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 Standing Ac Units 2026 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

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 by1,266
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
655 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 by1,266
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
655 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

SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner With Heat & Built-in Dehumidifier 12,000 BTU, Portable Heater & AC For Rooms up to 550 Sq Ft - Remote Control & Window Mount Exhaust Kit Included

Rating
8.2
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
25259 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers rapid cooling and heating, making it a versatile HVAC solution for medium-sized rooms.
Noise Level
Operates at a noise level comparable to white noise, which is noticeable but not disruptive.
Portability and Size
Portability is enhanced by wheels, though the unit's weight requires some effort to move.
Additional Features
Installation is straightforward, but window mounting may require minor adjustments and additional sealing materials.

The SereneLife Small Portable Air Conditioner offers a solid cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, suitable for rooms up to about 450-550 square feet, making it a good choice for medium-sized spaces like bedrooms or living rooms. It also includes a built-in dehumidifier and heating function, which adds versatility for year-round use. The unit runs at around 56 dB, which is relatively quiet, though you might still notice it in very quiet environments. With a SEER rating of 15, it provides decent energy efficiency for its class, helping to manage electricity costs.

One of its strong points is portability—thanks to its wheels and compact design, it can be moved easily between rooms without hassle. The remote control and digital touch panel add convenience for adjusting settings from across the room. On the downside, at about 70 pounds, it is somewhat heavy compared to some portable units, so moving it might require some effort despite the wheels. Also, while it covers a good amount of space, it might not be enough for larger rooms or open-plan areas.

The included window mount exhaust kit is standard but necessary for proper ventilation, and assembly is minimal. This model is well-suited for users who want a multi-functional, portable AC unit with heating and dehumidifying features, especially if you have a medium-sized room and value ease of use.

Rating
8.2
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
25259 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers rapid cooling and heating, making it a versatile HVAC solution for medium-sized rooms.
Noise Level
Operates at a noise level comparable to white noise, which is noticeable but not disruptive.
Portability and Size
Portability is enhanced by wheels, though the unit's weight requires some effort to move.
Additional Features
Installation is straightforward, but window mounting may require minor adjustments and additional sealing materials.
#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
8.2
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
47902 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
8.2
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
47902 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.

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.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now