Summer is hot and sticky, but that doesn’t mean your bedroom, home office, or den has to be. The solution to summer air and all its discomfort is the portable air conditioner, a small appliance that uses an ice-cold metal coil and a fan to convert hot and humid air into dry, cool, comfortable air.
Unlike window unit air conditioners, portable options roll easily from room to room and have a quick setup process that requires no labor-intensive mounting and very few additional tools. Most portable air conditioners just need a nearby window and wall outlet to get cold air flowing anywhere in your house. The benefit comes from this convenience. Instead of installing units in every room or running expensive centralized air, simply bring the a/c with you. Wherever you are in the house, the temperature stays low, just like your monthly energy bill.
We tested out units from different brands and at different price points, determining which ones are worthy of cooling down your own home—and these are the best portable air conditioners we recommend.
The Best Portable Air Conditioners
- Best Overall: LG LP1419IVSM Portable Air Conditioner
- Best Value: Black+Decker BPACT14WT Portable Air Conditioner
- Best Dual-Hose Air Conditioner: Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner
- Best for Fast Cooling: Midea Duo HE Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
- Best Integrated Heater: Della Portable Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
What to Consider
How They Work
Portable air conditioners take in air that’s hot, stale, and humid, and blow it over a cold metal coil. Inside the coil is refrigerant gas that’s a much lower temperature than the room’s air. The temperature of the air drops as it passes over the cold coil. This cold air enters the room and begins to mix with the hot air, lowering its temperature. Meanwhile, the appliance draws in moisture vapor suspended in the room’s air. There, it comes into contact with the cold coil surface. In most units, the vapor in the air condenses on the coil, drips off, and collects inside of a pan for easy dumping. Some models have a condensate pump connected to the drain pan that pumps the water outside or to a drain elsewhere in the building.
Coverage Area
A lot of numbers are attached to a portable air conditioner that describe its cooling capacity, so selecting the right size appliance to meet your needs is essential. Manufacturers give you an estimated room size that the appliance should cool in square feet, assuming average ceiling height. If the room is especially hot in the summer (it’s in an attic or has large, south-facing windows) move up to the next size appliance. Air conditioners’ cooling capacity is typically measured in British Thermal Units, or BTU, per hour. To gauge coverage, figure roughly 20 BTU per square foot of space.
Single-Hose vs. Dual-Hose
Some portable air conditioners have one hose, while others have two. One-hose appliances take in cooled room air and use it to chill the extremely hot condenser coil and then blow the heated air outside. Two-hose models are slightly more complex and may be more expensive, but they’re also more efficient, especially for cooling larger spaces. If you only have a small space to cool, a portable a/c with one hose may suit your needs just fine.
Heating Options
Portable air conditioners are in part so convenient because of their relatively compact size and easy storage options. As a result, many options also come with a built-in heating function. According to test editor Bradley Ford, “some portable air conditioners include a heat pump, much like larger mini-split systems. So, if you’re shopping for an AC unit because you have a space not currently cooled or heated, one of these models may warrant consideration. Similarly, you may have a room that your HVAC system doesn’t reach effectively. Rooms like this are typically either too cold, or hot, depending on the season. If this is the case, a unit with heating capabilities may be able to fill your HVAC gap.”
Hose Length
While not a make-or-break feature, hose length determines how far away from a window you can maneuver your portable air conditioner. If you set it up in a large room, or one where the nearest window is far from where most people gather, the hose length becomes more important. It also plays a key role in room setup as well. If the hose isn’t long enough to set the air conditioner in front of large furniture pieces, you may have to rearrange to room for the most effective cooling. Most hoses range anywhere from 50 inches fully extended up to around 90 inches. This should give you enough spaces to make adjustments and pull the air conditioner closer to the center of the room if needed.
How We Tested
In making our final selections for this piece, we tested out several portable air conditioner units. We placed each one at a time in a warm room, directed its discharge hose to the outside, and set the appliance’s temperature to 68 degrees and its fan speed to maximum. We aimed the appliance to discharge cold air at a target 8 feet away. Then we measured the temperature at four locations on the target using an infrared thermometer. We also checked the appliance’s outlet temperature (it should be consistent and a lot hotter than what the air conditioner is putting into the room). We ran the appliances on a hard surface that amplifies rattles and squeaks to measure its sound when rolling across a home.
Pros
Twin compressors for faster cooling- May be effective for cooling rooms beyond its rating
Cons
- May run loud on highest setting
LG’s portable air conditioner was the fastest cooling appliance that we tested. After we set the temperature and fan speed, it was blowing ice cold air before we could even return to our notes. That’s a big benefit due to the dual inverter compressor on this appliance.
