TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
The 10 Best Portable Air Conditioners to Use in 2019
For those of us who have been feeling uncomfortably hot all year or during the summer, getting a portable air conditioner (AC) might be one of your best decisions. Designed for smaller spaces or single rooms, portable air conditioning units are a game-changer! They’re easy to move around, simple to program and aesthetically pleasing enough for a modern home setup.
Again, if you feel that central air conditioning is quite a long shot in terms of investment, there are various portable air conditioners in the market that are quite affordable, amazingly effective and incredibly convenient. The best part of having a portable AC is obvious; its maneuverability. Whether you need it in your dinner room with your guests around or to make your baby comfortable in his/her room, all you’ve got to do is roll it and you’ll keep things as cool as a cucumber or as you feel comfy.
How We Chose the Best Portable Air Conditioners
There are obviously more than a hundred portable ACs in the market. This makes it quite hectic to choose the best. But with the help of our air conditioner experts, we used these features to select the best portable air conditioners.
Reliability
Portability
Remote and Programming
Aesthetics
Additional Features
Top Portable Air Conditioners of 2019
| Name of the Product | BTUs | Max. Noise (Decibels) | Weight (lb) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG- LP1215GXR | 12,000 | 66 | 78lb | Check Price |
| Whynter ARC-14SH | 14,000 | 75 | 100lb | Check Price |
| LG LP0817WSR | 8,000 | 78 | 59lb | Check Price |
| Honeywell MN10CESWW | 10,000 | 68 | 61.7lb | Check Price |
| Frigidaire Cool Connect | 12,000 | 62 | 85lb | Check Price |
| NewAir AC 10100E Ultra Compact | 10,000 | 64 | 49lb | Check Price |
| Frigidaire FFPA1222U1 | 12,000 | 67 | 65lb | Check Price |
| Whynter ARC-12S | 12,000 | 52.5 | 62lb | Check Price |
| LG LP1218GXR | 12,000 | 67 | 67lb | Check Price |
| Edgestar AP12000S Extreme Cool | 12,000 | 49 | 69lb | Check Price |
Contents
From cell phones and home theaters to portable AC units, there’s no doubt that LG is one of the best electronic makers in the world. You’ll fall in love with the LG- LP1215GXR portable AC unit for a couple of very good reasons.
The prowess of this sleek, modern and elegant-looking air conditioner will exceed your expectations. This dehumidifier is engineered to cool rooms that have not more than 300 square feet. It’s perfect for modern houses, apartments and modern living. With voltage power of 115V, this AC can address high humidity levels at a rate of 1.2 pints per hour and is ideal for cooling and dehumidification role, as well as for family members with respiratory problems or any other health issues that might be worsened by high humidity.
The LP1215GXR has an oscillating air vent mechanism that efficiently circulates cold air throughout the room. This feature is also important to help eliminate hot spots and ensure optimum cooling comfort. Controlling this AC is also very easy thanks to the integration of a programmable timer that can automatically shut off the unit. In fact, it will not limit you to the conventional 8 or 16-hour timer that’s available in traditional air conditioning systems.
Even though the LP1215GXR has a BTU rating of 12,000, it’s important to note that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) specifically sets modifications for portable ACs at a standard 7,000 BTU (British Thermal Units). These numbers may be confusing to some but the LP1215GXR is powerful enough to cover the above-stated area. Again, some consumers have reported issues with reliability, especially when setting up the hose.
Key Features
- Oscillating air vent technology
- 24-hour programmable on/off system
- Full dehumidifying function
- 12,000 BTU as per ASHRAE-128 standard
- 7,000 BTU as per DOE standard
- Elegant-looking, free-standing and portable
Lightweight construction
Cannot cool a room larger than 300 square feet
Overall Verdict
The LP1215GXR Portable Air Conditioner is built to provide cooling comfort for rooms that are not bigger than 300 square feet. It’s an outstanding unit if you have such type of a room and if any member of your family has any respiratory or health problem that may be worsened by high humidity. Remember to buy it from reputable sellers just to avoid any reliability issue.
When looking for a superbly efficient portable AC with a high cooling capacity suited for extremely hot conditions and a mixture of other impressive features, you can look in the direction of the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner. This is not just a very efficient air conditioner but also a very eco-friendly unit that is built with auto drain technology and dual hose that is highly effective in pulling moisture from air before perfectly cooling it down.
