In this guide, we point out the top portable air conditioners in large rooms, which have a high BTU rating, are energy-efficient, have an acceptable noise level, and are smart.
There is a comparison table below of our 7 recommended models, followed by detailed reviews and a buying guide to assist you in making a good decision.
PickHVAC’s Top Portable AC Units for Large Rooms
| Portable AC | BTU Rating | Room Size | Energy Efficiency | Smart Features | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea Duo Smart Inverter | 14,000 | Up to 550 sq ft | Inverter, Dual-Hose | Wi-Fi (Alexa/Google) | 42–52 dB |
| LG Dual Inverter | 14,000 | Up to 450 sq ft | Dual Inverter | Wi-Fi (Alexa/Google) | 44–53 dB |
| Whynter ARC-14S (Dual Hose) | 14,000 | Up to 500 sq ft | Dual-Hose | None | 51–56 dB |
| Black+Decker (with Heat) | 14,000 | Up to 700 sq ft | Single-Hose | None | 55 dB |
| Honeywell Portable AC | 14,000 | Up to 700 sq ft | Single-Hose | None | 54 dB |
| SereneLife Portable AC | 14,000 | Up to 650 sq ft | Single-Hose | None | 52–56 dB |
| De’Longhi Pinguino | 14,000 | Up to 700 sq ft | Eco Real Feel | None | 49–53 dB |
#1 Midea Duo Smart Inverter 14,000 BTU Portable AC
Midea Duo Smart Inverter 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is the best option when it comes to large rooms because of its unique inverter compressor and dual-hose system.
It has 14,000 BTU (12,000 BTU SACC) of cooling power that is capable of cooling areas up to 550 sq. ft. The special dual hose system called hose-in-hose effectively recirculates indoor air, which makes it cool down quicker without the intake of outside air that is hot
This means up to 2X faster, and more energy-efficient cooling than conventional single-hose systems. The inverter technology also implies that the compressor will speed up and slow down to keep the desired temperature and will consume up to 40 percent less energy compared to the non-inverter models and will not undergo the rough on/off cycles.
The Midea Duo is extremely quiet in its operation, and users of large rooms will enjoy the fact that it operates at a low of 42 dB, which is similar to the sound of a quiet library, hence will not interfere with sleep or conversations. It is also quieter than most of the competitors even at higher speeds, owing to the variable-speed compressor.
The unit is also smart to the core: it has built-in Wi-Fi and Alexa and Google Assistant support
#2 LG Dual Inverter 14,000 BTU Smart Portable AC (LP1419IVSM)
This LG model is equipped with a dual inverter compressor – a technology that constantly regulates the speed of the compressor – that provides more stable cooling that consumes less power.
As a matter of fact, it is 40 percent more energy-efficient as compared to similar non-inverter units. It has a 10,000 BTU DOE (14k ASHRAE) capacity, which makes it suitable to use in a room of about 450-500 sq. ft. like a large living room or master suite.
Being very powerful in terms of cooling, the unit is very quiet: it is operated at approximately 44 dB on Sleep Mode (low fan setting) and creates the pleasant white noise without bothersome vibrations. With the fan running at faster speeds, users say that the sound is a smooth hum, with no jarring compressor sounds that many portable ACs produce.
Being a smart portable AC, LG Dual Inverter has an in-built Wi-Fi and the LG ThinQ application. This will enable you to manage the AC even when you are not at home, you can switch it on/off, adjust the temperature or even program it to turn on/off before you get home. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can use voice control convenience (Alexa, set the living room AC to 72F).
This comes in handy especially when you have a big house as you can control the climate of your big room even when you are not in the house. The unit has an oscillating auto-swing air vent that spreads cool air throughout the room.
Although it has a single-hose exhaust, the efficient inverter and the intelligent design of LG (washable filter and an Energy Saver mode) allow it to cool big rooms using less electricity and making less noise. All in all, LG Dual Inverter portable AC is a good investment in terms of quiet, efficient performance and smart control in large rooms
#3 Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner has been a favorite choice of cooling large rooms owing to its powerful dual-hose setup and performance. The 14,000 BTU (effective SACC of approx. 9,500 BTU) can cover up to 500 sq. ft., which is why it would be a good fit in a large living room, an open-plan apartment, or even a garage and a server room.
The main benefit of the dual-hose design is that it is more efficient at cooling: one of hoses pulls the outside air to cool the condenser, and the other blows the hot air out. This prevents the negative pressure in the room, so the Whynter does not have to battle against the hot air creeping in, it can cool large areas quicker and better than most single hose units. The ARC-14S has been found by many users to cool a large room by several degrees within a short period even when it is a heat wave.
