Are you looking for a way to keep cool and comfortable in any environment? Portable air conditioners have become increasingly popular due to their convenient size, portability, and effectiveness.
In this article, we will explore the top-rated portable air conditioners and provide a guide to help readers decide which one is best suited for their needs. From understanding features such as energy efficiency, cooling capacity, water tank size, noise levels, and more, this comprehensive overview of the leading contenders in the portable air conditioner market will provide readers with everything they need to know before purchasing their air conditioner.
With all products, features can change, so before purchasing, be sure the features that attracted you to the product are still the same.
Features To Look For In A Portable Air Conditioner
When choosing a portable AC, there are several factors to consider: cooling power; single or dual hose design; noise level; smart features; and installation. Considering these will help you make an informed decision and pick the perfect unit for your needs.
Cooling Power
The first factor to consider when shopping for a portable air conditioner is its cooling power. Measured in British Thermal Units, the higher the rating, the higher the BTU rating, the more powerful the unit is. It’s important to find a unit that has enough strength to chill your intended room.
When looking at the BTU rating, you should also examine its energy consumption, as this will determine how much energy it’ll use over time. Plus, consider what type of filter it uses – this will determine the air quality in your space.
Hoses
Single-hose units are less efficient than dual-hose models, which use two hoses – one for hot air intake and another for cool air exhaust.
Single-hose models are the most common and less efficient than their dual-hose counterparts. These units draw in air from inside, cool it, then expel the extra heat out through an exhaust hose – meaning the same air is recycled for reduced cooling power.
Dual-hose units use two hoses instead of one; one draws in hot air from outside while the other expels cooled air back into the room – eliminating any recycling of air and making them more suitable for larger rooms. Plus, they usually come with more features than single-hose models too!
Noise Level
Noise level should also be considered. When choosing a portable air conditioner, noise level, and fan speed are key. Portable AC units usually range from 40 to 60 dBA, with the lower end being quieter. The EPA suggests indoor noise should not exceed 45 dBA – so it’s important to check decibels at the lowest fan speed too.
Room size is also a factor; larger rooms require more power and, thus, more noise. Look for models that offer features like foam seals or insulated hoses, which reduce sound levels, and adjustable fan speeds for customizing your needs.
If you’re sensitive to noise, opt for a unit with the lowest dBA rating possible and consider those with additional sound-reducing features – this way, you can find an AC that fits your requirements perfectly!
Smart Features
Finally, many models come with smart features such as programmable settings, heating modes, WiFi connectivity, and foam seals for efficient cooling – all of which can make an informed decision easier when choosing a unit that best suits your needs.
Our Top Picks
- Best Up To 250 sq. ft: LG
- Best Up To 450 sq. ft.: SereneLife
- Best Up To 500 sq. ft: Whynter
- Best Up To 700 sq. ft and Heat Function: Frigidaire
- Best Up To 700 sq. ft. with Optional Heat Function: Black+Decker
LG
Features
- Color: White
- Cools Up To 250 Sq. Ft. (other models available that cover more sqft)
- 2 Speeds
- 3-in-1 Operation (Cool/Fan/Dry)
- Loudest Noise Level: 53 dBa
- Oscillating Air Vent
- Rolling Casters
- LCD Remote Control
- 24 Hour Timer
- Check Filter Alert
- Washable Filter
- Window Installation Kit Included
- Warranty: 1-Year Limited
Specifications
- Product Weight: 54.2 lbs
- Product Dimensions: 13.27″D x 17.32″W x 27.36″H
- 115 Volts
- Energy Star – No
- Manufacturer: LG Electronics
- Brand: LG
The LG Portable Air Conditioner is a sleek and stylish unit is designed to cool up to 250 square feet. With two cooling speeds and 3-in-1 operation (cool/fan/dry), you can customize your comfort level to meet your needs.
The oscillating air vent ensures an even distribution of cool air throughout the room. At the same time, the rolling casters make it easy to move from one location to another. The window installation kit is included, so you can quickly and easily set up your air conditioner without any hassle.
This LG portable air conditioner is also equipped with a variety of convenient features, including an LCD remote control, a 24-hour timer, and a check filter alert. The washable filter ensures easy maintenance, while the 1-year limited warranty gives you peace of mind.
