Portable air conditioners are more versatile and easier to install than their window counterparts—and offer more power than tower fans. To determine the very best portable air conditioners available, I tried out seven top-rated models, challenging each unit to keep my Florida home comfortable in the face of heat and humidity. After rigorous testing, I found the Whynter ARC-1230WN to be the most impressive portable AC overall. My top value pick is the SereneLife’s SLPAC10, an under-$300 model with a slim design that’s ideal for small spaces.
The best portable air conditioners are quiet, easy to install and make your home more comfortable.
Below, here are all the winning portable ACs from my testing process:
While most portable air conditioners share a similar design—a hose that vents through a window, caster wheels for maneuverability and multiple modes of operation, including a fan and dehumidifier—a few models stand out in terms of cooling power, noise output, energy consumption and more. Whether you’re in the market for a budget-friendly find or a whisper-quiet model, I’ve got you covered. (Looking for a window option? We’ve got a roundup of the best window air conditioners, too.)
The Whynter ARC-1230WN Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is a powerful model that has the capability to chill rooms up to 600 square feet. During testing, the unit—which can also work as a fan or dehumidifier—stunned me with its cooling prowess, lowering the temperature of my 400-square-foot living space from 76 degrees to 69 degrees in just two hours. For its efficiency and easy set-up, this Whynter model is the unit I’d enthusiastically recommend to most people seeking a portable AC. (If you have a smaller space, this unit also comes in a less powerful version that can handle up to 500 square feet.)
The Whynter ARC-1230WN installed in my Florida home.
One of the most smartly crafted units out there, the Whynter ARC-1230WN features what’s known as a hose-in-hose design, where the AC’s intake hose (which draws air from outside) and exhaust hose (which expels the warm air from inside) run side by side within a larger hose. This streamlined construction is typically more efficient than single-hose versions, without being as much of an eyesore. Its intuitive design includes a top panel with buttons to control all of the unit’s major functions, including mode, fan speed and a 24-hour timer that allows you to run the air conditioner for a specified amount of time. When you start up the air conditioner, another panel opens to reveal a fan with swinging louvers, which distribute the cold air far and wide.
The ARC-1230WN isn’t the quietest model I tested, but I found its operating noise to be unobtrusive. Even running full blast, it only registers about 54 decibels (and 41 decibels on low), which is about the same as a microwave. The machine’s quiet operation can be attributed to its inverter compressor, which adjusts the unit’s operating speed as needed, resulting in less noise and more energy efficiency. “When switched on, [the compressor] may run close to max for a period of time then ramp down once a space is at temperature,” says Steven Stewart of Southern Comfort Mechanical. “The lower speed will be much quieter and consume less energy.”
While you can control the unit using the included remote, the Whynter ARC-1230WN also has a companion app that allows you to run the appliance from your smartphone. The app isn’t the most sophisticated, but it has no notable flaws and includes all the expected functions, plus an option to set schedules. Once the unit is connected to Wi-Fi, you can also pair it to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. If you’re seriously considering this model but still on the fence, check out my full review of the Whynter ARC-1230WN.
Long-term testing notes: Forbes Vetted senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold has continued to use this model during the summer months to assess how it stands up to regular use, and she’s been thoroughly impressed. She’s ran it every day for months at a time, and she reports the AC has successfully been able to keep her one-bedroom, garden-level apartment in Brooklyn cool and comfortable during the dog days of summer. She’s also noticed no decline in performance. Her only gripe is that she wishes it were a little less bulky; it weighs a whopping 77 pounds, which makes it difficult to move between her apartment and her downstairs storage unit.
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While the Serene Life SLPAC10 may not be the most advanced portable AC out there, this affordable model isn’t to be underestimated. After running on the highest setting for 90 minutes, the compact AC lowered the temperature from 76 to 73 degrees and held it there. Though this cooling performance isn’t as impressive as the better-equipped Whynter ARC-1230WN, the SLPAC10 is a proficient, budget-friendly unit that’s a great fit for smaller living spaces or bedrooms.
The Serene Life SLPAC10 is notably compact for a portable AC unit.
In addition to being the most affordable unit in my testing, the Serene Life SLPAC10 was also the fastest and easiest to get up and running—I had it ready to go in about 10 minutes. Supplementing its overall usability, the device isn’t annoying to reposition and store, owing to its four caster wheels and notably light weight of 55 pounds. That compact design isn’t for nothing: HVAC expert Stewart encourages buyers who put in and take out their units seasonally to prioritize lightweight models. The unit also comes with a remote that works well from up to 30 feet away and has features for a 24-hour timer and sleep mode.