Built to work in larger rooms the Whynter ARC-14S is a powerful unit that can cool down a 500-square feet room and provide cool fresh air and utmost comfort from every angle. And because many people are now conscious of global warming and do not want to contribute to it, the Whynter ARC-14S can be the perfect portable AC as it’s customized for minimal energy consumption thanks to its ozone-safe R-410A refrigerant, ROHS-compliant and lead-free features. Furthermore, auto drain technology plays a critical role in making this unit energy efficient as it helps in pulling the moisture out of the air, thus turning it around to make the much needed cool and comfy air.
While many ACs only use one hose, the Whynter ARC-14S has two! This helps in ensuring that moisture is pulled in and out the unit in a more efficient and effective manner. That’s not all; this unit comes with a 24-hour programmable timer and a full thermostatic control that won’t need you to get out of bed just to make temperature adjustments. In other words, it’s built for utmost comfort and to help you conserve your energy use automatically.
Despite its great features, don’t get it twisted; the Whynter ARC-14S is pretty loud, particularly if you’re trying to catch some sleep. It’s also quite pricey, perhaps because of its amazing and unique additional features.
Key Features
- Built-in dehumidifier with a capability of up to 4.1 pints per hour
- 24-hour programmable on/off system
- Dual hose system
- Ozone-safe R-410A Refrigerant
- Auto drain technology
- ROHS-Compliant
- Lead-free
Overall Verdict
If you want to save on your electric bill and help lower global warming, the Whynter ARC-14SH might just be a great choice for you. It’s not only an eco-friendly AC but also an effective one with some great and unique features such as dual hose-system, two filters and auto drain technology.
There’s a reason why LG is becoming a staple in many American homes: it’s one of the best electronic providers and will never let you down. Whether you need a stove, fridge or an air conditioner, LG will always provide you with seriously effective in-home appliances. Even though it isn’t powerful and big enough to cool your entire home, the LP0817WSR is quite perfect for your bedroom, baby nursery, kitchen, laundry room, small living room, home office and other small single rooms within your home.
Weighing around 59 pounds, this is a fairly compact AC with perfect wheels and handles on either side to allow for easier lifting and maneuverability. Despite its small size, this unit can perfectly serve an area of about 200 square feet with a dehumidification capability of 1.8 pints per hour. With two fans and two cooling speeds, this unit is designed in such a way that you don’t have to worry about hot spots within the room. This is a solid product that has a fully programmable 24-hour on/off timer, an LED display panel and a fully functional LCD remote control to make it very easy to use. This unit also comes with a washable air filter that’s crucial in ensuring that your family can breathe properly without worrying about allergies.
A major drawback for this impeccable AC is that it is a bit noisy and can affect your peaceful sleep, despite being one of the quickest portable ACs in the market. It also has a short hose and power cord, which will force you to use it only when it’s close to a power source.
Key Features
- Has an auto oscillating air vent
- A 24-hour on/off programmable timer
- Built-in dehumidifier with a capability of 1.8 pints per hour
- Has a R410A refrigerant to ensure safety
- LED display panel and LCD remote control
Overall Verdict
Although some may struggle with setting up the window vent part of it, the LG – LP0817WSR is a conveniently small, compact and easily portable AC that works perfectly in smaller rooms. This is definitely one of those AC units that would come in handy if you’re looking for a portable air conditioner that would fit in a cabin or in smaller areas. Oh! It can also be perfect if you’re living in a rented apartment and the landlord charges some extra fees for installing a window or wall air conditioner.
While it’s quite clear that Honeywell doesn’t put much emphasis on style and compactness, you’ll be impressed by the straightforwardness of its products. They’re easy to use, sturdy and very clear in their responsibilities and the MN10CESWW in no different. Designed to cool a 400 square feet space, the MN10CESWW is an impressive portable air conditioner that features a dehumidifier capable of removing air moisture in your room at a rate of 3.3 pints per hour!
