If you are sweating while travelling in your RV, you want an AC unit that excels in cooling efficiency, portability, low power consumption, and high BTU ratings will ensure rapid cooling.
To create our buying guide, we evaluated over 20 air conditioners and verified the ones that impressed in long-term testing, scrutinizing 170,691 reviews. Our approach filters out fake and low-quality reviews using our proprietary data-derived True Score system, ensuring you get reliable recommendations. These top-performing air conditioner models provide the best blend of efficiency, portability, and quiet operation for your RV.
How Did We Rank the Best Portable Air Conditioners for RV?
Our review process for portable RV air conditioners involved dissecting testing methods across 200+ sites. We identified 3 nice-to-have features and 1 must-have specification through expert reviews and customer feedback. The True Score we provide is a culmination of this thorough analysis, ensuring your RV stays cool with the best options available.
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 for RV based on our True Score system.
Top Portable Air Conditioners for RV 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 an efficient portable air conditioner for RVs. It draws a low 1.24 kWh, operates quietly at 56.2 decibels, and has wireless app control for easy adjustments.
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 an efficient portable air conditioner designed for RVs, boasting an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10.7. With a power draw of just 1.24 kWh, it’s both energy-efficient and capable of rapid cooling, lowering the temperature by one degree in just 5 minutes. This swift cooling makes it perfect for use in RVs where space and comfort are crucial, especially during hot summer trips.
Operating at just 56.2 decibels, the Whynter ARC-1230WN is quiet enough for RV use, allowing you to sleep or relax without disturbance. You can also run it without much issue with the vehicle on since the engine will drown it out anyway. Additionally, its wireless connectivity offers remote control via a mobile app, allowing you to adjust the air conditioner’s settings from your smartphone without leaving your RV seat or bed.
The versatility of the Whynter ARC-1230WN makes it a reliable choice for RVs. Its low power draw and rapid cooling speed ensure energy efficiency, a key factor for portable air conditioners in RVs. If you’re looking for an air conditioner that provides effective cooling, minimal noise, and wireless control, the Whynter ARC-1230WN is an excellent choice for your RV adventures.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Serenelife SLPAC10
The Serenelife SLPAC10 is an economical portable air conditioner for smaller RVs. Its low power draw of 0.96 kWh and moderate noise level makes it ideal for energy-efficient and quieter cooling during RV adventures.
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 a portable air conditioner for your RV that consumes minimal power, the Serenelife SLPAC10 is a great option. Its low power draw of 0.96 kWh ensures you can run it longer without draining your RV’s energy supply. The cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU is sufficient for smaller RVs or enclosed spaces, providing comfortable temperatures without excessive energy use.
The SLPAC10’s cooling speed, at about 10 minutes per degree, allows for moderate climate control; if you need faster cooling, the Whynter ARC-1230WN offers a speedier and quieter operation, but it comes with a higher price tag and increased power draw.
With an operating noise of 59.0 decibels, the SLPAC10 is quiet enough for most RV settings. This noise level is comparable to a regular conversation, so it’s unlikely to cause significant disturbances.
The SLPAC10 is an efficient and economical portable air conditioner for RVs. Its low power consumption, moderate noise levels, and ease of use make it a solid choice for most RVs that need a portable air conditioner that’s both energy-efficient and easy to move, perfect for whatever RV adventure you take it on.
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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 powerful portable air conditioner with a high cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU and additional heating functionality. Its 59.5-decibel noise level is acceptable for larger RVs, and it offers versatile performance for varying climates.
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
- $828.74$971Save $142
Our Verdict
The Whynter ARC-14SH is a powerful portable air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU, making it ideal for larger RVs or spacious interiors. It cools quickly, with a speed of 7 minutes per degree, providing quick temperature adjustments for bigger RVs. The combination of high capacity and decent cooling speed makes it suitable for RV owners who need robust climate control during long trips.
With an energy efficiency ratio (EER) lower than some other models, the Whynter ARC-14SH’s power draw is relatively high, at 4.90 kWh. This is expected due to its high cooling capacity, but it’s something to consider if your RV has limited power resources. The operating noise is moderate, at 59.5 decibels, which is comparable to a typical conversation. While it’s not the quietest portable air conditioner, it’s acceptable for larger units and isn’t disruptive.
A key feature of the Whynter ARC-14SH is its versatility, thanks to its dual functionality as a heater. This unique aspect makes it useful year-round, especially in RVs that travel through different climates. If your RV ventures into both hot summers and cold winters, this unit can provide comfort in all seasons.
The Whynter ARC-14SH justifies its higher power draw with versatility and performance. The additional heating capability, combined with high cooling capacity, makes it a strong choice for RV owners seeking a portable air conditioner that can handle varying conditions. If you’re looking for a high-capacity portable air conditioner with dual-purpose use, the Whynter ARC-14SH is a great choice for your RV.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Portable Air Conditioners for RV?
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 air conditioner that excels at cooling your RV.
| 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 whie 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 for RVs: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring BTU Rating: Buying a portable air conditioner without considering its BTU rating can lead to inadequate cooling or inefficiency. It’s important to choose a unit with a BTU rating that matches your room size. An underrated unit won’t cool effectively, while an overrated one will cycle too often, wasting energy.
- 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.
- 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.
The Best Portable Air Conditioners for RVs Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
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Cooling Speed
|
Operating Volume
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Power Draw
|
Recommended Room Size
|
Air Flow Rate
|
BTU Cooling Rating
|
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 |