As its smaller size indicates, the SLPAC10 isn’t the most efficient model on the market. To ward off the heat from the Florida sun, the unit ran frequently throughout the 24-hour testing period. It was quiet enough, but the unit drew a considerable amount of energy over the course of a day (8 kWh, whereas the most energy-efficient units drew around 3 to 4 kWh). The high usage could be attributed to the fact that I ran this small portable air conditioner in a 400-square-foot space, which is the absolute largest area it can cover. If you’re drawn to the Serene Life’s features but want something that can chill larger spaces, consider one of its more powerful versions (it comes in two sizes that can accommodate up to 550 and 700 square feet, respectively). For more details, here’s my full review of the Serene Life SLPAC10.
Like most electronic devices, portable air conditioners give off at least a little ambient noise as they operate. Some are quieter than others, though—and none so much as the Midea Duo. While running on high, the noise level from this portable AC hovered below 50 decibels, and when turned to low, the noise dropped to about 41 decibels. To give some idea of how little noise the unit gives off, the Midea Duo is about as quiet as your refrigerator or dishwasher.
The Midea Duo also features a hose-in-hose design.
Like the top-ranking Whynter ARC-1230WN, the Midea Duo features a hose-in-hose design that makes for more efficient air intake and exhaust. Not only did the unit lower the temperature in my living space by 5 degrees in two hours, but over the day-long testing period, it used less electricity than any other model. Another area where the model stood out: its ability to combat humidity. At the 24-hour mark, the unit’s condensation tank had collected three-quarters of a cup of water—not enough to trigger an alert from the appliance, but more liquid than any other machine collected.
Like all portable ACs—or any appliance, for that matter—the Midea Duo carries a few drawbacks. For one, the companion app offers the essential functions but was a little clunky to use. (For example, some of its terminology is confusing, like using the word “scenes” for setting up daily routines.) Another small gripe: When the unit arrived, the innovative roller-style oscillating fan was crooked and had to be popped back into place. Lastly, this portable AC is on the expensive end of the spectrum, though not without reason. Not only can the Midea Duo cool and dehumidify up to 550 square feet, it also doubles as a space heater, providing some justification for its higher price tag.
For those who want a unit that gives you full control over when it operates and for how long, a smart model is a great choice. Of the four smart units that I tested, the LG LP1419IVSM 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner proved to be the most intelligent, thanks to its robust LG ThinQ app and compatibility with smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It also offered capable cooling performance, bringing down the temperature in my living room from 77 to 71 degrees in two hours.
The LG LP1419IVSM has an intuitive control panel though the best way to operate this unit is through … [+]
If you own other smart LG appliances, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with the ThinQ app, which serves as a central hub for controlling all of the brand’s smart devices. While the app’s all-encompassing nature involves a fair amount of menus to navigate, the platform is well-designed and user-friendly overall. To control the portable AC, you can pick from pre-set smart routines for conditions like “on a humid day” or “to save energy” or create your own automations. (During testing, this unit used more energy than any other model, so it’s probably worthwhile to use the energy-saving setting to conserve electricity.)
Though the LG LP1419IVSM stands out for its smart features, other aspects of its form and function contribute to its high marks. For one, the push-button controls and digital display are intuitive, as is the sleep function, which optimizes energy usage while you’re resting and lowers the sound output to 44 decibels. Another nice perk: When it’s time to put the unit away for the season, the unit’s exhaust hose and window panels pack away neatly in the sleek white housing’s built-in storage.
For those seeking a mighty unit that can tackle extra large spaces, the Frigidaire FHPW142AC1 is your best bet. With a coverage area of up to 700 square feet, the unit’s 10,000 BTU (DOE) of cooling power chilled my home faster than any other model I tested. In just 15 minutes, my 400-square-foot space was 3 degrees lower; after 45 minutes, it was a full 5 degrees colder.
The unit’s cooling power may be its most attractive feature, but it’s not its only one. With the digital control pad or remote control, you can take advantage of features like the programmable timer and sleep mode, which gradually raises the target temperature over the span of a few hours. Among the model’s unique bells and whistles is its clean air ionizer, which traps airborne particles in its washable filter. And though the AC isn’t as quiet as the Midea Duo, it doesn’t whine or hum like some other models, though you might notice some noise as the compressor cycles on and off. (While LG says the unit can operate at as low as 49 decibels, in testing, its noise output on low registered 53 dB.)
Thanks to its impressive cooling prowess, the Frigidaire FHPW142AC1 is best for large spaces.
