Can’t install a window AC in your apartment because of design & limitations? You can see the list of the top 10 best portable Air Conditioners in 2021. These Air Conditioners’ Installation does not cause any permanent damage and you don’t have to sweat in agony either.
Not all apartment complexes allow you to install a window AC. This sort of AC is harder to install and can cause damage to some building’s structural integrity as well. So what to do now if it’s too hot outside and you do not have a central AC? The answer is a portable ac.
The Best portable air conditioners are easier to install, cost less, and can also cool you down quicker. But you need to select a portable air conditioner that fits your needs, the amount of space you have, and also your budget. So let’s take a look at the few options that we have.
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When and Why A Portable Air Conditioner is Necessary?
A portable air conditioner can be a blessing in disguise on hot summer days. Here are a few situations when you might appreciate the presence of a portable air conditioner.
You Travel A Lot
Portable air conditioners for bedrooms are a great thing to buy if you travel a lot. Not all inns or motels have the luxury of central or individual air conditioning. If you can take a portable air conditioner with you, you can stay chill no matter how hot it gets. But you will have to check if the motels allow these kinds of air conditioners first.
This is also a great option for people who move a lot. You can take the air conditioner wherever you want.
You Don’t Want The Hassle of Installation
Window air conditioners are much harder to install. Most of the time you will need to call in a professional to install the appliance.
A portable AC on the other hand is very easy to set up. You can do it yourself if you follow the instructions properly.
Your Landlord Does Not permit ACs
Nowadays a lot of landlords do not allow you to install window ACs. There might be a lot of reasons why you are not allowed to do this. But this does not mean that you have to accept the hot temperature and move on. Adding a portable air conditioner for the bedroom can help bring the temperature down.
You Have A Small Room
If you have limited space in your room, adding a window AC might not be the best idea. When installed in a small room, a window air conditioner can make the place too cold. This defies the whole purpose of staying at a comfortable temperature.
So if your room is not the largest you might be happier with portable air conditioners for small rooms.
You’re Looking For An Economical Option
Another reason why people tend to go for portable air conditioners is that they cost less than window ones. This kind of cooling device is the perfect option for students and people who have a limited budget.
Top 10 Best Portable Air Conditioners in 2021
When looking for the best portable air conditioners you need to keep an eye on the dB of sound it produces, its dimensions, and how well it can bring down the temperature.
Lucky for you, we made this list of the top air conditioners keeping all these features in mind so you can get the highest quality product.
1. Honeywell Portable Evaporative Cooler
3-in-1 humidifier, fan and portable ac, three size options, and low power consumption. 9/10
One of the greatest things any appliance manufacturer could give you is versatility. Honeywell gives you three options to choose from when it comes to size. There is a small 29.6-inch option, a medium 4.5-inch option, and a large 53.6-inch option. Small air conditioners should have variety in size as well. You can choose the size of the air conditioner depending on the size of your room.
The air conditioner works as a dehumidifier, and a fan as well. Water has to be added to the appliance e for it to work. But there is a low water indicator and the water tank is easy to fill. So refilling will never cause a mess.
Maintenance is also hassle-free with this device. Take out the dust filter and give it a good wash and your mini air conditioner will be brand new.
Another factor that we love is that the smallest size of this portable air conditioner range has a power consumption of only 50watts!
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be used as a dehumidifier and a fan with three settings | Makes a lot of sounds |
| Three size options | |
| Easy to clean dust filter | |
| The smaller option uses only 50 watts |
2. LG 12000 BTU (ASHRAE) Smart Portable Air Conditioner
Smart, connectable with smartphones, Amazon Alexa, and Hey Google, with two fan speeds. 9/10
Advancements in technology have made all our appliances smart. So why not invest in a smart portable air conditioner.
This LG portable air conditioner allows you to connect the device with your smartphone. So you can control all features, temperatures, humidity levels, timers with just one tap. It’s one of the top air conditioners when it comes to ease of use. You won’t have to stay close to the device to do this either. The appliance can be controlled from anywhere. Connectivity with amazon Alexa and Hey Google allows the appliance to be controlled through voice commands.
The cooling fan comes with two-speed options. Any room that is up to 350 square feet in the area can be cooled fats and easy with the LG air conditioner.
