Best Portable Air Conditioners

Best Portable Air Conditioners:
10 Mobile AC units for 2019

For how much time is spent at home, it’s imperative that our abodes are comfortable and inviting for both our families as well as guests. Whether your home wasn’t build with central air conditioning, or it was but it’s just unfortunately not enough, this best portable air conditioner article is meant for you.

In this post, we list ten of the top portable AC units on the market and provide reviews for each, along with a buyer’s guide at the tail-end to further aid in the decision-making process. Cooler living is so close we can almost feel it.

Comparison Chart

NameRangeCoolingWeightWarrantyRating
Whynter Portable Air Conditioner (ARC-14S)
Editor’s Choice 2018
500 sqft14,000 BTU80 lbs1 year on unit, 3 years on compressor9.7/10CHECK PRICE
Editor's Choice
BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner (BPACT14WT)350 sqft14,000 BTU83.7 lbs1 year for labor, 1 year for parts, 5 years for compressor9.7/10CHECK PRICE
Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner (HL14CESWK)700 sqft14,000 BTU64 lbs1 year limited9.6/10CHECK PRICE
De’Longhi America Portable Air Conditioner (PACAN120EW)450 sqft12,000 BTU68.4 lbs2 years on unit, 5 years on compressor9.5/10CHECK PRICE
Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner (MN10CESWW)350 sqft10,000 BTU61.7 lbs1 year limited9.5/10CHECK PRICE
Costway Portable Air Conditioner161 sqft10,000 BTU49 lbs90 days9.4/10CHECK PRICE
Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner (MM14CHCS)700 sqft14,000 BTU75 lbs1 year limited9.3/10CHECK PRICE
Frigidaire Portable Air Conditioner (FGPC1244T1)550 sqft12,000 BTU85 lbs1 year full, 5 year sealed system9.2/10CHECK PRICE
Whynter Portable Air Conditioner (ARC-122DHP)400 sqft12,000 BTU60 lbs1 year on unit9.2/10CHECK PRICE
Global Air Portable Air Conditioner300 sqft10,000 BTU54 lbs1 year on unit, 3 years on compressor9.1/10CHECK PRICE

 

1. Whynter Portable Air Conditioner (ARC-14S) – Editor’s Choice 2019

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The Rundown

A California company, Whynter was founded in 2006. This small and relatively new manufacturing firm specializes in heating and cooling appliances, such as air conditioners, ice cream makers, wine refrigerators, freezers, and water dispensers. Even though they are competing in a crowded market, Whynter has been increasing in popularity lately because of their high quality and affordable products. Most widespread have been their air cooling systems—of which the ARC-14S is the stand-out product.

The ARC-14S illustrates how Whynter combines form and function. It has a sleek design and platinum or black color options. It also provides complete thermostatic control, a remote, and a 24-hour programmable timer, which make this a very easy product for anyone to use. Reviews for the ARC-14S are numerous and positive, with many people commenting on the high performance of the cooling function on this model. It is also efficient, making 11 BTUs of power per watt, a high mark of efficiency. Everything it does, it does extremely well, which makes it our top pick of portable air conditioner.
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Specifications

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  • Dimensions:16 x 19 x 35.5 inches
  • Weight: 80 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year on unit, 3 years on compressor
  • Range: 500 sqft
  • Cooling: 14,000 BTU
  • Operational Modes: Cool, Fan, Dehumidify
  • Color: Platinum and Black
  • Voltage: 115 volts
  • Temperature Range: 61-89 degrees F
  • Air Filter: Carbon air filter + washable pre-filter
  • Drain Options: Continuous and Manual
  • Noise Level: 56 dB(A) – Air Flow (at high speed): 360 m3/Hour
  • Max Power Consumption: 1250 W/ 10.8 A
  • Dehumidifying Capacity: 101 Pints/Day
  • Fan Speeds: 3 (High, Medium, Low)

