The 7 Best Portable Air Conditioners To Browse Before Summer Arrives

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Jason R. Rich Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted Contributor Group Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. May 26, 2023, 07:28pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Many of the top-rated products below are discounted for Memorial Day weekend.

Check out our list of the best Memorial Day sales for more savings opportunities. The best portable air conditioners are among the most versatile cooling devices out there. Unlike window units you can easily move them from room to room, and they are lot more powerful than tower fans.

Plus, if you need to cool off a large space, powerhouse portable air conditioner models can efficiently tackle areas up to 775 square feet or more; some machines even double as dehumidifiers and space heaters . Our top pick overall is the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS , a mid-priced model that offers great functionality for most homes, though it’s certainly not the only stellar option out there. With the ability to cool rooms up to 400 square feet and Less than 52 dB, the Whynter ARC-122DS .

. . [+] (right) is our pick for the best portable air conditioner overall.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER Ultimately, the right model for you depends on your unique cooling needs and preferences (as well as budget, of course). “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. When shopping, make sure to look closely at each unit’s BTU rating, which measures its power.

Beyond that, you may also want to consider factors like noise level, venting method and programmability. Ready to upgrade your cooling setup? Here are seven of the best portable air conditioners you can buy right now, along with the reasons why we think they’re great. Best Portable Air Conditioner Overall: Whynter Elite ARC-122DS ($430, Was $600) Best Portable Air Conditioner For Large Rooms: Whynter ARC-14S ($552, Was $600) Best Affordable Portable Air Conditioner: SereneLife ($300, Was $320) Best Portable Air Conditioner And Space Heater: Black+Decker 4-In-1 ($495, Was $599) Best Smart Portable Air Conditioner: LG Portable ($527, Was $630) Best Quiet Portable Air Conditioner: Midea Duo Inverter ($540, Was $599) Best Mini Portable Air Conditioner: Gofoit Evaporative Mini Air Cooler ($30, Was $40) Best Portable Air Conditioner Overall A Mighty Machine That Can Chill Up To 400 Square Feet Amazon Whynter Elite ARC-122DS Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner Power: 12,000 BTU ASHRAE / 7,000 BTU DOE | Coverage area: Up to 400 square feet | Noise level: Less than 52 dB | Additional features: Includes fan and dehumidifier functions While you’ll find the slightly larger Whynter ARC-14S elsewhere on this list, the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS earns its place as the best overall portable air conditioner by providing most of the same capabilities at a lower price point.

With the 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (7,000 BTU DOE), this cooling engine can handle rooms up to 400 square feet and has three operating modes: cooling, fan-only and dehumidifier-only. Unlike most units in this price range, this is a dual-hose system; one hose serves as an input and the other as an exhaust, which makes it run more efficiently by cooling a room without drawing in warm air. While it has an automatic drain to clear out accumulated moisture, many reviewers suggest getting a drain hose (which you’ll have to purchase separately), especially if you live in a humid area.

What the reviews say: Reviewers love the efficient, easy-to-use Whynter Elite ARC-122DS air conditioner. “It works well and cools our large bedroom down super fast,” says a reviewer. “Installation was simple and moving the air conditioner was super easy as well.

The self-evaporative feature is great, there was no leaking at all. ” Pros: Three operating modes Dual-hose system 24-hour programmable timer Automatic drain Cons: Window kit doesn’t seal well May need a drain hose to clear out accumulated moisture Best Portable Air Conditioner For Large Rooms A Beefy, Dual-Hose Model That Means Business Amazon Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner Buy From Amazon Power: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE / 9,500 DOE | Coverage area: Up to 600 square feet | Noise level: Less than 56 dB | Additional features: Includes fan and dehumidifier functions Have a large space you’re trying to cool? The Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is near the top end of what portable AC units can do. That said, you should probably be sure you need this much air conditioning before you invest in the ARC-14S; it’s a bit of an investment, weighs a formidable 80 pounds and the lack of handles makes it challenging to move on anything but smooth flat surfaces (where the casters can help out).

