Best Small Portable Air Conditioner For Summer 2025

During the hot summer days, a best small portable air conditioner might be the savior of people who do not have central air conditioning or window-mounted air conditioners. Portable AC units are the best to cool small rooms, dorms, offices, or RVs, where space is at a premium.

They are flexible to relocate and install in different rooms and with an easy window vent kit.

Here you can compare the best portable AC units of Summer 2025, and then read the detailed reviews and a buying guide to make your Summer comfortable.

#1 BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

The 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner by BLACK+DECKER is a highly rated mini AC with the reputation of flexibility and good cooling. ASHRAE rated at 8,000 BTU (roughly 4,100 BTU DOE) it has enough power to cool a small room of up to 300 sq. ft. (roughly 15 x 20 ft).

It is perfect in bedrooms, small living rooms or dorm rooms in the hot summer 2025 months. It is rather quiet in terms of noise (~54 dB), although it has a cooling punch, so it will not disturb your sleep or work.

This is a real 3-in-1 device as this BLACK+DECKER device can be used as an air conditioner, a fan and a dehumidifier. It is able to take out the unnecessary humidity in the air as it cools down making the hot summer weather more comfortable.

According to users, it can be installed in a few minutes, the window vent kit that comes with it can fit most sliding or double-hung windows, and it is not too big to occupy a lot of floor space (approximately 15.3 x 14 x 24.8 in). It has a weight of ~46 lbs, smooth-gliding caster wheels, and side carry handles, which means that you can roll it out of the office to the bedroom without any troubles.

The BLACK+DECKER is distinguished by convenience features. It is supplied with a full-function remote control which has a follow me thermostat feature – the unit can detect temperature at the remote to allow more accurate climate control around you. The LED display and touch controls on top are simple and you can change the temperature, fan speed (high/medium/low) and set a 24-hour timer.

The sleep mode is enjoyed by many as it slowly changes temperatures to ensure you are comfortable at night and at the same time saves energy. It is also simple to maintain: it has a washable filter to clean the air (you only need to rinse it under a faucet once a month).

On the whole, BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU is one of the best small portable air conditioners that combine the cooling power, portability, and ease of use. It is ideal to use in apartments or by anyone who can not install a window AC and it is also strong enough to cool a small apartment room to an oasis during the summer.

Just vent it right and you will have cool, dry air at your behest with this dependable unit.

#2 SereneLife 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

SereneLife 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a small and slim air conditioner that is meant to cool small rooms like bedrooms, home offices, or children rooms. Its 8,000 BTU of cooling (approx. 5,000 BTU SACC under DOE standards) is more than enough to cool rooms up to about 250 sq. ft. and it has a modern profile that users adore: it is about 27.5” tall and about 13” x 11” in floor dimensions, a smaller footprint than many competitors, which saves space in tight quarters.

It is also among the lighter units weighing at ~43 lbs, which makes it easy to move around on its in-built caster wheels.

The SereneLife is a 3-in-1 unit, like most portables, it cools, dehumidifies, and can be used as a stand-alone fan. It has a removable, washable filter to capture dust and pet hair, which are known to make the air clean (and the unit efficient). The dehumidifier setting is rather efficient on a small machine, and it can extract up to ~1 liter of moisture per hour, which can be a significant difference during hot summer days.

The unit has an R-32 refrigerant that is more environmentally friendly than the older R-410A based on lower GWP.

The SereneLife AC is easy to operate using the top-mounted digital control panel or using the remote control that is supplied. You are able to change temperature settings, fan speeds (low/med/high) and time it to shut off automatically. The LED display indicates the current temperature and mode and you even have a quiet sleep mode to slowly turn down cooling and noise at night.

At the highest level, the noise is about 55 dBA, which is similar to a normal conversation, but some reviewers say that the compressor starting up can be heard. Nevertheless, it is relatively silent that most people can sleep with, particularly at the low fan speed.

SereneLife is supplied with a full window vent kit (exhaust hose and adapters) which is compatible with most standard windows. Installation is easy to do according to users, with some of them saying that the window panel that comes with it may need weather stripping or some slight modifications to fit in larger window openings.

