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10 Best Se Portable Ac Units 2026 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dreo Portable Air Conditioners, 8000 BTU ASHRAE (5000 BTU DOE) Smart AC Unit for Bedroom with Drainage-free Cooling, 45dB Quiet, APP/Voice/Remote, Portable AC for Room Indoors, AC318S

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,187
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
644 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This air conditioner cools rooms quickly and effectively, even extending its cooling to surrounding areas.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Power consumption tends to stay below the rated maximum, contributing to reasonable running costs.
Noise Level
The noise level is impressively low, making it easy to sleep through or maintain conversations without disruption.
Size and Portability
Its portability is enhanced by smooth caster wheels and a compact design that fits a variety of window sizes with modular panels.
Ventilation Requirements
Installation is straightforward, with clear instructions and minimal setup required right out of the box.
Additional Features
Smart features like app and voice control integration provide convenient, flexible operation from anywhere.

The Dreo Portable Air Conditioner offers a solid cooling capacity of 8000 BTU (ASHRAE rating) but effectively 5000 BTU DOE, making it suitable for small to medium bedrooms up to about 150 square feet. Its energy efficiency is decent with a SEER of 6.1, which should keep running costs reasonable for this type of unit. One of the standout features is its very quiet operation at 45 dB, thanks to Dreo’s patented noise isolation system, making it a good choice for bedrooms or workspaces where low noise is important.

The unit is fairly portable with smooth caster wheels and fits a wide range of window sizes using modular panels, though at about 25 inches tall and weighing 55 pounds, it’s not the lightest model around. Installation includes an exhaust hose that needs window ventilation, which is typical but something to plan for. The drainage-free system is convenient since it automatically evaporates moisture, eliminating the hassle of manual drainage in most humid conditions.

Additional smart features include app and voice control compatibility (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant), customizable temperature and humidity settings, and a sleep curve function that can enhance comfort during the night. The cooling power may be limited for larger rooms or very hot climates, and while the noise level is low, it’s not completely silent. Also, some users might find the 59-inch exhaust hose a bit short depending on their window setup. The Dreo AC318S is a versatile and user-friendly portable AC that fits well in small bedrooms or personal spaces where quiet operation and smart features are valued.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,187
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
644 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This air conditioner cools rooms quickly and effectively, even extending its cooling to surrounding areas.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Power consumption tends to stay below the rated maximum, contributing to reasonable running costs.
Noise Level
The noise level is impressively low, making it easy to sleep through or maintain conversations without disruption.
Size and Portability
Its portability is enhanced by smooth caster wheels and a compact design that fits a variety of window sizes with modular panels.
Ventilation Requirements
Installation is straightforward, with clear instructions and minimal setup required right out of the box.
Additional Features
Smart features like app and voice control integration provide convenient, flexible operation from anywhere.
#2

Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 BTU SACC) Portable Air Conditioner, Cools up to 450 Sq.Ft., with Dehumidifier & Fan mode, Control with Remote, Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant, Easy-to-use and Install

Rating
9.7
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
64 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit delivers strong airflow and effectively cools medium-sized rooms, providing reliable relief during hot months.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Despite solid performance, it may not be the best choice for those seeking ultra-quiet operation or top-tier energy efficiency.
Noise Level
Runs at a moderate noise level that is generally unobtrusive in home environments.
Size and Portability
Portability is adequate but the nearly 70-pound weight means moving it around can require effort or assistance.
Additional Features
Smart controls via remote, app, and voice assistants add great convenience for adjusting settings from anywhere.

The Midea 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner is designed to cool rooms up to 450 square feet, making it a solid choice for medium-sized spaces such as bedrooms, offices, or small living rooms. It offers a decent cooling capacity with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 7.9, which means it balances cooling power with reasonable energy usage, though it’s not the most efficient unit on the market. Noise-wise, it runs at about 51.5 decibels, roughly equivalent to a quiet conversation, so it should be comfortable for most home environments without being too disruptive.

Portability is decent but not ultra-light—the unit weighs nearly 70 pounds and measures about 28.7 inches tall, so while it can be moved room to room, it might require some effort or a helper. Installation is beginner-friendly, with all necessary window kits and an exhaust hose included, meaning no extra tools are needed. However, it does require a window for proper ventilation, which is typical for portable ACs.

Smart features add convenience: you can control it via a remote, a smartphone app, or even voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. This makes adjusting settings easy whether you’re at home or away. Plus, it has additional modes like a fan and dehumidifier, which add versatility beyond just cooling.

The cooling capacity is rated at 14,000 BTUs ASHRAE but about 10,000 BTUs in SACC terms, which is the more realistic measure, so it may struggle in very hot or larger spaces. The energy efficiency is moderate rather than high-end, so expect average electricity use. Also, the noise level, while reasonable, may be noticeable in very quiet environments. Lastly, with nearly 70 pounds, it’s not the most compact or lightweight model available.

This Midea portable AC provides a user-friendly, moderately powerful solution suitable for those needing smart controls and flexibility in medium-sized rooms. It fits well if you want easy setup and smart features, though if ultra-quiet operation or top-tier efficiency is your priority, other options may be preferable.