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Pros

  • The A.C. unit is made of durable, high-quality materials
  • Its 41,000 BTUs of cooling per 500 sqft. allow the ARC-14S to cool a room easily and consistently
  • At 101 pints a day, the dehumidifying capacity of the ARC-14S stands above almost all other competitors
  • Most people mention the quiet nature of the ARC-14S. It’s 56 decibels are not the quietest on the market, but it will be quieter than a window unit
  • By dividing BTU by Wattage, we can compare each machine’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The ARC-14S makes 11 BTU per watt, a great EER number, which will save you money

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Cons

  • Many reviews mention that the window mount needs some adjustment to fit all windows correctly and reinforce somewhat cheaply made materials
  • The warranty requires you to keep the original packaging, which can be inconvenient
  • Can be a little large for some spaces, but the extra size provides you more power

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The Bottom Line

Whynter has created a high quality, dependable, and affordable portable air conditioner that stands ahead of the pack in its capacity to cool and dehumidify any room. Additionally, the ARC-14S’s sleek look will not detract focus from the other features of your space.

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2. BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner (BPACT14WT)

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The Rundown

A giant in the power tool, lawn & garden, and appliance industry, Black & Decker has been around since 1910. It was founded in Maryland by S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker—and thus the name Black & Decker was born. Black & Decker was first known for their power tools—which are still some of the most reliable in the industry—then in 1957 they expanded by creating the first electric tools designed for the outdoors. The company didn’t begin creating home appliances until 1984 when they bought General Electric Company’s small household appliance division. Since that time Black & Decker has been creating well-made and affordable home appliances of every type. The Black & Decker’s portable air conditioner (BPACT08WT) is no exception to their quality standards. It combines powerful airflow (14,000 BTU to be exact), programmable features, and a great set of warranties to create an option that cools well, is easy to use, and guaranteed. A few drawbacks keep the BPACT08WT out of the top spot on our list. These include its weight, which the second heaviest of the units discussed here. It also has a small advertised cooling range of only 350 sqft. For the same cooling power, our top pick Whynter’s ARC-14S cools almost twice as large a room.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 17.1 x 13.8 x 28.1 inches
  • Weight: 83.7 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year for labor, 1 year for parts, 5 years for compressor
  • Range: 350 sqft.
  • Cooling: 14,000 BTU
  • Operational Modes: Cool
  • Color: White – Voltage: 115 V/ 60 Hz
  • Drain Options: Manual
  • Max Power Consumption: 950 W/ 8.2 A
  • Temperature Range: 64-95 degrees F

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Pros

  • Black+Decker’s portable air conditioner has an Energy Efficiency Ratio of 14.7, which, despite delayed energy rules, is the most efficient machine described in this review
  • 14,000 BTU of cooling for the small dimensions of the unit makes this air conditioner very versatile
  • It will work well in rooms with a wide degree of temperature variance: 64 to 95-degrees F. It is also reported to have a strong fan that cools down a sealed space quickly
  • The dehumidifying and air conditioning operation does not need to be emptied of water very often, even on the hottest days.

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Cons

  • It is specked as cooling a much smaller space with the same BTU than the Whynter model
  • Cools ideally only if the back screen is perfectly clean. Otherwise the fans begin to malfunction
  • Setting up the window panels has caused difficulty for some reviewers, as they aren’t very sturdy or fit the unit well.

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The Bottom Line

Black+Decker’s portable air conditioner (BPACT08WT) offers the same cooling power as Whynter’s ARC-14S. But, it is not advertised as cooling the same area as our top pick. Some reviewers have indicated that the product cools a larger space than indicated, but this shouldn’t be counted on.

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3. Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner (HL14CESWK)

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The Rundown

Honeywell has made it their mission to create energy efficient products that enable a clean and sustainable future. The company has been around a long time, longer even than Black & Decker. They began in 1885 with Albert Butz’s patent for a furnace regulator and alarm—a predecessor to our current thermostat. Honeywell has gone through a few names in its 133-year history: Butz Thermo-Electric Regulator Co. (1886-1893), Electric Heat Regulator Co (1893-1916), Minneapolis Heat Regulator Co. (1916-1927). It did not get its current name—Honeywell—until a 1927 merger between the Minneapolis Heat Regulator Co. and the Honeywell Heating Specialty Co. Since that time, it has worked to stay on the cutting edge of electronic and, now, digital technological advancements.

