It can be frustrating to install window AC units. You have to move these heavy models and lift them in place every year. They also block your window view. That’s why many choose portable air conditioners. Our buying guide focuses on models that offer efficient cooling, easy mobility, and energy efficiency. Out of over 20 air conditioners evaluated, we identify the three top air conditioners.
Our process involves analyzing 170,246 reviews and certifying tested units, with our proprietary and scientific True Score filtering out fake and low-quality reviews. The selected models impress in cooling speed, energy efficiency, and quiet operation, proving their value for your comfort and convenience.
How Did We Rank the Best Portable Air Conditioners?
In compiling our guide for the best portable air conditioners, we leveraged insights from over 200 websites, analyzing their testing methods and expert reviews. Customer feedback played a crucial role in identifying what truly matters. We focused on 3 nice-to-have features and 1 critical specification. This robust methodology underpins our True Score system, delivering a precise ranking that helps you make an informed purchase decision.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must be portable.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Operating Noise: Less than 55dB.
- Power Draw: The unit draws less than 1 kWh of power during normal operation.
- Cooling Speed: The unit should be capable of cooling a properly sized room by at least one degree every five minutes.
Latest Updates
- 06/21/2024: Republished the list to include the best portable air conditioners based on our True Score system.
Top Portable Air Conditioners For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Whynter ARC-1230WN
Best For Smart
The Whynter ARC-1230WN is energy-efficient, with a low power draw of 1.24 kWh, fast cooling speed, and a quiet 56.2 dB operation. Its wireless connectivity adds convenience and flexibility.
True Score
82813Experts
87107Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $598$1,118.18$520.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Powerful cooling
- Satisfactory noise level
- Wi-Fi connectivity and convenient controls
Reasons to Avoid
- Heavy build and dim display
- No heater
Specifications
Airflow Rate 388 CFM 
App Compatible Yes 
Auto Shut-Off Yes 
BTU Cooling Rating 14,000 BTU/hr 
Cord Length 6″ 
Depth 16.75″ 
Energy Efficiency Ratio 10.7 
Energy Star Certified No 
Form Factor Portable 
Height 32.5″ 
Integrated Heater No 
Max Window Opening Height n/a 
Max Window Opening Width n/a 
Min Window Opening Height n/a 
Min Window Opening Width n/a 
Number Of Cool Settings 1 
Number of Fan Speeds 3 
Recommended Room Size 600 sq ft 
Remote Control Yes 
Sleep Mode No 
Timer Yes 
Weight 77 lbs 
Width 19.5″ 
Wireless Connectivity Voice Assistant, Wi-Fi All Specs
Test Results
Cooling Speed (minutes per degree) 5 Operating Noise (dB) 56 Power Draw (kWh) 1 Wind Speed (mph) 0 All Retailers
$520.00$1,118Save $598
$551.85$660Save $108
$580.99$655Save $74
Our Verdict
The Whynter ARC-1230WN is a highly efficient portable air conditioner boasting an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10.7. With a power draw of just 1.24 kWh, it’s rather efficient but still manages to cool quickly, lowering the temperature by one degree in just 5 minutes, so you don’t have to suffer in the summer.
The air conditioner is also surprisingly quiet in operation, producing just 56.2 decibels, which puts it below the level of most conversations. The low noise level is highly welcome if you use an air conditioner for white noise or want one to be less obtrusive while running. The unit also features wireless connectivity, allowing you to control it through a mobile app, so you can crank up the cooling or lower it without leaving your couch or chair.
Whynter’s ARC-1230WN is a versatile and energy-efficient portable air conditioner. Its low power draw, rapid cooling speed, and wireless connectivity make it a reliable choice for cooling just about anywhere you put it. If you’re seeking a portable air conditioner that balances performance, noise control, and energy efficiency, the Whynter ARC-1230WN is an excellent choice.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Serenelife SLPAC10
The Serenelife SLPAC10 is an energy-efficient portable air conditioner with a low power draw and moderate noise levels. Ideal for smaller spaces, its 10,000 BTU capacity suits bedrooms, home offices, or dorm rooms.
True Score
71672Experts
8722kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $74$369.99$295.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Moderate cooling capacity
- User-friendly controls
Reasons to Avoid
- Somewhat high noise level
- No smart features
- Average energy efficiency
Specifications
Airflow Rate n/a App Compatible No Auto Shut-Off n/a BTU Cooling Rating 10,000 BTU Cord Length Unknown Depth 17.2 Energy Efficiency Ratio 10.5 Energy Star Certified n/a Form Factor Portable Height 32.5″ Integrated Heater n/a Max Window Opening Height n/a Max Window Opening Width n/a Min Window Opening Height n/a Min Window Opening Width n/a Number Of Cool Settings n/a Number of Fan Speeds 3 Recommended Room Size 270 sq ft Remote Control Yes Sleep Mode n/a Timer Yes Weight 62.1 lbs Width 17.3″ Wireless Connectivity No All Specs
Test Results
Cooling Speed (minutes per degree) 10 Operating Noise (dB) 59 Power Draw (kWh) 1 Wind Speed (mph) 0 All Retailers
- $295.99$370Save $74
- $419.99$427Save $7
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for the lowest possible power draw, the Serenelife SLPAC10 is a portable air conditioner that uses less power, so you can run it longer without worrying about raising your bills. Its power draw of 0.96 kWh makes it very economical to run, while its cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU makes it suitable for smaller spaces like bedrooms, home offices, or dorm rooms.
