7 Best Portable Air Conditioners For Small Spaces
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It’s about to get hot, hot, hot. Somehow, summer always creeps up on me, and I find myself asking: How did it get so sweaty all of a sudden? Being prepared means that you can save yourself some discomfort. While that might mean installing your trusty window unit ahead of the hottest day of the year, you might find that a portable air conditioner is a great and easy way to keep things even cooler this summer. If you don’t have central AC (or even if you do), portable air conditioners can be a great way to keep your personal space cool without taking up too much room (or electricity!). Some of them even have the added benefit of functioning as air purifiers and space heaters, so they can be useful even long after summer is gone.
Especially in hot, humid summers, I know I need to stay prepared for all kinds of intense weather conditions, which is why it’s important to find a powerful, high-quality portable air conditioner built to last. And luckily, we have the scoop on a few that can do the trick.
What should you look for when shopping for a portable AC?
Of course, details like size and budget will always play a role in the selection process, but there are a few other things to consider. BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is the cooling capacity of an AC unit, which is one of the most important factors. For portable AC units, you’ll generally want to look for something in the neighborhood of 8,000. This is enough to quickly cool a room of up to 350 square feet (if you’re cooling a smaller space, you may want to look for something lower). Sometimes there are two different BTU numbers associated with certain products, especially as the BTU rating increases — primarily, there are BTU ASHRAE and BTU DOE. Both are technically correct, but they’re just slightly different measurement standards. The two BTU ratings for a single product are usually relatively close together for this reason. There are also other features you may look for in portable AC units, like whether it can also work as a space heater in the winter so you can keep it year-round, and if it has other functions like smart capabilities so you can keep your home cool remotely, which is especially helpful for pets and the youngest and oldest members of our families.
Our criteria:
Our editors have researched and tested the best wellness products on the market. We’ve chosen portable ACs for this guide that are effective, have smart features, and are built to last. To make our selections, we looked to expert testimonies, customer reviews, and long-trusted brands so you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality, safe option.
- EFFECTIVE | We’ve selected portable units that really work, and noted their power and range in the write-ups below so you can find the best fit for your space.
- SMART FEATURES | Some of the options on this list pair with apps, air purifiers, or have other smart features that make them super effective and easy to use.
- BUILT TO LAST | A portable AC unit can be a big investment! We’ve selected brands whose products are proven to last, and many on this list have guarantees and warranties to back them up.
And if you’re curious about keeping the air in your home super safe, check out our guide on the best indoor air quality monitors.
1. Frigidaire
Best For | Ultimate power
BTUs | 8,000
Features | Connects to their app, connects to Amazon Alexa, multi-fan speed, Wi-Fi connected
Prices starting at | $499
This compact unit packs quite a big punch, with a rating of 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) and 8,000 BTU (DOE). The Frigidaire 3-in-1 Connected Portable Room Air Conditioner can cool a 350-square-foot room and does so at only 49 dBA, so you can still enjoy quiet time and conversation. It also includes a built-in Clean Air Ionizer to help reduce airborne particles while it cools! It has multiple fan speeds and a sleep mode, so you can set it for any situation. If you live somewhere that’s just brutally hot, and all you need is a powerful portable AC unit, it doesn’t get much better than this. And not only is it powerful, but it’s smart, too! It connects with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, so you can pair it with any devices you like. This unit also comes with a window kit.
Editor Review | “Living in Los Angeles, we needed an air conditioner for our daughter’s nursery that didn’t use a ton of energy or take up permanent space in our rental, especially during the hotter summer months. The Frigidaire 3-in-1 was easy to set up (I did it myself), and I love that we can control it from the app. This is huge for when we’re coming home from a trip, and our daughter falls asleep in the car. I can ensure the room is already cool by the time we transfer her to her crib. I also love how it’s compact, easy to wheel around on our hardwood floors, and doesn’t feel bulky in a smaller room. The built-in air ionizer gives me extra peace of mind that her nursery feels fresh and comfortable while she sleeps.” – Kayti, Senior Content Strategist (Read more reviews.)
2. BlueAir
Best For | Your all-in-one AC
BTUs | No BTU rating because it cools via fan
Features | App Integrated, voice controlled with Alexa, Wi-Fi connected, heating and cooling, air purifying
Prices starting at | $499
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for a smart device that does more than just cooling, BlueAir is the place to go. Not only does the BlueAir ComfortPure™ 3-in-1 Air Purifier have a powerful fan to keep you cool, but it also has incredible air purifying and heating capabilities. If you’re low on space and want a device that does everything so you don’t have to worry about storing and switching out multiple devices, it’s perfect for you. It features a 360 design so you can place it anywhere, PM 2.5 pollutant tracking, and connects to the BlueAir app for extra features. It also comes in two sizes, so you can tailor your shopping to the space you need to fit.
Customer Review | “I didn’t think the perfect air purifier existed, but here it is!! Air purifier, fan and heater??!! Don’t walk, but run to purchase this device. You won’t be disappointed” – Anonymous (Read more reviews.)
