10 Best Stand Up Air Conditioners 2026 in the United States

The Whynter Inverter Portable Air Conditioner is a strong choice if you need powerful cooling for a medium-sized room (up to 600 square feet). Its 14,000 BTU cooling capacity and dual-hose inverter system make it more efficient than many portable ACs, helping cool your space faster while using less energy. The unit has a respectable energy efficiency ratio (SEER 12.3), although it doesn’t have an official Energy Star rating. Noise-wise, it runs quietly at about 42.5 decibels, which is similar to a soft conversation and generally not disruptive.

An added bonus is its built-in dehumidifier, which can remove up to 87 pints of moisture daily—great for humid climates. The smart Wi-Fi control works well for remote operation through an app or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home, making it user-friendly and convenient. It also offers three operating modes—cool, dehumidify, and fan—with adjustable fan speeds and temperature control.

The model is fairly large and heavy (over 77 pounds), so while it’s portable, moving it around might require some effort. The included window installation kit fits standard windows up to 82 inches wide, and the washable air filter simplifies maintenance. Warranty coverage is solid, with one year on parts and three years on the compressor. This unit suits those seeking a quiet, efficient, and smart portable air conditioner with strong cooling and dehumidifying capabilities. It might be less suitable if you need something very lightweight or Energy Star certified, but it covers the main needs well for spaces around 600 square feet.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner offers a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE)/10,000 BTU (DOE), making it suitable for rooms up to 700 sq. ft. This unit is quite powerful and should keep larger spaces cool. It also boasts a three-in-one functionality, working as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, which adds to its versatility.

The 'Follow Me' remote control feature is beneficial for precise temperature control based on the remote's location, enhancing user convenience. Additionally, the unit supports smart controls through Wi-Fi, allowing remote operation via a mobile app or voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, which is a nice modern touch for tech-savvy users.

The installation kit simplifies setup, and the washable filter reduces maintenance costs over time. However, the air conditioner's Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 6.2 is relatively low, meaning it might not be the most energy-efficient option available, potentially leading to higher electricity bills. With a noise level of 54 dB, it's relatively quiet but may still be noticeable in a quiet room. Despite being portable, its weight of 62.4 pounds can make it slightly cumbersome to move frequently. In conclusion, this BLACK+DECKER model is ideal for users needing a powerful and versatile air conditioner with modern smart features, though it may be less appealing to those prioritizing energy efficiency and ease of portability.

The Whynter Portable Air Conditioner ARC-14S is a solid choice for cooling rooms up to 500 square feet, with a strong 14,000 BTU cooling capacity. It uses a dual-hose system that helps cool more efficiently and has a built-in dehumidifier that can remove up to 71 pints of moisture per day, which is great if you want to reduce humidity as well as temperature. Noise-wise, it operates quietly at about 51 decibels on low, making it suitable for bedrooms or living spaces where a quieter environment is preferred.

The unit offers three modes—cool, dehumidify, and fan—with adjustable fan speeds and a thermostat for temperature control between 61°F and 89°F. While it’s not Energy Star certified, it has a decent energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 7.69, meaning it balances power use and cooling fairly well, though it might use more electricity than some newer models. Weighing 73 pounds, it’s portable but somewhat heavy, so moving it frequently might be a bit challenging.

Installation requires a window vent kit, which is included, and maintenance is straightforward thanks to washable filters and an auto-drain function that handles condensate automatically in most conditions. Controls include a remote for convenience. This unit is well-suited for those needing effective cooling and dehumidifying in medium-sized rooms, who don’t mind a bit of weight and want quiet operation. However, if energy efficiency is a top priority or if you need a lighter unit, there might be better options available.