The feature uses off-centered twin rotating compressor rings so compression is occurring in one of the rings when the other is not compressing refrigerant. The result is a more mechanically and electrically efficient compressor, and one that comes up to operating temperature approximately twice as fast as comparable compressors.
The automatic movement of the discharge louvers ensured even temperature distribution directed toward the target. Given those features and the appliance’s high BTU number, this LG portable unit is well suited for large apartments or office areas that might need extra cooling capacity due to digital equipment. We believe this appliance would more capably cool up to its rated capacity than many other air conditioners of similar rating.
In terms of maintenance, the LP1419IVSM is very good. Two grills cover its twin air filters, and neither requires tools for removal. The top grill is particularly well designed with an easy lift-off feature. And the appliance was among the sleekest tested. Its cabinet has few seams, and its glossy exterior is easy to keep clean. A simple wipe with a moist soft cloth is all it takes to get the LG free of finger prints and dust.
More: Best Ductless Air Conditioners
Key Specs
| Coverage | 500 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Electrical/BTU | 12 amps, 14,000 BTU |
| Hose Length | Not listed |
| Modes | Cool, fan only, dehumidify |
Pros
- Quiet air production
- Comes with a dehumidification setting
- Multiple fan speeds
Cons
- No heater setting
We were pleasantly surprised by the quietness and value offered by this small a/c from Black+Decker. It begins producing cold air very quickly, though not quite at the volume of many other air conditioners we tested. That said, it still reduced the temperature of its target at a rapid rate.
For your money, you get multiple fan speeds, dedicated dehumidification, timed setting, and a sleep setting. Note that there is no heater setting on this appliance. It’s meant to cool and dehumidify exclusively. For most people, this three-season versatility is enough with its compact size, making it a prime candidate for closet or attic storage throughout the winter.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 700 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Electrical/BTU | 15 amps, 14,000 BTU |
| Hose Length | Not listed |
| Modes | Cool, fan only, dehumidify |
Black+Decker’s little air conditioner also provides for dedicated dehumidification. Press the control panel button until the blue LED is illuminated next to the water drop icon, and “dh” appears on the screen. You can use this in exceptionally humid conditions or if you need to help keep a basem*nt, for example, more comfortable simply by removing the humidity in its air.
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3
Best Dual-Hose Air Conditioner
Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner
Now 17% Off
Pros
- High volume dehumidifying
- Reduces condensation through dual-hose design
Cons
- Very heavy
This Whynter’s amperage and BTU capacity position it firmly in the heavy-duty cooling category. It’s also firmly in the heavy category, weighing over 70 pounds. The same applies to its dehumidifying power, with the unit capturing up to 71 pints of moisture per day.
The portable air conditioner has a dual-hose design (intake and exhaust), which should reduce the amount of condensate that the a/c collects, since it’s supposed to be removed in the exhaust air stream.
A similar model (ARC-14SH) also operates in heat pump/heater mode. For a slightly smaller model, check out the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS below.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 500 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Electrical/BTU: | 10.8 amps, 14,000 BTU |
| Hose Length | Not listed |
| Modes | Cool, fan only, dehumidify |
Pros
- Oscillating vent
- Has an auto setting
Cons
- Has a short hose cord
When the air conditioner broke down in the computer server room at our office building, we wheeled this Midea in there to get the temperature back under control. It did and in a hurry, too. It’s among the fastest portable air conditioners we’ve recently tested.
Once you set it to cool, literally seconds later it’s blowing cold air. Its auto setting cycles the appliance from cooling to heating to fan, depending on what temperature it senses in its operating area and the temperature to which you have it set.
This model from Midea isn’t just for warm weather either. The company also offers a version with an integrated heater for year-round use.
Like with larger and reasonably sophisticated appliances, you can fix this Midea’s outlet in position or have it oscillate back and forth automatically. You can also adjust its swing. For example, select the outlet’s degree of travel for more horizontal and less vertical distribution of its cold air–or vice versa.
We liked almost everything about the MAP14HS1TBL, but we found its hose to be rather short. Although we’re sure it works in almost all situations, you may have to re-arrange furniture to ensure that you have the Midea optimally located and pointed in the direction it needs. Providing it with a slightly longer hose could help reduce the need for shuffling furniture around to accommodate the air conditioner.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 550 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Electrical/ BTU | 11.9 amps, 14,000 BTU |
| Hose Length | 4 ft 11 in |
| Modes | Cool, fan only, dry |
The Midea’s outlet slowly oscillates back and forth. You can also control the degree of its movement or even stop its oscillation at any angle to suit you.