However, this unit means business. Unlike most portable air conditioners, this is a dual-hose model, with one hose serving as an input and the other as an output. That makes it more efficient and better able to cool your space without unintentionally sucking more warm air into your room.

It has an impressive 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (9,500 DOE) that can cool a 600-square-foot room with ease, moving 253 cubic feet per minute. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a portable unit able to cool a room faster. Better yet, it can dehumidify an impressive 101 pints of water per day from your home and has an automatic drain function that’s supposed to exhaust moisture (although, some reviewers say they had to manually drain the unit).

And if you’re concerned about air quality, it has a washable pre-filter and activated carbon air filter to keep your air fresh. Unlike some of the other options in this roundup, the Whynter air conditioner has a temperature setting between 61 degrees Fahrenheit and 89 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to set your desired temperature and let the device do its work. If you’re looking for a similar unit that also heats, check out the brand’s ARC-14SH model.

What the reviews say: Customers are impressed by this air conditioner’s ability to cool down larger spaces. “It’s a remarkable unit,” says a reviewer. “I kept up with essential maintenance and have no issues at all.

It’s cooled my main bedroom, which is close to 650 square feet and easily cools my main living area, which is almost double the size. ” Pros: Cools rooms up to 600 square feet Dual-hose system Multi-stage filtration system Adjustable temperature setting Cons: Expensive Heavy Best Affordable Portable Air Conditioner A Budget Option That’s A Cinch To Move From Room To Room Amazon SereneLife SLPAC10 Portable Air Conditioner Buy From Amazon Power: 10,000 BTU ASHRAE / 6,000 BTU DOE | Coverage area: Up to 270 square feet | Noise level: 55 to 57 dB | Additional features: Includes fan and dehumidifier functions The SereneLife SLPAC10 earns its status as the best affordable portable air conditioner thanks to its moderately powerful cooling abilities and its overall versatility. Not only does the SereneLife SLPAC10 operate as a simple air conditioner, but it can be used as a circulating fan (the fan automatically swings around to spread the airflow) and a dehumidifier.

It comes in a variety of capacities from 8,000 BTU to 12,000 BTU. This particular model is rated for 10,000 BTU ASHRAE (6,000 BTU DOE); it’s able to keep rooms up to about 270 square feet cool with an airflow of 290 cubic meters per hour. The SereneLife stands just under 3 feet tall and has a 17 x 13-inch footprint.

It has easy-rolling casters, though, and the sides are easy to grip, making it a cinch to move around the house. Don’t expect it to be the quietest air conditioner on the market—with a rated noise level around 57 dB, it can seem louder in actual operation, sometimes whining like a vacuum cleaner. Nonetheless, it’s fairly compact and comes with a remote so you can operate it from across the room, though there’s also a simple control panel on the top of the unit as well.

What reviews say: While some shoppers may be reluctant to invest in a portable AC, this reviewer doesn’t regret their purchase. “I have to admit I was hesitant about buying a portable air conditioner,” reports a reviewer. “However, my concern turned to a pleasant surprise.

My unit arrived midway through a heat wave and significantly cooled my 500-square-foot space within a couple of hours. It is slightly loud but since that’s my only complaint, I call this one a keeper. ” Pros: Good value Several sizes available Easy to move Cons: Noisy Best Portable Air Conditioner And Space Heater A 3-In-1 Unit That’s Perfect For Mid-Size Spaces Amazon BLACK+DECKER 4-In-1 Air Conditioner Buy From Amazon Power: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE / 7,500 DOE | Coverage area: Up to 300 square feet | Noise level: 56 dB (highest setting)| Additional features: Includes fan, dehumidifier and space heater functions Multi-purpose devices are always handy, which is why it’s great to get an air conditioner that can do double-duty as a dehumidifier.

This portable air conditioner from Black+Decker does one better, though: You can use it year-round, since it works as both an AC and heater—and you get formidable cooling power in the BPACT14HWT. It’s rated at 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (7,500 DOE), which can competently cool about 300 square feet. It’s worth noting that this air conditioner has the same ASHRAE rating as the Whynter ARC-14S but a lower DOE rating and smaller max room size.

