If you want fresh, cool air without the stress of a window AC installation, a portable air conditioner can be a great solution.Think of these appliances as AC units on wheels, able to cool a single room without as permanent of an installation in your home and windowsill — a key feature if you live in an apartment or four-season climate.
To help find the best portable air conditioners, I spoke with cooling and appliance experts, and got their advice about everything you need to know.Plus, I’ve included a list of the best units you can buy for rooms of all sizes.Selected.Our top picksMost powerfulWhynter 14,000 BTU ARC-1230WNH Inverter Portable Air Conditioner$559.99$629.99AmazonLearn moreBest budgetShinco 8,000 Btu Portable Air Conditioner$290.03$305.30AmazonLearn moreBest for small roomsBlack+Decker 8,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner$undefined$283.48AmazonLearn moreBest for large roomsDreo 12,000 BTU AC515S Portable Air Conditioner$449.99$529.99AmazonLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedThe best fans for cooling a room (and body): tower, pedestal, desk, and moreWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.The best portable air conditioners of 2026My top picks come from large brands like Black+Decker, Midea and Whynter.
Inside each “What to know” menu, you’ll find important specifications you should know.Most powerfulWhynter 14,000 BTU ARC-1230WNH Inverter Portable Air Conditioner$559.99$629.99AmazonNow 11% offWhat to knowModes: Cool, fan, dehumidify, heat | Cooling power: 14,000 BTUs | Room size: Up to 600 sq.ft. | Hose type: Dual hose | Weight: 77.2 lbs | Dimensions: 17 D x 20 W x 33 H in.What we likePortableCools large roomsAlso has heatingSomething to noteTakes up floor spaceThis Whynter model is the most powerful and most advanced air conditioner on our list — it’s a good option if you need to cool a large room quickly and efficiently.
It’s a dual-hose unit: one hose pulls fresh air int...