Use the small to medium room air conditioner on damp rainy days for air circulation and dehumidification, and on summer days for cooling and drying.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be connected to Hey Google and Amazon Alexa | Uses a lot of power |
| Can be controlled through apps from anywhere | No eco-friendly features |
| Two fan speeds | |
| 350 square feet coverage with 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE)/ 8,000 BTU (DOE) |
3. Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Remote operated, activated carbon filtered, GREEN R32 CFC free refrigerant, easy to set up a dehumidifier, fan, and portable air conditioner. 9/10
Who doesn’t love an appliance that is easy to set up? The Whynter ARC-14S will take you no more than half an hour to install. To make things easier for you, there is an instructional video as well.
With a 9,500 BTU (SACC)/4,000 BTU (ASHRAE) cooling capacity this air conditioner for small rooms can bring the temperature down in no time at all. The powerful cooling system is great for small spaces such as bedrooms, offices, or living rooms. An added dual hose operation helps keep your space cooler for a long time.
Using an auto drain technology, the device recycles and uses moisture during the cooling process. This reduces the need for you to refill the water tank. To make things even more eco-friendly it uses a GREEN R32 CFC-free refrigerant.
| Pros | Cons |
| 9,500 BTU (SACC)/4,000 BTU quick cooling system | Bulky and hard to move around |
| Recycles water during the cooling process to reduce water usage | No Wi-Fi or app connection |
| Green R32 CFC free eco-friendly refrigerant | |
| Easy and quick installation with set up video available | |
| Can be operated with remote |
4. Midea Duo Ultra Quiet Smart HE Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
Hot air blockage system, even and fast cooling, 42dB operating sound, and has a unique hose in hose design. 8/10
Looking for an appliance that will give you fast cooling? This is a great option.
With a dual hose in hose design, the Midea Dup Inverter can cool down your room 2 times faster than any other air conditioner in the market. This model is capable of outdoor air intake and exhaust. The process results in air circulation and therefore, a cleaner and fresher indoor environment.
Not to worry, the unit does not allow any hot air to get inside the room.
Besides fast cooling, rooms are also cooled down evenly. So there are no hot spots in the area.
Like most of the appliances in today’s world, this one too can be connected to your smartphone. For ease of use, you can also add voice commands. By downloading the Midea Smartphone app, you can control all features from anywhere.
Operating sound of just 42dB helps you get sound and undisturbed sleep at night!
| Pros | Cons |
| 2 times fast cooling | You need to learn how the app and the voice commands work |
| Even cooling to prevent hot spots | Goes into an error state of not installed right |
| Unique Dual hose in hose design | |
| Smooth and error-free operation on voice command |
5. BLACK+DECKER BPP06WTB Portable Air Conditioner
10,000 BTUs, compact, remote-controlled air conditioner, with 78dB running sound. 8/10
One reason people often contemplate getting a small air conditioner is that it makes a lot of sounds. Thankfully, this one from Black+Decker operates on the only 75dB. Run the device all night long without being disturbed.
With the help of the fully functional remote control, you can control all features sitting on your couch. When going to sleep you can set an automatic time for the unit to shut off.
The 10,000 BTUs help cool the room faster. The strong cooling power is good for bedrooms, children’s nurseries, and also study rooms. You can also use the appliance on RVs and dorm rooms.
Dimensions of only 20 x 20 inch makes the air conditioner easy to carry. It also does not take up much space.
As the dehumidifier plus air conditioner operates on a self-evaporating regimen you won’t have to refill any water trays.
| Pros | Cons |
| 20 x 20 inch small and compact dimension | The outer shell is quite thin |
| Can be sued on RVs and dorm rooms | Not a durable construction |
| Operates on 78dB sound | |
| 10,000 BTUs for fast and efficient cooling |
6. Frigidaire FGPC1044U1, White Cool Connect Smart Cylinder Portable Air Conditioner
Unique Cylindrical shape, modern design, with activated carbon filter, and 360-degree airflow. 8/10
Made with a new and innovative design, this model from Frigidaire is gaining a lot of popularity.
Shaped like a cylinder, the tool takes up minimum space. Because it has such a unique design, the unit can also serve as a decorative piece.
The model runs on a standard 115V electrical outlet. Because there is little to no installation required, the air conditioner can be used straight out of the package. Just plug in the cords and you’re good to go.
You can use the appliance for rooms that are 450 square feet in area. With the 360-degree airflow, you get more even cooling.