When installed, this small AC unit cools down fast and effectively relative to its size, which makes it ideal to establish a cool place in an enclosed area. The SereneLife 8,000 BTU portable AC is a good option to fight the heat in a small room or apartment with its style, functionality, and high customer ratings.

#3 Shinco 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

The Shinco 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a well-liked low-cost model that is very effective and can be used in small rooms. The unit has a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTU (~4,550 BTU SACC), enough to chill an area of up to ~200 sq. ft. – that is a normal bedroom, dorm room, or small studio.

The Shinco is small at about 13.5” D x 14.7” W x 27” H and it is mounted on rolling casters to facilitate movement. It weighs approximately 46 lbs and is similar to other small units and can be handled by a single individual.

The Shinco is not a cheap brand and does not compromise on the essential features. It is a 3 in 1 device that has cooling mode, fan only mode and dehumidifier mode. In moist weather it may extract 60 pints of water a day out of the air (draining may be necessary in very moist climates, through the bottom drain plug). The fan is two speed and can be operated without cooling to circulate air.

A lot of users are delighted to find out how fast this unit can cool down a small room, it is especially convenient to those who rent a place or study and need to have a relief of heat but not to spend a lot of money.

The use of Shinco 8,000 BTU AC is simple. It has an LED display and easy to use push button controls on the top and a full-function remote control. You can change the thermostat (usually 62 o F to 86 o F range), modes, and 24-hour timer to turn on/off automatically. This unit also has a sleep mode to operate more silently and more productively during the night.

Talking of noise, the sound levels of the Shinco are around 52 dB on low fan and up to ~55 dB on high which is quite standard of a portable AC. The majority of people consider it quiet enough to sleep when it is on low cool setting.

It is simple to install: the Shinco has a window vent kit that can be fitted on windows that are approximately 26.5 to 48 inches wide. Customers state that the instructions are clear, and all the needed parts (hose, adapters, window slider and foam seals) are provided.

Since it is a one-hose device, it will exhaust hot air through the window and is most likely to be used in small areas (big rooms would be too much of a stretch to its capabilities). The Shinco 8,000 BTU AC unit is a reliable performance compact cooling unit that is the best value to cool down a bedroom or small living area during the summer months.

#4 LG 6,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (LP0621WSR)

The 6,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (model LP0621WSR) by LG is an excellent choice of quiet and energy efficient performance by a reliable brand. (Note: It is 6,000 BTU DOE SACC, or ~10,000 BTU ASHRAE.) This is a unit that is designed to cool a space of up to 250 sq. ft.

so it is ideal to use in bedrooms, small living rooms or offices. The relatively low noise levels of this LG portable AC are among the most striking ones, as it makes 53 dB on the highest setting and ~50 dB on low. This is a major advantage to those who want to use it during sleep or in an office as many users are specifically complimenting the quietness of its operation.

LG portable AC is modern and stylish with a digital display that is easy to read. It has three modes of operation, i.e. Cool, Fan, and Dry (dehumidify), to suit your needs. The unit is efficient in the way it automatically varies its fan and compressor to the required level to keep the set temperature.

The LG brand name in air conditioning is associated with energy saving technology; this model may not be a dual-inverter as some of the bigger LG models but it has a decent EER rating in its category and will not cost you a fortune to run on moderate use. The auto-swing air vent assists in the distribution of cool air to every part of the room, thus getting rid of hot spots.

The LP0621WSR will be easy to control. It is accompanied by an LCD remote which allows you to adjust settings even when you are in the other end of the room. You may adjust the temperature, select one of the two fan speeds and turn on the 24-hour programmable timer or sleep mode.

The thermostat that is installed in the unit is very precise and the cool mode will turn the compressor on/off to keep your desired temperature. It is easy to maintain: the filter slides out to be cleaned and the unit has an auto-evaporation system that deals with most of the condensation, so you do not have to empty a water tank very often (only in very humid conditions).

