Evaporative air coolers, or swamp coolers, offer an energy-efficient way to beat the heat in dry climates. They use water evaporation to chill the air and provide a refreshing breeze that adds a little humidity— at an energy cost that is a fraction of standard AC units.
Even better, the units offer a cooling solution at an energy cost that is a fraction of what standard AC units consume.
Here is a look at the best-rated swamp coolers on Amazon in 2025, from portable models you can use anywhere indoors to even a window-mounted swamp cooler for whole-room usage.
| Cooler | Type | Airflow (Coverage) | Water Tank | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hessaire MC18M Portable Cooler | Portable (Indoor/Outdoor) | 1300 CFM | 4.8 gal | Lightweight, quiet, hose hookup |
| Honeywell Portable Evaporative Cooler | Portable (Indoor) | 470 CFM | around 2-3 gal | Compact, digital control, remote |
| Frigidaire 600 CFM Cooler (EC300W-FA) | Portable (Indoor) | 600 CFM | 5 gal | Oscillation, 4 speeds, remote |
| Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Cooler | Portable (Indoor/Outdoor) | 3100 CFM | 10.3 gal | High airflow, 3 speeds, hose hookup |
| Auertech 3-in-1 Swamp Cooler | Portable (Indoor/Outdoor) | 2700 CFM | 8.2 gal | Budget-friendly, ice packs, remote |
| Honeywell CO25AE Outdoor Cooler | Portable (Outdoor-rated) | 500 CFM | 6.6 gal | Weather-resistant, UV protection, wheels |
| Champion RWC35 Window Cooler | Window (Fixed) | 3300 CFM | Continuous | Whole-room cooling, 2-speed, remote |
| Big Ass Fans Cool-Space 350 | Portable (Industrial) | 3400 CFM | 16 gal | High-capacity, variable speed, remote |
| NewAir 1600 CFM Swamp Cooler | Portable (Indoor/Outdoor) | 1600 CFM | 3.2 gal | Oscillation, ice chamber, remote |
Detailed Reviews of Top Evaporative Air Coolers
#1 Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Air Cooler
The Hessaire MC18M is a highly popular portable evaporative cooler known for its compact size and powerful cooling performance.
At approximately 16 pounds, this unit is easy to move, with built-in casters making it ideal for small to medium rooms, patios, or workshops.
It delivers up to 1,300 CFM of airflow, far more than any fan in this guide, and is enough to cool spaces around 500 sq ft in even the optimal dry conditions—certainly not a given in most of the country.
Users praise how quickly it brings down the temperature and how relatively quiet it runs—around 53 dB on high, which is about the level of a normal conversation.
The Hessaire MC18M features a durable polypropylene shell and two speeds of fan to choose from.
With direct hose or hand-filling capabilities, the MC18M can use an astonishing 4.8 gallons of water to provide cooling over the span of several hours.
As with many evaporative coolers, this one is simple to operate; just point it where you want a breeze and flip the switch in your desired direction.
Since it’ll never actually get cold enough for frost to form, the pump and fan are kept on a very tight loop, using very little power in the process.
The MC18M might be doing its thing for just 50 watts on average.
#2 Honeywell Portable Evaporative Air Cooler (Indoor Model)
Honeywell’s Portable Evaporative Air Cooler is a sleek tower-style swamp cooler designed for small indoor spaces like bedrooms, offices, or apartments.
It’s small and moves on rolling casters, so you can set it just about anywhere. And even with a slim profile, this unit pumps out nearly 400-500 CFM of air. Despite that airflow, which makes it perfect for spot-cooling a personal space, it’s not an AC, so don’t expect it to perform like one or draw power like one. And when it comes to adding comfortable moisture to your space, this unit can do that, too.
The Honeywell cooler has a digital control panel. It comes with a remote control, which is very convenient because you can adjust settings from across the room. The cooler has three fan speeds. You can select different modes, such as normal, natural, or sleep mode, to customize your cooling experience. It even has a programmable timer so you can make it turn off after you go to sleep and not have to worry about it not running all night.
