Best portable air conditioners: tried and tested to cool your home

The best portable air conditioners will cool any room quickly and evenly, without causing a racket.

Some can cost upwards of £700, but we've found a Great Value unit that's less than £300, while still giving brilliant results. 

Plus, there are several other portable air conditioners that hit the mark and have been given our Best Buy recommendation. 

We buy every air conditioner we test and accept no freebies from brands. 

The best portable air conditioners 

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The portable air conditioners we tested

All the portable air conditioners we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

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AEG Chillflex Pro AXP26U338CW

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Most recently tested June 2020

Weight 31.8kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 70 x 47.2 x 39cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 28.4/157cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,000 BTU, three fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 166cm, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks

AEG Comfort 6000 AXP26U339CW

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Most recently tested April 2024

Weight 31kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 70.3 x 39 x 48cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 29.7/162cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,000 BTU, three fan speeds, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer, also functions as a dehumidifier, smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 168.3cm, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks

Black + Decker BXAC40006GB

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Most recently tested April 2021

Weight 23.1kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 77 x 31 x 40cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 36.5/150cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,000 BTU, two fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer with delayed startup or shutdown (one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier and air purifier, smartphone connectivity, doesn't say how often you should clean filters

DeLonghi Pinguino Compact PAC ES72 Classic

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Most recently tested April 2024

Weight 21.5kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 68.7 x 29 x 36.3cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 24.5/126cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 8,300 BTU, two fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (0.5 to 10 hours in 30-minute steps, 10 to 24 hours in 1-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 141.5cm, recommended to clean the filter once a week 

DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL112CST Smart Air Conditioner

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Most recently tested March 2023

Weight 30.7kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 74.5 x 45 x 41cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 26.9/123.5cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 11,000 BTU, three fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer with delayed startup (0 to 10 hours in 30-minute steps, 10 to 24 hours in one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 145.2cm, recommended to clean the filter once a week

DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EL92HP

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Most recently tested April 2024

Weight 30.4kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 74.2 x 45.4 x 41.0cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 24/121.5cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,800 BTU, three fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (0.5 to 10 hours in 30-minute steps, 10 to 24 hours in one-hour steps), also functions as a heater and dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 140cm, recommended to clean the filter once a week

DeLonghi Pinguino PAC EM90 ECO

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Most recently tested May 2022

Weight 30kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 70.2 x 43.2 x 34.2cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 29.5/155cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,800 BTU, three fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (0 to 10 hours in 30-minute steps, 10 to 24 hours in one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 164cm, recommended to clean the filter once a week

Duux North Smart 3 in 1 PAC DXMA22

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Available from Duux (£549.99)

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Most recently tested July 2024

Weight 27.3kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 69.5 x 43.5 x 36.4cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 27.1/154.8cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,000 BTU, three fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (one-hour steps), also functions as a heater and dehumidifier, has night mode that slowly raises the temperature throughout the night, smartphone connectivity, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks

Ecoair Crystal MK3 9000 BTU

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Most recently tested April 2024

Weight 21.6kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 68.9 x 28.9 x 32.6cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 35.6/159cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,000 BTU, two fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, has sleep mode, 24-hour timer (one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 169.2cm, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks

Electriq P12HPW

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Most recently tested June 2020

Weight 29.1kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 71.5 x 44.5 x 36cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 24/149.5cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 12,000 BTU, three fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (one-hour steps), also functions as a heater and dehumidifier, smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 170.5cm, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks

Best fans – an alternative for keeping cool whatever the time of year

Electriq Slimline 10000 BTU

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Most recently tested July 2023

Weight 23.7kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 75.5 x 34 x 36.5cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 37/189cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 10,000 BTU, two fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 195cm, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks

Homcom 9000 BTU

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Most recently tested July 2023

Weight 22.4kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 69.5 x 31.6 x 31.6cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 23.5/158.5cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,000 BTU, two fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 165cm, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks

Inventor Chilly 9000BTU

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Most recently tested September 2021

Weight 25.2kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 72 x 35 x 38cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 32/152cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,000 BTU, two fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (0 to 10 hours in 30-minute steps, 10 to 24 hours in one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, no window nozzle supplied, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks5Meaco Cool MC Series 12000

Meaco Cool MC Series 12000

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Available from Meaco (£409.99) (Out of stock)

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Most recently tested March 2023

Weight 28.6kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 76.5 x 45.7 x 36.9cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 31.4/185cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 12,000 BTU, three fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, may not come with a window kit if you don't buy direct from manufacturer, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 188.7cm, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks

Pro Breeze PB-AC01 Smart PAC

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Most recently tested July 2024

Weight 24kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 70.6 x 33 x 31.8cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 31.9/151.4cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,000 BTU, two fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer (one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 161.8cm, recommended to clean the filter every two weeks

Russell Hobbs RHPAC4002

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Most recently tested September 2021

Weight 27.4kg

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Dimensions (H x W x D) 69.8 x 42 x 32.3cm

Minimum/maximum hose length 35/148cm

Need to know Rated cooling capacity 9,000 BTU, three fan speeds, comes with remote control, digital display, has wheels, 24-hour timer with delayed startup or shutdown (one-hour steps), also functions as a dehumidifier, no smartphone connectivity, hose plus window nozzle can reach a maximum length of 161.5cm, recommended to clean the filter once a week

How we test portable air conditioners

Many free-to-access websites review air conditioners using just one tester, basing scores on their preferences. These sites may also receive air conditioners free of charge, directly from manufacturers.

