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Best Portable Air Conditioners for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best options for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: April 10th, 2024

Last Updated: May 12th, 2024

❄️Hey there! If you're in the market for a portable air conditioner without a hose, you've come to the right place. Whether you're melting in the summer heat or need a versatile unit for all seasons, we've got you covered. We've put together this guide to help you find the best models out there, focusing on performance, efficiency, and ease of use.

Let's dive in and find the perfect solution to keep you cool and comfy all year round.

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Overall Best: Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner

Midea Duo 12,000 BTU (10,000 BTU SACC) High Efficiency Inverter, Ultra Quiet Portable Air Conditioner, Cools up to 450 Sq. Ft., Works with Alexa/Google Assistant, Includes Remote Black 12,000 BTU

The Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner earns our top spot for 2024 with its remarkable performance and smart features. It boasts a powerful 14,000 BTU cooling capacity, making it suitable for spaces up to 550 square feet. One of the standout features is its quiet operation, maintaining noise levels between 42 to 49.3 dB, ideal for both day and nighttime use. Energy efficiency is another strong suit, thanks to its inverter technology that adjusts power consumption based on room conditions. Complementing its functionality is built-in smart technology that seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control and remote adjustments. While the frequent need to empty the condensation tank can be a minor inconvenience, the overall benefits make this a top contender.

Lowest at Amazon

$597.00 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$468.61 at AliExpress.com

More Answers

Still curious about the Midea Duo 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How quiet is the Midea Duo 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner?

The Midea Duo 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is designed to be pretty quiet. The manufacturer's description highlights its ultra-quiet operation, which might be why it's a good option for nighttime use. This unit uses advanced inverter technology, which helps keep the noise down by maintaining the temperature with less fuss. Our research shows that the Midea Duo has a sleep mode feature, which is quite handy. It gradually adjusts the temperature, keeping you comfy without constant adjustments and also being energy-efficient, which might help with those energy bills. From what we've gathered, some folks have mentioned that while it's mostly quiet, the noise can pick up a bit when the compressor kicks in. So, if you're a light sleeper, it might be something to consider. However, most people seem to feel that it's not too disruptive and is about what you'd expect from similar air conditioners. You can control the sleep mode directly, with a remote, or even using the [Midea smartphone app](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmidea%2Bsmartphone%2Bapp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which is super convenient—especially if you don't want to get out of bed to make adjustments. In short, while the Midea Duo isn't completely silent, it's designed to keep the noise down as much as possible during sleep mode. If you're after something quiet and efficient for the night, this might be a good choice according to our research and what the manufacturer claims.

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Does the Midea Duo 12,000 BTU need to be drained frequently?

Hey there! So, about the Midea Duo 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (model MAP12S1TBL) and how often you need to drain it—let's get into it. This unit is pretty clever in managing humidity without needing frequent draining. Our research suggests that you typically only have to drain it in really humid conditions or after heavy use. The reason? It's got this self-evaporative system that helps evaporate moisture as it cools, which means water doesn't build up as much inside the unit. Basically, it reuses the water in the cooling process, which is neat for efficiency and conserving energy. But heads up, if you're in a super humid place or you frequently use the dehumidifier function, you might need to drain it sometimes. Luckily, there's a built-in drainage option that makes it pretty straightforward to get rid of any extra water. Honestly, you shouldn't have to deal with drainage too often unless the conditions are really demanding. Just keep an eye on the humidity levels and make sure the drainage setup is ready to go if needed. That should help you get the best performance from the air conditioner without any hassle.

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How well does the Midea Duo 12,000 BTU cool a room?

The Midea Duo 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner does a pretty solid job cooling rooms. One of its practical features is the sleep mode, which is great for keeping things comfortable without wasting energy. It's particularly useful at night since it tweaks the temperature to avoid overcooling and keeps the noise down—helpful if you're a light sleeper. From what we've found, a standout aspect of the Midea Duo is its quieter operation, which it owes largely to inverter technology. This tech lets the unit adjust the compressor and fan speeds smoothly, so it's generally quieter. However, keep in mind that the initial start of the compressor could be a bit loud if you're sensitive to sound—something to keep in mind. The sleep mode handles more than just noise; it's also good for energy savings. It keeps the room comfortable overnight without you having to fiddle with it, which could help with electricity bills compared to older models. Even though it's often quieter than most portable units, experiences can vary. Some folks say it's whisper-quiet; others notice the sound during regular cycles more. But overall, many people appreciate its cooling power and handy features like app control. You can adjust or schedule your cooling needs from your phone, which is a neat way to add a bit of control to your home setup. So, if you're looking at it for a bedroom or a space where low noise and energy efficiency are important, it seems like a smart choice.

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Runner-up: Whynter ARC-1230WN Nex Inverter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

Whynter Inverter Portable Air Conditioner 14,000 BTU with Dual Hose, Dehumidifier, Cooling Fan & Smart Wi-Fi for 600 Sq Ft Rooms, NEX ARC-1230WN, White

Our runner-up choice, the Whynter ARC-1230WN, offers a robust 12,000 BTU cooling capacity with the efficiency of dual hose functionality. It's designed to cool rooms up to 500 square feet effectively, making it perfect for medium-sized areas. This model includes smart WiFi capabilities, enabling you to control it via a smartphone app for added convenience. Although it operates at a slightly higher noise level of 50 dB compared to our overall best pick, it makes up for this with a sleek, modern design and straightforward installation process. It's an excellent alternative if you're seeking efficient cooling with smart features.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$560.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner

BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner up to 350 Sq.Ft.with Remote Control, White

For budget-conscious buyers, the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT offers exceptional value without compromising on essential features. With an 8,000 BTU rating, it's well-suited for rooms up to 150 square feet, making it an excellent choice for smaller spaces like bedrooms or home offices. Its compact and lightweight design ensures easy portability, allowing you to move it where cooling is needed most. While it lacks advanced smart features, its straightforward controls and reliable cooling performance make it a solid choice for those looking to cool smaller areas efficiently.

Lowest at Amazon

$329.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$262.59 at AliExpress.com

Best for Large Spaces: Frigidaire FHPW142AC1 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner

3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner with Built-in Dehumidifier Function,Fan Mode, Remote Control, Complete Window Mount Exhaust Kit

The Frigidaire FHPW142AC1 stands out as the best choice for cooling large spaces, with a powerful 14,000 BTU rating that covers up to 700 square feet. Apart from providing effective cooling, this unit also functions as a dehumidifier and fan, adding to its versatility. A notable feature is its built-in clean air ionizer, which significantly enhances air quality—a boon for allergy sufferers. Though it operates at noise levels between 48 to 51 dB, its high performance and extensive coverage make it a valuable investment for keeping larger areas comfortable.

Lowest at Amazon

$269.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$199.37 at AliExpress.com

Best with Heat: EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable Air Conditioner

EF ECOFLOW WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner, Air Conditioning Unit with Heat, Portable AC for Outdoor Tent Camping/RVs or Home Use (Battery Not Included)

The EcoFlow Wave 2 shines as the best portable air conditioner with added heating capabilities, offering exceptional versatility. This unit is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use and can be powered through various sources, including solar panels and car batteries, making it an excellent choice for campers or outdoor enthusiasts. Despite a higher price point, its multifunctionality—serving as both an air conditioner and heater—and its lightweight, compact design justify the investment for those seeking year-round comfort in a portable package.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$999.00 at Amazon

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