Best Portable Air Conditioners: Staying Cool with the Top Portable Cooling Solutions
When the temperature rises, a portable air conditioner can be your best defense against sweltering heat—especially if you’re renting, have limited space, or need cooling flexibility. These compact devices are ideal for spot cooling bedrooms, home offices, apartments, or even garages. Best of all, many models can be moved from room to room as needed, giving you cooling power wherever you go.
This list of the best portable air conditioners features top-rated units that combine powerful performance with energy efficiency and user-friendly features. Whether you want a unit that cools quickly, operates quietly, or includes dehumidifying functions, there’s a model here that fits your needs.
Explore the options below to find the perfect portable air conditioner that will help you beat the heat in comfort and style.
Top Portable Air Conditioners
1. BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Price: $289.99
Highlights: 3-in-1 function, remote control, built-in dehumidifier
About Portable Air Conditioner: This BLACK+DECKER unit provides powerful cooling for small to medium rooms up to 350 square feet. Its compact design is ideal for bedrooms, dorms, and offices. With functions for air conditioning, dehumidifying, and fan-only mode, it offers year-round usability. The remote control and LED display make it easy to adjust settings without getting up, while the included installation kit makes setup quick and simple.
2. Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Price: $474.05
Highlights: 14,000 BTU, dual hose system, eco-friendly refrigerant
About Portable Air Conditioner: The Whynter ARC-14S is built for efficiency and cooling large spaces up to 500 square feet. Its dual hose setup allows for faster and more consistent cooling compared to single-hose units. It also acts as a dehumidifier and fan, giving you 3-in-1 functionality. The unit uses CFC-free Green R-32 refrigerant and comes with a washable pre-filter and activated carbon filter for improved air quality.
3. SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner
Price: $269.90
Highlights: 8,000 BTU, built-in dehumidifier, quiet operation
About Portable Air Conditioner: Perfect for small rooms, this SereneLife unit is lightweight, easy to move, and simple to install. It provides cool air efficiently while also helping remove humidity from the air. The digital touch button control panel and remote make temperature adjustments convenient. It operates quietly enough for use in bedrooms and comes with a sleek, modern design that fits well with most home decor.
4. Midea Portable Air Conditioner
Price: $529.99
Highlights: Smart Wi-Fi connectivity, 3-in-1 design, voice control
About Portable Air Conditioner: The Midea MAP10S1CWT brings smart cooling to your fingertips with its Wi-Fi and voice control compatibility via Alexa and Google Assistant. It cools spaces up to 200 square feet and also includes dehumidifying and fan functions. With its sleek profile and easy-rolling wheels, it’s great for apartment dwellers. You can even schedule temperature changes and monitor your cooling from your smartphone.
5. Honeywell Compact Portable Air Conditioner
Price: $429.99
Highlights: Energy-efficient, 8,000 BTU, built-in dehumidifier
About Portable Air Conditioner: This Honeywell unit is a great compact option for cooling smaller spaces up to 350 square feet. It features an easy-to-use digital control panel and an energy-saving sleep mode. The built-in dehumidifier reduces excess moisture, making your room feel cooler and more comfortable. With a sleek white finish and quiet performance, it’s a top pick for bedrooms and offices.
6. TOSOT 10,200BTU (6,200 BTU SACC) Portable Air Conditioner
Price: $339.99
Highlights: Quiet operation, remote control, energy-efficient cooling
About Portable Air Conditioner: Designed for rooms up to 300 square feet, this TOSOT unit operates at a whisper-quiet noise level, making it perfect for sleep or study environments. It combines air conditioning, dehumidifying, and fan functions in one compact body. The LED display and remote offer easy operation, and it comes with a reusable filter that keeps air fresh. Its modern design makes it a stylish and functional addition to any room.
