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10 Best Cheap Portable Ac 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

Amazon Basics 3-In-1 Portable Air Conditioner, 10000 BTU (ASHRAE), Cools Up to 450 Sqf, Portable AC with Cool/Dry (Dehumidifier)/Fan-Only Functions, Auto Mode, Sleep Mode, Timer, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,326
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
677 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers strong and rapid cooling that keeps rooms ice cold even during the hottest parts of the day.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Sleep mode enhances energy savings and maintains consistent cool air throughout the night.
Noise Level
The unit operates louder than expected, reaching noise levels that can be distracting during meetings or TV watching.
Size and Portability
The weight and bulkiness make installation challenging, especially when handling alone or navigating stairs, despite the convenience of built-in rollers.

The Amazon Basics 3-In-1 Portable Air Conditioner offers solid cooling power with 10,000 BTU, suitable for small to medium rooms up to about 450 square feet—such as bedrooms, home offices, or living rooms. It combines cooling, dehumidifying, and fan-only modes, with an Auto setting that switches between functions based on room temperature to maintain comfort with minimal effort. The unit includes features like a sleep mode to save energy and reduce noise during the night, three fan speeds, and auto-swing louvers for even air distribution.

Portability is enhanced by built-in wheels and handles, making it relatively easy to move, although it weighs nearly 60 pounds, which may affect ease of carrying, especially on stairs. Its compact size allows it to fit most spaces without being overly bulky. Installation is straightforward with the included window kit compatible with various window types.

A remote control with a "Follow Me" feature allows the AC to adjust the temperature based on the user's location in the room, adding to comfort. The 10,000 BTU cooling capacity might be less effective for larger or very hot spaces, and the weight could pose challenges for some users, but this model is a dependable, budget-friendly option with sufficient features for everyday use in typical rooms.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,326
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
677 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers strong and rapid cooling that keeps rooms ice cold even during the hottest parts of the day.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Sleep mode enhances energy savings and maintains consistent cool air throughout the night.
Noise Level
The unit operates louder than expected, reaching noise levels that can be distracting during meetings or TV watching.
Size and Portability
The weight and bulkiness make installation challenging, especially when handling alone or navigating stairs, despite the convenience of built-in rollers.
#2

SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner With Heat & Built-in Dehumidifier 12,000 BTU, Portable Heater & AC For Rooms up to 550 Sq Ft - Remote Control & Window Mount Exhaust Kit Included

Rating
7.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Size and Portability

Most important from
26740 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers fast and effective cooling with a powerful blast of cold air that quickly refreshes the room.
Noise Level
Operates at a moderate noise level comparable to white noise, making it easy to tune out during use.
Size and Portability
Despite its 70-pound weight, the rolling wheels make it relatively easy to move between rooms.
Additional Features
Functions as a complete HVAC solution with cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and fan modes for year-round comfort.

The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner offers a solid cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, making it suitable for cooling rooms up to around 450 to 550 square feet. This is a good size for bedrooms, living rooms, or small offices. It’s also energy efficient with a SEER rating of 15, which helps keep electricity costs reasonable. The unit is fairly quiet, running at about 56 decibels, which is roughly the noise level of a normal conversation, so it shouldn’t be too disruptive indoors. Portability is a strong point here; the AC is equipped with rolling wheels and has a sleek, compact design, making it easier to move around as needed. It also includes a remote control and a window exhaust kit, which adds convenience to installation and daily use.

One of the standout features is the 4-in-1 functionality: it not only cools but also heats, dehumidifies, and acts as a fan, offering year-round use. The built-in dehumidifier is especially handy for reducing moisture without needing a separate device. However, at 70 pounds, it is somewhat heavy compared to smaller portable units, so while it has wheels, it may not be super easy to carry up stairs or into tight spaces. Another point to consider is that the noise level, while moderate, might be noticeable in very quiet environments. The warranty is limited to one year, which is fairly standard but something to keep in mind.