It has a water tank with a capacity between 2 and 3 gallons. That might not seem like a lot, but the instruction manual said it was enough to run the unit on high for 3-4 hours. The instruction manual said it was easy to fill, and it is. I just slid the tank out, filled it up, and slid it back into the unit.
The cooler is really quiet. I enjoyed a nice nap while it blew a cool breeze in my face.
#3 Frigidaire 600 CFM Portable Evaporative Cooler (EC300W-FA)
The Frigidaire EC300W-FA is a powerful 2-in-1 evaporative air cooler and fan from a well-known appliance brand.
This unit is built to cool mid-sized rooms and has four fan speeds providing up to 600 CFM of airflow. Under ideal conditions, it can chill spaces up to around 600 sq ft; those conditions are having the space enclosed, being 80°F or lower, and possessing 60% relative humidity or less.
It’s a great fit for living rooms, large bedrooms, or even garages where a traditional AC might be overkill or impractical.
The Frigidaire features an oscillating louver function that helps the air cooler do its job and is pretty common in this type of unit.
This evaporative cooler has a good-sized tank that, for most users, allows a full day of running time without needing to be refilled.
When the unit does need to be refilled, the water tank can be easily removed, and the water level indicator will let you know when the cooler is running low.
If it’s a bit TOO convenient (to the extent that you might not want to mix up the remote control commands with those for other devices), the EC300W-FA also has an LED display right on the top of the unit itself.
Which is a good spot for it, considering the cooler’s tower design.
#4 Hessaire MC37M Large Portable Evaporative Cooler
The Hessaire MC37M is an excellent choice for anyone needing to cool a larger space or outdoor area.
This beefy, high-capacity evaporative cooler moves up to 3,100 CFM of air. That’s enough for areas up to about 900–950 sq ft (think oversized living areas, garages, or medium patios).
One way this unit is different from the swamp cooler your great uncle has is that it is optimized for maximum airflow. Its design features three large areas where air is pulled through cooling pads and a very efficient fan pushing the air out into your face.
Despite its size and the power it has, it’s on wheels, which is a big plus if you are going to need to roll it from place to place (like to your garage or your patio for the next barbecue).
The MC37M from Hessaire is tough and offers great cooling in dry areas. The Mc37m’s polymer housing is UV-resistant, and its internal components are carefully chosen for quality and durability.
The cooler is super portable with a weight of only 42 pounds, and it can deliver a lot of cool air with a CFM rating of 3,100.
Three fan speeds (high, medium, low), along with a manually-controlled oscillation system that directs cool air to the right or left, help make this cooler a serious contender for anything that might require either portable or strongly-sited air conditioning in a dry area.
Like the MC18M, the MC37M is quite loud at 59 DBs on high.
However, the MC37M is a simply-built machine with no bells or whistles.
#5 Auertech 3-in-1 Portable Evaporative Cooler (2700 CFM)
The Auertech 3-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler earns its spot as a high-value pick, offering impressive cooling specs at a budget-friendly price.
Don’t let the lesser-known brand name fool you—this swamp cooler can put out up to 2700 CFM of airflow, rivaling some larger commercial units in sheer air movement.
It’s suitable for cooling large rooms, workshops, or even outdoor gatherings, and many users report it cools areas fast thanks to its powerful fan.
The Auertech is designed for versatility with three modes (normal, natural, and sleep wind) and three fan speeds, allowing you to adjust the cooling effect and noise level as needed.
It even comes with six reusable ice packs that you can freeze and drop into a special ice compartment to chill the water for an extra cooling boost on especially hot days.
The Auertech 3-in-1 is a powerful and effective cooler with a sizable water tank, yet it retains the portability of a wheeled air conditioner.
At 8.2 gallons, this unit’s tank is among the largest you can find; fortunately, you can easily see through its clear window to check the water level and know when it’s time to refill.
Of course, to be this effective and easy to use, the Auertech had to make some trade-offs.
And the prime one is that, on its highest setting, it’s really loud.
That prime setting, however, is by far the best for actually cooling down a room, and it’s towards the more valuable side of the pricing spectrum for such effective cooling power.
