We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Portable Room Coolers 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 10,000 BTU for Rooms Up To 450 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Full Function Remote Control & Window Kit, BPT06WTB, White

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,471
Cooling Capacity
Water Tank Capacity
Power Consumption

Most important from
43095 reviews

Cooling Capacity
The unit delivers impressively cold air, consistently blowing sub-zero temperatures that effectively cool rooms up to 450 square feet.
Water Tank Capacity
The auto-evaporation feature reduces the need for frequent water draining, though in very humid conditions occasional manual emptying might be necessary.
Power Consumption
Users appreciate the quiet operation compared to fans and find it effective enough to reduce overall energy costs by cooling targeted spaces efficiently.
Noise Level
Noise levels are moderate; it’s noticeable when running on high but generally quiet enough to not disturb sleep when set to low or medium.
Portability Features
Despite its weight making it challenging to move, the wheels and solid build provide a sturdy, reliable feel that matches its functional performance.
Additional Features
It provides versatile modes like Sleep and Timer that help customize cooling schedules and maintain comfort throughout the night.

The BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner offers 10,000 BTU cooling power, which is suitable for rooms up to 450 square feet, making it a good choice for apartments, small offices, or bedrooms. It’s a three-in-one device that cools, dehumidifies, and fans, providing versatile comfort during warm months. The unit includes a 0.5-liter water tank capacity with an auto-evaporation feature, so you won’t have to frequently empty water buckets, which is convenient. It runs at about 53 decibels, meaning it’s relatively quiet but not silent, so you might notice it in very quiet environments.

The power consumption is 890 watts, which is moderate but worth considering if you want to keep electricity costs low. Portability is decent since it comes with wheels and a window installation kit, though the unit is somewhat heavy at around 55 pounds, so moving it around might require some effort. The included remote control is a handy feature that lets you adjust settings without getting up. Installation is designed to be straightforward with the window kit provided, suitable for standard double hung or sliding windows.

The cooling efficiency ratio (SEER) is on the lower side at 2.6, so it might not be the most energy-efficient option. Also, the water tank capacity is quite small compared to some competitors, which might require occasional draining in very humid conditions. This model is a solid pick for those needing effective cooling and some added dehumidifying in small to medium rooms, with easy setup and remote control, but it’s a bit heavy and not the most energy efficient.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,471
Cooling Capacity
Water Tank Capacity
Power Consumption

Most important from
43095 reviews

Cooling Capacity
The unit delivers impressively cold air, consistently blowing sub-zero temperatures that effectively cool rooms up to 450 square feet.
Water Tank Capacity
The auto-evaporation feature reduces the need for frequent water draining, though in very humid conditions occasional manual emptying might be necessary.
Power Consumption
Users appreciate the quiet operation compared to fans and find it effective enough to reduce overall energy costs by cooling targeted spaces efficiently.
Noise Level
Noise levels are moderate; it’s noticeable when running on high but generally quiet enough to not disturb sleep when set to low or medium.
Portability Features
Despite its weight making it challenging to move, the wheels and solid build provide a sturdy, reliable feel that matches its functional performance.
Additional Features
It provides versatile modes like Sleep and Timer that help customize cooling schedules and maintain comfort throughout the night.
#2

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 550 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT12WT, White

Rating
9.6
Cooling Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
43095 reviews

Cooling Capacity
The BLACK+DECKER unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
Noise Level
Compared to previous units, this air conditioner is significantly quieter, allowing for phone conversations nearby without having to turn it off.

The BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is designed to cool rooms up to 550 sq. ft., making it suitable for medium to larger spaces. Its 3-in-1 functionality as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan adds versatility and convenience. The 'Follow Me' remote control feature allows for more precise temperature control, improving comfort.

The unit also includes a window installation kit for easier setup and Auto Water Evaporation to reduce maintenance effort, which are great additional features. With a noise level of 52 dB, it runs relatively quietly, making it suitable for bedroom use. The portability is enhanced by its wheels and side handles, facilitating easy movement between rooms. However, at 56.8 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users to handle.

The 0.8-liter water tank capacity is quite small, so you may need to empty it frequently when using the dehumidifier function, especially in very humid conditions. Power consumption is on the higher side with a SEER of 5.8, which might not be the most energy-efficient option available. If you're looking for a versatile and portable cooling solution for a larger room, this BLACK+DECKER model could be a reliable choice, but keep in mind the potential for frequent water tank emptying and higher power usage.

