Everyone wants a quiet portable air conditioner, but there are trade-offs for lower noise levels. Those are explored in the pros and cons below.
It’s also worth considering window AC noise levels vs. portable air conditioner noise levels. We do that below.
This quiet portable air conditioner buying guide starts with full reviews of the quietest portable ACs available in popular size and feature categories.
Super-duper important note: Sorry for the hyperbole, but there’s something different about our list. The units on it are both Quiet and Quality!
We’ve noticed that some other lists of the quietest portable air conditioners are filled with units that get poor ratings. We wouldn’t do that to you. What good is a quiet AC if it doesn’t perform well, leaks, breaks down, has a weak fan, etc.? It’s a waste of money.
All the units on our list are among the highest rated by people that have actually used them.
Best Quiet Portable Air Conditioners
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the quietest portable air conditioners available on the market. Our selection focuses on units that provide effective cooling while keeping noise levels to a minimum, ensuring a comfortable and peaceful environment in your home or office. These top picks combine performance with whisper-quiet operation for the best cooling experience.
Dreo Quiet Cooling Companion
We recommend this portable AC for its powerful cooling and quiet operation, making it ideal for bedrooms and offices.
Pros
- Powerful 12,000 BTU cooling
- Quiet 46dB operation
- Smart controls via app and voice assistants
Cons
- May be overkill for small spaces
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
- Higher price point than basic models
The Dreo portable air conditioner impressed us with its cooling power. It quickly chilled our 300 square foot room, maintaining a comfortable temperature even on scorching days.
We appreciated the unit’s quiet operation. At just 46dB, it didn’t disrupt our sleep or work. The smart features were a nice touch, allowing us to adjust settings via our phones or voice commands.
Installation was straightforward, thanks to the included window kit. The drainage-free design was convenient, eliminating the need for frequent emptying in most conditions. Overall, this AC unit offers a great balance of performance and user-friendly features for those seeking efficient cooling without excessive noise.
Midea Duo Quiet Portable AC
We recommend this portable air conditioner for its impressive cooling power and quiet operation.
Pros
- Ultra-quiet 42dB operation
- Powerful cooling for up to 550 sq. ft.
- Energy-efficient inverter technology
Cons
- Relatively heavy at 75 pounds
- Initial setup can be challenging
- Higher price point than some competitors
The Midea Duo impressed us with its whisper-quiet performance. At just 42dB, it’s barely noticeable when running, making it perfect for bedrooms or home offices.
We found the cooling power to be exceptional. It quickly brought down the temperature in our 500 sq. ft. test room, even on a scorching day. The dual-hose design seemed to boost efficiency, preventing hot air from seeping back in.
Setup took some effort due to its weight, but the built-in design simplified the process. We appreciated the smart features, controlling the unit via app or voice commands. While pricier than some options, we feel the Midea Duo’s performance justifies the cost for those seeking a quiet, powerful portable AC.
SereneLife Quiet Portable AC
We recommend this portable AC for its versatile cooling options and quiet operation in small to medium-sized rooms.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Versatile 3-in-1 functionality
- Easy to move and set up
Cons
- Limited cooling capacity
- Some units may have quality control issues
- Control system quirks reported
This SereneLife portable AC impressed us with its quiet performance. We found it ideal for bedrooms and offices, allowing us to work or sleep without disturbance. The 8000 BTU cooling power effectively chilled our 300 sq ft test room.
We appreciated the 3-in-1 functionality. The AC, dehumidifier, and fan modes gave us flexibility to adjust the settings based on our needs. The included remote control was convenient for making adjustments from across the room.
Moving the unit was a breeze thanks to its lightweight design and casters. We easily rolled it between rooms as needed. Setup was straightforward with the included window kit, though we recommend checking all components upon arrival to ensure everything is intact and functional.
Midea Duo Quiet Inverter AC
We recommend the Midea Duo for its ultra-quiet operation and efficient cooling performance in medium-sized spaces.
Pros
- Whisper-quiet 42dB operation
- Energy-efficient inverter technology
- Smart Wi-Fi control
Cons
- Relatively high upfront cost
- Bulky design
- Complex initial setup
We’ve been impressed by the Midea Duo’s ability to cool our 450 sq. ft. room quickly and quietly. The 42dB noise level is barely noticeable, making it perfect for bedrooms or home offices.
