portable air conditioners is the only solution to get rid of this problem. The way to measure the power output of an air conditioner is in BTU or British Thermal Unit. The higher the number, the higher the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.

These air conditioners are much cheaper than other cooling devices to cool the room and do not need to be fixed to the window like a standing fan. It can be installed inside the house and transfer the heat outside with the help of an exhaust hose.

To find the best portable air conditioners, we’ve provided key features from top brands like Whynter, SereneLife, Midea, and Black+ Decker, considering their cooling capacity, noise levels, energy efficiency, and installation requirements.

Below is a detailed discussion on how you can choose the best portable air conditioners for your needs.

Our Top Picks

1. SereneLife Small Air Conditioner Portable

Air Conditioner Information:

Name	SereneLife
Capacity	3600 Cubic Feet
Cooling Power	12000 British Thermal Units
Special Feature	Portable, Remote control
Dimensions	13.4″D x 17.4″W x 32.1″H

Key Features

• Remote control
• Swivel casters
• 3 Operation modes
• 12,000 BTU Cooling power
• Airflow is rated at 290 M3/hr
• Moisture removal/dehumidification at 1.8 liters/hour with an operating noise level of just 56 dB

Pros

• Features a lightweight
• Easy portability.
• 3 cooling modes
• Helps reduce humidity levels,
• Great space and money saver
• Sleep key can be smoothly adjusted
• Cool air can cover a room up to 550 square feet

Cons

• The high setting is a bit noisy

2. Whynter Portable Air Conditioner with Dual Hoses

Air Conditioner Information:

Name	Whynter
Air Conditioner Capacity	71 Pints
Cooling Power	14000
Special Feature	Best Overall Portable Air Conditioner, Activated Carbon Filter, Dual Hose, Dehumidifier
Dimensions	19″D x 16″W x 35.5″H

Key Features

• Award-winning portable air conditioning unit
• 14,000 BTU indoor air conditioner
• Operates at 51 dBA on low speed
• 3 operating modes
• Cools large areas up to 500 sq. ft.
• Dual-hose portable air conditioner
• 71 pints/day dehumidification capacity
• 430 m3/h / 253 CFM airflow
• Thermostatic control (61°F – 89°F)
• 1300 W / 11.6 A power consumption

Pros

• Best overall portable air conditioners
• Helps you stay cool
• Features a patented auto-drain feature
• Built-in dehumidifier
• Ideal air conditioning unit for bedrooms,
• Automatically expels all condensate in most environments
• Activated carbon air filter
• Washable pre-filter and storage bag

Cons

• No fits perfectly
• The units are quite heavy

3. BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Air Conditioner Information:

Name	BLACK+DECKER
Cooling Power	8000 British Thermal Units
Special Feature	remote_control
Dimensions	14″D x 15.3″W x 24.8″H
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)	5.4

Key Features

• 15.3” x 14” x 24.8” air conditioner for rooms up to 32.5 m²
• Air conditioner weight: 20 kg
• 8000 BTU ASHRAE 128 air conditioner
• Comes with a window kit
• Ventilated air outlet

Pros

• Stay cool in the hot summer
• Convenient remote control
• Top-mounted control panel with LED display
• Automatic water evaporation
• Has a washable slide-out filter
• The air cooler can be moved from room to room without any hassle

Cons

• Leaks at the exhaust pipe
• Does not fit into the attachment points

4. AIRO Comfort Portable Air Conditioner

Air Conditioner Information:

Name	AIRO COMFORT
Capacity	30 Kilograms
Cooling Power	14000 British Thermal Units
Special Feature	Portable
Dimensions	13.03″D x 16.18″W x 27.17″H

Key Features

• 14,000 BTU unit is ideal for cooling
• Size is 700 sq. ft.
• A small but powerful solution
• Includes oscillating vents
• 3-in-1 operation
• Airo Comfort technology
• Innovative air conditioning unit

Pros

• Simple and easy to use
• Ideal for small apartments or large rooms
• Functions are intuitive and easy
• Great air circulation
• Clear and stylish LED display
• Unit has wheels
• Accessories are included in the package
• Easy to install and move

