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10 Best Portable Ac 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Amazon Basics 4-In-1 Portable Air Conditioner, 13500 BTU (ASHRAE), Cools Up to 550 Sqf, Portable AC with Cool/Heat/Dry (Dehumidifier)/Fan-Only Functions, Auto Mode, Sleep Mode, Timer, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,482
Noise Level
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Ventilation and Exhaust

Most important from
693 reviews

Noise Level
The noise level is akin to a comforting white noise machine, adding to the overall comfort.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The remote acts as a portable room thermometer, ensuring precise temperature control.
Ventilation and Exhaust
Setup is incredibly easy, with the included exhaust tube fitting perfectly, but it's wise to have a longer one on hand.

The Amazon Basics 4-In-1 Portable AC is a versatile unit that combines cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and fan functions, making it suitable for year-round use. With a cooling capacity of 13,000 BTU (ASHRAE) and 10,000 BTU (SACC), it effectively covers spaces up to 550 square feet, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms like bedrooms or home offices. It features an energy-saving Sleep mode and three fan speeds, which allow for a personalized comfort experience. The unit is designed with convenience in mind, offering a digital display, an intuitive interface, and a programmable timer, plus an advanced remote control with a 'FOLLOW ME' function for precise temperature adjustments.

Portability is a significant advantage, as the unit comes with built-in wheels and ergonomic handles, allowing for easy movement between rooms. The easy installation with an included window kit adds to its user-friendly design, making it adaptable to various window types. However, at 75.2 pounds, some users may find it a bit heavy to move frequently.

The dehumidification function is a plus for humid climates, and the auto-swing louvers ensure even air distribution, enhancing the cooling experience. This model is a practical choice for those looking for a multi-functional and portable cooling solution with some heating capacity, suitable for a variety of living spaces.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,482
Noise Level
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Ventilation and Exhaust

Most important from
693 reviews

Noise Level
The noise level is akin to a comforting white noise machine, adding to the overall comfort.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The remote acts as a portable room thermometer, ensuring precise temperature control.
Ventilation and Exhaust
Setup is incredibly easy, with the included exhaust tube fitting perfectly, but it's wise to have a longer one on hand.
#2

Humhold Inverter 16000BTU Portable Air Conditioners with Remote, Free Stand Cooling Portable AC Unit for Room up to 800 sq.ft, with Dehumidifier & Fan, Dual Hose, Quiet Sleep Mode(45dB), Windows Kit

Rating
7.3
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
613 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers rapid and effective cooling, quickly bringing rooms to the desired temperature and maintaining it consistently.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Combines strong cooling power with energy efficiency, avoiding constant cycling and thus saving electricity.
Noise Level
Operates quietly enough to serve as a soothing background noise, making it ideal for bedrooms and restful sleep.
Portability Features
Setup is simple and intuitive, allowing users to start cooling without hassle or complex installation.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Controls respond quickly and are easy to use, including convenient timer settings for automatic operation.

The Humhold Inverter 16000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a strong choice if you need to cool a medium to large room (up to 800 sq.ft). Its 16,000 BTU capacity means it can cool spaces quickly and effectively. Thanks to inverter technology, this unit adjusts its compressor speed, saving about 40% energy compared to traditional models—good for reducing electricity bills. It also has a high energy efficiency ratio and uses the eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant.

One nice feature is the dual hose system, which helps cool the room faster and keeps hot air from sneaking back inside. The noise level is relatively low at 45 decibels, so it won’t be too disruptive, even in sleep mode. You’ll appreciate the included remote control and programmable timer, which make it easy to adjust settings from across the room or set it to turn off automatically. This unit is versatile with three functions: cooling, fan, and dehumidifying. The dehumidifier can remove a good amount of moisture daily, which is helpful in humid environments. It also has a self-evaporation system, so you won’t need to drain water often, though in very damp rooms, occasional draining might be necessary.

Portability is decent but not perfect; the AC weighs 66 pounds but includes wheels and handles for easier moving between rooms. Installation is straightforward with the included window sealing kit that fits most window types. While the unit is powerful, it does consume 1450 watts, so it’s important to balance energy savings with usage time. Also, at 16 x 13 x 26 inches, it takes up a fair bit of space and might be bulky in smaller rooms. The noise level is quiet for an AC but could still be noticeable in very quiet settings. This portable AC fits well for people who want efficient cooling and dehumidification in larger rooms and value energy savings and quiet operation. It is less suited if you need something ultra-compact or extremely lightweight.

