The term tent air conditioner can refer to anything from a refrigerant-filled AC to a fan, at least as you read posts on it.
This Tent Air Conditioner guide discusses:
Tent Air Conditioners Types
As noted, there are many things that outdoor enthusiasts search when wanting to stay cool in their tent or at the picnic table.
- Personal or large evaporative coolers (Easily the most popular)
- Portable air conditioners (Least common)
- Cordless AC like Zero Breeze air conditioner
- Genuine air conditioners including window air conditioners on a stand made for tent use (Best cooling)
All these tent AC types are discussed below with top options in each category. Tent air conditioner pros and cons are included for each.
There is also information about tents with an AC flap and a stand for raising and supporting a small window air conditioner.
Tent Air Conditioners Types and Prices
Tent AC Type | Cost Range | Average | Square Feet |
---|---|---|---|
Personal Evaporative Cooler | $30 – $75 | $50 | 10 – 20 |
Large Evaporative Cooler | $150 – $1,500 | $400 | 100 – 1,000+ |
120V Portable AC | $300 – $850 | $385 | 100 – 400 |
Window AC | $175 – $1,400 | $275 | 150 – 1,000+ |
Cordless Portable AC | $400 – $2,900 | N/A | 50 – 200 |
There are two very important notes about the chart:
1 – We considered only including prices for tent air conditioners in the small-medium size range. But have you seen how large they’re making outdoor tents now? Some have multiple rooms and exceed 400 square feet! Therefore, we give the whole range. Of course, a personal evaporative cooler is just that – it will cool you if you’re right in front of it.
2 – Square feet given are for indoor use, so you can’t expect that in a tent. If by camping air conditioner you mean something for your RV, then a portable air conditioner is the best choice, and the sizing might be close. In a tent, it depends on tent insulation, if flaps are open, outside temperature, wind conditions and other factors.
In the Buying Guide/FAQ below, one topic discussed is how to get to best efficiency and performance from a tent air conditioner.
Best Tent Air Conditioner Reviews
1. DENBIG Portable Tent AC
We recommend this compact AC for campers seeking efficient cooling in small spaces.
Pros
- Rapid cooling for areas up to 50 sq.ft
- Versatile power options for outdoor use
- Quiet operation at ≤52dB(A)
Cons
- Limited coverage area
- Requires power source
- May struggle in larger tents
We tested this DENBIG portable AC during a recent camping trip. Its 1,500 BTU cooling power quickly chilled our small tent, creating a comfortable oasis from the summer heat. The unit’s compact size made it easy to transport and set up.
We appreciated the dual power options, allowing us to use it with our portable power station. The cooling and fan modes provided flexibility for different conditions. At night, the quiet operation ensured undisturbed sleep.
While effective for small spaces, we found its cooling capacity limited in larger tents. The AC requires a consistent power source, which may be challenging in remote locations. Overall, it’s a solid choice for campers needing targeted cooling in compact areas.
2. Zero Breeze Mark 2 Portable Air Conditioner
Innovation is about pushing technology to achieve better results. The Zero Breeze Mark 2 is on the cutting edge of air conditioner technology. Because it is the vanguard, it is also “bleeding edge,” meaning it is not cheap. In 5 years, it will likely be half the price, and you’ll have a dozen brands to consider. This is an impressive small portable air conditioner for camping.
We can’t offer this to you. We wish we could, but it can be bought on the manufacturer’s website and nowhere else.
However, our commitment is always to bring you the best of what’s out there, and that’s why this unit makes our list.
How it Works:
This is a true tent air conditioner battery powered unit.
The battery is rechargeable, and extra batteries are available.
The batteries last up to 5 hours, so the more battery power you have, the cooler you can stay on your camping trip, off-road rally, hiking expedition or staycation in a tent in the backyard.
