heating & energy

Best Portable Air Conditioner

Author Kim
Kim
15th August, 2021 | 18 minute read

Are you currently on the search for a portable air conditioner? If so, you've come to the right place! This article will go over everything you need to know about portable air conditioners, including the different types of portable air conditioners, how a portable air conditioner works, and what you should consider when buying a portable air conditioner.

White and grey portable air conditioner

Whether you're looking for a cheap portable air conditioner, the quietest portable air conditioner, or the most powerful portable air conditioner, we will cover it all. We will also provide you with a list of portable air conditioner reviews that include the advantages and disadvantages of each type. This will help you decide which air conditioner is best for you.

What Is a Portable Air Conditioner?

A portable air conditioner is a system that can be moved around to help cool down rooms. It is a self-contained system that typically sits on the floor and will come with an installation kit so that it can be set up quickly. Portable air conditioners are a great alternative to window units.

White portable air conditioner

Many portable air conditioners will also have wheels on the bottom to make it easier for you to move them from room to room.

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How Does a Portable Air Conditioner Work?

If you're new to portable air conditioners, you may be wondering how it works.

A portable air conditioner works by pulling the warm air from the room into the unit. The built-in motor within the machine then cools the air so that it can be circulated back into the room. The machine uses three components for this process; a refrigerant to cool the air, a compressor to compress the refrigerant, and a fan to move the air.

Types of Portable Air Conditioner

There are several different types of portable air conditioners. The list below highlights the main properties of each type, along with a pros and cons list of each to help you decide which air conditioner is right for you.

Single Hose Portable Air Conditioner

A single-hose air conditioner pulls warm air from the room, cools the air down, and then send heated air and moisture from the room through the hose and out of the house.

These types of air conditioners are designed to be temporary and portable. Single hose machines are not as powerful as dual hose machines and aren't as effective at cooling the room down.

Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

A dual-hose unit has a couple of intakes and one outtake hose. The intake hose is used for drawing warm air out of the room, which is then cooled down and sent back into the room. The machine can heat up during the process, and another intake hose pulls air from outside to cool the machine down.

The outtake hose sends warm air from inside to the outside of the home. The dual system doesn't have to work as hard as a single-hose system but needs to use more electricity and costs more.

Battery Powered Portable Air Conditioner

A battery-powered portable air conditioner tends to be a small device. Although these aren't as powerful as electric machines, they still provide effective cooling for small areas. They are usually lightweight machines that can easily be moved from place to place so you can take the machine with you and cool whichever room you are in.

These practical machines allow you to cool down small areas without relying on a mains power outlet for power.

Solar Powered Portable Air Conditioner

A solar-powered air conditioner is great as it allows you to cool down an area without needing to worry about finding power from an outlet or batteries. The only problem with these machines is that they rely on the sun for power, so it may not work as well if there hasn't been much sun around.

Portable Evaporative Air Cooler

Evaporative air coolers are great for areas with low humidity. They provide an alternative cooling method by passing outdoor air over water-saturated pads, causing the water to evaporate. The cooler air is then pushed out into the home, and the warm air is pushed out through the windows.

These machines use about a quarter of the energy as a regular air conditioner and cost around half as much to install. However, they require more maintenance and are only suitable for areas with low humidity.

Evaporative portable air conditioner

Best Portable Air Conditioner

Below is a list of the best portable air conditioners on the market today, along with a pros and cons list for each model:

Best Single Hose Portable Air Conditioner

Igenix 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner

Igenix 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner

This easy-to-use air conditioner features a handy remote control and a 24-hour timer for your convenience. The air conditioner can be vented through your wall or out of a window using the exhaust hose that is provided with the machine. It features three adjustable fan settings so you can find the ideal speed to suit your needs.

This particular model is perfect for cooling down rooms that are up to 20 metres squared in size. This 4-in-1 unit combines a cooling machine, heater, fan, and dehumidifier. This model also comes with the benefit of a two-year warranty.

Things we liked
  • Easy to use
  • Remote control
  • Timer settings
  • Various features
  • It can be used to heat, cool, and dehumidify
  • 2-year warranty
Things we didn't like
  • Very expensive
View Prices for this Product

Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

XYSQWZ Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

XYSQWZ Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

This powerful dual-hose air conditioning unit comes with three separate speed settings that allow you to find the perfect speed to suit your needs. It is a high-powered machine that can be used both indoors and outdoors. It provides cooling through evaporation and has a water tank capacity of 27 litres.