Rating
7.3
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
613 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers rapid and effective cooling, quickly bringing rooms to the desired temperature and maintaining it consistently.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Combines strong cooling power with energy efficiency, avoiding constant cycling and thus saving electricity.
Noise Level
Operates quietly enough to serve as a soothing background noise, making it ideal for bedrooms and restful sleep.
Portability Features
Setup is simple and intuitive, allowing users to start cooling without hassle or complex installation.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Controls respond quickly and are easy to use, including convenient timer settings for automatic operation.
#3

Whynter ARC-1230WN 14,000 BTU (12,000 BTU SACC) NEX Inverter Dual Hose Cooling Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, and Fan with Smart Wi-Fi, Up to 600 sq ft in White

Rating
7.3
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
1080 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The Whynter portable AC is incredibly effective, cooling a room from 95 to 70 degrees in under an hour.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Despite being powerful, the unit is energy-efficient, with an inverter that only uses as much power as needed.
Noise Level
It's very quiet compared to other models, making it suitable for use in bedrooms or living rooms.
Portability Features
The unit is heavy but easy to move around once it's in place, thanks to its wheels.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Smart control features, including smartphone connectivity and a remote, make it convenient to operate.
Ventilation and Exhaust
Installation is straightforward, with a sturdy window connection and extendable window kit that fits both vertical and horizontal windows.

The Whynter Inverter Portable Air Conditioner is a high-capacity unit with 14,000 BTU, suitable for cooling spaces up to 600 square feet. Its standout feature is the dual hose design, which improves cooling efficiency by 20% and energy use by 40%. This model boasts a quiet operation with a noise level of just 42.5 dB, making it a good choice for bedrooms or living rooms where noise can be a concern.

The inclusion of a dehumidifier that can handle up to 87 pints per day is a significant plus for humid environments. Additionally, the smart control features, including compatibility with Alexa and Google Home, offer convenient control options via WiFi or voice commands.

While the unit has a decent energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 12.3, it does not carry an Energy Star certification, which might be a consideration for energy-conscious buyers. Portability is well addressed with its design, but the sizable dimensions (16.75)

Rating
7.3
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
1080 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The Whynter portable AC is incredibly effective, cooling a room from 95 to 70 degrees in under an hour.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Despite being powerful, the unit is energy-efficient, with an inverter that only uses as much power as needed.
Noise Level
It's very quiet compared to other models, making it suitable for use in bedrooms or living rooms.
Portability Features
The unit is heavy but easy to move around once it's in place, thanks to its wheels.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Smart control features, including smartphone connectivity and a remote, make it convenient to operate.
Ventilation and Exhaust
Installation is straightforward, with a sturdy window connection and extendable window kit that fits both vertical and horizontal windows.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Ac

Choosing the right portable air conditioner (AC) can make a significant difference in your comfort during hot weather. Portable ACs are convenient because they can be moved from room to room, but selecting the right one involves understanding several key specifications. By knowing what to look for, you can ensure that you get a unit that meets your cooling needs efficiently and effectively.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), indicates how much heat a portable AC can remove from a room per hour. This is crucial because it determines the size of the room the unit can effectively cool. Units with lower BTUs (5,000-8,000) are suitable for small rooms up to 300 square feet, medium BTUs (8,000-12,000) are ideal for rooms between 300-500 square feet, and higher BTUs (12,000-14,000) are best for larger rooms up to 700 square feet. To pick the right one, consider the size of the room you need to cool and choose a unit with a BTU rating that matches or slightly exceeds that space.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the efficiency of the portable AC by comparing the cooling capacity (BTU) to the power consumption (watts). A higher EER means the unit is more energy-efficient, which can save you money on electricity bills. EER values typically range from 8 to 12. For better energy savings, look for units with an EER of 10 or higher. If you plan to use the AC frequently, investing in a higher EER unit can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the portable AC will be during operation. This is important if you plan to use the unit in a bedroom, office, or any other space where quiet is essential. Noise levels can range from 50 dB (quiet) to 70 dB (louder). For a peaceful environment, look for units with noise levels below 55 dB. If noise is not a major concern, you can opt for units with higher noise levels.
Portability FeaturesPortability features include the weight of the unit, the presence of caster wheels, and handles for easy movement. These features are important if you need to move the AC between rooms frequently. Lighter units (under 50 pounds) with sturdy wheels and handles are easier to transport. If you plan to keep the unit in one place most of the time, portability features may be less critical.
Dehumidification FunctionMany portable ACs also function as dehumidifiers, removing excess moisture from the air. This is beneficial in humid climates as it can make the room feel cooler and more comfortable. Dehumidification capacity is measured in pints per day. Units with higher dehumidification capacities (up to 70 pints per day) are better for very humid environments. If you live in a dry area, this feature may be less important.
Programmable Timer and Remote ControlA programmable timer allows you to set the AC to turn on or off at specific times, which can help save energy and ensure the room is cool when you need it. A remote control adds convenience, allowing you to adjust settings from a distance. These features are particularly useful if you want to manage the AC's operation without having to get up frequently. If convenience and energy savings are priorities, look for units with these features.
Ventilation and ExhaustPortable ACs require proper ventilation to expel hot air outside. This is typically done through a window exhaust kit. The ease of installation and the length of the exhaust hose are important considerations. Units with longer hoses and easy-to-install kits offer more flexibility in placement. If you have limited window space or need to move the unit often, ensure the exhaust system is user-friendly and adaptable to your setup.

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