10 Best Portable Air Cooling Unit 2025 in the United States

The BLACK+DECKER 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is designed to cool rooms up to 450 square feet, making it suitable for small to medium living spaces such as bedrooms, offices, or apartments. It combines three functions—air conditioning, dehumidifying, and fan mode—providing flexibility based on your needs. With a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU, it delivers effective cooling power for its size.

Its Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 2.6 indicates it may consume more electricity compared to more efficient models, so energy costs could be a consideration. The noise level is around 53 decibels, which is about average; it won’t be completely silent but should not be overly disruptive during use. The unit includes caster wheels and a window kit with all necessary accessories, making setup and moving it between rooms fairly straightforward, although it weighs nearly 55 pounds, so it might be somewhat heavy to carry frequently.

Additional features include a full-function remote control and an auto water evaporation system that reduces the need to manually empty water buckets, adding convenience. Installation is simple with the included window kit, fitting most double-hung or sliding windows. A minor downside is the short 1-year warranty and the lack of an energy star rating, which some buyers might expect. This model is well suited for those seeking a reliable, multi-function portable air conditioner that is easy to install and use, with moderate noise and average energy efficiency.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat offers solid cooling power with its 14,000 BTU rating, which is suitable for rooms up to 700 square feet. It also provides 12,000 BTU heating, making it a versatile choice for year-round use. One strong point is its smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, along with a handy 'Follow Me' remote that uses the remote’s location for precise temperature control. This adds convenience beyond typical portable ACs. The unit works as an air conditioner, heater, dehumidifier, and fan, offering multiple functions in one device. It’s reasonably quiet at 54 dB, about the noise level of a normal conversation, so it should not be too disruptive in most rooms.

On the energy side, its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is 6.2, which is average but this model isn’t Energy Star certified. This means it may consume more electricity compared to more efficient models, which is worth considering if you want to save on power bills. Portability-wise, it’s a standalone unit with a complete installation kit for easy setup and rolls on casters, but it weighs around 60 pounds, so moving it frequently might be a bit cumbersome. The design is fairly compact and fits standard windows for venting. The package comes with all necessary accessories and does not require assembly, which is great for quick use.

This BLACK+DECKER portable AC unit suits someone needing reliable cooling and heating in medium-sized rooms, especially if smart controls are important. If energy efficiency and ultra-quiet operation are your priorities, you might want to explore other options.

The BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner offers substantial cooling capacity with 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (8,000 BTU DOE), making it suitable for rooms up to 550 square feet. Its three-in-one functionality allows it to operate as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan, providing versatility. The 'Follow Me' remote control feature is particularly useful, enabling the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control within your space.

The unit also includes an easy-to-install window kit and features like auto water evaporation, which can reduce maintenance needs. Its portability is supported by casters and side handles, making it easy to move between rooms as needed. However, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 5.8 is on the lower side, which may lead to higher energy consumption compared to more energy-efficient models. Additionally, the noise level at 52 dB is moderate but might still be noticeable in quieter environments, potentially disrupting sleep or concentration.

At 56.8 pounds, it is relatively heavy for a portable unit, which may pose a challenge when moving it frequently. The unit's design includes environmentally friendly R410a refrigerant, which is a plus for those conscious about environmental impact. This portable air conditioner is ideal for those who need a powerful and versatile cooling solution for medium-sized rooms and value additional features such as remote-controlled temperature adjustments and dehumidifying capabilities.