#6 Honeywell CO25AE Portable Evaporative Cooler (Outdoor/Indoor Use)
The Honeywell CO25AE is a versatile outdoor evaporative cooler. Outdoor areas like garages and patios don’t need to be stifling hot, and with the CO25AE you can cool those spaces down to a comfortable level.
The CO25AE has a sustainable airflow rating of around 500 CFM (though some users have reported getting as much as 800 CFM).
So, while the CO25AE isn’t the highest CFM unit on the market, it does deliver a localized cool effect you can enjoy nearly anywhere.
And the IPX4 rating on this bad boy means it can withstand a good amount of exposure to water and can take the kind of beatings that the outdoors dishes out.
The Honeywell model is built with a 6.6-gallon water tank, which gives it a good amount of runtime and avoids needing to refill it often.
In fact, because it’s designed for outdoor use in situations where higher evaporation rates are expected, the tank is sized to minimize how often you’ll need to add more water. (And you can always add ice for a bit of extra chill.)
It has a simple digital control panel, and it even comes with a remote, so you can fiddle with the fan speed or toggle oscillation from the comfort of your seat.
When the CO25AE oscillates, it really adds to the whole umbrella effect; the air is cooler when it moves, and Honeywell makes sure that the oscillation is smooth and covers a good amount of space.
#7 Champion RWC35 Window Evaporative Cooler (Essick Air RN35W)
If you need a longer-term answer for how to cool a room or workshop, the Champion RWC35 (also known by the Essick Air brand of company for the evaporative cooler as the RN35W) is a window-mounted evaporative cooler that can replace a traditional window AC unit.
This heavy-duty evaporative cooler installs in a window opening and is rated to cool a space up to about 900 sq ft, making it suitable for a level where a person can hang out or even a small house in dry desert conditions.
With an airflow rating of 3300 CFM, the RWC35 hits you with a blast of air and drops the temperatures significantly when it is working at optimum efficiency (which means it has to be pretty dry outside).
It comes in a durable metal cabinet mounted in a window frame securely, and it is a pretty heavy unit to have in any window. So, when you put it in a window, you better have the right support to have it there.
The Champion window cooler, once installed, requires very little maintenance.
It connects to a continuous water supply (via a hose line), so you don’t have to manually refill any tank – a big advantage for long-term use.
The cooler uses thick aspen or rigid media pads to soak up water and cool the air as it passes through.
It has a two-speed fan motor, allowing you to run it on a quieter low setting or a more aggressive high setting.
Many models, including this one, come with a remote control for convenience, so you can adjust the speed or turn the unit on/off from inside your home.
Operating an evaporative window cooler like the RWC35 uses roughly 75% less electricity than a comparably sized AC unit, and it can also help ventilate your space by constantly drawing in fresh air.
Remember that, unlike a sealed AC, you’ll need to leave a window or vent open on the opposite side of the space for the airflow to exhaust, but the payoff is an eco-friendly cooling breeze throughout your home.
#8 Big Ass Fans Cool-Space 350 (Industrial Evaporative Cooler)
Keeping true to its name, the Cool-Space 350 by Big Ass Fans is an expansive space cooler for very large areas. Be it a patio, a workshop, or a huge warehouse, the 350 can chill the space it occupies with abandon.
It pushes an impressive 3,400 CFM of air and covers an area 350 sq ft in size; it stands about 64 inches tall and has a sturdy housing made out of the same rotomolded plastic used to make most kayak hulls.
So while it’s big, I wouldn’t call it unwieldy.
It can be wheeled into position using its casters and controls set on the left-hand side.
Despite all this, the 350 is a fan, and thus is limited to just how much air it can move across a space. Hence, if you want to chill out more than your immediate surroundings, you’d need to get a really good chill on the air itself.
The Cool-Space 350 has a big, 16-gallon water reservoir that allows it to run between 8 and 10 hours.
You can hook it up to a hose if you’re using it in a fixed space for continuous water feed, but for most people, it’s just easier to fill up the big tank twice a day.
At a good price point, this swamp cooler gives you impressive airflow control via a speed dial.
