Smallest Portable Air Conditioners To Keep You Cool

Come summer time and in many places the heat becomes unbearable. While many would say that installing air conditioning provides the best solution, sometimes it is not. There are instances where it is impractical to fit an AC unit in every room. Thankfully, there are small portable air conditioners.

List of Best Small Portable Air Conditioner

1. Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner
2. BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
3. EdgeStar AP8000W Portable Air Conditioner
4. LG LP1017WSR 115V Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control
5. FRIGIDAIRE FFPA0822U1 Portable Air Conditioner
6. SereneLife 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
7. MIDEA MPF08CR81-E Portable Air Conditioner
8. hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
9. Honeywell MM14CCS Portable Air Conditioner

Small portable air conditioners are easy to transfer from one room to another where they are needed. They are your best choice if you have to cool a targeted area rather than an entire house. Doing so can also help reduce your energy usage than when you use a regular air conditioning unit.

Best Small Portable Air Conditioner – Comparison Table

IMAGE	AIR CONDITIONER	FEATURES
	Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner	Cooling Capacity: 8,000 / 10,000 BTU Weight: 43 lbs Price: $$$	Check Price
	BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner	Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU Weight: 52.9 lbs Price: $$$	Check Price
	EdgeStar AP8000W Portable Air Conditioner	Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU Weight: 56 lbs Price: $$$	Check Price
	LG LP1017WSR 115V Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control	Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU Weight: 59.5 lbs Price: $$$	Check Price
	FRIGIDAIRE FFPA0822U1 Portable Air Conditioner	Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU Weight: 63 lbs Price: $$$	Check Price
	SereneLife 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner	Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU Weight: 46.3 lbs Price: $$$	Check Price
	MIDEA MPF08CR81-E Portable Air Conditioner	Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU Weight: 63.6 lbs Price: $$$	Check Price
	hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner	Cooling Capacity: 14,000-BTU Weight: 72.3 lbs Price: $$$	Check Price
	Honeywell MM14CCS Portable Air Conditioner	Cooling Capacity: 14,000-BTU Weight: 73.9 lbs Price: $$$	Check Price

Whatever your reason is for buying a small AC, one thing is for sure. There are a lot of options out there and the task of choosing the best product can be daunting. After reviewing some of the best brands in the small portable air conditioner market, here are our top 3 choices:

1. Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner – This is the most portable air conditioner in the list. It weighs just about 43 pounds and it is also small in size, yet, it can cool a room of up to 450 sq. ft.
2. BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner – If you are looking for a portable AC for a small room, this product is one of the best choices available. It cools and dehumidifies the room.
3. EdgeStar AP8000W Portable Air Conditioner – You’ll love this air conditioner if you are after convenience. It comes with a 24-hour timer, allowing you to set the functions at specific times.

BEST SMALL PORTABLE AIR CONDITIONER

1. Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner

Specs

• Power/cooling capacity (Ashrae – 128 standard): 8000 / 10000 BTU
• Recommended room size: Up to 250 to 450 sq. ft.
• Weight: 43 lbs
• Dimensions: 13.5” x 14.6” x 27.7”
• Noise level: 50 to 53 dB

A more breathable space. This is what Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner promises to offer. And checking at its features, it looks like it can indeed cool your room and help reduce the impurities in indoor air including dust, hair and pet dander, thanks to its washable dual filtration system.

And since the filters are washable and easy to clean, it means that you will not have to spend extra on a new filter. What’s more is that this AC features a Filter Clean Alert to remind you when it’s time to clean the filter.

Moreover, this AC boasts of multi functionality. This 3-in-1 device works as an AC cooler, a multi-speed fan and a dehumidifier. Regardless of the season, this unit will have you covered in terms of comfort.

Its built-in dehumidification function can remove up to 44 pints for 24 hours continuous operation. And since it has a high power rating, it is the best choice for those who are looking to cool a bigger room.

In terms of size and portability, this AC measures 13.5 x 14.6 x 27.7 inches and weighs about 43 pounds and is considered one of the lightest in its class. You can easily move it from one place to another without lifting it as it comes with smooth-gliding wheels.

2. BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner

Specs

• Power/cooling capacity (Ashrae): 8000 BTU
• Recommended room size: Up to 100 to 150 sq. ft.
• Weight: 52.9 lbs
• Dimensions: 16.5” x 11.5” x 26”
• Noise level: 75 dB on high setting

BLACK+DECKER is one of the prominent makers of quality home appliances and this portable air conditioner is one of their best sellers. It cools, circulates the air, and dehumidifies the room to make it comfortable even at the peak of summer heat. This portable AC is right for you if you have a small room to cool.

The BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner is engineered with your convenience in mind. Moving it from one room to another will not cause you any hassle since it comes with casters and carrying handles for quick and convenient moving. Aside from that, it comes with a remote control which lets you access all its features anywhere you are in the room.

What’s good about this portable AC is that it has a slide-out filter that can be easily rinsed when you put it under running water. It also comes with an exhaust hose and window kit for easy installation.

3. EdgeStar AP8000W Portable Air Conditioner

Specs

• Power/cooling capacity (Ashrae – 128 standard): 8,000 BTU
• Recommended room size: Cools 150 to 225 sq. ft. (depends on heat load)
• Weight: 56 lbs
• Dimensions: 24 3/4″ (H) x 19 1/4″ (W) x 13 1/4″ (D)

If convenience is your top consideration, this product is worth checking out. It is extra convenient to use as it features a 24- hour programmable timer. Imagine being able to cool your space before you even get there.

This feature also allows you to automatically turn off the unit at a specific time or to cycle on automatically. There is nothing more convenient than that.

This AC comes with many other great features which include 3 fan speeds with directional air discharge louvers. This means that you can use it as a support for your central air conditioning system just in case the weather gets nasty. Aside from that, it also dehumidifies the air up to 50/pints a day, keeping you cool during a hot and humid day.

If you buy this product, it comes with everything you need to set it up, such as a window kit, filters and a remote control.

4. LG LP1017WSR 115V Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control

Specs

• Power/cooling capacity (Ashrae – 128 standard): 10000 BTU
• Recommended room size: Up to 250 square feet
• Weight: 59.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.8” x 16.9” x 27.4”

The LG LP1017WSR 115V Portable Air Conditioner is one of the best choices when it comes to cooling bigger rooms. In fact, it can cool up to a 300-sq.ft. area.

It comes with several interesting features, one of which is its auto evaporation system which complements its 24- hour programmable thermostat. These features let you control the on-and-off time as well as the temperature even if you are not yet in the room.

Another feature that you’ll love about this item is its auto-swing air vent technology which increases its efficiency in cooling a room for best cooling experience. This feature ensures that the cool air is properly circulated so that there will be no hot spots in the room.

Wherever you are in the room, you are guaranteed to enjoy its cooling effect. Not only that, it also features a dehumidifier that offers 2.5 pints per hour dehumidification. You need that feature in the summer when the air becomes really humid.

5. FRIGIDAIRE FFPA0822U1 Portable Air Conditioner

Specs

• Power/cooling capacity (Ashrae – 128 standard): 8,000 BTU
• Recommended room size: Up to 350 sq. ft.
• Weight: 63 lbs
• Dimensions: 15.2” x 18.8” x 27.9”
• Noise level: 52 dB on high

Frigidaire is the pioneer of the self-contained refrigerator, having developed the first unit in 1916. Today, this company also manufactures a wide range of energy- efficient home appliances including cooling units such as this portable air conditioner. It is also one of the best portable ac units for larger rooms.

One of the standout features of this AC is its antibacterial filter which does not only reduce airborne particles and room odors but also helps get rid of bacteria. As a result, you can enjoy quality indoor air with less bacteria to worry about.

Another notable feature of this unit is its built-in timer which you can preset to automatically turn on or off the AC in half-hour increments. So before you arrive home, you can already set this AC to turn to allow the room to be cool enough when you arrive.

On days where the temperature is not very hot, you could also switch to fan mode for energy efficiency. This AC does come with different fan speeds. And when the weather is humid, you can simply use its dehumidifier as it is capable of working 2.8 pints per hour.

6. SereneLife 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Specs

• Power/cooling capacity: 8,000 BTU
• Recommended room size: Up to 215 sq. ft.
• Weight: 46.3 lbs
• Dimensions: 13.8” x 27.2” x 14.6”

This AC unit is for you if your main consideration in getting an air conditioner is portability. Weighing only 46.3 pounds, it is one of the lightest portable ac units in this list and is also one of the smallest.

With its sleek design and small size, it is ideal for small bedrooms, garages or offices. Moreover, you can easily move it from one room to another with convenience as it comes with rolling wheels.

As for its performance, the SereneLife has 3 operating modes: cooling, dehumidifier and fan. With these three options, you can have more flexibility in the level of comfort that you want to get.

When the weather is already cool, you can use the fan mode as it gives you comfort with lower energy cost. Moreover, the dehumidifier mode helps reduce the humidity level in the room which is very useful in the summer.

Aside from the comfort, the best thing about this AC is that it also works as an air purifier. If you are living in the city, you’ll never know what kind of air pollutants are inside your home. With its built-in air purifier, it helps reduce the allergens and pollutants in the air, giving you peace of mind.