Features:
Genuine AC mode, 4-speed fan, energy-saving Sleep mode, and energy-consuming Super Cold mode. It weighs about 16lbs – the same as 2 gallons of water. The exhaust is dual hose. That means it pulls in fresh air and exhausts hot, humid air through separate hoses. That makes it more efficient than single-hose portable air conditioner models.
Pros:
It is exciting that we’ve come to the point of having a true walk-around portable air conditioner..
This product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you buy it, take it out of the box within a few days, and put it through its paces to make sure you’re happy with it.
Cons:
$$$
Best Use/Bottom Line: If you love the latest technology and can afford it, this is an impressive unit you will probably enjoy.
3. ZY.Hyisinn Compact Tent AC
We recommend this portable air conditioner for its versatility and compact design, ideal for camping and small spaces.
Pros
- Multiple operating modes
- Lightweight and portable
- Remote control included
Cons
- Limited cooling capacity
- Requires proper ventilation
- May be noisy for light sleepers
We tested this compact air conditioner in various settings and found it surprisingly effective. The unit’s six speed settings allowed us to adjust the airflow to our liking. At maximum power, it produced a strong breeze that noticeably cooled our tent.
The portability impressed us. Weighing just 11.5 pounds, we easily moved it between our campsite and van. The built-in handle made transportation a breeze. We appreciated the multi-functionality, using it as a fan on milder days and a dehumidifier during damp weather.
Setup was straightforward, though proper ventilation is crucial for optimal performance. The included remote control proved handy for adjusting settings from our sleeping bags. While it cooled effectively, we noted it’s best suited for small spaces or personal cooling rather than large areas.
4. FLOWBREEZE Portable Air Cooler
We recommend this compact and versatile air cooler for its impressive cooling capabilities and user-friendly features.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality (fan, air conditioner, air cooler)
- Portable and space-saving design
- Customizable settings with remote control
Cons
- Limited cooling range
- Requires regular water refills
- May not be suitable for large spaces
We found the FLOWBREEZE Portable Air Cooler to be a handy companion for personal cooling needs. Its compact size allows for easy placement on desks or nightstands, making it ideal for small spaces.
The 1.2L water tank and two ice boxes enhance the cooling effect, providing a refreshing mist that’s perfect for hot summer days. We appreciated the ability to adjust wind speeds and set a timer, allowing for customized comfort throughout the day.
The addition of 7 color LED lights adds a fun touch, doubling as a mood light or nightlight. While it may not replace a full-sized air conditioner, we found it effective for personal use in offices, bedrooms, or even outdoor settings.
5. NommyAir Portable Tent AC
We recommend this compact AC for campers seeking relief from the heat, despite some limitations.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable at 14.3 lbs
- Quick cooling in small spaces
- Multiple modes and remote control
Cons
- Limited cooling area (43 sq ft)
- Battery not included
- Some users report inadequate performance
We recently tested the NommyAir Portable Tent AC on a camping trip. Its compact size made it easy to transport and set up in our tent. The 2380 BTU cooling capacity worked well in our small space, dropping the temperature noticeably within an hour.
The four modes (Strong, Sleep, Cooling, Fan) offered versatility. We appreciated the quiet 43 dB Sleep mode for nighttime use. The remote control was handy for adjusting settings from our sleeping bags.
While effective in a small tent, we found its cooling power limited in larger spaces. The lack of an included battery means you’ll need a separate power source. Some campers may find it doesn’t meet their expectations for outdoor cooling.
6. Arctic Air Pure Chill 2.0
The Arctic Air Pure Chill 2.0 offers modest cooling for small personal spaces but falls short as a full room air conditioner replacement.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Energy-efficient operation
- Customizable LED night light
Cons
- Limited cooling capacity
- Frequent water refills needed
- Not effective for larger spaces
We found the Arctic Air Pure Chill 2.0 to be a decent option for personal cooling. Its compact size made it easy to move around our home office and bedroom. The touch controls were intuitive, allowing us to adjust fan speeds and choose from seven nightlight colors.
