It’s in the high 90s and the heat wave shows no sign of stopping. But your apartment or house doesn’t have central air conditioning, and the bars on the windows prevent you from installing a window air conditioning unit.

What’s a heat-intolerant person to do? Enter portable air conditioners. The best portable air conditioners on the market can be installed just about anywhere, and can cool a room in no time at all. And they’re super-easy to set up: Simply plug it in, tuck the exhaust hose (if there is one) into the window, and bask in the cool, refreshing air.

Portable air conditioners run the gamut in terms of price point, power level, and size. While they use a little more energy than window units, they’re still fairly energy efficient. There are even personal desktop models that use a tray of ice cubes to cool you off if you’ve got a hot office.

We’ve rounded up the best portable air conditioners on the market for you to choose from. Any one of these options is sure to make sure that the next time the temperature soars, you can still keep your cool.

The Honeywell MS series is a portable air conditioner that is battery operated, which allows for smooth movement around the home. There is a fan function if needed, and a 3-in-1 technology for optimum cooling. The auto-evaporation system offers an easy to use the unit as this device requires no water to drain. Use the remote control from across the room when you need to adjust the temperature. The model comes with a flexible hose and an easy-to-install venting kit.

The Honeywell unit is sturdy, safe, and dependable. It cools a room up to 450 square feet. There is thermal overload protection for added safety. The washable filter is easy to clean under a faucet, and is  designed to protect you and your family from dust and hair. It is protected to extend product life and performance.

A full set window kit is included for the installation. The vent hose is four feet long and can work in vertical or horizontal windows.

This design is meant for comfort. The digital control has three fan speeds, twenty-four-hour energy-saving timer, and remote control to change temperatures or fan speeds from across the room.

The 3-in-1 appliance provides powerful cooling in the summer, a dehumidifier for the more humid days and a fan to circulate air for everyday comfort. The BTU is 10,000, and the water will drain up to 66 pints of water before it needs to be dumped out.

Key Features
  • Cools rooms up to 450 sq. ft.
  • Washable filter protects against dust and pet hair
  • 3 fan speeds, 24-hour timer
  • Designed for Comfort
  • 3-in-1 Appliance
  • 10,000 BTU
Specifications
  • Weight: 63.9 lbs
  • Dimensions: 15.2 x 18.1 x 29.3 inches
  • Air Flow Capacity: 10,000 BTU
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Included Components: User's Guide, User Manual, Easy-to-Clean Dust Filter, Flexible hose, Window Venting Kit
  • Brand: Honeywell
Pros
  • Easy to install and maintain
  • No permanent installation
  • 24-Hour Timer
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • Batteries required
  • Heavier than other portable air conditioners

The Best Choice 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner has a powerful cooling component in a compact design. The 3-in-1 air conditioner is easy to move around, and it fits into a vertical or horizontal window. It quickly (and easily) cool any room. With four settings, Cool, Dehumidify, Fan, and Sleep, this air conditioner allows for a cold room on even the most humid day. Relax in comfort with the remote control to change each setting to fit your needs.

The Best Choice 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner has 10,000 BTU Portable AC, cools areas up to 200 sq ft. and works great in small spaces. The unit has a range between 62 to 86F. With adjustable settings and time that has up to two speeds, four modes, and a 24-hour programmable timer, this portable air condition makes staying cool so comfortable. There is an easy set up with a window kit with a vent for vertical or horizontal windows. There are simple controls too, with a digital LED display, that shows the control panel, timer, temperature, speed, and modes. Lastly, Best Choice comes with a remote control to change your AC settings from anywhere in the room.

Stay cool with this easy to use, remote-controlled choice.

Key Features
  • 10,000 BTU Portable AC
  • Adjustable Timer and Settings
  • Easy Setup
  • Simple Controls
  • LED Digital Display
  • Remote Control
Specifications
  • Weight: 49.5 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 12.25"(L) x 11.5"(W) x 27.75"(H)
  • Voltage: 110-120V
  • Air Flow Capacity: 300 cubic meters/hr
  • Warranty: 60 days
  • Brand: Best Choice
Pros
  • Remote Control
  • Easy to Read Digital Screen
  • Adjustable Settings and Timer
Cons
  • Corded
  • Set-Up Required

The Spantron Portable Air Conditioner is a portable cooling unit that can be used with an electrical cord, batteries, or a USB cord. This portable air conditioner is optimal while camping or using a tent, or to use on a desk or in a dorm room. The air conditioner is cord or battery powered for multiple uses.