Despite its small size, the Serenelife SLPAC10 effectively maintains a comfortable temperature. The cooling speed, rated at 10 minutes per degree, allows for moderate climate control, ensuring that you can create a pleasant environment in a reasonable time frame, though if you’re looking to cool down your room faster (or just live somewhere much hotter), the Whynter ARC-1230WN cools much faster and runs quieter, but at the cost of a couple of hundred dollars more.
Still, the operating noise of 59.0 decibels is perfectly fine, coming in no louder than a typical conversation, and if the unit is on the other side of the room, you’ll barely notice it. If you’re very sensitive to noise, quieter models exist (like the ARC-1230WN), but A/C units can only get so quiet before they start trading power for noise.
Serenelife’s SLPAC10 is a reliable portable air conditioner that combines energy efficiency, moderate noise levels, and decent cooling power. While it might not be the fastest at cooling, its flexibility and ease of use make it a solid choice for smaller spaces or temporary setups. If you need a portable air conditioner that is economical and relatively easy to move, pick one up.
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Category Snapshot
Air Conditioners
- Total Brands/Products Tested
11 Brands, 20 Products
- Top 2 Brands
LG, GE
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$200-$3,000+
- Average True Score
78.84
- Important Test Criteria
Cooling Speed (sec/min)
Operating Noise (dB or dBA)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Typical Warranty
1 year
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Whynter ARC-14SH
The Whynter ARC-14SH is a high-capacity portable air conditioner with 14,000 BTU, delivering rapid cooling and additional heating functionality. While its power draw is high, its versatility and dual-purpose use are compelling.
True Score
69652Experts
833kCustomers
Meh
SAVE $69$559.99$490.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Powerful cooling and heating
- User-friendly controls
Reasons to Avoid
- Satisfactory noise level
- No smart connectivity
- Poor energy efficiency
Specifications
Airflow Rate 253 CFM App Compatible No Auto Shut-Off No BTU Cooling Rating 14,000 BTU/hr Cord Length 6″ Depth 19″ Energy Efficiency Ratio 6.82 Energy Star Certified No Form Factor Portable Height 35.5″ Integrated Heater Yes Max Window Opening Height 60″ Max Window Opening Width 46″ Min Window Opening Height n/a Min Window Opening Width 20″ Number Of Cool Settings 3 Number of Fan Speeds 3 Recommended Room Size 500 sq ft Remote Control Yes Sleep Mode No 
Smart App – Timer Yes Weight 80 lbs Width 16″ Wireless Connectivity No All Specs
Test Results
Cooling Speed (minutes per degree) 7 Operating Noise (dB) 60 Power Draw (kWh) 5 Wind Speed (mph) 0 All Retailers
- $490.99$560Save $69
- $529.99$600Save $70
- $823.74$971Save $147
Our Verdict
The Whynter ARC-14SH is a powerful portable air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU, making it suitable for larger rooms and spaces. With a cooling speed of 7 minutes per degree, the Whynter ARC-14SH provides relatively fast climate control for the rooms it’s designed to operate in. Between its high capacity and good cooling speed, the unit is ideal for living rooms, large offices, or studio spaces.
However, its energy efficiency ratio (EER) is poor, putting its power draw at 4.90 kWh. This higher draw does make sense, though—given the unit’s higher capacity, a higher power draw tends to be expected. The operating noise of the ARC-14SH is moderate, at 59.5 decibels. This noise level is common among larger units, but it still stays at a level around that of a typical conversation.
A unique feature of the ARC-14SH is its versatility, as it can be used as a heater. If you live somewhere that has cold winters and hot summers, it’s a fantastic dual-purpose unit.
The ARC-14SH justifies its high price tag with versatility and performance. The portable air conditioner features high cooling capacity, decent cooling speed, additional heating functionality, and acceptable noise levels, making it a perfect all-season pick.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Portable Air Conditioners?