Powered by 10,000 BTUs and integrated with an electrostatic filter and compressor, the MN10CESWW has adjustable digital controls and thermostat that enable you to set your ideal room temperature. Its digital display is fully functional and will clearly show your settings so that you can quickly make adjustments with the included remote control. This unit has the unique auto drainage option that won’t require you to drain the excess water in the unit manually but rather in an automatic and continuous fashion. This feature is quite important as it will prevent any condensate accumulations in the unit, which may otherwise make it less functional.
You’ll undoubtedly be impressed with the effort that Honeywell puts in ensuring that this unit is ultimately user-friendly. That’s because it comes with a 24-hour programmable timer, multiple fan speeds, washable air filter that catches unwanted particles, a 120V plug and an R-410A refrigerant that makes it absolutely ideal for home use. In addition to these impressive features, the MN10CESWW is easy to move around, easy to set up and easy to take care of, thus the best low-maintenance portable AC currently available in the market.
On the downside though, this unit can be really disruptive as it’s pretty loud, despite Honeywell’s claims that it’s quiet. You can however, reduce the noise by keeping the fan settings low, and may be by putting a soft mat underneath so as to lessen the effects of vibration.
Key Features
- Auto evaporation system
- Digital electronic controls
- 3-in-1 technology (it can cool dehumidify and filter air)
- 24-hour programmable timer
- Adjustable thermostat and airflow
Overall Verdict
The Honeywell MN10CESWW Portable Air Conditioner is unquestionably one of the hassle-free units currently available in the market. From setting it up, moving it around to maintaining it, you’ll be impressed with just how efficient this AC is. Its loud operation may be a downside, but it’s definitely a far much better AC if you’re looking for something that’s easy to maintain, efficient and ultimately environment-friendly.
Designed for rooms measuring up to 550 square feet, the Frigidaire Cool Connect Smart Portable AC stays true to its name as it’s one of the most technologically advanced ACs currently available in the market. With its cylindrical look that measures 12.6 inches wide and standing over 3 feet tall, it’s quite easy to see that the Frigidaire Cool Connect isn’t your typical portable air conditioner.
Its most innovative feature is obviously the Wi-Fi. This is a Wi-Fi ready connected portable AC that can send you notifications through the Frigidaire Smart App, and can work with Amazon Alexa voice controls, Google Assistant or pretty much any other smart home system. This is perfect as it enables you to control the unit as you feel fit. For instance, you can change the temperature, turn it on or off, create custom schedules and even control fan speed all from your Smartphone. Do not forget that the Frigidaire Smart App will keep you informed through its specialized alerts.
Being this innovative doesn’t mean that this unit has no manual features. It’s integrated with a lot of inspiring manual features that can all be controlled through a magnetic remote. There’s the unique 360-degree airflow that ensures that air flows to every corner of the space, the Eco mode feature that can help you set your ideal temperature and the programmable settings such as the auto cool function and sleep mode that are great if you want to save on your energy costs. That’s not all; this unit has an internal, electronic air purifier that removes pollen and other impurities from the air to ensure that the air you breathe is all clean.
Make no mistakes; having all these technological advancements on a portable AC wasn’t going to come cheap, which is obviously true in this case. This means that you’ll spend a little more than the average market price to get the Frigidaire Cool Connect and get to enjoy the amazing features that it brings to the AC game.
Key Features
- Wi-Fi connection
- Multiple LED indicators
- 360-Degree air discharge pattern
- A unit front LCD control panel
- Programmable system
Overall Verdict
There’s no doubt that you’ll pay twice as much for the Frigidaire Cool Connect Portable Air Conditioner as you will for any other typical portable AC. Nevertheless, you’ll come to the realization that it’s certainly worth it, especially if you’re one of those tech-savvy folks looking for smart home devices and appliances. While its Wi-Fi connection might have some minute issues, this unit remains effective in doing its main role: air circulation and cooling, and will never disappoint you on both fronts.
With a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU and a sleek and ultra-compact design, there are no qualms that the NewAir AC 10100E is an ultimately portable and perfect solution for cooling a room of up to 325 square feet.
Investing on this unit will give you’re the best value for your money as it comes with numerous features that are easy to operate and designed to make you safe, healthy and as cool as you deem fit. Weighing 50 pounds, this unit is undoubtedly one of the most portable air conditioners in the market. It is ideal for smaller spaces and you can easily move it around from room to room. One of its impressive features is the self-evaporative technology that will automatically eliminate condensation collection with a dehumidification capability of up to 2.11 pints per hour.
