When summer heat becomes unbearable, a portable air conditioner can be a lifesaver for small rooms. These versatile units offer targeted cooling without the permanence or expense of a central air system, making them perfect for apartments, home offices, bedrooms, and other compact spaces. You can move them where you need them most and enjoy a comfortable climate all season long.
Choosing the right model depends on your room size, desired features, and installation preferences. From powerful freestanding units to smart window models, this roundup covers the best portable air conditioners to help you find the perfect cooling solution for your needs and stay comfortable during the hottest months.
The Best Portable Air Conditioners for Small Rooms
- Humhold 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners, Remote Control, 3 in 1 Free Stand Smart Cooling
- 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners,Cools Up to 700 Sq.Ft,Portable AC Unit with Remote
- BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat, 12,000 BTU Cooling, for Rooms up to 550 Sq. Ft.
- Dreo Portable Air Conditioners, 12,000 BTU AC Unit for Bedroom with Drainage-free Cooling, 46dB Quiet
- 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners,Cooling,Fan,Dehumidification,Sleep Mode for Large Rooms up to 700 Sq.Ft
- CENSTECH 4-IN-1 Portable Air Conditioners, Evaporative Air Cooler w/4 Modes & 3 Speeds
- Shinco 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, AC Unit with Built-in Cool, Dehumidifier & Fan Modes
- GE Profile ClearView Window Air Conditioner Unit, 8,300 BTU, U-Shaped Adjustable Depth
- TCL H8W35W 8,000 8000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner, Fan & Dehumidifier, 350 Sq. Ft
- BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Air Conditioner
Humhold 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners
For larger small rooms up to 700 square feet, the Humhold 14000 BTU unit provides strong and efficient cooling. Its R32 refrigerant and energy-efficient compressor work quickly to create a consistent, comfortable temperature between 61°F and 86°F. This makes it a capable choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices that need significant cooling power.
This is a 3-in-1 machine that also functions as a dehumidifier and a fan. The dehumidifier can remove up to 95 pints of moisture per day, improving air quality. You can control all settings easily from across the room using the full-function remote control with its 23-foot range or the front LED touch panel.
14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners by Plevo
This powerful 14,000 BTU portable AC is built to cool spaces up to 700 square feet efficiently. It offers four specialized modes to meet your needs throughout the year: Cooling, Dehumidification, Fan, and a quiet Sleep mode that operates below 48dB for undisturbed rest. The intuitive controls make personalizing your environment simple.
Mobility is a key benefit, thanks to 360-degree silent casters and a recessed ergonomic handle. You can adjust settings using the touch-sensitive LED display or the LED-backlit remote control from up to 23 feet away, giving you complete command over your room’s climate from the comfort of your couch or bed.
BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat
This BLACK+DECKER model is a versatile four-in-one unit that provides year-round comfort. It delivers 12,000 BTU of cooling for spaces up to 550 sq. ft. and also includes a 9,000 BTU heating function for colder months. Beyond temperature control, it works as a dehumidifier and a fan, making it a truly multi-season appliance.
Its smart capabilities set it apart. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can control the unit using the mobile app on your iOS or Android device. For even more convenience, it is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice commands, allowing you to adjust settings without lifting a finger.
Dreo Portable Air Conditioners, 12,000 BTU AC Unit
The Dreo AC515S offers a substantial 12,000 BTU of cooling power with a focus on quiet operation. Its noise isolation system minimizes sound, reaching as low as 46dB, which is ideal for bedrooms, libraries, or offices where silence is valued. The cooling airflow can reach up to 16 feet to circulate air effectively throughout the room.
This model features a convenient 3-in-1 mode, combining cooling, dehumidifying, and fan functions. You can set your preferred temperature between 65°F and 86°F using the remote, the Dreo app, or voice control. Its drainage-free cooling design also adds to the user-friendly experience by reducing maintenance.
