We're at the point in summer when the outside temperature is starting to reach unbearable levels. Much of the country is under extreme heat advisories, meaning we're looking for any signs of relief, and the first step is being prepared. If you don't have central AC or the ability to install a window unit, a portable air conditioner can make the difference between languishing in a sticky, uncomfortable room or relaxing in breezy, cool temperatures. The best portable air conditioners balance powerful cooling with energy efficiency and quiet operation.
While testing 14 portable air conditioners, we noticed that performance varied widely, particularly in cooling power, noise levels, and energy efficiency. Newer models are improving in meaningful ways, with higher efficiency ratings, more intelligent controls, and increasingly common inverter compressors. In this guide, we'll show you when a portable AC makes sense, when it doesn't, and which models are actually worth buying if it's your best option. Install one of these, and you may just forget what life was like before there was air conditioning.
The best portable air conditioners
Best overall: Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner (MAP14S1TBL) - See at Amazon
Best budget: LG Portable Air Conditioner (LP0625WFR) - See at Amazon
Best for large rooms: Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner - See at Amazon
Best with heat: Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner (BPACT14HWT) - See at Amazon
Quietest: Friedrich ZoneAire Inverter Portable Air Conditioner (ZHV16DA) - See at P.C. Richard & Son
Best battery-powered: EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner - See at Amazon
Best overall
The Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner has a feature-rich app that pairs with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, and it does an outstanding job of cooling while operating quietly.
What we like
What we don't like
This is the most powerful portable AC I tested. The Midea Duo has a unique hose-in-hose design that replaces the hot air removed from your room with cool air. It's easy to install, though the hose doesn't stay clipped into the window slider. The long piece of plastic fits into your window and sends hot air outside. I had to use duct tape to keep it in place.
It uses up a lot of electricity. The Midea used 2.16 kWh over an hour, about 0.2 kWh more than the overall hourly average in our tests. Running this portable AC for 8 hours a day all summer would cost about $330 extra, based on average electricity rates.
It's easy to control with the accompanying app. You can turn off the LED to avoid light pollution and set a "sleep curve" that adjusts the temperature throughout the night to balance comfort and power use. In the app, you can set the AC to turn on or off depending on whether you're home and control the airflow direction. The Midea Duo is also our best smart portable air conditioner because it works with the feature-packed SmartHome app and pairs with Alexa or the Google Assistant for voice control. I can turn the AC on/off and set a schedule from anywhere using my phone. I scheduled the Midea to turn off during surge electrical pricing and to come back on afterward to ensure the room is comfortable by bedtime.
The Midea Duo is also available with a heating mode, though we haven't tested this model. Read our full Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner review.
Best budget
The 6000 BTU LG Portable Air Conditioner is the most affordable unit we recommend and does a decent job of cooling while making relatively little noise.
What we like
What we don't like
Despite its affordable price, this portable AC performed well in every test. While we originally tested the now-discontinued LG LP0621WSR, the LG LP0625WFR is its direct, current replacement with matching cooling specs and a few notable upgrades while maintaining the budget pricing. Though rated for rooms up to 250 square feet, its predecessor punched well above its weight in our testing, lowering the temperature of a 550-square-foot room by more than 2 degrees over two hours. It also used less energy than any other option in our guide.
Setting it up is simple and takes under 10 minutes using the included window panels. The panels fit a wide range of window sizes, a nice feature since I have extra-wide windows. Even better, LG solved our main complaint with the previous version — which was top-heavy and prone to tipping over — by shaving off more than 10 pounds, dropping this streamlined model down to a much more manageable 43 pounds. It's also slightly quieter than the original, operating between 50 and 54 decibels, depending on the speed setting.
If WiFi connectivity is important to you, the 2026 version of the LP0626PGSF also stays within budget range, but adds a new body style, LG ThinQ app, or voice assistant integration, and an auto-evaporation feature.
Best for large rooms
The Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner may be big and not as portable as other units, but it did the best job of cooling our 550-square-foot test room.
What we like
What we don't like
This powerful AC effectively cools large spaces. With its large, imposing, flat front, our best portable air conditioner for large rooms looks like something from 2001: A Space Odyssey. The Whynter ARC-14S was among the best in my cooling test, decreasing the room temperature by 3.6 degrees over two hours. However, it was also one of the loudest models, at 58 decibels.
It has a dual-hose design. A single-hose portable AC removes hot air through the hose, lowering the pressure in the room, which causes outside air to rush in to equalize the pressure. With two hoses, the Whynter replaces the removed air with cool air, improving efficiency.