An activated carbon filter in the machine also helps clean the air and improve its quality.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique cylindrical design | Short power cable |
| Takes up less space and can serve as a decorative piece | Falls over easily if not placed in the right spot |
| Activated charcoal air filter | |
| 360-degree airflow with even cooling |
7. Frigidaire FHPH132AB1 Air Conditioner
Air cleaning filter added, easy to move, fast cooling Air conditioner and heater. 7/10
With the Frigidaire FHPH132AB1, you don’t have to insert the temperature settings every time you turn the air conditioner on. It remembers the humidification levels, cooling levels, and fan speeds that you put in and restarts that way.
To give you cleaner air, this appliance catches dirt from its surroundings. This dirt is collected in the filter and can later be cleaned.
Adding your adjustments is easy with this cooling device. All settings can be changed using the touch buttons on top of the machine. You also get a remote that you can use to do this.
When used for cooling, the Frigidaire has 12000 BTU. We think that this is worth buying because you can also use the tool in winter as a heater. This all-rounder device has 4100 BTU when used as a heater.
If needed you can use the wheels on the air conditioner to move it from one place to another.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be used as a heater and air conditioner | Dispenses a lot of water when cooling |
| Wheels for easy movement | Expensive |
| Touch panel added easy control system | |
| Only 77 pounds |
8. Whynter Elite ARC-122DS Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
61 degree F to 89 degrees F temperature control, full installation kit inclusive, dual hose portable AC. 7/10
If you are a beginner in installing or setting up things, you will love this Whynter AC. Everything that you need for the setup process is included with the purchase. This also includes an intake hose that extends up to 60 inches and an extendable hose. A window kit is also added in case you need one.
The cooling capacity of 12000/7000 BTU gives you fast cooling. This feature combined with the dual hoses, increases the cooling capacity and area covered. Although the manufacturers claim that the cooling device can cover 400 square feet of area, the air conditioner also works for larger areas. Even after the small air conditioner is turned off, your room stays chilled.
Thermostat control ranging from temperatures 61 degrees F to 89 degrees F allows you to adjust the cooling system according to your comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
| 400 square foot area coverage | Might start leaking after a few months of using |
| 61 degree F to 89 degrees F temperature control | Outer Case might get rusty |
| Comes with a window installation kit | |
| Lower than 52dB operation |
9. Shinco 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Compact, easy to move, simple set up, and inclusive of window mount exhaust kit. 7/10
This small Shinco Portable Air conditioner does not need much space. It has dimensions of 17.52 x 14.76 x 32.68 inches. Therefore, the unit can be set beside a bed table or coffee table without having to sacrifice much space.
Weighing just 55 pounds this machine can be moved from one place to the other quite easily as well.
It’s recommended to use the model for a space of 200 square feet area. The cooling device is suitable for taking to small parties, setting up in RVs, dorm rooms, bedrooms, or the kitchen.
When it comes to installation, you won’t need any extra tools. The setup process is quite simple and beginner-friendly.
Set a time on the 24-hour timer and sleep peacefully without having to worry about turning the device off.
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact in size | Does not have condensation collection reservoir |
| Weighs just 55 pounds; easy to carry | LED light on the device is too bright at night |
| Lower than 55dB operation | |
| Compressor shuts down after the desired temperature is reached |
10. Midea MAP10S1CWT 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
Wheel attached, easy to maintain, and clean portable dehumidifier and air conditioner for people with asthma. 6/10
The Midea MAP10S1CWT is a great device for people who deal with asthma and respiratory issues. Besides being great at cooling down a room, this unit is also known for its amazing dehumidification skills.
You can adjust the level of humidification you need according to your comfort. People have experienced great benefits from this tool for fixing dry skin and lips.
Connectable with wifi, the unit can be controlled with voice commands. An app is also available for you to use when you are not at home. Features as such can be if great if you’ve left the house without turning the portable air conditioner off. You can turn it off from anywhere using the app.
Temperature control is available between 62 F-90 F. There is also a fan-only option.
For ease of moving, the model also has wheels underneath. So you can carry the device without getting any back pain.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for people with asthma and respiratory issues | The drainage system comes in faulty on some models |
| Comes with a fan and dehumidifier option | Does not have the quietest operation |
| The filter can be cleaned and reused | |
| Can be controlled with remote and app |
Final Words
Portable air conditioners are easier to maintain, cost-effective, and also better to travel with.
While the Honeywell Portable Evaporative Cooler is a great option for fast cooling and different size options, the LG 12000 BTU (ASHRAE) Smart Portable Air Conditioner is a smart option that can be connected to your smartphone, Amazon Alexa, and hey Google.
Given the variety in our list, we’re sure you’ll find one of the best portable air conditioners here. Just keep your needs in mind, and the air conditioner you choose will serve you great!