Installation of the LG portable AC is easy. It comes with a window installation kit which is applicable in vertical and horizontal slide windows. The exhaust hose is easy to fasten and the window panel is solid.

Most consumers remark that the general build quality is a step above certain generic brands, the casters roll freely, the housing is sturdy, and it simply feels good. In case you need a quiet, reliable portable AC to use during summer which is supported by a big brand name, this LG 6,000 BTU device is a good option to cool small rooms without much ado.

#5 Midea 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Midea is a world leader in AC technology and the Midea 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is the company taking that expertise and applying it to a small, personal unit that is ideal in very small spaces. This unit has an ASHRAE rating of 8,000 BTU (about 5,300 BTU SACC), which makes it best suited to rooms of about 150 to 175 sq. ft. that is, small bedrooms, hobby rooms or a home office.

Its comparatively lesser capacity implies that its very efficient in cooling such small spaces within a short period of time without consuming a lot of energy. The sacrifice is that it is not intended to be used in bigger living areas, but where it is intended to be used it is a real champ.

The Midea portable AC has three modes of operation which include cooling, dehumidification and fan only. It is smaller but with a strong dehumidify mode capable of extracting moisture in the air to make a room less clammy (an advantage in a humid climate).

The design of the unit is simple and uncluttered, and it has a digital display on the top panel and a row of feather-touch buttons to control mode, temperature and fan. It also comes with a convenient remote control, to adjust settings in your bed or on the couch. This model is also equipped with auto restart (in case of power cut it will restart with previous settings) and overload protection to operate it safely.

The Midea 8,000 BTU AC is physically similar to other small portables: it measures about 17 inches wide, 13 inches deep and about 28 inches tall. It weighs about 53 lbs, which makes it heavy yet portable on its 4 caster wheels.

It comes with an installation kit that can be fitted easily in a window, customers report that the window slider and exhaust hose that come with it are of high quality and seal well with the supplied foam strips. With the help of the Midea self-evaporation technology, the unit will remove most of the condensation with the exhaust air, thus in regular use there will be no need to drain water manually. You may occasionally use the drain port only when the humidity is very high.

Regarding cooling capabilities, consumers say that this small device is capable of lowering the temperature of a 10×15 ft room by a few degrees within 10-15 minutes. It has three speeds, and on full-blast it is not silent (at least it is as loud as a fan on medium-high, i.e. about mid-50s dB), but on low or medium it is quite acceptable to watch TV or sleep.

If you need a small unit that can cool a small space that is too hot in the summer, such as a sunny guest room or a hot office, the Midea 8,000 BTU portable AC provides a portable unit with the brand recognition of a well-established brand. It is a great choice when it comes to spot cooling and individuals who are concerned about energy efficiency and space-saving design.

#6 Honeywell 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

The Honeywell 8 000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (model MO08CESWK6) is a reliable product of a company that is famous by home appliances and air quality products. This unit has a rating of 9,100 BTU (ASHRAE) or approximately 6,100 BTU SACC that can cool rooms of up to 300 sq. ft.

It is an excellent choice of bedrooms, den space or even a small living room, particularly to those who prefer durability and safety functions. Another strength of Honeywell is its construction quality – this AC is well-built and has such features as thermal overload protection which gives an extra level of safety (it protects the compressor against overheating).

Honeywell portable AC is meant to be a workhorse at home. It provides the usual three modes, cooling, fan, and dehumidifier. When set to dehumidifier mode it can dehumidify up to approximately 60 pints in a 24 hour period, which is convenient when using it in a humid area, or to dry out a wet basement.

It uses a auto-evaporation system and is in cooling mode, and as such you should not need to empty any water (no bucket to empty) unless in very high humidity environments or in dehumidifier-only mode. The unit is supplied with full-function remote control and a simple digital interface on the top to control temperature, fan speed, and time settings. It also has an obvious water level warning and an automatic shutoff when the internal water tank is full (this is mainly a backup in case of very humid days).

Honeywell highlights one of its features, which is its Dual Filtration. The dust filter of this model is washable and it catches dust, pet dander and hair, which helps to clean the air as it cools.