The mini-unit works like a swamp cooling system. There is a reservoir of water that fills the bed of the box. There is a vent on the back that allows airflow to be purified, and the fan pushes air through the unit to give you more cooling air. The vent can be angled toward your personal space.

The stronger fans allow for two quiet motors that cool a small space down quickly.

As an added bonus, this little unit can be used as a mood light or nightlight, with six color choices in all, and a UV light also helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

 

Key Features
  • Mini desktop personal air conditioner
  • Swamp Cooler Evaporative AC
  • 6 different LED mood light settings
  • Sterilizer UV Light
  • Cord and battery powered
Specifications
  • Weight: 2.7 pounds
  • Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.7 x 7.5 inches
  • Warranty: 1 Year
Pros
  • Multi-purpose
  • Essential oil compartment
  • Sterilized UV light kills mildew
  • Cord, USB, and battery operated
Cons
  • Only cools small spaces
  • Water can splash out of tank and damage surfaces

The Global Air 10,000 Portable Air Conditioner cools a room up to 400 sq. ft. The two-speed cooling component and fan offer a four-way directional air system to allow air to spread evenly throughout the room. Remote and digital controls help regulate the temperature precisely and are easily adjusted. The self-evaporating system has no water tank and uses the condensed water to improve efficiency through the cooling condenser.

The digital controls offer precise temperature adjustments, and when controlled with the remote, the user can change the temperature from across a room. The self-evaporative system provides no water tank. The water is condensed and then recycled to improve the efficiency of the cooling condenser.

Although the cooling capacity is 400 sq ft per room, the over-cold protection gives a user a three-minute delay restart function for best results of the unit. The wind blows up with the anti-frozen capacity.

There is a vent kit included and installation instructions in the user’s manual. No extension cords should be used with this unit, and it does need to vent to the outside.

Key Features
  • Precise digital controls
  • Flexible duct can be used for general exhaust purposes
  • Self-evaporative system - No water tank
  • Maximum room size up to 400 square feet
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 31.3 inches
  • Air Flow Capacity: 10,000 BTU
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Included Components: Remote Control, Two Speeds for Cooling, Four-Way Directional Fan
Pros
  • Doesn't need water to operate
  • Remote control
  • Four-way air directional system
Cons
  • Must be vented outside
  • Only two modes
  • Needs to be balanced or will emit a loud noise

The JHS 12,000 BTU is a self-evaporating system with mild white noise. The remote control gives easy access to change the temperature, and the digital screen allows for clear readability. The 24-hour timer provides the user with comfort in knowing they can sleep or leave without having to shut down the air conditioner.

This unit has powerful cooling with 12,000 BTU capacity, and top air-outlet design helps spread fresh air further and faster. It will cool an area of up to 400 square feet and is perfect for a mid-sized room.

The three-in-one design comes with an air conditioner, a three-speed fan, and a dehumidifier that will remove 59.2 pints of moisture per day. This design helps keep your rooms clean and dry.

A user can take the portable air conditioner anywhere in the house with a window. There is no permanent installation, and the unit is equipped with an all-direction stainless castor, handles that will allow for the air cooler to go freely from room to room.

The user-friendly design features a twenty-four-hour programmable timer that will cool a room to a temperature between 61 to 88 degrees. The adjustable thermostat allows for a comfortable temperature for you. The LED digital control panel and remote control give easy-viewing to check and change settings from where ever you are in the room.

There is a four-step easy-to-use window installation kit that works with a vertical or horizontal window, but not a crank window. The installation is stated to take only up to ten minutes and comes with an exhaust hose. The JHS team is on duty should you have any problems with it.

