The 4 Best Portable AC Units for Cool and Comfortable Summer Living

If you aren’t blessed with central air conditioning, you’ll soon be relying on a removable unit. Depending on what best suits your needs, that means a low-profile window air conditioner or a portable AC.

Portable ACs are best for those who don’t want to sacrifice window space (or a view) with a big air conditioner, don’t have windows that are compatible with window units (security bars or too narrow), or those who literally want to be able to move their AC from room to room (flexibility!). They’re typically more expensive and less efficient than window units, but if a portable air conditioner is what’s best for your space and your budget, there are several great options to choose from.

Note that all portable air conditioners require an exhaust hose that vents through a window. And because they’re designed to sit on the floor, you’ll have to make room for it. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, the last thing you want is a bulky portable AC as the focal point in your living room. Below, you’ll find four of the best portable AC units to keep your home cool all summer long.

The best portable AC units for sleek summer living

1. LG 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, $379

LG’s three-in-one unit functions as an air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier, giving you everything you need to survive hot summer temperatures. Auto-evaporative technology allows it to remove water from the air without having to continuously empty a water bucket. Portable air conditioners tend to be a little bit louder than window units, but this one is still relatively quiet at 53 decibels while running, or about as loud as a conversation. It cools up to 200 square feet and measures about 17 inches wide, 27 inches high, and 13 inches deep.

Shop now: LG 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner,$379

2. Friedrich ZoneAire Smart Portable Air Conditioner 10,000 BTU, $429

Equipped with cooling, dehumidification (with auto drainage), and fan functions, Friedrich’s portable AC looks great in any room of the house. And it’s WiFi compatibility means you can control it from any other room in the house—or the other side of the planet, if you’re so inclined. Fredrich air conditioners are known to be exceptionally quiet. This model measures about 17 inches wide, 28 inches high, and 13 inches deep. With 10,000 BTUs, it cools a room that’s up to 300 square feet. It’s also available in 8,500 BTUs ($369) and 13,000 BTUs ($499).

Shop now: Friedrich ZoneAire Smart Portable Air Conditioner 10,000 BTU, $429

3. Frigidaire Gallery Series Smart Portable Air Conditioner 13,000 BTU, $529

Shop now: Frigidaire Gallery Series Smart Portable Air Conditioner 13,000 BTU, $529

Frigidaire’s super-quiet air conditioner (49 decibels) cools a room up to 600 square feet with 13,000 BTUs. It connects to WiFi so you can manage it from the Frigidaire App, but its also compatibly with Amazon Alexa and Google Play for voice control. It features a programmable 24-hour on/off timer, a dry mode to remove moisture from the air, and more. It’s approximately 19 inches wide, 31 inches high, and 17 inches deep.

4. Impecca Portable Room Air Conditioner 14,000 Cooling BTUs, 11,000 Heating BTUs, $653

At 50 decibels, Impecca’s 14,000 BTU air conditioner is relatively quiet. It can cool a room up to 700 square feet but also functions as a fan and a heater. Dry mode also allows it to remove moisture from the air. It’s roughly 18 inches wide, 30 inches high, and 16 inches deep. It’s also available in 12,000 BTUs ($600).

Shop now: Impecca Portable Room Air Conditioner 14,000 Cooling BTUs, 11,000 Heating BTUs, $653

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