A portable air conditioner is a must-have during the summer, offering a simple way to stay cool without the need for permanent installation. Whether you’re in a rental, an office, or an RV, these units are designed to fit a variety of spaces and needs.
With so many options available, it can be tough to choose the right one. We’ve narrowed down the best portable air conditioners based on performance, value, and features, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit for your home or workspace.
Here's the quick view of our Best Portable Air Conditioners:
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Best Overall: Della 14,000 BTU with Heat Pump
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Best Portable AC 8000 to 14000 BTU: Della 10,000 BTU with Heat Pump
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Best Portable AC Over 14000 BTU: Whynter ARC-14S
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Best Budget: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT
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Quietest Portable AC: Honeywell MN10CES
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Best Energy Efficient: Midea MAP08R1CWT
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Best Smart: Della 8000 BTU with Heat Pump
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Best for Large Rooms: LG LP1419IVSM
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Best for Small Rooms: Honeywell HL09CESWK
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Best for Humid Environments: De'Longhi PACAN260GN
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Also Great: Black + Decker BPACT14WT
Best Overall: Della 14,000 BTU Portable AC with Heat Pump (650 sq ft)
For those seeking a reliable and versatile solution, the Della 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a top choice. It offers robust cooling for spaces up to 650 sq ft, making it perfect for larger rooms and open areas. Beyond cooling, this model includes a heat pump, providing heating functionality during colder months. Designed for ease of use with a digital display and remote control, it combines practicality and modern style. While on the heavier side, it is built to last and performs efficiently over time.
Pros:
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Dual functionality (cooling and heating) for year-round use
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Suitable for larger rooms or open-plan spaces
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Remote control for flexible operation from anywhere in the room
Cons:
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At 70 lbs, it’s not as portable as lighter models
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Relatively loud on higher settings, with noise levels up to 55 dB
- May require more frequent maintenance due to its powerful cooling system
Best Portable Air Conditioner 8000 BTU to 14000 BTU: Della 10,000 BTU with Heat Pump (450 sq ft)
The Della portable AC 10000 BTU strikes a solid balance between efficiency and functionality, perfect for spaces up to 450 sq ft. Equipped with a heat pump, this unit provides both cooling and heating, making it a versatile choice for year-round comfort. It also features Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to control the unit remotely from your smartphone, adding a layer of convenience for modern homes. Its sleek, compact design fits seamlessly into a variety of rooms, offering powerful performance in a manageable size.
Pros:
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Dual cooling and heating for year-round use
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Wi-Fi control for convenience
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Compact and space-efficient design
Cons:
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Not ideal for larger spaces
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Can be noisy at higher fan speeds (52 dB)
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Requires regular maintenance, including filter cleaning
Best Portable Air Conditioner Over 14000 BTU: Whynter ARC-14S (14,000 BTU, 500 sq ft)
The Whynter ARC-14S is perfect for larger rooms, offering robust cooling with its 14,000 BTU capacity, ideal for spaces up to 500 sq ft. It also features a dual-hose system, which improves efficiency by drawing in air from outside for faster cooling. Along with cooling, it has a dehumidifier function, helping reduce humidity in the air. Its eco-friendly refrigerant and sleek design make it a smart and environmentally conscious choice for those looking to cool down larger areas.
Pros:
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Dual-hose system enhances cooling efficiency
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Dehumidifier function helps control moisture in the air
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Eco-friendly refrigerant (CFC-free)
Cons:
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Heavier than other models, making it less portable (80 lbs)
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Can be loud on higher settings (up to 56 dB)
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Requires more space for setup due to dual-hose design
Best Budget Portable Air Conditioner: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT (8,000 BTU, 150 sq ft)
The BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT offers a budget-friendly option for cooling small spaces, perfect for rooms up to 150 sq ft. Despite its compact size, it still provides solid 8,000 BTU cooling power. It’s an ideal choice for bedrooms or small apartments where you don’t need high-powered cooling but still want reliable performance. The unit is easy to set up and comes with a washable filter for convenience and maintenance.
Pros:
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Affordable price for smaller spaces
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Simple setup with a washable filter for easy maintenance
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Compact and portable design
Cons:
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Limited to small spaces (150 sq ft), not effective for larger rooms
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No heating function, for cooling use only
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Can be noisy, especially at higher fan speeds (around 54 dB)
Quietest Portable Air Conditioner: Honeywell MN10CES (10,000 BTU, 400 sq ft)
The Honeywell MN10CES combines quiet operation and efficient cooling for spaces up to 400 sq ft. Its "Silent Cooling" technology keeps noise levels at just 50 dB, making it ideal for bedrooms and offices. With 10,000 BTU capacity, this unit delivers reliable performance without disrupting your environment.
Pros:
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Compact and portable design for easy placement
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Energy-efficient cooling with adjustable settings
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Reliable brand with good customer support
Cons:
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Lacks advanced smart features like app connectivity
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No heating option for winter use
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Short exhaust hose may limit installation flexibility
Best Energy Efficient Portable Air Conditioner: Midea MAP08R1CWT (8,000 BTU, 200 sq ft)
The Midea MAP08R1CWT delivers energy-efficient cooling for spaces up to 200 sq ft. With an Energy Star certification and an 8,000 BTU capacity, it’s perfect for apartments, bedrooms, or small offices. Its compact design and straightforward controls make it a practical choice for those seeking effective cooling with minimal power usage.
