Appliances Radar is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The 10 Best Inexpensive Portable Air Conditioner in 2024

Jimmy Smith
  May 15, 2024 8:53 PM

Summer is right around the corner, which means blistering heat and unbearable humidity. If you're looking for a cost-effective way to keep cool this summer, a portable air conditioner is the perfect solution.

In this post, we'll share the 10 best inexpensive portable air conditioners on the market in 2024. Keep reading to learn more!


Compare Products

Showing  1 - 10  in  10 results
1
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Honeywell
2
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    SereneLife
3
  • SCORE
    8.6
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Whynter
4
  • SCORE
    8.6
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    BLACK+DECKER
5
  • SCORE
    8.6
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    ZAFRO
6
  • SCORE
    8.6
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Shinco
7
  • SCORE
    8.6
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    BLACK+DECKER
8
  • SCORE
    8.4
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Midea
9
  • SCORE
    8.4
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    TOSOT
10
  • SCORE
    8.2
    AR Score

    AR Score is a scoring system developed by our experts. The score is from 0 to 10 based on the data collected by the Appliances Radar tool. This score doesn't impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Honeywell

Last update on 2024-05-15 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

4.3
4 ratings

How to choose

How to choose the best inexpensive portable air conditioner?

It's no secret that the summer months can be brutal. The heat and humidity can make even the most comfortable home or office feel like a sauna. And when the temperature outside is in the 90s, a portable air conditioner can be a lifesaver. But how do you choose an inexpensive portable air conditioner?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a portable air conditioner.

  • First, you'll want to think about the size of the unit. How much space do you need to cool? A small unit might be enough to cool a single room, while a larger unit could cool multiple rooms or even an entire apartment.
  • Next, you'll want to consider how much power you need. The more powerful the unit, the more expensive it will be. But if you're only cooling a small space, you might not need as much power and can save money by choosing a less powerful unit.
  • Finally, you'll want to think about the features you need. Some units come with remote controls, timers, and other bells and whistles. But if you're just looking for basic cooling power, you can save money by choosing a more basic model.

When it comes to finding an inexpensive portable air conditioner, there are a few things to keep in mind. But if you take your time and shop around, you can find a great deal on a quality unit that will keep you cool all summer long.

Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU (9,500 BTU SACC) Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan with Activated Carbon Filter plus Storage bag for Rooms up to 500 sq ft, Platinum And Black

Types of the air conditioner

There are many different types of air conditioners on the market, so it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But with a little bit of research, you can find the perfect air conditioner for your home or office.

1. The most common type of air conditioner is the central air conditioner. This type of air conditioner is connected to your home's ductwork and cools your entire home or office. Central air conditioners are very efficient and can save you money on your energy bills.

2. Another popular type of air conditioner is the window air conditioner. This type of air conditioner is installed in a window and cooling a single room or area. Window air conditioners are less expensive than central air conditioners and are easy to install. But they can be noisy and may not cool your home or office as evenly as a central air conditioner.

3. If you're looking for an energy-efficient way to cool your home or office, consider a ductless air conditioner. This type of air conditioner doesn't use ductwork, so it's more efficient than central air conditioners. Ductless air conditioners are also very quiet, making them a good choice for bedrooms and other areas where you want to avoid noise.

4. Finally, portable air conditioners. There is a good option if you need to cool a small area or if you don't have ductwork in your home or office. Portable air conditioners can be moved from room to room and are easy to install. But they're not as energy-efficient as other types of air conditioners and can be noisy.

More recommendations: 


Last words

Portable air conditioners are a great way to stay cool and comfortable in your home without breaking the bank. We’ve compiled a list of the ten best inexpensive portable AC units on the market today, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.

If you have any questions about our top picks or need help choosing an air conditioner for your home, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!

Top picks

Best for rooms: Honeywell Black MO08CESWB6

The Honeywell Black MO08CESWB6 powerful air conditioner features auto evaporation technology – so there's no need to empty a bucket – as well as a washable dust filter and filter change alert for easy maintenance. Quick and easy installation is a breeze, with exhaust hose lengths of 12” to 47” and window bracket widths of min. 19.7” or 38.2” to 47.2”.

The Honeywell Black MO08CESWB6 also features a built-in dehumidifier that removes up to 44 pints/24 hours, as well as continuous drain option for longer unattended operation. You'll also appreciate the digital controls with 2 speeds, smart digital humidistat, 24 hour energy saving timer, and remote control with digital display. 

Best for hot summer days: SereneLife SLPAC8

The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner is a great way to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. This compact and lightweight unit is easy to move from room to room, and features three operating modes – cooling, dehumidifier, and fan – to help you create the perfect indoor environment.

The built-in dehumidifier helps reduce humidity levels, saving you money on your energy bills, and the automatic swing mode ensures maximum air circulation for optimum comfort.

ZAFRO Portable Air Conditioner 8000BTU(ASHRAE) with Remote Control, Portable AC Unit with Cooling, Dehumidifier, Fan 3-in-1, White

Best value: Whynter ARC-14S

The Serenelife Portable Air Conditioner is a great way to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. This compact and lightweight unit is easy to move from room to room, and features three operating modes – cooling, dehumidifier, and fan – to help you create the perfect indoor environment.

The built-in dehumidifier helps reduce humidity levels, saving you money on your energy bills, and the automatic swing mode ensures maximum air circulation for optimum comfort.

Best for apartments, dorms and more: BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU

This powerful and compact unit is perfect for cooling and heating rooms up to 350 square feet, making it ideal for apartments, dorms, offices, bedrooms, or living rooms. With its easy-to-use controls and remote control, you can easily adjust the fan speed to cool the air up to 55°F or heat up to 81°F. Plus, the included 4’ 11” hose makes installation a breeze – simply attach to a double hung or sliding window and you’re good to go!

With its handy castor wheels and handles, you can easily move this unit from room to room, so you’ll always be comfortable no matter where you are. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat in the summer or stay cozy in the winter, the BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Heat and Remote Control is your perfect solution!

Best choice: ZAFRO Portable Air Conditioner

If you're looking for a top-quality air conditioner that can cool, dry and fan all in one unit, then you need the ZAFRO Portable Air Conditioner 8000BTU(ASHRAE). This powerful and compact AC unit is perfect for apartments, dorms, bedrooms and offices, and features an easy-to-read LED display and remote control for easy operation.

With four caster wheels, it's easy to move from room to room, and the quiet yet powerful AC unit will keep you cool and comfortable all summer long. Don't suffer in the heat - order your ZAFRO Portable Air Conditioner 8000BTU(ASHRAE) today!