The 5 Best Portable Air Conditioners - 2024, Tested In Hot And Humid Weather
Most Trusted Reviews For Informed Decisions
Last Updated – July 2024
Portable air conditioners offer greater versatility and easier installation compared to window units, and they deliver more power than tower fans. To identify the best portable air conditioners on the market, I tested seven highly-rated models, assessing each one’s ability to keep my Florida home cool amidst intense heat and humidity. Through this rigorous testing process, I found the Whynter ARC-1230WN to be the most outstanding portable AC overall. For those seeking value, my top recommendation is the SereneLife SLPAC10, a compact model priced under $300, perfect for small spaces.
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Below, here are all the winning portable ACs from my testing process:
Best Portable Air Conditioner Overall: Whynter ARC-1230WN Dual Hose
Best Value Portable Air Conditioner: SereneLife SLPAC10
Best Quiet Portable Air Conditioner: Midea Duo
Best Smart Portable Air Conditioner: LG LP1419IVSM
Best Portable Air Conditioner For Large Spaces: Frigidaire FHPW142AC1
Most portable air conditioners have a common design, featuring a hose that vents through a window, caster wheels for easy movement, and multiple modes of operation such as fan and dehumidifier. However, some models excel in areas like cooling power, noise levels, and energy efficiency. Whether you need an affordable option or a super quiet model, I’ve got recommendations for you. (Interested in a window unit? Check out our roundup of the best window air conditioners as well.)
Whynter Inverter Portable Air Conditioner 14,000 Dual Hose, Dehumidifier, Cooling Fan & Smart Wi-Fi for 600 Sq Ft Rooms, NEX ARC-1230WN (12,000 BTU SACC), White
A Smart Unit With Impressive Cooling Power
9.6
Excellent
Over 107 ratings
Our Expert Review
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 14,000/12,000 | Coverage area: Up to 600 square feet | Noise level (high/low): 54 dB/41 dB | Additional features: Dehumidifier and fan functions
Best for:
- Cooling prowess in rooms up to 600 square feet
- Streamlined hose-in-hose design
- Easy-to-use app
Skip if:
- You’re on a budget
- You don’t need a super powerful unit
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
An Affordable Option That’s Ideal For Small Spaces Or Bedroom
9.8
Exceptional
Over 20,733 ratings
Our Expert Review
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 10,000/6,000 | Coverage area: Up to 400 square feet | Noise level (high/low): 57.3 dB/53 dB | Additional features: Dehumidifier and fan functions
Best for:
- Smaller spaces
- Compact, streamlined design
- Fast, easy set-up
Skip if:
- You need to cool a large room
- Smart features are important
Midea Duo 14,000 BTU (12,000 BTU SACC) High Efficiency Inverter Ultra Quiet Portable Air Conditioner,with Heat up to 550 Sq. Ft., Works with Alexa/Google Assistant, with Remote Control & Window Kit
A Less Noisy Option For Keeping Your Space Cool
9.5
Excellent
Over 6,707 ratings
Our Expert Review
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 14,000/12,000 | Coverage area: Up to 550 square feet | Noise rating (high/low): 49.3 dB/41.8 dB | Additional features: Dehumidify, fan and heat functions
Best for:
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Multiple modes, including a heat function
- Energy efficiency
Skip if:
- You don’t want to frequently empty the condensation tank
LG Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner Unit for Medium Rooms, Bedroom, Office, Kitchen, Dining Room, 115V, Cools up to 500 Sq. Ft., 3 Speeds, 24-hour Timer, with Wi-Fi Control and Remote, White
An Intuitive Unit You Can Control From Your Smartphone
9.8
Exceptional
Over 2,550 ratings
Our Expert Review
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 14,000/10,000 | Coverage area: Up to 500 square feet | Noise level (high/low): 51.4 dB/44 dB | Additional features: Dehumidifier and fan functions
Best for:
- Setting custom schedules
- Integrating with smart home assistants
- Easy storage
Skip if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You want an ultra efficient model
Frigidaire 50 Pint Wi-Fi Connected Dehumidifier, 4,500 Square Foot Coverage, Ideal for Large Rooms and Basements, 1.7 Gallon Bucket Capacity, Continuous Drain Option
A Sleek, Well-Equipped AC That Can Cover 700 Square Feet
9.5
Excellent
Over 8,915 ratings
Our Expert Review
BTU (ASHRAE/DOE): 14,000/10,000 | Coverage area: Up to 700 square feet | Noise rating (high/low): 54.9/53 | Additional features: Dehumidifier and fan functions
Best for:
- Spacious rooms (or small homes)
- Sleek construction
- Unmatched efficiency
Skip if:
- You want a more versatile model with a heating function
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