Honeywell’s portable air conditioner (14CESWK) is a great example of the type of cutting edge and efficient products that the company produces. This machine is our third pick because of its high cooling power, sleek design, and durability. Unfortunately for a company that prides itself on efficient design, the 14CESWK has a much lower EER—Energy Efficient Ratio—than other portable air conditioners. This draw-back drops it lower on this portable air conditioner reviews article than it might be. However, it is still a great option for people looking for a small and quiet machine.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 18.9 x 15.7 x 31.3 inches
  • Weight: 64 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year limited
  • Range: 700 sqft.
  • Cooling: 14,000 BTU
  • Operational Modes: Cool, Fan, Dehumidify
  • Color: White, Blue, Black, Gray
  • Voltage: 110 V
  • Air Filter: Washable filter
  • Drain Options: Continuous and Manual
  • Noise Level: 52 dB(A)
  • Dehumidifying Capacity: 111 pints/day
  • Max Power Consumption: 1650 W/ 15 A
  • Fan Speeds: 3 (low, medium, high)

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Pros

  • The 14CESWK comes with multiple color options and a sleek design, which allows the machine to fit the ambience of your space
  • One of the quietest air conditioners on the market. The 14CESWK makes only 52 decibels of sound
  • This portable air conditioner is rated as using 14,000 BTU in a 700 sqft. space. Reviewers have indicated that it performs even better than indicated, which makes it one of the coolest machines in this portable air conditioner reviews article

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Cons

  • Its Energy Efficiency Ratio of 8.49 makes the 14CESWK much less efficient than other portable air conditioners
  • Many reviewers report that the drain may be difficult to operate, and that the window adaptor does not fit all window sizes and shapes
  • The air only flows in one direction, which can make the cooling of certain spaces difficult.

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The Bottom Line

Honeywell has created a reliable and quiet air conditioner that cool the same area of space as our top pick. The lack of efficiency—which will cause your power bill to rise—and difficulty with some of the parts, lower its desirability.

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4. De’Longhi America Portable Air Conditioner (PACAN120EW)

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The Rundown

The first non-American brand in this list, De’Longhi began in Italy in 1902 and makes high quality coffee & espresso machines in addition to kitchen and home appliances. But, don’t worry, you will not be paying for your portable air conditioner to ship from Italy. The PACAN120EW model comes to us from De’Longhi America, the United States office of the brand. De’Longhi’s diversification efforts—of which portable air conditioners are one arm—began in the early 2000s with their acquirement of Kenwood and Ariete. Even though the company is a huge world-wide conglomerate, they still attempt to make all their products using Italian craftmanship and design.

The PACAN120EW follows De’Longhi’s quality model by including 3-in-1 operation, easy portable design, and a quiet mode. You will be paying for De’Longhi’s tradition of excellence, but in return you will get a durable and functional machine. This air conditioning unit does everything well, but nothing spectacularly. This places it lower than our top picks, but still makes it a desirable machine.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 17.8 x 15.5 x 29.5 inches
  • Weight: 68.4 lbs.
  • Warranty: 2 years on unit, 5 years on compressor
  • Range: 450 sqft.
  • Cooling: 12,000 BTU
  • Operational Modes: Cool, Fan, Dehumidify
  • Color: White
  • Voltage: 115 V/ 60 Hz
  • Temperature Range: 64-104 degrees F
  • Max Power Consumption: 1242 W/ 10.8 A

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Pros

  • This unit works as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, making it very versatile
  • Its durable castor wheels make it extremely portable. Going to the room where you require the most cooling or dehumidifying. It can also travel with you from room-to-room as you need, lowering your energy bills
  • The PACAN120EW has a Whisper Cool mode, that keeps your room cool while creating 50% less noise than most air conditioners, which makes the unit perfect for bedrooms

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Cons

  • Its 9.7 Energy Efficient Ratio is not the worst of the portable air conditioners on this list, but it is near the bottom
  • You cannot use an extension cord with this unit; however, it is long enough to work in most spaces with a power cord of approximately 6 feet long

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The Bottom Line

If you want a versatile, moveable, and quiet machine, then this is the model for you. However, it is not the most efficient unit on the market, which can be an issue if power bills are a concern. Overall, a strong, but middle-of-the-road air conditioner.

