The Very Best Portable Air Conditioners
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If you’re considering a portable air conditioner, the first question to ask is whether it’s truly impossible to use awindow unitinstead. You’d likely end up saving money (not to mention floor space) with the latter, even if you paid a handyperson to install it. For example, the portable version of LG’s Dual Inverter–based air conditioner sells for $190 more than its window-mounted counterpart and costs 55 percent more to run (per Energy Star’s estimates).
However, some spaces simply can’t accommodate a window unit due to horizontally sliding windows, permanently installed window guards, or building regulations. For these situations, a dual-hose unit with an inverter can approach the efficiency of a decent window unit, but it will still end up occupying a lot of floor space since it needs to be placed 20 inches from the wall to prevent the exhaust hose from kinking.
Even the best designs have some kind of inherent compromise, but I researched and tested the top-rated options to find a few worth considering. There are many similar-looking models available online from various unfamiliar-sounding brands, but they typically aren’t much cheaper. All things being equal, I recommend buying from a trusted brand like Dreo, GE, or LG, backed by a customer-support team — even if, according to some user reviews, they aren’t always the most helpful. Whether you’re looking for maximum power to cool a large garage or a smaller option for occasional use on the hottest of days, I found the best portable ACs to fit a wide range of situations and budgets.
Updated on June 22, 2026
We made sure all of our picks are still available and correctly priced. Two have a small discount: ourfavorite for large roomsand thebest AC that’s also a heater.
Our top picks
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Quiet, easy to use, and actually portable — but not the most efficient.
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A little loud, but very affordable. For small rooms only.
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Expensive up front, but cheaper to run and nearly silent.
Whatwe’relookingfor
BTU rating
BTUs (short for British thermal units) are the standard measure of an air conditioner’s cooling capacity, which dictates how large of a space it can effectively cool. On a window AC, a BTU is a BTU because all the air that gets cooled is pumped right back into your home, and the heat stays outside. With a portable AC, some of that heat stays indoors, which greatly reduces overall efficiency, but the effects of this residual heat aren’t fully captured by the way AC manufacturers were testing their units. That’s why in 2017, the Department of Energy came out with theseasonally adjusted cooling capacity (SACC)rating, which takes real-world operating conditions into account (including leaking exhaust heat) when measuring and calculating BTUs for portable ACs. This number is the lower of the two reported BTU figures and is often denoted as “(DoE)” instead of SACC.
CEER
Combined energy efficiency rating (CEER) is calculated by dividing an air conditioner’s SACC BTU rating by the sum of its wattage while in use and its standby wattage. Higher scores indicate better efficiency.
Size
Although these things are marketed as portable air conditioners, it’s hard to refer to something the size of a small fridge and weighing close to 80 pounds as “portable” with a straight face. Casters help, but only when there are no stairs or steps involved. Some less-powerful models may weigh as little as 40 pounds.
Dual hose
On a window unit, indoor air is cooled inside the exterior-facing part of the machine before being blown back indoors. On most portable units, heat that’s extracted from indoor air must be blown outside via an uninsulated exhaust pipe before the cooled air can be returned to the interior. This generates negative air pressure inside, causing unconditioned air to seep back into the room from adjacent areas, including the outdoors. Adding a second hose to suck in air from the outside eliminates this negative pressure and improves efficiency. But this can be a downside for people looking to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke or other environmental pollutants.
Dehumidification rate
Portable ACs are designed to dehumidify as well as cool, but most of this moisture is reevaporated into the room to improve cooling efficiency. Turning on “dry” mode will prevent most of that water from reentering the air, but then you have to find a way to drain the unit because the water reservoir is not meant to hold very much liquid (they have a port on the back side, and many include a length of hose to aid this task). Despite being a secondary function, I was surprised to learn that most of our portable AC picks are actually more effective at removing moisture than many dedicated dehumidifiers (our picks range from 53 to 161 pints per day whereas most dehumidifiers in the under-$300 range between 50 to 80 pints per day).
Inverter
Like with window units, a portable AC that’s equipped with an inverter will be more efficient and somewhat quieter than a unit with a traditional compressor, especially on lower settings. But real energy savings only come in combination with a dual-hose design. For example, the single-hose, inverter-equippedLG LP1419IVSMhas a CEER of 7.9, which is the same as this inverterlessBlack and Deckerof comparable cooling capacity, and much lower than the dual-hosed and inverter-equippedMidea Smart Inverter Duo’s CEER of 14.7.
Noise level
Most portable ACs only report the decibel (dB) level generated by their lowest or sleep setting. I measured them on high using an iPhone app and found they ranged between 60 to 68 dB.
Oscillating fan
During testing, I found that units with oscillating fans were more effective at evenly distributing cooled air across the testing area compared to fixed-vent ACs.
Airflow rate
The strength of the fan determines how quickly an AC can cool a space. This is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
Wi-Fi
Some portable ACs can be controlled via Wi-Fi, which is handy for setting schedules or turning a unit on before you head home so your room is cool by the time you arrive.
