10 Best Portable Air Conditioner 2025 in the United States

The BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is designed for rooms up to 350 square feet, making it a solid choice for small to medium-sized spaces. One of its strengths is the 3-in-1 functionality, acting as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, which adds versatility. The unit comes with a remote control that has a 'Follow Me' feature, allowing for more precise temperature control by using the remote as a thermostat.

The portability is enhanced by the inclusion of casters and side handles, making it easy to move from room to room. Installation is straightforward with the provided window kit and components like the air exhaust hose and water drain hose. However, there are a few drawbacks. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 5.4 is relatively low, meaning it may not be the most energy-efficient option available. Additionally, with a noise level of 54 dB, it might be a bit loud for some users, especially during the night.

The cooling power is listed at 8,000 BTU, which is sufficient for the specified area, but it’s important to note that it translates to about 4,100 BTU DOE under real conditions. Despite these minor issues, the unit ranks highly in the portable air conditioner category, suggesting that many users find it to be a reliable and effective cooling solution.

The BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner offers a solid cooling capacity with 10,000 BTU ASHRAE (6,300 BTU DOE), suitable for rooms up to 450 sq. ft. This makes it a good choice for medium-sized rooms. It provides three functionalities in one unit: air conditioning, dehumidification, and fan-only mode, adding versatility to its use.

The 'Follow Me' remote control is a standout feature, allowing more precise temperature control by using the remote as a thermostat. This can enhance comfort by ensuring the temperature is optimal where you are, not just where the unit is located. Mobility is well-designed with casters and side handles, making it easy to move around your home. The included window installation kit simplifies setup, which is a bonus for users who prefer an easy installation process.

On the downside, the unit's SEER rating of 6.7 is relatively low, indicating it’s not the most energy-efficient option on the market. Additionally, with a noise level of 52 dB, it might be slightly noisy for light sleepers, though it is still within an acceptable range for most users. This portable air conditioner is a convenient and effective solution for cooling medium-sized rooms, though it may not be the quietest or most energy-efficient option available.

The Whynter ARC-1230WNH is a versatile portable air conditioner that cools, heats, dehumidifies, and fans spaces up to 600 square feet. With a powerful 14,000 BTU rating (12,000 BTU SACC), it’s well-suited for medium to large rooms. Its dual-hose inverter technology boosts cooling efficiency by around 20% and makes it 40% more energy-efficient than traditional models, which is a real plus for saving on electricity without sacrificing performance. The unit operates quietly at about 42.5 decibels, so it won’t disturb your daily activities or sleep. Size-wise, it’s somewhat bulky at over 77 pounds and about 32 inches tall, so while portable, it might require some effort to move around and a suitable spot near a window for venting.

The dual-hose system helps with better air intake and exhaust, improving cooling speed and stability. Installation accessories and a washable air filter are included, which is convenient. One standout feature is its smart Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you control the unit remotely via an app or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home, adding modern ease to its use. It also offers flexible operation modes (cool, heat, dehumidify, fan) with adjustable fan speeds and thermostat control, making it useful year-round.

On the downside, it lacks an Energy Star rating, so it might not be the most eco-friendly option out there. The 1-year warranty is standard but a bit limited compared to some competitors. This Whynter model is ideal for those seeking a strong, quiet, and smart portable AC with heating and dehumidifying options, especially in larger rooms, but users should be aware of its size and moderate energy efficiency.