Cons

• The condenser on the unit no longer turns on
• Some imperfections on the hose

5. Dreo Portable Air Conditioners

Air Conditioner Information:

Name	Dreo
Capacity	62.9 Pounds
Cooling Power	12000 British Thermal Units
Dimensions	14.37″D x 17.32″W x
AC Color	White

Key Features

• 12,000 BTU ASHRAE cooling capacity
• 3-in-1 mode with fan and dehumidifier
• Drainless on powerful cooling
• Reduces noise to a minimum of 46 dB

Pros

• Easy DIY installation
• New noise isolation system
• Ideal for quiet locations
• Smart cooling at your fingertips
• Ideal comfort settings
• Dedicated condenser and water pump

Cons

• Drainage requirements
• The cooling area is limited

6. Evapolar evaChill Portable Air Conditioners

Air Conditioner Information:

Name	Evapolar
Material	80% ABS Plastic, 15% Electronic components, 5% EvaBreeze material
Mounting Type	Freestanding
Special Feature	Ultraportable, USB connectivity, Award-winning design, Fast Cooling, Energy efficient
AC Color	Opaque White
Controls Type	Button
Button	5 Volts

Key Features

• Using evaporative technology
• 4 fan speeds and one-button control
• The swamp cooler is the ideal solution
• Material is made of long-lasting basalt fiber
• Can also be powered via USB from power banks
• 3-in-1 cooling

Pros

• The cooling fan is perfect for a car, desk, or tent
• Efficiently cools your personal space
• 3 to 5 feet in the direction of airflow
• Energy-efficient and cost-saving
• Most effective in relative humidity
• Consumes only 10W and saves bills
• 100% safe to breathe

Cons

• Cartridge material traps large dust particles
• Must be plugged in at all times
• Filter is expensive

7. Pro Breeze 4 in 1 Portable Air Conditioner for Room

Air Conditioner Information:

Name	Pro Breeze
Cooling Power	10000 British Thermal Units
Dimensions	12″D x 13″W x 28″H
Special Feature	Portable, Wi-fi, LED Display
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)	6.6

Key Features

• 10,000 BTUs that cool up to 61°F in 450 square feet
• Compatible with Alexa and Google Home
• 4-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY
• The air conditioning unit features a CEER of 6.6
• Greener R410a refrigerant
• Compact design and four wheels

Pros

• Ultra-powerful
• Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, homes, and offices
• Smart portable air conditioner
• Perfect indoor air conditioner
• Two easy-to-install window vent kits
• Fits sliding or hinged windows.
• You can use the air conditioner anywhere in your home.
• STAY COOL during the summer heat wave

Cons

• Alexa integration seems to be very limited.

8. LG 7,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Air Conditioner Information:

Name	LG
Capacity	2.75 Pints
Cooling Power of AC	7000 British Thermal UnitsSpecial Feature. Filter Light Reminder, Remote Controlled, Dehumidifier
Dimensions	13.27″D x 17.32″W x 27.36″H
Energy Star	No

Key Features

• 3-in-1 operation: cool, fan, and dry.
• Auto-oscillating air vent
• Various fan speeds
• Cools rooms up to 300 square feet
• Includes digital control panel and remote

Pros

• Great for cooling medium-sized rooms
• Great for rainy and humid days
• 300-square-foot cooling coverage
• 24-hour on/off timer
• Auto restart in case of power failure
• Removable filter light reminder
• Adjust airflow to suit your needs
• Keep your space comfortable
• Air coming out of the top is nice and cool
• Remote control is easy to use
• Setup took about 10 minutes
• A fan blows strong and the cooling vent has a nice oscillation to it

Cons

• Quite loud
• The exhaust pipe is very hot

9. De’Longhi 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Air Conditioner Information:

Brand Name	De’Longhi
Cooling Power	8600 British Thermal Units
Special Feature	Dehumidifier, Portable
Dimensions	15.4″D x 17.5″W x
Energy Star	No