7. De’Longhi PACEX390UVcare-6AL WH PAC Portable Air Conditioner
Price: $679.95
Highlights: 700 sq. ft. capacity, quiet mode, energy-efficient
About Portable Air Conditioner: This powerful unit cools large rooms efficiently and quietly with its eco-friendly design and multiple operating modes. With Cool, Dehumidify, Fan, and Eco Real Feel settings, it provides a tailored comfort experience. It includes caster wheels for easy mobility and an intuitive control panel. Great for family rooms, living rooms, or home offices needing serious cooling power.
8. GE Portable Air Conditioner 10,000 BTU
Price: $401.69
Highlights: 3-in-1 functionality, LED display, easy window installation
About Portable Air Conditioner: The GE portable AC is a reliable and stylish choice for cooling rooms up to 400 square feet. Its auto-evaporation technology eliminates the need to empty water buckets, and the included window kit allows fast setup. With its sleek black and silver design, it looks great in any room. It’s also one of the easier models to maintain with washable filters and smooth mobility.
9. Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Price: $327.99
Highlights: Fast cooling, LED display, compact footprint
About Portable Air Conditioner: The Shinco AC is a strong performer for medium-sized rooms up to 300–350 square feet. It features cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes, plus a 24-hour timer and sleep function. With its quiet operation and straightforward installation, it’s ideal for bedrooms, RVs, and small apartments. A remote control and intuitive digital interface ensure effortless use.
10. COSTWAY Portable Air Conditioner 10,000 BTU
Price: $249.99
Highlights: Wide-angle air flow, auto mode, 3 fan speeds
About Portable Air Conditioner: COSTWAY’s model offers powerful and versatile cooling with advanced airflow control for even room temperature. With multiple fan speeds and programmable modes, it adapts to your environment seamlessly. It’s energy-efficient, comes with a remote and LED control panel, and includes a full window kit. Its compact size makes it a great space-saving option for small to medium rooms.
Editor’s Choices for the Best Portable Air Conditioners
Best Overall Portable Air Conditioner
Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
With dual-hose efficiency and powerful 14,000 BTU cooling capacity, the Whynter ARC-14S is an excellent all-around choice for larger spaces needing reliable performance.
Best Budget Portable Air Conditioner
SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner
Affordable, quiet, and effective for smaller rooms, this unit is a great entry-level model offering 3-in-1 functionality in a compact size.
Best Smart Portable Air Conditioner
Midea MAP10S1CWT Portable Air Conditioner
With voice control and smartphone compatibility, this Midea model offers modern convenience alongside energy-efficient cooling and dehumidifying.
Best Deal on Portable Air Conditioners
Most Budget-Friendly Cooling Option
BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Offering solid cooling, dehumidification, and a compact build for under $350, it’s a dependable and affordable option for rooms under 350 square feet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Air Conditioners
How do portable air conditioners work?
Portable air conditioners pull in warm air, cool it using a refrigerant system, and expel hot air through a window exhaust hose. Most models also reduce humidity.
Do portable air conditioners need to be vented?
Yes, almost all portable ACs require a window for hot air exhaust. Most units come with a window venting kit for easy installation.
Are portable air conditioners energy-efficient?
Many models feature eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-saving modes. Look for Energy Star-certified options for maximum efficiency.
How do I maintain my portable air conditioner?
Regularly clean or replace the filter, drain excess water (if needed), and keep the vents clear of obstructions. Wipe the exterior and inspect hoses periodically.
Can I cool multiple rooms with one portable air conditioner?
Portable ACs are designed for single-room use. While you can move them between rooms, they won’t effectively cool multiple spaces at once without moving the unit.
Best Portable Air Conditioners Conclusion
Finding the best portable air conditioner means identifying the features that matter most—whether it’s cooling power, quiet operation, or smart technology. From budget-friendly units for smaller spaces to advanced models that cool larger rooms with precision, the right portable AC can transform how you handle summer heat. These top options combine ease of use, energy efficiency, and comfort, helping you stay cool wherever you are.
Whether you’re working from home, sleeping peacefully, or simply relaxing indoors, there’s a portable air conditioner on this list that will help you beat the heat and enjoy your space all season long.
