Portable air conditioners are more versatile and easier to install than their window counterpartsand offer more power than tower fans. To determine the very best portable air conditioners available, I tried out seven top-rated models, challenging each unit to keep my Florida home comfortable in the face of heat and humidity. After rigorous testing, I found the Whynter ARC-WN to be the most impressive portable AC overall. My top value pick is the SereneLifes SLPAC10, an under-$300 model with a slim design thats ideal for small spaces.
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The best portable air conditioners are quiet, easy to install and make your home more comfortable.
erica puisis for forbesBelow, here are all the winning portable ACs from my testing process:
While most portable air conditioners share a similar designa hose that vents through a window, caster wheels for maneuverability and multiple modes of operation, including a fan and dehumidifiera few models stand out in terms of cooling power, noise output, energy consumption and more. Whether youre in the market for a budget-friendly find or a whisper-quiet model, Ive got you covered. (Looking for a window option? Weve got a roundup of the best window air conditioners, too.)
Amazon
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 14,000/12,000 | Coverage area: Up to 600 square feet | Noise level (high/low): 54 dB/41 dB | Additional features: Dehumidifier and fan functions
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The Whynter ARC-WN Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is a powerful model that has the capability to chill rooms up to 600 square feet. During testing, the unitwhich can also work as a fan or dehumidifierstunned me with its cooling prowess, lowering the temperature of my 400-square-foot living space from 76 degrees to 69 degrees in just two hours. For its efficiency and easy set-up, this Whynter model is the unit Id enthusiastically recommend to most people seeking a portable AC. (If you have a smaller space, this unit also comes in a less powerful version that can handle up to 500 square feet.)
The Whynter ARC-WN installed in my Florida home.
Erica PuisisOne of the most smartly crafted units out there, the Whynter ARC-WN features whats known as a hose-in-hose design, where the ACs intake hose (which draws air from outside) and exhaust hose (which expels the warm air from inside) run side by side within a larger hose. This streamlined construction is typically more efficient than single-hose versions, without being as much of an eyesore. Its intuitive design includes a top panel with buttons to control all of the units major functions, including mode, fan speed and a 24-hour timer that allows you to run the air conditioner for a specified amount of time. When you start up the air conditioner, another panel opens to reveal a fan with swinging louvers, which distribute the cold air far and wide.
The ARC-WN isnt the quietest model I tested, but I found its operating noise to be unobtrusive. Even running full blast, it only registers about 54 decibels (and 41 decibels on low), which is about the same as a microwave. The machines quiet operation can be attributed to its inverter compressor, which adjusts the units operating speed as needed, resulting in less noise and more energy efficiency. When switched on, [the compressor] may run close to max for a period of time then ramp down once a space is at temperature, says Steven Stewart of Southern Comfort Mechanical. The lower speed will be much quieter and consume less energy.
While you can control the unit using the included remote, the Whynter ARC-WN also has a companion app that allows you to run the appliance from your smartphone. The app isnt the most sophisticated, but it has no notable flaws and includes all the expected functions, plus an option to set schedules. Once the unit is connected to Wi-Fi, you can also pair it to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. If youre seriously considering this model but still on the fence, check out my full review of the Whynter ARC-WN.
Long-term testing notes: Forbes Vetted senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold has continued to use this model during the summer months to assess how it stands up to regular use, and shes been thoroughly impressed. Shes ran it every day for months at a time, and she reports the AC has successfully been able to keep her one-bedroom, garden-level apartment in Brooklyn cool and comfortable during the dog days of summer. Shes also noticed no decline in performance. Her only gripe is that she wishes it were a little less bulky; it weighs a whopping 77 pounds, which makes it difficult to move between her apartment and her downstairs storage unit.
The Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Amazon
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 10,000/6,000 | Coverage area: Up to 400 square feet | Noise level (high/low): 57.3 dB/53 dB | Additional features: Dehumidifier and fan functions
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While the Serene Life SLPAC10 may not be the most advanced portable AC out there, this affordable model isnt to be underestimated. After running on the highest setting for 90 minutes, the compact AC lowered the temperature from 76 to 73 degrees and held it there. Though this cooling performance isnt as impressive as the better-equipped Whynter ARC-WN, the SLPAC10 is a proficient, budget-friendly unit thats a great fit for smaller living spaces or bedrooms.