During use, we noticed it provided a gentle cool breeze within arm’s reach. However, its effects diminished quickly beyond a few feet. The 0.55-liter water tank lasted about 3-4 hours on medium settings before needing a refill.
While it didn’t dramatically lower room temperature, we appreciated the added humidity in dry conditions. For best results, we recommend using it as a desktop companion or bedside cooler rather than expecting whole-room cooling.
7. COOLECH Personal Air Cooler
We recommend this versatile 3-in-1 air cooler for its powerful cooling, convenient features, and compact design.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality (fan, cooler, humidifier)
- Remote control and LED touch screen
- 7 colorful night light options
Cons
- Limited coverage area (27 sq. ft)
- Requires regular water refills
- May not be suitable for larger spaces
The COOLECH Personal Air Cooler impressed us with its multifunctional capabilities. As a fan, it delivers a strong airflow, while the cooling function effectively lowered the temperature in our immediate surroundings. We particularly appreciated the humidifier feature, which helped combat dry air.
Operating this unit was a breeze thanks to the clear LED touch screen and included remote control. The 90° oscillation ensured even air distribution, and we found the 7 colorful night light options added a nice ambiance to our space.
While the 800ml water tank provided several hours of continuous cooling, we did need to refill it regularly for extended use. The compact size makes it ideal for personal spaces, but it may not sufficiently cool larger areas.
8. Personal Evaporative Air Conditioner Fan
Excellent ratings for this tent air conditioner battery powered unit combine with affordability to produce the best evaporative personal cooler for camping and, frankly, any location. When you check it out, you might be impressed with its affordability and the number of verified purchasers that love it.
This small portable air conditioner for outdoor tent using is easy to fill and runs off batteries, which makes it a nice personal tent air conditioner, and USB. The USB turns it into a useful personal cooler in the dorm, office or at home.
Or you can run this mini tent AC off this rechargeable RAVpower power bank that’s ideal for off-the-grid camping and charging your phone too.
How it Works:
It starts with opening the lid and filling it with water. You can add ice if you have it, but the truth is that adding ice won’t make the air it produces much cooler. That’s something of a myth.
If you’re using batteries, open the battery lid, and turn the switch to “ON.” When using USB, connect the power cord, and flip the switch to “ON.”
The fan will start pulling in air. The air passes through the wet filter, and water will immediately begin evaporating off the filter, taking heat with it. You know how you can feel chilled when getting out of the lake or pool? That’s because moisture is evaporating off you, taking heat away.
That’s how this works. The evaporating moisture removes heat, so the air coming out the front of the personal tent air conditioner is cooler.
Features:
Battery or USB power, 2 fan speeds, Water-level Window, Timer 1 or 2 Hours. Fan Mode too. Louvers for manually adjusting airflow. It has a carrying handle.
Pros:
Portability. 2 power options. Cools nicely if it is right next to you. Adds humidity, which can be a good thing if the air is very dry. Fan-only mode is nice to use for white noise or when you just want a breeze. The cover is removed easily for cleaning. We recommend you clean it once in a while with a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar. It will get the job done and won’t harm the unit.
Cons:
Just keep in mind that this is a personal evaporative cooler designed to cool and humidify a small area. It isn’t a true air conditioner. Using water with heavy mineral content in it will shorten its life – as with any appliance that uses water. Evaporative coolers rely on the air being dry to facilitate evaporation. If the air is humid, the cooling effect will be reduced. A simple battery-powered fan would provide better cooling.
Best Use/Bottom Line: Ideal for off-grid camping when plugging in a fan or air conditioner isn’t possible. But once you have one, you’ll probably want to use it in the house too. It’s great for a desktop, nightstand or placing near your pet’s bed.
9. Frigidaire FFRA051ZA1 Air Conditioner
This is a 5000 BTU window air conditioner. It is one of the best 5K-6K window ACs available. This Frigidaire room AC is simple and effective.
