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10 Best Portable Ac 2025 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 by1,183
Noise Level
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Ventilation and Exhaust

Most important from
685 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 by1,183
Noise Level
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Ventilation and Exhaust

Most important from
685 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

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat, 14,000 BTU (10,200 BTU SACC) Cooling, 12,000 BTU Heating for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft., Follow Me Remote, BPACT14HWT, White

Rating
8.5
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
44198 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly lowers room temperature and maintains it efficiently, often cycling off to save energy.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly lowers room temperature and maintains it efficiently, often cycling off to save energy.
Noise Level
Operates noticeably quieter than many previous units, allowing normal conversations nearby without needing to turn it off.
Portability Features
Setup is straightforward with included installation kit, but the exhaust hose is bulky and inflexible, complicating placement in tight spaces.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Remote control lacks backlighting, making the screen difficult to read in low light, which could be improved for easier use.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose connection is exceptionally secure and locks firmly in place, preventing accidental disconnections and ensuring proper venting.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat is a versatile unit designed for medium to large rooms up to 700 square feet. It delivers strong cooling power at 14,000 BTU and also provides heating at 10,000 BTU, making it useful year-round. Its 3-in-1 functionality includes air conditioning, fan, and dehumidifier, helping to improve comfort beyond just cooling. The unit can be controlled with a remote that has a "Follow Me" feature, which uses the remote as a thermostat for better temperature accuracy, and it also supports smart controls via Wi-Fi and voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. This adds convenience for users who want modern, hands-free operation.

Noise level sits around 54 dB, which is moderate—noticeable but not overly loud for most living spaces. While the SEER rating of 6.2 indicates average energy efficiency, this model is not Energy Star certified, so it may consume more power compared to some high-efficiency alternatives. Portability is decent given its size and weight (about 60 pounds), and it comes with an installation kit that makes setup easier, though it’s not the lightest option available. The included dehumidifier function helps reduce moisture, which can be beneficial in humid environments.

One downside is the relatively small water capacity (0.8 liters), meaning the unit may require frequent draining in very humid conditions. The lack of a programmable timer might be a drawback for those wanting to schedule operation times to save energy or improve convenience. This BLACK+DECKER portable AC presents a solid choice for users seeking a multi-functional, smart-controlled unit that handles both cooling and heating for medium-sized rooms, while noting it is not the quietest or most energy-efficient option on the market.

Rating
8.5
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
44198 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly lowers room temperature and maintains it efficiently, often cycling off to save energy.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly lowers room temperature and maintains it efficiently, often cycling off to save energy.
Noise Level
Operates noticeably quieter than many previous units, allowing normal conversations nearby without needing to turn it off.
Portability Features
Setup is straightforward with included installation kit, but the exhaust hose is bulky and inflexible, complicating placement in tight spaces.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Remote control lacks backlighting, making the screen difficult to read in low light, which could be improved for easier use.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose connection is exceptionally secure and locks firmly in place, preventing accidental disconnections and ensuring proper venting.
#3

SereneLife Small Air Conditioner Portable 12,000 BTU with Built-in Dehumidifier - Portable AC unit for rooms up to 550 sq ft - Remote Control, Window Mount Exhaust Kit

Rating
7.6
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
26780 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Cools extremely well and delivers refreshing air quickly, making it ideal for medium-sized rooms.
Noise Level
The noise level is noticeable and not exactly quiet, with the compressor producing a recurring high-pitched whirring sound at times.
Portability Features
The unit's sleek design and smooth rolling wheels make it both attractive and easy to move between rooms.
Dehumidification Function
The built-in dehumidifier effectively removes a significant amount of moisture, improving comfort in humid conditions.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The timer function and remote control add convenience, enabling automated cooling even when away from home.
Ventilation and Exhaust
Setup is generally straightforward, but the window exhaust kit may require modification to fit standard windows properly.

The SereneLife SLPAC12.5 is a solid choice if you need a portable air conditioner with decent cooling power. It delivers 12,000 BTU cooling capacity, which is suitable for rooms around 450 to 550 square feet, making it a fit for medium-sized bedrooms or living spaces. It has three modes—cooling, fan, and dehumidifier—which adds versatility, especially if you want to reduce humidity without running the AC constantly. The built-in dehumidifier removes about 1.8 liters of moisture per hour, which can make the room feel more comfortable in damp conditions.

Portability is a plus here; the unit has rolling wheels and a relatively compact tower design, so it's easy to move between rooms. The included remote control and digital touch panel make adjusting settings like temperature, fan speed, and timer quite convenient. Noise level is about 56 dB, which is moderate—you’ll notice it running but it’s generally not too disruptive for everyday use.

Its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) at 2.6 is on the lower side, meaning it might consume more electricity compared to more efficient models, which could impact your utility bills. Also, the exhaust hose and window kit are standard but require setup, which might be tricky if you're unfamiliar with portable ACs. At 65 pounds, it’s not lightweight but manageable with the wheels. If you're looking for a straightforward, multi-function portable AC that cools well for medium rooms and includes handy features like dehumidification and remote control, the SereneLife SLPAC12.5 is a practical option. Just keep in mind it may not be the quietest or most energy-saving model out there.

Rating
7.6
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
26780 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Cools extremely well and delivers refreshing air quickly, making it ideal for medium-sized rooms.
Noise Level
The noise level is noticeable and not exactly quiet, with the compressor producing a recurring high-pitched whirring sound at times.
Portability Features
The unit's sleek design and smooth rolling wheels make it both attractive and easy to move between rooms.
Dehumidification Function
The built-in dehumidifier effectively removes a significant amount of moisture, improving comfort in humid conditions.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The timer function and remote control add convenience, enabling automated cooling even when away from home.
Ventilation and Exhaust
Setup is generally straightforward, but the window exhaust kit may require modification to fit standard windows properly.

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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