14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners with Sleep Mode
Engineered for larger small rooms, this portable air conditioner uses a highly efficient compressor to deliver 14,000 BTU of cooling power for areas up to 700 square feet. It can quickly fill living rooms, bedrooms, and offices with cool air, providing relief even on the hottest summer days. The auto-oscillating vent helps to distribute air evenly.
You have precise control over your environment with three modes (Cooling, Dehumidifier, Fan) and three adjustable fan speeds. The unit is designed for easy mobility with 360-degree casters and a recessed handle. A long-distance remote with an LED backlight allows you to make adjustments from anywhere in the room.
CENSTECH 4-IN-1 Portable Air Conditioners
The CENSTECH unit is a ventless evaporative air cooler, offering a unique and installation-free cooling alternative. It doesn’t require a hose or a window vent, meaning you can start using it immediately after unboxing. This design also makes it highly energy-efficient, using only 65W and potentially cutting electricity usage by up to 60%.
It features four modes (Cooling, Sleep, Normal, Nature) and three fan speeds for highly personalized comfort. The 2-gallon tank provides up to 20 hours of cooling, and you can enhance the effect by adding ice packs. With 120-degree oscillation and a 17-foot remote, it ensures wide coverage and convenient operation.
Shinco 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Ideal for smaller rooms up to 200 square feet, the Shinco 8,000 BTU portable AC provides effective cooling without taking up much space. The adjustable temperature range from 60°F to 86°F allows you to create a perfectly customized cool environment. Its compact power is well-suited for dorm rooms, small bedrooms, or offices.
This is a 3-in-1 unit offering cool, fan, and dry modes. The dehumidification function can remove up to 19.2 liters of moisture per day through a self-evaporating operation, eliminating the need for a bucket. Installation is straightforward with the included 59-inch telescopic hose and window sealing kit.
GE Profile ClearView Window Air Conditioner Unit
For those who prefer a window unit, the GE Profile ClearView offers an innovative U-shaped design that installs permanently but maintains your window’s functionality. This design allows the window to open and close freely, providing an unobstructed view and letting in more natural light. It fits a wide range of windows with its industry-exclusive flex-depth feature.
This 8,300 BTU unit is remarkably quiet, operating at sounds as low as 40 dB, making it one of the quietest window AC brands available. It efficiently cools rooms up to 350 square feet. While it requires window installation, its smart home capabilities and ultra-quiet performance offer a premium, set-and-forget cooling solution.
TCL H8W35W 8,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
The TCL smart window air conditioner delivers maximum performance for rooms up to 350 square feet. Its 8,000 BTU cooling capacity and multiple fan speeds give you full control over your comfort level. The 3-in-1 functionality provides cooling, fan-only operation, and dehumidification to suit different needs and seasons.
Control is flexible and modern. You can manage the unit using the included remote, the user-friendly TCL Home App on your smartphone, or with simple voice commands through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. This integration makes it easy to adjust settings from anywhere, adding a layer of smart convenience to your home cooling.
BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Air Conditioner
This BLACK+DECKER portable air conditioner is a reliable and compact choice for cooling smaller spaces. As a portable unit, it offers the flexibility to move cooling power to whichever room needs it most. It is designed with user-friendly features that make operation simple and straightforward.
While specific details for this model are focused on general performance and reliability, BLACK+DECKER is known for producing durable and effective home comfort products. This unit is a solid option for those seeking a trusted brand for their portable cooling needs without complex setups or features.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Portable AC for a Small Room
When I started looking for a portable air conditioner for my home office, I quickly realized it’s not just about grabbing the first unit I see. The key is matching the unit’s power to your space. The most important number to check is the BTU, or British Thermal Unit. This measures the cooling power. For a small room, typically between 150 to 350 square feet, you’ll want a unit in the 8,000 to 10,000 BTU range. Too low, and it will run constantly without cooling the room. Too high, and it will cool the space too quickly without properly dehumidifying, leaving the air feeling cold and clammy.
