For people who stay or travel to certain regions of the world, summertime is not so fun. Portable AC units have proven not only popular for their portability but also for their cheap price and versatility. Since they don’t require any difficult installation, they are even becoming more popular than window air conditioners.
There are two configuration-based categories to portable ACs, the dual-hose and the single-hose. Single-hose is cheaper since it needs only one exhaust for both outputting air and inputting it. Double-hose though have separate tubes for this and thus usually cool faster and with more energy-efficiency.
Knowing which unit to buy is more a question of where you want to use it than price. One for camping will generally be cheaper than for a parlour, while battery-powered ones are pricier than cabled ones. This review examines the top choice in portable air conditioners for 2023.
Best Portable AC Unit 2023
1. LG 115V
This 115V unit from LG packs insane power when considering its tiny profile. Even after extensive examinations, don’t be surprised when you realize it is responsible for the ice-cold air. It has excellent temperature distribution because the discharge louvres move automatically. LG 115V is brilliant in even large areas and even easier to clean than we expected. It also sports a superb design.
Specs
- 54-inches cord length
- Three cooling modes
- 12-amp
- 57-inch hose
- 10-tablespoons removed condensate
- 14000 BTU power
Pros
- Lightweight
- Crazy power
- Impressive cord length
- Has smart features
- Energy-efficient
- Quiet with a sleep mode
- Fast cooling cycle
- Has a dehumidifier
Cons
- Expensive
2. Frigidaire B06Y1BLFBN
This 12000 BTU while less high-powered compared to LG does sport some smart features that surprise. It has clean filter indicators and an alert system to keep you aware of any faults. Frigidaire supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to allow for easier and more controls. There is also magnetic remote for the more manual-oriented users and a patented 360-degree airflow.
Frigidaire features both a sleep mode and an auto-cool function.
Specs
- 12000 BTU
- 360-degree airflow feature
- Sleep mode
- Smart function (voice control)
- Alerts
- Magnetic remote
Pros
- Integrated air purifier
- Affordable
- 360-degree cooling
- Has Wi-Fi compatibility
- Numerous settings (programmable)
- Stylish
- Smart alerts
Cons
- Not for large rooms
- Lacks energy-efficiency
3. Honeywell HL09CESWK
There’s more to air conditioning than power, range, and smart features, and HL09CESWK fills this role of accuracy. Its temperature reduction is steady and accurate. Honeywell offers a tool-free access filter grill with this unit and an even cheaper price. It does not excel in power, which is why it is best used in small rooms.
Specs
- 10 tablespoons condensate
- 73-inches cord length
- Dehumidifier
- Four cooling modes
- 9000 BTU
- 59-inches hose
- Eight-amp
Pros
- Can reduce humidity
- Cheapest
- Steady cooling performance
- Easy maintenance
- Ideal in small rooms
- Robust and quiet
Cons
- Low power
4. LG 8,000 BTU 115V
This LG unit’s fan can be easily adjusted of you want to more precisely cool an area. It is not just easy to install but also ultra-flexible in its various applications. While it also does not match any of LG’s high-end units in smart features, it does fairly well. It is the best budget portable AC unit on the market.
Specs
- Two-pints humidity per hour
- LED display
- 150-feet cooling range
- LCD remote
- 24-hour off/on a timer
- Two fan and cooling speeds
- Freestanding
Pros
- Best for small rooms
- Best budget
- Versatile and flexible
- Small and lightweight
- Easy control
- Has a dehumidifier
- Awesome design
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not enough cooling power
- Shipment issues
5. Black & Decker BPACT14H
As a freestanding portable AC unit, BPACT14H’s size does not represent its cooling power. It is one of the most compact AC units on the market. Black & Decker moves left and right automatically but top and bottom manually.
Specs
- 57-inches hose
- Dehumidifier
- 10000 BTU
- 70-inches cord
- 8-amp
- Four cooling modes
Pros
- Moves automatically
- Excellent output
- Best for medium-sized rooms
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and compact
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not easy to maintain
- Auto-movement is not vertical
6. Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose AC
This unit offers a full digital display, complete thermostatic control, three fan speeds, a carbon air filter, and remote control. It has self-evaporating advanced technology, a dehumidifier, and auto-shut-off and on. This unit can auto-restart and its coolant is an eco-friendly R-410A with the only fluoride.
Specs
- 14000 BTU
- Thermostat control
- LED display
- Auto-restart/shut-off and on
- Dehumidifier
- Washable pre-filter
- Remote control
Pros
- Extreme power
- Brilliant in large rooms
- Can be easily programmed
- Self-cleaning
- Eco-friendly
- Affordable
- Reasonable price
- Dual-hose
Cons
- Larger than average
- Manual cleaning is difficult
7Whynter ARC-122DS
It also offers dual-hose cooling, is portable, easy to use and clean, and cools efficiently without occupying a large space. There is an integrated dehumidifier, a carbon filter, washable pre-filter, and remote control.
Specs
- Self-evaporating
- LCDI plug
- 24-hour timer (programmable)
- 12000 BTU
- Carbon filter
- Dual-hose
Pros
- Highly compact
- Needs no excessive maintenance
- Eco-friendly
- Sufficient for large rooms for large rooms
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Pricy
- Shipments out of the US is difficult
8. Whynter Elite ARC-122DS
Specs
- Three cooling modes
- Built-in dehumidifier
- 14000 BTU
- Nine-amps
Pros
- Can dehumidify
- Powerful but lighter than most
- Brilliant with large rooms
- Compact
- Sleek look
Cons
- Little smart applications
- Only three modes
- Not enough known specifications
- Shipment problems are common
9. Evapolar Personal Evaporative Air Cooler
Evapolar is so tiny it is almost ridiculous. For this small size though, it is rated for an impressive 10-watts of power and just 45-square foot cooling space. It is a car compatible AC unit and ideal for those who prefer a more dispersed cool air.
Specs
- 45-square foot cooling area
- Three-in-one
- 9-pounds
- EvaBreeze evaporative tech
Pros
- Cheap and light in weight
- Integrated LED display
- No bacteria
- Energy-saving
- Inane value
- Most efficient
Cons
- Too small for most
- Only for small rooms
10Della 8,000 BTU Portable AC
Specs
- 150-square foot rating
- Digital display
- Custom touch control
- 8000 BTU
Pros
- Mid-priced
- Portable
- Quick installation
- Easy operation
- Lightweight
- Best for small rooms
- Small display panel
Cons
- Lacks energy-efficiency
- Not a popular model