3. EcoFlow
Best For | Camping trips
BTUs | 6,100 cooling power; 6,800 heating power
Features | Fast charging, 8h wireless running, app integrated
Prices starting at | $1,299
The EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner is one of the best and most advanced portable heating and cooling systems for any and all outdoor activities. Specifically made to work for camping, van life, and recreational vehicles, it has an impressive charge time of just 75 minutes, which can keep it going for eight hours! While you don’t have to be camping for this unit to be worthwhile, it’s definitely built with the capabilities to withstand the outdoors. It even has solar charging capabilities, which is amazing from an eco-friendly perspective. Plus, it’s fast, especially in small spaces, and can drop a 120-180 square foot space 15 degrees Fahrenheit in just fifteen minutes — not to mention that it can heat up a space of that size 17 degrees Fahrenheit in the same amount of time!
4. DeLonghi
Best For | Medium to large-sized rooms
BTUs | 6,800
Features | Programmable timer, dehumidifier, washable dust filter, window kit
Prices starting at | $718
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense portable air conditioner to cool rooms up to 500 square feet, the DeLonghi Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner is for you. It features a programmable timer and a quiet setting, so you can let it run whenever you need and still enjoy your quiet time. It also has a built-in humidifier that you can utilize if you live in an area that’s both hot and humid in the summers. And even though the unit is large, it has wheels so it’s easy to transport from room to room if you need. This unit also involves a window kit for better air circulation, so if that’s something you’re in search of, this is a great portable option for you.
Customer Review | “Heat wave in BC needed the air-conditioning for our bedroom. Cooled our large master bedroom within two hours, kept it cool for the duration of the heat wave. I recommend this product to any one. No issue with the remote or it shutting down. It ran fantastic and my wife was very happy. Great product. – Amazon Customer (Read more reviews.)
5. LG
Best For | Bang for your buck
BTUs | 6,000
Features | Remote controlled, filter light reminder, dehumidifier, fan cooling
Prices starting at | $329
For $329, the LG 6,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner gives you all you need and more, with fan cooling, a dehumidifier, and remote control capabilities, and a window kit to keep the air circulating, this unit can keep you cool and dry on a budget for sure. It also operates at 51 dBA, so you can easily hold a conversation. It includes a removable and washable filter, filter light reminders, and an auto-swing vent to circulate the air throughout the room and avoid hot spots. If you need something simple that also includes a fan and a dehumidifier for humid climates, this is one of the best options out there.
Customer Review | “When we ordered it was sooo hot out but once delivered it had cooled down considerably which was strange weather for Vancouver in July! We had to wait for a hot day and it finally happened….so easy to use the remote. It’s very quiet and it cooled us down quickly. This is one of the best things we’ve purchased and it can get as hot outside as it wants and we’ll be comfortable, safe and cool in our home.” – Lorraine (Read more reviews.)
6. Black+Decker
Best For | Small spaces
BTUs | 5,300
Features | Fan, dehumidifier, auto water evaporation, environmentally friendly R410a refrigerant, remote controlled
Prices starting at | $419
The Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner is perfect for making a big impact on small rooms. Not only does it have 5,300 BTU capabilities, but it also includes a dehumidifier with auto water evaporation and a fan. It comes with a window kit, and you truly can tuck it away beneath the window — as this unit is tiny but mighty! At just 25 inches tall, 14 inches long, and 15 inches wide, it’s great for small rooms that are low on storage space. It’s also remote-controlled, and has side carrying handles so it’s extra easy to transport if you need to move it around from place to place. If you need something small, compact, and affordable that can get the job done, this might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
Customer Review | “Made a dent in the southeast Texas heat. August is hot in Texas and my older central air could not keep up this year. This unit has been running for a few hours now Supplementing my central 3.5 ton unit In my old 1930’s two story house and its 70 degrees upstairs at 10pm and its 85 degrees outside. Last night without this new unit it would take until 4 am to cool to The 1000 sq ft upstairs to 70. I win!!!! I may have to turn it down!” – T.W. (Read more reviews.)
7. Midea
Best For | Smart option for smaller budgets
BTUs | 8,500
Features | Wi-fi connected, dehumidifier, fan, remote control, smart controls
Prices starting at | $280
The Midea 8,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is exactly what you want if you need lots of power at a low price. They start at $280 for their 8,500 BTU ASHRAE model, but there are other models available, too, like their 10,000 BTU and their 14,000 BTU, which includes heating capabilities. All of them include a dehumidifier and fan, a window kit, and the capability of connecting to your smart home app on iOS or Android. They also have a 24-hour adjustable timer that can cool a room between 62 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit on one of three modes — cooling, dehumidification, or fan only. This unit is exactly what you need if you simply want to get cool quickly and want to pick from an array of choices. Plus, if smart controls are important for you, this is an affordable model that can give you what you need.
Customer Review | “I purchased the Midea 8500BTU EasyCool window air conditioner almost 3 weeks ago for my son 350 sq.ft. bedroom and it has exceeded my expectations.Easy installation:The included installation kit and clear manual made setup manageable alone through having a helper is ideal.smart features:works flawlessly with Alexa and the Google app. Scheduling cooling fan and dehumidifier 3in1.For its price range , if you need reliable ,quiet cooling for a medium sized room.” – Jack Y. (Read more reviews.)
Featured image by BlueAir
Jamie Kahn is a writer and yoga teacher based in New York. Her work has been featured in Glamour, Brooklyn Magazine, Epiphany, The Evergreen Review, and others.
