Nothing is worse than the feeling of being hot and sweaty in your home during summer months, when a particular room never feels cool enough compared to the high temperature outside. Fans just don't cut it as they keep circulating warm air around without any real temperature change.
A portable air conditioner can be a true game-changer for rooms that need supplemental cooling or are unattached to the central AC system. Portable ACs offer a level of flexibility in their mobility and easy installation process, so you can target the rooms you frequent without worrying about permanent or professional installation.
Take a look at our Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2025 compilation of some of the best portable ACs currently available.
- Best Overall Portable AC for 2025
- Runner-Up: Best Portable AC for 2025
- Best Portable AC for Apartments
- Best Smart Wi-Fi Portable AC
- Best Portable AC with Heater
How to Choose a Portable Air Conditioner
When selecting a Portable AC for your room, it's essential to consider a few key factors, so take a look at Sylvane's 5 Things to Consider When Buying A Portable Air Conditioner for details.
The higher the BTUs (British Thermal Units), the more cooling power per hour the machine will be able to output, so keep the size in mind for how much area you want to cover, and to ensure you don't waste money or energy on one thatâs too large or too small. When it comes to ratings, there are two systems commonly used. ASHRAE is an older way of rating air conditioners under ideal conditions while SACC is the newer rating that takes a weighted average of the ACâs performance at various conditions. You can read about ASHRAE and SACC ratings to learn more about their differences and what they mean.
Also, take note of where windows and outlets are in the room you want to cool, as these ACs produce hot air during the cooling process, which needs to be vented out of a window. Unlike window air conditioners, which require a permanent installation in an open window, portable ACs are often on wheels to encourage and assist in moving from room to room. If you don't have access to a window, you can read our How to Vent Your Portable AC article for some other options.
Best Overall Portable AC for 2025
Midea 12,000 BTU Duo Inverter Wi-Fi Enabled Portable AC
Innovative hose technology makes this Midea Portable Air Conditioner our first-place winner, thanks to its increased efficiency, multiple control options, and sleek design.
The space-saving design of this Midea double the work by locking cool air in while forcing hot air out, but only requiring a single hose for easier installation into a double-hung or sliding window. An advanced duct system enhances airflow for long-range projection at a high velocity, reaching up to 26 feet away. Cycle through three fan speeds and a dehumidification mode, set a programmable timer, or activate the louver swing to direct cool air exactly where you want it.
- Recommended Coverage Area: 550 square feet
- Cooling Power (ASHRAE / DOE SACC): 14,000 BTUs / 12,000 BTUs
- Max Noise Level: 56.5 dB
- Refrigerant Type: R-32
- Heat Mode and Heating BTUs: No
- Dehumidifier Mode and Moisture Removal: 5.2 pints per hour
- Controls: You can use the control panel buttons on top of the unit, the included remote control, Wi-Fi with or without voice control-enabled devices, or the app to change the settings at any time.
Why We Picked It: The variable-speed inverter technology within this portable AC keeps it ultra-efficient, saving you money on your monthly bills, as the DUO design produces cold air twice as fast as other models. And with so many control options, it's easy for anyone to install and operate.
Runner-Up: Best Portable AC for 2025
Whynter Eco-Friendly 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable AC
The eco-friendly and efficient Whynter Portable AC is our second-place pick, with a dual hose design and quiet operation putting it ahead of the competition.
As part of Whynter's Go Green Mission, this portable AC uses lead-free RoHS-compliant components and CFC-free R-32 refrigerant to keep higher environmental standards. It also features auto drain technology that automatically exhausts condensation and reduces energy consumption by using and recycling the collected moisture to produce cool air.
- Recommended Coverage Area: 500 square feet
- Cooling Power (ASHRAE / DOE SACC): 14,000 BTUs / 8,500 BTUs
- Max Noise Level: 56 dB
- Refrigerant Type: R-32
- Heat Mode and Heating BTUs: No
- Dehumidifier Mode and Moisture Removal: 71 pints per day
- Controls: Digital controls on the front of this portable AC are easy to operate, plus it includes a remote control so you can change settings without leaving your couch.
Why We Picked It: The small environmental footprint from this model is one of the best, and combined with the consistently powerful cooling power, would be enough to put this on your radar. But we also chose it because it features two filters: a washable pre-filter and an activated carbon filter, to ensure that not only do you get consistently cool air, but also clean, fresh-smelling air.