The NewAir AC 10100E also has an efficient air purification system that makes use of the activated carbon filter to ensure that dust or any other unwanted particle is filtered from the air. Unlike other devices on this list that are equipped with a 24-hour programmable time, the NewAir AC 10100E is equipped with a 12-hour timer, which is nonetheless efficient for its size. It’s also intelligently equipped with two speed settings that can be adjusted either through the remote control or the push-button controls. Its adjustable louvers will give you multiple cooling options, but they are quite defective, thus making the unit’s longevity and functionality questionable.
Key Features
- 3-in-1 design (cools, ventilates and dehumidifies)
- Environmentally-friendly R-410A coolant
- Custom cooling options
- Self-evaporative technology
- 12-hour programmable timer
Overall Verdict
The NewAir AC 10100E is an ultra-compact portable air conditioner that put other 10,000 BTU air conditioners to shame with its quietness. This is an efficient portable AC that goes about its duties with little or no fuss and is exactly what you want for that luxury space back at home or in the office.
Designed with some amazing features, the Frigidaire FFPA1222U1 can be an absolute monster, especially if you live in a hot and highly humid area. This is because it has the best dehumidifier mode in the market.
This unit has an effortless temperature control that helps it maintain the preset room temperature so that your room remains comfortable at all times. The availability of a 24-hour programmable timer that you can turn on/off will enable you to set the temperature to your liking. It also has nicely designed wheels and highly set handles to allow you to easily move the AC from room to room so that you can have a cool air when and where you need.
To help you save on energy and cut on your energy bills, this unit comes with a sleep mode to allow you save on energy when the unit is not in use. The antibacterial filter is also of great importance in ensuring that air that you breathe is devoid of bacteria, room odors and airborne particles, thus making the air you breathe healthier and even more comfortable.
While the Frigidaire FFPA1222U1 does a great job in reducing noise, its price is a major downturn given that there are a lot of other very efficient portable air conditioners at lesser prices.
Key Features
- SpaceWise portable design
- Effortless clean filter
- Programmable 24-hour timer
- A great sleep mode feature
- Effortless temperature control
Overall Verdict
The Frigidaire FFPA1222U1 is known for its dehumidifier capabilities, and will never disappoint you if you live in a humid area or during the summer heat waves. Its sleek design makes it quite impressive for the modern home setting.
Ideal for rooms measuring up to 550 square feet, the Whynter ARC-12S is a good-looking portable air conditioner that’s capable of moving 188 cubic feet of air per minute. Its dehumidify mode is great in pulling excess moisture out of air at a rate of 3.8 pints per hour.
This unit also has a 24-hour programmable timer to enable you set specific times for it to turn on or off throughout the day. Weighing 62 pounds, this unit is a little heavier but moving it from room to room won’t be a problem thanks to its perfect wheels. This AC also comes with a vent hose and a window kit that are important in moving hot air exhaust out of the house.
One of the most noticeable downside of this amazing portable AC is that it doesn’t have a sleep mode, which makes it to gradually raise the temperature at night, thus becoming inefficient in conserving energy.
Key Features
- 6-feet cord length
- Power supply of 115V
- Auto restart after power outage
- Full thermostat control
- 24-hour programmable timer
- Activated Carbon Air Filter
- Single vent hose configuration
Overall Verdict
Even though the Whynter ARC-12S is not as strong or powerful as the 14,000 BTU units in the market, it remains a top-of-the-line air conditioner that has a very efficient cooling capability. Its energy efficiency might be questionable but it has convenient features and an array of third-party certifications to show its reliability.
The limited LG LP1218GXR was manufactured as a better version of its older siblings; the LP1215GXR and the LP1217GXR. While it hasn’t reached the capability of its older siblings, the LP1218GXR is another testimony that LG puts a lot of effort in making some of the best portable air conditioners in the market. This unit is not only quiet and powerful but it’s also portable, energy efficient and quite affordable.
Less expensive than most units on this list, the LP1218GXR is undoubtedly the best single hose portable AC in the market. While such feature can actually make your room hotter during the heat wave, this unit does the contrary. It works quietly and with no fuss to ensure that your room is always cool and comfortable as you like. Again, this is one of the best-looking portable ACs in the market as it’s designed in a sleek and elegant manner.
