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 Small 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

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner, 14,000 BTU ASHRAE 128 (10,000 BTU DOE) for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft., Smart Portable AC with Follow Me Remote and Window Kit, BPACT14WT, White

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,495
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
49549 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The B&D unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, cycling on and off efficiently.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units owned; can talk on the phone 5 feet away without shutting the unit off.
Portability Features
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is light years better than any previous unit, locking in place securely.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner is a versatile unit suitable for rooms up to 700 sq. ft., making it a great choice for medium-sized spaces. With a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 BTU DOE), it offers robust cooling, which is essential during hot summer months.

Its energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 6.2 is reasonable, though not the highest, indicating moderate efficiency in power usage. The noise level of 54 dB is relatively quiet for a portable unit, making it suitable for bedrooms or living areas where low noise is important.

Portability is a strong point, with dimensions of 16.5” x 14.06” x 27.09” and a weight of 62.4 pounds, which is manageable for most users.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,495
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
49549 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The B&D unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, cycling on and off efficiently.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units owned; can talk on the phone 5 feet away without shutting the unit off.
Portability Features
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is light years better than any previous unit, locking in place securely.
#2

SereneLife Small Air Conditioner Portable 10,000 BTU with Built-in Dehumidifier - Portable AC unit for rooms up to 450 sq ft - Remote Control, Window Mount Exhaust Kit

Rating
9.8
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
20546 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit effectively cools large spaces, even up to 1000 sq ft, with the help of ceiling fans.
Noise Level
The SereneLife air conditioner is quieter than previous models and easy to set up.
Portability Features
The unit is easy to move around on different floor types like carpet and laminate.
Control Options
The remote control could be improved with a better display and larger button lettering.
Maintenance Requirements
Its exhaust hose is made of heavy, rigid plastic that snaps easily into place, unlike flimsy hoses of other units.

The SereneLife Small Portable Air Conditioner is a compact and efficient unit suitable for cooling rooms up to 450 sq ft. With a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU, it can effectively lower the temperature in medium-sized spaces, making it ideal for bedrooms, small offices, or living rooms. The unit also boasts a dehumidification function, which helps to maintain a comfortable humidity level, and a fan mode for simply circulating air.

It runs at a relatively quiet noise level of 52-57 dB, which is comparable to a normal conversation, making it a good choice for those sensitive to noise. However, the SEER rating of 10.5 indicates that it's not the most energy-efficient model on the market. Portability is a strong suit with its smooth wheels and side handles, allowing easy movement between rooms, although its weight of around 55 pounds might be a bit cumbersome for some users.

The digital touch control panel and included remote offer user-friendly operation, with options to adjust the temperature, fan speed, and mode settings. Maintenance is straightforward thanks to the removable and washable double-layer filter, which helps to keep the air clean. The included window mount exhaust kit simplifies installation. For users looking for a versatile and portable cooling solution, the SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner offers a blend of cooling, dehumidifying, and fan functions with easy control options, though it may not be the best choice for those prioritizing energy efficiency.

Rating
9.8
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
20546 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit effectively cools large spaces, even up to 1000 sq ft, with the help of ceiling fans.
Noise Level
The SereneLife air conditioner is quieter than previous models and easy to set up.
Portability Features
The unit is easy to move around on different floor types like carpet and laminate.
Control Options
The remote control could be improved with a better display and larger button lettering.
Maintenance Requirements
Its exhaust hose is made of heavy, rigid plastic that snaps easily into place, unlike flimsy hoses of other units.
#3

SereneLife Small Air Conditioner Portable 10,000 BTU with Built-in Dehumidifier + Heat - Portable AC unit for rooms up to 450 sq ft - Remote Control, Window Mount Exhaust Kit

Rating
9.7
Cooling Capacity (BTU
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
20546 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU
The unit easily cools large areas and operates much quieter than previous models.
Noise Level
Despite its noise level, it is not disruptive and works well during Zoom calls with a noise-canceling speaker.
Portability Features
The air conditioner is easy to move on various floor types, including carpet and laminate.
Control Options
The remote control, although small and simple, is effective and easy to use.
Maintenance Requirements
The exhaust hose is made of heavy, rigid plastic that snaps easily into place, unlike flimsy hoses from other units.