Key Features
  • 12,000 BTU
  • Three functions to choose from
  • Bonus remote control
  • Portable and easy to move
  • Thermostat adjusts from 61 to 88 degrees F
Specifications
  • Weight: 53 pounds
  • Dimensions: 14.6 × 12.6 × 28.8 inches
  • Voltage: 115V/60Hz
  • Air Flow Capacity: 12,000 BTU
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Included Components: Window kit, Exhaust hose, Drainage kit, User-friendly manual
Pros
  • Four-Step Window Installation Kit
  • Portable
  • Mild White-Noise
Cons
  • Must wait 24 hours before using if it wasn't stored upright
  • Must be used on a perfectly flat and level surface

The JHS 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a great choice for comfort. The fast cooling capacity cools an area of up to 300 square feet. You can use it for small spaces like bedrooms, dorm rooms, kitchens, offices, or garages.

The multi-functional appliance has an air conditioner, two-speed fan, and dehumidifier. The dehumidifier collects 50.7 pints of moisture each day. This choice will keep your room cool and dry.

The unit is portable and easy to move with no permanent installation. It is equipped with all-direction, stainless castors, and a handle at the top. The handle and stainless castors allow the air cooler to roll from room to room.

While the JHS 10,000 BTU is easy to use, it also features a twenty-four-hour programmable timer with a temperature range between 61 to 88 degrees. There is a remote control to adjust the settings from across the room. There are an easy install window kit and exhaust hose included in the packaging.

Installing the unit should take less than 10 minutes. The JHS has an auto-evaporation system that requires little work on the user's part. The dehumidifier can be used with the remote control, and the noise level is mild.

Key Features
  • 10,000 BTU fast cooling capacity
  • Multi-functional appliance
  • 24 Hour Programmable Timer
  • Remote control and LED digital display panel
  • 5-10 minute installation
Specifications
  • Weight: 54 pounds
  • Dimensions: 14.6 x 28.8 x 12.6 inches
  • Voltage: 115V/60Hz
  • Air Flow Capacity: 10,000 BTU
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Included Components: Remote control, window kit, exhaust hose, drainage kit, user-friendly manual
Pros
  • LED Display Light/Screen
  • Remote Control
  • Easy to Install
Cons
  • Room Must Have a Window to Use
  • Must Have a Flat Surface to Use

The Lemebo Portable Air Conditioner is a newly upgraded version that uses a unique technology to reduce noise up to 40 dB. The super quiet mode will let you sleep through the night, and the mini-indoor air conditioner uses a H20 cool fusion technology to help make this portable air conditioner more energy efficient than a ring fan or larger air conditioner.

The sturdy alloy has a silent motor and low energy consumption. The cooling fan is equipped with a water tray at the front of the unit. The tray will capture any moisture that flows out and recycles it into cool air once again. The tray also helps save the surface it sits on from getting wet, bowed, and ruined.

A full tank will last between four to six hours, and the motor will automatically shut down when the tank goes dry. The atomization can increase the humidity in the air.

This air conditioner is multi-functional and combines a fan, air circulator, evaporative cooler, and atomized humidifier into one small package. It is suitable for college dormitories, bedrooms, dressers, or for your pets.

There is a 90-day money-back guarantee. If the unit fails for you in any way contact the seller and get your money back.

Key Features
  • Personal desktop air conditioner
  • Quiet operation
  • Multi-Functional
  • Cooling function is powered by water and/or ice
  • Cooling area: 2 square meters
Specifications
  • Weight: 2.05 lbs
  • Dimensions: 11.9 x 6.9 x 5 inches
  • Air Flow Capacity: 10 W
  • Warranty: 90 days
  • Included Components: Personal Air cooler, USB cable, user manual
Pros
  • Perfect for dorm rooms and small spaces
  • No electrical cords
  • Three settings
Cons
  • Small unit, only good for personal use

The Emerson, Quiet Kool Portable Air Conditioner is an excellent solution for a home or office. All models have an electronic control panel with LED display. They come with remote control, caster rollers, and are multi-functional.

All models include a reusable water filter, three-speed fans, moisture removal, and cools the air. The auto-swing fan covers more area while cooling.

There is a sleep mode built into the unit that allows for a quiet night’s sleep. It also comes with a 24-hour programmable timer to preset the time when you’d like for the air to go on or go off. Using auto-evaporation technology can help dehumidify your environment and reduces the amount of moisture in the air without requiring drainage.