7. MIDEA MPF08CR81-E Portable Air Conditioner

Specs

• Power/cooling capacity (Ashrae – 128 standard): 8,000 BTU
• Recommended room size: Up to 100 sq. ft.
• Weight: 63.6 lbs
• Dimensions: 17.1” x 13” x 29.1”

If you have a small room to cool, the MIDEA Portable Air Conditioner may just be for you. It boasts of an “easy cool” feature, which means that it can easily cool the room of up to 100 sq. ft.

This can help you save on energy cost as you don’t have to preset your air conditioner (for those AC with a programmable thermostat) to turn on before you arrive just to achieve the same level of coolness that this AC has to offer. While producing cool air, it also simultaneously provides dehumidification and fan functions.

This portable air conditioner also comes with other standout features for best performance such as digital LED control panel, LED remote control. It will also be shipped to you complete with installation accessories such as the clip-on drain hose and adjustable window brackets. For easy mobility, it is fitted with wheels.

8. hOmeLabs 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Specs

• Power/cooling capacity: 14,000 BTU
• Recommended room size: 450 to 600 sq. ft.
• Weight: 72.3 lbs
• Dimensions: 17.9” x 15” x 30.7”

The hOmeLabs portable air conditioner is a perfect choice for huge rooms as it can cool up to 600 square foot area due to its high power capacity. Aside from that, it also gives you more flexibility as to the type and level of comfort it can provide because of its four operational modes: auto, cool, dry and fan modes.

Moreover, this air conditioner has a built-in dehumidifier function which expels hot air through the exhaust hose unlike many air conditioners that expel excess heat back into the room.

With this functionality, it is able to maintain the coolness in the room even during very hot summer days. On top of that, it is also equipped with an automatic vertical swing function to ensure an even distribution of cool air flow throughout the room.

The best thing about this air conditioner is that it has washable filters. This can save you money from buying disposable filters that many AC units have. These filters keep your indoor air clean and the AC unit running efficiently without additional costs on your part.

9. Honeywell MM14CCS Portable Air Conditioner

Specs

• Power/cooling capacity (Ashrae – 128 standard): 14,000 BTU
• Recommended room size: 550 to 700 sq. ft.
• Weight: 73.9 lbs
• Dimensions: 15.7” x 16.5” x 29”

This product is one of Honeywell’s mm series of portable AC units. It has a sleek and modern design and features and is powerful enough to cool up to a 700-square-feet area. It boasts of a 3-in-1 technology that delivers optimum cooling performance.

It also has a fan function just in case you want to use it as an additional support to your central air conditioner or if you wish to use it when the weather is not very warm.

When you buy this unit, it comes with a full-function remote control that lets you access all of its functions from across the room. After all, we want quick and convenient access to our devices. And unlike a regular AC, it does not require permanent installations. Instead, it is fitted with four caster wheels so you can just move it across your house.

One of the features that we like about this air conditioner is that it has an auto-evaporation system. This means that you can continuously use it to cool the room with no water to drain from it.

There are units that require frequent draining before you can use it again, but this portable AC does not give you that headache. Aside from that, it also has a thermal overload protection as a safety feature and for your added peace of mind.

Small Portable AC Buying Guide

When buying a portable AC unit, there are several factors that you need to consider to help narrow down your options and ultimately find the best product for your needs.

Size

If your intention of buying the AC unit is to keep it in one spot, the size may not be that impacting in your decision. However, if you intend to transfer it from one area to another where it is needed, then size does matter.

Portability is often associated with size and weight and that is true for small air conditioners. A unit too big or heavy can be cumbersome and difficult to transport. Aside from the size, check also if the unit has wheels or side handles as these features allow you to move the unit without heavy lifting and assistance.

Power

Power capacity is an extremely important factor to consider when choosing a small air conditioner. If you choose a very small unit, chances are it does not have enough power to cool the room where you want to use it. And if you buy a unit with too much power than what is needed in the room, it could mean extra energy cost for you.

When it comes to power, it’s vital that you check the (British Thermal Unit) BTU rating to understand the power output of the unit.

It may vary across different manufacturers so you may also have to check the indication showing the square foot of cooling capacity of the air conditioner. As a rule of thumb, you need a power or cooling capacity of 1,800 BTU per 100 square feet area.

Features

Most of the high-end portable air conditioners now are considered a smart appliance as they come with special features that can enhance your cooling experience. Most of these features are designed to add convenience or to help you save on energy cost. Common special features include:

Multiple Fan Speed and Mode – The speed can range from 1 to 4, and modes may include heat automatic, dehumidify, breeze and more. All these can give you the level of comfort that you need.

Programmable Thermostat – This feature is very useful as it lets you cool the room at a precise temperature and at specific times. This will eliminate the need to manually turn the air conditioner on or off to adjust the settings.