Best portable air conditioner overall
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BTUs:6,000|CEER:6.51 |Size:15.16”D x 13.98”W x 24.8”H, 57.2 lbs |Dual hose:Yes, withoptional kit|Dehumidification rate:158 pts/day |Inverter:No |Noise:60 dB |Oscillating fan:Yes |Airflow rate:235 CFM |Wi-Fi:Yes
The Dreo AC319S is a quiet and effective portable AC with a simple, tool-free installation procedure, offering exceptional finish quality and usability for the price. At 57 pounds, it is still light enough to be carried by a single able-bodied adult. Its 6,000 BTUs of SACC cooling capacity is suitable for rooms of up to 300 square feet, and a strong fan makes it faster than most similarly powered units. This rating is based on its single-hose configuration; however,an $80 snap-on kitconverts it into a dual-hose unit, which theoretically improves performance and efficiency. I couldn’t detect a difference in my poorly insulated testing area located in an old printing factory. Still, it was easy to install and is worth experimenting with if you are nearing the upper limits of its cooling capabilities.
The Dreo’s CEER score of 6.5 makes it one of the least energy-efficient units still worth considering (there’s nowa more efficient but more expensive versionif you prefer). However, its lower sticker price goes a long way toward offsetting any additional electricity usage compared to costlier competitors that use less energy. I also appreciate that it has usability features — like an extra-quiet sleep mode and an oscillating fan — that aren’t widely available in cheaper models. It was also the only model I tested at any price that includes a magnetic rest for its remote on top, reminiscent of a Dyson fan, though not nearly as snappy. And it’s quiet, too, measuring just 60 decibels on its highest setting. In addition to being controllable from Dreo’s app, the AC319S can be configured for voice control via Alexa and Google Home.And I appreciate that it doesn’t need to be drained as long as the ambient humidity is below 90 percent.
Best (less expensive) portable air conditioner overall
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BTUs:6,000 |CEER:6.6 |Size:11.4”D x 11.6”W x 26.8”H, 46 lbs |Dual hose:No |Dehumidification rate:53 pts/day |Inverter:No |Noise:68 dB |Oscillating fan:No |Airflow rate:190 CFM |Wi-Fi:No
If you don’t mind something a bit louder and less full-featured, this GE unit offers similar cooling ability to the Dreo’s. This basic, boxy unit measured 68 decibels on its highest of two fan settings and buzzes like a mini-fridge when it’s working hard, which is to be expected at this price range. (It does have a sleep mode, but it can only be accessed from the remote and doesn’t actually make it any quieter.) The one advantage this GE has going for it is true portability. At 46 pounds and about the size of a watercooler without the jug on top, it was the smallest and lightest among the options I tested. Its casters aren’t the most sturdy-feeling, but they roll just fine.
Quietest portable AC (that’s also more efficient)
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BTUs:10,000|CEER:12.2 |Size:14.37”D x 17.32”W x 28.13”H, 55.4 lbs |Dual hose:Yes |Dehumidification rate:112 pts/day |Inverter:No |Noise:42 dB |Oscillating fan:Yes |Airflow rate:241 CFM |Wi-Fi:Yes
This upgraded version of our best overall pick has all the usability features (like the magnetic remote) I liked in the original but adds an inverter-controlled compressor and a secondary air-intake hose. These combine to make the 740S nearly as efficient as a top-performingwindow AC unit. At $700, it’s nearly 50 percent more expensive than my pick for the best overall portable AC, but it also uses about $30 less electricity per month compared to a traditional compressor unit — so it should pay for itself within three summers.
I was also stunned by how quiet it is. It was so quiet while cooling my west-facing 400-square-foot living/dining/kitchen area during a recent heat wave that I often forgot it was running. I typically switch to a window unit after finishing testing for efficiency and noise reasons, but I’d happily leave this one in all summer long.
Easiest-to-install portable air conditioner
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BTUs:10,000 |CEER:7.9 |Size:18.11”D x 19.41”W x 30.43”H, 71 lbs |Dual hose:No |Dehumidification rate:161 pts/day |Inverter:Yes |Noise:60 dB |Oscillating fan:Yes |Airflow rate:243 CFM |Wi-Fi:Yes
Compared to the other ACs I tested, the LG’s plastic exterior feels sturdier, its wheels roll more smoothly, its buttons have a more satisfying click to them, and its melodic chimes are more pleasant than harsh beeps. But its best feature is its delightfully simple installation process. You simply cut the shipping ties, lift the top off, and find the hose already attached to the exhaust, with the window-mounting plate tucked into a dedicated slot in the back of the machine. Even the power cord was wrapped neatly around a dedicated spool. All I had to do was pull on the hose to extend it, slide the open end into the plate to lock it in place, close the whole apparatus into the window, and plug the cord into an outlet. Its 10,000 SACC BTUs of cooling capacity come quietly from an inverter-controlled compressor (I measured 60 decibels on high, nearly silent on sleep mode) and makes it suitable for larger spaces of up to 450 square feet. And when it’s time to put it away, everything nests satisfyingly into slots on the back of the machine — others required me to remove the hose(s) and mounting plate and find a place to store them separately.
