Best Portable Air Conditioner (Reviewed June 2020)

Best Portable Air Conditioner (Reviewed June 2020) Best Portable Air Conditioner Units 10 Best Selling Portable AC 2020 best portable air conditioner - image source: pixabayWhile air conditioning is often the go-to solution for keeping work and home spaces cool during the summer, a permanent unit is not always the most practical AC solution for your needs, whether at work or home. Thankfully, there are plentiful portable air conditioner appliances available for these purposes. The best portable air conditioner units enable you to strike a balance between the need for cold air and the need for alternative means of cooling homes or workspaces.Finding the best units can be quite a complex task, as your choice will depend on whether you are browsing on the basis of price and cost-effectiveness, or looking for the most energy-efficient model, or the quietest, or the most powerful. Best will always come down to what your top priority list.This post details the top selling and units on Amazon â€" complete with portable air conditioner reviews for each product â€" in a bid to help you to choose the unit that best suits your specific requirements. Before we proceed to the reviews of the units, here is an at a glance summary of the best portable air conditioner units available in 2020. Best Portable Air Conditioner Units 2020Before we get into our full in-depth reviews of the machines contained in our selection of the best portable AC units of 2020, firstly check out the following table that lists the top 10â€"the very cream of the best portable air conditioner crop for this year.The table is interactive, with clickable links to the appliances online, and to our detailed reviews of each of the products listed, including the most powerful appliance; the most efficient; the unit with the best cooling performance; and the quietest portable air conditioner.Links to these product reviews can also be easily accessed via the scrolling navigation menu at screen right, while the links will also enable you to perform your own portable air conditioner price comparison.Our team has tested a wide rang e of portable air conditioner units. Based on our findings we believe the Frigidaire Gallery, the Whynter ARC-12S, and the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU are ahead of the competition. (Read our Buyers Guide at the end of the portable air conditioner reviews to find out more about our methodology.)All of units in this post are excellent in one or more areas. They will all cool, refresh and provide welcome relief when needed, but some of them, if not all of them, do it in a way that is completely distinctive to their brand, or to the particular unit itself. So, lets have a look at our product review list. Click on the Unit Brand Model links in the table to jump to detailed portable AC reviews for each appliance, and on the Check Price links to undertake a price check for the product online.  ColColCol Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect 53dBCheck Price   Whynter ARC-12S 52.5dBCheck Price   Frigidaire Gray 14,000 BTU 55dBCheck Price  Haier HPC12XCR 50dBCheck Price  Friedrich PH14B 13500 BTU 51dBCheck Price  Sunpentown WA-8070E 53.6dBCheck Price  Honeywell MN10CESBB 50dBCheck Price  LG LP0817WSR 54dBCheck Price  NewAir AC-14100E 57dBCheck Price   Whynter Arc-14S 56dBCheck Price      1.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Review Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect    Image Source: AmazonIt doesn’t have the best performance specifications, but the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 is a generally strong performer. Its specs for room size and power are above average compared with other models. This portable air conditioner also has several interesting features, including three fan speeds and a dehumidification mode.   Number of Customer Ratings:  84 Average Rating: 3.2 out of 5 stars   Check Price    Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Cooling PerformanceThe Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect true stand-out feature is its oscillating louvers. These are almost unique for a portable AC: only two other units we reviewed have something similar. The louvers allow air to be spread through a room quickly allowing for a fast, fresh cooling effect. The Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 portable AC also boasts superior circulation capacity, so increasing the rate at which the unit will cool a room.Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet)550Power (BTU)12,000Maximum Airflow (CFM)200Moisture Removal3Multiple Fan SpeedYesFan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversYes  Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Efficiency and CertificationsNot only is the Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect one of the best AC units: its also one of the most efficient. The Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) score of 11. SEER is the ratio of cooling in BTU per energy consumed in watt-hours, and the higher this rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is. The Frigidaire SEER rating of 11 is much higher than the lowest score we reviewed here (8.9).Using this rating, our team estimates that this is a high efficiency portable air conditioner that will cost only around $94.76 per year to run. Even the top units can cost more than $135 to run, so this means the Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect as cost-efficient as it is energy-efficientâ€"that makes it an economically viable as well as a highly practical cooling resource for your home.The Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect is also one of the safest of electrical products for the home. Its certified by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) agency, and by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the global safety consulting and certification company. There could be no higher standards of verification. RoHS certification signifies that the units dont contain harmful materials such as lead and mercury. UL certification, meanwhile, means that the equipment has passed any public safety standards. Home safety is of course a huge deciding factor in any choice of product, and these two certifications mean that you will have complete peace of mind about running the Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect in your home.Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect - Efficiency and CertificationsEnergy Efficiency Ratio11.1Estimated Annual Energy Cost$94.76UL ListedYesRoHS CompliantYes  Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect ConvenienceThere are some special features that make the Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect  portable air conditioner particularly convenient to use. Most units feature a 24-hour programmable timer as well as wheels on the bottom.This product features both whilst also boasting an auto restart feature and a sleep mode. These extra features are not common in the portable unit market and can be a very useful selling point.The auto-restart feature will turn the unit back on if it loses power, and the sleep mode will adjust the temperature per your sleeping pattern.Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect - Convenie nceRemote ControlButtons Only24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemYesCastersYesAuto RestartYesSleep ModeYes  Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect DesignThe Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1  weighs 78 lbs, and so it is one of the heaviest of all the products available on the market. When it comes to moving the unit about the home, you may find it a challenge. However, the caster wheels make that task that bit easier. That having been said, moving the appliance up and down stairs will be a challenge.Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect - DesignWeight (pounds)78Max Window Size (inches)44.1Vent Hose Length (feet)4.92Depth (inches)12 5/8Width (inches)12 5/8Height (inches)36 13/16  Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Noise LevelThe Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1  also excels in terms of its of operational noise emissions. Only emitting 53dB, the Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1  is quieter than many of the other models in our review post.  Frigidaire Gallery 1 2,000 BTU Cool Connect Value For MoneyFor a machine at its price point, this Frigidaire unit might be considered quite a considerable investment. However, this is one of the machines that perform consistently highly across all our review criteria. It works just as well in large open-plan spaces as it does in compact areas such as bedrooms and closets. For this reason, its delivers great bang for buck value.  Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Help SupportFrigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect - Help SupportCompressor Warranty5 Years1-Year Appliance WarrantyYesEmail Phone YesOnline ManualYesFAQsYesLive ChatNo  Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThe Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 is a quality portable AC that cools efficiently and makes your home comfortable quickly. One drawback is its relatively heavy weight, but for the same reason, it might also be the best single room air conditioner. Its status as the most energy effi cient portable air conditioner on our list makes this an excellent choice as a cooling machine.Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect - VerdictWhile the sheer quality and efficiency of the Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect makes it immediately attractive, people with more than one level in their home should be aware, as there are more portable and much lighter models on our list. However, overall, our research reveals this portable AC to be one of the best cooling machines on the market.ProsConsThis is a high quality unit that cools rooms and spaces efficiently and quickly. It is a quiet unit and comes with a host of great features.There are some minus points due to the relatively heavy weight of the Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect2.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Review Whynter ARC-12S    Image Source: AmazonWhynter ARC-12S has some excellent options for cooling and several other modes of operation. This is also one of the most energy efficient portable a ir conditioners. Two missing features are sleep mode and auto-evaporate, and that twin absence pulls its score down a bit. However, overall it is a very effective cooling unit, and scores well in terms of energy usage. For those reasons, the unit is our Silver Award winner.   