By preventing these particles to enter your room, it does not only enhance the air quality of your room but also preserves the internal parts of the AC to have a longer life. The filter is simple to clean, you can wash it under the faucet and leave it to dry. Otherwise, the unit itself does not need much maintenance and Honeywell offers decent customer support in case you need parts or help.

Regarding portability, the Honeywell 8,000 BTU model is not heavy, weighing approximately 43 lbs, with smooth caster wheels, and it is easy to move it around. The given window installation kit is durable and can be used with windows that are vertical or horizontal (an approximate of 19.7 to 47.2 inches).

The owners often remark at how quiet the Honeywell runs considering its size – it is in the low-to-mid 50 dB range, so it will not overpower conversations or the TV. In general, this Honeywell portable AC is characterized by the reliability, easy maintenance, and stable performance. It is an intelligent choice when you need a cooling solution that can be used all the time in summer and can last many years with a proper care.

#7 Evapolar evaCHILL Personal Air Conditioner

The Evapolar evaCHILL Personal Air Conditioner is a rare product that can be used by those who want to have a hyper-portable cooling device. As opposed to the other devices on this list, this is an evaporative cooler (also known as a swamp cooler), not a compressor-based AC, i.e. it cools by evaporating water.

The evaCHILL is a personal cooling device: it will not cool a room, but it will blow a stream of cool air on your desktop, nightstand or coffee table. It occupies approximately 45 sq. ft. (only a couple of square meters) – the area of the personal space of one person. This mini cube is very small (approximately 7 x 7 x 7 inches) and weighs less than 2 pounds, therefore, you can take it anywhere including traveling with it.

The Evapolar evaCHILL is very simple in use. You just fill its 800 ml water tank, connect it to a USB power supply (it can be powered by laptop, portable battery pack or wall adapter) and switch it on.

The machine has a special evaporative cartridge which pulls in warm air and passes it through water cooling the air that comes out. It also filters out the dust particles in the air and also humidifies it as an added advantage. It has 4 fan speeds to select and at the maximum speed it can cool the perceived temperature by a few degrees in a dry climate. It is quite silent, particularly on low levels – about 40-50 dB, like a soft fan. It is therefore excellent to use in bed or in the work desk without any distraction.

Among the greatest features of the evaCHILL, there is the fact that it does not need any installation, i.e., no exhaust hoses or window kits. You can even literally put it anywhere you want cool breeze.

This has made it a favorite among those in the arid areas or those in offices where you cannot adjust the thermostat (just plug it in beside you). It is also camping, RVing, or outdoor patio friendly when you are able to use USB power, as it is so low power (approximately 7.5W). Remember that it is evaporative, so its cooling power is most effective in dry heat; in very humid weather it is less effective (as the air is already wet). You will also have to change the water tank after every 4-8 hours of usage, and every now and then change the evaporative filter cartridge (which is usually every 3-6 months of usage).

Overall, Evapolar evaCHILL is not a regular AC, yet, as a personal air conditioner it is a new device that will make you feel comfortable. It is super-portable, environmentally friendly (no refrigerants, very low power consumption) and easy to use.

In case you have to cool yourself (and no one but yourself) in a small space, be it your dorm desk, your bedside, or a tent, then the evaCHILL may be a useful little device in the summer heat.

Buying Guide: Choosing a Portable Air Conditioner for Small Spaces

It is not enough to choose the most BTU when shopping a portable AC. The most suitable unit to you will be determined by the size of your room, the needs of use and priorities such as noise or energy efficiency.

The following is a guide to enable you to know some of the factors to consider when choosing a compact AC unit to use in a small room:

Cooling Capacity (BTUs) & Room Size

BTU (British Thermal Units) is the unit of measurement that determines the cooling capacity of an air conditioner i.e. the amount of heat that can be extracted out of a room in an hour. Portable ACs typically have two BTU ratings, an older and higher (ASHRAE), and a newer and lower (DOE SACC, Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity). DOE number is more realistic in the real world.