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5. Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner (MN10CESWW)

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The Rundown

The MN10CESWW is the second of three Honeywell portable air conditioners discussed in this review. Honeywell has a ridiculously long history of creating electronic devices, 133 years to be exact. Thus, it is no surprise that they have been able to create three very reliable and cost-effective machines.

The MN10CESWW is similar to the first Honeywell machine discussed (HL14CESWK) in that it is quite light (just over 60 lbs. for both machines) and both have a fairly low Energy Efficiency Ratio. The low EER is, again, somewhat surprising for this company—who desire to create extremely energy efficient machines. But, it is a drawback that both models of air conditioners share. The MN10CESWW differs from the other two Honeywell air conditioners in some significant ways. The most important being its 3-in-1 operational modes. You can use this machine as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or fan. On a less positive note, the MN10CESWW does not have as much cooling power as the first Honeywell model (only 10,000 BTUS instead of 14,000 BTUs) and is rated for a much smaller space (350 sqft. vs 700 sqft.).

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 15.2 x 18.1 x 29.4 inches
  • Weight: 61.7 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year limited
  • Range: 450 sqft.
  • Cooling: 10,000 BTU
  • Operational Modes: Cool, Fan, Dehumidify
  • Color: White
  • Voltage: 120 V/ 60 Hz
  • Temperature Range: 64-104 degrees F
  • Drain Options: Auto-evaporation system
  • Noise Level: 55 dB(A)
  • Air Flow (at high speed): 212 CFM
  • Max Power Consumption: 1140 W/ 9.5 A
  • Dehumidifying Capacity: 70 pints/day
  • Fan Speeds: 3 (low, medium, high)

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Pros

  • 3-in-1 operation modes mean that you can use the machine as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or fan
  • The air conditioner includes an auto-evaporation system that does not require you to drain water out of the unit. There will also not be any cold-water build-up using this system
  • The dehumidifier works very well in warm temperatures, and will keep that humid summer air out of your space. However, the dehumidifier does not work in temperatures under 61-degree F
  • The MN10CESWW comes with smooth-gilding caster wheels that allow you to easily move it from room-to-room.

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Cons

  • An 8.77 EER puts the MN10CESWW at the lower end of the efficiency scale
  • As seems to be common more most portable air conditioners, the window unit needs some DIY to work correctly
  • There are reports of the hose getting quite hot while the machine is running, which can provide ambient warmth to the room you are trying to cool.

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The Bottom Line

There are reports that the MN10CESWW does not cool as well as other portable air conditioners. In fact, many people claim that it takes a long time to cool the 450 sqft. space it is rated for. Yet, the 3-in-1 technology, quietness while running, and stylish design make it a good, affordable option.

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6. Costway Portable Air Conditioner

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The Rundown

More than anything else, Costway wants to provide customers with affordable options in every department. They were founded in 2008, and so are the youngest company mentioned here. They are younger even than Whynter, who was founded in 2006. Instead of focusing their efforts on just a small product range like Whynter did, they are a retailer with a hand in many different types of products; including furniture, home, outdoor, toys & games, hardware, sporting goods, pets, and electronics. It is their cost-effectiveness that has allowed them to grow into such a large company in only a few years.

Costway only makes one portable air conditioner, which has 10,000 BTUs of cooling power. It is also one of the cheaper, lightest, and smallest options in this list. With the savings on cost comes a significant drawback, in that it is only rated to cool a 161 sqft. space. This is significantly less than any other unit in the review. Even so, we have placed Costway’s portable air conditioner in the middle of our list because it does the job amazingly well in small spaces, and provides savings on both the unit and running costs (with a 10.3 EER, this machine is quite energy efficient).

