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10 Best Portable Air Conditioners

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Air Conditioning Unit - Portable Air Conditioner 9000 BTU, 4-in-1 Energy Efficient Cooling & Dehumidifier, Quiet Operation, Digital Display, Window Kit, 24-Hour Timer, Covers Up to 215 sq.ft (20㎡)

10.0  score

Available on
£289.99
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,468
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Size and Portability
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Delivers effective cooling for small rooms, making it perfect for bedrooms and upstairs areas at night.
Noise Level
Operates quietly, comparable to a normal fan, allowing comfortable sleep without much disturbance.
Size and Portability
Lightweight design makes it easier to move compared to other portable units.
Additional Features
Simple setup process with easy-to-understand controls and a convenient remote for effortless operation.

This portable air conditioner offers 9000 BTU cooling power, making it suitable for small to medium rooms up to about 215 sq.ft (20㎡). Its 4-in-1 design combines cooling, dehumidifying, fan, and sleep modes, providing flexibility to use it year-round. The unit runs quietly at about 49 dB, making it a good choice for bedrooms or offices where noise can be distracting.

It’s energy efficient with a 3-star rating and uses an eco-friendly refrigerant, helping to keep electricity costs and environmental impact low. Moving it around is fairly easy thanks to built-in handles and smooth rolling casters, although it weighs around 22 kg, so some effort is needed to lift it if stairs are involved. Installation is simple with the included window kit that fits various window types without tools.

The digital display and remote control make adjusting settings straightforward, with added safety via a child lock feature. This model is a solid option for anyone needing a quiet, energy-conscious portable AC for smaller rooms, with handy features that make it easy to use and maintain. It is designed for rooms no larger than 215 sq.ft, so it may not efficiently cool bigger spaces, and while the noise level is low, it might still be noticeable if near-silent operation is preferred.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,468
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Size and Portability
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Delivers effective cooling for small rooms, making it perfect for bedrooms and upstairs areas at night.
Noise Level
Operates quietly, comparable to a normal fan, allowing comfortable sleep without much disturbance.
Size and Portability
Lightweight design makes it easier to move compared to other portable units.
Additional Features
Simple setup process with easy-to-understand controls and a convenient remote for effortless operation.
#2

Dreo Portable Air Conditioners, AC Unit for Bedroom with Drainage-free Cooling, 46dB Quiet, APP/Voice/Remote, 24h Timer with Fan & Dehumidifier, Smart Air Conditioner for Room Indoors

9.4  score

Available on
£499.99
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Rating
9.4
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Ventilation Requirements
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly brings a 14sqm bedroom from 27°C down to a comfortable 22°C within 60-90 minutes, proving the 10,000 BTU rating is well suited for medium-sized rooms.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but manageable; around 50dB at one meter, comparable to two standard fans running simultaneously, and while not silent, it does not disrupt sleep or conversation.
Ventilation Requirements
Installation can be tricky for UK homes with casement or side-opening windows, as the supplied fittings are designed for sliding windows, requiring creative solutions for proper venting.
Additional Features
The remote control is large and easy to use, reducing the risk of losing it, and the smartphone app offers intuitive controls plus helpful temperature trend graphs.
Size and Portability
The unit’s weight and size make it less ideal for frequent moving, and it requires a stable base especially when raised to accommodate hose length.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy efficiency is not exceptional, so running costs may be higher compared to more efficient models, which is worth considering for long-term use.

The Dreo Smart 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner offers a strong cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU, making it suitable for medium-sized rooms up to about 14 feet. This means it can effectively keep bedrooms or small living areas comfortably cool during warm weather. One of its standout features is the 3-in-1 mode that combines cooling, fan, and dehumidifying functions, giving you more flexibility to adjust the room environment according to your needs. It’s also designed to be quiet, with noise levels around 46 decibels, which is fairly low for an air conditioner and well-suited for bedrooms or offices where you want to avoid disturbance. The unit is moderately sized and weighs about 28.5 kg, so while it’s portable, it may require some effort to move around frequently. A handy aspect is its drainage-free design during normal cooling, which means you won’t need to manually empty water as often, simplifying maintenance compared to traditional portable ACs. The Dreo AC supports smart features like voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant and app control, adding convenience if you prefer managing settings remotely.

Its energy efficiency ratio (EER) isn’t highlighted as particularly high, so it might consume more electricity compared to more efficient models, impacting running costs. The size and weight could be a downside if portability is a priority, and it requires proper ventilation through a window or vent hose like most portable ACs. The Dreo Smart 3-in-1 is a versatile and quiet portable air conditioner with solid cooling power and smart controls, ideal for users looking for easy operation and a multi-function device, especially in bedroom settings. However, if energy savings and ultra-light portability are key concerns, you might want to consider other options.