Number of Customer Ratings:  465 Average Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars   Check Price  Whynter ARC-12S Cooling PerformanceThe Whynter ARC-12S portable air conditioner produces 12,000 BTU, so its suitable for rooms of up to 550 square feet. It is important to choose a product that is appropriately powered for the space that you want it to cool The Whynter ARC-12S can shift 188 cubic feet of air every minute, so it cools exceptionally quickly, and efficiently distributes the cool air around your room.The Whynter ARC-12S allows you to set the operation mode of your preference. It also tackles humidity and removes excess moisture from the air at a fast rate. In fan-only mode the unit circulates air around the room wit hout cooling. However, the lack of a sleep mode is a disappointment.Whynter ARC-12S - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet) 550Power (BTU)12,000Maximum Airflow (CFM)188Moisture Removal3.8Multiple Fan SpeedYesFan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversNoWhynter ARC-12S Efficiency CertificationsWith an 11.1 EER, the Whynter ARC-12S portable air conditioner is the most energy-efficient model youll find here, so youll really save on your energy bills with this unit. Our forecast energy costs are approximately $90 a year, obviously depending on the level of usage. It also has the UL mark, so has been tested for safety, and RoHS-compliant, so no hazardous substances have been used in manufacturing the appliance.Whynter ARC-12S - Efficiency CertificationsEnergy Efficiency Ratio11.1Estimated Annual Energy Cost$93.39UL ListedYesRoHS CompliantYesWhynter ARC-12S ConvenienceThe Whynter ARC-12S remote control is a fantastic little touch. The unit is possibly not the most inn ovative, but its features, including programmable timer, are versatile enough to enable you operate it according to your daily schedule.Whynter ARC-12S - ConvenienceRemote ControlButtons Only24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemNoCastersYesAuto RestartYesSleep ModeNoWhynter ARC-12S DesignThe Whynter ARC-12S has no self-evaporation system. Any moisture removed from the air is collected in a drip tray that needs to be emptied regularly. On the other hand, its incredibly portable, thanks to the caster wheels on its base. While 62lbs in weight and with a relatively bulky body make it slightly larger than some of the other units we reviewed, its also compact enough to be stowed away when not in use during the winter. This unit has a window kit for extraction, which will fit window sills up to 46 inches wide, while the vent hose can extend to 5ft.Whynter ARC-12S - DesignWeight (pounds)62Max Window Size (inches)46Vent Hose Length (feet)5Depth (inches)15.5Width (inches)17Hei ght (inches)31Whynter ARC-12S Noise LevelThe maximum noise level of the Whynter ARC-12S is 52.5dB, which makes this a discreet and nuisance-free option for use in any household or even a medium-sized place of work.Whynter ARC-12S Value For MoneyThe Whynter ARC-12S is available at a slightly lower price point than the Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Cool Connect. It wont have quite the same range of features, but its energy efficiency is exceptionally good, and its full suite of safety certifications give the user great peace of mind.Whynter ARC-12S Help SupportWhynter ARC-12S - Help SupportCompressor Warranty3 Years1-Year Appliance WarrantyYesEmail PhoneYesOnline ManualYesFAQsYesLive ChatNoWhynter ARC-12S Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThe Whynter ARC-12S is one of the best portable air conditioner units that we reviewed. Its easily portable, and is suitable for use in rooms of up to 550 square feet. If energy-efficiency is your deal-breaker factor, then this is the machi ne for youâ€"its the most energy-efficient model we reviewed and overall, its as effective and reliable a machine as you could find for your home.Whynter ARC-12S - VerdictThe Whynter ARC-12S is one of the best portable air conditioner units because of its many convenient features, suite of third-party certifications and energy efficiency.ProsConsEnergy efficiency ratio of 11.1 and is the most energy-efficient model we reviewed.It doesn’t have the added sleep mode feature that allows you to be cooled comfortably at night.3.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Review Frigidaire Gray 14,000 BTU (with Heat)    Image Source: AmazonThe Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU portable air conditioner is one of the most popular air conditioner units. It delivers great performance and portability. It has great features such as oscillating louvers and a sleep mode. You have to go a bit on the pricey side but its strong across-the-board performance makes it well worth the investment.In terms of efficiency t his product doesn’t score well and will cost you a little bit more to run every year. However, the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU certainly does the job. It is a robust machine and boasts several features that make it stand out from the crowd, the reason why we have awarded it our Bronze medal position.   Number of Customer Ratings:  2 Average Rating: 3 out of 5 stars   Check Price    Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU Cooling PerformanceThis is a powerful machine and works well in rooms of up to 700 square feet. With airflow of up to 497 cubic feet per minute (CFM) the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU soars above the average airflow of 240 CFM. Every hour this unit drains up to 3.8 pints of moisture from your room making it one of the most effective and efficient dehumidifier modes of any machine on our list.Several specs make the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU portable air conditioner stand out from its competitorsâ€"its fan only mode is perfect for when no cooling is required; theres a sleep mode which works particularly well at night, creating a comfortable space to sleep in while saving money in the process! Its oscillating louvers are rare in the portable AC sector. This feature enables you to control fan slats and ensure even distribution of airâ€"a convenient and effective bonus.Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet)700Power (BTU)14,000Maximum Airflow (CFM)497Moisture Removal3.8Multiple Fan SpeedYesFan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversYes  Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU Efficiency CertificationsThe Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU has a below-average efficiency of 8.9 EER, rather less than the market average of 9.7, and it costs an annual average of $136 to run.The unit also lacks RoHS certification, unlike most of the units from the best portable air conditioner brands. However, the product does have UL certification having passed all required safety standards in independent testing.Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU - Efficiency Certificatio nsEnergy Efficiency Ratio8.9Estimated Annual Energy Cost$136.19UL ListedYesRoHS CompliantNo  Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU ConvenienceThis unit offers several great features, including auto-restart. Its sleep mode is useful if you plan on using it while you sleep at night. The LCD remote control allows for full operation of the functions from the comfort of your armchair.Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU - ConvenienceNoise Level (dB)55Remote ControlLCD Screen24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemYesCastersYesAuto RestartYesSleep ModeYes  Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU DesignAt 74 pounds, this is heavier than average and its slightly bulkier than other products reviewed here. However, rolling casters help in the movement of this machine between rooms in your home. We would imagine that stairways would be a challenge, however.Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU - DesignWeight (pounds)74Max Window Size (inches)48 1/3Vent Hose Length (feet)4.92Height (inches)30 1/8Width (inches)18 1/3Depth (inches )15 5/8  Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU Noise LevelThis Frigidaire is one of the heaviest units, which can be a disadvantage. However, the bulky, solid build helps to ensure a reasonable noise level of 55dB. Perhaps thats not the quietest, but its definitely not a major drawback.  Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU Value For MoneyThis has a neat design that would give it a higher rating than, for example, the Whynter ARC-12S. The Whynter machine is more energy efficient, but the Frigidaire Gray has a quality build and fantastic features that really set it apart from the competition.  Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU Help SupportFrigidaire Gray 14000 BTU - Help SupportCompressor Warranty5 Years1-Year Appliance WarrantyYesEmail PhoneYesOnline ManualYesFAQsYesLive ChatNo  Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThis is not the most cost-effective or efficient portable air conditioner, but its certainly the most powerful on our list of products. If the decisive factor is room s ize, and you need a machine that is going to quickly cool a large space of up to 700 square feet, this is very probably the portable AC for you.Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU - VerdictWhile the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU is a bit more expensive to run, its powerful design and numerous features make it the best option if you want to cool a large room quickly.ProsConsFrigidaire Gray 14000 BTU has the best cooling performance among all the units we reviewed.This machine will cost you more money to operate than others.4.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Review Haier HPC12XCR    Image Source: AmazonThe Haier HPC12XCR is suitable for use in a variety of room sizes, day and night. Its a solid, effective cooling units that works quickly and efficiently. Its discreet operational noise level would make it a standout in any rundown of the best quiet portable air conditioner reviews.In terms of room size, the Haier HPC12XCR will comfortably work in room sizes up to 450 square feet, producing an aver age of 12,000 BTU. Always be fully aware of the size of room youre cooling, and choose a product thats suitable for that space.   Number of Customer Ratings:  213 Average Rating: 3.3 out of 5 stars   Check Price    Haier HPC12XCR Cooling PerformanceThe Haier HPC12XCR is a 12000 BTU portable air conditioner with a maximum airflow of 188 CFM. It pumps a lot of air, and very quickly. On the downside, it has no oscillating louvers, so will not cool spaces as evenly as some of its rivals.Haier HPC12XCR - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet)450Power (BTU)12,000Maximum Airflow (CFM)188Moisture Removal4Multiple Fan SpeedYesFan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversYes  Haier HPC12XCR Efficiency CertificationsThe Haier HPC12XCR has three settings, and can also function as a very good dehumidifier. The Haier HPC12XCR performs well at eliminating excess moisture, removing some 4 pints of moisture from the air per hour.The HPC12XCRs 9.5 EER, while not at the top of our lis t, is a good score. However, it also suggests that the machine will conserve a fair amount of energy. We estimate that the Haier HPC12XCR costs approximately $90.72 to run per year. This is calculated on a hypothetical usage of eight hours daily for three months. The Haier HPC12XCR has a UL seal, so it has passed the necessary safety tests, although it is not certified RoHS.Haier HPC12XCR - Efficiency CertificationsEnergy Efficiency Ratio8.9Estimated Annual Energy Cost$136.19UL ListedYesRoHS CompliantNo  Haier HPC12XCR ConvenienceThis Haier AC has several really useful function and operation modes, as well as a remote control. It is very programmable and can be set to operate at times of your choice, so youll be able to have your room cooled to the desired temperature from the moment you enter the house.Haier HPC12XCR - ConvenienceRemote ControlButtons Only24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemYesCastersYesAuto RestartYesSleep ModeNo  Haier HPC12XCR DesignAmong the quietest air conditioners, the Haier HPC12XCR is lightweight and can be easily transported around your home. In fact, it is one of the lightest of all the portable air conditioners we reviewed, at 56 pounds. Its vent hose stretches to 5 feet, and the window kit extends to a respectable 46 inches.Haier HPC12XCR - DesignWeight (pounds)56Max Window Size (inches)46Vent Hose Length (feet)5Height (inches)27 3/4Width (inches)16 7/8Depth (inches)14 1/4  Haier HPC12XCR Noise LevelThe Haier HPC12XCR has an operational noise level of 50dB, making it one of the the quietest air conditioner appliances we have ever reviewed. This appliance would be in the upper part of any of the quietest portable air conditioner reviews.  