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 12 x 13 x 30 inches
  • Weight: 49 lbs.
  • Warranty: 90 Days
  • Range: 161 sqft.
  • Cooling: 10,000 BTU
  • Operational Modes: Cool, Fan, Dehumidify
  • Color: White and Black
  • Voltage: 110-120 V/60 Hz
  • Temperature Range: 62-86 degrees F
  • Air Filter: Washable filter
  • Drain Options: Auto-evaporation system
  • Noise Level: 56 dB
  • Air Flow (at high speed): 380m3/H
  • Max Power Consumption: 970 W/8.47 A

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Pros

  • A 10.3 Energy Efficient Ratio means that the Costway portable air conditioner is an extremely efficient model, which saves you money
  • The unit has cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes. It also offers a sleep timer, that makes it ideal for use in the home and office
  • Its caster wheels allow for easy transportation from room to room
  • The fan is reported to be quite powerful by reviewers. Although, some have reported that the fan does not shut off, which could increase the noise output.

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Cons

  • At 161 sqft., the range of this unit is quite a bit smaller than the others on this best portable air conditioner article
  • Its 56 decibels of sound make it fairly loud, and perhaps not the unit to use in your bedroom. Although, it is still quieter than a window unit
  • Some reviewers mention that the hose occasionally leaks water. Doityourself.com offers four potential solutions to finicky units.

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The Bottom Line

If you have a small space that needs cooling, then this model air conditioner may be right for you. Costway’s portable air conditioner may not cool your entire apartment, but it will chill a small space quickly and cost-effectively.

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7. Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner (MM14CHCS)

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The Rundown

The MM14CHCS is the final of the three Honeywell portable air conditioners discussed in this review. As mentioned above, Honeywell is an extremely old company. In its 133 years it has had the time to perfect electronics design. The fact that three of its air conditioners made it onto our list tells you a lot about the quality and durability of Honeywell’s machines.

Of the three Honeywell air conditioners, we recommend the MM14CHCS the least. It is in the medium range of cooling power for the three—it makes 12,000 BTUs where the other two make 14,000 and 10,000 BTUs respectively. However, it is much larger and heavier, which makes it less portable, thus defeating the purpose of a portable air conditioner. What mainly sets this unit apart from the other two is its inclusion of a heating element. You can use the MM14CHCS as a heater as well as an air conditioner, which increases its versatility. If you want a machine that does it all, then this may be the one for you. But, if not, then we recommend looking at some of the other models on this list.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 15.7 x 16.5 x 29.3 inches
  • Weight: 75 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year limited
  • Range: 700 sqft.
  • Cooling: 14,000 BTU
  • Operational Modes: Cool, Heat, Fan, Dehumidify
  • Color: Black
  • Voltage: 120 V/60 Hz
  • Temperature Range: 60-90 degrees F
  • Drain Options: Auto-evaporation system
  • Noise Level: 55 dB(A)
  • Air Flow (at high speed): 265 CFM
  • Dehumidifying Capacity: 79.2 pints/day
  • Max Power Consumption: 1308 W/ 10.9 A
  • Fan Speeds: 3 speeds (low, medium, high)

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Pros

  • A 10.7 Energy Efficient Ratio indicates that the MM14CHCS is a fairly efficient machine. It is not the most efficient machine described here, but it will not raise your power bills too much
  • This product has dehumidifying, fan, heating, and cooling options. Only this unit and the Whynter ARC-122DHP have a heating element, which increases the versatility of the machine
  • The air conditioning option works extremely well and efficiently, cooling the advertised 700 sqft. easily
  • The streamlined design makes the unit blend into the background of your room, and doesn’t draw attention to itself.

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Cons

  • This is one of the more expensive options of portable air conditioner, but for the cost you are receiving added features not found in other machines
  • The heating element does not work as well as advertised, and has been reported to need a significant amount of draining to work properly

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The Bottom Line

The MM14CHCS has the most bells and whistles of the three Honeywell portable air conditioner units, with its 4-in-1 options and 700 sqft. range. It is perfect for someone who doesn’t mind spending some extra money on new—and somewhat unproven—options like the heating functionality.