Set up and transportation are a bit of a pain. Weighing 86 pounds, the unit is heavy and lacks handles, making it hard to move from room to room. The initial installation took me half an hour (longer than most models require for setup) because I had to screw the fixtures into the window slider by hand. The slider wasn't long enough for my 47-inch window opening, so I used Styrofoam packaging to fill the gap. Additionally, it doesn't come with foam seals, which are helpful for efficient cooling.
Additionally, Whynter offers a heating-capable version, the ARC-14SH, which we tested and recommend.
Best with heat
Not only was the Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner (BPACT14HWT) the runner-up in our cooling tests, but you can also use it to heat your room in the winter.
What we like
What we don't like
Portable ACs with heat are versatile options for every season. In addition to being one of the top performers in our cooling tests, the Black+Decker BPACT14HWT Portable Air Conditioner is the best portable air conditioner with heat, which makes it great for year-round use — I particularly like that I don't have to store it during the winter. Instead, I use it to heat the living room, which tends to run colder than the rest of the house. It's also available without heat.
Installation took about five minutes without additional tools. I like that the window slider extends to 60 inches, which is more than enough for my needs. However, I wish it came with window security brackets to make it harder for someone to push the window open and gain access to my house. Fortunately, this hasn't been an issue.
It has a few flaws. Over two hours, it consumed 1.83 kWh. It's also one of the louder units we tested, and when I neglected to clean the filter regularly, the Black+Decker produced jarring sounds as it adjusted its fan speed.
Quietest
The dual-hose Friedrich ZoneAire Inverter Portable Air Conditioner did the best job of cooling and was among the quietest portable air conditioners we tested. It's pricey but worth it if you want powerful cooling.
What we like
What we don't like
This whisper-quiet portable AC is best for bedrooms. We feature several quiet portable air conditioners in this guide. Still, the Friedrich ZoneAire Inverter ZHV16DA does the best job of balancing quiet operation, cooling performance, and energy efficiency. For these reasons, it's also the best portable air conditioner for bedrooms. At high levels, it's only 53 decibels, which is quieter than everyday conversation. I especially like that the Friedrich ZoneAire's inverter compressor doesn't make jarring noises because it isn't constantly turning on and off, unlike other portable units.
It's also one of the best dual-hose portable ACs I tested. Dual-hose units tend to perform better than single-hose ACs in larger rooms because the dedicated air intake hose equalizes the room's pressure, preventing hot air from leaking in and filling the vacuum. The Friedrich Zoneaire demonstrated the dual-hose benefits perfectly. In two hours, it reduced the testing room's temperature by 4 degrees, the best result in my tests. Equally impressive is that it only uses an average amount of electricity.
Setup is easy, but it's pricey. I spent five minutes of the setup time connecting to the user-friendly FriedrichGo app. Reinstalling the AC in another room was also quick, taking about a minute. It's also pretty expensive at about $700. Still, if quiet operation and powerful cooling are your top priorities, the Friedrich ZoneAire Inverter Portable Air Conditioner is your best bet.
Best battery-powered
The EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner is an impressive heating and cooling device for camping, RVs, and power outages. Its excellent performance and variety of charging options make it worth the high price.
What we like
What we don't like
Thanks to the attached battery, you can use this AC almost anywhere. Unlike the other units in our guide, the EcoFlow Wave 3 doesn't require an electrical outlet, making it the best portable air conditioner for cars, camping, and other situations where electricity isn't available. The EcoFlow Wave 3 is an update to our former battery-powered pick, the Wave 2. The Wave 3 is more powerful and adds dehumidification.
It's relatively lightweight. At 38.4 pounds, the Wave 3 is a little heavier than the Wave 2 but still much lighter than any other unit in our guide. It took longer than most to set up because you need to rig your own window slider for the two hoses. I used plenty of duct tape to attach the hoses to the window slider of another unit. You don't need a window for Wave 3, but you do need an opening to the outside world for the air intake and exhaust hoses. Connecting to the EcoFlow app was seamless, and I found it easier to use than the on-unit controls, which could get confusing.
The battery can give you two to eight hours of cooling. When cranked to maximum power, the Wave 3's battery barely lasted the 2-hour test. On lower settings, it can last up to eight hours. Recharging the battery takes less than 90 minutes and can be done at a wall outlet, with solar panels (sold separately), or with a car charging cable. The battery attaches to the Wave 3, adding about 21 pounds to its weight.
Unless you're off the grid, I recommend checking out another portable AC. I tested the EcoFlow Wave 3 in my standard 550-square-foot test room, initially with it connected to a wall outlet, but it struggled. The manufacturer says the AC is recommended for spaces up to 180 square feet, which is about a third of the testing area's size. It barely decreased the room's temperature. I retested it in a 200-square-foot space relying solely on the battery. It lowered the room's temperature by almost four degrees — much better. Costing around $1,500 with the battery, the Wave 3 is expensive, but during summer heat waves, it can make your RV, tent, or car more bearable. It's also worth having around for heating and cooling if the power goes out.
