9 Best Portable Air Cooling Units 2025 in the United States

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner offers a robust cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) or 10,000 BTU (DOE), making it suitable for rooms up to 700 sq. ft. This unit is versatile, functioning not only as an air conditioner but also as a dehumidifier and fan, making it a three-in-one solution for your cooling needs. The smart features are a notable highlight, allowing control via Wi-Fi, mobile app, and voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enhancing convenience and ease of use.

Additionally, the Follow Me remote provides precise temperature control by acting as a thermostat when placed near you, ensuring a more comfortable environment. Installation is simplified with the included window kit, which facilitates setup without much hassle. Portability is reasonably good given its dimensions and weight of 62.4 pounds, although it might be a bit bulky for some users to move frequently. The unit operates at a noise level of 54 dB, which is moderate and may be noticeable but not overly disruptive.

In terms of energy efficiency, it has a SEER of 6.2, which is decent but not exceptionally high, suggesting it might not be the most cost-effective option over time. The water tank capacity isn’t explicitly mentioned but the inclusion of a drain hose indicates that managing water accumulation is straightforward. The washable filter adds convenience in maintenance. Potential buyers should consider the energy efficiency ratio when weighing long-term usage costs.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat offers a robust cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) or 8,000 BTU (DOE), suitable for rooms up to 550 sq. ft. This unit not only cools but also provides 9,000 BTU heating, making it a versatile option for year-round use. The device operates at a noise level of 52 dB, which is relatively quiet, ensuring minimal disturbance. Its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 5.8 is on the lower side, indicating it may consume more electricity compared to some competitors.

The unit is quite portable, with dimensions of 14.06 x 16.5 x 27.09 inches and weighing 57.6 pounds, featuring wheels for easy mobility. The water tank capacity is 0.8 liters, which may require frequent emptying in humid conditions. Additional features include a smart connectivity option allowing control via a mobile app or voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and a 'Follow Me' remote that acts as a thermostat for precise temperature control.

The package includes an easy-to-install window kit, making the setup straightforward. Though it lacks Energy Star certification, this unit is ideal for users looking for a multi-functional, portable air cooling solution with smart features, though those seeking higher energy efficiency might look elsewhere.

The Midea MAP12S1TBL is a portable air conditioner designed to cool spaces up to 450 square feet, making it suitable for medium-sized rooms. Its 12,000 BTU cooling capacity paired with an innovative dual-hose system helps boost cooling speed and efficiency by taking in and exhausting air simultaneously, which leads to better indoor air circulation and less hot air leakage. This unit uses inverter technology, allowing it to consume about 40% less energy compared to traditional portable ACs, which is a solid plus if you want to save on electricity bills.

It operates quietly at around 42 decibels, about as soft as a library, so it won’t disturb your peace while running. The Midea model also stands out with smart features: it connects via Wi-Fi and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you convenient remote or voice control. It includes a dust filter to help keep the air clean.

The unit is fairly heavy at nearly 73 pounds and has a size that might be bulky for some rooms, which could affect how easy it is to move around despite being labeled portable. If you’re looking for a smart, relatively quiet, and efficient portable cooling solution for a medium room and don’t mind the size, this Midea model is a strong contender.