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8. Frigidaire Portable Air Conditioner (FGPC1244T1)

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The Rundown

Another giant in the home appliance industry, Frigidaire began in Fort Wayne, IN in 1916. Here’s one mroe company that has had over a hundred years to get their products right. Frigidaire made its name by developing the first self-contained refrigerator. It is thought that the slang term “fridge” originally came from its name. Like many of the other extremely old companies described here, Frigidaire was bought and sold many times. First, General Motors owned it from 1919-1979. Then it was sold to the White Sewing Machine Company, which was bought out by Electrolux in 1986. Since the company developed a name for itself by making refrigerated products, it is no wonder that they make good quality portable air conditioners.

Frigidaire’s Cool Connect Smart air conditioner uses Smart technology to control the unit anywhere, directly from your phone or The Google Assistant. This increases the versatility of the machine, as does the sleek and easily portable design. Some of the drawbacks include the heavy weight of the air conditioner and its higher price. Since most of the other machines have programmable features, the use of Smart technology here feels more like a gimmick. However, if you are someone who loves the latest in technological advancements in all of your appliances, then Frigidaire’s Cool Connect Smart model will work perfectly for you.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.6 x 36.8 inches
  • Weight: 85 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year full, 5 year sealed system
  • Range: 550 sqft.
  • Cooling: 12,000 BTU
  • Operational Modes: Cool
  • Color: White – Voltage: 115 V
  • Dehumidifying Capacity: 3 pints/hour
  • Max Power Consumption: 1090 W/ 11 A
  • Fan Speeds: 3 speeds (low, medium, high)

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Pros

  • In addition to three fan speeds, the Cool Connect comes with three adjustable cooling speeds
  • It also has an auto cool function, energy saving, and sleep mode to give you the ultimate programmable experience
  • Its 11 Energy Efficient Ratio makes the Cool Connect one of the most efficient machines discussed in this review
  • It has a classy look that appeals to people who don’t want to look at another clunky air conditioner
  • The Wi-Fi and Google Assistant function makes programming and controlling the unit a breeze.

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Cons

  • The air conditioner weighs 85 lbs., which makes it difficult to move around. Unless you are extremely strong, you should consider the Cool Connect more of a permanent, instead of a portable installation
  • The highest cooling speed on the Cool Connect is slower than other units, and the fans only blow upwards, which can make cooling certain spaces difficult

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The Bottom Line

By far the heaviest machine discussed here, the Cool Connect portable air conditioner is also the only unit that is Wi-Fi enabled. Additionally, Frigidaire has gone to great lengths to give their customers a completely customizable experience. If you want complete control over your air conditioner, then this is the machine for you.

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9. Whynter Portable Air Conditioner (ARC-122DHP)

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The Rundown

As mentioned above, Whynter is a new but successful competitor in the home appliance market. Their machines combine quality, form, and function in a way not seen in other manufacturers’ products. The two Whynter portable air conditioners mention here (the ARC-14S and ARC-122DHP) are very similar in quality and functionality, but there are some major differences that set them apart.

The ARC-122DHP Elite beats out our editor’s top choice in weight (60 as opposed to 80 lbs.), efficiency (a 12.2 EER compared to a 11 EER), and operational modes (this model includes heating). Yet, the ARC-14S still packs more bang for your buck in terms of cooling power (14,000 BTU vs. 12,000 BTU) and the size of space it cools (500 sqft. vs. 400 sqft.). Unless you need a portable air conditioner that also includes heating, the ARC-14S is still the way to go. However, this machines reliable and versatile nature make it a strong choice.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 17 x 29.5 x 16 inches
  • Weight: 60 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year on unit
  • Range: 400 sqft.
  • Cooling: 12,000 BTU Cooling, 10,000 BTU heating
  • Operational Modes: Cool, Heat, Fan, or Dehumidify
  • Color: Grey
  • Voltage: 115 Volts/ 60 Hz
  • Temperature Range: 61-89 degrees F
  • Air Filter: Activated carbon filter + washable pre-filter
  • Drain Options: Continuous and Manual
  • Noise Level: 52 dB(A)
  • Air Flow (at high speed): 264 m3/h
  • Max Power Consumption: 980 W/ 9.0 A
  • Dehumidifying Capacity: 76 Pints/Day
  • Fan Speeds: 3 (Low, Medium, High)

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Pros

  • A 12.2 Energy Efficient Ratio makes this Whynter model the second most efficient machine mentioned
  • The unit has a Self-Evaporative system, which means that you never have to empty a container or worry about condensation dripping from the exhaust hose
  • The 12,000 BTUs of cooling allows this unit to cool a 400 sqft. space extremely easily and quickly
  • The heating element is reported to work quite well for a newer feature. With 10,000 BTUs of heating power, it will work better than the heating element on Honeywell’s MM14CHCS.