Read our full EcoFlow Wave 3 review.
Our top picks compared
| Our pick | The winner | The standout feature | The drawback | Cooling area | Price |
| Best overall | Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner | Quiet, efficient inverter cooling | Uses a lot of power | 450 square feet | $$$ |
| Best budget | LG Portable Air Conditioner | Energy-efficient | Not wifi-enabled | 250 square feet | $ |
| Best for large rooms | Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner | Strong cooling for large spaces | Loud | 500 square feet | $$ |
| Best with heat | Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner | Year-round cooling and heating | Loud | 700 square feet | $$ |
| Quietest | Friedrich ZoneAire Inverter Portable Air Conditioner | Extremely low noise levels | Doesn't come with foam seals | 800 square feet | $$$ |
| Best battery-powered | EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner | Portable | Limited battery runtime | Up to 180 square feet | $$$$ |
What to look for in a portable air conditioner
Btu and room size: One British thermal unit (Btu) equals the heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In cooling, Btu measures the amount of heat removed from a room. The more Btu per hour an air conditioner is rated for, the better it should be at cooling a space.
That said, you shouldn't just choose an AC based on Btu. You'll also want to consider room size. Higher Btu units are better at cooling larger spaces, but they're louder and can be overpowering in smaller rooms (leading to unnecessarily high cooling costs). Use the table below (from the Energy Star website) to determine what Btu your room requires:
Recommended Btu by room size
| Room size | Cooling power needed |
| 100 to 150 square feet | 5,000 Btu |
| 150 to 250 sq. ft. | 6,000 Btu |
| 250 to 300 sq. ft. | 7,000 Btu |
| 300 to 350 sq. ft. | 8,000 Btu |
| 350 to 400 sq. ft. | 9,000 Btu |
| 400 to 450 sq. ft. | 10,000 Btu |
| 450 to 550 sq. ft. | 12,000 Btu |
| 550 to 700 sq. ft. | 14,000 Btu |
| 700 to 1,000 sq. ft. | 18,000 Btu |
Your Btu needs will be higher if the room has a ceiling over 8 feet, is very sunny, is regularly occupied by more than 2 people, or is a kitchen.
Energy efficiency: Even the best portable air conditioners are not energy-efficient, and currently, none are Energy Star certified. Still, if you're hoping to save on cooling costs or reduce your carbon footprint, consider energy efficiency. There are two factors to look at here: the compressor and kWh usage.
A portable air conditioner's compressor pushes hot air outside, allowing cold air to circulate in your room. Dual-inverter compressors, like the one in my top pick, are the most energy-efficient. These compressors have variable-speed motors that use much less energy than traditional compressors.
To get an overall feel for your AC's energy usage, look at kWh (kilowatt-hour) usage. Most electricity utilities use kWh to measure your power use, and I use it to measure the energy consumption of the air conditioners I test. The lower the kWh usage, the better.
Window size: Portable ACs usually come with a window slider, a long, adjustable piece of plastic that fits into your window opening. The hose from your portable AC connects to the slider to send the hot air emitted from the unit outside. You'll want to measure your window before purchasing your AC to ensure the slider will fit.
Noise: No one expects an air conditioner to be silent, but you'll want a unit with minimal noise output, especially if you use it while sleeping. We measure noise output with a decibel meter, but generally, you can expect units with more Btu to be louder.
Smart features: Depending on your needs, you may consider a WiFi-enabled unit that lets you control the air conditioner from your phone. This feature makes it easy to set a schedule or adjust settings without getting out of bed. Expect to pay a bit more for the convenience of app connectivity.
What type of air conditioner is right for you?
Portable ACs are one of the easiest ways to cool a room, especially if you can't install a window unit. While window ACs tend to be more powerful and efficient, they aren't always practical for renters or certain window setups. Portable models trade a bit of performance for flexibility, making them a popular choice for bedrooms, apartments, and other spaces with limited installation options. The table below can help you decide which type makes the most sense for you.
| AC type | Best for | Cooling power | Efficiency | Installation | The bottom line |
| Portable AC | Limited window access, renters | Medium | Low | Easy | Convenient, but weaker cooling |
| Window AC | Most apartments and homes | High | High | Moderate | Best value for most people |
| Mini-split system | Whole-room / long-term solution | Very high | Very high | Professional | Expensive up front, cheapest to run |
| Evaporative cooler | Dry climates | Low - medium | Very high | Easy | Useless in humidity |
How we test portable air conditioners
Meet the expert behind this guide
James Brains, home tester and writer: I have tested and reviewed air-quality, cooling, and heating devices for 6 years, including 14 portable air conditioners. I also consulted with Enesta Jones, a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spokesperson, and Joanna Mauer, the technical advocacy manager for the Appliance Standards Awareness Project. Based on my research and interviews, the main features to look for when shopping for portable air conditioners are how well they fit your window, their energy consumption, and their cooling capacity.
