The Best Portable ACs Of 2024 to Keep You Cool This Summer
The Best Portable ACs Of 2024 to Keep You Cool This Summer
These ACs don’t just cool your room—they master the art of humidity control, so you can enjoy a perfectly balanced environment.
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Our Top Picks
Summer can be scorching and sticky, but your bedroom, home office, or den doesn't have to suffer. The answer to sweltering air and its discomfort is the portable air conditioner. This handy appliance uses a freezing metal coil and a fan to turn hot, humid air into a refreshing, dry breeze.
Unlike window units, portable air conditioners are easy to move from room to room and set up quickly without the need for complex mounting or extra tools. Most only require a nearby window and wall outlet to start delivering cool air throughout your home. The real advantage here is convenience. Instead of installing separate units in every room or relying on costly central air, you can simply move the AC where you need it. This means a cooler space wherever you are and lower energy bills to match.
After testing various brands and price points, we’ve found the top portable air conditioners that are up to the task of keeping your home cool. Here are our top recommendations.
1 . SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier
This 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a breeze to set up—literally. For around half the price of some competitors, it cools mid-sized rooms efficiently and is a snap to install, thanks to the expandable window kit. Most users can have it up and running in five minutes with just basic tools. Weighing about 52 pounds, it’s easy enough to move between floors or rooms, rolling smoothly across different surfaces from hardwood to carpets. Expect to drop the temperature by around 6 degrees in an hour—perfect for a hot day. And with its sleek white design, built-in dehumidifier, and fan modes, it’s a multifunctional, stylish addition to any space. Perfect for those looking for cooling power without the fuss.
Pros
Three modes flexibility, Built-in dehumidifier function, energy-efficient cooling
Cons
Doesn't come with foam to seal window
2 . BLATACY Portable Air Conditioner
This Portable Air Conditioner is a good option if you need a cooling solution for spaces that measure up to 500 square feet. With 16,000 BTUs of cooling power, it’s perfect for spaces like bedrooms, garages, or offices, and can easily cool large rooms. This unit offers more than just cooling—it also functions as a dehumidifier, fan, heater, and sleep mode, making it an all-season companion. Setup is quick with the included window mount kit, and once you’re up and running, you can control everything from the Wi-Fi app or remote. It’s quiet, efficient, and easy to move from room to room, so comfort follows you wherever you need it.
Pros
5-in-1 functionality, WIFI & App control, 24H timer included
Cons
Requires window mount kit
3 . Dreo Portable Air Conditioner
This 12,000-BTU portable air conditioner is ideal for cooling bedrooms or small spaces. It’s notably quieter than many units on the market, operating at a peaceful 46 dB—perfect for bedrooms or offices. Weighing in at just 62.9 pounds, it’s easy to move around, even with built-in handles and castors. The sleek white design blends easily into most spaces, and its drainage-free operation under certain conditions means less hassle for maintenance.
Control options are versatile with this unit: whether you prefer using the remote, voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant, or the Dreo app, you’re covered. Buyers also love its 3-in-1 functionality with cooling, fan, and dehumidifying modes, making it a smart choice for year-round comfort.
Pros
Drainage-free cooling, Ultra-quiet operation (46dB), Smart voice/app control
Cons
Hose might seem short to some users.
4 . GINOST Portable Air Conditioner
This 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a great option for cooling spaces up to 450 square feet, making it ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or smaller living areas. It’s versatile, acting not just as an AC, but also as a dehumidifier and fan, giving you full control over your environment. The digital display and remote control make it easy to adjust settings like temperature and fan speed, while the included window installation kit simplifies setup. With extra features like sleep mode for quiet, energy-efficient operation and a 24-hour timer, it’s designed for convenience and comfort without being overly complicated. Plus, its portability means you can move it easily from room to room, offering cooling wherever you need it. Buyers love the powerful cooling and user-friendly design, making it a reliable, straightforward choice for home comfort.