Here is the premise for including window air conditioners aka room air conditioners to this list: Most tents have low-to-the-ground ventilation flaps. A very few have AC flaps. We included one below with a zippered AC port that stays securely shut and fits nicely around an AC and covers it when open.
Either way, a window AC can be set on a stand (see below) where it can extract heat from the tent and blow cooled air over you and others.
How it Works:
You’re probably familiar with it. The unit pulls in hot and humid air. Refrigerant and a coil are used to evaporate heat out of indoor air. The heat is dumped outside through a radiator-like outside coil.
The inside coil gets really cold, and moisture from the indoor air condenses on it. That moisture drains to the outside. If you’ve ever stood by the outside end of a window AC, no doubt you’ve felt the hot air it expelled and watched it steadily drip moisture. The more humid the climate, the more condensate is drained/dripped away.
Features:
Manual controls keep cost down. Being in a tent, you probably can get by without a remote for controlling the AC from “across the room.” It’s basic and affordable, the best tent air conditioner available when you want real air conditioning vs evaporative cooler “AC.”
Pros:
Good cooling power. At less than 40lbs, it’s not too heavy (or large at 41.2 x 40.8 x 30.2 inches) to take with you to campgrounds with power. It is Energy Star certified for lower energy use and cost. It can be used as a grow tent air conditioner if you have a window and stand.
Cons:
Window ACs aren’t light, and they require power, of course.
Best Use/Bottom Line: If you’ve got power at your campsite and a 30-amp circuit, this AC should work just fine.
10. Camco Adjustable Height AC Stand
If you buy a window air conditioner for use with your tent, which is a growing trend, an AC stand will keep it off the ground and position it to blow cooler, drier air into your tent. Window ACs weigh 35 to 90 pounds. This camping AC stand will handle whatever air conditioner you choose.
How it Works:
Most tents now have ground-level vent flaps. That is where the air is coolest. If you want to add a window air conditioner to the mix, you have two options.
1). Placing the AC Inside: Cut out the screen on a ground-level vent. Place the AC stand inside the tent. Set the AC on it so that the back of it, where condensation drains, is outside the tent. Use towels to pack the space around the AC if it’s a large opening and weatherstripping if it is a pretty tight fit. This will make it more efficient and keep insects out.
2). Placing the AC Outside: Set the AC stand up against a ventilation opening, preferably with an AC flap that can improve efficiency. Push the stand inward being careful not to damage the screening. The further into the tent the air conditioner is, the better the cooling efficiency. Just be careful not to damage the screen covering the vent opening.
Features:
This is an aluminum stand, so it won’t rust. The legs are adjustable to fit your tent flap height. This tent air conditioner stand supports up to 1,000 pounds. The stand has slip-resistant boots on the legs.
Pros:
Heavy-duty construction that will last for decades. The adjustable height legs allow you to position the tent air conditioner at the right height to keep everyone as comfortable as possible.
Cons:
There is little to complain about. This is the best camping air conditioner stand available. It is wide enough for any window air conditioner you’re likely to use as a tent air conditioner.
Best Use/Bottom Line: This stand for camping air conditioners will come in very handy if you use a window AC or through the wall AC to cool your tent while in the great outdoors.
Tent Air Conditioner FAQ
The very idea of a tent air conditioner raises a lot of questions. We try to give the best answers here.
Why are evaporative coolers called air conditioners?
Technically, they “condition” the air by adding humidity and cooling it. But they do not use refrigerant, so they aren’t ACs in the modern sense.
Why are there evaporative coolers on your Best Tent Air Conditioner list?
Because many of the manufacturers market them as air conditioners, and many shoppers use the search term “tent air conditioner” or similar when searching for an evaporative cooler. It helps us get the products to people that they want. However, we try to be clear that these are not true refrigerant-driven air conditioners but rather air coolers.
When using an evaporative cooler, should tent vent flaps be open or closed?
They should be open, or you’ll end up with a lot of humidity inside the tent, and the cooler’s cooling power will be reduced. Small models are designed to cool air and blow it directly onto you, sort of a cool mist, though you may or may not feel the moisture. You will feel the cool.