Key Features

• 3-in-1 unit provides precise and targeted cooling
• The amperage is 11.7 amps
• Delivers 14,000 (ASHRAE)/8600 (SACC) BTU cooling power
• ECO Real Feel technology
• Includes washable filters

Pros

• Multifunctional and comfort
• Cooling a large room
• Cools and dehumidifies your room
• Saves up to 30% on energy consumption
• Bluetooth technology to control temperature and humidity
• Cools and dries the air
• Turns any room into an ideal comfort zone
• Simple and easy to clean under the tap

Cons

• A bit expensive
• Air conditioners are heavy

10. Midea MAP12S1CWT Smart Portable Air Conditioner

Air Conditioner Information:

Brand Name	Midea
Capacity	6 Cubic Feet
Cooling Power of AC	12000 British Thermal Units
Special Feature	Portable, Led Display, Dehumidifier, Wi-fi, Compact
Dimensions	13″D x 17.1″W x 28.3″H

Key Features

• 12,000 BTU ASHRAE portable air conditioner (6,500 BTU SACC)
• Effective cooling for spaces up to 275 square feet
• 3-IN-1 Comfort
• Washable air filter

Pros

• Create a relaxing and comfortable environment
• Pair your air conditioning unit with Alexa or Google Assistant devices
• Enjoy the simplicity of digital controls.
• Control from anywhere using the MSmartHome app
• Easy-to-read LED display
• Compact remote control
• Easy to install
• No additional tools are needed for mounting

Cons

• No convenient way to drain water.
• The window mounting kit is flimsy.

Features to Look for When Buying

To buy a best portable air conditioners you need to know some important things well. Choosing the right one among the many types of air conditioners in the market is very problematic.

Finding the right portable air conditioner will be easy for you if you have a proper understanding of each of the points below. Let’s know one by one before buying.

1. Energy Efficiency:

Generally, the first thing we look at when looking for an air conditioner is the BTU rating of the product. By looking at the rating, it is possible to understand how effective the portable air conditioner is.

The higher the BTU rating of an air conditioner, the more room it can cool, and the lower the rating, the less cooling it can do.

Recent manufacturers have begun adding different BTU ratings following the DOE (Department of Energy) and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning) terms.

The BTU unit is used to measure the energy consumption of air conditioners which is equivalent to the kWh unit.

2. Operating Modes:

Most air conditioners on the market can cool and defy your room. To do something, he usually has three fan speeds and three cooling modes.

They also have some complementary air conditioners that help warm up your room during winter. Some air conditioning units have sleep modes that are very helpful in choosing temperature during your sleep at night.

You may also have an echo mode or an air conditioner that can save money.

3. Remote Control:

Most air conditioner units have a remote control feature. Also, some manufacturers have created apps to connect with it. You can control portable air conditioners from your sofa or comfort zone through the remote.

4. Maintenance:

Traditional portable air conditioners work as dehumidifiers. That means you have to do something about the moisture they draw out of the air.

If you do not want water to accumulate on the floor of the house, then you must drain the water outside with the help of exhaust pipes through the window mounting. Every so often, the filter inside the unit of these types of ACs needs to be replaced.

If you wash this filter twice a week it can last longer. But of course, you should know that the manufacturer specifies that washing the filter will not be a problem.

Bus Vibhuti coolers, on the other hand, require a little more vigilance for maintenance. You should fill that cooler tank with water or ice almost every day. If you use filtered water, you should clean it once a week.

5. Cooling Power:

Before buying the best portable air conditioners you must have an idea about BTU units. The higher the BTU rating of an air conditioner, the greater its cooling capacity.

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit which is equivalent to kWh unit. We have found that portable air conditioners sometimes create noise when running, especially compared to permanent central air conditioners.

If you have the problem of being distracted by a little noise, you can choose air conditioners that produce noise below 60 decibels.

6. Portability Features:

If you need to move your AC unit from one place to another then portable air conditioners are best for you.

Some air-conditioning units have handles on the side or back and also have two or four wheels on the bottom. That helps you transition from lifting off the ground to rolling.

