10 Best Portable Air Cooling Unit 2025 in the United States

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat offers solid cooling power with its 14,000 BTU rating, which is suitable for rooms up to 700 square feet. It also provides 12,000 BTU heating, making it a versatile choice for year-round use. One strong point is its smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, along with a handy 'Follow Me' remote that uses the remote’s location for precise temperature control. This adds convenience beyond typical portable ACs. The unit works as an air conditioner, heater, dehumidifier, and fan, offering multiple functions in one device. It’s reasonably quiet at 54 dB, about the noise level of a normal conversation, so it should not be too disruptive in most rooms.

On the energy side, its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is 6.2, which is average but this model isn’t Energy Star certified. This means it may consume more electricity compared to more efficient models, which is worth considering if you want to save on power bills. Portability-wise, it’s a standalone unit with a complete installation kit for easy setup and rolls on casters, but it weighs around 60 pounds, so moving it frequently might be a bit cumbersome. The design is fairly compact and fits standard windows for venting. The package comes with all necessary accessories and does not require assembly, which is great for quick use.

This BLACK+DECKER portable AC unit suits someone needing reliable cooling and heating in medium-sized rooms, especially if smart controls are important. If energy efficiency and ultra-quiet operation are your priorities, you might want to explore other options.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat offers a versatile 4-in-1 solution, providing cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and fan functions, making it useful year-round for rooms up to about 550 square feet. With a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU and heating power of 9,000 BTU, it can handle medium-sized rooms effectively. It’s fairly energy-efficient for a portable unit but doesn’t have an Energy Star rating, and its SEER value of 5.8 is average, so it won’t save as much electricity as some more expensive models.

Noise-wise, it runs at around 52 dB, which is moderate—noticeable but not too disruptive for typical home or bedroom use. Portability is decent, thanks to its wheels and compact size, though it’s somewhat heavy at nearly 58 pounds, so moving it around might require some effort. A standout feature is its smart capabilities, including Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, plus a handy “Follow Me” remote that uses its own temperature sensor to keep you comfortable precisely where you are. Installation is straightforward with the included window kit and exhaust hose, making setup easier than many portable ACs.

A minor downside is the relatively small water capacity (0.8 liters), which means you may need to empty it frequently in humid conditions. This unit represents a solid choice if you want a reliable, multi-functional portable AC with smart controls and heating, especially if you need both cooling and heating in a single device and can manage the moderate noise and weight.

The BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner offers substantial cooling capacity with 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (8,000 BTU DOE), making it suitable for rooms up to 550 square feet. Its three-in-one functionality allows it to operate as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, providing versatility. The 'Follow Me' remote control feature is particularly useful, enabling the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control within your space.

The unit also includes an easy-to-install window kit and features like auto water evaporation, which can reduce maintenance needs. Its portability is supported by casters and side handles, making it easy to move between rooms as needed. However, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 5.8 is on the lower side, which may lead to higher energy consumption compared to more energy-efficient models. Additionally, the noise level at 52 dB is moderate but might still be noticeable in quieter environments, potentially disrupting sleep or concentration.

At 56.8 pounds, it is relatively heavy for a portable unit, which may pose a challenge when moving it frequently. The unit's design includes environmentally friendly R410a refrigerant, which is a plus for those conscious about environmental impact. This portable air conditioner is ideal for those who need a powerful and versatile cooling solution for medium-sized rooms and value additional features such as remote-controlled temperature adjustments and dehumidifying capabilities.