We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Small Portable Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BLACK+DECKER 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 450 Sq. with Remote Control, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,269
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
50437 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Easily cools a small office within minutes and maintains temperature without running constantly, leading to potential energy savings.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy Star certification and decent SEER rating contribute to efficient operation without large energy costs.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units, allowing conversations nearby without needing to turn it off.
Portability Features
Lightweight design with casters and handles makes moving the unit between rooms straightforward and hassle-free.
Dehumidification Function
Effectively combines air conditioning, dehumidifying, and fan modes to improve overall comfort beyond just cooling.
Control Options
User-friendly controls with both a top panel and remote, though the remote’s dark LCD screen can be hard to read in low light.

The BLACK+DECKER 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a solid choice for cooling rooms up to about 450 square feet. Its cooling capacity is suitable for small to medium rooms, making it practical for bedrooms or home offices. The unit combines three functions—air conditioning, dehumidifying, and fan modes—which adds versatility to help improve comfort beyond just cooling. It has an energy efficiency rating (SEER) of 6.7, which is decent and supported by a 5-star Energy Star certification, indicating that it won’t be a big energy drain. Noise-wise, it operates at 52 decibels, which is moderately quiet but may still be noticeable in very quiet environments like bedrooms at night.

On the portability front, it’s fairly lightweight at 47 pounds and includes casters and side handles, so moving it between rooms is straightforward. Controls are user-friendly with a top-mounted panel plus a remote control, adding convenience especially when you’re relaxing. Maintenance is manageable thanks to a slide-out washable filter and an auto water evaporation system that reduces the hassle of emptying water tanks regularly.

One minor downside is that the actual cooling power measured as SACC BTU is 5,800, which is somewhat lower than the rated 10,000 BTU, so it might struggle slightly in very hot or large rooms. Also, while the included window installation kit makes setup easier, window compatibility can vary depending on your space. This BLACK+DECKER model suits users looking for a portable, multifunctional air conditioner that’s easy to move and maintain, delivering effective cooling and dehumidifying for small to medium rooms without complicated controls.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,269
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
50437 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Easily cools a small office within minutes and maintains temperature without running constantly, leading to potential energy savings.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy Star certification and decent SEER rating contribute to efficient operation without large energy costs.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units, allowing conversations nearby without needing to turn it off.
Portability Features
Lightweight design with casters and handles makes moving the unit between rooms straightforward and hassle-free.
Dehumidification Function
Effectively combines air conditioning, dehumidifying, and fan modes to improve overall comfort beyond just cooling.
Control Options
User-friendly controls with both a top panel and remote, though the remote’s dark LCD screen can be hard to read in low light.
#2

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner, 14,000 BTU for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft., Smart Portable AC with Follow Me Remote and Window Kit, BPACT14WT, White

Rating
10.0
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
50437 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The B&D unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, cycling on and off efficiently.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units owned; can talk on the phone 5 feet away without shutting the unit off.
Portability Features
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is light years better than any previous unit, locking in place securely.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner is a versatile unit suitable for rooms up to 700 sq. ft., making it a great choice for medium-sized spaces. With a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 BTU DOE), it offers robust cooling, which is essential during hot summer months.

Its energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 6.2 is reasonable, though not the highest, indicating moderate efficiency in power usage. The noise level of 54 dB is relatively quiet for a portable unit, making it suitable for bedrooms or living areas where low noise is important.

Portability is a strong point, with dimensions of 16.5” x 14.06” x 27.09” and a weight of 62.4 pounds, which is manageable for most users.

Rating
10.0
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Portability Features

Most important from
50437 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The B&D unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, cycling on and off efficiently.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units owned; can talk on the phone 5 feet away without shutting the unit off.
Portability Features
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is light years better than any previous unit, locking in place securely.
#3

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU for Rooms up to 550 Sq. Ft., Smart Portable AC with Follow Me Remote and Window Kit, BPACT12WT, White

Rating
9.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
50437 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly lowers room temperature and maintains it efficiently with intermittent cycling.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy efficiency is average, with the unit cycling off periodically to save power, potentially lowering electricity costs.
Noise Level
Operates noticeably quieter than many previous units, allowing comfortable conversation and phone calls nearby.
Portability Features
The hose attachment features a secure locking mechanism that prevents accidental disconnections and eliminates the need for duct tape.
Dehumidification Function
Auto water evaporation reduces maintenance by minimizing the need to manually drain collected moisture.
Control Options
Remote control lacks backlighting, making it difficult to read in dim environments despite full functionality.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner is designed for rooms up to about 550 square feet, making it suitable for medium-sized bedrooms or living areas. With a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC), it offers solid cooling power to handle warm days effectively. It also doubles as a dehumidifier and fan, which adds to its versatility during humid or milder weather. The energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 5.8 is average and the unit is not Energy Star certified, so it might use more electricity compared to more efficient models. Noise-wise, it runs at 52 dB, which is moderate—noticeable but not overly disruptive, suitable for most home environments including bedrooms.

