We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Portable Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner With Heat & Built-in Dehumidifier 12,000 BTU, Portable Heater & AC For Rooms up to 550 Sq Ft - Remote Control & Window Mount Exhaust Kit Included

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,479
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Size and Portability

Most important from
26740 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit effectively cools large spaces, such as a 1000 sq ft living/dining room area, with the help of ceiling fans to circulate air.
Noise Level
The SereneLife unit is much quieter than previous units owned, providing a more peaceful environment.
Size and Portability
The unit is easy to move on various floor types, including carpet, laminate, and parquet.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The remote control is small and easy to use, though it lacks a display screen.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The exhaust hose is made of heavy, more rigid plastic material that easily snaps into the unit, making setup straightforward.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,479
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Size and Portability

Most important from
26740 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit effectively cools large spaces, such as a 1000 sq ft living/dining room area, with the help of ceiling fans to circulate air.
Noise Level
The SereneLife unit is much quieter than previous units owned, providing a more peaceful environment.
Size and Portability
The unit is easy to move on various floor types, including carpet, laminate, and parquet.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
The remote control is small and easy to use, though it lacks a display screen.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The exhaust hose is made of heavy, more rigid plastic material that easily snaps into the unit, making setup straightforward.
#2

SereneLife 14000 BTU Ultra Quiet Portable Inverter Air Conditioner, Smart Cooling & Heating with WiFi, Energy Efficient, For Bedrooms, Living Spaces & Offices, 650 Sq Ft Coverage

Rating
9.7
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Size and Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
26740 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Cools extremely well and delivers fast, powerful cooling that noticeably improves comfort in larger rooms.
Size and Portability
The sleek, high-tech design and smooth casters make it visually appealing and fairly easy to move despite its weight.
Noise Level
Noise levels can be noticeable, especially in quiet rooms or bedrooms, with a recurring high-pitched compressor whir that can disrupt sleep or calls.
Energy Efficiency
Despite noise concerns, it is energy efficient and works well year-round thanks to multiple modes including heating and dehumidifying.
Ventilation and Hose Setup
Installation is straightforward, but the window exhaust kit may require modification to fit standard windows properly.

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.

Rating
9.7
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Size and Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
26740 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Cools extremely well and delivers fast, powerful cooling that noticeably improves comfort in larger rooms.
Size and Portability
The sleek, high-tech design and smooth casters make it visually appealing and fairly easy to move despite its weight.
Noise Level
Noise levels can be noticeable, especially in quiet rooms or bedrooms, with a recurring high-pitched compressor whir that can disrupt sleep or calls.
Energy Efficiency
Despite noise concerns, it is energy efficient and works well year-round thanks to multiple modes including heating and dehumidifying.
Ventilation and Hose Setup
Installation is straightforward, but the window exhaust kit may require modification to fit standard windows properly.
#3

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
9.4
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
44164 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This unit cools rooms swiftly and maintains the temperature efficiently by cycling on and off, which suggests potential savings on energy costs compared to continuous-running models.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
This unit cools rooms swiftly and maintains the temperature efficiently by cycling on and off, which suggests potential savings on energy costs compared to continuous-running models.
Noise Level
The noise level is pleasantly moderate; it's quieter than many previous portable ACs and allows comfortable conversations nearby without needing to turn it off.
Dehumidification Function
Users appreciate the multi-functionality of the unit, combining cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and fan modes to provide year-round versatility.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Remote control usability is hindered by a dim LCD screen that lacks illumination, making it difficult to read in low-light conditions.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose attachment design is impressively secure and foolproof, locking firmly in place to prevent detachment and avoid blowing hot air back into the room.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner is a versatile unit with a solid cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU, making it suitable for rooms up to 700 square feet. It also doubles as a heater (up to 10,000 BTU), which is handy for year-round use. The device includes a dehumidifier and fan, adding to its functionality beyond just cooling. Its noise level is about 54 dB, which is moderate and might be noticeable but not overly disruptive in most home settings. The unit is somewhat large and weighs around 60 pounds, so while it's portable, it might not be the easiest to move frequently without some effort. It comes with an installation kit for window venting, simplifying setup.

