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The 10 Best Portable Air Conditioners to Cool Off This Summer

Stop braving the heat, and start living your best, coolest life.

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By Roy Berendsohn, Zarah A. Kavarana, and Sanah Faroke

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No need to struggle with window AC units with these free-standing, portable air conditioners. With most of them on wheels (and some even tabletop sized!), these couldn’t be easier to set up and get going.

If you live in a home that doesn’t have central AC, purchasing this versatile air conditioner is a cheaper solution to moving. The temperature easily adjusts and kicks in quickly, so you can program it freely to fit your preferences. Its dehumidifier and fan functions are a favorite for year-round use, while its silent operation on all settings makes it great for quiet days and nights.

If you have a smaller room to cool, this Vremi AC won’t disappoint. Simply roll it next to a window, install the window adapter, attach the 5.6-foot hose, and turn it on. It can cool a room down to 64°F, has a built in timer, and the air filters are removable and washable. This model comes with a remote control, too.

Cool down your room in half the time with a dual-hose air conditioner, like this pick. Designed to cool down a space up to 400 square feet, this has a programmable timer and a thermostatic control for personalization. We also love that this can work not only as a portable air conditioner, but also as a fan and dehumidifier. 

We always strive to get the best bang for our buck, and this 3-in-1 option from Midea is just that. Combining the power of an air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan in one, this multi-purpose machine will become a year-round staple in your home. This option also features a washable filter and is designed to cool off spaces up to 150 square feet. 

If you need a bit more power, this Hessaire can cool up to 950 square feet of space. It can be filled up manually, or you can opt for the continuous fill option that — when connected to a water supply via hose — uses a float valve to keep it topped off. At 39 pounds it’s relatively easy to move around, thanks to the four rolling casters. The durable brass hose connector is also a nice perk. 

Looking for a hassle-free AC? Available in 10,000 or 8,000 BTU models, the AireMax portable AC can cool and dehumidify a room up to 200 square feet in size. It comes with a window panel and a remote control, sets up easily, and can be programmed to run on a timer. The AC has two fan speeds, and is Energy Star rated for efficiency.

SereneLife offers these compact air conditioners with a range of 10,000 BTUs that can cool a room up to 350 square feet in the summer, or keep up the same room warm in the winter (that’s right, it’s also a heater)! Complete with a dehumidifier and four operating modes, this compact option is bound to become a year-round favorite. 

Perfect for rooms up to 250 square feet, the GE portable air conditioner features 9,000 BTUs, a 24-hour timer, and lets you choose between three modes — cool, fan, or dehumidifier. This portable unit comes complete with a window mounting kit for easy install. 

Whether intended for a small bedroom at home or a private office at work, this portable air conditioner is the perfect climate solution for any space up to 300 square feet. Its auto-evaporation system allows for nonstop use, and its programmable 24-hour timer makes it easy to control the temperature, even when you’re not around. Plus, its sleek and contemporary design will easily blend into any surroundings, making it a piece you’ll actually want to show off.

Frigidaire’s compact portable air conditioner may be only about 12 inches wide, but it can cool up to 450 square feet. Best of all, you can run it through the Frigidaire app, so you never have to come home to a hot room.