We're not the only ones who chose this Whynter unit as a top portable AC pick; you're sure to find this in other Best Portable AC Guides for 2025.
Best Portable AC for Apartments
Friedrich 14,800 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Get more bang for your buck with this powerful Friedrich 14,800 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, which delivers cool air in spaces up to 800 square feet at a low noise level.
This multi-functional machine works efficiently as an air conditioner, heater, dehumidifier, and a three-speed fan so you can stay comfortable all year long. Equipped with precision inverter technology, this portable AC ensures accurate temperature control with up to 40 percent greater energy efficiency compared to other models.
- Recommended Coverage Area: 800 square feet
- Cooling Power (ASHRAE / DOE SACC): 14,800 BTUs / 12,000 BTUs
- Max Noise Level: 53 dB
- Refrigerant Type: R-32
- Heat Mode and Heating BTUs: 9,000 BTUs of supplemental heat
- Dehumidifier Mode and Moisture Removal: 3.8 pints per hour
- Controls: Digital control panel, remote control, remote access with the ComfortPro app, or voice-enabled devices like Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Why We Picked It: The simple installation, multi-functionality, and user-friendly controls with Wi-Fi and remote access make this an excellent choice for those looking to add a portable AC to their home for the first time. It's packed with features to make your life easier, like the intelligent Sleep Mode and EcoMode, which will automatically adjust the temperatures to conserve energy without compromising comfort.
Best Smart Wi-Fi Portable AC
LG 14,000 BTU Dual Inverter Wi-Fi Enabled Portable Air Conditioner
Thanks to the SmartThinQ app, you can control this LG Portable Air Conditioner from anywhere, giving you the ultimate flexibility and peace of mind when you leave the house.
An included window installation kit makes it easy to install this portable AC in your living room, bonus room, home office, or bedroom to keep you cool and comfortable all summer long. Choose dehumidification, auto cool, fan-only, or sleep mode for maximum effect. You can even set a programmable timer to automatically turn off or on up to 24 hours in advance, and an auto swing vent ensures even coverage throughout the space.
- Recommended Coverage Area: 500 square feet
- Cooling Power (ASHRAE / DOE SACC): 14,000 BTUs / 10,000 BTUs
- Max Noise Level: 53 dB
- Refrigerant Type: R-32
- Heat Mode and Heating BTUs: No
- Dehumidifier Mode and Moisture Removal: 6.8 pints per hour
- Controls: You can use the electronic control panel, LCD remote control, or download the SmartThinQ app to change settings.
Why We Picked It: It's tough to beat the convenience of a Wi-Fi-enabled AC unit when you can set your perfect temperature and have a cool, comfortable room waiting for you to arrive. This model has some of the best user-friendly technology, and the LG SmartThinQ app connects to all your LG devices as a smart home hub.
Best Portable AC with Heater
Aeric 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Heat
When looking for a portable AC, you probably arenât thinking about a heating capability. But when the weather turns from hot to cold, extra supplemental heating keeps you cozy in winter months.
The auto-swing louvers direct airflow to ensure constant and even flow of air across your space, whether for dehumidification, heating, or cooling. The installation kit included allows the exhaust hose to fit through a standard or sliding window, and the process is easy to set up or dismantle if you need to move it to a different room. Even at the highest fan setting, it operates quietly to be a subtle background noise.
- Recommended Coverage Area: 700 square feet
- Cooling Power (ASHRAE / DOE SACC): 14,000 BTUs / 10,000 BTUs
- Max Noise Level: 53 dB
- Refrigerant Type: R-32
- Heat Mode and Heating BTUs: 10,000 BTUs of supplemental heat
- Dehumidifier Mode and Moisture Removal: 108 pints per day
- Controls: LED display with push buttons or remote control
Why We Picked It: There's genius in simplicity, and this budget-friendly portable AC boasts a ton of features for straightforward supplemental cooling and heating. We especially like the option for continuous drainage by hooking up a hose to the machine, which can be helpful in high-humidity areas or seasons.
Still Unsure of Which Portable AC is Best for You?
Our portable air conditioner product experts can help you pick the right machine for your needs. Give us a call at 1-800-934-9194 or email us at [email protected] for suggestions and more information about keeping your space cool with supplemental air conditioning.