The Serene Life SLPAC10 is notably compact for a portable AC unit.
Erica PuisisIn addition to being the most affordable unit in my testing, the Serene Life SLPAC10 was also the fastest and easiest to get up and runningI had it ready to go in about 10 minutes. Supplementing its overall usability, the device isnt annoying to reposition and store, owing to its four caster wheels and notably light weight of 55 pounds. That compact design isnt for nothing: HVAC expert Stewart encourages buyers who put in and take out their units seasonally to prioritize lightweight models. The unit also comes with a remote that works well from up to 30 feet away and has features for a 24-hour timer and sleep mode.
As its smaller size indicates, the SLPAC10 isnt the most efficient model on the market. To ward off the heat from the Florida sun, the unit ran frequently throughout the 24-hour testing period. It was quiet enough, but the unit drew a considerable amount of energy over the course of a day (8 kWh, whereas the most energy-efficient units drew around 3 to 4 kWh). The high usage could be attributed to the fact that I ran this small portable air conditioner in a 400-square-foot space, which is the absolute largest area it can cover. If youre drawn to the Serene Lifes features but want something that can chill larger spaces, consider one of its more powerful versions (it comes in two sizes that can accommodate up to 550 and 700 square feet, respectively). For more details, heres my full review of the Serene Life SLPAC10.
Amazon
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 14,000/12,000 | Coverage area: Up to 550 square feet | Noise rating (high/low): 49.3 dB/41.8 dB | Additional features: Dehumidify, fan and heat functions
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Like most electronic devices, portable air conditioners give off at least a little ambient noise as they operate. Some are quieter than others, thoughand none so much as the Midea Duo. While running on high, the noise level from this portable AC hovered below 50 decibels, and when turned to low, the noise dropped to about 41 decibels. To give some idea of how little noise the unit gives off, the Midea Duo is about as quiet as your refrigerator or dishwasher.
The Midea Duo also features a hose-in-hose design.
Erica PuisisLike the top-ranking Whynter ARC-WN, the Midea Duo features a hose-in-hose design that makes for more efficient air intake and exhaust. Not only did the unit lower the temperature in my living space by 5 degrees in two hours, but over the day-long testing period, it used less electricity than any other model. Another area where the model stood out: its ability to combat humidity. At the 24-hour mark, the units condensation tank had collected three-quarters of a cup of waternot enough to trigger an alert from the appliance, but more liquid than any other machine collected.
Like all portable ACsor any appliance, for that matterthe Midea Duo carries a few drawbacks. For one, the companion app offers the essential functions but was a little clunky to use. (For example, some of its terminology is confusing, like using the word scenes for setting up daily routines.) Another small gripe: When the unit arrived, the innovative roller-style oscillating fan was crooked and had to be popped back into place. Lastly, this portable AC is on the expensive end of the spectrum, though not without reason. Not only can the Midea Duo cool and dehumidify up to 550 square feet, it also doubles as a space heater, providing some justification for its higher price tag.
LG
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 14,000/10,000 | Coverage area: Up to 500 square feet | Noise level (high/low): 51.4 dB/44 dB | Additional features: Dehumidifier and fan functions
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For those who want a unit that gives you full control over when it operates and for how long, a smart model is a great choice. Of the four smart units that I tested, the LG LPIVSM 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner proved to be the most intelligent, thanks to its robust LG ThinQ app and compatibility with smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It also offered capable cooling performance, bringing down the temperature in my living room from 77 to 71 degrees in two hours.
The LG LPIVSM has an intuitive control panel though the best way to operate this unit is through ... [+] the ThinQ app.
Erica PuisisIf you own other smart LG appliances, theres a good chance youre already familiar with the ThinQ app, which serves as a central hub for controlling all of the brands smart devices. While the apps all-encompassing nature involves a fair amount of menus to navigate, the platform is well-designed and user-friendly overall. To control the portable AC, you can pick from pre-set smart routines for conditions like on a humid day or to save energy or create your own automations. (During testing, this unit used more energy than any other model, so its probably worthwhile to use the energy-saving setting to conserve electricity.)
Though the LG LPIVSM stands out for its smart features, other aspects of its form and function contribute to its high marks. For one, the push-button controls and digital display are intuitive, as is the sleep function, which optimizes energy usage while youre resting and lowers the sound output to 44 decibels. Another nice perk: When its time to put the unit away for the season, the units exhaust hose and window panels pack away neatly in the sleek white housings built-in storage.