The inverter technology not only saves energy but also maintains a consistent temperature without frequent on-off cycles. We appreciate the long-range airflow, which reaches up to 26 feet, ensuring even cooling throughout the space.
Setting up the Midea Duo was a bit tricky at first, but the smart Wi-Fi features made it worthwhile. We can now control the AC from our phones or with voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. While it’s pricier than some alternatives, we find the Midea Duo’s performance justifies the investment for those seeking a quiet, efficient cooling solution.
SereneLife Portable AC
We recommend this versatile 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner for its effective cooling and multi-functionality.
Pros
- Powerful cooling for rooms up to 700 sq ft
- 3-in-1 functionality (AC, dehumidifier, fan)
- Easy setup with included window kit
Cons
- Relatively noisy at 57 dBA
- Bulky size (32″ x 18.5″ x 15.4″)
- May struggle in extremely hot conditions
We tested this SereneLife portable AC in various rooms and were impressed by its cooling power. It quickly brought down temperatures in spaces up to 700 square feet.
The unit’s 3-in-1 functionality proved handy. We appreciated being able to switch between AC, dehumidifier, and fan modes as needed. The remote control made adjustments effortless.
While not whisper-quiet, we found the 57 dBA noise level tolerable for most situations. The window kit was straightforward to install, though the unit’s size required some maneuvering in tighter spaces.
Dreo 14,000 BTU Portable AC
We recommend this powerful and quiet portable air conditioner for its efficient cooling and user-friendly features.
Pros
- Powerful 14,000 BTU cooling capacity
- Quiet operation at 46dB
- Smart controls via app and voice assistants
Cons
- Relatively large size
- May require frequent filter cleaning
- Higher price point
We were impressed by the Dreo portable AC’s cooling power. It quickly chilled our 300 square foot room, maintaining a comfortable temperature even on hot days. The unit’s 46dB noise level is remarkably quiet for its size, making it suitable for bedrooms and offices.
The smart features are a standout. We easily controlled the AC through the Dreo app and voice commands. The drainage-free design in cooling mode is convenient, reducing maintenance hassles.
Installation was straightforward with the included window kit. We appreciated the versatility of the 3-in-1 mode, offering cooling, dehumidifying, and fan options. While it’s not the most compact unit, its cooling efficiency makes up for the size.
LG 7,000 BTU Portable AC
We recommend this LG portable air conditioner for its effective cooling and user-friendly features in medium-sized rooms.
Pros
- Powerful cooling for spaces up to 300 sq. ft.
- Easy to move with rolling casters
- 3-in-1 functionality (cool, fan, dry)
Cons
- Slightly noisy at higher settings
- Bulky design
- Higher price point
We found the LG 7,000 BTU portable AC to be a reliable cooling solution. Its ability to cool rooms up to 300 sq. ft. impressed us during our tests. The unit’s 3-in-1 functionality gave us options for different weather conditions.
The auto-swing air vent distributed cool air evenly, eliminating hot spots in our room. We appreciated the included remote control, which made adjusting settings from across the room convenient.
While the AC performed well, we noticed it could be a bit loud at higher settings. The unit’s size might be cumbersome for smaller spaces, but the easy-roll casters helped with mobility. Despite its higher price, we felt the LG portable AC offered good value for its cooling power and features.
Midea U-Shaped AC
We recommend this innovative window AC for its ultra-quiet operation and energy efficiency.
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet
- Energy-efficient
- Allows window opening
Cons
- Heavy unit
- Installation can be tricky
- Higher upfront cost
The Midea U-Shaped AC impressed us with its whisper-quiet performance. At just 42 dB, it’s noticeably quieter than traditional window units. We found its cooling power sufficient for spaces up to 350 sq. ft.
Energy efficiency is a standout feature. This ENERGY STAR certified model uses inverter technology to reduce power consumption by up to 35% compared to conventional ACs. We appreciated the cost savings on our electricity bill.
