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10 Best And Cheapest Portable Air Conditioner 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 10,000 BTU (6,300 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 450 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT10WT, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Programmable Timer and Remote Control

Most important from
43397 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The BLACK+DECKER unit cools a room quickly and maintains a comfortable temperature, even in high heat environments with lots of electronic equipment.
Noise Level
Compared to previous units, the BLACK+DECKER air conditioner is quieter, allowing for phone conversations without needing to turn it off.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Although the remote control lacks illumination and can be hard to read in dim light, it performs well otherwise.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose attachment on the BLACK+DECKER air conditioner is significantly better, staying securely in place without the need for duct tape.

The BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, with a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU ASHRAE (6,300 BTU DOE), is suitable for rooms up to 450 sq. ft. This makes it a good option for medium-sized rooms, providing adequate cooling during hot summer months. One of its strengths is the 'Follow Me' remote control, which acts as a thermostat, allowing for precise temperature control. Its portability is another plus, thanks to its compact dimensions (15.3” x 14” x 24.8”), casters, and side handles, making it easy to move from room to room.

The air conditioner also offers a three-in-one functionality as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, adding to its versatility. It comes with a convenient window installation kit, making setup relatively straightforward. However, there are some shortcomings. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is on the lower side at 6.7, which means it might not be the most energy-efficient option available. Additionally, the noise level is 52 dB, which is relatively quiet but might still be noticeable in very quiet environments.

While the dehumidification function is a nice feature, the capacity is only 0.45 liters, which may require frequent emptying in very humid conditions. Lastly, while it is an affordable option, the energy consumption and additional features might make it less cost-effective in the long run. This product is best suited for users looking for an affordable, easy-to-move air conditioner with additional fan and dehumidifier functions for medium-sized rooms.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Programmable Timer and Remote Control

Most important from
43397 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The BLACK+DECKER unit cools a room quickly and maintains a comfortable temperature, even in high heat environments with lots of electronic equipment.
Noise Level
Compared to previous units, the BLACK+DECKER air conditioner is quieter, allowing for phone conversations without needing to turn it off.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Although the remote control lacks illumination and can be hard to read in dim light, it performs well otherwise.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose attachment on the BLACK+DECKER air conditioner is significantly better, staying securely in place without the need for duct tape.
#2

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 550 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT12WT, White

Rating
10.0
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
43397 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, with a much quieter operation than previous units.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
More efficient than previous machines for both cooling in summer and heating in winter.
Noise Level
Much quieter than expected, suitable for video conference calls without noticeable noise interference.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The remote control screen could use illumination as it's difficult to read in dimly lit rooms.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is significantly better, locking in place and staying put, eliminating worries about it falling off.

The BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, with its 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 8,000 BTU (DOE) cooling capacity, is designed to cool rooms up to 550 sq. ft. It's relatively compact with dimensions of 13.8 x 17.1 x 28.1 inches and weighs about 56.8 pounds, making it portable enough for easy mobility with its built-in casters and side handles. This unit stands out with its 'Follow Me' remote control feature, allowing precise temperature control by using the remote as a thermostat.

Additionally, the unit operates as a three-in-one device, functioning as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, which adds versatility to its use. The included window kit simplifies the installation process, making it user-friendly even for those not particularly handy. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) is at 5.8, which suggests it may not be the most energy-efficient option available.

Noise levels are moderate at 52 dB, which means it shouldn't be too disruptive, but it might not be completely silent either. The dehumidification feature is practical for humid climates, adding to the comfort. In essence, this BLACK+DECKER model is a well-rounded, budget-friendly portable air conditioner, ideal for medium-sized rooms, offering good mobility and multiple functions, though it could be better in terms of energy efficiency.

Rating
10.0
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
43397 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, with a much quieter operation than previous units.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
More efficient than previous machines for both cooling in summer and heating in winter.
Noise Level
Much quieter than expected, suitable for video conference calls without noticeable noise interference.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The remote control screen could use illumination as it's difficult to read in dimly lit rooms.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is significantly better, locking in place and staying put, eliminating worries about it falling off.
#3

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 9,000 BTU (5,300 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 400 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT08WT, White

Rating
9.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
43397 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Easily cools the room within a few minutes and maintains a comfortable temperature all day.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
More efficient than previous machines, providing good cool air in the summer and heat in the winter.
Noise Level
Quieter than previous units, allowing for phone calls nearby without needing to turn it off.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The remote control screen could use some illumination for easier reading in dimly lit rooms.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is secure and fool-proof, preventing it from falling off during use.

The BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a versatile option for cooling rooms up to 350 sq. ft., making it suitable for bedrooms and small living areas. Its 3-in-1 functionality allows it to act not only as an air conditioner but also as a dehumidifier and fan, adding to its utility. The 'Follow Me' remote control feature is particularly handy as it ensures precise temperature control by acting as a thermostat.

The unit's portability is enhanced by casters and side handles, making it easy to move between rooms, while the included installation kit simplifies setup with a window kit and necessary accessories. At 54 dB, the noise level is moderate, which might be noticeable but not overly disruptive in most home settings. However, it's important to note that the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is relatively low at 5.4, indicating higher energy consumption compared to more energy-efficient models.

Additionally, the product is on the heavier side, weighing nearly 53 pounds, which could be a drawback for some users. For those looking for an affordable, multifunctional, and portable air conditioning solution, this BLACK+DECKER model presents a compelling choice with a few considerations regarding energy use and weight.

Rating
9.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
43397 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Easily cools the room within a few minutes and maintains a comfortable temperature all day.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
More efficient than previous machines, providing good cool air in the summer and heat in the winter.
Noise Level
Quieter than previous units, allowing for phone calls nearby without needing to turn it off.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The remote control screen could use some illumination for easier reading in dimly lit rooms.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is secure and fool-proof, preventing it from falling off during use.

Buying Guide for the Best And Cheapest Portable Air Conditioner

Choosing the right portable air conditioner can make a significant difference in your comfort during hot weather. It's important to consider various factors to ensure you get a unit that meets your needs effectively. Here are some key specifications to look at when selecting a portable air conditioner and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)BTU stands for British Thermal Units and measures the cooling power of the air conditioner. The higher the BTU, the more space the unit can cool. For small rooms (up to 200 sq. ft.), a unit with 8,000-10,000 BTU is sufficient. Medium-sized rooms (200-400 sq. ft.) require 10,000-14,000 BTU, while larger spaces (400-600 sq. ft.) need 14,000-18,000 BTU. Choose a unit with the appropriate BTU rating based on the size of the room you want to cool.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures how efficiently the air conditioner uses energy. A higher EER means better energy efficiency, which can save you money on electricity bills. EER values typically range from 8 to 12. For better energy savings, look for a unit with an EER of 10 or higher. Consider your usage patterns and energy costs when selecting a unit with the right EER for you.
Noise LevelNoise level is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the air conditioner will be when operating. Lower dB values mean quieter operation. Portable air conditioners usually range from 50 to 70 dB. If you plan to use the unit in a bedroom or office, look for a model with a noise level below 55 dB for a quieter environment. Consider where you will place the unit and how sensitive you are to noise when making your choice.
Size and PortabilityThe size and weight of the portable air conditioner affect its ease of movement and storage. Smaller, lighter units are easier to move from room to room and store when not in use. Check the dimensions and weight of the unit to ensure it fits your space and can be easily transported. If you need to move the unit frequently, opt for a more compact and lightweight model.
Dehumidification FunctionMany portable air conditioners also have a dehumidification function, which removes excess moisture from the air. This is particularly useful in humid climates. The dehumidification capacity is measured in pints per day (pints/day). If you live in a humid area, look for a unit with a higher dehumidification capacity to improve comfort and air quality. Consider your local climate and humidity levels when selecting a unit with this feature.
Programmable Timer and Remote ControlA programmable timer allows you to set the air conditioner to turn on or off at specific times, which can help save energy and ensure your space is cool when you need it. A remote control adds convenience by allowing you to adjust settings from a distance. Look for these features if you value convenience and energy efficiency. Think about your daily routine and how these features can enhance your comfort and ease of use.
Ventilation and ExhaustPortable air conditioners require proper ventilation to expel hot air. Most units come with a window kit for easy installation. Ensure the unit you choose has a suitable exhaust system for your window type and room layout. Consider the ease of installation and the compatibility of the exhaust system with your space when making your selection.

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