Let’s be honest, houses with centralized air conditioning systems are exorbitantly expensive. And renting one or buying the whole system isn’t exactly economical either. Plus, maybe a few of your rooms have a balanced temperature naturally, with cooling required only in summers. Whatever the reason, we’ve got just the solution for you. Portable air conditioners. Yes, they’re a thing.
They’re relatively inexpensive, and they don’t consume as much electricity. The question now is, what is the best portable air conditioner for your home? Read our guide and let us recommend the best options on the market right now.
Click Here To Check Out The Best Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon!
Portable Air Conditioner vs Window Unit
Window ACs are rigid and can’t be moved, but offer relatively higher cooling retention in the room they’re installed, along with a more robust cooling system. Obviously, they also require higher electricity input.
At the end of the day, it’s important to recognize that there are going to be a couple of drawbacks to a portable air conditioner that may or may not wash out the benefits it brings to the table. They take a precious real estate on the floor, you’ll need to put them in the middle of a room so that airflow is maximized, and you’re going to have to run an exhaust tube somewhere to vent the water this unit condenses – all issues that may not make them as attractive an option as they appear at first.
Best Portable Air Conditioner – Our Top Picks
There are lots of portable air conditioners available on the market, so you can choose the one you like. On the other side, some are better than the others. Today, we’re going to list ten options which really hit the target with consumers. Each one is affordable and comes from a trusted manufacturer.
1. Black+Decker BPACT0
Starting with the best portable air conditioner on our list, the Black+Decker BPACT0 Series. Depending on the size of your room, you can choose between variants ranging from 8000 BTU to 14000 BTU. This series provides a great value for money, for the features it provides.
It features cooling, fan and dehumidification modes. It is also rather quiet, at only 75 dB at the highest setting. It also features an environmentally-friendly coolant, and slide-out washable filters. What’s more is that it comes with a 4 ft 11 inches long exhaust hose, which helps ensure that your room stays cool longer.
With over a thousand customer reviews and a high review rating, this product delivers the promises it makes. There’s also a heater option available as a 14000 BTU variant, if that’s something you’re interested in.
Click Here to Check Out The Black+Decker BPACT0 on Amazon!
2. Honeywell HL
Second on our list is the Honeywell HL. This portable air conditioner is meant for rooms between 550 and 700 square feet.
Compared to a 14000 BTU variant of the previous product, you might be wondering why this product costs more. For the additional cost, you’re getting better air filtration, quieter operation and auto-evaporation technology which eliminates the need for having a bucket for dehumidification. It also has an additional feature of a drainage system in high-humidity climates.
An overall solid product, however the higher price tag is something not everyone’s happy about, therefore it’s review count is relatively moderate, with most customers being happy with the product they get.
Click Here to Check Out The Honeywell HL on Amazon!
3. Global Air
Next on our list is the Global Air. This is a lower end model, and as you might expect, it is ideal for a room smaller than 400 square feet.
This portable air conditioner is pretty generic. Comes with a self-evaporative technology like the previous product, features over-cold protection and an anti-frozen function.
Our experience with this product was great. So, if you’re looking for a decent cooling solution with a small budget, Global Air is a worthy contestant for your cheddar.
Click Here to Check Out The Global Air AC on Amazon!
4. Homelabs 14,000 BTU
The Homelabs 14,000 BTU is the next contender on our list of the best portable air conditioners. Featuring extra-quiet operation, hassle-free dehumidification and a full-feature remote, allowing you to tweak the AC’s settings without even getting up. It is also relatively easy to install, as it comes with a built-in window slide adapter, with no heavy window unit to lift.
One thing to note about this product, is that it does not feature auto-evaporation technology. It comes with a drainage pipe for removing all that water vapor. While this might seem like an unnecessary hassle, it is scientifically cleaner as it eliminates the risk of moisture in the air.
Ideally cooling rooms between 550 and 700 square feet, this AC gives similar products a run for their money.
Click Here to Check Out The Homelabs 14,000 BTU on Amazon!
5. RolliCool
Next up, we have the RolliCool. This product is possibly the most versatile option you’ll get in this price range and you’ll want to hear why.
It features Alexa-enabled voice control, a heating function, a simple installation process and the ability to cool a room up to 450 square feet large.
Drawback is that it’s not that popular, with overall mixed sentiments about this product. For us, it’s a decent product and serves its function well.
Click Here to Check Out The RolliCool on Amazon!
6. Whynter ARC
Now we have the Whynter ARC, the most popular product on this list, with thousands of reviews. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a good thing, since many customers also have mixed feelings about this product, with more leaning towards a positive sentiment.
It features up to 500 square feet of coverage, a dual hose configuration for enhanced cooling and temperature retention and a rather robust dehumidifying capacity.
It’s easy to install, improves air quality and is a winner of many awards from sources like ConsumerReports and Wirecutter. A worthy product, however we’d recommend grabbing it in a sale, as we find it a bit too pricey. Also, note that while the product is 14000 BTU, it is ideal for a room up to 500 square feet in size.
Click Here to Check Out The Whynter ARC on Amazon!
7. LG Portable
Another portable air conditioner with a small price tag, we have this model from LG. It supports cooling of rooms up to 200 square feet, while there are other variants available at a higher price tag. It comes with an auto-evaporation system, a “no hot-spot left” assurance and a decent dehumidifier. It doesn’t boast any top of the line features, but it is a solid product offered by a reputable brand.
The product isn’t the most popular, but most customers are highly satisfied with their purchase, and so were we.
Click Here to Check Out The LG Portable AC on Amazon!
8. Midea Easycool
Next up we have the Midea Easycool. It supports rooms only up to 100 square feet. Even at 8000 BTU, the relatively minimal coverage seems misleading.
However, it more than makes up for it with its semi-automated technology, such as adjusting its settings based on the difference between you and the AC. It also features a worldwide warranty, which is something to consider if you plan on taking your cooler somewhere else. It also comes with a rather simple and flexible functionality.
Click Here to Check Out The Midea Easycool on Amazon!
9. Shinco SPS5
The Shinco SPS5 is another portable AC worth considering. The base unit delivers cooling to rooms up to 200 square feet in size. It is also one of the quietest models in this list, even quieter than a normal conversation between 2 people. It also comes with self-evaporative technology and has a relatively simple installation process.
The product is semi-popular and has a high satisfaction rate among its customers. Overall, a great investment for those hot summers.
Click Here to Check Out The Shinco SPS5 on Amazon!
10. JHS A001
Last on our list of the best portable air conditioners is the JHS A001. Covering areas up to 300 square feet, this model, like many others doesn’t boast any unique features. It is essentially an AC that covers a significant area, boasts all of the significant features, is reasonably priced and is valued highly by its customers, despite not being very popular.
It’s also very quiet, easy to install and features 24-hour programming.
Click Here to Check Out The JHS A001 on Amazon!
Best Portable Air Conditioner – Our Ratings
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Black+Decker | 5.0 / 5 |
| Honeywell | 5.0 / 5 |
| Global Air | 5.0 / 5 |
| Homelabs | 4.5 / 5 |
| RolliCool | 4.5 / 5 |
| Whynter | 4.5 / 5 |
| LG | 4.5 / 5 |
| Midea | 4.0 / 5 |
| Shinco | 4.0 / 5 |
| JHS | 4.0 / 5 |