Haier HPC12XCR Value For MoneyThe Haier HPC12XCR offers great value for money, with its lightweight yet durable design, its sheer power, and, best of all, a relatively low price point. Added value also comes from the fantastic warranty cover, and Haiers exemplary after-sales service.  Haier HPC12XCR Help SupportThe Haier HPC12XCR has a one year appliance warranty, and a compressor warranty for up to 5 years. The online manual is clear and easy to follow allowing you to troubleshoot any issues that might arise. The FAQs section on the companys website will also help guide you to solutions to problems. Customer support is excellent, and company representatives can be contacted by email, phone or a convenient live chat option on the website.Haier HPC12XCR - Help SupportCompressor Warranty5 Years1-Year Appliance WarrantyYesEmail PhoneYesOnline ManualYesFAQsYesLive ChatYes  Haier HPC12XCR Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThe Haier HPC12XCR is another of the best portable air conditioner units on the market. Incredibly quiet, with a durable yet lightweight design and powerful performance, this will be an ideal blend for many customers.Haier HPC12XCR - VerdictWhile it has some shortcomings, the Haier HPC12XCR can shift almost 4 pints of moisture from room air every hour, making the unit a great performer in humid climates.ProsConsOur assessments identified the Haier HPC12XCR as a solid, effective unit, with fast efficient performance.The unit lacks oscillating louvers and so does not cool as evenly as some of its rivals.5.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Review Friedrich PH14B 13500 BTU    Image Source: AmazonIf your home or small office doesn’t have a central AC, why not consider a Friedrich PH14B. This is a good portable air conditioner, one of the most cost effective on the market, that will cool the air and leave it comfortable to live and work in. It’s very portable, and extremely low maintenance with its washable mesh filter and auto-evaporation technology.   Number of Customer Ratings:  188 Average Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars   Check Price    Friedrich PH14B Cooling PerformanceThe Friedrich PH14B delivers13,500 BTUs of cooling power, so its suitable for spaces of up to 650-700 square feet. As a bonus, the PH14B can deliver up to 10,700 BTUs of heat as well. While we had no maximum airflow figure at the time of writing, there have been reports of a dehumidification rate of up to 6 pints per hour, which is incredibly good for a machine in this price range.Friedrich PH14B - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet)650-700Power (BTU)13,500Maximum Airflow (CFM)n/aMoisture Removal6 pintsMultiple Fan SpeedYesFan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversNo  Friedrich PH14B Efficiency CertificationsThe PH14B is one of Friedrich’s less energy-efficient performers, with an EER of 9.5, below the industry average of 9.7. Therefore, this unit lacks an Energy Star certification. That being said, the various cooling and fan speeds are a strength. The unit is pretty effective on lower settings, and is listed by the independent safety standards body Underwriters Laboratories.Friedrich PH14B - Efficiency CertificationsEnergy Efficiency Ratio9.5Estimated Annual Energy Costn/aUL ListedYesRoHS Comp liantn/a  Friedrich PH14B ConvenienceTheres a great wireless remote with this machine, and a 24-hour programmable timer that allows you to set the precise time that you would like the unit to activate and deactivate. Other features include auto-restart (which resumes operations after a sudden power outage at your preferred settings) and an auto evaporative system. While it’s a hefty enough machine, it’s quite portable thanks to its caster wheels. However, the lack of a sleep mode may hinder a comfortable night’s sleep.Friedrich PH14B - ConvenienceRemote ControlLCD display buttons24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemYesCastersYesAuto RestartYesSleep ModeNo  Friedrich PH14B DesignAt 96lbs, the Friedrich PH14B is one of the heaviest portable AC units, but if the rooms where the unit is needed are all on one level this should not present too much difficulties. There is quite a range of features on the device, so the controls on the machine and on its LED-display remote may take some getting used to. However, wed suggest that they will present no difficulty once you familiarise yourself with them. The appliance’s window kit is also easy to use, while a generous 6ft power cord allows for flexibility of placement.Friedrich PH14B - DesignWeight (pounds)53Max Window Size (inches)46Vent Hose Length (feet)4 to 5Height (inches)33 1/2Width (inches)19 1/4Depth (inches)15 1/2  Friedrich PH14B Noise LevelThe maximum operational noise level of the Friedrich PH14B is a very respectable 50dB.  