Rating
9.7
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
64 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit delivers strong airflow and effectively cools medium-sized rooms, providing reliable relief during hot months.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Despite solid performance, it may not be the best choice for those seeking ultra-quiet operation or top-tier energy efficiency.
Noise Level
Runs at a moderate noise level that is generally unobtrusive in home environments.
Size and Portability
Portability is adequate but the nearly 70-pound weight means moving it around can require effort or assistance.
Additional Features
Smart controls via remote, app, and voice assistants add great convenience for adjusting settings from anywhere.
#3

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner, 14,000 BTU (10,200 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft., Smart Portable AC with Follow Me Remote and Window Kit, BPACT14WT, White

Rating
9.1
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
8811 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Cools medium-sized rooms quickly and maintains temperature efficiently, often cycling on and off rather than running constantly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Provides effective cooling and heating with improved energy efficiency compared to older portable AC models.
Noise Level
Operates noticeably quieter than many previous units, allowing normal conversation even when the AC is running nearby.
Ventilation Requirements
The hose connection system locks securely in place, preventing accidental disconnections and ensuring proper venting without extra tape.
Additional Features
Remote control’s LCD screen lacks backlighting, making it difficult to read in dim lighting, which could be improved for better usability.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner offers a strong cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU, making it suitable for cooling rooms up to 700 square feet, which fits well for medium to large rooms. It also works as a dehumidifier and a fan, giving you versatile comfort options beyond just cooling. With a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 6.2, its energy efficiency is moderate, so it won't be the cheapest on your electricity bill but not overly costly either.

Noise is a consideration here; at 54 decibels, it's somewhat noticeable, roughly like a normal conversation, which could be a bit distracting for very quiet settings like bedrooms at night. The unit is fairly portable for its size and power, measuring about 16.5 x 14 x 27 inches and weighing 62.4 pounds—manageable if you need to move it between rooms but not super light. Installation is straightforward with the included window kit and exhaust hose, designed for typical window setups, though proper ventilation is necessary as with all portable ACs. A standout feature is its smart capabilities: you can control it via a mobile app or voice commands with Alexa and Google Assistant, plus the Follow Me remote acts like a thermostat, improving temperature accuracy where you are in the room. The washable filter is a plus for maintenance and longevity.

The cooling capacity stated as ASHRAE (14,000 BTU) versus the lower SACC rating (10,200 BTU) indicates real-world cooling might be less than the headline number suggests, which is common in portable units but worth knowing. Also, the 1-year warranty is somewhat short compared to some competitors. This BLACK+DECKER model is a solid choice if you want a smart, multi-purpose portable AC for medium-large rooms and don't mind a bit of background noise or moderate energy use.

Rating
9.1
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
8811 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Cools medium-sized rooms quickly and maintains temperature efficiently, often cycling on and off rather than running constantly.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Provides effective cooling and heating with improved energy efficiency compared to older portable AC models.
Noise Level
Operates noticeably quieter than many previous units, allowing normal conversation even when the AC is running nearby.
Ventilation Requirements
The hose connection system locks securely in place, preventing accidental disconnections and ensuring proper venting without extra tape.
Additional Features
Remote control’s LCD screen lacks backlighting, making it difficult to read in dim lighting, which could be improved for better usability.

Buying Guide for the Best Se Portable Ac Units

Choosing the right portable air conditioning unit can make a significant difference in your comfort during hot weather. Portable AC units are convenient because they can be moved from room to room and don't require permanent installation. When selecting a portable AC unit, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a unit that effectively cools your space while being energy-efficient and easy to use.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)BTU stands for British Thermal Units and measures the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. This spec is crucial because it determines how effectively the unit can cool a given space. Units with lower BTUs (5,000-8,000) are suitable for small rooms up to 300 square feet, while higher BTUs (10,000-14,000) can cool larger areas up to 700 square feet. To pick the right one, consider the size of the room you need to cool. A unit with too low BTU will struggle to cool the space, while one with too high BTU may cycle on and off too frequently, wasting energy.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures how efficiently the air conditioner uses energy. A higher EER means the unit is more energy-efficient, which can save you money on electricity bills. EER is calculated by dividing the BTU rating by the unit's wattage. Look for units with an EER of 10 or higher for better efficiency. If you plan to use the AC frequently, choosing a model with a high EER can be beneficial in the long run.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use the portable AC unit in a bedroom or office. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Units with lower dB ratings (around 50-60 dB) are quieter and more suitable for environments where noise can be disruptive. If you are sensitive to noise or need a quiet environment, opt for a unit with a lower noise level.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of the unit are important for ease of movement and storage. Portable AC units come in various sizes, and some are easier to move around than others. Consider the weight and dimensions of the unit, especially if you plan to move it frequently between rooms. Look for units with built-in handles and caster wheels for better portability.
Ventilation RequirementsPortable AC units need to vent hot air outside, typically through a window or sliding door. The ventilation setup can vary, so it's important to check the unit's requirements and ensure you have a suitable window or door for the exhaust hose. Some units come with window kits to make installation easier. Make sure the ventilation system is compatible with your space to ensure efficient operation.
Additional FeaturesMany portable AC units come with additional features that can enhance convenience and comfort. These may include programmable timers, remote controls, sleep modes, and dehumidifiers. Consider which features are important to you. For example, a programmable timer can help you save energy by allowing the unit to turn on and off at set times, while a dehumidifier can be useful in humid climates.

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