The powerful motor provides a very strong airflow allowing you to very effectively cool down the space that you are in. It features an ultra-low power setting that allows you to save on energy.

Things we liked
  • Powerful cooling
  • Large tank capacity
  • It can be used indoors or outdoors
  • Strong airflow
  • Low energy consumption
Things we didn't like
  • Evaporative cooling may not be suitable for everyone
View Prices for this Product

XYSQWZ Air Cooler

XYSQWZ Portable Air Cooler

This particular air conditioner is very powerful and comes with a range of additional features, including various timers and different fan speed settings. The wheels at the bottom of the machine make it easy to move from room to room as needed. It features a large water tank that is 8 litres in capacity – this is enough to cool all night.

You'll never need to worry about getting up to change the water. This air conditioner is easy to use and can provide you with all of the cooling you need for your home.

Things we liked
  • Powerful
  • Range of additional features and settings
  • Timer settings
  • Easy to transport
  • Large tank capacity
Things we didn't like
  • Expensive
View Prices for this Product

Best Ducted Portable Air Conditioner

Midea Smart Compatible WiFi Portable Air Conditioning Unit

Midea Smart Compatible WiFi Portable Air Conditioning Unit

This powerful cooling system is great for cooling down medium-sized rooms of up to 22 square meters. It comes with many features, including a sleep mode where the machine changes to a lower fan and automatically maintains a cool temperature without disturbing your sleep. Some of the other features of this machine include an automatic 24-hour timer, energy-saving mode, and an adjustable thermostat.

Not only Is this air conditioner great for cooling, but it's also great as a fan and as a dehumidifier. WiFi compatibility means that you can control the system via an app on your phone.

Things we liked
  • Powerful cooling system
  • Many additional features
  • Sleep mode
  • Timer
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • WiFi app controls
Things we didn't like
  • Very expensive
  • Quite a bulky machine
View Prices for this Product

Best Battery Powered Portable Air Conditioner

AMACOOL Battery Powered Portable Air Cooler

AMACOOL Battery Powered Portable Air Cooler

This portable battery-powered air conditioning unit contains a USB rechargeable lithium battery that provides powerful cooling. It is a mini system that is eco-friendly and provides three different levels of wind speeds to suit your cooling needs. The large capacity means that this machine runs for around 12 hours undisturbed before you need to empty the tank.

This model has many features, including an air purifier, cooling fan mode, and air humidifier. The small size and convenient carry handle make this machine perfect for taking with you on the go and makes it very easy to transport from room to room.

Things we liked
  • Easily transportable
  • USB rechargeable battery
  • Powerful cooling
  • Convenient carry handle
  • Compact design
  • Various modes and features
Things we didn't like
  • Small capacity
  • Not as powerful as some other air conditioners
View Prices for this Product

BRIHOME Mini Portable Air Conditioner Fan

BRIHOME Mini Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This great mini air cooler is perfect for transporting and has many additional features that make it stand out. The machine is both cooling and dehumidifying, so the air you breathe is much safer and healthier. It's never difficult to keep this machine powered up with multiple power supply methods, including battery and USB.

The detachable design helps to make cleaning this machine so easy. This machine's lightweight and portable design makes it very easy to transport around the home, and you can also easily take it out with you on the go when needed.

Things we liked
  • Easy to transport
  • Range of additional features
  • Multiple power supply methods
  • Compact design
  • Low price
Things we didn't like
  • Small capacity
  • Not as powerful as some other air conditioners
View Prices for this Product

Best Solar Powered Portable Air Conditioner

YYHAD Evaporative Portable Cooler

YYHAD Evaporative Portable Cooler

The YYHAD evaporative air cooler is a small air conditioning unit that is perfect for use in small areas such as your car. The fan blows out cold air, so you can easily cool down on a hot day. The solar panel absorbs sunlight which then provides power to the device. This air cooler is also great at removing harmful gases from your car as well as reducing the temperature in the car.

It is easy to use and has a compact design, so it won't take up too much room wherever you place it.