Friedrich PH14B Value For MoneyThis Friedrich unit constitutes excellent value for money. It is a strong, reasonably powerful unit, with a decent suite of features, an unobtrusive noise level, and, as youll see below, superb after-sales cover and customer service.Friedrich PH14B Help SupportThe Friedrich PH14B has a one-year appliance warranty, and a whopping five-year compressor warranty, which is one of the most generous warranties in this industry. Friedric h’s customer service standards are wonderful. Customer service reps are contractable by email and telephone, or via the fantastic Live Chat feature on the website. This website also has a detailed FAQs section on the website, and downloadable user manuals, how-to videos and a store locator.Friedrich PH14B - Help SupportCompressor Warranty5 Years1-Year Appliance WarrantyYesEmail PhoneYesOnline ManualYesFAQsYesLive ChatYes  Friedrich PH14B Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThis is an extremely versatile unit. While energy efficiency is definitely an issue, and noise might be an issue for some, to mention nothing of the weight and bulky size of the appliance, we have to consider the unit in the overall. And as a four-in-one, this machine offers good value for money, and on a year-round basis too. Features are very good, and the customer service is exemplary.Friedrich PH14B - VerdictThe power of the Friedrich PH14B is extremely impressive, as is the appliance's fantastic range o f feature. However, the size and weight of the unit is a little ungainly; the lack of a sleep function lets down the features suite somewhat; and the energy efficiency is disappointingly second rate.ProsConsThis is a powerful cooler, heater, dehumidifier fan. The self-evaporative system means you don't have to worry about emptying buckets. Self-restart is also a great feature.Unfortunately, this is disappointingly below average in energy-efficiency for such a feature-rich appliance. Its hefty weight and bulky dimensions are also a bit of a turn-off.6. Best Portable Air Conditioner Review Sunpentown WA 8070E    Image Source: AmazonHeat rises. In hot summer months rooms at upper levels in year home can become very warm. Small portable air conditioners work well when you need to cool such small spaces. The Sunpentown WA-8070E is a low power unit that produces up to 8,000 BTU, a lower power output that makes it best for low to medium sized spaces of up to 350 square feet.   Number of Customer Ratings:  521 Average Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars   Check Price    Sunpentown WA-8070E Cooling PerformanceThe Sunpentown WA-8070E has an airflow rating of up to 185 CFM (cubic feet of airflow every minute).Portable air conditioners such as the Sunpentown WA-8070E are ideal for cooling small rooms but also help create temperature balance on the different levels in your home. The Sunpentown WA-8070E can cool upstairs offices or bedrooms in the summer.This model has cooling, dehumidifying and fan modes. The Sunpentown WA-8070E can remove 1.9 pints of water from the atmosphere, and recycle it to cool the unit’s coils. In fan mode, this portable unit is absolutely ideal for cooling down spaces where circulation might be problematic.Sunpentown WA-8070E - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet)350Power (BTU)8,000Maximum Airflow (CFM)185Moisture Removal1.9Multiple Fan SpeedNoFan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversNo  Sunpentown WA-8070E Efficiency and Certifi cationsThis unit is extremely energy efficient, with a superior EER to many other units we reviewed, and an estimated annual running cost of $78. Industry standards dictate that units must score an EER of at least 8, so the Sunpentown WA-8070E is well above average. While its not RoHS compliant, the unit is environmentally friendly to the extent that its R410A refrigerant does not contain any ozone-damaging chemicals.Sunpentown WA-8070E - Efficiency and CertificationsEnergy Efficiency Ratio8.9Estimated Annual Energy Cost$77.82UL ListedYesRoHS CompliantNo  Sunpentown WA-8070E ConvenienceThe units control panel is well organized and easy to follow. There are indicator lights illuminating the selected mode, timer, sleep and power functions. The remote control makes it easy to adjust the settings, whether thats the fan, AC cycles or the programmable timer. This machines image is a little bit dated/retro, but it is more affordable than most portable AC units.Sunpentown WA-8070E - Conven ienceRemote ControlLCD Screen24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemYesCastersYesAuto RestartYesSleep ModeYes  Sunpentown WA-8070E DesignThe Sunpentown WA-8070E is well designed. Its tough, fire-resistant PVC plastic housing prevents it from cracking or overheating. The machines filters are washable, but portability is a bit of an issue here and the appliance is not so easy to move around the home, with a rather hefty 51 pounds weight.Sunpentown WA-8070E - DesignWeight (pounds)51Max Window Size (inches)40 1/2Vent Hose Length (feet)1.92Height (inches)29 1/2Width (inches)13 3/4Depth (inches)15  Sunpentown WA-8070E Noise LevelThe noise levels of the Sunpentown WA-8070E are just below average, at 53.6dB, which would be expected from a unit of so solid and robust construction.  Sunpentown WA-8070E Value For MoneyThe low price point of the Sunpentown WA-8070E cannot be ignored. This is one fo the cheapest portable ACs available. And while its on the basic side, it is more than adequate. It does not cost a fortune to run either, and if you need to keep smaller rooms and spaces in the home cool, youll be able to manage it very efficiently with this appliance.  