Energy efficiency is average (SEER 6.2), and this model isn’t Energy Star certified, so it may use more power compared to more efficient options. The smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant, add convenience, and the Follow Me remote is a neat feature that helps maintain precise temperature by using the remote as a thermostat. Programmable timer and full remote control improve user-friendliness. However, the water capacity for dehumidification is limited (0.8 liters), meaning you might need to empty it relatively often in very humid conditions. The lack of Energy Star rating and moderate noise level might be drawbacks for users prioritizing low energy consumption and quieter operation.

With a one-year warranty and positive customer ratings, this product represents a dependable choice for those needing a multi-function portable AC that covers both cooling and heating, suitable for medium to large rooms.

Rating
9.4
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
44164 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This unit cools rooms swiftly and maintains the temperature efficiently by cycling on and off, which suggests potential savings on energy costs compared to continuous-running models.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
This unit cools rooms swiftly and maintains the temperature efficiently by cycling on and off, which suggests potential savings on energy costs compared to continuous-running models.
Noise Level
The noise level is pleasantly moderate; it's quieter than many previous portable ACs and allows comfortable conversations nearby without needing to turn it off.
Dehumidification Function
Users appreciate the multi-functionality of the unit, combining cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and fan modes to provide year-round versatility.
Programmable Timer and Remote Control
Remote control usability is hindered by a dim LCD screen that lacks illumination, making it difficult to read in low-light conditions.
Ventilation and Exhaust
The hose attachment design is impressively secure and foolproof, locking firmly in place to prevent detachment and avoid blowing hot air back into the room.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Air Conditioners

Choosing a portable air conditioner is all about matching the cooling power to your space and lifestyle. Portable units are great because they're easy to move and don't require permanent installation. However, to make sure you're satisfied with your purchase, you should consider several important features that relate directly to how comfortable, convenient, and efficient the product will be for your particular needs.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, usually measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), tells you how much heat the air conditioner can remove from a room every hour. This is very important because if you choose a unit with too low BTU for your room size, it won't be able to cool it effectively. On the other hand, if you pick one with too high a BTU rating, it may cool the air too quickly and not remove enough humidity, making the room feel clammy. Generally, smaller rooms (up to 200 sq. ft.) need lower BTU (around 8,000), medium rooms (200–400 sq. ft.) benefit from mid-range (10,000–12,000 BTUs), and larger spaces need even higher. Measure your room and match it with the BTU rating for best results.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of the unit determine how easily you can move it and where you can position it in your space. Lighter, more compact models are easier to shift between rooms and don’t take up as much floor area, which is ideal for small apartments or for people who may need to store the unit off-season. Bigger units might offer more cooling power, but they can be bulky and harder to move. Think about whether you need to regularly relocate your air conditioner, and check dimensions and weight to see if it fits your needs.
Noise LevelThe noise level matters, especially if you plan to use your portable air conditioner in a bedroom or a quiet office. Noise output is usually measured in decibels (dB). Lower dB ratings mean quieter operation. Generally, under 50 dB is considered quiet and is good for sleeping, while 50–60 dB is moderate and typical for living areas. If sensitive to sound, look for models with a silent or sleep mode that reduces noise.
Drainage and Water RemovalPortable air conditioners collect moisture from the air as they cool, and this water needs to go somewhere. Some models evaporate most of it and expel it through the exhaust hose; others have a reservoir that must be emptied manually. Options that auto-evaporate are more convenient, especially in humid areas, while models that require frequent draining might suit less humid conditions. Check how much maintenance you’re willing to do and pick accordingly.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency is a measure of how much cooling you get for the amount of electricity used. Look for an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) label or an energy certification. Higher ratings mean lower energy bills and a more eco-friendly operation. If you want a unit that runs for hours or overnight, choosing a more efficient model will save electricity in the long run. Consider your usage habits to decide how much efficiency matters for you.
Ventilation and Hose SetupPortable air conditioners push out hot air through an exhaust hose, which must be vented through a window or another opening. The ease of installing the window kit and the hose length can make a big difference, especially in rooms with tricky windows. If you have special window types or need to install the unit far from a window, check the flexibility of the included accessories. Make sure the setup works for your home’s layout.
Additional Features (Remote, Timers, Modes)Extra features like remote controls, programmable timers, adjustable fan speeds, and multiple operating modes (such as dehumidification or fan-only) can add convenience and comfort. If you want to control your unit from across the room or set it to turn on or off automatically, look for these extras. Think about your lifestyle and decide which add-ons would genuinely improve your experience.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now