10 Best Air Conditioners For Apartments 2025 in the United States

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner offers a flexible cooling and heating solution for rooms up to 550 square feet, making it a good fit for apartment living. With a cooling power of 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC), it handles moderate-sized spaces well, though it may not be ideal for very large rooms. It also includes 9,000 BTU heating, which adds value by serving year-round needs. The unit is portable and comes with wheels and a window installation kit, so you don’t have to worry about complicated setup or permanent installation.

This model scores fairly on energy efficiency with a SEER of 5.8 but lacks Energy Star certification, meaning it might not be the most economical option over long-term use. Noise level is around 52 dB, which is average for portable ACs—noticeable but not disruptive for most people. Smart features are a strong point here: Wi-Fi connectivity lets you control the unit via an app or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant, and the included “Follow Me” remote uses a built-in thermostat for more accurate temperature control where you are in the room. This adds convenience, especially for apartment dwellers who want easy adjustments without getting up.

On the downside, the water tank capacity is small, so you might need to empty it more often if using the dehumidifier function heavily. The one-year warranty is standard but somewhat limited. This portable AC strikes a good balance of cooling, heating, and smart features for an apartment, though if energy savings or ultra-quiet operation are a top priority, you might want to explore other options.

The BLACK+DECKER 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a solid choice for cooling rooms up to about 450 square feet, making it well-suited for most apartment spaces. It’s a 3-in-1 unit, working as an air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier, which adds versatility especially in humid climates. Its cooling capacity is decent for medium-sized rooms, though the effective cooling power (SACC rating) is closer to 5800 BTU, which is something to keep in mind if your space is larger.

The noise level sits around 52 decibels, roughly equivalent to a quiet conversation—noticeable but not overly disruptive, although light sleepers might find it a bit loud at night. Energy efficiency is moderate with a SEER of 6.7; it’s Energy Star 5 Star rated, so it won’t spike your electricity bills drastically, but it’s not the most efficient unit on the market. The portable design with casters and side handles makes it easy to move between rooms without heavy lifting, and the included window installation kit means setup should be straightforward without professional help. It also features a remote control and a top LED display for convenient operation.

Maintenance is user-friendly thanks to a washable filter and an auto water evaporation system, reducing the need to empty water frequently. However, it lacks advanced smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity or app controls, which some may miss. This unit fits well for apartment dwellers wanting a portable, multi-purpose AC that balances ease of use and performance without breaking the bank, but those seeking ultra-quiet operation or smart home integration might want to explore other options.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner offers a powerful cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) and 10,000 BTU (DOE), making it suitable for large rooms up to 700 square feet. This unit is versatile, functioning not only as an air conditioner but also as a dehumidifier and a fan. It includes smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, providing convenient and modern ways to manage the temperature.

The Follow Me remote control is a thoughtful addition, allowing precise temperature control by acting as a thermostat. The installation process is straightforward thanks to the included window kit, making it user-friendly for apartment dwellers. Additionally, the washable filter is a handy feature for easy maintenance.

On the downside, the energy efficiency could be better, as indicated by the SEER rating of 6.2, meaning it might consume more energy compared to other units. The noise level of 54 dB is relatively quiet but may still be noticeable in very quiet environments. The unit is also quite heavy at 62.4 pounds, which might make moving it around less convenient. Nonetheless, for those looking for a powerful, smart, and multi-functional air conditioner for a large room or apartment, this BLACK+DECKER model is a solid choice with a good balance of features and ease of use.