Whynter ARC-14S is not a smart AC and lacks Wi-Fi, but it has a full-function remote control and a digital panel to adjust it easily. It also has 3 modes of operation (Cooling, Fan and Dehumidify); in dehumidifier only mode it can dehumidify up to 71 pints of moisture per day, which is excellent in muggy weather.
Energy-wise, this model has an EER of 10-11, which is decent in a portable AC, i.e. it does not consume too much energy and still provides decent cooling. But, it should be mentioned that it is a bit loud on high (56 dB) because of the dual motor and strong fan. At low fan speed, the noise is about 51 dB which is similar to a normal conversation. In most large-room situations (where you may position the unit at a greater distance), the sound is a constant airflow sound which becomes part of the background. It is a well-constructed unit (it weighs around 80 lbs) and it includes a sliding window kit and activated carbon filter to assist in eliminating odors which is a nice added feature to keep air quality in a large area.
#4 Black+Decker BPACT14HWT 14,000 BTU Portable AC (Cool + Heat)
The Black+Decker BPACT14HWT is a flexible 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner, which cools big rooms and also heats, so it is an excellent all-year round solution. This 4-in-1 unit has the capacity to cool an area of about 550-700 sq. ft. in the summer and provide 11,000 BTU of supplemental heating in the winter (which is ideal to heat an area of about 300-400 sq. ft. in the winter since heating BTUs vary).
In case you have a large drafty room or sunroom that is hot in summer and cold in winter, this model provides you comfort in both seasons with a single appliance. The cooling power is good enough on a single-hose machine – it will gradually reduce the temperature in a big living room or studio, but it might take slightly more time in extreme heat than a dual-hose one. It is equipped with a variable fan that has 3 speeds and a dehumidify mode to eliminate the extra moisture.
The Black+Decker is simple and easy to use, which is its main advantage. It is supplied with a convenient remote control which has a Follow Me feature (the remote has a built-in temperature sensor). This implies that the unit will be able to cool or heat depending on the temperature at the remote site, and in essence, this will make the space around you achieve your desired level of comfort.
It lacks Wi-Fi and smart connections, but the ease of use of the Follow Me remote and a 24-hour programmable timer fills most scheduling requirements. It is simple to install using the provided window kit and the filters of the unit are simple to remove and clean. Noise-wise, you can count on around 55 dB on the maximum setting, which is roughly equal to a box fan, and lower on Low. This is quite normal and would not be a problem in a big room in the day time but you may feel it when you are asleep.
In general, the Black+Decker BPACT14HWT is an excellent all-season portable AC that can cool down a large room, as well as remove the chill during wintertime, all in a well-known brand, which has a reputation of durability.
#5 Honeywell 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (Classic Series)
Honeywell 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a reliable product that has a durable construction and easy to use functionality, and is suitable to cool large bedrooms, family rooms or offices up to approximately 600-700 sq. ft. Honeywell portable air conditioners are built to last and to be safe – this model utilizes a dual motor technology that does not only aid in cooling, but also keeps noise levels low.
It can generate approximately 54 dB (equivalent to a regular conversation) of sound on its maximum fan speed, implying that it will not fill your room with noise. It is a single-hose unit, however, it provides effective cooling within its class with the help of an automatic vertical wind swing that contributes to the even distribution of cool air in a large area.
Honeywell has a digital control panel and full-function remote control, which allows it to be simple to change the temperature and fan setting across the room. It does not have Wi-Fi smart connectivity, but it has such convenient functions as a 24-hour timer (so you can set it to cool the room before you get home or turn off at night) and a sleep mode that will gradually change the temperature to keep you comfortable throughout the night.
Among the most notable ones is its in-built dual filtration system: a conveniently washable pre-filter and an activated carbon filter combine to eliminate dust and minimize odors- not only does this help to clean up the air in your big room, but it also helps to keep the inner parts of your AC free of dust, increasing its life.
Moreover, this Honeywell portable AC has a Continuous Drain Option to dehumidify. When the climate is humid or when you are using the AC on a constant basis, you can connect a hose to automatically drain condensate so that you do not have to manually empty the water tank.
The Honeywell 14,000 BTU unit is a tough, well-built, well-featured workhorse of a unit that will cool a large room reliably and with plenty of safety features (thermal overload protection) that will keep you going season after season.
#6 SereneLife 14,000 BTU Portable AC Unit
The SereneLife 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a well-known and affordable choice when you want to cool a large room. The name of this unit is Small Air Conditioner, but it is not to be confused with a small unit as it provides full 14,000 BTUs of cooling (estimated at ~10,000 BTU SACC) and is rated up to 600-650 sq. ft.