Things we liked
  • Compact design
  • Perfect for use as a portable car air conditioner
  • Solar-powered
  • Removes harmful gases
Things we didn't like
  • Not very powerful
  • Only good for small spaces
View Prices for this Product

Best Portable Evaporative Air Cooler

Himyoneone Portable Air Cooler Fan

Himyoneone Portable Cooler

This small 3-in-1 portable air conditioner is a great cost-effective air cooler that provides cooling, fan, and dehumidifying modes. The small, compact design means that this machine can quickly and easily be moved from place to place. The motor is very quiet, so it won't be a nuisance to your or anyone else in the room.

It also features a 7-colour LED light system that alternates between lights for a more exciting cooling experience. It is very easy to use and provides everything you need from a small, portable air conditioner.

Things we liked
  • Cost-effective
  • Dehumidifying modes
  • Compact design
  • Very quiet
  • 7-colour LED light system
  • Easy to use
Things we didn't like
  • Very small capacity
View Prices for this Product

MYLEK Evaporative Portable Air Cooler

MYLEK Portable Cooler

The Mylek evaporative air cooler is an impressive cooling system that provides a natural cooling, refreshing breeze. It is very easy to use and perfect for hot summer days. The machine is very lightweight and has four wheels that make it very easy to transport between rooms.

With three wind functions and a range of timer settings, you can easily set the machine to perform as you want it to. It also comes with a handy remote control that makes this machine even easier to use.

Things we liked
  • Natural, refreshing cooling
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to transport
  • Three wind functions
  • Timer settings
  • Remote control
Things we didn't like
  • Requires maintenance
  • Larger than most other portable air coolers
View Prices for this Product

Bcamelys Portable Air Cooler

Bcamelys Portable Cooler

This 3-in-1 air cooler is not only an air conditioner, but it is also a dehumidifier and an air purifier. It comes with a built-in light system with seven colours so you can create an ambient atmosphere. With three speed settings, you can easily find an ideal speed to suit your needs.

The large water tank allows you to cool your space for longer, and you can leave the machine running for around 8 hours before the tank needs to be emptied. The lightweight design of this machine means that it can easily be moved around when needed.

Things we liked
  • Dehumidifying
  • Air purifier
  • Three-speed settings
  • Ambient light show
  • Lightweight design
Things we didn't like
  • Small capacity
View Prices for this Product

Best Budget Portable Air Conditioner

Zeato 3-in-1 Personal Air Cooler

Zeato 3-in-1 Personal Air Cooler

This small, portable air conditioner works in various ways, including as a desk fan, a cool-mist humidifier, and an evaporative air conditioner cooler. This machine also effectively reduces allergens, dust and smoke in the air. With three adjustable speeds, you can easily find a setting that suits your cooling needs.

The rechargeable battery supports up to three hours of constant running and can easily be charged via USB. The portable design of this machine means that you can easily move it around from room to room hassle-free.

Things we liked
  • Low price
  • Portable
  • Wireless
  • Various settings
Things we didn't like
  • Low battery life
  • Low capacity
View Prices for this Product

SUPALAK 4-in-1 Mini Air Cooler

SUPALAK 4-in-1 Mini Air Cooler

This easy to use personal air cooler is a perfect mini desktop companion for warm summer days. It comes with four functions, including a cooling fan, air purifier and humidifier. It also comes with a colour-changing atmosphere light that switches between seven different colours.

The upgraded air cooler allows you to cool the air around you within seconds. The water tank has a capacity that constantly works for around 4.5-6 hours before it needs to be emptied. It comes with a handy carry handle so you can easily transport the device from room to room as needed.

Things we liked
  • Easy to use
  • Various functions
  • Colour-changing mood lights
  • Upgraded air cooler
  • Carry handle for easy transportation
  • Low price
Things we didn't like
  • Small capacity
  • Not as powerful as some other models
View Prices for this Product

Best Portable Air Conditioner with Fan

Jialexin Portable Air Conditioner Fan

Jialexin Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This fantastic portable air conditioner comes with everything you need from a lightweight and portable air cooler. It comes with the benefit of a fan to provide even further cooling options. The waterproof design won't leak out onto your surface, and the air conditioner provides moist cooling air that is perfect for the warm summer days.

