Portable air conditioner can be a bedroom savior when summer nights are hot and stuffy. Portable ACs can be installed easily, do not need any permanent installation and can be used to cool down single rooms.
We have studied and compared the best models and made a selection of the best portable air conditioner to use in your bedroom.
This guide includes quiet and energy-efficient models that can be used in small, medium, or large bedrooms and all of them have the features that allow optimizing comfort and convenience.
Top Bedroom Portable ACs – Quick Comparison
| Portable AC Unit | Cooling Capacity (DOE) | Room Size Recommendation | Noise Level (Low/High) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea Duo Smart Inverter (14,000 BTU) | 12,000 BTU (DOE) | up to 550 sq. ft. | 43 dB / 56 dB | Dual-hose inverter, Wi-Fi + Alexa/Google, ultra-quiet |
| Whynter ARC-14S (14,000 BTU) | 9,500 BTU (DOE) | up to 500 sq. ft. | 51 dB / 56 dB | Dual-hose design, Activated carbon filter, high power |
| LG Dual Inverter (10,000 BTU SACC) | 10,000 BTU (DOE) | up to 450 sq. ft. | 44 dB / ~53 dB | Inverter compressor, Wi-Fi app, super quiet |
| Black+Decker Portable (8,000 BTU) | 8,000 BTU (DOE) | up to 350 sq. ft. | ~51 dB / 54 dB | Compact size, “Follow Me” remote, sleep mode |
| SereneLife 3-in-1 (10,000 BTU) | 10,000 BTU (est. DOE) | up to 300–400 sq. ft. | ~55–57 dB (est.) | Budget-friendly, dehumidifier + fan, easy setup |
| Honeywell Contempo (12,000 BTU) | 8,050 BTU (DOE) | up to 550 sq. ft. | 52 dB / 55 dB | Dual filtration, quiet operation, sleep mode |
#1 Midea Duo Smart Inverter 14,000 BTU Portable AC – Quiet & Efficient
The Duo Smart Inverter of Midea is one of the best models in bedrooms because of its extremely quiet operation and energy-saving structure. This 14,000 BTU (12,000 BTU DOE) model has a dual-hose inverter system that is cooled quicker and more efficiently than other designs. The Midea Duo was one of the quietest units in tests, with a low fan noise of ~43 dB and high fan noise of 56 dB, which is quieter than a normal conversation . It is simple to use with medium to large bedrooms of up to 550 sq.ft. and even has a heat mode to use all year round. A smart home integration is a feature: you can adjust settings through a smartphone application or voice (it is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant). The hose-in-hose system reduces the chances of air leakage and the room is cooled to the maximum. The window kit and foam seals are provided and allow easy installation.
- Specifications: 14,000 BTU cooling (suitable up to 550 sq.ft.), dual-hose inverter compressor that is 2X faster cooling, 3-in-1 modes (Cool/Dehumidify/Fan + Heat), Wi-Fi app control, voice control with Alexa/Google.
- Advantages: Very low noise level (down to 42,43 dB) – ideal when you have a light sleeper; Energy saver (can save up to 40 percent of energy consumption compared to the federal standard); Smart connectivity and remote monitoring; Dual hose avoids negative pressure and hot air infiltration.
- Cons: Weighs more (~75 lbs) so it takes some effort to move around (has wheels); It is a bit expensive because of the advanced features; The pieces of the slider window can be tricky to adjust during the setup.
#2 Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose 14,000 BTU – Powerful for Large Rooms
The Whynter ARC-14S is ideal in large bedrooms or where there is a high cooling requirement with its dual-hose system and high 14,000 BTU (9,500 BTU DOE) cooling capacity. In 2024, this model was Good Housekeeping Best Overall Best Portable AC, which was praised to cool up to 500 sq.ft. Whynter ARC-14S has a dual-hose system that expels hot air effectively and has the ability to cool a room within a short period. It is a powerful device that is rather quiet in its operation, approximately 51 dBA at low fan. It is also a dehumidifier (up to 71 pints/day) and it has an activated carbon filter to minimize odors. It is well built with a complete installation kit (extendable window bracket and exhaust hoses).
Whynter ARC-14S is a two-hose portable air conditioner that is suitable to cool a bigger bedroom (up to ~500 sq.ft.) with efficient and powerful work.
- Specs: 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 9,500 BTU (DOE) room air conditioner, 2 hoses to cool faster, 3 functions (Cool, Fan, Dehumidify), auto-drain condensate system, carbon air filter and washable pre-filter.
- Advantages: High cooling capacity: excellent in large master bedrooms or studios; Dual hose prevents backflow of heat and makes it more efficient; Has an activated carbon filter to purify the air; Has won awards on its performance; The digital controls are easy to use and has remote.