Which? tests are different. Our test scores are based on measurements and ratings, and brands cannot buy their way into our testing. We select the most searched-for portable air conditioners, and we pay for every single one we test.

We also regularly revisit the portable air conditioners on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing.

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent

Performance

• We measure how quickly each air conditioner cools a 35ºC room by 10ºC.
• Plus, we use a dense grid of temperature sensors to determine how evenly the room cools, and whether there are any hot or cold spots.
• We also measure how much energy each air conditioner uses in the time, so we know how energy efficient it is.
• The best portable air conditioners cool a room rapidly and evenly in well under an hour.

Airflow distribution

• You don't want to be subjected to a gale-force blast in one corner of the room while the air barely moves in another corner.
• We measure airflow distribution in multiple locations in the room to see whether there are big variations.
• The best portable air conditioner gets the air moving equally well throughout the room.

Ease of use

• A panel of experts construct, move and use each air conditioner for hours to find the models that won't have you tearing your hair out in frustration.
• They assess how easy the instructions are to use, whether the parts fit together well, how easy it is to move the air conditioners around and more.
• When an air conditioner can be controlled by a smartphone, we put it through a full privacy and security test programme to check for security loopholes that hackers could exploit. 

Accuracy of efficiency claims

• To make sure manufacturers are delivering on their promises, we look at how closely each air conditioner matches its claimed energy efficiency ratio (EER), which is an indicator of how energy efficient an air conditioner will be. 

Noise

• We measure how loud each air conditioner is on its lowest and highest settings.

How air conditioners work

There are two main types of domestic air conditioner: portable and split-unit. Each offers its own unique set of features.

Portable air conditioners

These are also known as single-unit, standalone and mono-block air conditioners. They usually have wheels on the bottom so you can roll them between rooms. 

They're ideal for cooling a single room and have an attached hose that needs to dangle out of a nearby window. They extract hot air from your home and push it outside through the attached hose.

Due to condensation, water droplets are collected, so you'll need to manually remove the water from the tank every so often and clean the filter at the same time.

Pros

• Tend to be cheaper than split-unit air conditioners.
• Cool your home without needing to install anything permanently.
• Can be unplugged and stored when not in use.
• Premium models often double as dehumidifiers, electric heaters or occasionally as air purifiers.

Cons

• Not as efficient at cooling as split-unit models.
• If you run the hose through an open window, this will allow some warm air back in through the gap. And if you live near a busy road an open window at night may be noisier than you'd like. Most, but not all, models come with a window-sealing kit for blocking off this open window gap, but this only works with certain types of window, such as sash.
• They are generally heavy, unwieldy appliances. If you have reduced strength and/or live alone, you might need to get someone to help you set it up.

Split-unit air conditioners

Also known as fixed air conditioners, these comprise two parts: a condensing unit (mounted outside) and an evaporator (mounted inside). Both parts need to be connected, so installation is far more complex compared with a portable model.

The outdoor unit circulates refrigerant and turns it from a gas to a liquid. That liquid passes through coolant lines to the indoor evaporator, where it transforms from a liquid to vapour.

Heat is removed from the surrounding air and cooled air is blown into your home. This process will repeat over and over until the unit reaches the temperature you've programmed.

Pros

• Ideal if you have one room that regularly gets very hot.
• A secure way of air conditioning your home as there's no need to leave windows open.
• Quieter and usually more efficient than a portable air conditioner.

Cons

• Usually more expensive than standalone units – expect to pay upwards of £500, excluding installation fees.
• Fixed in place, so can't be moved between rooms.
• Need to be permanently mounted on an outside wall by a certified professional, so involves structural work to your home.

How much energy do air conditioners use?

The average portable air conditioner from our tests uses 22p per hour on their highest setting. This is about as much energy as a typical fridge freeze uses in one day.

The cheapest we've tested cost about 17p per hour to run, and the priciest 31p per hour.

But cheap running costs are no good if the air con takes ages to cool down the room. The most energy-efficient models cool quickly, so you don't have to have the air-con on for as as long. 

Split-unit air conditioners tend to be more energy efficient, but these are more expensive and have to be permanently installed by a professional. We don't test split-unit air conditioners as they're less popular in the UK.

Can you buy an eco air conditioner?

While the electricity used to power portable air conditioners can come from renewable energy sources, this can’t be guaranteed. Electricity is generated from a mixture of burning fossil fuels, renewables, gas and nuclear, but this is mixed up in the grid. 

Portable air conditioners also use refrigerant gas to help cool your room. This can come in the form hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a greenhouse gas which, when emitted, can contribute to global warming.

If your air conditioner is working properly, it shouldn’t release any HFCs. However, if the unit leaks or is disposed of incorrectly, that’s when harmful greenhouse gases can be released. 