It features a range of speeds and is very quiet, so it won't be a nuisance to your or anyone else in the room. It also comes with seven ambient light settings that look beautiful and can even act as a night light.

Things we liked
  • Lightweight and portable
  • It comes with fan mode
  • Waterproof design
  • Range of speeds
  • Seven ambient light settings
Things we didn't like
  • Small capacity
View Prices for this Product

TedGem Portable Air Cooler

TedGem Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This small, lightweight air cooler benefits from oscillation modes, so you can quickly cool down the entire room. The device has many functions, including a fan and air conditioner, an air cooler mode, and a humidification mode. With automatic timer settings, you can leave the machine running without having to worry about turning it off later.

It has various speed settings, so you can easily find a setting that suits your cooling needs. The cooler is easy to clean and very easy to transport around from room to room as needed.

Things we liked
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Oscillation modes
  • Various functions
  • Automatic timer settings
  • Various speed settings
Things we didn't like
  • Small capacity
View Prices for this Product

Best Portable Air Conditioner with Heater

CASART 5-in-1 Portable Air Cooler & Heater

CASART 5-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This large 5-in-1 portable air cooler is a great multifunctional unit that can really do it all. It consists of an air cooler, a heater, a fan, a humidifier, and a purifier. The cooler works by reducing the air temperature through water evaporation and increases the temperature via a PTC heater. This allows you to achieve the ideal temperature for your room.

It comes with a huge range of settings and functions, including timer settings and various fan modes. It also comes with a handy remote control and an LED control panel that make it super easy to use. With four wheels at the bottom, the machine can be easily moved from room to room as needed.

Things we liked
  • Various functions
  • Includes heater
  • Range of settings
  • Timer settings
  • Various fan modes
  • Transportable
Things we didn't like
  • Expensive
  • Bulky machine
View Prices for this Product

Igenix 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner

Igenix 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This 3-in-1 multifunctional air conditioner, fan and heater is a powerful machine that allows you to achieve the perfect room temperature according to your needs. Not only can this machine cool and heat the room effectively, but it also includes a dehumidifying function which makes the air in the room very safe and healthy.

The fan function allows air in the room to be re-circulated and provides a more concentrated airflow. With four wheels at the bottom, this machine can easily be transported from room to room with minimal effort.

Things we liked
  • Multifunctional
  • Heater mode
  • Dehumidifying function
  • Easy to transport
Things we didn't like
  • Very expensive
  • Quite bulky
View Prices for this Product

Best Smart Portable Air Conditioner

NETTA Portable Air Conditioner

NETTA Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This very powerful air conditioner allows you to cool down rooms of up to 20 metres squared. This makes it ideal for use in larger rooms and commercial settings, including offices, gyms, and shops. The large capacity means that it can run all day and has a dehumidifying option that can extract up to 24-litres of water per day.

With amazing smart WiFi features, you can control the machine directly from your phone. The machine is also voice command-enabled and can work with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. With a huge range of functions and settings, this is the perfect all-around air conditioner.

Things we liked
  • Large capacity
  • Can cool down large spaces effectively
  • Dehumidifying options
  • WiFi compatible
  • Voice command-enabled
  • Huge range of functions and settings
Things we didn't like
  • Very expensive
  • Quite a bulky machine
View Prices for this Product

Pro Breeze 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner

Pro Breeze 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This powerful cooling unit has a large cooling capacity that allows you to cool down large spaces quickly and effectively. It comes with a range of smart features, including smartphone app controls and voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Home. The digital display provides you with all of the information you need at any one time.

This machine is a 4-in-1 multipurpose system that includes air cooling functions, dehumidifying functions, fan-only functions and sleep modes. It also comes with a handy remote control that makes it even easier to control. With class A energy efficiency, you can leave this machine running with no worries.

Things we liked
  • Powerful cooling
  • Large cooling capacity
  • Smart WiFi features
  • Voice controls
  • Digital display
  • Various functions
  • It comes with remote control
  • Class A energy efficiency
Things we didn't like
  • Very expensive
  • Quite a bulky machine
View Prices for this Product

Best Small Portable Air Conditioner

JINHEWEN Mini Portable Air Cooler

JINHEWEN Mini Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This great mini air cooler has a range of great features that make it stand out. It acts as an air cooling fan, air purifier, humidifier, and aroma diffuser. This cooler also has various light settings included to create an ambient atmosphere.

