The smallest portable air conditioners for small room use are quiet and do a good job cooling off a bedroom, small office or other space under about 350 square feet.
Small portable air conditioners range in output from 6,000 to 10,000 using the standard rating system, and there’s a discussion on this page about how much cooling they can really do.
The Best Small Portable ACs are Here
We have chosen the smallest standing air conditioner models available – and they are highly rated for quality and cooling performance. Browse your options below, and choose the small floor air conditioner best suited to your needs.
Small Portable Air Conditioner BTU Ratings
Pick HVAC covers this topic at length on another page.
SACC BTU DOE vs ASHRAE in Portable AC
The key thing to know here is that there are two ratings systems. The old system, which is still the standard for window air conditioners, no longer applies to portable ACs, but it is still used in advertising.
Because these units sit inside your home, some of the heat they pull from the air leaks back into your home before it can be exhausted out the window. And that reduces the total BTUs of heat they can move. As a result, the new BTU ratings for portable air conditioners range from 50% to 75% of the old ratings, depending on the model.
Terminology: ASHRAE is the old rating; DOE SACC is the new rating. You might see just DOE or SACC used for the new rating.
Now you know!
So, if maximum cooling power for a small room is your top priority, consider a small window AC for your space!
Next on this page, you will find 6 of the highest rated and smallest standing air conditioner models, aka portable air conditioners.
Smallest Portable Air Conditioner for Small Room Options
SereneLife Compact Cooler
We recommend this versatile portable AC for its powerful cooling and quiet operation in small to medium-sized rooms.
Pros
- Effective cooling for spaces up to 300 sq ft
- Quiet operation for undisturbed sleep or work
- Easy to move with casters and lightweight design
Cons
- May struggle in larger rooms
- Single hose design less efficient than dual-hose models
- Some users report control system issues
The SereneLife 8000 BTU portable air conditioner impressed us with its cooling power. We found it quickly chilled our 250 sq ft bedroom on a hot summer day. The unit’s compact size allowed us to easily position it in a corner without taking up much floor space.
We appreciated the 3-in-1 functionality. The AC mode worked well for cooling, while the dehumidifier helped reduce humidity on muggy days. The fan-only mode provided good air circulation when full cooling wasn’t needed.
Operating the unit was straightforward with the included remote control. We set our desired temperature and the SereneLife maintained it consistently. At night, we were pleased by how quietly it ran – the low hum didn’t disturb our sleep. The easy-to-use window kit made installation a breeze, though we did need to seal a few gaps for optimal efficiency.
FANCOLE Mini Air Cooler
We recommend this compact air cooler for its versatile features and portable design, making it ideal for personal cooling in small spaces.
Pros
- Fast cooling with 3-level humidification
- Low power consumption (5W)
- Portable with leather handle
Cons
- Limited cooling capacity
- Requires frequent water refills
- Not suitable for large rooms
The FANCOLE Mini Air Cooler impressed us with its rapid cooling capabilities. Within seconds of turning it on, we felt a noticeable drop in temperature. The 3-level humidification feature was particularly effective in dry environments, adding much-needed moisture to the air.
We appreciated the unit’s compact size and lightweight design. The leather handle made it easy to move from room to room or even take outdoors. Its versatility shone through with multiple power options – we successfully used it with a power bank during a camping trip.
The 7-color night light feature was an unexpected bonus. We found it particularly useful in a child’s room, serving as both a cooler and a soothing nightlight. The quiet operation, measuring below 50 dB, ensured it didn’t disturb our sleep or work.
Despite its small size, the 700ml water tank lasted longer than we expected, providing 6-8 hours of continuous operation. The top-fill design and water level window made refilling a breeze. We did note that for optimal cooling, adding ice cubes to the tank was beneficial.
While not a replacement for a full-sized air conditioner, this mini cooler excelled in personal cooling. We found it most effective when placed nearby on a desk or nightstand. Its energy efficiency was impressive – using only 5W of power, we didn’t hesitate to run it all day.