- Cons: Bigger and heavier (~80 lbs); Louder than inverter units (~56 dB on full, audible but still moderate); Dual-hose system has two connections to the windows (requires a little more window space).
#3 LG Dual Inverter 10,000 BTU Portable AC – Ultra Quiet Smart Cooling
The LG Dual Inverter portable AC (the model LP1022FVSM or something like that) is characterized by the whisper-quiet mode and high energy efficiency. With the Dual Inverter technology by LG, this 14,000 BTU (10,000 BTU DOE SACC) can cool bedrooms of up to 450-500 sq.ft. and at a low noise level of about 44 dB in sleep mode. That is so silent like a library and this is ideal to use in the night. It can satisfy the demands of the modern world with Wi-Fi and the ability to control it with the help of LG ThinQ app on a smartphone, as well as voice control through Alexa/Google Assistant. The same can be said about this LG model: it has an auto-evaporation system (thus, in normal humidity, you will not need to empty water) and a minimalistic design. It is a single-hose portable AC yet the inverter compressor can vary its speed to keep the temperature at the desired level (up to 40% of energy savings in comparison with non-inverter models).
- Specifications: 10,000 BTU DOE (14,000 BTU ASHRAE) cooling, suitable to 300-450 sq.ft. rooms, Dual Inverter compressor that is quiet and efficient, Wi-Fi enabled with LG ThinQ app, compatible with Alexa/Google, 3 fan speeds and auto swing louvers.
- Pros: One of the most silent portable ACs (44 dB on low fan) – ideal to use in light sleepers; Very energy efficient and Energy Star certified; Convenient smartphone and voice control; Easy-to-roll casters and installation kit.
- Cons: A bit more expensive because of inverter technology; The single-hose design implies that it is consuming some indoor air to exhaust (is not as efficient as a dual-hose in large areas, but is compensated by the inverter efficiency); It is heavy (~70+ lbs), but the wheels assist in moving it around.
#4 Black+Decker 8,000 BTU Portable AC – Compact Cool for Small Bedrooms
The Black+Decker 8,000 BTU portable AC (about 12,000 BTU ASHRAE) is a solid choice in case you have a smaller bedroom or want to spend less money. It has a rating of cooling around 150-350 sq.ft., so it is ideal in small bedrooms, dorms, or home offices. The unit is compact and easy to use. It has 3-in-1 (cooling, fan, dehumidifier) and it includes full-function remote with a follow me thermostat (the remote can detect temperature, so the AC cools to where you are). It is relatively quiet (54 dB at full speed) and most people can sleep with it, especially with the built in Sleep mode (which turns down lights and runs the fan at a lower speed to be quieter). It is easy to install: the kit that comes with it fits sliding or double-hung windows.
Black+Decker 8,000 BTU (SACC) portable AC is a small unit with easy controls, small footprint and suitable to bedrooms of up to ~300 sq.ft.
- Specifications: 8,150 BTU (SACC rating, ~12,000 BTU ASHRAE) cooling capacity on small rooms, 3 modes (AC, fan, dry), LED display and easy to use controls, 24-hr timer, Sleep mode to operate at a lower volume at night, comes with window exhaust kit.
- Advantages: Small and lightweight (less than 17 inches wide) – fits in small spaces; Less weight (approximately 53 pounds) and side handles, castor wheels to move it around easily; Simple assembly in few minutes; Low cost, yet still addresses the basic cooling requirements; Easy to maintain, washable filter.
- Cons: Not designed to cover large rooms (optimal in rooms of less than 300 sq.ft.); Single-hose design may not be as effective in cooling extremely warm rooms; It is not very quiet (similar to a fan on medium-high); No smart Wi-Fi capability.
#5 SereneLife 10,000 BTU 3-in-1 Portable AC – Best Budget Option
The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner (about 10,000 BTU, model SLPAC10) is a common inexpensive solution to bedrooms. It is a 3-in-1 single-hose unit which can cool, dehumidify and fan, which is very versatile at this price. It has an approximate of 8,000 BTU SACC (10k old standard), and it can be used in small to mid-size bedrooms (approximately 250 to 400 sq.ft.). Its easy digital controls and the remote provided are enjoyed by the users. It also comes with an automatic swing vent to aid even distribution of air. Noise-wise, you can anticipate a low rumble; it is not as silent as the inverter ones, yet most people find it is quite acceptable to sleep with the fan on low. The SereneLife is also a lighter unit (55 lbs) which makes it easier to move around whenever necessary. In the case you want to keep cool without spending a lot of money, this unit does not offer any additional extras.