Pros:
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Lightweight and easy to move between rooms
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Quiet operation on low fan settings
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Affordable price for its energy efficiency
Cons:
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Limited airflow range due to compact size
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Short power cord may restrict placement options
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Filter maintenance can be slightly cumbersome
Best Smart Portable Air Conditioner: Della 8000 BTU with Heat Pump (350 sq ft)
The Della 8,000 btu portable air conditioner with Heat Pump combines smart technology with reliable performance. It’s perfect for cooling spaces up to 350 sq ft, and with the added heat pump function, it can provide warmth during colder months. What sets this model apart is its Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to control the unit remotely via your smartphone. Whether you’re adjusting the temperature from the couch or programming it before you arrive home, this portable AC offers modern convenience alongside great cooling efficiency.
Pros:
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Lightweight at 53.9 lbs, making it easy to move
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Quiet operation on low settings, with noise levels starting around 50 dB
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Affordable upfront cost compared to similar energy-efficient models
Cons:
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Can reach 53 dB noise level on higher fan speeds
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Power cord is 6 ft long, limiting placement flexibility
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Requires regular cleaning of the reusable filter to maintain performance
Best Portable Air Conditioner for Large Rooms: LG LP1419IVSM (14,000 BTU, Cools up to 500 sq ft)
The LG LP1419IVSM is a powerful solution for cooling large rooms up to 500 sq ft. With a 14,000 BTU capacity and a dual-inverter compressor, it delivers efficient cooling while keeping noise levels as low as 44 dB on its quietest setting. SmartThinQ technology allows smartphone control for added convenience, making it an excellent choice for spacious living areas or offices.
Pros:
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Quiet operation (44–53 dB)
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Energy-efficient dual-inverter compressor
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Convenient smartphone control via SmartThinQ
Cons:
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Heavy at 80 lbs, reducing portability
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App setup can be tricky for some users
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Needs regular filter cleaning and water drainage
Best for Small Rooms: Honeywell HL09CESWK (9,000 BTU, 400 sq ft)
The Honeywell HL09CESWK is a reliable option for cooling small to medium-sized rooms up to 400 sq ft. Its 9,000 BTU capacity and dehumidifier function ensure a comfortable environment, while the sleek design and lightweight build make it easy to move and set up in any room.
Pros:
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Compact and lightweight at 63 lbs for easy portability
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Built-in dehumidifier improves air quality (removes up to 60 pints/day)
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Sleek design with intuitive digital controls
Cons:
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Noise levels can reach 53 dB at higher fan speeds
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Not suitable for larger or open-plan spaces
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No heating function, limiting use to warm seasons
Best Portable Air Conditioner for Humid Environments: De'Longhi PACAN260GN (12,000 BTU, Cools up to 450 sq ft)
The De'Longhi PACAN260GN is a versatile option for cooling and dehumidifying spaces up to 450 sq ft. With 12,000 BTU capacity and an advanced dehumidification feature, it’s perfect for humid areas like basements or living rooms. Its energy-efficient operation and eco-friendly refrigerant make it a reliable choice for tackling both heat and moisture.
Pros:
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Strong dehumidification capability (up to 80 pints/day)
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Sleek design with a 6 ft power cord for flexible placement
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Eco-friendly refrigerant for reduced environmental impact
Cons:
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Heavy at 75 lbs, reducing portability
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Dehumidifier function needs frequent water drainage in high-humidity settings
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No heating option, limiting use to warm seasons
Also Great: Black + Decker BPACT14WT (14,000 BTU, Cools up to 350 sq ft)
The Black + Decker BPACT14WT is a solid option for those who need reliable cooling in small to medium-sized rooms. With a 14,000 BTU cooling capacity, it effectively cools spaces up to 350 sq ft. It’s designed with an easy-to-use remote control, and the self-evaporative system minimizes the need for water drainage. Whether it’s a bedroom, living room, or office, this unit is a great choice for keeping things comfortable without taking up too much space.
Pros:
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Efficient cooling for small to medium-sized rooms
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Self-evaporating feature minimizes maintenance
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Lightweight and portable for easy room-to-room use
Cons:
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Limited cooling capacity for larger or open spaces
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No heat function for year-round use
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Can be loud at higher fan speeds (around 55 dB)
How to Choose the Best Portable Air Conditioner?
Selecting the right portable air conditioner can make a big difference in your comfort and energy bills. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice:
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The cooling capacity of a portable air conditioner is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the BTU, the more powerful the unit. For small rooms (150–350 sq ft), 8,000 to 10,000 BTU is sufficient. For larger spaces (350–500 sq ft), look for units with 12,000 to 14,000 BTUs.
Room Size
Match the unit's cooling capacity to the size of the room. If the air conditioner is underpowered for the space, it will struggle to cool effectively. Similarly, an oversized unit will waste energy by cooling the room too quickly, without sufficient humidity removal.
Energy Efficiency
Look for Energy Star-rated models to save on electricity. Energy-efficient units consume less power while maintaining effective cooling, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
Noise Level
Some portable air conditioners can be noisy, especially on higher fan settings. If you plan to use the unit in a bedroom or quiet space, check the decibel level (dB). Look for units that operate below 55 dB for quieter performance.
Additional Features
Many portable air conditioners come with extra features like dehumidifiers, heat pumps, and Wi-Fi controls. If you want year-round comfort, a model with both cooling and heating functions is ideal. Wi-Fi-enabled units offer convenience for remote control via smartphones.
Portability
Consider the weight and mobility of the unit. Most portable air conditioners come with casters for easy movement, but heavier models can be cumbersome. If you need to move the unit between rooms, look for a lighter, more compact design.
Conclusion
Portable air conditioners are a versatile way to keep any space comfortable, from cozy bedrooms to spacious living areas. With options for quiet performance, energy efficiency, and smart features, there’s a model to suit every need.
Della’s portable air conditioners, ranging from 8,000 BTU to 14,000 BTU, are perfect for bedrooms, offices, and large living spaces. Stay cool with Della’s room air conditioner!
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