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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 by1,302
Noise Level
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Ventilation and Exhaust

Most important from
690 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 by1,302
Noise Level
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Ventilation and Exhaust

Most important from
690 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
7.6
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
7.6
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

Midea Duo 14,000 BTU (12,000 BTU SACC) High Efficiency Inverter Ultra Quiet Portable Air Conditioner, with Heat up to 550 Sq. Ft., Works with Alexa/Google Assistant, with Remote Control & Window Kit

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

Most important from
6509 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The Midea Duo 14,000 BTU unit is phenomenally well made and incredibly well thought out. Every detail has been planned for and the instructions are clear.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The unit's energy efficiency is notable, with minimal impact on the power bill compared to traditional air conditioners.
Noise Level
Noise levels are generally low, but the compressor can be louder than expected, especially during startup.
Dehumidification Function
The innovative Duo hose design effectively exhausts water vapor, minimizing the need for manual drainage even in high humidity environments.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The app integration is seamless, providing an easy and convenient way to control the unit remotely.

The Midea Duo 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a strong contender for cooling spaces up to 550 sq. ft. Its innovative Duo hose design, which enables balanced air circulation, helps prevent hot air from seeping into the room. This model is notably energy-efficient with its inverter technology, claiming to save more than 40% energy compared to traditional units, and it has a SEER rating of 12.3.

The cooling power is robust at 14,000 BTU, and it also features heating capabilities, making it versatile for year-round use. Noise levels are impressively low at 42 dB during cooling, which is quieter than many competitors, making it suitable for bedrooms or offices. Portability is enhanced by its compact design, and it includes a window kit for easy installation. The device supports smart control via the Midea Air app, Alexa, and Google Assistant, offering convenience in operation.

Additionally, it boasts a strong dehumidification function, removing up to 58.99 liters of moisture daily. However, the unit's larger dimensions may make it less convenient to move frequently. The cooling capacity and quiet operation make it an excellent choice for medium to large rooms, though potential buyers should consider the physical size and weight if they plan to move it often.

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

Most important from
6509 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The Midea Duo 14,000 BTU unit is phenomenally well made and incredibly well thought out. Every detail has been planned for and the instructions are clear.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The unit's energy efficiency is notable, with minimal impact on the power bill compared to traditional air conditioners.
Noise Level
Noise levels are generally low, but the compressor can be louder than expected, especially during startup.
Dehumidification Function
The innovative Duo hose design effectively exhausts water vapor, minimizing the need for manual drainage even in high humidity environments.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The app integration is seamless, providing an easy and convenient way to control the unit remotely.

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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