It is a single-hose portable air conditioner, and it offers the most basic 3-in-1 features you could want: it cools, it can be used as a fan-only unit to circulate air, and it includes a built-in dehumidifier that can remove moisture out of the air (useful in large, sweaty basements or humid living rooms). It does not cool as fast as the high-end dual-hose models but the SereneLife can definitely cool a large space with time and it is ideal to supplement the cooling of a home where the central AC does not reach a certain large room.
The attraction of this unit is that it is simple and portable. It is relatively lightweight (considering it is a 14k BTU unit) and has rolling casters and side handles that are easy to grip, which means that you can move it around the house in case you have to (such as a large dining area during the day and a bedroom at night).
The given window exhaust kit is easy to set up, users report that it takes them a few minutes to make it operational. The SereneLife AC has an electronic control panel and it comes with a remote control to make adjustments to the temperature, the speed of the fan, and the mode of the AC easily across the room. It also provides some additional features such as a 24-hour timer and a sleep mode to cool down at night gradually.
As far as noise is concerned, it is in the middle ground of 52-56 dB (depending on the speed of the fans) which is good enough in most settings (you will know that it is on, but it is not so loud that it will interrupt any activities). The first thing to remember is that this model is not Wi-Fi and it lacks advanced energy-saving technologies, so its efficiency is rather average.
Nevertheless, numerous customers report that it performs its purpose as a low-cost large room cooler quite well, given the fact that it is much cheaper than the high-end brands. It is an excellent option to consider when you require a high-powered portable air conditioner on a seasonal or occasional basis and you are interested in getting the most value.
#7 De’Longhi Pinguino Deluxe 14,000 BTU (PACEX390LVYN) Portable AC
The De Longhi Pinguino Deluxe 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a high-end model that is designed to serve extra-large rooms (up to 700 sq. ft.) and those customers who insist on quiet and personalized comfort.
De longhi is a company that deals in high end home appliances and this Pinguino series AC is not an exception.
It also has the proprietary technology of the brand, the Eco Real Feel, which not only detects temperature but also humidity and automatically changes the cooling to the most comfortable level.
This implies that the unit will cool that muggy room with a dehumidifying effect to give it a real feel temperature that you are comfortable with and all this with the unit consuming up to 30 percent less energy since it is not unnecessarily over-cooling the room. Besides, the unit is provided with Cool Surround Smart Sensing: a bluetooth-enabled remote control with an inbuilt temperature sensor which you can carry with you.
The AC will alter its functioning on the readings of the remote and make sure that the space around you (not the space around the unit) will be at your desired temperature. This would be ideal in large areas where you may be sitting a long way away with respect to the AC, in other words, the Pinguino would be following you in terms of comfort.
In terms of performance, the DeLonghi is a very strong cooler and it also does this without being loud. It has an increased sound insulation and what De Longhi refers to as the Super Quiet technology, which allows it to run with as much as a 4 dB noise reduction to a conventional portable AC.
Although it is not Wi-Fi enabled, the sophisticated remote sensor more or less makes up by automating comfort. It is a well-constructed (approximately 80 lbs) model with a smooth black design that can fit in modern interior more gracefully than some of its utilitarian-looking rivals. It also has a dust reusable filter and a window kit that is easy to install.
Buying Guide
BTU Rating & Room Size
The most important measurement of an air conditioner is BTU (British Thermal Unit) of the cooling capacity. The greater the BTU the more heat the unit is able to take out of a room in an hour. Rooms that are large in size usually need a high BTU rating to cool well.
Approximately, a room of 300-350 sq. ft. may require 8,000 BTU, whereas rooms with 500+ sq. ft. will enjoy 12,000-14,000 BTU units. Our list consists of all models in the 14,000 BTU category which is about the largest of standard 115V portable ACs and can be used in rooms of about 450 700 sq. ft. (depending on ceiling height, insulation, and heat load).
In the case of a large room, it is prudent to slightly exceed the BTU requirement in case the room receives a lot of sunlight, it has high ceilings, or will be populated by many people/heat generating devices. A weak AC will keep on struggling to achieve the desired temperature but it will never achieve it.
Note that portable ACs may display two BTU ratings; an ASHRAE rating (old standard) and a DOE SACC rating (new standard). The DOE SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity) tends to be lower and is the real-world efficiency taking into consideration the heat loss via the exhaust hose.
As an example, a unit may be sold as 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) but its SACC is 10,000 BTU. When comparing models, note the SACC where it is listed, since it is a more accurate measure of how it will work in a big room.