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Cons

  • This unit is about as loud as a window unit; although the advertised decibel level (52 dB) is significantly less than other models. Users indicate that the noise of the product is most noticeable when using the heating function, since other heating products tend to be less noisy than an air conditioner
  • As with many of the units described here, the exhaust hose has been reported to get quite hot. It is recommended that you wrap it in duct wrap or some other insulating material to keep it from being an ambient heat source

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The Bottom Line

The big thing that sets Whynter’s ARC-122DHP apart from the larger, more powerful ARC-14S is the heating element. If you are not purchasing this machine to heat and cool your space, then the other model will be fine for you. However, if you need similar heating and cooling power, then the ARC-122DHP is a good bet.

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10. Global Air Portable Air Conditioner

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The Rundown

The Global Air 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner is sold by the Chinese manufacturing company Shinco. Shinco was founded in the 1980s and sells primarily electronic devices. Apparently, the company has branched out into home appliances such as their portable air conditioner. They seem to sell these appliances under the name Global Air. Although, to be honest, it is extremely hard to find much information about the company or a complete list of products they offer.

Despite the grey spot in the company’s bio, the Global Air 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner has a lot of advantages. First of all, it is one of the cheaper units on the market, as you would expect from a Chinese machine. However, it is of good quality materials and includes a year warranty on the unit and a three-year warranty on the compressor—just in case there are any problems. Overall, Global Air’s appliance does most things fairly well. It has no stand-out features or huge drawbacks. If cost is a big concern for you, then this model will get your space cool reasonably well and cost-effectively.

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Specifications

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  • Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 31.3 inches
  • Weight: 54 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year on unit, 3 years on compressor
  • Range: 300 sqft.
  • Cooling: 10,000 BTU
  • Operational Modes: Cool
  • Color: White – Voltage: 115 V
  • Temperature Range: 62.6-86 degrees F
  • Air Filter: Washable filter
  • Drain Options: Auto-evaporation system
  • Max Power Consumption: 980 W/ 9.2 A
  • Fan Speeds: 2 speeds (high and low)

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Pros

  • The Global Air portable air conditioner is one of the lightest models on the market. Its 54 lbs. are beaten only by the Costway model’s 49 lbs
  • Global Air protects against the air conditioner freezing by including an anti-freeze delay function. When the air conditioner gets over cold, it waits three minutes and then restarts
  • This is the only model described here that reviewers say has a working and easy-to-install window kit
  • The machine is durable, working for many years without having problems, and is covered by a 1-year warranty on the unit and a 3-year warranty on the compressor

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Cons

  • A 10.2 Energy Efficient Ratio places this portable air conditioner in the middle of the pack in terms of cost-effectiveness
  • The unit has to be vented outside and you cannot use extension cords, which could be inconvenient for some users
  • The self-evaporative system may not work as well as advertised, at least according to reviewers

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The Bottom Line

Global Air’s little portable air conditioner will be a strong workhorse for you for years to come. It does not cool as much, as large a space, or as efficiently as other models. But, for people who are looking for an affordable option, this is a great machine.

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Best Portable Air Conditioner Reviews Buyer’s Guide

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Now that you know our recommendations for the top ten portable air conditioners on the market, here are some things to keep in mind as you find your own.

Cost

Cost has to come first in this buyer’s guide. Unless you are independently wealthy—which most of us are not—what you can afford will play a major role in your final decision. However, you should always weigh your budget with your needs. If you purchase the cheapest option on the market with no regard for any other factors, you may not buy a machine that will be right for your space. Investing in any appliance is a balancing act between cost, need, and want. With that in mind, here are five more factors that will likely influence your decision to buy one unit over another.

