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7 Best Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments
Portable air conditioners are smart appliances for both apartments and homes, especially during the summer heat. These flexible AC models deliver cool air exactly where and when you need it most.
The best thing about these portable units is that they are easy to install and can be moved from one living space to another, wherever cooling is needed.
We’ve selected the best portable air conditioners that offer quiet operation, energy efficiency, compact design, and excellent cooling performance.
Our Top Picks
Dreo Portable Air Conditioner
What We Like
Quiet operation at 46d
Maximum cooling coverage up to 300sq.ft.
3-in-1 Mode with fan and dehumidifier
Drainage-free cooling
Offers smart features
What We Don’t Like
Slightly higher price point
The Dreo comes with multiple features, including a 12,000 BTU cooling capacity that covers up to 300 sq. ft., a 3-in-1 mode with cooling, dehumidifying, and fan settings, and quiet operation as low as 46 dB, making it a great choice for anyone seeking convenience, control, and comfort in a portable AC.
This model also features smart cooling functions, as it works with Alexa and Google Assistant. DIY installation is easy, thanks to the included panel combinations that fit securely on any window ranging from 17″ to 53″.
Best for: Apartments, bedrooms, offices, and small living areas.
Product Specifications
Cooling Power: 12000 BTU | Exhaust type: Single Hose | Cooling Area: 300sq.ft. | Noise Level: 46db | Dimension: 14.37 D x 17.32 W x 28.13 H
Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
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What We Like
Cools and purifies indoor air
Dual hose operation
Cooling coverage of up to 500sq.ft. with powerful airflow
Queit operation and energy efficient
Multiplr setting options
What We Don’t Like
Installation with dual hoses can be fiddly and time-consuming.
The Whynter is a dual-hose portable air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU, delivering excellent cooling and dehumidification for your living area or workspace, covering up to 500 sq. ft. This is a versatile model that offers quiet operation at up to 51 dB and features three operational modes: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan.
This portable air conditioner is equipped with an activated carbon filter and a washable pre-filter, designed to provide superior air quality.
Best for: Large living areas, humid environments, quality-focused buyers, and Homes.
Product Specifications
Cooling Power: 14000 BTU | Exhaust type: Dual Hose | Cooling Area: 500sq.ft. | Noise Level: 51db | Dimension: 19″D x 16″W x 35.5″H
Black+decker Smart Portable Air Conditioner
What We Like
Fast and easy setup, typically completed in 5–10 minutes
Window kit is included
Cooling coverage up to 700 sq. ft.
Features an auto-fan setting
Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
What We Don’t Like
Light sleepers may prefer 46 dB units, but this one operates at 52 dB, which is considered moderate
The BLACK+DECKER is a solid and reliable choice, thanks to its 4-in-1 functionalityespecially its heating mode and follow-me feature. It delivers 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 10,200 BTU (SACC) of cooling power and 10,000 BTU of heating for the winter months.
This model also supports smart Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
The installation kit includes an air exhaust hose, hose inlet/outlet adapters, window casement, water drain hose, owner’s manual, and a full-function remote control.
Best for: Large apartments, homes, busy households, and Users who want both heating and cooling.
Product Specifications
Cooling Power: 14000 BTU ASHRAE (10,200 BTU SACC) and 10.000 BTU of heating | Exhaust type: Single Hose | Cooling Area: 700sq.ft. | Noise Level: 52db | Dimension: 14.06″D x 16.5″W x 27.09″H
Dreo Portable Air Conditioner.
What We Like
Quiet performance at 45db
Hassle-free installation
Customizable sleep mode
Drainage-free system
Cooling coverage of up to 150sq.ft.
What We Don’t Like
No heating mode and not suitable for winter use
The Dreo is a 3-in-1 versatile AC unit with cool, dry, and fan modes, and also offers three adjustable settings within each mode, making it perfect for a variety of scenarios.
Its cooling power capacity is 8,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 5,000 BTU (SACC) and it provides quiet performance at 45 dB. You can also control this model using voice commands with Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.
Best for: BApartments, bedrooms, small offices or studios, and light sleepers.
Product Specifications
Cooling Power: 8000 BTU ASHRAE (5000 BTU SACC) | Exhaust type: Single Hose | Cooling Area: 150sq.ft. | Noise Level: 45db | Dimension: 15.16″D x 13.98″W x 24.8″H
Shinco Portable Air Conditioner
What We Like
Adjustable air outlet grille
”Smart life” app control
Powerfull cooling ability
cooling coverage of up to 400sq.ft.
Easy setup and mobility
3-in-1 functionality
What We Don’t Like
Moderate noise at ≤52 dB, so it may not be ideal for ultra-light sleepers.
The Shinco is a 3-in-1 portable air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 7,500 BTU (SACC), making it an excellent solution for medium-sized spaces. This model can cover up to 400 sq. ft. and features cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes, along with Wi-Fi control via the Smart Life app.
It also comes with an LED display, a remote control with a maximum range of 23 ft, and is easy to install. This model can be conveniently moved from one space to another.
Best for: Apartments, bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, and busy house holds.
Product Specifications
Cooling Poweer: 12,000 BTU | Exhaust type: Single Hose | Cooling Area: 400sq.ft. | Noise Level: 52db | Dimension: 13.39″D x 17.44″W x 32.68″H
LG Portable Air Conditioner
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What We Like
Auto-swing air vent
3-in-1 Operation
User friendly panel and remote control
Convenient mobility
Works with Alexa and Google assistant
What We Don’t Like
May take some time to cool down the space.
The LG Portable Air Conditioner is ideal for cooling spaces up to 250 sq. ft., with a cooling power of 6,000 BTU (8,000 BTU ASHRAE). It features an Auto-Swing Air Vent that helps distribute cool air where it’s needed most. Rolling casters make it easy to move the unit from one location to another.
Other features include an LCD remote control, an easy-to-install window venting kit, a removable/washable filter, and a check filter alert.
Best for: Bedrooms, apartments, offices, renters or dorm users, and budget-conscious buyers.
Product Specifications
Cooling Poweer: 6000 BTU | Exhaust type: Single Hose | Cooling Area: 250sq.ft. | Noise Level: 51db | Dimension: 13.27″D x 17.32″W x 27.36″H
Whynter Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
What We Like
Multiple setting options
Strong performance in 500 sq ft spaces
Quiet performance, perfect for light sleepers
Smart wi-fi control
Wheels for mobility
What We Don’t Like
Requires a slightly larger window to accommodate the hose kit
The Whynter dual-hose portable air conditioner offers a cooling power of 12,000 BTU, suitable for areas up to 500 sq. ft. This model features three operational modes: cool, dehumidify, and fan (with two speeds), along with full thermostatic control ranging from 60°F to 86°F.
It also features efficient inverter technology, quiet performance at 42.5 dB, and smart Wi-Fi capability, allowing you to adjust settings remotely using Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Best for: 1–2 bedroom apartments, homes, offices, living areas, dorm rooms, and light sleepers.
Product Specifications
Cooling Poweer: 12,000 BTU | Exhaust type: Double Hose | Cooling Area: 500sq.ft. | Noise Level: 52.5db | Dimension: 16.75″D x 19.5″W x 32.5″H
Final Verdict
The Dreo Portable Air Conditioner is our top overall pick, offering cooling coverage of up to 300 sq. ft. and quiet performance at 46 dB, perfect for light sleepers. It also supports voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Another excellent choice is the Whynter Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner. It not only provides efficient cooling for up to 500 sq. ft. but also features a heating function for use during the winter months.