My only wish is that the unit included built-in storage for the hose and window inserts, especially since it’s not an all-season model with a heater function (meaning you have to store it away during the cooler months). Otherwise, I found no major flaws in design or functionality. Thanks to its built-in handles and four gliding caster wheels, the unit is a cinch to reposition. Equipped with Wi-Fi, the device can be controlled using the Frigidaire app or Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Other Portable Air Conditioners I Tested
Along with the five winning portable ACs, I also tested two other models that didn’t quite have the attributes or performance to land in the rankings.
Whynter ARC-122DS Elite: In testing, this model wasn’t as efficient at cooling the room as the Whynter ARC-1230WN, my top pick overall. Furthermore, when compared to other contenders, I found the unit’s display to be basic and dated, and the portable AC took the longest to install.
Black+Decker 14,000 BTU: While this model did an adequate job cooling the room, its performance wasn’t enough to outweigh the sheer amount of noise the unit emitted or how much the buttons lagged. Although this unit packs a lot of BTUs into a compact package and can double as a space heater, you have better options, especially at this price point.
How I Tested The Best Portable Air Conditioners
For consistency and accuracy, I took a methodical approach to testing each of the seven portable air conditioner models mentioned in this story. Here, I outline each of the steps:
- Selection process: First, I identified the most popular models on the market, factoring in customer reviews and in-depth market research. I then narrowed the list down to the seven most promising contenders.
- Indoor conditions: I tasked the different models with cooling my 400 square feet of living space during hot, humid Florida weather (outdoor temperatures were above 80 degrees with plenty of sun each day). I started each testing period with a baseline temperature of 76 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and at least 50% humidity.
- Measuring results: I plugged each air conditioner into an outlet outfitted with a kilowatt usage monitor. I set up two thermostats in different locations in the room and took a baseline reading of the temperature and humidity levels.
- Process and timeframe: I turned each unit on and set it to cool at its highest fan speed. Every 15 minutes over a two-hour period, I recorded the temperature and humidity levels at both thermostats. After 120 minutes had passed, I continued to operate each portable air conditioner for another 22 hours.
The five winning portable air conditioners.
During the testing window, I evaluated each portable AC based on the following factors: ease of setup and assembly, cooling power, noise output, energy consumption, convenience factors (e.g., programs, remote control and smart features), maneuverability, drain tank capacity and ease of emptying. Here’s how I tested and measured the results for the following criteria:
- Noise output: I used a decibel meter at a distance of 2 feet from the unit on the highest and lowest fan speed settings. I paid attention to unusual noises like whining, humming or rattling.
- Remote control usage: I used the associated remote for each unit from three different distances (12, 20 and 30 feet), noting how well the remote worked at each distance.
- Smart features: I connected each smart air conditioner to my home Wi-Fi network, downloaded the app and tried out the available features to determine how reliably the apps functioned.
- Energy consumption: I used the kilowatt meter to test each unit’s energy consumption after each 24-hour test period. I also opened the drain cap for each unit to measure how much (if any) condensate was collected.
How To Pick A Portable Air Conditioner
To keep your room cool and your energy bills in check, it’s important to find the right portable air conditioner for your space. Start your search by measuring the space you plan to cool, deciding which functions and features are most desirable for your situation and determining how much you’re willing to spend. Once you have those details in mind, here’s what to consider when shopping for the best portable air conditioners.
Size
“The most important things to consider in your choice are the room size you need to cool and the location of ventilation and drainage,” says Chris Forbus, owner of Choice Air Care, a Texas-based air conditioning and heating services company. Check the BTU (British Thermal Units) output of any portable air conditioner you’re considering, as this measurement tells you how much space the unit can efficiently cool. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should look for a portable air conditioner with 20 BTU of cooling power per square foot.
Don’t want to do the math? Wiseman provides this general guidance on what size portable air conditioner you need, based on square footage:
- 150 to 300 square feet: 7,000 to 10,000 BTU
- 300 to 700 square feet: 11,000 to 14,000 BTU
- 700 square feet or more: 14,000 BTU
Keep in mind, however, that many factors can determine how effective a portable air conditioner is on a hot summer day. As Forbus mentions, you also need to ensure that you have window access for the vent hose and a way to empty the condensation drain pan when it becomes full. And Stewart points out that performance varies based on sun exposure, humidity levels and the ceiling height of a room, which determines the air volume of the space. “The outdoor temperature is the main driver in the ability to cool.” In other words, how hard the portable air conditioner works and how effective it is depends on just how hot and humid the weather is outside.
Cooling Power
The cooling power of a portable air conditioner is expressed in BTUs. There are two independent standards used to measure BTUs: the older ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standard and the newer DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) standard. Most manufacturers provide the BTU rating according to both, and the DOE standard is always the lower rating. The higher the BTUs, the higher the cooling power and the more space the unit is able to cover.