By 2030, the UK aims to reduce the use of HFCs by 79% and replace them with alternatives that have less impact on global warming, such as R290. You’ll find these are used more in the latest portable air conditioner models, but older machines may still use an HFC refrigerant.

However, if you do decide to use a portable air conditioner, there are things you can do to make it more efficient:

• Choose a suitable model for the size of the room Those with a lower BTU in a large space will have to work harder to cool it, which is going to use more electricity.
• Use a window-sealing kit If a kit is included and it fits the type of window you have (generally sliding, sash or French windows), sealing your window can help to stop warm air travelling back into the room.
• Keep an eye out for any refrigerant leaks If yours is blowing out warm air or is noisier than usual, this could indicate that it has a refrigerant leak.

Reduce your energy bills and prepare for a greener future: make your property more energy efficient using our home energy planning service.

What size air conditioner you need

They come in various shapes and sizes, but are often described in terms of their British thermal unit (BTU) output.

In theory, the higher the claimed BTU, the more efficiently it can cool a room. As a general rule, 5,000-8,000 BTUs is adequate for most living rooms or bedrooms. 

Use this calculation to work out what BTU is right for you:

Multiply the dimensions (in feet) of the room by five. So for a room measuring 15ft x 10ft x 8ft, you would calculate 15 x 10 x 8 x 5 = an air conditioner of 6,000 BTUs.

If you're concerned about how much energy an air conditioner will use, look for a model with a good energy efficiency ratio (EER). This is the ratio between an air conditioner's BTU and its power input (in watts). Generally, the higher the EER rating, the more efficient it is.

Air conditioner installation

Check your manual first, as some models need to be left to stand upright for as long as six hours before being used.

When placing it in the room, you ideally need to allow 50cm around the unit for air to circulate. Never plug an air conditioner into an extension lead, either – always plug it directly into the mains socket.

When setting up wi-fi on your air conditioner (if applicable), place the unit as close to the router as possible during setup.

Your portable air conditioner may come with a window-sealing kit, but you'll only be able to use it if you have a certain type of window (sliding, sash or French). If you have a different type, you should still be able to use the air conditioner with the hose extended through an open window.

If you live alone, we suggest you get someone to help you set it up, particularly if you're pregnant or have reduced strength. If you've bought a split-unit air conditioner, this will need to be installed by a professional.

Air conditioner maintenance

To keep your air conditioner in peak condition, remove bungs to drain water at the end of summer, before it's packed away for winter.

If the summer has been particularly humid, you may need to drain the unit every few weeks. Water pipes are normally located at the bottom of the machine.

You should clean the dust filters and fans regularly whether you have a portable or split-unit model. This will often involve vacuuming the filter or washing it in warm soapy water and cleaning the fan with a soft, dry cloth.

How do I dispose of a portable air conditioner?

Around 2m tonnes of electrical and electronic waste are generated every year, so it’s important to dispose of your portable air conditioner correctly and in a way that isn’t harmful to the environment.

If left in landfill, they can release the refrigerant into the environment. Some models also contain HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases. 

Check with your local council to see if it offers household collection. You can also see if your local recycling centre accepts them. In some cases you may have to pay a small fee for this.

See how to correctly recycle your electrical items.

Other ways to keep cool without air conditioning

Air conditioning may be worthwhile if you spend a lot of time at home and you find it gets very hot, especially if the room is south facing. They can also be useful if you have valuable items that you don’t want to overheat, such as computing equipment, models, artwork or musical instruments.

But in a country where we only get a few weeks of hot weather each summer, you may not want to fork out for a portable air conditioner. They can be expensive and bulky and use a lot of energy.

Here are some alternative ways to keep cool:

• Electric fans A cheaper option to buy and run. Remember that they don't actively cool the air, they just move it around. You feel cooler because the breeze helps moisture to evaporate off your skin. See our reviews of the best electric fans.
• Air coolers They look a bit like dehumidifiers but don't require installation and don't need to be vented through a window like air conditioners. They draw in warm air and cool it using water that's stored in a tank. They're much less effective than air conditioners, though.
• Close windows and curtains Keep the windows shut when the air outside is warmer than inside, and you’ll keep warm air out of the house. Use curtains, blinds and shutters to keep the sunshine out of rooms in the heat of the day and while they’re not in use.
• Take cool or lukewarm showers Taking a cold shower might make you feel better for a short time, but your best option is using cool or lukewarm water, and then letting yourself air-dry rather than towel-drying yourself. The action of water evaporating from your skin will create a cooling effect.
• Eat cooling and hydrating food Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, says: ‘Older people can be particularly at risk of dehydration and overheating when it gets hot. Drink plenty of fluids and eat normally, but be sure to include cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain a lot of water and help us stay hydrated.'
• Wear the right clothes at night You may think the easiest way to keep cool at night is to completely strip off. In fact, it’s best to wear some clothes, provided they are thin, loose and cotton-based. They will act as a wick for sweat, increasing the surface area for sweat to evaporate from and helping you to feel cooler. Read our round-up of five cooling mattresses for hot sleepers.

We've found the best cool boxes and best cooler bags to keep food and drink at the right temperature