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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

De'Longhi Pinguino PACEL98 Portable 10,700 BTU Air Conditioner with Eco Real Feel Technology, 3 in 1 Air Conditioning Unit, Rooms up to 100m³, Window Kit, A Energy Efficiency

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,320
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Size and Portability
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Cooling performance remains impressive even when the window venting isn’t perfectly sealed.
Noise Level
Quiet operation that effectively cools both small bedrooms and larger living spaces.
Size and Portability
Portability is a strong point, with wheels allowing movement between rooms despite some effort in setup.
Ventilation Requirements
Installation can be tricky with non-standard windows, requiring additional fittings and resulting in imperfect seals.
Additional Features
Easy to set up and operate, making it user-friendly right out of the box.

The De'Longhi Pinguino PACEL98 is a solid choice if you need a portable air conditioner for rooms up to about 100 cubic meters. Its 10,700 BTU cooling power is quite effective for medium-sized spaces, making it suitable for most living rooms or bedrooms. It stands out with its A-class energy efficiency, which means it uses less electricity compared to less efficient models, potentially saving you money on your energy bills. The built-in Eco Real Feel technology adjusts temperature and humidity automatically, adding comfort and energy savings.

In terms of noise, it operates at up to 64 dB, which is moderate—noticeable but not overly loud, similar to a conversation at home. The unit is designed with usability in mind, featuring remote control, touch controls, and wheels with handles, so moving it around shouldn't be difficult despite its weight of 33 kg. It includes a window kit for venting hot air outside, which is essential for portable ACs. A helpful bonus is the 3-in-1 functionality: besides cooling, it can dehumidify (removing up to 36 liters of moisture per day) and act as a regular fan. This makes it versatile, especially in humid climates.

Its size and weight mean it’s portable but not ultra-lightweight, so frequent moving between rooms might be a bit cumbersome. The noise level when running at full power might be distracting in very quiet environments like bedrooms at night. Also, installation requires a window for the exhaust hose, so it may not fit all room types. This De'Longhi portable AC balances strong cooling, energy efficiency, and multi-functionality, making it a good option for those who want a practical and relatively quiet portable unit that also helps with humidity control.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,320
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Size and Portability
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Cooling performance remains impressive even when the window venting isn’t perfectly sealed.
Noise Level
Quiet operation that effectively cools both small bedrooms and larger living spaces.
Size and Portability
Portability is a strong point, with wheels allowing movement between rooms despite some effort in setup.
Ventilation Requirements
Installation can be tricky with non-standard windows, requiring additional fittings and resulting in imperfect seals.
Additional Features
Easy to set up and operate, making it user-friendly right out of the box.
#2

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㎡)

Rating
9.7
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
9.7
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.
#3

De'Longhi Pinguino PACN82 Eco | Portable Air Conditioner with Real Feel Technology | 80m³, 9,400 BTU, A Energy Efficiency

Rating
9.4
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Size and Portability
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Buying a unit with a cooling capacity slightly above your room size is advisable to future-proof your purchase and ensure adequate cooling.
Noise Level
Despite being the quietest among portable ACs, the unit still produces noticeable noise due to its compressor, which may be disruptive during sleep without earplugs.
Size and Portability
Setup is straightforward—just plug it in and vent the exhaust through a window, though the unit's size requires placing it close to the window if you lack an extendable tube.
Ventilation Requirements
For optimal performance, the unit needs to be placed near where cooling is desired; otherwise, extended exhaust piping may be necessary but can be unsightly.
Additional Features
The remote control is frustratingly unreliable, lacking temperature synchronization and backlighting, which diminishes ease of use.

The De'Longhi Pinguino PACN82 Eco is a compact portable air conditioner designed to cool spaces up to about 80 cubic meters, offering 9,400 BTU of cooling power. Its energy efficiency is rated as class A, which means it uses power reasonably well and helps keep electricity costs down compared to less efficient models. It also uses an eco-friendly refrigerant (propane R290), which is better for the environment than common alternatives.

In terms of noise, it operates at around 52 decibels, similar to a quiet conversation, so it won't be too disruptive in most rooms. The unit includes a dehumidifier function to reduce moisture, which can make a room feel cooler and more comfortable. The 3-speed fan lets you balance between stronger cooling or quieter operation, and the remote control plus electronic timer make it easy to use. The size is relatively manageable, though at 30 kg it’s a bit heavy to move frequently, so it's best suited for situations where you don’t plan to relocate it often. Like most portable ACs, it requires venting through a window or door to expel hot air, which is important to set up correctly for effective cooling.

Its SEER rating of 2.4 and a 1-star BEE rating indicate that while it’s energy efficient within its class, it’s not the top performer available. The cooling capacity (2.4 kW) is moderate, making it more suitable for medium-sized rooms rather than very large spaces. For those looking for a portable unit that balances decent cooling, good energy use, and environmental care with useful features like dehumidification and remote control, the De'Longhi Pinguino PACN82 Eco represents a solid option, although it may not cool very large rooms as quickly as more powerful models.

Rating
9.4
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Noise Level
Size and Portability
BTU (British Thermal Units)
Buying a unit with a cooling capacity slightly above your room size is advisable to future-proof your purchase and ensure adequate cooling.
Noise Level
Despite being the quietest among portable ACs, the unit still produces noticeable noise due to its compressor, which may be disruptive during sleep without earplugs.
Size and Portability
Setup is straightforward—just plug it in and vent the exhaust through a window, though the unit's size requires placing it close to the window if you lack an extendable tube.
Ventilation Requirements
For optimal performance, the unit needs to be placed near where cooling is desired; otherwise, extended exhaust piping may be necessary but can be unsightly.
Additional Features
The remote control is frustratingly unreliable, lacking temperature synchronization and backlighting, which diminishes ease of use.

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.