BTU + Area of Space

Before deciding on a specific model of portable air conditioner, you need to know the size of the space that you will be cooling (or dehumidifying or heating). There is a big difference between a small garage workshop and a large living room with 8-foot ceilings.

Knowing your space requirements will help narrow your search to specific BTU types. BTU measures the amount of cool that an air conditioner provides. The higher the number, the greater the cooling power. You should also look at what size of space the unit cools, usually measured in square feet (sqft.). Some of the air conditioners in this list make the top BTU (14,000), but are rated to cool a much smaller space than others with the same BTU measurement. Just because an air conditioner has a high BTU or cooling area, does not mean that it will work the best. Making sure to purchase a machine that is appropriate for your unique space will save you time and money in the long run.

Number of Operational Modes

Do you want an air conditioner only, or do you want your unit to perform different functions? Most of the portable air conditioners listed here have a number of operational modes. The three most common are air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan. A couple of the models—Whynter’s ARC-122DHP and Honeywell’s MM14CHCS—also have a heating mode.

Again, more modes do not necessarily equate to a better machine. In fact, one of the complaints about the Honeywell MM14CHCS is that the heating element does not work well enough to justify the cost of the unit. Thus, you should ask yourself what you plan on using the unit for, before getting sucked in by advertising lingo. If you only need an air conditioner—and maybe a fan—then a simpler model will be better (and cheaper) for you. How many operational modes you look for in a machine is solely unique to you and your needs.

Noise Level

No one wants a loud machine rattling on while they are trying to sleep, have a conversation, or watch television. However, if you are using power tools in the garage, a little noise might not be that bad. Where you plan on putting the portable air conditioner will determine how much noise you can tolerate it making.

Keep in mind that all self-contained air conditioners are a little noisy. In general, portable air conditioners are less loud than their window unit counterparts, and make more noise than central air systems. Sound intensity level is measured in decibels (dB), and most manufacturers will put the dB level of their unit in the specs. The higher the decibel the louder and more intense the sound. To give you some perspective, a normal conversation is around 50 dB, while a quiet room is around 30 dBs. Most portable air conditioners will be between 50-60 dBs. Knowing the exact number of decibels can help narrow down your choices.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

More energy efficiency means more cost savings for you. As you look through the various models of portable air conditioners, think out their potential EER number. EER stands for Energy Efficient Ratio. This number comes from dividing the BTU by the wattage. The EER will give you how many BTU of cooling occurs in a single watt of power. EER is an important indicator of efficiency, because we want our machines to perform as well as possible on the least power. The higher the EER number, the more efficient the machine.

Often manufacturers do not supply the EER on the packaging or specs for a given model. But because wattage and BTU are supplied and the math is fairly easy, you can figure out the EER by yourself. All you need is a calculator, and you can create an important tool for winnowing out certain brands or models.

Air Filter and Drain Options

When looking for a portable air conditioner, you will probably want to ensure that it has a washable air filter. This will save you the time and expense of buying a new one. Some of the air filters need to be cleaned often, so having to replace one every time you use the unit would add quite a bit of cost. Learn.allergyandair.com has some great tips on cleaning and maintaining your new unit. All of the machines discussed here have washable air filters.

While the air filter options are not variable, the drain options are. Some units have manual drain emptying, which means that you have to empty the water from the unit manually. Usually this is accomplished by emptying a bucket that comes with the machine. Many of the units now have continuous or evaporation systems, which claim to save you the trouble of emptying that bucket. These machines recycle the water picked up from the outside air and use it to help cool the unit. The choice of manual or recyclable draining really depends on how much attention you want to give your air conditioner while it runs.

Conclusion

Finding the right portable air conditioner may seem like a daunting task. There are a lot of makes and models on the market, each offering seemingly different features. It is a smart idea to make a list of your needs and your wants before you begin researching. This way you will at least have some idea of the functionality that you are looking for. Also following this buyer’s guide and top ten list should cut your work significantly, and help your find the best machine for your hard-earned buck.

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One response to “Best Portable Air Conditioners:
10 Mobile AC units for 2019”

  1. Darrel Marks

    Thanks for the info, I am actually looking to install new AC.

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