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10 Best Small Portable Air Coolers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner, 14,000 BTU (10,200 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft., Smart Portable AC with Follow Me Remote and Window Kit, BPACT14WT, White

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,185
Cooling Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
8464 reviews

Cooling Capacity
The B&D unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, cycling on and off to maintain the temperature.
Noise Level
Overall, the B&D unit is much quieter than previous units I've owned. I can still talk on the phone 5 feet away without having to first shut the unit off.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner boasts a solid cooling capacity with its 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE 128) rating, which is suitable for rooms up to 700 sq. ft., making it a strong contender for those looking to cool larger spaces. The inclusion of a dehumidifier and fan provides added versatility, catering to different cooling needs. Its smart features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, enhance convenience, allowing users to adjust settings remotely via an app.

The Follow Me remote control is a notable feature, offering precise temperature control by using the remote as a thermostat. This can be particularly beneficial for maintaining consistent comfort levels throughout the room. Installation is made straightforward with the included window kit, and the washable filter adds to the ease of maintenance. On the downside, the unit's noise level at 54 dB might be noticeable, especially in quieter settings, and could be a potential drawback for light sleepers.

The portability aspect is a mixed bag; while it is relatively compact with dimensions of 14.06 x 16.5 x 27.09 inches, its weight of 62.4 pounds might make it a bit cumbersome to move frequently. Additionally, the SEER rating of 6.2 indicates that it might not be the most energy-efficient option on the market, potentially leading to higher electricity bills over extended use. The lack of a water tank also means this unit needs to be near a window for continuous drainage. In summary, this BLACK+DECKER model excels in cooling power and smart features, making it ideal for larger rooms and tech-savvy users, though it may fall short in energy efficiency and noise levels.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,185
Cooling Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
8464 reviews

Cooling Capacity
The B&D unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day, cycling on and off to maintain the temperature.
Noise Level
Overall, the B&D unit is much quieter than previous units I've owned. I can still talk on the phone 5 feet away without having to first shut the unit off.
#2

Frigidaire Portable Room Air Conditioner 8,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 5,500 BTU (DOE), Cools Up to 350 Sq. Ft., Quiet Operation, Dehumidifying Dry Mode, White

Rating
9.4
Cooling Capacity
Noise Level
Additional Features

Most important from
1040 reviews

Cooling Capacity
Effective cooling for rooms up to 150 square feet, quickly making the space comfortable.
Noise Level
Remarkably quiet, even on the highest fan setting, making it comfortable to sleep next to.
Additional Features
The remote control with an LCD display adds convenience, and the unit acknowledges commands with a beep.

The Frigidaire FHPC082AC1 Portable Room Air Conditioner is a versatile 3-in-1 device that offers cooling, a multi-speed fan, and a dehumidifier mode. With a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 5,500 BTU (DOE), it can effectively cool rooms up to 150 square feet, making it suitable for small spaces. One of its strong points is its compact and portable design, featuring caster wheels that allow for easy movement between rooms. Additionally, it includes a programmable timer and remote control, adding to its convenience factor.

The device also has a sleep mode for quieter operation at night and an automatic restart function in case of power outages. Its easy-to-clean washable filter helps maintain efficiency and improve air quality by capturing dust. The unit operates at 50 decibels, which is relatively quiet for an air conditioner. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is relatively low at 4.62, and it is not Energy Star certified, implying that it may not be the most energy-efficient option available.

The power consumption is 970 watts, which is moderate but something to consider if energy usage is a concern. This unit is a good fit for those who need a portable, multi-functional air conditioning solution for small spaces and are looking for features like a remote control and programmable timer for added convenience.

Rating
9.4
Cooling Capacity
Noise Level
Additional Features

Most important from
1040 reviews

Cooling Capacity
Effective cooling for rooms up to 150 square feet, quickly making the space comfortable.
Noise Level
Remarkably quiet, even on the highest fan setting, making it comfortable to sleep next to.
Additional Features
The remote control with an LCD display adds convenience, and the unit acknowledges commands with a beep.

Buying Guide for the Best Small Portable Air Coolers

When choosing a small portable air cooler, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. These devices are designed to provide localized cooling and are ideal for small spaces or personal use. Understanding the key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the most out of your purchase.
Cooling CapacityCooling capacity is a measure of how much air the cooler can cool down and is usually expressed in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). This spec is important because it determines how effectively the cooler can lower the temperature in a given space. For small portable air coolers, a lower BTU or CFM is typically sufficient for personal use or small rooms. If you need to cool a larger area, look for a higher BTU or CFM rating. Consider your space size and cooling needs to choose the right capacity.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity indicates how much water the cooler can hold, which directly affects how long it can operate before needing a refill. This is important because a larger tank means longer cooling times without interruption. Small portable air coolers usually have tanks ranging from 0.5 to 2 liters. If you plan to use the cooler for extended periods, opt for a larger tank to minimize the frequency of refills. For occasional or short-term use, a smaller tank may be sufficient.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the air cooler from one place to another. This is crucial for small portable air coolers as they are designed to be moved around. Look for features like lightweight design, built-in handles, and caster wheels. If you need to frequently move the cooler between rooms or take it with you on trips, prioritize models that are easy to carry and maneuver. For stationary use, portability may be less of a concern.
Power ConsumptionPower consumption indicates how much electricity the air cooler uses, typically measured in watts. This is important for understanding the operating cost and energy efficiency of the device. Small portable air coolers generally consume less power compared to larger units. If energy efficiency is a priority, look for models with lower wattage. For users who need more powerful cooling, be prepared for slightly higher power consumption.
Noise LevelNoise level measures how loud the air cooler is during operation, usually expressed in decibels (dB). This is important for ensuring a comfortable environment, especially if you plan to use the cooler in a bedroom or office. Small portable air coolers typically produce less noise, but it's still important to check the dB rating. For quiet environments, look for models with noise levels below 50 dB. If noise is not a major concern, you may have more flexibility in your choice.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of the air cooler. These may include remote control, adjustable fan speeds, timer settings, and air purification functions. These features are important for customizing your cooling experience and improving usability. Consider which features are most important to you based on your lifestyle and preferences. For example, a remote control can be very convenient for adjusting settings from a distance, while a timer can help save energy by automatically turning off the cooler.

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