Auto Drain System – This feature is designed for your convenience. The automatic drain system will turn the water from condensation into exhaust so you don’t have to manually drain the unit.

Remote Control – This is a must if you want an air conditioner that you can easily control wherever you are in the room.

Heating and Cooling Combo – If you can find a portable AC unit that also works as a heating unit, that is a plus. It means you don’t have to buy a separate heating unit for winter.

Noise

Regardless if it’s a window-type, ductless, split type or portable AC unit, air conditioners do make noise. The noise level may vary. For some, they can be described as “background noise” that is more likely unnoticeable. But there are also units that cause irritating noise and this is an important factor to consider when buying a portable air conditioner.

When you go shopping for small air conditioners, you’ll find that some units are quieter (or noisier) than usual because of their design. While most manufacturers will claim that their units do not produce significant noise, a great way to know if that is so, is through customer reviews of that predict.

Price

Small portable air conditioning units can range from $150 to $600, but there are some models that can be more expensive. The cost difference can be attributed to different factors, and mainly its power. A small AC unit that can cool a large room is likely to be more expensive than an AC of the same size but that can only cool a smaller area.

Moreover, small ACs with extra features like programmable thermostat and different modes also cost higher. And as with most products, brands known for their quality products may also cost more, but in the long run can help you save money because they also last longer.

Air Conditioner Filter

The AC filter works to remove solid contaminants in the air such as dust, smoke, pollen and grease to maintain air quality in your home. These filters trap these contaminants so that only clean air is discharged into your room.

The ability of filters to trap particles or contaminants is measured using MERV or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This value could range from 1 to 20 and can trap particles as tiny as .3 microns to 10 micron. The higher the value, the more efficient the AC unit is in trapping smaller particles.

For residential AC units, the MERV can range from 1 to 12. AC units with 12 MERV can trap particles that are at least 1 microns.

Benefits of Going Small

Using a small portable air conditioner offers several benefits:

1. No restrictions

Many apartment buildings and other dwelling spaces prohibit the use of a window air conditioner. That is when portable AC units make a good alternative. These portable ACs do not entail permanent installation so you don’t have to worry about making a hole in your wall just to have one installed.

2. Portable ACs can fit a small space

If you have a small area, a portable air conditioner is a great choice as it does not occupy much space. And unlike a window air conditioner which can take up most of the window space, portable ACs only take a fraction of that space, giving you more window space.

3. Portable AC units are more economical

Many people buy a portable AC for economic reasons. Central air conditioning units are not only expensive but they are also costly to run especially if you are cooling an entire house when you will just be using one area. A portable AC can help you lower your central air conditioner usage.

4. Portable ACs work as your on-the-go cooler

If you spend a lot of time outdoors on your RV or pop-up camper, you can also use a small portable air conditioner as your cooler.

5. Easy to move

Portability is perhaps one of the top benefits of small air conditioners. Most units come with caster wheels and handles so that if you have one in your home, you can conveniently move it from one room to another without any hassle. And since they are small in size, generally, you can move them alone without assistance.

6. Portable air conditioners are easy to set-up

Portable air conditioners are very easy to set-up. They typically come with complete installation kit so that you don’t have to purchase a thing to set it up.

FAQ

What is the smallest portable ac unit?

The SereneLife 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner measures only 13.8” x 27.2” x 14.6” and it is the smallest portable air conditioner in this list.

What is the best mini air cooler?

The best mini air cooler is the Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner. It is one of the smallest portable air conditioners in this review.

Due to its light weight and small size, it is very easy to transport. It also has a high BTU rating enough to cool a room of up to 450 sq.ft. Most importantly, it has top-of-the-line features and overall construction.

What is the lightest portable air conditioner?

The lightest (and one of the smallest) portable AC is the Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner as it weighs only 43 pounds.

Conclusion

A small portable air conditioner is a good choice if you are looking for a unit to cool a room, not an entire house. It is also a good choice if you want an air conditioner that you can quickly and conveniently move from one room or location to another. And it is the best choice for you if there are restrictions on permanent installations in your housing facility.

If you think that a small portable air conditioner is for you, you may consider checking our top choice which is the Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner.

This air conditioning system only weighs 43 pounds while most of its counterparts weigh more than 50 pounds. It is also one of the smallest in size which makes it extremely portable. Most importantly, it cools a room of up to 450 sq.ft really fast. This 3-in-one device also doubles as a fan or dehumidifier.

Portable air conditioners are gaining in popularity nowadays. More and more people choose this product as an alternative to the regular window air conditioner because of their many benefits. With so many brands and models to choose from, our list above can help you easily find that product for your needs.