Sunpentown WA-8070E Help SupportThe Sunpentown WA-8070E has a one-year compressor an compliance warranty, which is not the best compressor warranty on offer. Customer support is available via email and phone, and there is a downloadable online manual to help with the troubleshooting of any issues you may experience.Sunpentown WA-8070E - Help SupportCompressor Warranty5 Years1-Year Appliance WarrantyYesEmail PhoneYesOnline ManualYesFAQsNoLive ChatNo  Sunpentown WA-8070E Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThe Sunpentown WA-8070E is an efficient cooler of smaller rooms.Although compact, its quite heavy, though this helps keep the operational noise level down. In addition, the annual running cost is quite low, and with a number of other helpful features such as fan and dehumidification setting s, the Sunpentown WA-8070E is worth considering.Sunpentown WA-8070E - Pros Cons, Overall VerdictThe Sunpentown WA-8070E is most efficient for cooling small to medium spaces. It may be quite heavy and bulkier than other units, but its energy efficiency and low estimated running cost cannot be ignored.ProsConsThe Sunpentown WA-8070E is ideal for smaller rooms. It's extremely energy efficient and environmentally friendly.The retro appearance of the Sunpentown WA-8070E will not be to everyone's taste. Its bulk somewhat compromises its portability.7.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Review Honeywell MN10CESBB    Image Source: AmazonThe Honeywell MN10CESBB is a 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner that is most ideal for cooling spaces of up to 450 square feet. While not the most powerful unit, its sufficient for the cooling of smaller spaces.   Number of Customer Ratings:  2,307 Average Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars   Check Price    Honeywell MN10CESBB Cooling PerformanceThis Honeywell mod el a three-speed fan. This functionality, allowing for circulation of air at a choice of speeds, is going to suit the requirements of a variety of environments. Maximum airflow rating is not particularly powerful at just 174 CFM but it will definitely provide a discernible cooling effect within a half-hour of activation.This is also a great dehumidifier, and removes moisture from the air even when the dehumidifier setting is not activated. As a cooler, the unit removes 68 pints of water from the air every day. When set to dehumidifier, it removes even more moisture, mostly via the window vent. In addition, the auto-evaporation system does away with the inconvenience of emptying tanks or drip trays.Honeywell MN10CESBB - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet)350Power (BTU)8,000Maximum Airflow (CFM)185Moisture Removal1.9Multiple Fan SpeedNoFan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversNo  Honeywell MN10CESBB Efficiency and CertificationsThe Honeywell MN10CESBB costs about $90 per year to run. Its EER of 9.5 is a bit lower than others, but still significantly above the minimum rating. The Honeywell MN10CESBB has a UL seal, so it is meets or surpasses the necessary health and safety requirements.Honeywell MN10CESBB - Efficiency and CertificationsEnergy Efficiency Ratio8.9Estimated Annual Energy Cost$77.82UL ListedYesRoHS CompliantNo  Honeywell MN10CESBB ConvenienceThe Honeywell MN10CESBB is user friendly, especially when operated via the supplied remote control. Its features are minimal, and the lack of auto restart or sleep mode makes precise control of the machine a little difficult.Honeywell MN10CESBB - ConvenienceRemote ControlLCD Screen24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemYesCastersYesAuto RestartYesSleep ModeYes  Honeywell MN10CESBB DesignThe Honeywell MN10CESBB has a shorter vent hose than most portable ACs, so it has to be positioned near a window so it can operate properly with its vent hose. Available in two colours and with louvers that are foldable from the top of the machine, the Honeywell MN10CESBB looks modern but is slightly wider than other models, so it may take up slightly more space than you might like.Honeywell MN10CESBB - DesignWeight (pounds)51Max Window Size (inches)40 1/2Vent Hose Length (feet)1.92Height (inches)29 1/2Width (inches)13 3/4Depth (inches)15  Honeywell MN10CESBB Noise LevelThe noise level of this, as with all Honeywell machines, reflects the quality associated with the brand. This particular unit is sleekly unobtrusive, operating at around 50dB.  Honeywell MN10CESBB Value For MoneyThe Honeywell MN10CESBB portable air conditioner costs little more than $90 dollars per year to run. This is significantly less than the running costs of some larger units we reviewed. Look on it as a mid-range investment that surpasses all industry health and safety requirements.  Honeywell MN10CESBB Help SupportWith a respectable four-year warranty on its compressor, and the standard one-year appliance warranty, this machine has a decent level of cover. In addition, its manual is available for download via the website, where an FAQ section will help you troubleshoot any difficulties or answer any question you may have about the product. You may also contact the firm directly via email or phone.Honeywell MN10CESBB - Help SupportCompressor Warranty5 Years1-Year Appliance WarrantyYesEmail PhoneYesOnline ManualYesFAQsNoLive ChatNo  Honeywell MN10CESBB Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThe Honeywell MN10CESBB is a good machine, but might be a little bulky for some tastes. It has decent warranty cover and a reasonable degree of support available, via email or phone. This is still one of the best portable air conditioner units available, but probably best used in small spaces.Honeywell MN10CESBB - VerdictA good portable AC unit for a humid climate, which works well in modestly sized rooms. We did identify some design issues and noted that some basic features were lacking .ProsConsA pretty strong performer from Honeywell, especially in humid climates, and in small room spaces.This lacks some basic features, including auto start and sleep mode. Its hose is quite short, so it must be placed close to a window.8. Best Portable Air Conditioner LG LP0817WSR Cheapest Portable AC    LG Electronics is a brandname that one tends to turn to if theyre looking for reliable domestic or small industrial technology such as portable air conditioners for the home or small office. But the LG LP0817WSR is not just reliable; its also one of the most energy efficient and convenient portable air conditioners available in 2020.   