Though expensive and difficult to install, central air conditioning is strong. Units for windows? Not every area benefits from them. Portable air conditioners fit in here since they provide great cooling power anywhere you need it, are simple to move, and quick to install. Many designs also have smart functions, dehumidifiers, and even air filters for more pleasant, clean air. Traveling? While a neck AC is great for remaining cool during outdoor activities, a car AC keeps your drive cool. Whether you are at home, on the road, or out discovering, we have compiled the finest cooling choices to keep you comfortable any time, any place.

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What is the best portable air conditioner overall?

Should you be cooling an apartment, a hot bedroom, or other small place, we have evaluated the best CNET Lab models to see which ones actually work. Our best choice for general value and performance? Black+Decker BPP08WTB. Right now, the greatest reasonably priced portable air conditioner you can get is strong and dependable.

Best portable AC unit for small spaces

Black+Decker BPP08WTB

Price at Amazon

Our first choice for the finest compact portable AC is the Black+Decker BPP08WTB, which is quiet, strong, and reasonably priced.

• It outperformed all other devices in maintaining a constant 68°F in our tests, hence proving to be the most consistent for cooling. Perfect for small settings, it's also small and simple to relocate.
• A basic LCD remote and a "follow me" function let the device change depending on your locati0n in the room. Plus, perfect for hot, humid weather, it functions as a dehumidifier, drawing up to 80 pints of moisture from the air daily.

This is the one to choose if you desire excellent value, simple controls, and robust cooling.

Best high-end portable AC unit

Midea MAP14HS1TBL

Price at Amazon

Among the portable air conditioners we evaluated, the Midea MAP14HS1TBL is among the finest. Although more expensive, it offers strong cooling, smart functions, and excellent value for bigger rooms.

Here is the reason it astounded us:

• Strong Cooling Power: With 12,000 BTUs, it rapidly cools areas up to 550 sq. ft.—more than enough for most living rooms or big bedrooms.
• In both of our cooling tests, it outperformed rival high-capacity units like the Haier and LG models.
• Clever and Handy: Includes Wi-Fi control via an app, timer, dehumidifier mode, sleep mode, and remote. It works with Google Assistant and Alexa as well.
• Though it's the heaviest item we tested (77 lbs), it has wheels for simple transportation.

This type is a top choice if you want a feature-rich, high-performance AC for a big area.

Efficient Cooling with a Sleek Look

Midea MAP12S1TBL

Price at Amazon

Want quick, dependable cooling without the bulk? Designed for strong performance in spaces up to 450 sq. ft., the Midea MAP12S1TBL is a dual-hose portable air conditioner. Its 12,000 BTUs of cooling makes it ideal for living areas, home offices, or bedrooms.

Reasons It Is Unique:

• By pulling in new air and discharging warm air independently, dual hose systems cools faster and more efficiently. No more hot air recycled!
• Smart Control Options: Adjust settings with the remote, use the built-in timer, or switch to sleep mode for peaceful overnight cooling.
• Sleek & Modern Design: The black finish goes well with contemporary decor.
• Mobility-Friendly: You may transfer it where you need it most since it has smooth-rolling wheels.
• Strong cooling performance combined with ease and design in this device makes it a wise choice for anyone requiring significant heat relief without a window unit.

How We Tested These Portable Air Conditioners

To find out which AC unit performs best, we used a consistent testing process in a controlled indoor environment:

Step 1: Room Prep

• We heated a test room to 92°F, then turned off the heat.

Step 2: Cooling Test

• We set each portable AC to 68°F on medium fan speed and let it run for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Each unit went through two rounds of testing for accuracy.

Step 3: What We Measured

We tracked:

• How well each AC maintained the set temperature (within 5% of 68°F).
• How consistently it held its lowest achievable temperature, even if it couldn’t reach 68°F.

Step 4: How We Compared

We grouped the units by size:

• Small Room: Black+Decker BPP08WTB (for rooms up to 350 sq. ft.)
• Large Room: Midea MAP12S1TBL and MAP14HS1TBL (for rooms up to 450–550 sq. ft.)

Then we compared how long each model kept the room close to its target temperature — the higher the percentage, the better the performance.

We also factored in:

• Features (like smart controls, sleep mode, etc.)
• Ease of use
• Price-to-performance value

This way, our top picks aren’t just about raw power — they’re about how well they balance performance, features, and cost.