Next, I always check the decibel (dB) rating. Since a small room is often a bedroom or office, you don’t want a machine that sounds like a jet engine. Look for models that advertise a “quiet” operation, usually around 50-55 dB or lower on the cooling setting. This is quiet enough for conversation or sleep. I also pay close attention to the installation process. All single-hose and dual-hose portable air conditioners need to vent hot air out a window. Look for a kit that’s easy to set up and fits your window type—whether it’s a sliding window, a double-hung, or a casement style. A poorly sealed installation makes the unit work harder and wastes energy.
Energy efficiency is another big one for me. An Energy Star certified model uses less electricity to do the same job, which is better for the planet and my wallet. Finally, I consider the extra features. A built-in dehumidifier is great for sticky summer days, and a timer function lets me schedule the unit to turn on before I get home. While some units offer heating functions, I find a dedicated portable AC and a separate space heater often perform better individually. By focusing on these factors—BTU, noise, installation, and efficiency—you can find one of the best portable air conditioners for small rooms that will keep you comfortable all season.
FAQ
Do portable air conditioners need to be drained of water?
This is a common question, and the answer depends on the model and your climate. Most modern portable ACs have a self-evaporation system that pushes much of the collected moisture out through the exhaust hose along with the hot air. However, in very humid conditions, the unit might collect water faster than it can evaporate it, and the internal tank will eventually fill up. Many models will shut off and alert you when this happens, so you’ll need to manually drain it. Some units offer a continuous drain option where you can attach a hose to let water drip into a floor drain or bucket.
What is the difference between a single-hose and a dual-hose model?
A single-hose unit uses one hose to expel hot air from the room. This creates negative pressure, which can pull in warm air from outside through cracks under doors or in windows, making it slightly less efficient. A dual-hose model has one hose to pull in outside air to cool its condenser and a second hose to expel the hot air. This sealed system is more efficient because it doesn’t create negative pressure and doesn’t use your already-cooled indoor air for its operation. For a small room, a single-hose is often sufficient, but a dual-hose can cool the space faster and more efficiently.
Can I use a portable air conditioner in a room without windows?
This is tricky. A standard portable air conditioner absolutely requires a window or a specially designed wall vent to expel the hot air. Without this, the hot air has nowhere to go, and the unit will not be able to cool the room—it will actually make the space hotter. If a window isn’t an option, some people vent through a drop ceiling into an unconditioned attic or, very rarely, through a dryer vent, but these methods are often less efficient and not recommended by manufacturers. A windowless room might be better suited for a portable evaporative cooler (if you live in a dry climate) or a ductless mini-split system.
How much does it cost to run a portable air conditioner?
The cost depends on your local electricity rates, the unit’s BTU and energy efficiency (look for the CEER rating), and how often you use it. As a rough estimate, an 8,000 BTU Energy Star model might use around 900 watts. If you run it for 8 hours a day with an electricity rate of $0.13 per kWh, it would cost you less than a dollar per day. Running it 24/7 would naturally triple that cost. Using a timer to run it only when you’re home or during the hottest parts of the day can help manage the operating cost.
Are portable air conditioners safe to leave running overnight?
Yes, modern portable air conditioners are generally designed to be safe for overnight use. They have built-in safety features like auto-shutoff if the water tank is full or if there’s a problem with the motor. The main consideration for night use is noise. That’s why it’s so important to check the decibel rating before you buy. Look for a “sleep” or “quiet” mode that runs the fan at a lower speed, making it much less disruptive. I always make sure the area around the unit is clear of any obstructions and that the window installation kit is secure before leaving it on all night.
What maintenance does a portable air conditioner require?
Regular maintenance is simple but keeps your unit running efficiently. The two main tasks are cleaning the air filter and checking the exhaust hose. The reusable air filter should be vacuumed or rinsed with water every couple of weeks during peak season to maintain good airflow and air quality. At the start and end of each season, I give the unit a more thorough check: I wipe down the exterior, make sure the hose and window seal are intact, and, if required by the manual, I clean the evaporator coils. Proper off-season storage in a dry place is also key to making your best portable air conditioners for small rooms last for many summers.