SereneLife 10,000 BTU portable AC is a 3-in-1 (AC, fan, dehumidifier) device with a low price that is suitable in small rooms but does not provide the ultra-low noise of inverter-based systems.
- Specifications: ~10,000 BTU cooling capacity to cover area of up to ~300 sq.ft., 3 modes of operation, air vent oscillates, easy plug-in use, LED thermostat reading, includes window exhaust kit and washable filter.
- Advantages: Affordable price, cheaper than other spot coolers, but still effective; Portable, easy to carry around and set up; It eliminates humidity (makes the room feel cooler by drying the air); Slim, sleek design with wheels; Removable control and 24-hr timer.
- Cons: Single-hose system so it is slightly less efficient than dual-hose models in large spaces; Noise level is audible at high (about the same as a fan running); No smart features or inverter technology; May require manual drainage in very humid environments (has a built-in reservoir to collect condensate).
#6 Honeywell Contempo Series 12,000 BTU – Quiet & Reliable
The Contempo series of Honeywell is characterized by silent and reliable operation, which makes it perfect to use in bedrooms. Honeywell HL12CESWK (Black/White) is a medium to large room (up to 450-550 sq.ft.) portable air conditioner, with 12,000 BTU capacity, and one of the quieter models in its category, with the lowest setting running at about 52 dBA. Honeywell also has the dual dust filtration (to maintain the internal system clean and increase the quality of air) and auto-evaporation system, thus in most of the conditions you will not have to empty any water. This Contempo model provides cooling and multi speed fan with dehumidifier mode which can dehumidify up to 86 pints of moisture per day. It also has a special Sleep mode that is used at night and slowly changes temperature and fan speed to make it comfortable and quiet. The Honeywell has caster wheels that glide smoothly and is small and sleek enough to be moved easily around the house and fit in most decors without being obtrusive.
Honeywell Contempo 12,000 BTU portable AC is of polished Black/White design. It is commended on its silent running (approximately 52-55 dB) and its ability to cool medium sized rooms.
- Specifications: 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / ~8,000 BTU (DOE 2017) portable air conditioner to cover up to 450-550 sq.ft. rooms, 3-in-1 cooling, fan, dehumidifier (with continuous drain option), digital controls and remote, Sleep mode and 24-hour timer, dual washable filters.
- Advantages: Low noise level of operation – works in the low-50 dB range, and the nighttime noise is minimal; Popular brand with good reputation and high performance and safety (thermal overload protection); No bucket auto evaporation design that allows low-hassle usage; Easy installation, with a fully assembled window vent kit; Contemporary design with an intuitive touch control.
- Cons: Slightly heavier (~64 lbs) than some smaller units (still portable with wheels); Single-hose design (as with most in this class) can be slightly less efficient in larger open areas; No Wi-Fi/smart connectivity; Price is mid-range (you pay for the Honeywell brand quality).
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a Portable AC for Your Bedroom
To find the suitable portable air conditioner to use in a bedroom, one should take into account the size of the room, the level of noise, energy efficiency, and other characteristics that influence the comfort and convenience. We will deconstruct some of the main factors below to enable you to make a better decision
Room Size and BTU Capacity
Size your bedroom with respect to the cooling capacity of the AC (measured in BTUs). To take as a rule of thumb:
- Small bedrooms (less than 300 sq.ft.)- seek ~5,000-8,000 BTU (DOE). As an example, an 8,000 BTU unit will provide comfortable cooling to ~350 sq.ft..
- Medium bedrooms (300 500 sq.ft.) 10,000 12,000 BTU is best. (10k BTU = 450 sq.ft. or so.)
- Bedrooms (500+ sq.ft.) – You should choose 12,000 BTU and higher. (~14k BTU can cool up to ~700 sq.ft. in perfect conditions.)
When it comes to BTUs, it is better to overspec a bedroom a little as opposed to underspec, particularly in a room that is sunny or has a lot of heat. An oversized AC will not be able to cool and run continuously, whereas an undersized AC will cool quickly and turn off leaving energy savings.
Silent Operation (Noise Level)
Noise level is a very important factor when it comes to bedroom use. Portable ACs are equipped with compressors and fans thus they are noisy. Search out models that are mentioned as being low-noise or have a Sleep mode. The quietest are inverter technology units (such as the Midea or LG) and they are usually in the low 50s or even the 40s in decibels. In order to put that into perspective:
The average voice level is ~60 dB; a lot of older portable ACs operate at this level on high.
The quiet bedroom portable ACs work at ~45-55 dB on low setting, you can hear a soft hum similar to a fan. As an example, the Dual Inverter of LG can be as low as 44 dB and the Contempo units of Honeywell are around 52 dB on low fan.