By focusing on these criteria (3 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these air conditioners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase an excellent portable air conditioner.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Noise | < 55 dB | No (Nice to have) | How much noise the unit makes while it is under normal operation. |
| Cooling Speed | < 5 min/degree | No (Nice to have) | How long it takes a unit to successfully lower the temperature in an area by one degree, measured in minutes. |
| Power Draw | < 1 kWh | No (Nice to have) | How much power the unit draws while under normal operation, measured in kilowatt hours. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 60+ air conditioner reviewers and found that 15 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for air conditioners.
- Austin Palmer – TechGearLab, MuckRack
- Daniel Jackson – Your Best Digs
- Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every air conditioner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Air Conditioner Test Data & Results
1. Operating Noise (dB)
All air conditioners make noise, this is a fact. Generally speaking, the more airflow an A/C unit has, the louder it’s going to be, and (logically) the more capable it is of cooling larger spaces (or smaller spaces more quickly.) Quieter A/C units are less disruptive and are often more attractive if you like a more peaceful home, but if your cooling needs are very high, be ready to see higher noise levels.
It’s for this reason we recommend an operating noise level around 55 dB or less. This puts it below the noise of a typical conversation and allows the sound to fade away into being background noise or even white noise. Higher volumes can be distracting, especially if you’re very sensitive to droningsounds.
Operating Noise
< 55 dB
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much noise the unit makes while it is under normal operation.
Units of Measurement: dB (decibels)
Tools to Measure: Sound pressure level meter or decibel meter
Why It’s Important:
Loud units are annoying and disruptive, and quiet units fade into the background more easily.
Operating Noise (dB; lower is better; 0 = No Data)
2. Cooling Speed (Min/Deg)
Cooling Speed
> 5 min/deg
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How long it takes a unit to successfully lower the temperature in an area by one degree, measured in minutes.
Units of Measurement: Thermostat, timer
Tools to Measure: Speed-checking software
Why It’s Important:
If you need rapid cooling, better cooling speeds mean you spend less time suffering heat and more time enjoying the breeze.
There are multiple factors that influence how quickly an air conditioning unit is going to cool down a space. The size of the A/C, if it’s in good condition or not, the size of the room, and the actual settings chosen (for example, using a quiet mode or a performance mode.)
We recommend a cooling speed of at least 5 minutes per degree lowered, but faster cooling speeds are always welcome. It’s important to note that this is for when you use the A/C unit in a room that it’s designed for. If you stick a very small A/C in a huge room, the cooling speed is going to be abysmal, and if you put an oversized unit in a closet, you’ll be putting up some impressive numbers, but neither are realistic.
Cooling Speed (Min/Deg; lower is better; 0 = No Data)
3. Power Draw (kWh)
The size of your A/C unit is often the biggest determining factor behind how much power it draws – bigger units with bigger mtors draw more power. But units that are the same size might not be built the same, and the power draw they exhibit can vary wildly in some cases, even when they’re on roughly the same settings.
We generally recommend a power draw of less than 1 kWh, but lower is better – provided it doesn’t impact your unit’s ability to cool. Some units (especially larger ones) will require more power no matter what though, especially if they have larger motors or claim to push more CFM and actually deliver on that claim.
Power Draw
< 1 kWh
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much power the unit draws while under normal operation, measured in kilowatt-hours.
Units of Measurement: kWh (kilowatt-hours)
Tools to Measure: Power meter
Why It’s Important:
High power usage means higher power bills when using your A/C, so the power draw should be as low as possible without sacrificing cooling performance.
Power Draw (kWh; lower is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Portable Air Conditioners: Mistakes To Avoid
- Neglecting Room Size: Underestimating the size of the room can result in an underperforming air conditioner, while overestimating can mean spending more than necessary. Measure your room’s dimensions and compare them to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure proper cooling capacity.
- Overlooking Ventilation Requirements: Not planning for proper ventilation can render your portable air conditioner ineffective. These units need to expel hot air outside, so ensure you have a window or another suitable venting option available. If a window is not an option, learning how to vent a portable air conditioner without a window is crucial. Consider alternatives such as venting through a sliding door, ceiling, or wall to maintain the unit’s efficiency. Proper ventilation ensures that your portable air conditioner can effectively cool your space.
- Forgetting About Energy Efficiency: Ignoring the energy efficiency rating of a portable air conditioner can lead to higher electricity bills. Look for units with a high EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) to save money over time and reduce environmental impact.
- Not Checking Noise Levels: Overlooking the noise level of a portable air conditioner can lead to a disruptive environment. Check the decibel (dB) rating to ensure the noise level is acceptable for your space, especially if it will be used in a bedroom or office.
The Best Portable Air Conditioners Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
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Cooling Speed
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Operating Volume
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Power Draw
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Recommended Room Size
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Air Flow Rate
|
BTU Cooling Rating
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Weight
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 |
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|  $520.00 $1,118 $598 |
| 71 |
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|  $295.99 $370 $74 |
69 |
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|  $490.99 $560 $69 |