In small rooms (150 to 300 sq. ft.), seek portable ACs with 5,000 to 8,000 BTU (DOE) (about 8,000 to 12,000 BTU in ASHRAE terms). You should select the AC that is appropriate to your room size: a BTU that is too high will cause the unit to cool the air too fast without dehumidifying it (this will result in a cold, clammy room and frequent on-off cycling), a BTU that is too low will cause the unit to have trouble cooling, running continuously and consuming more energy.

Measure the square footage of your room (length x width). To give a very rough idea: 8,000 ASHRAE BTU (=5,000 DOE) will serve say 150-200 sq ft, 10,000 BTU (=6,000 DOE) 250 sq ft, and 12,000 BTU (=7,000-8,000 DOE) perhaps 300-350 sq ft.

You might need a little more capacity if you have high ceilings, a lot of sunlight or appliances/electronics that add heat. An upstairs room with windows facing the sun, say, a small room, may require a little more cooling capacity than its area would indicate. On the other hand, do not oversize to an extreme degree in a small room a smaller unit will not only be cheaper, but will usually perform a superior job of keeping a small room at a comfortable, constant temperature.

Portability and Size

Every portable AC is meant to be mobile, however, some are more mobile than others. Look at the dimensions and weight when you are thinking of a unit to use in tight spaces or to use in more than one room. The average weight of most small portable AC is 40-60 pounds.

The models that weigh about 45 lbs (such as the SereneLife or Honeywell) can be quite easily moved around by a single person on their caster wheels. Search out units that have built-in handles and caster wheels – this will make a huge difference when you must move the unit or store it away at the end of the season. The footprint (width x depth) is important when you have a small floor area; there are narrower/slimmer units which are useful in small rooms. As an example, a unit which is just 12 inches wide can fit into a corner or between furniture with greater ease.

You should also take into consideration the height in case you want to use it under a desk or a counter. The majority of them are 24 30 inches high. Portability does not only refer to the physical size, but it can also refer to versatility of placement.

Portable ACs must exhaust hot air using the hose that comes with it, and therefore you will require a window or an opening that is available. Make sure that the length of the hose (typically 4-6 feet) and the window kit will fit into your area. In case you expect to change the location of the AC in different rooms frequently, you may consider measuring your windows in each room to ensure that the vent kit can interchange (you can always buy additional kits to have a setup in more than one room).

Energy Efficiency

Cooling is power-intensive, however, not all portable ACs are equal in efficiency. See whether the unit has a Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER). It is BTUs per wattage, the higher the EER the more cooling per watt (which is better).

Portable ACs are small and their EERs are usually 6 to 8 (not as high as window units usually). Although precise numbers are not always promoted, you can have a feel of efficiency by the DOE BTU rating against wattage. More recent technologies such as inverter compressors (available in some high-end models such as the Midea Duo or LG Dual Inverter series) are able to vary their speed and consume less energy in general, but are more expensive and usually of higher capacity.

To be effective in its work, do not forget about the room itself: insulation, closing curtains/blinds to the direct sun, and weather-stripping doors will make a portable AC work without overworking. Bear in mind that single-hose portable ACs (most small ones are) may be a bit less efficient than dual-hose units since they can pull some warm air in other places in the house as they blow out hot air.

Dual-hose units are however more powerful (usually 12,000+ BTU) and larger in size. A single-hose unit is normally adequate and smaller in size when it comes to a small room. To conserve power, set the programmable timer or sleep mode, assuming your unit is so equipped, to switch off the AC when you go to sleep or before the room gets too cold, and save power.

Noise Level

A factor of noise is also important, particularly when you intend to use the AC in a bedroom or a quiet office. The fan and the compressor are the two main sources of noise of portable air conditioners.

Small units normally generate 50-55 dB on the low fan speed and up to 55-60 dB on high. To give a point of reference, 50 dB is equivalent to a normal conversation or a moderate rain. In case you are a light sleeper or will be seated close to the unit when working, seek models that have a reputation of being quiet (some manufacturers actually advertise their dB levels). An example of our list is the LG model, which operates at approximately 53 dB on high, which is fairly quiet, and most units have a night mode, which reduces the fan speed to minimize noise.