If you’re wondering which number merits your attention, Jake Reed Smith, a graduate researcher in mechanical engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, explains the difference this way: “Even though engineers prefer the more precise ASHRAE standard, the DOE standard is best for consumers making decisions.” That’s because the DOE standard factors in some assumptions about stray heat and air transferring into your house through leaky windows or vents. “This makes it a bit less precise for any engineering HVAC calculations, but much more accurate in practice,” Reed Smith adds. So when in doubt, use the DOE standard to guide your decision on which portable air conditioner to purchase.
Noise Output
There’s no getting around the fact that a portable air conditioner will contribute ambient noise to your living space. Most manufacturers provide a decibel rating so that you have an idea of how quiet (or loud) you can expect the air conditioner to be. On average, portable conditioners produce between 50 and 60 decibels of noise during operation but some of the quieter models, like the Midea Duo, keep noise levels well below 50 decibels.
Energy Efficiency
Portable air conditioners use a significant amount of energy, especially in high heat conditions or large living spaces. “Energy-efficiency is by far the most important feature in a portable air conditioner,” says Reed Smith. “Unlike most home appliances, portable AC’s can be very inefficient, so most of your cost as a user will be in electric bills, not the up-front purchase.” By choosing a more efficient air conditioner, you can spend less to stay cool.
To anticipate the annual energy cost of a portable air conditioner, look for the unit’s EnergyGuide label, which is typically on the packaging. The label provides an estimate of annual kilowatt usage for the model and compares it to similar portable air conditioners so you can quickly identify if it’s more or less efficient. (If you can’t find the information on the physical box, you can often find the label at the manufacturer’s website.)
Smart Functions
Portable air conditioners don’t need smart functions to work well, but these features can help optimize the frequency and duration of the unit’s operation. Using a smartphone app, you can set up schedules, turn the air conditioner on and off remotely or change the unit from cooling to fan or dehumidifier modes. Some units can also integrate with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, so you can use voice commands to turn them on and off or adjust the settings. Keep in mind that you need a home Wi-Fi connection and a smartphone or tablet to take advantage of any available smart features.
My Expertise
I’m an experienced writer and product tester whose work has appeared in The Spruce, MyDomaine and U.S. News and World Report. I frequently cover topics related to air care, including air conditioners, air purifiers and tower fans. (Check out my Forbes Vetted author page for more in-depth home coverage.)
- As a Florida resident, I have firsthand experience with using window air conditioners, portable air conditioners and whole-home HVAC systems to combat hot, sticky weather.
- I consulted several professionals to provide insight on selecting and using a portable air conditioner: Chris Forbus, owner of Choice Air Care, a Texas-based air conditioning and heating services company; Jake Reed Smith, a graduate researcher in mechanical engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University; Steven Stewart, the owner of Dallas-based HVAC business Southern Comfort Mechanical; and Glenn Wiseman, RASDT, RHDT, sales manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services.
- The Forbes Vetted editorial team frequently reviews this story to ensure it remains accurate and that the recommended portable ACs are still the best in their categories. It was last in May 2024 by senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold, who also oversaw the testing process.
Are Portable ACs Worth Buying?
Like with any household appliance, the best portable air conditioner is ultimately the one that fits your needs, space and preferences. That being said, we believe the top air conditioners on our list are worth buying. They all have a few things in common like excellent cooling power, quiet operation, maneuverability and ease of use. Our top pick is the Whynter ARC-1230WN Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner because it hits the nail on the head for all of these features and then some, including an easy-to-use app and the ability to cool large spaces.
Is A Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner Better Than A Single-Hose Model?
A dual hose portable air conditioner is a better choice if you have an older home or sources of air leaks, like drafty windows or doors. “A single-hose model takes in ambient air from your cooled room, causing outdoor air to enter through leaky windows or fans,” says Reed Smith. This is because of negative pressure; essentially, by pulling in air from the room, a vacuum is created that pulls hot air in through any cracks or crevices. The single hose is only used to exhaust hot air from the unit to the outdoors. On the other hand, a dual hose portable air conditioner has a dedicated hose to supply the unit with air from outside.
What Is Better: A Window AC Or A Portable One?
If you’re hoping to purchase a unit that’s convenient and easy to use, portable air conditioners are the better option. However, window units do serve a purpose: They have a stronger output and are more efficient when it comes to removing heat from a room. Window units also tend to cost less than portable options, but they’re also limited to cooling one specific room; portable units, on the other hand, can be moved to any room throughout the home. There’s pros and cons to both, so be sure to weigh these before deciding which is best for your home.