Up and down controls on the remote help you with adjusting angles, so the fan blows just the way you want it to.
If you’re making adjustments far from the unit, use the included remote; this is a nifty way to gain some extra control with the swamp cooler.
If you’re going to run this swamp cooler as loud as it can get (and why wouldn’t you, if you’re using it to cool stuff?), expect around 68–69 decibels.
Adding a couple of dBs worth of noise (or not) is up to you, because the dial control gives you the ability to run this baby at a nice, whispering 36 dB.
Another reassuring aspect of this swamp cooler is that it’s GreenGuard Gold certified, which means it has been tested for low chemical emissions and is safe for indoor use.
#9 NewAir 1600 CFM Portable Evaporative Cooler
The NewAir 1600 CFM Evaporative Cooler is a modern swamp cooler that strikes a balance between household and commercial use.
At 1600 CFM, this cooler is not a small indoor unit, but it also doesn’t require the kind of space that really large outdoor coolers do. It is perfectly sized for spacious living areas, workshops, or oversized garages that need a significant amount of cooled air but don’t require the extreme blast of air that an industrial unit will give.
NewAir has engineered this cooler with user convenience in mind.
Despite its power, the unit is semi-portable (it has wheels!) and not much larger than a standard rectangular room fan. Its control panel looks good, and the full-function remote makes it that much easier to find comfort in the fresh air this cooler breathes out.
This cooler from NewAir has a top-loading ice compartment—good for a punch of cooling on really hot days; stick ice cubes or frozen gel packs in there, and it’s almost like the unit is performing supercooling!
The water tank is about 3.2 gallons, which is less than you might expect for a unit putting out this much airflow. The trade-off is lighter weight and easier refills.
Plus, many users just hook it up to a hose (an adapter comes with the unit) when they use it in one spot for a long time.
Operating customization is another strong point with the NewAir.
You can use its multiple fan speeds and wind modes to dial in just what you want; the oscillation feature (often branded as “CycloneCirculation™” by NewAir) is a nice way to make sure the cool air is spreading around the space more evenly.
Noise may be a dealbreaker for some, and with airflow this strong, the NewAir 1600 CFM cooler is going to produce noise on par with a powerful floor fan set to high; it is, however, a lot quieter on the lower settings.
Overall, the NewAir 1600 CFM is a powerful and versatile evaporative cooler at an excellent price.
Evaporative Air Cooler Buying Guide – Key Factors to Consider
When selecting the ideal evaporative cooler for your requirements, remember these factors to guarantee you receive the model that is both effective and appropriate:
• What is your area of use?
• What is your average humidity level?
• What is the temperature of your water source?
• How much space do you need to cool?
• How hot does it get where you are?
• How many hours a day do you run it?
• What kind of power is available to you, both physically and economically
Climate and Humidity
Swamp coolers operate best in dry climates. They are most effective at cooling when the relative humidity is under 30%–40%.
In the humid US Southeast, a swamp cooler is not a good investment. If you live in the arid US Southwest or any dry, hot region, you might consider using a swamp cooler as your primary or supplementary air conditioning system.
Cooling Capacity (CFM and Coverage)
Ensure the airflow (CFM) rating of the cooler matches up with the space you want to cool. A good baseline is to have about 20 CFM per square foot of space; that gets you pretty comfortably in the realm of being able to feel the cooler’s effects.
CFM is more directly tied to the sorts of conditions under which you’d want to use a swamp cooler.
You have to keep in mind that swamp coolers will be used under different conditions than, say, a standard AC unit. This means you should favor a higher number if you plan to use the cooler under high heat or in a very open space.
Portability and Placement
Make a choice between a portable unit and a fixed installation.
If you choose a portable cooler, you can easily move it from space to space, whether inside or out. A portable cooler requires that you have an open window or door to the outside because it functions best with that kind of airflow.
If you’d rather not have a window or door open, though, a window-mounted air conditioning unit may do the trick better, blowing cooled air in from what was set up to be a very open-window sort of space. (It also has the advantage of not taking up floor space, a real plus in my very small living room.)
Some window units can also cool a whole room well enough that you can be in any part of it and still feel pretty comfortable.