Rating
9.4
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Ventilation Requirements
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly brings a 14sqm bedroom from 27°C down to a comfortable 22°C within 60-90 minutes, proving the 10,000 BTU rating is well suited for medium-sized rooms.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but manageable; around 50dB at one meter, comparable to two standard fans running simultaneously, and while not silent, it does not disrupt sleep or conversation.
Ventilation Requirements
Installation can be tricky for UK homes with casement or side-opening windows, as the supplied fittings are designed for sliding windows, requiring creative solutions for proper venting.
Additional Features
The remote control is large and easy to use, reducing the risk of losing it, and the smartphone app offers intuitive controls plus helpful temperature trend graphs.
Size and Portability
The unit’s weight and size make it less ideal for frequent moving, and it requires a stable base especially when raised to accommodate hose length.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy efficiency is not exceptional, so running costs may be higher compared to more efficient models, which is worth considering for long-term use.
#3

Belaco Air Conditioning Unit, 9000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier & Fan Function, Remote Control & Dual Window Installation Kit & Seal Included, 24 Hour Timer with 28L Dehumidification

8.2  score

Available on
£329.99
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Rating
8.2
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Size and Portability
BTU (British Thermal Units)
The unit cools quickly and effectively, making rooms feel fresh and comfortable within 10 to 15 minutes.
Noise Level
Noise levels are typical for this size of portable AC, around 65 to 70 decibels, which may be noticeable in quiet settings and too loud for light sleepers.
Size and Portability
Its sturdy build and modern design, combined with wheels, make it easy to move around despite its weight.
Ventilation Requirements
The window sealing kit fits most UK window types well, though some ingenuity is needed for hinged windows.
Additional Features
It offers multiple functions like cooling, fan, and dehumidifier all in one device, adding great versatility.

The Belaco 9000 BTU portable air conditioner is a solid choice if you need to cool a room up to around 215 square feet, like a bedroom or small office. Its cooling power switches between 7000 and 9000 BTU depending on the fan speed, which is suitable for moderate-sized spaces. It’s energy-efficient, rated with an A energy efficiency and uses an eco-friendly R290 refrigerant, helping keep electricity costs reasonable and being kinder to the environment. Noise-wise, it runs at about 65 decibels, which is noticeable in quiet settings but typical for portable ACs. The size is fairly compact and weighs 15 kg, making it portable enough but might require some effort to move around. Installation is easier than some models, thanks to the included dual window kit and seal, which fit most window types and help with proper ventilation.

Additional features like a dehumidifier, remote control, digital display, 24-hour timer, and a night mode that gently adjusts temperature and fan speed, add convenience and comfort. However, if you are very sensitive to noise or have a larger room, this model might not fully meet your needs. Also, it’s designed for UK mains voltage (220V) and delivery is limited to mainland UK, which may restrict availability. This Belaco unit provides a good balance of cooling performance, energy efficiency, and handy features for users who want a versatile portable air conditioner suitable for small to medium spaces.

Rating
8.2
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Size and Portability
BTU (British Thermal Units)
The unit cools quickly and effectively, making rooms feel fresh and comfortable within 10 to 15 minutes.
Noise Level
Noise levels are typical for this size of portable AC, around 65 to 70 decibels, which may be noticeable in quiet settings and too loud for light sleepers.
Size and Portability
Its sturdy build and modern design, combined with wheels, make it easy to move around despite its weight.
Ventilation Requirements
The window sealing kit fits most UK window types well, though some ingenuity is needed for hinged windows.
Additional Features
It offers multiple functions like cooling, fan, and dehumidifier all in one device, adding great versatility.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Air Conditioners

Choosing the right portable air conditioner can make a significant difference in your comfort during hot weather. Portable air conditioners are convenient because they can be moved from room to room, but selecting the right one involves understanding several key specifications. These specs will help you determine which model best fits your needs based on room size, energy efficiency, noise levels, and additional features. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the essential specs and make an informed decision.
BTU (British Thermal Units)BTU measures the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. The higher the BTU, the more powerful the unit is at cooling larger spaces. For small rooms (up to 300 sq. ft.), a unit with 8,000-10,000 BTU is sufficient. Medium-sized rooms (300-500 sq. ft.) require 10,000-14,000 BTU, while larger rooms (500+ sq. ft.) need 14,000 BTU or more. Choose a BTU rating that matches the size of the room you plan to cool for optimal efficiency.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)EER indicates how efficiently an air conditioner uses energy. It is calculated by dividing the BTU rating by the power consumption in watts. A higher EER means better energy efficiency, which can lead to lower electricity bills. Look for units with an EER of 10 or higher for good energy efficiency. If you plan to use the air conditioner frequently, prioritizing 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 during operation. Lower dB levels mean quieter operation. For a peaceful environment, look for units with noise levels below 55 dB. If you are placing the unit in a bedroom or office, quieter models are preferable to avoid disturbances.
Size and PortabilityThe size and weight of the portable air conditioner affect its ease of movement. Smaller, lighter units are easier to move between rooms, while larger units may offer more cooling power but can be cumbersome. Consider the layout of your home and how often you plan to move the unit. If you need to move it frequently, opt for a lighter, more compact model with wheels.
Ventilation RequirementsPortable air conditioners need to vent hot air outside, typically through a window. Check the ventilation setup of the unit to ensure it fits your window type and size. Some models come with adjustable window kits to accommodate different window styles. Make sure the ventilation system is compatible with your home to ensure proper installation and operation.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of your portable air conditioner. Look for features like programmable timers, remote controls, multiple fan speeds, and dehumidifier functions. These can provide greater control over your comfort and improve the overall user experience. Consider which features are most important to you based on your lifestyle and preferences.