Best Portable Air Conditioners for Home and Office in 2023

In this article, we will explore the top portable air conditioners available, which are a convenient and efficient cooling solution for rooms without requiring permanent installation. Available in various sizes and styles, they are suitable for homes, apartments, and offices.

When choosing a portable air conditioner, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the size of the unit and the space it will be cooling. It’s essential to choose a unit with the appropriate cooling capacity for your room size. The second consideration is the noise level of the unit. Some models can be quite loud, which can be disruptive in a quiet space like a bedroom or study. Finally, it’s important to consider the energy efficiency of the unit, as this can impact your electricity bill.

After researching and testing various models, we’ve identified the top portable air conditioners that excel in these areas. Whether you’re looking for a compact unit for a small room or a more substantial model for a larger space, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed review of each of our top picks, including their features, pros, and cons. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of the best portable air conditioners.

Are Portable Air Conditioners More Efficient Than Ductless Inverter Systems?

When it comes to cooling efficiency, many experts believe that portable air conditioners can’t compete with the best ductless inverter systems. These ductless systems offer better overall energy efficiency and cooling performance, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for a reliable and cost-effective cooling solution.

Best Portable Air Conditioners

As the summer heat continues to rise, staying cool becomes a top priority. Portable air conditioners are a great solution for those who need to cool a specific area without the hassle of installing a central air conditioning system. Our team has researched and tested the top portable air conditioners on the market to bring you this list of the best options. Whether you’re looking for a powerful unit to cool a large room or a compact option for a small space, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

We highly recommend the BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient portable air conditioner.

Pros

• The BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is perfect for rooms up to 350 sq. ft. and can keep you cool during hot summer months.
• With a 3-in-1 function, this air conditioner also works as a dehumidifier and fan, making it a versatile and useful addition to any room.
• The BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner has impressive features such as a slide-out washable filter, auto water evaporation, and a 24-hour timer.

Cons

• At 45.8 lbs., this air conditioner may be difficult to move around for some users.
• Some users have reported that the noise level is higher than expected, which may be a concern for light sleepers.
• The unit may take some time to cool down a room to the desired temperature.

We found the BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner to be easy to install and use. The included installation kit made setup a breeze, and the remote control and top-mounted control panel with LED display made adjusting the settings simple. The casters on the bottom and side handles on both sides of the unit made it easy to move from room to room.

The slide-out washable filter and auto water evaporation feature made maintenance a breeze. We appreciated the 24-hour timer, which allowed us to set the air conditioner to turn on or off at specific times. Overall, we were impressed with the BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner and would recommend it to anyone in need of a portable air conditioner.

ComfortneSS Portable Air Conditioner

We highly recommend the ComfortneSS Portable Air Conditioner for anyone looking for a portable and easy-to-use air conditioning unit.

Pros

• The silicone ice trays included with the unit provide a more efficient cooling experience.
• The 4-speed and 3-second fast cooling feature allow for quick and customizable cooling.
• The ultra-quiet technology ensures a restful night’s sleep.

Cons

• The product is only suitable for small spaces.
• The cooling effect may not be enough for extremely hot climates.
• The unit needs to be frequently refilled with water for optimal cooling.

The ComfortneSS Portable Air Conditioner is a great option for those looking for a portable air conditioning unit that is easy to use and provides efficient cooling. The silicone ice trays that come with the unit allow for a more efficient cooling experience, and the 4-speed and 3-second fast cooling feature make it quick and easy to get the desired temperature. Additionally, the ultra-quiet technology ensures a restful night’s sleep.

However, the unit is only suitable for small spaces and may not be enough for extremely hot climates. Additionally, the unit needs to be frequently refilled with water for optimal cooling.

Overall, if you’re looking for a portable air conditioning unit that is easy to use and provides efficient cooling, the ComfortneSS Portable Air Conditioner is a great option.

Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner

If you’re looking for a powerful and eco-friendly portable air conditioner, the Whynter ARC-14S is a great option.

Pros

• The Whynter ARC-14S is an award-winning portable air conditioner that can cool large areas up to 500 sq. ft.
• It has a powerful cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 9,500 BTU (SACC), yet it’s quiet with a noise level of <56 dBA.
• The advanced self-evaporation technology and dual hose operation make it energy efficient and easy to use.

Cons

• The unit is heavy and may be difficult to move around for some users.
• Some customers have reported issues with the drainage system and condensation leaking.
• The price point may be higher than some other portable air conditioner options.

We recently purchased the Whynter ARC-14S for our home office and have been impressed with its performance. It cools the room quickly and effectively, and we appreciate the eco-friendly features. The unit was easy to set up and comes with a handy storage bag for the exhaust hose and other accessories.