That’s the advantage of Whynter’s dual hose system—it can make a substantial difference—but if you are okay with Black+Decker’s more modest specs, you get the ability to heat a room up to about 81 degrees in cooler weather. However, as a heater, it has slightly less reach, only good for about 250 t0 300 square feet. You can run the unit as a dehumidifier, choose multiple fan speeds, and set a 24-hour timer for automatic all-day operation.

It’s also simple to move around thanks to large, free-spinning casters and an easy-to-grip handle, and Black+Decker puts a simple set of controls on top of the unit in addition to providing a handy remote. What the reviews say: “I can’t sleep unless it’s cold,” reports a reviewer. “As soon as I’m ready for bed, I turn this puppy on and the room gets down to my ideal temperature easily.

I’ll never be able to sleep without it again. The fan mode is great for circulating air and the heating mode works well. ” Pros: Cooling and heating abilities 24-hour timer Easy to move Cons: Smaller heating area forbes.

com Walmart Promo Codes & Coupons | $10 off In May 2023 | Forbes Best Smart Portable Air Conditioner A Wi-Fi Connected Unit You Can Control Via An App Amazon LG Portable Air Conditioner Power: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE / 10,000 BTU DOE | Coverage area: Up to 450 square feet | Noise level: 53 dB (highest setting) | Additional features: Includes fan and dehumidifier functions If your house is filled with smart devices, you may come to expect all your appliances to be app- and voice-operated. Good news: Your portable air conditioner can be just as smart as your doorbell, thermostat and alarm system if you choose the LG LP1021BSSM Portable Air Conditioner. Equipped with Wi-Fi and compatible with LG’s ThinQ app, you can control the AC from anywhere—at home or while on the road.

The app allows you to start and stop the cooling, set the temperature and change the fan mode. It’s also Alexa- and Google Assistant-compatible, so you can command the AC by voice. It’s certainly not a necessity, but this feature is a great convenience, especially if you’re already used to turning lights and other appliances on and off by voice.

LG has packed this model with a fair amount of cooling power; it is rated at 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 BTU DOE) and it can effectively cool rooms up to about 450 square feet. The 3-in-1 operation includes cooling, fan-only and dehumidifying-only modes with two fan speeds and an auto-swing vent mechanism to spread the cool air around the room automatically. In addition to the smart device controls, it has a 24-hour sleep timer (handy if you just want to control it from the remote control and not worry about the mobile app) and an auto-restart feature in case you lose power while it’s running.

What the reviews say: Tech-savvy shoppers were pleased with this option from LG. “Out of pure laziness and convenience, I wanted an Alexa-enabled portable air conditioner,” says a reviewer. “There’s nothing better than waking up half-asleep in the middle of the night and asking Alexa to turn off the AC.

” Pros: Wi-Fi connectivity 24-hour sleep timer Auto-swing air vent Cons: Drain hose not included Best Quiet Portable Air Conditioner A Quiet And Powerful Cooling Machine Amazon Midea Duo Inverter Portable Air Conditioner Buy From Amazon Power: 12,000 BTU ASHRAE / 10,000 BTU SACC | Coverage area: Up to 450 square feet | Noise level: 48 dB (highest setting)| Additional features: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant One of the challenges of using a portable air conditioner is the noise. Most models operate at an average of 55 decibels (dB), equal to the sound of a normal conversation. The Midea Duo makes less noise than other models (that we’ve encountered), with its low and medium fan settings registering at 45 dB and 48 dB, respectively.

That’s not a significant difference from our other picks, but the lower volume over an extended period is noticeable, especially when trying to sleep. The Midea Duo features a variable inverter compressor, which can vary its speed and power output, resulting in some energy savings. It also features a “hose-in-hose” design, placing the intake and exhaust hoses side by side within a single large hose.

With 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 BTU SACC), the Midea Duo is powerful enough to cool rooms up to 450 square feet, making this an excellent option to cool a living room or main bedroom. This model also offers three operating modes—cooling, fan-only and dehumidifier-only—a timer function and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. What the reviews say: “The model is extremely quiet and produces very cold air,” says a reviewer.