The SereneLife Portable AC is a versatile and reasonably priced choice for someone needing a portable solution for medium-sized rooms. It balances cooling power, energy efficiency, and convenience well, though its weight and noise might be drawbacks for some users.

Rating
7.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Size and Portability

Most important from
26740 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers fast and effective cooling with a powerful blast of cold air that quickly refreshes the room.
Noise Level
Operates at a moderate noise level comparable to white noise, making it easy to tune out during use.
Size and Portability
Despite its 70-pound weight, the rolling wheels make it relatively easy to move between rooms.
Additional Features
Functions as a complete HVAC solution with cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and fan modes for year-round comfort.
#3

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
7.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level

Most important from
44160 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The BLACK+DECKER unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, cycling on and off to maintain the temperature.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units, you can still talk on the phone 5 feet away without needing to shut the unit off.

The BLACK+DECKER 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a versatile and affordable option for cooling rooms up to 450 sq. ft. With a compact size (15.3” x 14” x 24.8”) and weighing 47.3 lbs, it's easy to move around thanks to its casters and side handles. The unit's cooling capacity is adequate for medium-sized rooms, ensuring comfort during hot months.

Additionally, it serves as a dehumidifier and fan, which adds to its value. The remote control and top-mounted LED display enhance usability, making it user-friendly. It also features a slide-out washable filter, auto water evaporation, and a 24-hour timer for convenience and maintenance ease. The included window installation kit simplifies the setup process, ensuring efficient ventilation.

However, the unit's noise level is 52 dB, which might be noticeable but generally acceptable for an air conditioner. The SEER rating of 6.7 indicates it may not be the most energy-efficient model, which could result in higher electricity bills over time. Despite these drawbacks, the BLACK+DECKER 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable, multi-functional cooling solution with the added benefit of portability.

Rating
7.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level

Most important from
44160 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The BLACK+DECKER unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, cycling on and off to maintain the temperature.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units, you can still talk on the phone 5 feet away without needing to shut the unit off.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Portable Ac

Choosing the right portable air conditioner can make a big difference in your comfort during hot weather. Portable ACs are convenient because they can be moved from room to room, and they don't require permanent installation. When selecting a portable AC, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to understand them.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)BTU stands for British Thermal Units, and it measures the cooling power of the air conditioner. The higher the BTU, the more cooling power the unit has. For small rooms (up to 150 square feet), a unit with 5,000-8,000 BTU is usually sufficient. Medium rooms (150-300 square feet) typically need 8,000-12,000 BTU, while larger rooms (300-500 square feet) may require 12,000-18,000 BTU. Choose a unit with the appropriate BTU rating for the size of the room you plan to cool.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures how efficiently the air conditioner uses energy. It is calculated by dividing the BTU rating by the power consumption in watts. A higher EER indicates a more efficient unit, which can save you money on electricity bills. Look for units with an EER of 10 or higher for better energy efficiency. If you plan to use the AC frequently, a higher EER can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Noise LevelNoise level is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the air conditioner will be when operating. Lower dB levels mean quieter operation. Portable ACs typically range from 50 to 70 dB. If you plan to use the unit in a bedroom or office, you might prefer a quieter model (around 50-55 dB). For living rooms or areas where noise is less of a concern, higher dB levels may be acceptable.
Size and PortabilityThe physical size and weight of the portable AC can affect how easy it is to move and store. Smaller, lighter units are easier to transport and fit into tight spaces. Consider the dimensions and weight of the unit, especially if you plan to move it frequently between rooms. Look for models with built-in handles and caster wheels for easier mobility.
Additional FeaturesMany portable ACs come with extra features that can enhance convenience and comfort. Common features include remote controls, programmable timers, sleep modes, and dehumidifiers. Think about which features are important to you. For example, a remote control can make it easier to adjust settings from across the room, while a programmable timer can help you save energy by automatically turning the unit off when not needed.

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