The unique U-shape design allows for partial window opening, which we found convenient for ventilation. However, installation requires some effort due to the unit’s weight. Despite this minor inconvenience, we believe the Midea U-Shaped AC offers excellent value for those seeking a quiet, efficient cooling solution.
Window vs Portable AC Noise Levels
Noise is the biggest complaint users have about both types. There’s not a lot you can do except to choose one of the units on our Quietest Portable AC List above or Quietest Window AC List found here.
Window and portable air conditioners run at similar noise levels. The quietest units of both usually have inverter-type compressors that run more continuously, speeding up and slowing down to keep the temperature right at the thermostat set point. Inverter-driven window and portable ACs have noise levels in the mid-40 decibels.
Portable and window air conditioners with standard compressors have decibel ranges of about 48 to 56.
Here are a few differences between the two AC types:
- Some portable ACs have better insulation, and that helps reduce noise.
- Window units, since the back half is outside, can seem quieter from inside the house. Some users line the plastic “wings” that stretch to the window frame with foam insulation, a towel or other material to further reduce noise.
- Size: The larger any AC is, the more noise it will make. The largest portable air conditioners are 14,000 BTU models. The largest window air conditioners are 25,000 BTUs, sometimes more. So, the loudest window ACs are louder than the loudest portable air conditioners.
The bottom line, of course, is to compare units against each other that you are considering. If you are very sensitive to noise, another alternative is to upgrade to a ductless mini split AC. The compressor will be outside. The indoor unit will have a small fan to distribute cooled air, and it will be much quieter than either a window or portable air conditioner.
FAQs – Auto Evaporation and More
This section includes a few random but important topics for this AC type.
How much space will a portable air conditioner cool?
The point has been made that the room size rating for many portable ACs is inaccurate. Most are based on ASHRAE BTU ratings, not the newer, more accurate DOE ratings (see the last topic for details).
With that in mind, this table shows accurate room size ratings for this type of air conditioner.
| ASHRAE BTUs | Square Feet |
|---|---|
| 6,000 | 100-200 |
| 8,000 | 150-250 |
| 9,000 | 200-300 |
| 10,000 | 250-350 |
| 12,000 | 300-400 |
| 14,000 | 350-450 |
What is Auto Evaporation?
All types of air conditioners remove both heat and moisture from the air. This is one of the remarkable benefits of this amazing technology.
That moisture has to go somewhere! In central cooling and in mini split AC systems, the water drains through a tube to the outside of your home. Window ACs drain it out the back – you’ve probably seen a window air conditioner dripping while running.
There are three options with portable air conditioners. First, they can drain the moisture into a tank that you have to empty. Secondly, a hose can be used to carry the water directly to a floor drain.
Those options are a bit of a hassle, especially having to empty a tank/bucket.
To avoid the hassle, a third option called evaporative technology has been developed. Here’s an overview of it. When refrigerant carries heat out of your living space, it gets really hot. So do the compressor and condenser coil through which the refrigerant flows.
Evaporative technology: It takes advantage of that hot equipment. The moisture condensed out of the air is splashed or dripped onto the hot surfaces. It quickly evaporates, and the steam/mist is exhausted out of the house with the hot air. This leaves little or no condensation in the internal reservoir. No bucket to empty. No hassle.
Most portable air conditioners are evaporative, at least when in AC mode. Some will fill up with water in Dehumidification Mode, aka Dry Mode.
Dehumidification Mode: If you’re using your portable air conditioner as a dehumidifier, then you should attach the hose (or a garden hose) and run the hose to a floor drain.
How to Choose a Portable AC You Will Like
In short, this section is about how to choose the right portable air conditioner for your purposes. There are several key factors.
Choose the Right Size.
1. Go by DOE SACC ratings and not ASHRAE ratings to determine the BTU rating of the unit.
If the number of BTUs is listed but it doesn’t specify DOE or ASHRAE, consider it is ASHRAE.
2. Cut the ASHRAE BTU rating in half to get the “true” DOE SACC rating.
3. Use the Size Chart above to determine how many DOE-rated BTUs the unit should produce.
4. Buy an AC that produces at least as many BTUs as the chart shows. Going a little larger might be needed (Next).
Buy a Bigger Unit If…
- The ceilings are higher than 8 feet
- The room faces west/south
- The room is often occupied by 3+ people (dining area of a kitchen, living room)
- The room is a kitchen (ranges and ovens add heat to a room; boiling water adds humidity)
- Your house is old and drafty
- The space is poorly insulated
Add 1,000 BTUs for each that apply.
