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10 Best Portable Air Conditioner To Buy - Top Rated And Buying Guide

Richard Brown
  Dec 22, 2024 9:20 AM

Summer is right around the corner, and that means one thing: hot, sticky weather. If you're like me, you can't stand being too hot, so this summer you're going to need a portable air conditioner.

Not sure which one to buy? Check out my list of the 10 best portable air conditioners below! Plus, I've included a buying guide to help make your decision even easier. Happy cooling off!


How to choose

How to choose best portable air conditioner to buy

There are a few things you should consider when purchasing a portable air conditioner.

  • The size of the unit. You'll want to make sure that the unit is powerful enough to cool the space you want to use it in, but not so powerful that it's wasteful.
  • Easy the unit is to move. If you plan on using it in multiple rooms, or if you have limited storage space, you'll want a unit that's easy to transport.
  • The features are offered by different units. Some units come with timers, remote controls, and other features that can make using them more convenient. By taking these factors into consideration, you can be sure to choose the best portable air conditioner for your needs.

SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner Compact Home AC Cooling Unit with Built-in Dehumidifier & Fan Modes, Quiet Operation, Includes Window Mount Kit, 8,000 BTU, White

Types of the best portable air conditioner to buy

When the weather outside is frightful, the last thing you want is for your home to be anything less than comfortable. Unfortunately, not all homes are equipped with central air conditioning, which can make summertime a true nightmare. However, there is hope in the form of portable air conditioners. These self-contained units can be rolled into any room and quickly set up, providing relief from the heat. But with so many different models on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a portable air conditioner.

1. Type of unit

First, you'll need to decide what type of unit you want. There are two basic types of portable air conditioners: evaporative and refrigerative.

Evaporative units work by blowing air over a wet pad or filter, which helps to cool and humidify the air simultaneously. Refrigerative units, on the other hand, use either Freon or ammonia to cool the air.

These units tend to be more expensive than evaporative units, but they are also more effective at cooling larger spaces.

2. The size

Next, you'll need to consider the size of the unit. Portable air conditioners come in a variety of sizes, so it's important to choose one that will be able to cool the space you need it to. If you're only looking to cool a small room, such as a bedroom or office, a smaller unit will suffice.

However, if you're trying to cool a larger space, such as a living room or kitchen, you'll need a larger unit.

3. Noise

Finally, you'll need to decide how much noise you're willing to tolerate. Portable air conditioners can be quite noisy, so if you're someone who is easily bothered by noise, you may want to consider an evaporative unit instead. However, if you don't mind a little bit of noise, a refrigerative unit will likely be your best bet.

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Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Our best choices

Best convenient: Upstreman ‎UAK-06C

The Upstreman UAK06C Portable Air Conditioner with 10000 BTUs of cooling power, this air conditioner can quickly and easily cool your space – and with the remote control, you can adjust the temperature from anywhere in the room.

The Upstreman UAK06C Portable Air Conditioner also features auto cooling, dehumidifier, and fan modes – so you can customize your cooling experience. And with the easy installation pack included, setup is a breeze. 

Best cooling: Pasapair OL-A010G-05CD

Introducing the new and improved Portable Air Conditioner – 8000BTU WIFI Portable AC Unit with Remote&App Control!

This powerful little air conditioner is perfect for rooms up to 300 sq. ft., making it ideal for bedrooms, offices, and small apartments.

With 8,000 BTUs of cool power, this air conditioner can quickly and effectively cool down any space. And our new and improved WIFI controls let you adjust the temperature from anywhere within range – perfect for those hot summer days when you want to come home to a cool and comfortable house.

In addition to cooling, this versatile unit also functions as a fan and dehumidifier, making it ideal for any climate. 

Best comfortable: Dreo DR-HAC001

The Dreo TwinCool 12000 BTU Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner top-of-the-line AC unit features dual hose technology that promotes efficient air circulation, meaning your rooms will cool down faster and stay cooler longer.

With a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTUs, this AC unit is perfect for larger rooms up to 450 square feet. And because it's inverter-powered, it's up to 50% more energy-efficient than traditional AC units!

Plus, you'll love the remote control, 24-hour timer, and exclusive I Sense function that allows you to customize your comfort with the touch of a button. 

Best reliable and affordable: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT

The BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control is perfect for rooms up to 150 square feet.

With four fan speeds and an adjustable thermostat, you can customize the cooling level to your desired temperature.

Plus, the Sleep mode makes it extra quiet while you rest. The simple and quick installation means you can set up and start enjoying cool, comfortable air in no time.

Best power: SereneLife SLPAC8

The SereneLife SLPAC8 handy unit features 3 operating modes (cooling, dehumidifier, and fan), as well as a built-in dehumidifier to help reduce humidity levels. Additionally, the wheels make it easy to move from room to room, and the automatic swing mode ensures maximum air circulation.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Yuhe+HuAL._AC_SX569_.jpg


Final thoughts

Portable air conditioners are a lifesaver, especially during the summer months. If you’re in the market for one, make sure to check out our top 10 list of the best portable air conditioners.

And if you have any questions about which one is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’d be happy to help!