“I have an older single-hose unit and there is no comparison. Once the desired temperature is achieved, it pauses (including the fan), giving you more quiet time—not that the unit is loud to begin with. ” Pros: Quiet operation Invertor compressor brings energy savings Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant Cons: Heavy at 73 pounds Best Mini Portable Air Conditioner A Small But Mighty Way To Keep Cool Amazon Gofoit Evaporative Mini Air Cooler Buy From Amazon Coverage area: 150 to 200 square feet | Noise: 46 dB | Item weight: 1.

85 pounds| Additional features: Seven night light modes Portable air conditioners are generally big and heavy. If you’re looking for something on the smaller side—perhaps to place on your desk—an evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, is an excellent option. These differ from other air conditioning systems and work by blowing air over a moistened pad or filter, causing the air to become cooler and reducing the temperature of a room.

While an evaporative cooler can’t match the cooling power of a portable air conditioner, it can make temperatures more comfortable than an oscillating fan. At just 1. 85 pounds and 9.

41 x 6. 81 x 6. 89 inches, the Gofoit Evaporative Mini Air Cooler is far more compact than the other options on this list, yet it is still powerful enough to cool you down on a hot summer day.

It’s also easy to operate, with touchscreen controls on the top that allow you to turn the unit on or off, change the fan speed and set a timer to shut the cooler off automatically. The water tank can hold 500 milliliters of water, and there’s also a small tray for ice cubes, giving you even more cooling power. Gofoit Evaporative Mini Air Cooler can provide you with cool air for up to eight hours, depending on your settings, and should be enough for a comfortable night’s sleep.

What the reviews say: Although this mini unit fits in almost any space, many shoppers use it on their desk. “The size of this cooler is so cute on my desk and a good fit for me. The length of cooling time is good enough for one person and the instructions were easy to follow and understand,” says a reviewer.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted home team includes renters and home owners with years of experience researching, writing about and testing home products across the board, including gadgets that help us stay cool. We know how challenging it can be to get comfortable when a heatwave hits, especially when it’s time to sleep. In addition to this roundup, we’ve written several stories about surviving the sweltering summer months, including lists on our favorite tower fans and window air conditioners .

We also enlisted the help of subject matter expert Chris Forbus, owner of Choice Air Care , a Texas-based air conditioning and heating services company. He gave our team valuable insight into what to look for when choosing a portable air conditioner, including a unit’s BTU rating, noise level and other tips that we’ll discuss below. This story was last updated in May 2023 with current pricing, additional information and two more superlative-worthy products: The Midea Duo Inverter —our pick for the best quiet portable AC—and the Gofoit Evaporative Mini Air Cooler , an evaporative cooler that can sit on a table or desktop.

How We Chose The Best Portable Air Conditioners We spent hours researching the most popular portable air conditioners, considering customer reviews and consulting with an expert, Brandon Russell. As someone who lived in an old apartment with no central air conditioning, Russell used his experience with portable ACs to assemble this list. To help you find the best unit for your home, we considered features like cooling power, design and noise level.

We also looked at whether each model supports smart features and the difficulty of the installation process. Overall, we made sure the picks we chose could fit a variety of spaces, budgets and lifestyles. They’re also all backed by customer reviews that are overwhelmingly positive—each has an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.

What To Consider When Buying A Portable Air Conditioner When shopping for portable AC units, you want to make sure you’re looking at models that would be a good fit for both your living space and lifestyle. From BTU ratings to programmability, here are the most important factors to consider when browsing the virtual shelves. Cooling Power Appliance manufacturers measure AC cooling power in British Thermal Units, or BTUs.

This measurement is one of the most important factors to consider because it determines how much square footage a unit can cool. Two standards measure BTUs: ASHRAE ( American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers ) and DOE ( the Department of Energy ). While you often see both numbers in a product’s specs, the DOE generally provides a more accurate read of how well portable units perform inside your living space.

Portable AC units are usually between 8,000 and 15,000 BTUs, and the suitable model depends on factors like room size. You shouldn’t necessarily purchase a model with the highest BTU rating. “More does not mean better, you need the correct rating for your room size,” explains Chris Forbus, owner of Air Care.

