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10 Best Standing Ac Units 2026 in the United States

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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 by1,133
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
651 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Dropped the room temperature from 75F to 66F within an hour.
Noise Level
Despite being louder than expected, it provides effective cooling and white noise.
Portability and Size
Well-packaged and solid construction with minimal setup required.
Additional Features
Cools like a champ, easy to install, and the app is great.

The Dreo Portable Air Conditioner offers a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTU, making it a suitable option for small to medium-sized rooms, covering an area of about 150 square feet. Its standout feature is the drainage-free cooling system powered by DREO's patented technology, eliminating the hassle of manual water drainage in high-humidity environments. With a quiet operation at just 45 dB, it’s well-suited for bedrooms or offices where noise can be a distraction.

This unit's portability is enhanced by smooth caster wheels, allowing easy movement across rooms. It comes with a versatile installation kit for both horizontal and vertical sliding windows, making setup relatively straightforward. The Smart Climate Control feature is notable, enabling users to control the AC via a smartphone app or voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, offering modern convenience.

On the downside, the energy efficiency could be better, as indicated by its SEER rating of 6.1, which may lead to higher energy consumption compared to more efficient models. Additionally, at 55 pounds, it could be considered relatively heavy for a portable unit, which might make moving it around a bit challenging for some users.

This AC unit’s multi-functionality is impressive, offering cooling, fan, and dehumidifying modes, along with customizable settings for various environments. It fits the needs of those looking for a multi-functional, quiet, and smart-controlled AC unit, but those prioritizing energy efficiency might want to explore other options. With a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, it seems to be a favored choice among users seeking quiet and effective cooling solutions.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,133
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
651 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Dropped the room temperature from 75F to 66F within an hour.
Noise Level
Despite being louder than expected, it provides effective cooling and white noise.
Portability and Size
Well-packaged and solid construction with minimal setup required.
Additional Features
Cools like a champ, easy to install, and the app is great.
#2

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
8.5
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
48174 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Easily cools a room in a few minutes and maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Provides both cooling in summer and heating in winter, making it more efficient than previous machines.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units, making it possible to talk on the phone or have video calls without shutting it off.
Additional Features
The hose attachment on the back is significantly better and more secure compared to other units, preventing it from falling off.

The BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a versatile 3-in-1 unit designed to cool, dehumidify, and circulate air in rooms up to 700 square feet. Its compact dimensions (16.5" x 11.7" x 27.9") and portability, including casters and side handles, make it easy to move from room to room. Equipped with a remote control and an LED display on the top-mounted control panel, it offers convenient operation.

The unit includes a washable filter, auto water evaporation, and a 24-hour timer, which add to its user-friendly features. The included installation kit simplifies the setup process, and the large vented airflow outlet ensures effective cooling without permanent window installation. However, the energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 6.2 is on the lower side, which may result in higher electricity usage compared to more efficient models.

Additionally, with a noise level of 54 dB, it might be a bit noisy for some users, particularly in bedroom settings. Its weight (62.4 pounds) might make it less convenient to move frequently despite its portability features. The BLACK+DECKER portable AC unit is ideal for those seeking a flexible and multi-functional cooling solution, especially in rental spaces or where permanent installation isn't possible. With a customer rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from over 50,000 reviews, it has proven to be a reliable option for many users, although the energy efficiency and noise level are considerations to keep in mind.

Rating
8.5
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
48174 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Easily cools a room in a few minutes and maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Provides both cooling in summer and heating in winter, making it more efficient than previous machines.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units, making it possible to talk on the phone or have video calls without shutting it off.
Additional Features
The hose attachment on the back is significantly better and more secure compared to other units, preventing it from falling off.
#3

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner,12,000 BTU, for Rooms Up To 550 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Inverter Compressor & Window Kit, BPACT08NM, White

Rating
7.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
48174 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly lowers room temperature, even in very hot conditions up to 115 degrees.
Noise Level
Operates quietly for a portable AC, providing a comfortable background noise without being disruptive.
Portability and Size
Portability is somewhat compromised when elevating the unit to manage water drainage, affecting ease of movement.
Additional Features
Setup is straightforward with a secure hose installation that keeps hot air vented effectively.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner offers a strong cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, suitable for rooms up to 550 square feet, making it a good choice for larger living spaces like apartments or cabins. It features an inverter compressor that adjusts cooling speed to maintain the temperature efficiently, helping to save energy. With a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 11.0, it provides decent energy efficiency, though it doesn't have a specific energy star rating. Noise level is moderate at 52 decibels, meaning it’s quieter than many older models but may still be noticeable in very quiet environments.

At about 55 pounds and measuring roughly 28.7 inches tall, it is somewhat bulky but remains portable enough to move around as needed, and it includes a simple window installation kit to vent hot air outside. Beyond cooling, it works as a dehumidifier and fan, offering versatile use through the included three-in-one function. The added smart Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control the unit with a smartphone app, which is a handy modern feature.

Its water tank is quite small (0.45 liters), so it may require frequent emptying in very humid conditions. The unit comes with a standard 1-year warranty and is well-reviewed for its performance and features, though some users may find it heavier and larger than other portable units. This model is ideal for users looking for a powerful, multi-use AC with smart controls for medium to large rooms who don’t mind the size or occasional noise.

Rating
7.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
48174 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly lowers room temperature, even in very hot conditions up to 115 degrees.
Noise Level
Operates quietly for a portable AC, providing a comfortable background noise without being disruptive.
Portability and Size
Portability is somewhat compromised when elevating the unit to manage water drainage, affecting ease of movement.
Additional Features
Setup is straightforward with a secure hose installation that keeps hot air vented effectively.

Buying Guide for the Best Standing Ac Units

When choosing a standing air conditioning (AC) unit, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best fit for your needs. Standing AC units are versatile and can be moved around, making them a great option for cooling different areas of your home or office. To make an informed decision, you should understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific requirements. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), indicates how much heat the AC unit can remove from a room per hour. This is crucial because it determines the size of the area the unit can effectively cool. Units with lower BTU ratings (5,000-8,000 BTU) are suitable for small rooms up to 300 square feet, while medium-sized rooms (300-500 square feet) require 8,000-12,000 BTU. Larger spaces (500-800 square feet) need units with 12,000-18,000 BTU. Choose a unit with a BTU rating that matches the size of the room you intend to cool.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the efficiency of the AC unit by comparing the cooling capacity (BTU) to the power input (watts). A higher EER indicates a more energy-efficient unit, which can save you money on electricity bills. EER ratings typically range from 8 to 12. For optimal energy savings, look for units with an EER of 10 or higher. Consider your usage patterns and energy costs when selecting a unit with the right EER for you.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the AC unit will be during operation. This is important for maintaining a comfortable environment, especially in bedrooms or offices. Units with noise levels below 50 dB are considered quiet, while those between 50-60 dB are moderate. Units above 60 dB may be too loud for some settings. Choose a unit with a noise level that suits the room where it will be used and your personal tolerance for noise.
Portability and SizePortability and size refer to the physical dimensions and weight of the AC unit. This is important if you plan to move the unit between rooms or store it when not in use. Smaller, lighter units are easier to move and store, but may have lower cooling capacities. Larger units may offer more cooling power but can be cumbersome to move. Consider the space available for the unit and how often you plan to move it when selecting the right size and weight for your needs.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of the AC unit. Common features include remote controls, programmable timers, sleep modes, and dehumidifiers. These features can improve comfort and ease of use. Think about which features are most important to you based on your lifestyle and preferences. For example, a programmable timer can help you save energy by cooling the room only when needed, while a dehumidifier can be beneficial in humid climates.

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