One standout feature is its smart connectivity, allowing control through a mobile app and voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant, plus a remote with a “Follow Me” thermostat that helps maintain precise temperatures based on where the remote is located. Portability is decent given its size and weight (about 57 pounds), and it includes a window installation kit for easy setup, which is handy if you move it between rooms. Maintenance is relatively straightforward with auto water evaporation, which reduces the need to drain water manually often.

The unit is somewhat bulky compared to smaller portable ACs and lacks energy-saving certifications. Its warranty is limited to one year, which is fairly standard but might be short if you expect heavy use. This BLACK+DECKER model is a convenient, easy-to-control portable AC with good cooling for medium rooms, best suited for users valuing smart features and ease of installation, though it may not be the most energy-efficient or quietest option available.

Rating
9.9
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
50437 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly lowers room temperature and maintains it efficiently with intermittent cycling.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy efficiency is average, with the unit cycling off periodically to save power, potentially lowering electricity costs.
Noise Level
Operates noticeably quieter than many previous units, allowing comfortable conversation and phone calls nearby.
Portability Features
The hose attachment features a secure locking mechanism that prevents accidental disconnections and eliminates the need for duct tape.
Dehumidification Function
Auto water evaporation reduces maintenance by minimizing the need to manually drain collected moisture.
Control Options
Remote control lacks backlighting, making it difficult to read in dim environments despite full functionality.

Buying Guide for the Best Small Portable Air Conditioners

Choosing the right small portable air conditioner can make a significant difference in your comfort, especially during hot weather. These units are designed to cool specific areas and are easy to move from one room to another. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your personal requirements. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a small portable air conditioner.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)BTU stands for British Thermal Units and measures the cooling power of the air conditioner. The higher the BTU, the larger the area the unit can cool. For small rooms (up to 150 square feet), a unit with 5,000-8,000 BTU is sufficient. For medium-sized rooms (150-300 square feet), look for 8,000-12,000 BTU. For larger rooms (300-500 square feet), you may need 12,000-14,000 BTU. Choose a unit with the appropriate BTU rating based on the size of the room you intend to cool.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) indicates how efficiently the air conditioner uses electricity. A higher EER means better energy efficiency, which can lead to lower electricity bills. EER is calculated by dividing the BTU rating by the unit's wattage. Look for units with an EER of 10 or higher for better efficiency. If you plan to use the air conditioner frequently, a higher EER can save you money in the long run.
Noise LevelNoise level is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the air conditioner will be when operating. Lower dB levels mean quieter operation. For a peaceful environment, especially in bedrooms or offices, look for units with noise levels below 55 dB. If noise is not a major concern, you can consider units with higher dB levels. Consider where you will be using the air conditioner and how important quiet operation is to you.
Portability FeaturesPortability features include the weight of the unit, the presence of caster wheels, and handles for easy movement. Lighter units (under 50 pounds) are easier to move around, while heavier units may require more effort. Caster wheels and handles can significantly enhance portability. If you plan to move the air conditioner frequently between rooms, prioritize units with good portability features.
Dehumidification FunctionMany portable air conditioners also function as dehumidifiers, removing excess moisture from the air. This can be particularly useful in humid climates. The dehumidification capacity is measured in pints per day. If you live in a humid area, look for a unit with a higher dehumidification capacity (20-70 pints per day). If humidity is not a major concern, this feature may be less important.
Control OptionsControl options include remote controls, programmable timers, and smart connectivity. Remote controls allow you to adjust settings from a distance, while programmable timers let you set the unit to turn on or off at specific times. Smart connectivity enables control via smartphone apps or voice commands. Consider which control options are most convenient for you. If you value convenience and tech integration, look for units with advanced control features.
Maintenance RequirementsMaintenance requirements include cleaning or replacing filters, emptying water tanks, and general upkeep. Some units have washable filters, while others require replacement filters. Self-evaporating units reduce the need to empty water tanks frequently. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to invest in maintenance. If you prefer low-maintenance options, look for units with self-evaporating technology and washable filters.

FAQ