Remember that the compressor will turn on and off, and that is when you normally hear something, a little kick or humming when cooling is on. Where possible, put the unit on a flat surface and on a mat or a carpet to assist in dampening vibrations.

Also, make sure that it is two inches away to the wall or furniture so that nothing rattles. A personal evaporative cooler, such as the Evapolar, is much quieter (there is no compressor), but once more, only a very small area is cooled. Noise is a priority concern, and you have a choice, then a window AC or mini-split will be quieter because the noisy components are outdoors, but if those are not suitable, don t worry, there are portable ACs that are not too loud in their cooling. It can be quite useful to read user reviews to check comments on noise, because what is quiet to one person may not be to another.

Ease of Use & Maintenance

A decent portable AC must be simple to coexist with on a daily basis. Look at the control interface, models that have digital display and user friendly remote control make it easy to change settings on the fly. Most small ACs have added such features as 24-hour timers (to turn it on before you get home, or off after you go to sleep) and remote thermostats (in the form of Follow Me remotes that sense temperature where you are).

Some of the more expensive or newer models may have smart Wi-Fi controls, but in the small AC category these are not as prevalent as in the larger units.

Portable ACs usually require maintenance that includes: -Draining water: Most models are auto evaporating, which means that they release moisture through the exhaust in normal AC mode. However, when it is very humid outside or the dehumidifier is on, the internal tank may fill. Then you will have to empty it through a plug (normally at the bottom). They can be continuously drained using a hose in some units provided they are close to a floor drain.

– Cleaning the filter: The air filter should be cleaned after every couple of weeks. The filters in all the mentioned models are reusable; you only rinse or vacuum them. The airflow is maintained by a clean filter and does not put a burden on the compressor. – Storage of the unit: You might want to store your portable AC when the summer is finished. Select a model that is cord-wrapped or compact in storage. Always drain the water and run the unit on fan-only mode to dry out the inside of a few hours before putting it into storage. This will avoid molds or smells the next time you use it.

In addition, see what accessories are included in the box. A quality portable AC must have a full window vent kit (adjustable panels, screws, foam sealant and exhaust hose). Others even add extras such as insulation tape or storage cover. Make sure the kit suits your window, you may want to alter or buy an additional panel in the event that you have a very large or a very small window.

Lastly, look into the reputation of the brand in terms of warranty and customer support. Such brands as Honeywell, LG, and Midea usually provide more than a year of warranty and support, which may be comforting to use long-term.

Usage Scenarios

Consider where and how you are going to use your portable AC most. In the case of a bedroom, you will prefer a quiet model, maybe with a sleep mode and a timer. It should also be able to dehumidify well such that you do not wake up in a hot room.

A small footprint and minimal noise (to make calls or study) may be important to a home office or dorm. When it comes to a workshop, garage, or RV, you should consider a slightly ruggedly constructed model and perhaps more BTUs in case the space is not well insulated. Some people even use battery capable portable ACs (such as the Zero Breeze or EcoFlow Wave, which are not listed here as they are niche and expensive) to run in their RVs or on the road, but most can use a standard small portable AC on campsite power or a generator.

Unless you are able to vent through a window (say you have a room with no windows), then a portable AC may not be a good solution because it has to get rid of heat. In these situations you may want to use an evaporative cooler to temporarily cool things down (in a dry climate) or investigate a venting work around (such as into a drop ceiling or through a wall vent).

Always use your portable AC with the exhaust hose attached and the hot air going outside, otherwise, you will be cooling the room, but you will have a hot air cycle going on.

To sum up, an optimal portable air conditioner to you will be that which suits the size of your room, is easy to move around, and has the features that make cooling comfortable to your way of life. Do you want a cooler to use at night when you are quiet, do you want something cheap to use once in a while, or do you want a personal desktop cooler, there is a model available in Summer 2025 to suit your needs.

With the above product insights and this guide, you will be able to locate the best small portable air conditioner that will keep you cool throughout the season.