The user-friendly controls were a hit with all age groups. We easily switched between the two modes and three wind speeds to find our preferred setting. The adjustable air outlet allowed us to direct the cool air exactly where we needed it.
SereneLife Portable AC
We recommend this compact and versatile SereneLife portable air conditioner for its effective cooling and dehumidifying capabilities in small to medium-sized spaces.
Pros
- Easy to move and set up
- Cools rooms up to 215 sq ft
- Includes dehumidifier and fan modes
Cons
- Somewhat noisy operation
- May struggle in larger spaces
- Window kit installation required
We recently tested the SereneLife 3-in-1 portable air conditioner in a 200 sq ft bedroom. The unit cooled the space quickly and maintained a comfortable temperature throughout the day. Its compact size made it easy to wheel from room to room as needed.
The built-in dehumidifier function proved useful in reducing humidity levels, making the air feel even cooler and more comfortable. We appreciated the included remote control, which allowed us to adjust settings without getting up from bed or the couch.
While the AC unit performed well overall, we did notice it produced a consistent hum during operation. This white noise wasn’t overly disruptive, but light sleepers might want to consider this factor. The 8,000 BTU cooling power was perfect for our test room, but it may struggle in larger spaces or areas with high heat gain.
Hisense 5000 BTU Portable AC
We recommend this compact Hisense portable air conditioner for cooling small spaces efficiently and conveniently.
Pros
- Versatile 3-in-1 functionality
- Compact size ideal for small rooms
- Easy-to-use remote control
Cons
- Limited cooling capacity for larger areas
- May produce noticeable noise
- Window installation can be tricky
The Hisense 5000 BTU portable air conditioner impressed us with its compact design and versatile performance. We found it particularly suitable for bedrooms, small offices, or apartments where space is at a premium. Its ability to cool, dehumidify, and circulate air made it a handy all-in-one solution for maintaining comfort in tight quarters.
During our tests, we appreciated the unit’s drain-free design, which eliminated the hassle of manually emptying water reservoirs. The electronic touch controls were responsive and intuitive, allowing us to adjust settings with ease. We also liked the convenience of the included remote control, which let us make adjustments from across the room.
While the Hisense AC performed well in smaller spaces up to 150 square feet, we noticed its limitations in larger areas. The noise level, while not excessive, was noticeable during operation. We found the window installation process a bit challenging, but manageable with some patience. Despite these minor drawbacks, we believe this portable AC offers good value for those seeking a compact cooling solution for small spaces.
PUKAMI Compact Cooler
We recommend this portable AC for its versatile cooling options and compact size, making it suitable for various small spaces.
Pros
- Powerful 8000 BTU cooling for rooms up to 350 sq ft
- 3-in-1 functionality: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan
- Easy to move and set up with included window kit
Cons
- May require frequent water drainage
- Noise level might be noticeable for light sleepers
- Limited cooling capacity for larger spaces
We recently tried out the PUKAMI portable air conditioner and found it to be a solid choice for small to medium-sized rooms. Its compact design allowed us to easily wheel it between our bedroom and home office as needed. The unit’s 8000 BTU cooling power was sufficient to keep our 300 sq ft bedroom comfortable during hot afternoons.
The 3-in-1 functionality impressed us. We appreciated the dehumidifier mode, which helped reduce moisture in our basement without the need for a separate appliance. The fan-only option was handy for days when we just needed air circulation.
Setting up the PUKAMI was straightforward. We had it running within 15 minutes of unboxing, thanks to the clear instructions and included window kit. The remote control was convenient for adjusting settings from across the room. While it’s not silent, we found the noise level acceptable for daytime use. At night, the low fan speed was quiet enough for light sleepers.
Aazon Basics Portable AC
We recommend this versatile portable air conditioner for its impressive cooling capacity and dual functionality as both a cooler and heater.
Pros
- Powerful cooling for rooms up to 550 sq. ft.