Its dehumidifier mode is quite impressive and can cool air at a rate of up to 1.2 pints per hour. With an estimated cooling area of 400 square feet, this unit comes with an LED display panel, an efficient thermostat control, an auto restart feature, a 3 fan speed setting, an energy saver functionality and many other modern features that makes it an impressive option if you’re looking for something to make you cool and comfortable in a good and eco-friendly way.
Despite its amazing features and functionality, this unit has a questionable drainage system and may not stop leaking after being used for a few months or years, thereby pushing its maintenance costs much higher.
Key Features
- 3-fan speed
- Energy saver functionality
- Auto restart
- LED Display Panel
- Thermostat control
- Washable air filter
Overall Verdict
The LG LP1218GXR may not be as popular as its predecessors, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a solid unit. It may not be as powerful as the 14,000 BTU units, but it’s the best single hose portable air conditioner currently available in the market. Its drainage issues may be a thorn in the flesh in the long run. Other than that, this is a pretty much solid portable air conditioner.
Don’t get it twisted, this unit isn’t cheap. It will set you back hundreds of dollars more than many other units on this list. So, the question is, is it worth it? While the sleek design and ability to cool large areas are impressive, let’s take a look and see if shelling out the extra money is truly necessary.
With a dehumidifier mode that can pull moisture at a rate of 3.75 pints per hour, this unit can eliminate any form of dampness in your room. It lives up to its name thanks to its edgy design and works effectively but in a quiet way. The fact that it is easy to move around, easy to set up and powerful enough to cool a space of 425 square feet, makes it an appropriate option for dealing with heat and humidity.
The true benefit of this unit is its ability to handle damp areas. So, if you live in a city with lots of humidity, this is a great option and well worth the money. Because it is so effective at keeping you dry, even in large areas, it’s perfect for places like Florida, where when you walk outside in the summer, you’re immediately drenched in sweat due to the overwhelming humidity. However, for most other parts of the world, forking over the extra cash doesn’t really seem worth it.
Key Features
Ø Auto drain system
Ø Washable carbon filter
Ø 3 fan speeds
Ø Adjustable digital thermostat
Overall Verdict
The Edgestar AP12000S Extreme Cool Portable Air Conditioner will have you digging deep into your pocket compared to many other units on this list. However, if you can afford it, you’ll never regret the decision. This is a compact and solid portable AC unit that will make every damp area of your home dry and healthier.
What exactly is a Portable Air Conditioner?
Instead of installing a large and bulky air conditioner that looks utterly awful from the outside, you can find yourself an air conditioner that you can move freely in various parts of your home. Even though it has to be plugged to a power source, getting a portable air conditioner won’t limit you to a single room like window or wall air conditioners. In other words, portable air conditioners give you superior power and freedom that’ll never be matched by the window or wall units.
Advantages of Portable Air Conditioners over Wall or Window ACs
Less Power on the same BTUs
Easy to Install
No Need to Worry about Rain or Weather Effects
How Portable Air Conditioners Work
As with any electronic device, portable ACs have electric motors that work to, ironically, generate heat that is then used to run the coolant, which is the central and most important part of the AC. This process will depend on the BTU of your AC in the sense that the higher the BTU the higher the heat generated, which in turn provides a more cooling effect. There is also the vent unit that will channel the collected heat and moisture to a safe area outside or to a storage point.
Draining your Portable Air Conditioner
Many modern portable air conditioners have the auto evaporation feature that is important in automatically draining the units. However, you’ll be required to drain the unit by yourself if this feature is non-existent in the portable AC of your choice. It’s therefore, important to look for this feature when looking for a portable AC.
To this end, it is obvious that portable air conditioners are far much better than fixed window and wall ACs, especially in today’s modern home setup. You’ll also discard the installation costs that are a requirement in fixed air conditioners.
Here are some things to consider when buying a portable Air Conditioner
Where to Place it
Noise should influence your decision
Single vs. Dual Hose
BTU
Conclusion
There are obviously a lot of factors to consider before making the decision to buy a portable air conditioner. While it’s not our wish to make this decision for you, we really hope that this information and guide will help you choose the best portable air conditioner for your situation.
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