Pros
High cooling capacity, Versatile 3-in-1 functionality, User-friendly digital display
Cons
Can be slightly noisy
5 . Coolblus Portable Air Conditioner
This unit is a solid choice if you're looking to cool a small space on a budget. The standout feature is its swing mode, which oscillates the fan grille to distribute cool air more evenly. You can adjust the settings directly on the unit or through the wireless remote, keeping things simple. While it doesn't have smart connectivity or a remote temperature readout like some pricier models, it offers excellent value for the price. One caveat: it can be a bit loud, which might bother light sleepers. For anyone in need of effective cooling without breaking the bank, it’s a reliable option for smaller spaces up to 550 sq. ft. It also includes a handy window installation kit, sleep mode, and a timer for personalized cooling. Buyers appreciate its easy setup, efficient performance, and smooth portability, making it a practical, no-nonsense solution for keeping your space comfortable during those warm months.
Pros
Versatile 3-in-1 unit, Cools up to 550 sq.ft., Includes remote control
Cons
May require window installation
6 . Whynter Portable Air Conditioner
This all-in-one cooler, heater, dehumidifier, and fan from Whynter is designed to get you through any season. It’s a 14,000 BTU dual-hose unit, making it more efficient at cooling or heating rooms up to 500 square feet. The two-hose setup ensures quicker cooling compared to single-hose models, while the front-facing digital display lets you easily monitor and adjust the temperature. You can even set it to run on a 24-hour timer for maximum convenience.
While it may consume a bit more energy than some other units, that’s the tradeoff for having a versatile 4-in-1 system. It’s a powerhouse, but users also appreciate the quieter operation, making it suitable even for bedrooms. With an eco-friendly refrigerant, easy installation, and multi-functional performance, it’s a great pick for maintaining year-round comfort in your home.
Pros
Versatile 4-in-1 functionality, Covers up to 500 sq ft, Dual hose for efficient cooling
Cons
A bit noisy
7 . Air Future Portable AC
Sleek styling, high efficiency, and convenient features all come together in this portable AC, rated for cooling and dehumidifying rooms up to 450 square feet. Based on its strong performance, it seems the cooling capacity is spot-on.
The 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is perfect for spaces up to 450 sq. ft. This versatile unit not only cools but also dehumidifies and circulates air, ensuring comfort year-round. It comes with a handy remote control, a timer, and a complete window kit for straightforward installation. Users appreciate its efficient cooling, quiet operation, and stylish white design that fits effortlessly into any room. Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices, this portable AC is valued for its reliability and user-friendly features.
Pros
Portable and easy to install, powerful cooling, 3-in-1 ufnctionality
Cons
Might seem noisy to some users.
FAQ
When should you choose a portable air conditioner over a window unit?
Portable air conditioners offer greater flexibility compared to window units, which are often more permanent and harder to install. Opt for a portable model if you need to move the unit between rooms or even different buildings, as they are designed for easy mobility and setup.
How much does a portable air conditioner typically cost?
Portable air conditioners generally range in price from $250 to $700 or more. Budget-friendly options at the lower end are ideal for smaller spaces or supplementary cooling. On the higher end, units priced over $500 provide more cooling power for larger rooms and often come with advanced features like app control or smart home integration.
Can a portable AC cool multiple rooms?
A portable AC is designed to cool a single room at a time. However, its mobility allows you to move it from one room to another as needed. To ensure effective cooling, make sure the unit's BTU rating is appropriate for the room size.
Is it necessary to vent a portable AC?
Yes, venting is essential for a portable AC to expel hot air from the room. Most units come with a window venting kit, but you can also vent through a wall or ceiling if needed.
How noisy is a portable AC?
The noise level of a portable AC typically ranges from 50 to 60 decibels, similar to light to moderate rainfall. Newer models are often quieter and designed to operate with less noise.
Article Contributors
Ctech Shopping Team
CTech's Shopping team brings you the latest in tech through carefully crafted reviews and guides, independent of their editorial team. As a reader-supported entity, our tech-savvy writers and editors sometimes incorporate AI in their analyses to verify the precision of product dimensions, availability, and pricing.
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