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Frigidaire
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 14,000/10,000 | Coverage area: Up to 700 square feet | Noise rating (high/low): 54.9/53 | Additional features: Dehumidifier and fan functions
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For those seeking a mighty unit that can tackle extra large spaces, the Frigidaire FHPW142AC1 is your best bet. With a coverage area of up to 700 square feet, the units 10,000 BTU (DOE) of cooling power chilled my home faster than any other model I tested. In just 15 minutes, my 400-square-foot space was 3 degrees lower; after 45 minutes, it was a full 5 degrees colder.
The units cooling power may be its most attractive feature, but its not its only one. With the digital control pad or remote control, you can take advantage of features like the programmable timer and sleep mode, which gradually raises the target temperature over the span of a few hours. Among the models unique bells and whistles is its clean air ionizer, which traps airborne particles in its washable filter. And though the AC isnt as quiet as the Midea Duo, it doesnt whine or hum like some other models, though you might notice some noise as the compressor cycles on and off. (While LG says the unit can operate at as low as 49 decibels, in testing, its noise output on low registered 53 dB.)
Thanks to its impressive cooling prowess, the Frigidaire FHPW142AC1 is best for large spaces.
Erica PuisisMy only wish is that the unit included built-in storage for the hose and window inserts, especially since its not an all-season model with a heater function (meaning you have to store it away during the cooler months). Otherwise, I found no major flaws in design or functionality. Thanks to its built-in handles and four gliding caster wheels, the unit is a cinch to reposition. Equipped with Wi-Fi, the device can be controlled using the Frigidaire app or Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Along with the five winning portable ACs, I also tested two other models that didnt quite have the attributes or performance to land in the rankings.
Whynter ARC-122DS Elite: In testing, this model wasnt as efficient at cooling the room as the Whynter ARC-WN, my top pick overall. Furthermore, when compared to other contenders, I found the units display to be basic and dated, and the portable AC took the longest to install.
Black+Decker 14,000 BTU: While this model did an adequate job cooling the room, its performance wasnt enough to outweigh the sheer amount of noise the unit emitted or how much the buttons lagged. Although this unit packs a lot of BTUs into a compact package and can double as a space heater, you have better options, especially at this price point.
For consistency and accuracy, I took a methodical approach to testing each of the seven portable air conditioner models mentioned in this story. Here, I outline each of the steps:
The five winning portable air conditioners.
Erica PuisisDuring the testing window, I evaluated each portable AC based on the following factors: ease of setup and assembly, cooling power, noise output, energy consumption, convenience factors (e.g., programs, remote control and smart features), maneuverability, drain tank capacity and ease of emptying. Heres how I tested and measured the results for the following criteria:
To keep your room cool and your energy bills in check, its important to find the right portable air conditioner for your space. Start your search by measuring the space you plan to cool, deciding which functions and features are most desirable for your situation and determining how much youre willing to spend. Once you have those details in mind, heres what to consider when shopping for the best portable air conditioners.
The most important things to consider in your choice are the room size you need to cool and the location of ventilation and drainage, says Chris Forbus, owner of Choice Air Care, a Texas-based air conditioning and heating services company. Check the BTU (British Thermal Units) output of any portable air conditioner youre considering, as this measurement tells you how much space the unit can efficiently cool. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should look for a portable air conditioner with 20 BTU of cooling power per square foot.
Dont want to do the math? Wiseman provides this general guidance on what size portable air conditioner you need, based on square footage:
Keep in mind, however, that many factors can determine how effective a portable air conditioner is on a hot summer day. As Forbus mentions, you also need to ensure that you have window access for the vent hose and a way to empty the condensation drain pan when it becomes full. And Stewart points out that performance varies based on sun exposure, humidity levels and the ceiling height of a room, which determines the air volume of the space. The outdoor temperature is the main driver in the ability to cool. In other words, how hard the portable air conditioner works and how effective it is depends on just how hot and humid the weather is outside.
The cooling power of a portable air conditioner is expressed in BTUs. There are two independent standards used to measure BTUs: the older ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standard and the newer DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) standard. Most manufacturers provide the BTU rating according to both, and the DOE standard is always the lower rating. The higher the BTUs, the higher the cooling power and the more space the unit is able to cover.