Our testing methodology
Our testing methodology encompasses the following evaluation criteria:
Setup: I timed how long it took to remove the packaging and install each unit, noting if tools were needed.
Cooling: I set my home's heating system to 75 degrees. Once at the set point, I cranked the portable air conditioner to its highest fan speed and lowest temperature. Using a digital thermometer placed on the other side of the 550-square-foot testing room, I compared the initial temperature to the temperature two hours later to see how well the unit cooled.
Noise: A loud air conditioner can make watching TV, working, or sleeping difficult. I measured each unit's noise output by holding a sound meter 6 feet from the AC as it ran on its highest setting. It lost points if the compressor made jarring sounds as it turned on and off.
Power use: I measured how much energy each unit used while running on high for two hours using a smart plug. The least energy-efficient window air conditioner I tested still uses less power than the most efficient portable unit.
Air quality: Before and after running the air conditioner for two hours, I compared particulate matter and VOC measurements using an air-quality monitor. I didn't weigh this category heavily, but I noted when there were significant changes in the air quality.
Portability: I timed how long it took to uninstall the AC, move it to the next room, and reinstall it. Between the rooms, there is a 3/4-inch threshold, making handles advantageous. I also considered the air conditioner's weight.
Extras: All units in this guide have at least a one-year warranty and a fan. ACs need more than this to earn extra points. For instance, a heating mode, remote control, dehumidifying, WiFi connectivity, foam seals for efficient cooling, and a more extended warranty contribute to a more favorable assessment of a portable air conditioner.
Portable air conditioner FAQs
Why do portable ACs have two Btu numbers?
Mauer said that the Department of Energy's Btu rating, known as the seasonally adjusted cooling capacity (SACC), is more accurate than the Btu given by the manufacturer (ASHRAE). The SACC considers hot-air infiltration and heat losses through the ducts, whereas ASHRAE doesn't account for the heat released into the room by the exhaust hose. There's also no consistent testing standard.
The DOE established the SACC Btu rating through standardized testing to account for heat that returns to the room. This guide references the SACC ratings.
Is a portable air conditioner or window air conditioner better?
When I compared portable and window air conditioners head-to-head, I found that window ACs are the better option for most people. During testing, I found that the most efficient portable AC still used 60% more power than my top window pick. The window unit also cost less and did much better cooling.
Unless you don't have a window to support it, I recommend a window unit. Portable ACs are only preferable when you don't have a single- or double-hung window.
Can I use a portable air conditioner in a room without windows?
You can use a portable air conditioner in a room without windows, but the hot air needs a way to escape, or the unit won't provide any cooling. Your portable AC needs an opening large enough for the ventilation hose to vent the exhaust outdoors.
Can portable ACs help with wildfire smoke and air filtration?
To some degree, yes. Most portable air conditioners have some degree of air filtration. However, the EPA recommends opting for a dual-hose unit, such as those from Midea, Whynter, and Friedrich. You'll also want to ensure that the seal between the hose casing and the window is as tight as possible. We recommend checking out our guide to the best air purifiers for the best air-filtering options.
How do I clean and maintain my portable air conditioner?
To keep your portable air conditioner working optimally, you need to clean the filter at least once a month, more if you use it frequently. Below are other cleaning tips to ensure you get the most out of your unit.
Weekly:
- Remove condensation: Regularly remove the condensation that builds up from the cooling process. Many portable units make this easy with a built-in dehumidifier or drain hose. When you put the AC away for the season, remove condensation to avoid mold buildup.
- Keep the hose short: You can improve your portable air conditioner's efficiency and reduce dust and moisture buildup by keeping the hose as short and straight as possible.
- Wipe the exterior down: Run a damp cloth along the exterior of your unit to remove dust.
Monthly:
- Clean the filter: A filter helps reduce allergens in your air and allows for optimal airflow. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how often to clean the filter. The best vacuums outfitted with a crevice tool attachment should get the job done. You can wash the filter with water, but ensure it dries completely before reinstalling it.
- Check the insulation: To keep your air conditioner running efficiently, check to make sure the insulation remains in place and seals any cracks. If your unit doesn't have foam seals, consider buying affordable adhesive strips. Apply insulation every time you move the AC.
Twice per season:
- Vacuum the condenser coils: Grab a screwdriver and remove the back panel to access the condenser coils on the back of your unit. To keep your AC running efficiently, use a vacuum with the crevice attachment and run it lightly over the coils. Do not press hard; you don't want to dent the coils.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