Is a portable air conditioner better than a window air conditioner for camping?
It depends on the setup of the tent. If you have an AC port in the tent, we recommend using a window AC and stand like the products reviewed above. If there is no AC port or flap, then a portable air conditioner can be a good choice. You’ll have to run the exhaust hose out the door flap, and that might be inconvenient. But sweltering heat is inconvenient too when you’re trying to sleep!
If you’re starting from scratch and want tent air conditioning, our choice is a combination of:
- Frigidaire FFRA051ZA1 AC for a small tent
- TaoTronics TT-AC001 AC for a large tent
- The Camco Adjustable Height AC Stand
- Bushnell Shield Series Cabin Tent w/ AC Flap 6-person or 9-person (the 12-person tent does not have an AC port. Bad decision
Many reviewers claim their evaporative cooler doesn’t work. Do you know why?
There are two reasons. Many literally do not work. There are a lot of poorly made products available, and they arrive “dead” or fail quickly. That’s why we do the research to bring you the top models with a proven track record. We won’t put poor-quality options in front of our readers.
Secondly, an evaporative cooler works best in warm, dry conditions that facilitate evaporation and cooling. In humid conditions, less moisture can be evaporated, so the cooler “doesn’t work” as well.
Why isn’t there a Coleman tent air conditioner on the list?
Coleman doesn’t make a tent AC. The closest thing to it is this decently rated fan and light. It has 2 fan speeds and 2 light levels. It has a stand and attaches to the tent, like if you wanted to make it a ceiling fan, by carabiner or included magnetic plate. If you live in a humid climate, an evaporative cooler won’t do much more than fan you. So a fan is a better choice if you’re not in the market for a true air conditioner. Read the reviews to decide if it might be right for you.
Can an evaporative cooler be used as a diffuser?
That’s an intriguing idea, and technically it can be. However, if the scent is an oil, the oil will foul the absorbent material the cooler relies on to wick up moisture for evaporation. As oil saturates the wick, the unit’s performance will diminish.
Where is the Zero Breeze camping air conditioner available? How much does it cost?
It is sold on the Zero Breeze website. The AC and battery pack combo sells for $1,400.
What are the best features to look for on a camping air conditioner?
For evaporative coolers, we like those that can be powered multiple ways. In our list:
- The Personal Evaporative Air Conditioner Fan runs on USB or batteries.
- The MightyKool 12-Volt 120/12-volt Evaporative Cooler gives you the option of powering it from a 12V outlet in a car/boat/RV or a standard 120V outlet.
For true air conditioners, it depends on your budget. Those with mechanical controls cost less, but they cool just as well. If you have a large tent or want to be able to control it at night, a remote is a handy tool.
Also, if you tent in cool seasons, a unit with a built-in heater will be appreciated. Your options are a true heat pump like the SereneLife portable air conditioner above or a unit, usually window units, with a heating coil. Heat pump window units are available, but most are very expensive.
Do you have tips for using a tent air conditioner?
Sure. These will help you stay cool.
- Pitch the tent beneath shade trees. If you can’t get shade on all sides, situate it so that the shade is to the west of the tent to block the most afternoon sun.
If you can’t avoid overhead sun:
- Buy a tent with heat-reflective coating. The Bushnell Shield Series Cabin Tent is a good option.
- Drape a reflective blanket, like those used in survival kits, over the top of the tent and secure it with tape – reflective side up, of course.
- If the tent is sturdy enough, drape light blankets over its roof to help insulate it – keep heat from penetrating from above.
Is it safe to use a real AC for camping?
Yes, if you follow these safety tips:
- Always use a stand for the AC – never set it directly on the ground.
- Keep the connection between the air conditioner’s plug and an extension cord off the ground and covered to prevent it from getting wet.
- If heavy rains are expected, unplug the cord and wait for heavy rain to let up.
- Don’t let the front of the AC get wet.