10 Best Portable Air Conditioners 2026 in the United States

The SereneLife Small Air Conditioner Portable 12,000 BTU is a versatile unit that offers both cooling and heating functions, making it suitable for year-round use. With a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, it can effectively cool rooms up to 550 sq ft, making it ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or even a garage. The built-in dehumidifier is a valuable feature for reducing humidity levels, adding to the comfort of your living space.

Its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) are commendable, ensuring decent energy savings. The unit operates at a noise level of 56 dB, which is relatively quiet, but may still be noticeable in a silent room. It’s designed to be portable with rolling wheels, although its weight of 70.3 pounds might make it slightly cumbersome for frequent moving. The dimensions of 13.4 x 17.4 x 32.1 inches are fairly compact, making it easier to place in various rooms.

The programmable timer and remote control add to the convenience of setting and adjusting the unit’s functions without needing to get up. Additionally, the automatic swing mode maximizes air circulation throughout the room. The exhaust hose and window mount kit included facilitate straightforward installation. Those seeking a portable air conditioner with additional heating and dehumidification capabilities will likely find this product to be a good fit for their needs.

The SereneLife 14000 BTU portable air conditioner is a strong choice for cooling larger rooms up to about 650 square feet, making it well suited for bedrooms, living spaces, and offices. Its inverter technology helps deliver faster cooling while being up to 40% more energy efficient than typical portable AC motors, which can save on electricity bills. It also offers heating, fan, and dehumidifying modes, allowing you to use it year-round.

The unit is relatively compact and comes with casters, so it can be moved around with moderate effort, although it weighs about 53 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for some. Noise level is about 53 decibels, which is a bit louder than the 43 dBA claimed for quieter operation but still acceptable for most living areas. Installation is straightforward with the included window mounting kit, and maintenance is easier thanks to a washable air filter.

The AC includes convenient extras like a remote control and WiFi for smart operation. While it has good energy efficiency, the noise could be noticeable in very quiet rooms, and the unit's size is slightly bigger than smaller portable units. This makes it a solid pick if you want a powerful, energy-conscious portable AC that cools large rooms and works throughout the year, but be prepared for some noise and effort when moving it.

The Dreo 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a solid choice for cooling small to medium rooms up to about 150 square feet. Its cooling power is sufficient for bedrooms or offices, and the unit is designed to be fairly quiet at 45 dB, so it won’t be too disruptive during sleep or work. This model stands out with its patented drainage-free system that automatically evaporates excess moisture, eliminating the need to empty water tanks even in humid environments. Alongside cooling, it also functions as a fan and dehumidifier, adding versatility for different weather conditions.

The smart controls, including app and voice compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri, make it easy to adjust settings remotely or customize temperature and humidity levels to your preference. The unit is reasonably portable, featuring smooth caster wheels and modular window panels that fit various window types, simplifying installation and movement between rooms.

On the downside, while the energy efficiency ratio (SEER 6.1) is decent, it’s not the highest, so energy costs might be moderate compared to more efficient models. At 55 pounds, it’s not the lightest portable AC, meaning moving it around could be a bit challenging for some users. Its cooling coverage is best suited for single rooms rather than larger spaces. This Dreo unit is well suited for users seeking a quiet, smart, and low-maintenance air conditioner for bedrooms or small rooms, but those needing to cool larger areas or looking for ultra-light models might want to consider other options.