Water Tank Capacity and Refills
A water tank that is larger offers longer runs between refills.
Small personal coolers may hold only 1–2 gallons (lasting a few hours per fill), whereas bigger portables can have reservoir sizes of 5–10+ gallons (lasting most of the day). Some units, like Hessaire models, offer hose hookup options for continuous water supply; this is a huge convenience if you plan to run the cooler all day.
Consider how you’ll fill the tank (top-load vs. bottom removal) and look for features like low water level alarms or automatic shutoff when empty.
Airflow Adjustments (Fan Speeds & Oscillation)
Examine the number of settings for fan speed that the cooler has and whether it can oscillate or has adjustable louvers.
More than one speed lets you find the balance among cooling, volume, and even energy savings, but fans at more and more places in the market have a “low-performance” mode that is very quiet.
Some of the more advanced models have louvers that can oscillate (if they have them at all) and that can really help distribute the airflow.
If both you and the area that needs air movement are situated in closer quarters, a more targeted airflow can be had with some front-facing slats that can adjust and direct the airflow at a very sincere angle to your midsection.
In other words, it can make you feel like a cool dude.
Remote Control and Smart Features
A good number of today’s swamp coolers come with a remote control.
This allows you to do tasks like turning the unit on or off and adjusting fan speeds and timer settings, without having to get up and walk over to the unit.
This feature is especially convenient if you’re using the swamp cooler at night in a bedroom, or if you have an outdoor unit and you’re across the patio from it.
Few swamp coolers have integrated Wi-Fi or smart home capabilities, but some do. If you’re considering buying a swamp cooler, and the ease of controlling it is one of your top criteria, look for models that come with remotes.
Noise Level
Every evaporative cooler utilizes a fan blower, which means that noise akin to that of a fan will be produced.
Look for a decibel (dB) rating from the manufacturer, or check user reviews if noise level is an important consideration for you. The smaller indoor units tend to be cooler (in both senses of the word) and operate in the 50–65 dB range.
That’s comfortable enough for normal conversation or sleeping, with the unit set on a low fan speed.
By contrast, very large units (or any unit, really) that have to move a lot of air are going to be at the 65+ dB level. And you should expect to pay a premium for any unit that is rated quiet.
Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest benefits of evaporative coolers is their low energy usage compared to AC.
Most simply use the power of a fan and a small water pump. Still, there are differences; larger units have bigger motors.
Check the wattage: a small 100 W cooler will cost very little to run; a big 250 W commercial unit still uses much less power than an AC, but more than a small fan.
All evaporative coolers are generally inexpensive to operate, but if you’re running it 24/7, energy use could add up, so size your cooler appropriately rather than going way oversized.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Evaporative coolers necessitate uncomplicated yet consistent maintenance.
Seek units with cooling pads and filters that are accessible and easy to get to. Those pads will require cleaning or perhaps replacement that could be seasonally dictated (some manuals indicate replacement schedules that are super varied—some say every other season; others say to do it annually; and a few claim the pads will last the lifetime of the unit).
Also, be wise—you, like the manual-writers, are in the business of better living—and drain the tank and clear away sediment every so often.
And (statistic not provided, but it seems right) portable units with removable tanks are about 100 times easier to drain and clean than those without.
Extra Features
Think about any extra qualities that could boost your experience.
This might involve a timer function to allow the cooler to shut off automatically after a certain amount of time—great for nighttime use or just conserving water.
Some units double as humidifiers or air purifiers (with dust filters or ionizers). Others include ice packs to really super-cool the water.
And these aren’t exactly features you’d find on every model. They’re the kinds of things you might just want to look for, since they can sway your decision in favor of one cooler over another.
Taking these elements into account allows you to choose an evaporative air cooler that suits both your environmental and usage conditions.
For best effect, always use your swamp cooler in a well-ventilated area (crack a window or door to let the moist air out) and enjoy the natural, energy-saving cooling it provides.
In the right conditions, an evaporative cooler can be a game changer for home comfort, letting you enjoy both your indoor and outdoor spaces during the dog days of summer.