Emerson Quiet Kool portable air conditioner can be moved from room to room and has highly efficient compressors to reduce noise to a minimum. These technologies all allow for a user to have a more comfortable experience.

The digital control panel allows you to access all the settings for easier reading. The fully-functional remote can change the temperature from across the room, and the washable/reusable filter reduces air bacteria and leaves the room with fresh airflow and no odor.

Key Features
  • Cools a room up to 300 sq. ft.
  • Noise rating is a quiet 52 dB
  • Uses auto-evaporation technology
  • 24-hour timer
Specifications
  • Weight: 52.9 pounds
  • Dimensions: 17.3 x 12.8 x 27.4 inches
  • Air Flow Capacity: 8,000 BTU
  • Warranty: 1 year labor, 2 years parts, 5 years compressor
  • Included Components: Portable air conditioner, remote control, mesh filters, installation kit, manual warranty
Pros
  • 24-hour-timer makes it easy to cool room while you are asleep or away
  • Uses a single hose exhaust system
Cons
  • Might be too loud for some

SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner is lightweight and serves to cool, dehumidify, and circulate air. It has three operating modes and a digital touch button control panel with LED display. Not only does the SereneLife 8,000 BTU keep your rooms fresh and comfortable, but it also uses a low noise level motor to cool the user's home quickly and quietly.

The SereneLife portable air conditioner is handy and moves from room to room with ease. It is a lightweight, sleek unit intended to be used in bedrooms, living rooms, or garage environments. The rolling wheels allow for easy transport.

Three operating modes include cooling, dehumidifier, and fan. The default mode cools and is automatically activated once the power is on. Use the remote control to control fan speed and temperature from a distance. The other functions of the remote control act as a unit selector and adjust the sleep key.

The build-in dehumidifier won't give you the cooling effect of the air conditioner, but it will reduce the moisture levels and acts as a purifier. This set up will clear your home air of allergens, dust mites, and mildew.

The window kit allows for a easy set up, and the cool air will cover a room up to 215 square feet. The airflow is rated at 290 M3 per house, and the moisture removal will clear away 1.2 liters an hour.

Key Features
  • Handy and portable
  • Three Operating Modes
  • Built-in Dehumidifier
  • Remote Control
  • 8000 BTU
Specifications
  • Weight: 46.3 pounds
  • Dimensions: 13.8 x 27.2 x 14.6 inches
  • Voltage: 900W
  • Air Flow Capacity: 8,000 BTU
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Digital display is easy to operate
  • Three Operating Modes
  • Lightweight and portable
Cons
  • Requires batteries for the remote control

The DUOLANG 2059 CFM outdoor-indoor, portable, evaporative cooler, swamp cooler, comes with an air conditioner, humidifier, a tower fan, and blower. It cools up to 323 sq. ft. and can cool down with the convenience of remote control.

This unit has an evaporative air cooler for a more eco-friendly air conditioner. The fan, humidifier, and air conditioner work indoors or outdoors. The portable air conditioner comes with an ice compartment, 7.9-gallon water tank, and powerful airflow. The recyclable ice crystals make using ice a breeze, and the washable air filter allows for a clean, dust-free environment.

The DUOLANG 2059 is best used in hot and dry climates where the humidity is low. The air coolers bring the temperature down as the evaporation adds moisture in the air. This unit is multi-functional and can be used as a fan, humidifier, conditioner, or air purifier. You can use this in many environments, including office spaces, restaurants, warehouse, patios, and in your home.

The cost-effective model has three speeds, a shut-off timer up to nine hours ahead, and uses 120W/H voltage. The unit is safe and reduces noise with a high-density vegetable fiber curtain. It has three wind modes, and the stable design will lower in sound so you won’t have to worry about distractions. If you are searching for an eco-friendly way to use an air conditioner, the DUOLANG 2059 is it.