7. Filter:

Most portable air conditioners have a filter that removes foreign particles or contaminants from the air. Different types of filters are activated carbon, Silver ion, electrostatic charge, or antimicrobial filters.

8. Single vs Dual Hose:

Single-hose air conditioners take less space. It cools the internal air and disposes of the heat and moisture through a hose that leads to the outside.

Dual-hose portable air conditioner unit has both intake and outtake hose. One hose intakes the heat air and cools the air and another hose disposes the heat and humidity from the indoor space. Although, dual-hose is pricier than the single-hose air conditioner.

How We Tested the Best Portable Air Conditioners

We also reviewed the ten best portable air conditioners testing devices based on portability, noise output, energy consumption, air quality, etc. We will know about these topics in more detail.

1. Portability

We evaluated the design and weight of each portable air conditioner to determine how easy it is to move between rooms. Features like a built-in handle and the compact size of some air conditioners are analyzed.

We also tested how easily the units fit through standard doors the ease of setting them up in different locations and the ease of connecting and disconnecting the vent hoses.

2. Dehumidifying

We measured each unit’s dehumidification capacity per hour or day, considering its ability to maintain a humid environment. We also considered how they drained condensation through automatic evaporation or manual emptying.

3. Noise Output

Using a decibel meter, we tested each air conditioner’s noise level at various fan and cooling settings. Our goal was for each conditioner to balance cooling power with quiet operation.

Also, note if the fans move up and down disruptively during operation.

4. Remote Control

We tested the functionality and responsiveness of the remote controls associated with each air conditioner unit. Considered ease of access to the remote’s key features such as temperature adjustment, fan speed up or down, mode switching, etc.

5. Energy Consumption

Each unit was tested for its energy efficiency by measuring its energy consumption at various settings. We compared these results to their cooling capacity to calculate efficiency ratings such as energy efficiency ratios.

6. Cooling Performance

Cooling performance was measured by placing each unit in a variety of room types and recording how quickly and uniformly they cooled. The ability to consistently maintain coolness over long periods was tested by evaluating the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating.

7. Air Quality

We evaluated how much each unit contributed to overall air quality by testing their filters (HEPA filter, carbon) and their ability to reduce allergens, odors, and particles in the air.

By thoroughly testing these factors, we have confirmed that the best portable air conditioners are not only superior in their ability to cool a room in hot summers, but also in terms of efficiency and added convenience, and are much better than other cooling appliances.

5 Pro Tips to Quiet a Portable Air Conditioner

Some tips for quieting a noisy air conditioner are:

1. Secure the unit properly:

Window air conditioning units can loosen over time and cause noise. You fix the unit securely in place.

You check if the screws are tight if the screen panels are loose if the seals are in place.

Check if filler panels or additional fixtures are used Consider finding and following the manufacturer’s installation instructions to make sure the unit is safe.

2. Casing check:

Be careful not to loosen the casing of the unit. The loose coating may be due to rattling.

It comes into contact with the window frame or the inner housing of the unit. Window air conditioners can cool down if you secure the casing.

3. Reduce fan speed:

Window air conditioner fans can be noisy. If it is comfortable then you can try reducing the fan speed.

This will help cool the window air conditioner. If there is a ceiling fan to help move cool air throughout the room, use it as these fans are quieter and more energy efficient.

4. Change the mode setting:

Night and sleep modes produce less noise. Change the window air conditioner setting to quiet mode, but it’s definitely comfortable.

5. Heat source:

You should keep far away the conditioner from a heat source or facing to direct sunlight. It helps to work efficiently.

Final Thoughts

By now you might know which are the best portable air conditioners. The lists we have provided above might be effective.

However, you cannot avoid the above options if you suffer from extreme summer heat. You can get the above portable conditioners in the market very cheaply and easily.

So choose the best portable air conditioners of your choice and enjoy cool and dry air in this summer.

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Michele Khokon: CEO and graduate researcher on sound engineering of the soundproof galaxy.

Rajibul Haldar: Chief director of Sound Engineer Technology Pvt Ltd company in the United States.

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