The SereneLife Small Air Conditioner Portable 10,000 BTU is a convenient and versatile unit for cooling rooms up to 450 square feet. Its 10,000 BTU cooling capacity and 9,000 BTU heating capacity make it suitable for year-round use, while the built-in dehumidifier helps manage humidity levels effectively. Users will appreciate the portability features, including a sleek design and rolling wheels, making it easy to move the unit from room to room.

The included remote control and digital touch button control panel offer user-friendly operation with multiple modes such as cooling, heating, dehumidifier, and fan. Additionally, the automatic swing mode ensures optimal air circulation throughout the room. With a noise level ranging from 52-56 dB, it operates relatively quietly, though it may still be noticeable in very quiet environments.

Energy efficiency is reasonable, though not explicitly stated, and the unit uses the R-32 refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly. Maintenance requirements are minimal, with no batteries needed and a straightforward assembly process. However, the unit's weight of 56.5 pounds may be a bit cumbersome for some users to handle frequently. The included window mount exhaust kit simplifies installation, making this a solid choice for those needing a portable air conditioning solution with added functionalities such as heating and dehumidification.

Rating
9.7
Cooling Capacity (BTU
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
20546 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU
The unit easily cools large areas and operates much quieter than previous models.
Noise Level
Despite its noise level, it is not disruptive and works well during Zoom calls with a noise-canceling speaker.
Portability Features
The air conditioner is easy to move on various floor types, including carpet and laminate.
Control Options
The remote control, although small and simple, is effective and easy to use.
Maintenance Requirements
The exhaust hose is made of heavy, rigid plastic that snaps easily into place, unlike flimsy hoses from other units.

Buying Guide for the Best Small Portable Air Conditioners

Choosing the right small portable air conditioner can make a significant difference in your comfort, especially during hot weather. These units are designed to cool specific areas and are easy to move from one room to another. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your personal requirements. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a small portable air conditioner.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)BTU stands for British Thermal Units and measures the cooling power of the air conditioner. The higher the BTU, the larger the area the unit can cool. For small rooms (up to 150 square feet), a unit with 5,000-8,000 BTU is sufficient. For medium-sized rooms (150-300 square feet), look for 8,000-12,000 BTU. For larger rooms (300-500 square feet), you may need 12,000-14,000 BTU. Choose a unit with the appropriate BTU rating based on the size of the room you intend to cool.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) indicates how efficiently the air conditioner uses electricity. A higher EER means better energy efficiency, which can lead to lower 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 air conditioner frequently, a higher EER can save you money in the long run.
Noise LevelNoise level is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the air conditioner will be when operating. Lower dB levels mean quieter operation. For a peaceful environment, especially in bedrooms or offices, look for units with noise levels below 55 dB. If noise is not a major concern, you can consider units with higher dB levels. Consider where you will be using the air conditioner and how important quiet operation is to you.
Portability FeaturesPortability features include the weight of the unit, the presence of caster wheels, and handles for easy movement. Lighter units (under 50 pounds) are easier to move around, while heavier units may require more effort. Caster wheels and handles can significantly enhance portability. If you plan to move the air conditioner frequently between rooms, prioritize units with good portability features.
Dehumidification FunctionMany portable air conditioners also function as dehumidifiers, removing excess moisture from the air. This can be particularly useful in humid climates. The dehumidification capacity is measured in pints per day. If you live in a humid area, look for a unit with a higher dehumidification capacity (20-70 pints per day). If humidity is not a major concern, this feature may be less important.
Control OptionsControl options include remote controls, programmable timers, and smart connectivity. Remote controls allow you to adjust settings from a distance, while programmable timers let you set the unit to turn on or off at specific times. Smart connectivity enables control via smartphone apps or voice commands. Consider which control options are most convenient for you. If you value convenience and tech integration, look for units with advanced control features.
Maintenance RequirementsMaintenance requirements include cleaning or replacing filters, emptying water tanks, and general upkeep. Some units have washable filters, while others require replacement filters. Self-evaporating units reduce the need to empty water tanks frequently. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to invest in maintenance. If you prefer low-maintenance options, look for units with self-evaporating technology and washable filters.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now