“A rating too low will run constantly and possibly not cool effectively. A rating too high may cool quickly and then cycle off, which won’t allow it to dehumidify the air, causing you to still feel uncomfortable. ” Single-Hose Vs.

Dual-Hose There are two main types of portable air conditioners: Single-hose and dual-hose. Single-hose units suck in and expel warm air through the same hose. Single-hose models are generally less expensive and easier to install than dual-hose models.

One of the drawbacks of a single-hose unit is it can create negative pressure by pulling in warm air from outside, making it less efficient at cooling your space. Dual-hose models feature separate intake and exhaust hoses, venting hot air from your space while bringing in fresh air from outside. The dual-hose design helps improve the unit’s efficiency and cooling performance, which can lead to lower energy costs.

While dual-hose models are generally more energy efficient, they can be more expensive and complicated to set up than single-hose models. Noise Level There’s no way around the fact that portable air conditioners are noisy. Most manufacturers include an estimated noise level, measured in decibels (dB), to tell you how loud an AC gets at peak performance.

Most models we recommend have a noise under 60 dBA on the highest setting. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) r ecommends limiting extended exposure to indoor noises above 45 dBA to protect the long-term health of your hearing. Of course, people have different tolerances, but if you’re sensitive to noise, it’s worth looking into models with low dBA ratings, especially if you plan to sleep while your portable AC is running.

The Midea Duo Inverter is the quietest full-size portable air conditioner on this list with a maximum noise level of 48 dBA. Smart Features Many modern air conditioners offer a mix of “smart” features, including setting target temperatures and timers or controlling the device through a smartphone app. While smart features aren’t critical, they make cooling your room easier and more efficient.

That said, you may have to pay extra for this convenience. Installation The name implies portable air conditioners are easy to set up and use, like a portable power station , but that’s not the whole truth. Once you ensure your room has the space necessary to accommodate a portable AC, you must install a window adapter kit that connects to your unit’s hose (or hoses).

This process isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. While the convenience of a portable AC unit means it can move from room to room, there’s some installation involved. Do Portable ACs Have To Be Vented Out The Window? To remove heat from a space, true portable AC units must be vented, either through a window or a duct system in the wall.

If the hot air your unit collects isn’t released somewhere, it’ll gather in your room, defeating the point of having a unit in the first place. For easy installation, Forbus advises placing the AC unit as close as possible to a window, as “shorter ventilation hoses are easier to manage. ” That said, if you really don’t want to deal with venting, consider an evaporative cooler like the Honeywell Indoor/Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler .

Are Portable ACs Worth Buying? Depending on your specific needs, a portable air conditioner can be worth buying. The significant benefit of a portable air conditioner over an in-window model is the ability to move from room to room. Do you need that kind of portability? Does your room have a window that can’t accommodate an in-window model? There are a lot of logistical factors to consider.

Bottom line: if you need the mobility of a portable air conditioner, it may be worth buying. Do Window ACs Or Portable ACs Cool Better? When it comes to cooling a room, both window and portable air conditioners are cost-efficient options, so the answer really comes down to your needs and preferences. Either option is an efficient way to cool down your space, especially when compared to central air units, which can cost thousands of dollars and depending on your home, can be challenging to install.

That said, there are a few key differences between a window and portable AC’s cooling capabilities. While mobile units are easier to install (installation is usually a one-person job and can be quickly), window units are more substantial and provide cooler air. On the other hand, if you need a unit that can move from room to room, a portable option would be your best bet.

How Much Space Can A Portable Air Conditioner Cool? Each portable AC varies when it comes to cooling and coverage. The best portable air conditioners can cover up to 600 square feet or more, like the Whynter ARC-14S , which has 14,000 BTU ASHRAE. Other units start at 8,000 BTUs and can cover 270 square feet and up.

If you need a portable air conditioner to cool a large room, look for a model with a higher BTU. For even more savings opportunities, head over to our Memorial Day coupon page to check out the deals from some of our favorite brands . Dave Johnson Jason R.

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