Rating
9.6
Cooling Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
43095 reviews

Cooling Capacity
The BLACK+DECKER unit easily cools the room in a few minutes and maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
Noise Level
Compared to previous units, this air conditioner is significantly quieter, allowing for phone conversations nearby without having to turn it off.
#3

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat, 14,000 BTU (10,200 BTU SACC) Cooling, 12,000 BTU Heating for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft., Follow Me Remote, BPACT14HWT, White

Rating
9.4
Cooling Capacity
Noise Level
Additional Features

Most important from
43095 reviews

Cooling Capacity
Easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units owned, allowing for phone conversations without shutting it off.
Additional Features
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is significantly better and stays put, preventing hot air from re-entering the room.

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat offers a versatile solution for room cooling and heating. With a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) and 10,000 BTU (DOE), it is suitable for rooms up to 700 sq. ft., making it a good fit for medium to large spaces. The added 12,000 BTU heating capability further enhances its utility throughout the year, allowing for both summer cooling and winter heating. This unit also includes a dehumidifier and fan function, which adds to its versatility.

The water tank capacity and power consumption specifics are not detailed, but it does come with a 1-year warranty for reassurance on its durability. With a noise level of 54 dB, it operates relatively quietly, ensuring minimal disturbance. Portability is a strong suit with its compact dimensions (16.5” x 14.06” x 27.09”) and the inclusion of an installation kit for easy setup. Weighing 35 pounds, it is moderately easy to move around as needed.

Additional features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and a 'Follow Me' remote provide advanced control options and convenience. However, it is not Energy Star rated and has a SEER of 6.2, which indicates it may not be the most energy-efficient option on the market. This portable air conditioner is ideal for users seeking a multi-functional, smart, and portable cooling and heating solution for medium to large rooms.

Rating
9.4
Cooling Capacity
Noise Level
Additional Features

Most important from
43095 reviews

Cooling Capacity
Easily cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units owned, allowing for phone conversations without shutting it off.
Additional Features
The hose attachment on the back of the unit is significantly better and stays put, preventing hot air from re-entering the room.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Room Coolers

Choosing the right portable room cooler can make a significant difference in your comfort during hot weather. Portable room coolers, also known as evaporative coolers or swamp coolers, are a great alternative to traditional air conditioners, especially in dry climates. They work by drawing in warm air and passing it over water-saturated pads, which cools the air through evaporation before blowing it into the room. To find the best fit for your needs, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
Cooling CapacityCooling capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and indicates how much air the cooler can circulate per minute. This spec is important because it determines how effectively the cooler can lower the temperature in your room. For small rooms (up to 150 square feet), a cooler with a CFM of 200-300 is sufficient. Medium rooms (150-300 square feet) require a CFM of 300-500, while large rooms (300-500 square feet) need a CFM of 500-700. Choose a cooler with a CFM that matches the size of your room to ensure optimal cooling performance.
Water Tank CapacityThe water tank capacity indicates how much water the cooler can hold, which affects how long it can operate before needing a refill. This is important because a larger tank means less frequent refilling, which is more convenient. Small tanks (up to 5 liters) are suitable for short-term use or smaller rooms. Medium tanks (5-10 liters) are good for moderate use, while large tanks (over 10 liters) are ideal for extended use or larger rooms. Consider how often you are willing to refill the tank and choose accordingly.
Power ConsumptionPower consumption, measured in watts, indicates how much electricity the cooler uses. This is important for understanding the operating cost and energy efficiency of the cooler. Lower wattage (50-100 watts) is more energy-efficient and suitable for smaller rooms or occasional use. Medium wattage (100-200 watts) balances efficiency and performance for regular use. Higher wattage (200+ watts) provides powerful cooling for larger rooms but consumes more electricity. Choose a cooler with power consumption that aligns with your energy efficiency goals and room size.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the cooler is during operation. This is important for ensuring a comfortable and quiet environment, especially if you plan to use the cooler in a bedroom or office. Lower noise levels (below 50 dB) are ideal for quiet environments. Moderate noise levels (50-60 dB) are acceptable for living rooms or areas with some background noise. Higher noise levels (above 60 dB) may be disruptive in quiet settings. Consider where you will use the cooler and choose one with an appropriate noise level.
Portability FeaturesPortability features include wheels, handles, and weight, which affect how easy it is to move the cooler from one room to another. This is important for convenience and flexibility in using the cooler in different locations. Lightweight coolers (under 10 kg) with wheels and handles are easy to move and suitable for frequent relocation. Medium-weight coolers (10-20 kg) offer a balance of portability and stability. Heavy coolers (over 20 kg) may be more challenging to move but often provide more powerful cooling. Consider how often you will move the cooler and choose one with suitable portability features.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features such as remote control, timer, adjustable fan speeds, and air filters can enhance the usability and comfort of the cooler. These features are important for customizing the cooling experience to your preferences. Remote control and timers offer convenience, adjustable fan speeds allow for tailored cooling, and air filters improve air quality. Consider which additional features are important to you and choose a cooler that offers those options.

FAQ