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Pros
- Smart app enabled
- Heats and cools
Cons
- Some users has issues connecting it to Wi-Fi
Keep this portable air conditioner out and about all year long. This unit from Della offers more than just cooling power. The air conditioner also comes with an integrated heat pump that blasts warm air throughout the winter months for all-season utility.
Alongside the dual heating and cooling functionality, the portable unit offers a dehumidifying feature as well. While not quite as powerful as other dehumidifiers on our list, it still removes up to 68 pints of moisture every day.
The air conditioner offers tons of easy smart integration as well with a Della app for controlling the unit from your phone. It also connects to virtual assistants like Alexa or Google home and comes with a geofencing feature that activates the air conditioning when your home is within range of home.
While we haven’t tested this product out ourselves, we believe both the verified customer reviews and hard specs provide an accurate picture of its quality.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 650 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Electrical/BTU | Not listed, 14,000 BTUs |
| Hose Length | 3.92 ft |
| Modes | Cool, fan only, dehumidify, heat |
Pros
- Very quiet on low setting
- 24-hour timer for nighttime use
Cons
- Minimum temperature is slightly higher than other units
Sleek styling, high efficiency, and convenient features all meet in Delonghi’s PACEM360, rated for cooling and dehumidifying rooms up to 400 square feet. Given the respectable performance we’ve seen from DeLonghi appliances in other tests, we’re inclined to think that its rated cooling capacity is accurate.
We like the handy placement of its remote—on top and easily visible. The appliance’s 24-hour timer can help you manage your cooling load, and the low setting is especially designed for nighttime comfort and to help you get a good sleep.
If the 400-square-foot rating isn’t big enough for you, the company offers a larger option that can cool up to 500.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 400 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Electrical/BTU | 8 amps, 11,000 BTU |
| Hose Length | Not listed |
| Modes | Cool, fan only, dehumidify |
7
Best for Small Rooms
Midea MAP05R1WWT Portable Air Conditioner
Now 45% Off
Pros
- Remote control senses temperature
- Compact
Cons
- Not Energy Star-rated
If you just need to cool a small space, there’s no sense in getting a larger air conditioner than you need. Save space, money, and energy with this appropriately-sized a/c from Midea.
The remote control senses the temperature and allows you to adjust the cooling. So, if the room is incredibly warm, the remote gives you an exact temperature and you can blast the air conditioner until it reaches that point. Once the room hits the desired temperature, you can swap the unit to fan mode, which circulates air without cooling it further. The unit also comes with a dehumidifying setting for reducing moisture in the air.
It’s not an Energy Star-rated appliance and instead uses next-generation R32 refrigerant, with a perfectly respectable efficiency (CEER) of 10.9, and a modest current draw of 7.3 amps while cooling.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 150 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Electrical/BTU | 7.3 amps, 5,000 BTU |
| Hose Length | Not listed |
| Modes | Cool, fan only, dehumidify |
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8
Most Versatile
Whytner ARC-122DS Portable Air Conditioner
Pros
- Filters and purifies the air as it cools
- Removes up to 82 pints of moisture a day
Cons
- Cools down rooms slightly slower than some other options on this list
This portable air condition features a dual-hose design. One pulls in outdoor air and then filters, cools, and dehumidifies it before blowing it into the room. The other hose takes warm air and ejects it to the outdoors.
The design prevents the appliance from significantly lowering the air pressure in the cooled space, which can pull in warm, humid air from the outside or building cavities such as the attic. We also like that it creates very little condensate, so you won’t have to empty its collection tank as often.
Alongside cooling the air, this unit also cleans and purifies the air, running it through a washable pre-filter and an activated charcoal filter.
Key Specs
| Coverage | 400 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Electrical/BTU | 9 amps, 12,000 BTU |
| Hose Length | 60 in. |
| Modes | Cool, fan only, dehumidify |
Tom Price
Associate Reviews Editor
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
Roy Berendsohn
Senior Home Editor
Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.
Expert consulted:Bradley Ford
Test Editor
Brad Ford has spent most of his life using tools to fix, build, or make things. Growing up he worked on a farm, where he learned to weld, repair, and paint equipment. From the farm he went to work at a classic car dealer, repairing and servicing Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and Jaguars. Today, when he's not testing tools or writing for Popular Mechanics, he's busy keeping up with the projects at his old farmhouse in eastern Pennsylvania.