With the loudest noise level of only 53 dBa, this air conditioner won’t disrupt your daily routine. It’s compact design and white color make it a stylish addition to any home or office. And with a 1-year limited warranty, you can trust its quality and durability.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- It can function as an air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier
- LCD Remote
Cons:
- Some reviewers have experienced problems with the hose/connector design
SereneLife
Features
- Color: White
- Cools Up To 450 SqFt
- 3 Speeds
- 12000 BTU
- Both Smaller and Larger Units are Available
- Noise Level: 52 – 56 dB
- 3 in 1 Operation: (AC, Dehumidifier, Fan) A DEHUMIDIFIER, AND A FAN
- Automatic Swing Mode
- Remote Control
- Rolling Wheels
- 24 Hour Timer
- Air Filter: Washable
- Window Mount Install Kit
- 1-Year Warranty
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 13.4″D x 17.4″W x 32.1″H
- Product Weight 62 lbs
- 120 Volts
- Manufacturer: SereneLife
- Brand: SereneLife
This powerful air conditioner is designed to cool up to 450 square feet, making it perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and even small offices. But this portable air conditioner is not just an AC unit but also a dehumidifier and fan. The 3-in-1 operation ensures that you can use it all year round.
You can customize the cooling experience with three different speeds. The automatic swing mode ensures that the cool air is evenly distributed throughout the room, providing maximum comfort.
The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner is user-friendly, with a remote control that allows you to adjust the settings from the comfort of your couch. The rolling wheels make it easy to move the unit from one room to another, and the window mount install kit ensures it is installed securely.
With a noise level of 52-56 dB, this air conditioner ensures you can sleep, work, or relax peacefully. The 24-hour timer allows you to set the unit to turn on or off at a specific time, ensuring you can come home to a cool and comfortable environment.
The SereneLife SLPAC12.5 Portable Air Conditioner also features a washable air filter and a window mount installation kit for easy setup. At the same time, the 1-year warranty gives you peace of mind knowing that you are covered.
If this size doesn’t fit your needs, it is available in smaller and larger units, making it perfect for any room size.
Pros
- Easy to Install
- 3 in 1 Operation
Cons
- The unit can be noisy, especially when the fan is on high, which may not be suitable for light sleepers.
- It has as a relatively short exhaust hose, which may limit its placement options and make it less effective at cooling larger rooms.
Whynter
Features
- Color: Platinum and Black
- Cools Up to 500 Sq.Ft.
- 14000 BTU
- Dual Hose
- 3 Operational Modes: Air Conditioner, Fan, or Dehumidifier
- Noise Level: 56 dB
- Activated Carbon Filter
- Washable Pre-Filter
- CFC-free GREEN R-32 Refrigerant
- Remote Control
- Caster Wheels
- Window Kit
- Storage Bag
- Warranty:
- One-Year Warranty On The Unit
- Three-Year Warranty On The Compressor
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 16″D x 19″W x 35.5″H
- Product Weight: 73 lbs
- Volts: 115
- Manufacturer: Whynter
- Brand: Whynter
Whether it’s your living room, bedroom, or office, the Whynter Portable Air Conditioner has you covered. With its sleek platinum and black design, this powerful unit is perfect for cooling spaces up to 500 sq. ft.
With its powerful 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and dual hose system, you’ll experience quick and effective temperature control, ensuring a comfortable environment all season long.
The Whynter ARC-14S also prioritizes your health and the environment. The activated carbon filter and washable pre-filter work together to remove impurities from the air, providing you with cleaner and fresher air to breathe. Plus, the CFC-free GREEN R-32 refrigerant ensures you’re doing your part to protect the environment.
This versatile air conditioner has three operational modes and can be used as a cooling unit, fan, or dehumidifier.
Control your comfort from anywhere in the room with the included remote control. The caster wheels make moving the unit from room to room easy.
The window kit ensures a secure and hassle-free installation.
When not in use, simply store your air conditioner in the convenient storage bag.
Rest assured that your investment in the Whynter ARC-14S is protected with a one-year warranty on the unit and an impressive three-year warranty on the compressor.
Pros:
- Cooling Capacity: It can cool up to a 500 sq. ft. space, making it suitable for medium-sized rooms.
- Protective Cover: The unit comes with a protective cover with a pocket, ensuring it stays dust-free and well-maintained when not in use.
- Performance: Users have reported that the ARC-14S works well and efficiently.
Cons:
- While not inefficient for its size, the ARC-14S may not be as energy-efficient as other units.
- Filter Issues: Some users have mentioned encountering issues with the unit’s filter.
Frigidaire
Features
- Color: White
- Cools Up To: 700 sq.ft.