The LG is a single-hose unit (with no easy option for conversion), which substantially reduces its efficiency compared to comparable dual-hose inverter-equipped options from Midea (it has a CEER of 7.9 compared to 14.7 for the Midea Duo), but its usability features make for a nicer overall experience. All this usability does come at a price, though — it was one of the most expensive units I looked at — and at 71 pounds, it is quite heavy. If you’re planning on permanently installing it all summer and using it for many hours a day, you might consider a different model with two hoses. But I think most people will be more satisfied with the premium-feeling LG because it’s unlikely that you’ll notice an extra $30 to $50 a year in electricity savings, but you’ll definitely appreciate the LG’s cleaner design and superior user experience every time you use it.
Best portable AC for larger rooms
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BTUs:12,000 |CEER:12.8 |Size:14.25”D x 16.5”W x 27.2”H, 56 lbs |Dual hose:Yes |Dehumidification rate:120 pts/day |Inverter:Yes |Noise:55 dB |Oscillating fan:Yes |Airflow rate:296 CFM |Wi-Fi:Yes
This inverter- and dual-hose-equipped portable AC is almost as efficient and quiet as some of thebest window AC units. It’s more expensive than a comparably powerful window unit, but it costs $50 less than the comparably powerful and efficientMidea Duo, which weighs 20 pounds more and is more than seven inches taller. This means the Zafro is much easier to store and is actually somewhat portable when you need it to be. Like the Dreo, the Zafro doesn’t need to be drained — so long as the relative humidity is below 90 percent.However, the Dreo is quieter and has a more intuitive interface, so I’d only recommend the Zafro for larger spaces that need the extra 2,000 BTUs of cooling power. If anything goes wrong, Zafro offers U.S.-based customer-support teams to help navigate its one-year warranty.
Best portable air conditioner for smaller rooms
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BTUs:5,000 |CEER:6.1 |Size:15.16”D x 13.98”W x 24.8”H, 55 lbs |Dual hose:Yes, withoptional kit|Dehumidification rate:142 pts/day |Inverter:No |Noise:60 dB |Oscillating fan:Yes |Airflow rate:235 CFM |Wi-Fi:Yes
If you like the best overall pick but are planning on putting your portable AC in a smaller room, the Dreo 318S is just a less powerful version of the same thing that’s suitable for rooms up to 250 square feet.
Most reliable portable air conditioner
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BTUs:9,500 |CEER:7.9 |Size:19”D x 16”W x 35.5”H, 73 lbs |Dual hose:Yes |Dehumidification rate:72 pts/day |Inverter:No |Noise:62 dB |Oscillating fan:No |Airflow rate:253 |Wi-Fi:No
According toprice-tracking data, the Whynter ARC14S first appeared on Amazon back in 2010, making it one of the first dual-hose portable ACs to hit the market. It’s changed very little in the intervening years because if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Well, I could come up with a few reasons. It may not be heavier than similarly powered units, but it was the tallest and deepest out of all the units I considered. It doesn’t have an oscillating fan. And it was the only one I tested that required a screwdriver (not included) to assemble the mounting plate. That said, its CEER of 7.9 makes it more efficient than most single-hose models. But the biggest thing this unit has going for it is its reputation. Portable ACs are generally not known for their reliability and user satisfaction, so the fact that this thing has a 4.2-star average on Amazon after all these years really means something. This level of satisfaction holds true across other retailers as well. While its buzzy (though not overly loud) compressor and large size make it difficult to recommend for a living or sleeping area, the Whynter would be the perfect air conditioner for a workshop or a garage.
Best portable air conditioner that’s also a heater
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BTUs:12,000 |CEER:12.3 |Size:16.7”D x 19.5”W x 32.5”H, 77.3 lbs |Dual hose:Yes |Dehumidification rate:86 pints/day |Inverter:Yes |Noise:64 dB |Oscillating fan:Yes |Airflow rate:388 CFM |Wi-Fi:Yes
As indicated by the fact that they’re only meant to be used in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Fahrenheit, portable ACs with heating capabilities are intended for use in mild climates. This newer, inverter-equipped Whynter unit looks a lot like the Midea Duo, right down to the unique, two-in-one split-hose design and identical button layout. It’s also just as efficient and powerful. However, unlike the Midea, this all-in-one unit maintains decent user ratings across all retailers. Based on my close reading of these user reviews and comparing the two manuals, this is likely because the Whynter unit comes with adifferent window-mounting kit, and its customer-support team appears to be more willing to work with people on repairs and replacements when appropriate. It’s usually a bit more expensive than the comparable Midea, but adding heat adds more potential points of failure, so the superior support is worth the extra cost.
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