- Easy to move with wheels and handles
- Includes heating function for year-round use
Cons
- Can be noisy at higher settings
- Takes up floor space
- Installation may be challenging for some
We were impressed by the cooling power of this Amazon Basics portable AC unit. It quickly brought down the temperature in our 500 sq. ft. test room on a hot summer day. The 13,000 BTU (ASHRAE) cooling capacity is no joke – we felt a noticeable difference within minutes of turning it on.
The portability is a major plus. We easily rolled it between rooms thanks to the smooth-gliding caster wheels. The side handles came in handy when we needed to lift it over a threshold. Setting it up near a window was straightforward with the included venting kit, though it did take some trial and error to get a good seal.
We appreciate the versatility of this unit. It doubles as a heater, which means we can use it year-round. The remote control is convenient for adjusting settings from across the room. One drawback is the noise level – it’s not unbearably loud, but light sleepers might find it disruptive on higher fan speeds.
Choosing the Right Size
You’re on this page because you are interested in a small portable air conditioner for small room use.
But there might be reasons to choose one that is a little bigger than you think you might need.
Go up 1000 to 2000 BTUs if any of these factors fit your situation.
- Your ceilings are more than 8 feet high
- The room faces south or west and gets really hot in the afternoon
- The room is a kitchen, and you run the AC when cooking (and the stove or range heats up the space)
- You use it in a crowded room or camper – bodies heat up the space quite a bit!
Portable Air Conditioners vs Window Air Conditioners
You might be sold on a portable AC that you can move from room to room or take with you in your RV or on a boat.
But keep these points in mind.
Portable AC Pros and Cons
Portable units are easier to move from room to room than window air conditioners, but they might be harder to get to a room on an upper floor.
These units don’t stick out the window as much, so they’re more visually appealing from outdoors.
A portable AC window kit doesn’t block as much of the view as a window AC.
The major concern is efficiency. Portable air conditioners are not as effective or efficient as window air conditioners. This is why the DOE came up with a new rating system for them.
Window AC Pros and Cons
Window air conditioners are more efficient. There are many Energy Star certified window ACs – there are zero Energy Star portable air conditioners.
Window ACs come in more sizes and range all the way to 25,000 BTU, cooling capacity enough for about 1000 square feet. But that’s probably not what you’re looking for right now.
These room ACs can be quite compact – fitting into windows with a minimum opening 18” wide and about 13” high.
If you want to research and shop for small window ACs before making a final decision, here is a good place to start.
Top Smallest Window Air Conditioners for Small Room
Frequently Asked Questions
Portable air conditioners come in various sizes and configurations to suit different needs. We’ll address some common questions about compact cooling options for rooms, vehicles, and windowless spaces.
How do portable air conditioners perform in larger rooms compared to their size?
Smaller portable air conditioners typically cool rooms up to 300 square feet effectively. Their performance diminishes in larger spaces. We recommend checking the unit’s BTU rating and matching it to your room size for optimal cooling.
What are the best options for a portable air conditioner that can be used in a car?
12V portable air conditioners designed for vehicles are the best choice for in-car cooling. These units plug into the car’s cigarette lighter socket. Some popular options include the Ontel Arctic Air and the Zero Breeze Mark 2.
Are there any compact air conditioning units that operate effectively without a window?
Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, can work without windows. These units use water evaporation to cool air. They’re most effective in dry climates and require regular refilling of water.
Can you recommend a small portable AC unit that doesn’t require an exhaust hose?
Personal air coolers like the Evapolar evaCHILL don’t need exhaust hoses. They use evaporative cooling technology to lower air temperature in small personal spaces. These units are compact and energy-efficient but have limited cooling capacity.
What should be considered when choosing a mini air conditioner for small spaces?
When selecting a mini air conditioner, consider the room size, BTU rating, and energy efficiency. Look for features like programmable timers and remote controls. Noise level is also important, especially for bedrooms or offices.