- 14,000 BTU
- Noise Level: 46 dB
- 3-in-1 Operation: Multi-Speed Fan, Dehumidifying and Dry Mode
- 4 Speeds
- Supplemental Heat Function
- Clean Air Ionizer
- Auto Swing Circulation
- Washable Filter
- Programmable Timer
- Caster Wheels
- Remote
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 31.34″ x 19.4″ x 16.54″
- Product Weight: 82 lbs
- Voltage: 115
- Manufacturer: Frigidaire
- Brand: Frigidaire
With a powerful 14,000 BTU capacity, this Frigidaire portable air conditioner can cool up to 700 sq.ft., making it perfect for large rooms, apartments, or office spaces.
It is equipped with 3-in-1 operation that includes a multi-speed fan, dehumidifying, and dry mode, ensuring you get the perfect temperature and humidity level for your comfort. Its supplemental heat function ensures you stay warm during chilly winter days.
With a clean air ionizer, this air conditioner not only cools your room but also purifies the air you breathe, making it perfect for those with allergies or respiratory problems. The auto-swing circulation and four-speed options ensure that every corner of your room is evenly cooled.
Also coming with a washable filter, making it not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective. The programmable timer allows you to set it to turn on or off at a specific time, making it perfect for people with busy schedules. The caster wheels make it easy to move around, and the remote control allows you to adjust the temperature from the comfort of your couch.
Pros:
- Suitable for indoor spaces of up to 700 square feet.
- Multi-Functional: The unit not only cools but also has a supplemental heat function.
- Air Ionizer: The built-in air ionizer helps to eliminate bacteria and odors, improving the overall air quality in the room.
Cons:
- Weighing 82 lbs, it can be difficult for some people to move the unit.
BLACK+DECKER
Features
- Color: White
- Cools Up To: 700 sq. ft.
- 14,000 BTU
- 4-in-1 (AC, Heat, Dehumidifier & Fan)
- Heat Function
- Also Available Without The Heat Function
- Noise Level 54 dB
- 3 Speeds
- R410a Refrigerant
- Washable Filter
- 24 Hour Timer
- Remote Control
- Caster Wheels
- Installation Kit
- Warranty:
- 1 yr Parts/Labor
- 5 yrs Compressor Part
*Not certified for the state of California
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 17.1″D x 28.1″W x 13.8″H
- Product Weight: 68.3 lbs
- Voltage: 115
- Manufacturer: W Appliance Company
- Brand: BLACK+DECKER
With its powerful 14,000 BTU capacity, this air conditioner is perfect for cooling up to 700 sq. ft. of space, making it ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and even small offices.
Not only does this air conditioner cool your space, but it also functions as a heater, dehumidifier, and fan, providing you with versatile options for year-round comfort.
Equipped with a heat function, the BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner is perfect for all seasons. If you don’t need the heat function, the model is also available without it.
The dehumidifying function helps remove excess moisture from the air, making your space more comfortable and less prone to mold and mildew.
With a noise level of only 54 dB, this air conditioner is quiet, allowing you to work, sleep, or relax without any disturbance. Plus, its three-speed settings give you greater control over the airflow.
The BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner comes with a washable filter. It uses R410a refrigerant, ensuring it is environmentally friendly and easy to maintain.
It also features a 24-hour timer and a remote control, enabling you to operate it from a distance. The caster wheels and installation kit make it easy to move and install.
With a 1-year parts/labor warranty and a 5-year compressor part warranty, you can rest assured that you are receiving a high-quality product.
Pros:
- The unit is versatile, as it cools, heats, dehumidifies, and circulates air.
- The unit has a slide-out washable filter for easy maintenance.
- It comes with everything needed for installation, including an installation kit and hose inlet/outlet adapters.
Cons:
- The unit can be noisy on its highest settings, which may bother some users.
- The exhaust hose can be challenging to install properly, which may require extra effort and time.
FAQs
Are Portable ACs Worth Buying?
When it comes to cooling a small area, a portable air conditioner can be an ideal solution. These ACs are easy to move around and don’t require any installation or permanent setup.
Plus, they provide temperature control and improved indoor air quality – allowing you to cool down and dehumidify simultaneously. Portable ACs also consume less energy than window units, making them more energy efficient.
Do all portable air conditioners have to be vented out a window?
It is important to note that most portable air conditioners need to be vented out a window. This is necessary in order to cool the room efficiently, as they draw in hot air from the room and vent it out the window. Without proper ventilation, the AC unit will not work optimally.
Recommended Reading
In Parting
Like all products, the best portable air conditioner is based on your needs. In reading The Top Rated Personal Air Conditioners I hope you were able to gather information to help your purchasing decision.
If you have any stories or experience purchasing a personal air conditioner, I would love to hear about it. Please comment below.