In case you are a light sleeper, then an AC with sleep/night mode or inverter compressor should be your priority. Dual-hose models may also be able to cool more quickly so they may not have to be turned on full blast as long (which may lead to less noise in the long run). It is a good idea to read user reviews of noise feedback: what is too loud is subjective, but trends will be revealed.
Energy Efficiency
Air conditioning a room may use quite a lot of electricity, yet not all portable ACs are equally efficient. Look at the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) or the newer CEER of the unit and find those features that enhance efficiency:
Inverter technology: Inverter ACs do not switch on/off the compressor but regulate its speed. This consumes a lot less energy and has a stable temperature. Its efficiency rating is among the highest in its category (The Midea Duo, to give one example.)
Dual-Hose Design: Dual-hose portables are cooled by outside air, rather than cooled air that is already indoors. This is more efficient particularly when the run time is long; there is no cooling capacity that is wasted in compensating the air that is exhausted.
Programmable Thermostat/Timer: A thermostat is present in almost all the units, but the timer can be used to turn off the AC when you go to sleep or when the sun is about to rise, which saves energy. It is also common that many individuals turn the room to high power before going to bed and then use sleep mode or a higher temperature setpoint during the night.
Proper Sizing: As stated, a properly sized unit will operate more efficiently than a unit which is too small (it will never shut off) or too large (it will short cycle). It is just that golden mean of stable functioning.
A limited number of portable ACs have an Energy Star rating nowadays, which are worth considering, in case efficiency is a priority. It is important to remember that the leakage of cool air through your window gap can be avoided by insulating it (use the provided foam strips or your own insulation around the window panel) and thus increase overall efficiency.
Smart Features
Most of the newer portable air conditioners are smart to make them more convenient:
Wi-Fi Connectivity & Apps: This enables you to control through your smartphone. You can switch the AC on/off or alter the settings without leaving the bed (or even when you are not at home). Such models as Midea Duo and LG can be controlled via Wi-Fi.
Voice Control: The ability to be connected to Amazon Alexa or Google Home, which allows you to control it by voice command e.g. Alexa, set bedroom AC to 72F. This can be a smooth addition in case you already have a smart home.
Remote Control: Almost all of them come with a remote, although some have additional features such as an integrated temperature sensor (the so-called Follow Me feature on the Black+Decker), which can result in more accurate cooling where you are.
LED Displays & Indicators: Make sure that the control panel lights can be switched off or dimmed at night (bright LEDs are annoying in a dark bedroom). This is usually done by sleep modes.
Some of them are not actually smart, but may have memory (i.e. they will remember settings even after power outages) or even be compatible with smart plugs. Such additions can be a difference of day to day use. A smart portable AC can certainly be convenient to use but only in case you are a tech-savvy person, otherwise, a regular remote should be good enough to use in the bedroom.
Installation & Maintenance
Easy installation is one of the benefits of portable ACs, but you will also need to make sure that the model you are going to buy will fit your window and be easy to maintain:
Window Kit Fit: Portable ACs are supplied with a window slider panel to exhaust hose. Check that the minimum and maximum length of the panel is sufficient to fit the width/height of your window. The majority of them have extensions or adjustable ranges (e.g., typical kits are suitable in windows of ~20-50 inches). It supports sliding windows and double-hung windows, casement (crank) windows are more difficult but have DIY solutions.
Single or Dual Hose: Dual-hose units have two hoses to fit in the window plate rather than one. This is a little more preparation work, but it is simple (just make sure both hoses are attached and the gap in the window is covered). Single-hose units are a little bit easier since there is only one hose to concern oneself with.
Portability: Ensure that it is light and has wheels/handles. The castor wheels are fitted in most units and there are handles or hand-holds. In case you intend to transfer the AC to different rooms, a lighter one (50 60 lbs) will be convenient as compared to an 80 lb one.
Maintenance: Maintenance is normally minimal- clean the air filter on a regular basis (most are washable filters that you rinse under a faucet). Also, the way the unit deals with condensate (dehumidifying water) should be noted. Most of them have auto-evaporation and you seldom need to drain; some may have a tank or a drain plug to manually drain under very humid conditions. Draining will be usually necessary when using the dehumidify mode.
All the suggested models are supplied with detailed manuals, however, as a rule, the installation is not a complicated process and requires 10-30 minutes of your time. To get the best cooling, there should be no gaps around the window kit (use foam seal strips) and the AC should be as close to the window as possible to make the hose as straight as possible (better airflow). To maintain it, you can put a reminder to clean the filter once in a couple of weeks when it is heavily used; a clean filter helps the AC run more efficiently and prevents dust from recirculating in your room.