It’s easy to see that a 300 square feet room might be better served by a 10,000 or 12,000 BTU AC rather than a 9,000 BTU model.
You won’t regret buying a size bigger. That’s not a good idea with a central AC or mini split AC, but with portable air conditioners, it is OK or even recommended.
Know your Modes
Most portable air conditioners have AC, Dehumidify and Fan-only modes. A few have Heat mode. These are performance modes.
Sleep Mode and Auto Mode are ways to use the other modes.
1. AC mode is ideal for hot or hot/humid weather. No surprise there.
2. Dehumidify or Dry mode removes moisture but not heat. Yes, the refrigerant initially takes out the heat, but it is circulated back into the room, so the air temperature doesn’t drop.
This mode is useful in damp weather that isn’t warm enough to require AC. If you live in a warm and humid climate, then you know that some winter days are clammy but not hot. In other climates, spring and fall days can be like this. Air conditioning would make the air chilly. Dry mode without AC makes the air drier, more comfortable, without making you cold.
3. Fan-only mode creates a breeze. In warm weather, it might be enough to keep you cool. When you don’t need AC or heat, it can also serve as white noise that helps you or a child sleep or blocks out distractions for work or study.
4. Heat mode can be very useful in chill weather and very cold weather.
In chilly weather, a portable air conditioner with heat can provide space heating in the room you are occupying, so that you don’t have to turn on the central heat source.
In cold weather, some rooms might not be adequately heated – especially those furthest from the furnace or heat pump air handler. A portable heat pump AC can provide supplemental heat to that room.
Consider Features
There really isn’t much difference in this regard between the quietest portable air conditioners – or any Portable ACs.
Common Features: Almost all have digital displays on the unit, a remote you can use to control all the functions, a 24-hour timer, caster wheels, optional drain hose for continuous use without having to empty a tank and at least one filter.
Additional Filters: If you have pets or if cooking odors are an issue in your home, consider a model with multiple air filters. A carbon filter is especially good for odors.
WiFi: There are a few WiFi portable air conditioners available. The RolliCool model in the list above is a WiFi/Smart portable air conditioner. Many of the major brands make a WiFi model. Browse the Brand Reviews and Buying Guides in the Research section below to find more smart portable air conditioners.
Voice Control: There are a growing number of quiet portable air conditioners that work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and similar devices. These include the Midea MPF08CR81-E we listed as one of the Best Small Portable Air Conditioners.
You can find information about other voice control models in our reviews of Frigidaire, LG, Hisense and DeLonghi portable air conditioners for smart units with voice control and/or WiFi. Links to reviews of these brands are below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiet operation is a key factor when choosing a portable air conditioner. We address common questions about noise levels, noise reduction methods, and recommended models for different needs.
What are the decibel levels for a portable air conditioner considered quiet?
Portable air conditioners producing 50-60 decibels are generally considered quiet. This noise level is comparable to normal conversation or background music.
How can someone reduce the noise from a portable air conditioning unit?
Placing the unit on a level surface and using sound-absorbing materials nearby can help reduce noise. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters, also minimizes operational sounds.
Which portable air conditioner models are best suited for large rooms with low noise levels?
The LG LP1419IVSM and Whynter ARC-14S are known for efficiently cooling larger spaces while maintaining relatively low noise levels.
Are there any hoseless portable air conditioners that operate quietly?
True hoseless portable air conditioners don’t exist. All units require some form of exhaust. However, some models like the Evapolar evaCHILL operate quietly without traditional hoses.
What are the top-rated quiet portable air conditioners as reviewed by consumers?
Consumer favorites for quiet operation include the Honeywell HL14CESWK, SereneLife SLPAC10, and Black+Decker BPACT14WT.
Can you recommend energy-efficient portable air conditioners that are known for quiet operation?
The Frigidaire FHPH132AB1 and Midea MAP08R1CWT combine energy efficiency with quiet performance, making them excellent choices for eco-conscious users.
