5 best portable air conditioners to keep you cool this summer
A portable A/C unit can be a flexible way to bring cool air into your living space.
Black+Decker 8,000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner
$299.99
$382.79
Premium features
$579.99
$629.99
To pick the best portable air conditioners on the market, I spoke with experts on what to look for in specs and features. Following their guidance, I selected units that met the following criteria:
Btu (British thermal unit): An air conditioner’s cooling ability is typically measured in Btus — the higher the number, the more powerful the A/C. Per expert guidance, I selected portable A/Cs with a range of Btus and recommended room size, so you can pick the most appropriate option for your space. (More on Btus in our FAQ section.)
Functionality: All of my selections have additional fan and dehumidifier functions, as well as washable dust filters.
Portability: Portable air conditioners often weigh over 50 pounds. I only selected units with built-in wheels that make them easier to move around.
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Our top picks come from large brands like Black+Decker, Midea and Honeywell. All of the recommendations below are top-rated units with at least a four-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon. I also included brands we’ve covered before.
This unit from Black+Decker is best suited to smaller rooms up to 350 square feet — think bedrooms and offices. While there are a few size options available, this 8,000 Btu version is the most affordable. Like all of our picks, you can adjust the settings on the unit itself or via the remote. Bonus settings include a timer, sleep and auto mode.
This unit from Shinco is a good pick for anyone looking to cool a small space on a budget. It has a swing mode that automatically oscillates the fan grille up and down to better distribute cool air. And like other other picks, you can control the A/C via the on-unit controls or the wireless remote.
The low price does mean some compromises on features. There is no smart connectivity and the remote does not have a temperature readout like our picks from Black+Decker and Midea. Light sleepers may also want to avoid it — some Amazon reviewers say it is loud, even on low fan settings.
The Dreo portable air conditioner works via an app that allows you to adjust its speed and power perfectly to your preferences. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and has a drain-free feature, so you don’t have to do it manually, according to the brand. It also has an adjustable window panel, so you can use it with different window sizes, according to Dreo.
This portable unit, which has a 4.1-star average rating from 600 reviews on Amazon is ideal for a large bedroom, living room or a small studio apartment. It has control buttons on the top and three modes, including sleep, dehumidifying and cooling. It also has a space-conscious shape, making it perfect for storing beside a dresser or desk. The A/C includes a remote control and window installation foam to prevent insects from getting in.
This Whynter model is a dual-hose unit: one hose pulls fresh air into your home, the other pushes hot air outside. Dual-hose units are generally more powerful and efficient, but can be louder and more complicated to install. (More on hose type in our How to Shop section.) It has both a dust filter and a carbon filter that work together to block dust, clear gas and eliminate odors, according to the brand.
Otherwise, it is similar (albeit heavier) to our other picks, with three operating modes, three operating speeds, wheels and a wireless remote control.
This portable unit from Select-favorite brand Midea is a high-end, dual-hose model with energy-efficient inverter technology and smart connectivity. Inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient than non-inverters — they typically cost more up front, but can save you money on your energy bill long-term.
The Midea Duo can be connected to Wi-Fi and synced with the Midea Air app, letting you control it remotely or with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. There are six versions of the Midea Duo across multiple price points, including lower-priced options that retain smart connectivity and a higher-priced model that can heat as well as cool your space.
Portable air-conditioners are generally pricier than window A/Cs. However, they’re much easier to install and are typically more compact, so you can move the unit from room to room without much effort, says Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards — an organization that works with brands and manufacturers to improve indoor air quality science and standards. If a portable A/C sounds right for your needs, keep the following in mind as you shop:
A portable air conditioner has to be close to a window and an electrical outlet to work. They also require some maintenance, including draining the water from the unit as needed and cleaning the air filters every couple of weeks. This will help avoid mold growth in your unit, which can decrease your room’s air quality, said McKeon.
Some portable air conditioners can connect to your Wi-Fi and be controlled via smartphone app, though these models will typically cost more, says McKeon. Decide if this is a worthwhile feature for you before adding a model to your cart.
Portable air conditioners either come with one or two hoses that vent through your window to the outside. Single hose models are more common: they pull and cool the air inside your room, pushing hot air out. Dual-hose units have one hose that pulls and cools fresh air into your home and another that pushes hot air out.
Dual-hose units are typically louder and more expensive than single hose units, says Carl Prouty, a tech expert at electronics and appliance retailer Abt. You’ll also have to empty the water in dual hose units more often, as pulling in outdoor air produces more condensation. But dual-hose units are typically faster, more powerful and more energy-efficient, according to manufacturers.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards — an organization that works with brands and manufacturers to improve indoor air quality science and standards.
Carl Prouty is a tech expert at electronics and appliance retailer Abt.
I'm 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, I spoke with industry experts and used their advice to help pick top-rated options across price points.
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