If youre wondering which number merits your attention, Jake Reed Smith, a graduate researcher in mechanical engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, explains the difference this way: Even though engineers prefer the more precise ASHRAE standard, the DOE standard is best for consumers making decisions. Thats because the DOE standard factors in some assumptions about stray heat and air transferring into your house through leaky windows or vents. This makes it a bit less precise for any engineering HVAC calculations, but much more accurate in practice, Reed Smith adds. So when in doubt, use the DOE standard to guide your decision on which portable air conditioner to purchase.
Theres no getting around the fact that a portable air conditioner will contribute ambient noise to your living space. Most manufacturers provide a decibel rating so that you have an idea of how quiet (or loud) you can expect the air conditioner to be. On average, portable conditioners produce between 50 and 60 decibels of noise during operation but some of the quieter models, like the Midea Duo, keep noise levels well below 50 decibels.
Portable air conditioners use a significant amount of energy, especially in high heat conditions or large living spaces. Energy-efficiency is by far the most important feature in a portable air conditioner, says Reed Smith. Unlike most home appliances, portable ACs can be very inefficient, so most of your cost as a user will be in electric bills, not the up-front purchase. By choosing a more efficient air conditioner, you can spend less to stay cool.
To anticipate the annual energy cost of a portable air conditioner, look for the units EnergyGuide label, which is typically on the packaging. The label provides an estimate of annual kilowatt usage for the model and compares it to similar portable air conditioners so you can quickly identify if its more or less efficient. (If you cant find the information on the physical box, you can often find the label at the manufacturers website.)
Portable air conditioners dont need smart functions to work well, but these features can help optimize the frequency and duration of the units operation. Using a smartphone app, you can set up schedules, turn the air conditioner on and off remotely or change the unit from cooling to fan or dehumidifier modes. Some units can also integrate with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, so you can use voice commands to turn them on and off or adjust the settings. Keep in mind that you need a home Wi-Fi connection and a smartphone or tablet to take advantage of any available smart features.
Im an experienced writer and product tester whose work has appeared in The Spruce, MyDomaine and U.S. News and World Report. I frequently cover topics related to air care, including air conditioners, air purifiers and tower fans. (Check out my Forbes Vetted author page for more in-depth home coverage.)
Like with any household appliance, the best portable air conditioner is ultimately the one that fits your needs, space and preferences. That being said, we believe the top air conditioners on our list are worth buying. They all have a few things in common like excellent cooling power, quiet operation, maneuverability and ease of use. Our top pick is the Whynter ARC-WN Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner because it hits the nail on the head for all of these features and then some, including an easy-to-use app and the ability to cool large spaces.
A dual hose portable air conditioner is a better choice if you have an older home or sources of air leaks, like drafty windows or doors. A single-hose model takes in ambient air from your cooled room, causing outdoor air to enter through leaky windows or fans, says Reed Smith. This is because of negative pressure; essentially, by pulling in air from the room, a vacuum is created that pulls hot air in through any cracks or crevices. The single hose is only used to exhaust hot air from the unit to the outdoors. On the other hand, a dual hose portable air conditioner has a dedicated hose to supply the unit with air from outside.
If you're hoping to purchase a unit thats convenient and easy to use, portable air conditioners are the better option. However, window units do serve a purpose: They have a stronger output and are more efficient when it comes to removing heat from a room. Window units also tend to cost less than portable options, but theyre also limited to cooling one specific room; portable units, on the other hand, can be moved to any room throughout the home. Theres pros and cons to both, so be sure to weigh these before deciding which is best for your home.
If you hate summer or just run hot year-round, a window air conditioner installed 365 days a year may be the perfect solution. But if you live in a small space and want access to your window seasonally, an affordable portable air conditioner is a better compromise between power and flexibility.
The best portable air conditioners typically cost more than a window unit, sometimes in the five to six hundred dollar range. We spoke with appliance experts to narrow down the bare necessities of portable air conditioners and help us find the best options for under $400.
SKIP AHEAD Top-rated portable air conditioners under $400 in | How to shop for a portable air condition under $400
The experts we spoke with highlighted the most important features to look for when shopping for a portable AC on a budget. Using their expertise as guidance, we selected top-rated models based on the following criteria:
Many of our picks are from the brands we recommend in our guide to the best portable air conditioning units, such as Black+Decker, Shinco and Midea.