Key Features
  • Best for hot & dry climates
  • Multi-function
  • Energy Saving
  • Safe and convenient
  • Recyclable Ice Crystals
Specifications
  • Weight: 29.8 pounds
  • Dimensions: 18.9 x 14.2 x 36.6 inches
  • Air Flow Capacity: 2059 CFM
  • Warranty: N/A
  • Included Components: Recyclable Water Crystals, Washable Dust Filter, Easy-Fill Water Tank
Pros
  • Easy-to-Read Water Level Display
  • 7.9 Gallon Water Tank
  • Washable Dust Filter
Cons
  • Works in Small Spaces
  • Need to Refill Often
  • Must have Ice or Ice Crystals to Cool Air

This buyer’s guide houses ten of the top-selling portable air conditioners, along with features, tips, tricks, pros, and cons. The portable air conditioners in this guide have the latest technologically and savvy gadgets; including LED displays, Wifi timers, and filters that recycle the water they use.

Related: The 10 Best Air Purifiers of 2020

In this guide, a user will find LG, Honeywell, JHS, Global Air, DUOLANG, Lemebo, Spanton, and Serenlife. Between the editors choice, the premium choice, the pinned choice, and the best value badges given by the ReviewThis writers and editors, and the schematics inside each description of the weight, volume, CFU, BTUs, Voltage, cooling area per square feet, warranty information, and more. We have pared down all the features to do shopping for a portable air conditioner as smooth of purchase for you as possible.

See the image from Honeywell below. It refers to a user to several different sizes and the cooling per square unit to help you know your size room verses what size unit to look for.

Resources — SylvaneCompact Appliance

FAQ

Q: Do all air conditioners need external ventilation?

All air conditioners need an area where they can release heat. While it is generally easiest to use a window as that release, there are additional methods you can use in conjunction with your air conditioner. Portable air conditioners can be vented through doors, walls and windows, allowing you a bit more flexibility with your set up. Since air conditioners function by removing heat and humidity, it is vital to have a place to put the heat and moisture. Occasionally you’ll see a portable air conditioner that removes heat through a drop ceiling. This method involves less floor space but offers the same cooling effects as a window ventilation setup.

Q: Do portable air conditioners work?

Portable air conditioners are often used in spaces where central air is an impossibility. Like central air, these air conditioners use electricity to function. While they do a great job of removing heat and humidity from small spaces, they usually only function efficiently in one room. This means that you’ll have to choose your cool sanctuary before setting up your AC, knowing that the other rooms will remain warm. Additionally, portable air conditioner units that feature one hose tend to be less efficient and more finicky than other options. So, like with any product, make sure to invest in a heavy duty and efficient unit.

Q: Are portable air conditioners more energy efficient?

Generally, portable air conditioners use more energy to cool the same amount of space as a window unit. It’s possible that this is the case because of the way they dispose of heat and moisture. With a good ventilation system, you’re likely to conserve more energy, allowing you to operate your unit less frequently to cut down on costs. However, depending on the size of your portable air conditioner, it’s possible to find a unit that uses as little as ⅛ of the energy as central air. Both a portable AC unit and a window AC unit will involve less amperage, which means they’ll be more affordable than central air. But they cool much smaller spaces.

Q: Are window air conditioners better than portable air conditioners?

Take a look at the BTU rating of your AC unit to determine how it compares to competitive products. The higher the BTU rating, the bigger the spacial cooling capacity. Generally, window air conditioner units use energy more efficiently than portable air conditioners. While using a window AC unit, you’ll learn that they offer more cooling power per BTU than their portable competitors. So, yes! Window air conditioners tend to be more efficient than portable units. But they’re much less versatile. If you’re looking for a unit that can easily be moved or set up in a variety of ways, a portable air conditioner might be the right option for you.

Q: Can you leave your portable air conditioner on all day?

Well-built portable air conditioners can be left on all day and all night. But it’s important to consider a few things before leaving it be: It’s not energy or cost efficient for most portable air conditioners to stay on nonstop. Most units turn themselves off once you’ve reached the desired temperature. But a portable AC unit has no way of knowing what the outside temperatures are. So, at night, when the temps drop, it might be better to crack a window than run up your electricity bill. Additionally, keep in mind that all portable AC units collect moisture while cooling. Generally the moisture collects in a tray that can be removed from your unit. But overflow can cause safety problems. So key an eye on it!

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