With various speed and wind settings, you can easily find a cooling setting to suit your needs. It features a USB power supply, and the machine is very easy to use. It is also very long-lasting – one refill can last for around eight hours.

Things we liked
  • Range of features
  • Aroma diffuser option
  • Various speed and wind settings
  • Ambient light options
  • Easy to use
  • Long-lasting
  • Easily portable
Things we didn't like
  • Small capacity
  • Not as powerful as some other air conditioners
View Prices for this Product

RenFox Portable Air Cooler

RenFox Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This RenFox portable air cooler has a range of features that make it perfect for helping you feel cooler during warm weather. It works as a personal air conditioner, a humidifier, an air purifier and also comes with a spray function to help you feel even cooler. The oscillation mode allows you to cool down even more of the room quickly.

You can choose between a range of fan and wind settings to find the perfect cooling option for you. With the addition of timer options, you can leave this fan running without having to worry about turning it off later.

Things we liked
  • Range of features
  • It comes with a spray function
  • Oscillation mode
  • Cools down the room quickly
  • Range of speed and wind settings
  • Timer options
Things we didn't like
  • Small capacity
  • Not as effective as some larger models
View Prices for this Product

Best Quiet Portable Air Conditioner

Klarstein Pure Blizzard Portable Air Conditioner

Klarstein Portable Air Conditioner Fan

This powerful 3-in1 air cooler fan is perfect for cooling down your home. It comes with an air purification and humidification function and three adjustable power modes so you can achieve the perfect cooling option to suit your needs. The switchable oscillation modes allow you to cool down even more of the room and circulate the air well.

Despite being a powerful device, this machine runs quietly, and you can even leave it running while you sleep without any worries of being disturbed by noise.

Things we liked
  • Various modes
  • Air purification
  • Humidification mode
  • Adjustable power modes to suit your needs
  • Oscillation modes
  • Quiet
Things we didn't like
  • Quite a bulky machine
View Prices for this Product

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Air Conditioner

There are several things that you may need to consider when deciding on the right air conditioner model for you. Below is a list of the main things that you should think about when looking for this type of machine:

Size

The size of the portable air conditioner you choose is important, as you want to make sure it is the right size for the space. For instance, if you have a small bedroom, you may want to consider a more compact portable air conditioner.

Energy Efficiency Rating

One of the first things you should look at when buying a portable air conditioner is the energy efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the better it is for the environment. Models that feature programmable thermostats tend to have a high energy rating.

Window portable air conditioner

Noise Level

There is nothing worse than a noisy air conditioner, especially when you are trying to sleep. Therefore, when purchasing a portable air conditioner, you should try to look for a product with a low noise level.

FAQs

How should you vent a portable air conditioner without a window?

Below is a list of ways that you can vent a portable air conditioner without a window:

  • Through a door
  • Through the wall
  • Through the dryer vent
  • Through the ceiling
  • Through the chimney

How often should you drain a portable air conditioner?

Depending on the humidity in your home, you may need to empty your air conditioner more or less often. However, the average recommended time that you should empty your air conditioner is every eight hours.

Do all portable air conditioners need to vent?

Yes, all portable air conditioners need to be vented in some way.

How long is the exhaust hose?

This will vary. Typically, they tend to be around 3-4ft in length.

What is the difference between a single hose and a dual hose unit?

All of the air comes in and out of the same hose on a single hose unit. On a dual hose unit, one hose pulls air in from outside and the other is used as an exhaust.

Sources

  1. https://www.sylvane.com/portable-ac-faq.html#Whatisaportableac
  2. https://homeairguides.com/how-does-a-portable-air-conditioner-work
  3. https://learnmetrics.com/how-to-vent-a-portable-air-conditioner-without-a-window
  4. https://learn.compactappliance.com/portable-air-conditioner-faqs
  5. https://homeownerfaqs.com/portable-air-conditioner-faqs
  6. https://learn.allergyandair.com/portable-air-single-hose-vs-dual-hose
  7. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/evaporative-coolers