This unit from Black+Decker is best suited to rooms up to 350 square feet think bedrooms, offices, kitchens and more. Like all our picks, you can adjust between cool, fan and dehumidify modes and three fan speeds using the on-unit buttons or remote control. This model also has a timer, sleep mode and auto mode, making it versatile for all spaces.
It comes in several different models, but this 8,000 BTU version is the cheapest.
Modes: Cool, fan, dehumidify | Cooling power: 8,000 BTUs | Room size: Up to 350 sq ft | Speeds: 3 | Weight: 52.9 lbs | Dimensions: 15.3 D x 14 W x 24.8 H in
This Frigidaire model is rated for spaces up to 450 square feet, the largest on our list. Its a good fit for living rooms and kitchens, and it has a wireless remote that controls the unit and displays the current temperature.
The unit has a few extra modes missing from cheaper competitors, like a swing mode that oscillates the fan grille up and down to distribute better cool air, a customizable timer mode and a sleep mode that gradually increases the temperature throughout the evening, according to the brand.
Modes: Cool, fan, dehumidify | Cooling power: 10,000 BTUs | Room size: Up to 450 sq ft | Speeds: 3 | Weight: 62 lbs | Dimensions: 14 D x 16.5 W x 28 H in
If you are okay with sacrificing some features, this unit from Shinco can cool small spaces on a budget. It has a swing mode that better distributes cool air and like other other picks, you can control the AC via the on-unit controls or the wireless remote.
The low price does mean some missing features: there is no smart connectivity and the remote does not have a temperature readout like our picks from Black+Decker and Frigidaire. While this AC is powerful for the price, light sleepers may want to avoid it some reviewers on Amazon say it is loud, even on low fan settings.
Modes: Cool, fan, dehumidify | Cooling power: 8,000 BTUs | Room size: Up to 200 sq ft | Speeds: 3 | Weight: 46 lbs | Dimensions: 13.4 D x 14.7 W x 37 H in
This is the only unit on our list that connects to Wi-Fi. Once connected, it can be controlled with the Midea Air app and voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Outside of smart connectivity, this unit is similar to our other picks, with multiple modes, a remote controller (with temperature) and a washable air filter. It is rated for spaces up to 200 square feet, making it a good fit for a high-tech office or media room. Just be aware that it weighs nearly 68 pounds, the heaviest on our list.
Modes: Cool, fan, dehumidify | Cooling power: 10,000 BTUs | Room size: Up to 200 sq ft | Speeds: 3 | Weight: 67.9 lbs | Dimensions: 13 D x 17.1 W x 28.3 H in
Before you buy a portable AC, you may want to grab a tape measure, measure your space and check for electrical outlets, according to our experts. Below are a few things to keep in mind before adding any of our top picks to your cart:
An ACs cooling power is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs): the higher the BTUs, the larger the space the AC can cool. On average, an air-conditioning unit needs about 20 BTUs per square foot of space to keep things cool, says Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards an organization that works with brands and manufacturers to improve indoor air quality science and standards. To figure out how many BTUs you need for your room size, multiply the square footage of your room by 20.
Below is a breakdown of the number of BTUs needed to cool different-sized spaces. These calculations are averagesits still important to refer to the square footage rating on an AC unit.
These numbers are not ironclad you may need more or less BTUs depending on your exact room, says Carl Prouty, a tech expert at electronics and appliance retailer Abt. For a room that gets little to no sun, you can get by with a unit with 10% fewer BTUs than the square footage requirement. For a room that gets sun daily, add 10% more BTUs than required. If you place the unit in a kitchen, add 4,000 extra BTUs to combat the heat appliances produce, says Prouty.
Portable air conditioners need to be placed near a window and electrical outlet. You will also need to drain water from the unit, especially if using the dehumidifier mode frequently. McKeon recommends draining the water and cleaning the air filters every few weeks to prevent mold growth. Make sure you have enough space around your unit to complete maintenance easily.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology including guides to fitness trackers, air purifiers and streaming devices. To better understand the nuances of portable air conditioners, he spoke with industry experts and used their advice to help pick top-rated options across price points.
Justin Redman is a former reporter at NBC Select.
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