Energy Efficiency
The cost of cooling a large room may end up consuming a lot of electricity and therefore it is important to consider the energy efficiency not only to your power bill but also to the environment. One can consider a couple of factors and features:
EER/CEER Rating:
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (and the Combined EER seasonality) will tell you how many BTUs of cooling are given per watt of power used. The larger the EER, the better the air conditioner. The EERs of many portable units are 8 to 10. In case efficiency is a concern, seek models with EER of 10 or more. Others of our choices (such as the inverter-based units) do this through the dynamic adjustment of their output.
Inverter Technology:
An inverter AC has a variable speed compressor instead of the conventional on/off cycling compressor.
Inverter tech is a game changer in case of large room ACs. It enables the compressor to operate at reduced speeds when the desired temperature has been achieved and this saves a lot of power and eliminates the energy peak that is created when the compressor is switched on and off. Inverter portables such as the Midea Duo and LG Dual Inverter have the ability to continue cooling using much less electricity in the long run and this is particularly useful in large rooms which require more time to cool. Not only will you save energy, but also you will have a more stable room temperature and noise.
Dual-Hose Design:
In case you have a large room and efficiency and quick cooling are a priority, then you should think of a dual-hose portable AC.
Dual-hose units have one intake hose that brings outside air to cool the condenser and a second hose that removes the hot air of the condenser.
This system does not allow the AC to draw outside or neighboring room warm air to replace exhausted air (a fault that single hose units possess). Consequently, dual-hose units cool a room 20-40 percent quicker and do not need to work as hard to keep cold temperatures, which enhances effective efficiency. They can draw slightly more power to power two fans, but the faster cool down can make up the difference. In rooms of very large size or sun-baked rooms, dual-hose is usually more effective.
Smart Connectivity
Smart features will not necessarily result in an air conditioner cooling more efficiently, but it can make life much more convenient, especially in a large room or a large household. This is what should be taken into consideration:
Wi-Fi App Control:
Portable ACs that have Wi-Fi can be linked to your home network and then controlled using a smartphone app. This enables you to set it remotely. As an example, you can switch on the AC in your large media room upstairs using your phone when you are still downstairs and by the time you reach the room, it will be cool. Apps usually allow you to adjust the temperature, change modes (cool/fan/dry), set timers and even energy consumption. This feature is priceless in case your big room is a part of smart home system.
Voice Control:
A lot of the Wi-Fi enabled devices are compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This implies that you can give voice commands like Hey Google, switch on the air conditioner to 72 degrees without having to locate the remote. It is a good feature to have in a big room where the AC may be on the opposite side.
Suppose you are cooking in a big kitchen and you feel it is getting warm, a voice command can turn on the AC without you moving off your position.
Smart Home Routine:
A Wi-Fi portable air conditioner can frequently be synchronized with other smart devices to fit into routines or automation. As an example, you can program it so that every weekday at 5 PM (before you come home to work), the AC is turned on and the smart blinds are closed to prepare your large living room to a cool and comfortable evening. Or a bedtime routine may switch off AC and switch on ceiling fans. It will be possible depending on your smart home ecosystem, but a connected AC can make it happen.
Remember that not all people require smart capabilities, the remote controls that come with the non-Wi-Fi models are perfectly capable of making simple scheduling and adjustments. But smart connectivity is a good feature to have when you are tech-savvy or need the best convenience in controlling the climate in a large area.
Midea and LG are among our choices that have strong smart control, but others are more traditional in the remote control.
Noise Level
The noise level of a portable air conditioner is important in a big room, particularly the one used to entertain, work, or sleep. As a rule, the larger the BTU unit, the larger the motor and fan, and the louder it can be, however, design and technology are key factors. This is what to consider:
- Decibel (dB) Ratings: The manufacturers usually give a noise level measurement in decibel (dB). To give it some perspective, 50-60 dB is equivalent to the sound of a regular conversation or some background music. All the large-room ACs we recommend operate in or below this range on low or medium fan speeds. The lowest models (such as the Midea Duo or De Longhi Pinguino) can operate at the low-40 dB level on their quiet settings, which is very quiet, approximately the same level as a library or light rain.
- Inverter Advantage: ACs that have the inverter technology are quieter. The unit does not produce the loud sound of the compressor kick-in that is typical of the traditional units since the compressor can operate at a lower speed.
- Fan Speeds and Quiet Modes: Make sure that the unit has a variety of fan speeds and a specific quiet or sleep mode.
- Positioning in the Room: It should be mentioned in case of big rooms that the location of the portable AC may affect the perceived loudness.