One thing to note is that the unit is quite heavy, so it may not be the best option if you need to move it frequently. Additionally, we did experience some issues with the drainage system and had to troubleshoot to prevent condensation from leaking.

Overall, we highly recommend the Whynter ARC-14S for anyone in need of a powerful and energy-efficient portable air conditioner.

SereneLife SLPAC12.5 Portable Air Conditioner

If you are looking for a portable air conditioner that can cool your room quickly and effectively, then the SereneLife SLPAC12.5 is worth considering.

Pros

• Lightweight and Portable
• Hassle-Free Room Cooling, Quick Setup
• Energy Efficient: Low Power Consumption

Cons

• Not Suitable for Large Rooms
• Noisy at High Fan Speed
• Limited Fan Speed Settings

We recently tried out the SereneLife SLPAC12.5 Portable Air Conditioner and found it to be a great addition to our home. The unit is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move from room to room. We particularly liked the hassle-free setup, which allowed us to start cooling our room quickly.

One of the standout features of the SereneLife SLPAC12.5 is its energy efficiency. The unit has a low power consumption, which means it won’t drive up your electricity bill. We also appreciated the convenience of the digital touch button control panel, which allowed us to adjust the time, temperature, and fan speed settings easily.

However, there are some downsides to this portable air conditioner. The unit is not suitable for large rooms, so if you have a big living space, you may need to look for a more powerful unit. We also found the unit to be noisy at high fan speed, which could be a problem if you are looking for a quiet cooling solution. Lastly, the fan speed settings are limited, which may not be ideal for those who want more control over the cooling power.

Overall, we would recommend the SereneLife SLPAC12.5 Portable Air Conditioner for those who are looking for a lightweight and portable cooling solution for smaller rooms. It’s easy to set up, energy-efficient, and has a convenient control panel.

FIOGOHUMI 10000BTU Portable Air Conditioner

This portable air conditioner is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful, energy-efficient, and easy-to-use cooling solution.

Pros

• Quick and powerful cooling
• Energy-efficient and cost-effective
• Easy to use and move

Cons

• Louder than some other models
• Not suitable for larger rooms
• Some users reported issues with the drain hose

We were impressed by the FIOGOHUMI portable air conditioner’s ability to cool a room quickly and effectively. With a 10000BTU cooling capacity, it can cool rooms up to 250 sq.ft. in just a few minutes. We also appreciated the energy efficiency of this unit, with an energy efficiency ratio of 6.5 CEER and a low impact on our electric bill.

The FIOGOHUMI portable air conditioner is also very easy to use and move around. With a 24-hour timer and remote control, we were able to customize our comfort from anywhere in the room. The all-in-one LED display made it easy to adjust the settings, and the 360° easy-rolling wheels and ergonomic recessed handles made it easy to move the unit from room to room.

However, we did notice that this unit is slightly louder than some other portable air conditioners we’ve used. It’s also not suitable for larger rooms, so if you have a larger space to cool, you may need to consider a different model. Finally, some users reported issues with the drain hose, so be sure to double-check the installation instructions to avoid any potential issues.

Overall, we highly recommend the FIOGOHUMI 10000BTU portable air conditioner for anyone looking for a powerful, energy-efficient, and easy-to-use cooling solution for their home or office.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a portable air conditioner, there are several features to consider to ensure you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

BTUs

BTUs (British Thermal Units) are a measure of the cooling power of an air conditioner. The higher the BTU rating, the more powerful the unit is. Consider the size of the room you want to cool and choose a portable air conditioner with the appropriate BTU rating. A unit with too few BTUs will struggle to cool a larger room, while a unit with too many BTUs will waste energy and money.

Energy Efficiency

Portable air conditioners can be energy-intensive, so it’s important to choose a unit with a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The EER is a measure of how much cooling power the unit provides per watt of electricity used. Look for a unit with an EER of at least 10 for maximum energy efficiency.

Noise Level

Portable air conditioners can be noisy, so consider the noise level of the unit before making a purchase. Look for a unit with a decibel (dB) rating of 60 or lower for quiet operation.

Features

Consider the additional features offered by portable air conditioners, such as:

• Programmable thermostat
• Multiple fan speeds
• Dehumidifier function
• Air purifier function
• Remote control
• Timer function

These features can enhance the functionality and convenience of your portable air conditioner.

Ventilation

Portable air conditioners require ventilation to function properly. Make sure the unit you choose comes with a venting kit or purchase one separately. The venting kit should include an exhaust hose and window kit for easy installation.

By considering these factors when shopping for a portable air conditioner, you can choose the best product for your needs and enjoy cool, comfortable air wherever you go.