Portable, energy-efficient outdoor evaporative coolers (often called “swamp coolers”) provide a refreshing alternative to conventional air conditioning systems when the temperature soars and you want to enjoy your patio, backyard, or garage, in even the hottest weather.
These outdoor coolers treat the air blown from a fan by using the cool, moist air produced from evaporating water to reduce the ambient temperature without using refrigeration or forced air.
In this guide for 2025, we will compare the highest-rated models of portable outdoor evaporative coolers that you can find on Amazon.
We will also give you some tips for selecting the one that’s most suitable for you. Every cooler on this list is made for outdoor use, is easy to transport, and is capable of providing quite a nice cool-down in spaces where air conditioning just isn’t feasible.
Continue reading for a breakdown of our selections, detailed critiques of each cooler, and a master buying guide to keep you chill when you’re not.
Comparison of Top Portable Outdoor Evaporative Coolers
| Portable Evaporative Cooler | Airflow (CFM) | Cooling Coverage | Water Tank | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler | 3100 CFM | Up to 950 sq ft | 10.3 gal (with hose hookup) | 3 speeds, manual controls, 59 dB max |
| Honeywell CO60PM Indoor/Outdoor Cooler | Approx. 1540–2471 CFM | Up to 850 sq ft | 15.9 gal | 3 speeds, mechanical dial, IPX4 outdoor-safe |
| VAGKRI 3000CFM Swamp Cooler | 3000 CFM | Up to 950 sq ft | 12 gal | Remote control, 120° oscillation, 24H timer |
| Hessaire MC18M Mini Evaporative Cooler | 1300 CFM | Up to 500 sq ft | 4.8 gal (3–4 hrs per fill) | 2 speeds, lightweight 16 lbs, hose hookup available |
| Uthfy 41″ Oscillating Swamp Cooler | 4800 CFM | Up to 1200 sq ft | 10.6 gal | 3 speeds, 110° auto-swing louvers, includes ice packs |
| OEMTOOLS 23969 High-Output Cooler | 5300 CFM | Up to 1600 sq ft | 14.6 gal | 3 speeds, large fan propeller, rugged for garage/workshop |
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Outdoor Evaporative Coolers
#1 Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler
The MC37M Hessaire is considered one of the best outdoor evaporative coolers overall, owing to its robust performance and portability.
It is capable of delivering up to 3,100 CFM of airflow—enough to cool areas up to 950 sq. ft, including patios, garages, and decks.
A three-speed fan and thick, multiple-side evaporative pads ensure that the cooler performs efficiently in low-humidity environments. The cooler’s large, 10.3-gallon water tank provides enough water for about four to six hours of continuous use. For extended operation, you can connect a garden hose to the unit’s built-in float valve for automatic refills.
The MC37M weighs approximately 40 lbs when empty (with durable casters included).
It rolls easily to various outdoor locations and relies on straightforward mechanical dial controls for fan speed and pump operation.
It is, in a word, simple – and therefore perfectly suited to an outdoor workspace where power to the nearest plug may require a long extension cord.
Even a fully loaded MC37M should be light enough to lift without help over a number of outdoor thresholds. At maximum fan speed, the MC37M pumps out about 59 dB of sound – more like a polite conversation than a rock concert. We don’t promise this is a quiet fan, but it is not obnoxious either.
#2 Honeywell CO60PM Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Cooler
The Honeywell CO60PM is a well-known commercial-grade evaporative cooler designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
It’s rated to cool areas up to about 850 square feet – great for a large patio, two-car garage, or workshop.
With a powerful fan delivering around 1540 CFM (and up to 2471 CFM at max), this unit can noticeably drop the temperature in dry air conditions.
One standout feature is its massive 15.9-gallon water tank, which allows for long runtimes without frequent refilling. The tank is easy to fill from the top or via a hose hookup, and an indicator lets you monitor water levels.
The Honeywell CO60PM is built to be durable in outdoor conditions, with an IPX4 weatherproof rating, a GFCI safety plug meant for wet environments, and a body that resists corrosion.
Even in nice weather, though, it handles the outdoor life just fine, and with oscillating louvers (in 3 fan speeds) meant to serve a space (with a pump to go from no experience to monsoon conditions with a simple on/off switch), it can handle a pretty good-sized patio.
Users appreciate the reliable, straightforward, and near-bulletproof controls.
#3 VAGKRI 3000CFM Evaporative Swamp Cooler
The VAGKRI 3000CFM Evaporative Air Cooler is a modern, full-featured swamp cooler that can do both outdoor and indoor cooling.
It pushes a strong 3,000 CFM airflow and is rated for spaces around 950 sq ft, which is very comparable to midsize Hessaire units.
What sets the VAGKRI apart is its electronic control panel and convenience features. It comes with a remote control for adjusting settings from afar, great for outdoor lounging, and offers a 24-hour programmable timer to auto shutoff as needed.
