10 Best Air Conditioners Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat is a versatile unit designed for rooms up to 700 sq. ft. Its cooling capacity is notable at 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 BTU DOE), making it suitable for large spaces. Additionally, it offers 12,000 BTU heating, which is great for year-round use. The unit stands out with its four-in-one functionality: air conditioning, heating, dehumidifying, and fan modes.

The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is relatively low at 6.2, suggesting that it may not be the most energy-efficient option available. This could lead to higher electricity bills over time, particularly with regular use. Noise levels are at a moderate 54 dB, which is comparable to a quiet conversation; this should be manageable for most users, but noise-sensitive individuals may want to take note. The portability of this unit is a significant advantage, allowing users to move it easily between rooms.

The smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offer convenient control options. The 'Follow Me' remote control enhances user experience by allowing precise temperature settings. An included installation kit simplifies the setup process, making it user-friendly. Weighing 35 pounds, it is reasonably easy to handle but might require some effort to move frequently. This BLACK+DECKER model is best suited for those looking for a multi-functional, portable air conditioning solution with smart features and who are less concerned about energy efficiency.

The Whynter Portable Air Conditioner ARC-14S offers strong cooling power with 14,000 BTU, making it suitable for rooms up to 500 square feet. Its dual-hose design helps cool more efficiently by pulling in and exhausting air separately, which is an advantage compared to some single-hose models. It operates quietly at 51 dB, so it won't be too noisy for bedroom or office use. The built-in dehumidifier is another useful feature, capable of removing up to 71 pints of moisture per day, enhancing comfort in humid climates.

This unit provides three modes—cool, dehumidify, and fan—with adjustable speeds and a thermostat for better temperature control. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) is about 7.69, which is moderate and the unit is not Energy Star certified, so it may consume more power than some newer models designed for better energy savings. The portable AC is fairly large and weighs 73 pounds, meaning it may require some effort to move and set up.

Installation involves venting the exhaust through a window using the included kit, which requires a compatible window size. This portable AC offers powerful cooling and dehumidifying capabilities for medium-sized rooms with low noise levels, though energy costs might be higher compared to more efficient units.

The Midea Duo Portable Air Conditioner offers strong cooling power with 14,000 BTU, suitable for rooms up to 550 square feet, making it a good fit for medium to larger spaces. It features an innovative dual hose design that improves air circulation by using one hose to intake and another to exhaust air, which helps the unit cool more efficiently and prevents hot air from leaking back in. Thanks to inverter technology, it runs more energy-efficiently than many traditional portable ACs, potentially saving about 40% on electricity. Noise levels are fairly low at around 42 dB, which is about as quiet as a library, so it won’t be too disruptive in your living space.

The unit also includes smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to operate it remotely and conveniently. It has a heating option as well, which adds year-round versatility. On the downside, although it is quieter than many similar units, some users might still find it noticeable in very quiet environments. The energy efficiency ratio (SEER of 12.3) is decent but not top-tier, so there may be more efficient models available if energy savings are a priority.

The product weighs about 77 pounds, making it less portable than lighter models, and it requires a window kit for venting, which can be a bit tricky to install depending on your window type. This unit represents a solid choice for those seeking a powerful, relatively quiet portable AC with smart home features and heating capability suitable for spaces around 550 square feet.