Best Portable Air Conditioners for 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.