The cooler also horizontally oscillates up to 120° to distribute cool air across your seating area. You can also adjust the fan between 3 speeds and toggle an optional humidifier mode for an extra cooling effect.
The VAGKRI can run for many hours, and with a 12-gallon water reservoir, it has a built-in port for continuous water supply via hose.
The design features a large fan blade and honeycomb cooling pads on three sides for efficient evaporation.
Users note that this unit, which stands over 3.5 feet tall, is fairly large. Fortunately, it sits on rolling casters and has side handles so that moving it on a flat surface is simple.
Noise levels are around the mid-50s dB on low to mid-60s dB on high – reasonable given the airflow.
Overall, the VAGKRI 3000CFM is a very cool portable evaporative cooler.
#4 Hessaire MC18M Mini Portable Evaporative Cooler
The Hessaire MC18M is a stellar choice if you’re looking for a compact outdoor cooler that you can easily carry or roll around and is also budget-friendly.
Don’t let its smaller size fool you—this unit outputs a solid 1,300 CFM airflow, good enough to cool an area of about 500 sq ft (such as a small patio, pop-up tent, or single garage bay).
At only 16 pounds empty weight and roughly 2 feet tall, the MC18M is highly portable. It features two fan speeds and a pump switch, controlled by simple rotary dials.
On high, it produces around 53 dB of noise (quieter than a normal conversation), making it suitable for close-by use like on a balcony or next to a seating area.
The 4.8-gallon water tank in the cooler provides around 3 hours of cooling at high (longer at low) before it needs to be refilled. Like its larger Hessaire siblings, the MC18M includes a float valve and garden hose adapter—a huge plus, given its size—that allows it to be continuously fed water during all-day operation by simply connecting an ordinary garden hose.
The unit is made of durable, high-quality polypropene, with side handles that make it easy to lift and a front handle that allows it to be tilted and rolled around like a piece of luggage.
There are even two small wheels on the back to make it easier to get going. This design makes it possible to use the MC18M while camping, at a tailgate, or just between two different areas of your home, indoors and out. Maintenance is about as easy as it gets.
The MC18M has two replaceable media pads, and the first step is just opening a door on the side of the thing.
#5 Uthfy 41″ Oscillating Swamp Cooler (4800 CFM)
The Uthfy 41-inch Swamp Cooler is a recently developed model that gains a lot of popularity among customers who want to cool their relatively large outdoor spaces without spending an arm and a leg.
It works well as a big fan—I wouldn’t call it a swamp cooler, because it actually works on principles you would associate with a big oscillating fan.
Its airspeed is 4,800 CFM, or cubic feet per minute (it might work better as an exhaust fan than a swamp cooler, especially if your conditions are swampy).
And here is the kicker: It is advertised to cover up to 1,200 sq ft of space—a very suitable parameter for the kind of spaces that these machines are most often placed in, like a barn, big event tent, or patio (your personal outdoor living space).
I would say that it is much better engineered than the VEVOR swamp cooler, which is also a “swamp cooler” in name, but much worse in performance.
The Uthfy cooler remains practical in design.
It has a cooling capacity of 3,000 CFM. At the base is a 40-liter water tank that’s fully visible and holds enough water to cover 4–6 hours of runtime per fill (it can also take a continuous water-feed via hose if desired).
The unit’s fan has 3 speeds, and surprisingly, its noise isn’t any worse than other swamp coolers (expect around 60–65 dB on high, which is just a steady fan noise).
The control panel is electronic but simple enough that you could use it without the included remote. The 40-liter water tank sitting at the base, visible enough for you to see the level of water, is impressive given its price. That’s a ton of airflow and makes this a great choice for cooling a wide area without breaking the bank.
#6 OEMTOOLS 23969 High-Output Evaporative Cooler
Need to bring a super-sized, super-hot space under control?
The OEMTOOLS 23969 evaporative cooler is a high-output unit built for vast territories. With a current massive 5,300 CFM airflow capacity, it’s rated to cool up to 1,600 square feet of open space – perfectly suited for enormous backyards, warehouses, or venues where the party just can’t be contained indoors.
It does feature, however, an oversized 3-speed fan and thick cooling pads to maximize the temperature drop.
Of course, a unit this powerful has to be big itself: it stands about 4 feet tall and weighs more than 60 lbs when empty. But it’s got handles molded right into the plastic housing and four heavy-duty casters, two of which lock, so the cooler can be moved easily over a smooth surface.
The OEMTOOLS 23969 features a dual-fill design: a large built-in tank that holds 14.6 gallons for standalone use, and a hookup for a standard garden hose that allows for continuous operation. The cooler’s housing is made of UV-resistant ABS plastic and is of an industrial gray/green so that it can be used in the garage or outdoors.
Outdoor Evaporative Cooler Buying Guide
Choosing the best evaporative cooler for your outdoor needs requires understanding a few key factors.
Below, we break down the most important considerations.
