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Oct 15, 2024

5 Best Portable Air Conditioners 2024 | Tested - Forbes Vetted

Portable air conditioners are more versatile than their window counterparts and offer more power than tower fans. To determine the very best portable air conditioners available, I tried out seven

Portable air conditioners are more versatile 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 over the course of a month, 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, thanks to its efficiency and easy setup. The quietest portable AC in my tests was the Midea Duo, which only emitted about as much noise as a quiet library or office.

The best portable air conditioners are quiet, easy to install and make your home more comfortable.

Below, here the top five portable air conditioners 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 an ultra-quiet model, I’ve got you covered. (Looking for a window option instead? See our roundup of the best window air conditioners, too.)

Best Buy

BTU: 14,000 | Coverage: Up to 600 square feet | Noise: 42 to 56.5 dB | Weight: 77.3 pounds | Extras: Dehumidifier and fan functions, voice control via smart assistant

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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 setup, 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 tester Erica Puisis' 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 features 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 56 decibels (and around 42 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, an HVAC service provider in Lewisville, Texas. “The lower speed will be much quieter and consume less energy,” he adds.

The Whynter ARC-1230WN uses a hose-in-hose design, which is typically more efficient than ... [+] single-hose versions.

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.

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.

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Amazon

BTU: 10,000 | Coverage: Up to 450 square feet | Noise: 52 to 56 dB | Weight: 62 pounds | Extras: Dehumidifier and fan functions

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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 about 60 pounds. That compact design isn’t for nothing: HVAC expert Stewart encourages buyers who put in and take out their units seasonally to prioritize lighter-weight 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 almost the largest area it can cover.

The SereneLife SLPAC10's window panel insert is more narrow than other options; it takes up less ... [+] space in the window.

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 650 square feet, respectively). For more details, here’s my full review of the Serene Life SLPAC10.

Amazon

BTU: 14,000 | Coverage: Up to 550 square feet | Noise: 42 to 49.3 dB | Weight: 77.2 pounds | Extras: Dehumidify, fan and heat functions, voice control via smart assistant

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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 only 1 decibel louder than the noise level of a quiet library or office.

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.

LG

BTU: 14,000 | Coverage: Up to 500 square feet | Noise: 44 to 51.4 dB | Weight: 77.6 pounds | Extras: Dehumidifier and fan functions

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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 14,000 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 ... [+] the ThinQ app.

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 specific 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.

Frigidaire

BTU: 14,000 | Coverage: Up to 700 square feet | Noise: 48 to 51 dB | Weight: 81 pounds | Extras: Dehumidifier and fan functions, voice control via smart assistant, air ionizer

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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 14,000 BTU 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—not unlike an air purifier that targets airborne irritants—traps 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 48 decibels, in testing, its noise output on low registered 53 dB.)

The Frigidaire FHPW142AC1 cooled my 400–square-foot space 3 degrees in just 15 minutes.

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.

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.

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 its price point of $490.

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, compared with other contenders, I found this portable AC to be the longest to install, and its display to be basic and dated.

For consistency and accuracy, I took a methodical approach to testing each of the seven portable air conditioner models mentioned in this story. Taking the below steps for all seven portable AC units added up to almost a month of testing. Here, I outline each of the steps:

The five winning portable air conditioners lined up in my testing space.

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:

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 a budget. Once you have those details in mind, here’s our buying guide to help your selection process:

“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? Glenn Wiseman, sales manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services, provides this general guidance on what size portable air conditioner you need, based on square footage:

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 Steven Stewart of Southern Comfort Mechanical, an HVAC service provider in Lewisville, Texas, 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,” he tells us. 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.

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. (Note: We list the ASHRAE figure for this reason: Jake Reed Smith, a graduate researcher in mechanical engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, says “engineers prefer the more precise ASHRAE standard.”) The higher the BTUs, the higher the cooling power and the more space the unit is able to cover.

Reed does note that consumers may find value in the DOE standard; it 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.

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.

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.)

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.

I’m an experienced writer with over seven years of product testing and reviewing under my belt. 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.)

I consulted four professionals to provide expert insight on selecting and using a portable air conditioner:

Portable air conditioners can be a practical solution for those looking for a versatile and powerful way to cool down their homes. All five of our recommendations feature the top qualities to look for in a portable AC, including excellent cooling power, quiet operation, maneuverability and ease of use. However, our top overall pick is the Whynter ARC-1230WN Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner due to its high efficiency, ability to cool large spaces, simple set up and easy-to-use app.

While not all portable air conditioners need to be vented through a window, they do need to be vented—period. That’s because portable ACs, in the process of cooling indoor air, also create hot air that needs to be expelled. Without a vent, they will discharge that hot air back into the same indoor space, leading to not adequately cooling it—an inefficiency that may lead to higher energy costs. Other methods of venting include out of a sliding door, up into a ceiling space or into another room. Note: There are non-hose portable ACs, also called swamp coolers, that are more accurately known as evaporative coolers; unlike traditional ACs, these non-hose coolers rely on evaporating water to cool the air, so they take longer to cool a space and are less powerful.

A dual-hose portable AC 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,” creating a negative vacuum, says Reed Smith. 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 separate, dedicated hose to supply the unit with air from outside.