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The airflow rating, stated in cubic feet per minute (CFM), tells you how much air the cooler can push in a minute.
Generally, the higher the CFM, the larger the area the cooler can cover and the stronger the cooling effect.
For outdoor use, you want at least a few thousand CFM to feel a difference in an open environment. For instance, a cooler with about 3,000 CFM is usually rated to cool 900 to 1,000 square feet, while a unit with 5,000 CFM or more can handle an area of 1,500 square feet and beyond.
To estimate the CFM you’ll need, think about the footage of your space and typical outdoor conditions. Manufacturers will often give you a recommended space that should be cooled by the unit. If you live in extremely hot conditions, use that as a gauge and pick a unit that can push more air if you aren’t sure.
Water Tank Size and Continuous Refill
The evaporative cooling process uses water.
Therefore, the capacity of the tank determines how long the unit can run unattended.
Almost all portable swamp coolers are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, so they might have 4–5 gallon tanks (good for a few hours of cooling), and we didn’t find any that offer much more. Still, a big water tank gives you more runtime.
A mid-size evaporative cooler from Portacool claims to work for 4–8 hours per fill with a 10-gallon reservoir.
On the other hand, if you look for a hose connection as part of your swamp cooler, many of them come equipped with an automatic fill float valve that will keep the tank filled without overflowing.
These units are useful for pretty much any scenario where you have access to a hose, and they’re good for half a day or more of use.
If you’re using a swamp cooler in a more permanent location, though, we really recommend you look for these features.
Portability (Size, Weight & Design)
One reason to acquire a mobile evaporative cooler is its portability—that is, the unit can be moved where needed, say, from your garage workbench area to the backyard dining table (or stored away when not in use).
Pay attention to the dimensions and weight of the unit.
Compact models, like the Hessaire MC18M, weigh as little as 16 lbs empty and often have built-in handles, making them extremely easy to carry or roll.
Larger units can weigh 40–60+ lbs empty (and hundreds when filled with water).
For these, caster wheels are essential, and check that the cooler has at least two locking casters (to keep it stationary when you want) and handles or handgrips to help in pushing or pulling it.
Form factor is also important—tall tower-style units have a smaller footprint, can tuck into a corner, and are more likely to fit through any tight doorway.
If aiming the unit is important, either over a wide area or to just one spot, you should consider the model’s profile and the volume of air it moves.
Build Material and Outdoor Durability
Outdoor evaporative coolers are usually made from heavy-duty plastics (such as ABS) or rust-free metals, constructed to brave the sun and some water exposure.
Good coolers often have molded pieces, like tanks, which are part of the assembly and help with air flow and cooling efficiency. If the unit will sit in direct sun for long periods, check that the plastic is UV resistant.
Some coolers have a rating like IPX4, which means they can handle water that is splashed on them from any direction—that’s useful if you happen to be outdoors during a light rain, or if your cooler is sited near sprinklers or a pool.
Another feature to note is the plug type: Many outdoor-rated coolers come with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) plug for electrical safety. This is essentially a built-in breaker that will cut the power if the unit or cord is wet or if there is a short—very handy when you are using electrical equipment in an outdoor environment.
Noise Level
Noise is inevitable with any of the fans, and an evaporative cooler can be thought of as a very large fan pulling the air through the pad.
At the low end, they’re pretty quiet, but at the high end, they’re definitely not quiet. They move air, and more air generally equals more noise. Cone-shaped centrifugal fans tend to be quieter than all but the medium-speed fans in this category, as those are comparably quiet, though their airflow is relatively lower than that from the axial fans and indeed the drum fans.
The big axially channeled fans in these units can be noisier and don’t really have the design principles of sonically quiet fans built in, because they are generally meant to move air and lots of it in a straight line.
Ironically, tower versions of swamp coolers tend not to be “cool” in terms of sound, while the cylindrical coolers do tend to, at best, be “cool” in terms of operating noise.
Climate and Humidity Considerations
Finally, it is very important to state that swamp coolers work best in dry climates.
Because they add moisture to the air as part of the cooling process, they are very effective in arid regions but not so much in humid places.
If you live where the typical outdoor humidity is above about 60 percent, the temperature drop you will get from a swamp cooler will be small—on the order of a few degrees, and you’ll feel a bit muggy.
In contrast, in hot, dry air, a swamp cooler can significantly lower your perceived temperature (by 15 degrees or more). For example, these coolers are quite popular in places like the U.S. Southwest, the High Plains, and other semi-desert regions.
Conversely, in a location with high humidity (like the Gulf Coast states), a swamp cooler will not be much good on extremely muggy days—in fact, during that sort of weather, you might consider a swamp cooler as an exhaust fan.
Because of the way these units work, you do need to ensure that they have sufficient airflow if you are using one outdoors. That’s usually not a problem, as outdoor conditions provide plenty of natural ventilation, but don’t set one up in an enclosed patio where the cooler is only going to make a lot of humidity with no place for it to go.