Number of Customer Ratings:  714 Average Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars   Check Price    LG LP0817WSR Cooling PerformanceAt a moderate 8,000 BTUs of power, this would be perfect for cooling smaller areas of up to 200 square feet. The LG LP0817WSR is also ideal for humid environments. As a dehumidifier, it can remove up to 74.4 pints of moisture fr om the air every 24 hours. As such, this is definitely one of the best small machines in the portable air conditioner sector.LG LP0817WSR - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet)200Power (BTU) 8,0008,000Maximum Airflow (CFM)250Moisture Removal1.8 pints per hourMultiple Fan SpeedYes (2)Fan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversYes (Auto Swing)  LG LP0817WSR Efficiency and CertificationsThis machine has an EER of 9, just below the industry average. While its difficult to verify the degree of certification for this unit, it does use environmentally-friendly refrigerant R410A. And while 9 is only average EER, you have the option of using the twin-speed fan when you dont require cooling, and this will help to keep running costs to a minimum.LG LP0817WSR - Efficiency and CertificationsEnergy Efficiency Ratio9Estimated Annual Energy Costn/aUL Listedn/aRoHS Compliantn/a  LG LP0817WSR DesignThis machines easy-roll caster wheels make it simple to move the appliance from roo m to room. Its a hefty enough 58.4lbs, and for some people this might mean basing it in a permanent location. Although the lack of an auto evaporation system is a bit of a setback, the appliance does have a water full alert that activates when the tray needs to be emptied. And you will be able to connect a drainage hose to get continuous draining, but please note that this hose is not included.LG LP0817WSR - DesignWeight (pounds)58.4Max Window Size (inches)50Vent Hose Length (feet)5Height (inches)27.36Width (inches)16.93Depth (inches)12.8  LG LP0817WSR Noise LevelWith an operational noise level of 54dB, this is not the quietest unit on our list, but its not too disruptive. This noise level falls significantly short of the 60dB of typical human conversation, so it should not unduly impinge on your daily business.  LG LP0817WSR ConvenienceThe LG LP0817WSR has a handy remote and a programmable 24-hour timer that allows for a high degree of customization and preparation of schedules t hat closely correspond with your daily routines. There is also an auto-restart function so that, even if there is an unexpected power outage and you are not at home, the device will automatically reboot to your settings.LG LP0817WSR - ConvenienceRemote ControlLCD display buttons24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemNoCastersYesAuto RestartYesSleep ModeNo  LG LP0817WSR â€" Value for MoneyThe LG LP0817WSR takes the prize for least expensive of the portable air conditioners we reviewed. It delivers amazing bang-for-buck value with its energy efficiency and range of fantastic features, including auto-evaporation and programmable 24-hour timer.  LG LP0817WSR Help SupportLG customer service representatives can be contacted by email and phone as well as via the live chat messaging service on the companys website. There are numerous resources available too on the LG website, including downloadable manuals, a detailed FAQs section, and more. This unit is covered by one-year limited parts and labor warranty.LG LP0817WSR - Help SupportCompressor Warrantyn/a1-Year Appliance WarrantyYes - limited parts labor warrantyEmail PhoneYesOnline ManualYesFAQsYesLive ChatNo  LG LP0817WSR Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThe design of this appliance is impressively minimalist and it would blend into any setting, whether at home or the workplace. It has some very handy features, and the energy efficiency of the unit is about average, as is its operational noise emissions. The warranty cover is a little limited, but at its price point, this might be one of the best appliances on our list.LG LP0817WSR - VerdictA mixed bag of an air conditioner, with the only real downside noted the lack of UL or RoHS certifications. However, as to the efficiency and performance, the LG LP0817WSR is a well above average performer.ProsConsFor a mid-range AC, the LG LP0817WSR is loaded with convenient features. It has a sleek design with no sharp edges, and would look good in any r oom. With an EER of 11.1, this is one of the most energy-efficient AC units we have seen.The lack of certifications raises a few concerns in relation to safety of the unit.    9.  Best Portable Air Conditioner NewAir AC-14100E    Image Source: AmazonA NewAir AC-14100E portable air conditioner will cool and circulate air through your office, home or garage. Its easy to transport and comes with a special window attachment that allows it to be converted to a window air conditioner.   Number of Customer Ratings:  114 Average Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars   Check Price    NewAir AC-14100E Cooling PerformanceThe NewAir AC-14100E has 14,000 BTU, powerful enough for quality airflow in rooms of up to 700 square feet. Its a powerful machine with an airflow rating of 250 cubic feet of air per minute. Within a half-hour of activation, this unit will ensure a noticeable difference on temperature within 30 minutes of use.With three fan speeds, the NewAir AC-14100E will either allow you to cool t he air to a comfortable degree, and to circulate air when room temperature is already comfortable.The NewAir AC-14100E also removes up to 2.9 pints of moisture from the air every hour when coolingâ€"it has an incredible daily moisture removal rate of 71 pints when in dehumidifier mode.The sleep mode will slightly raise room temperatures at night to ensure comfort, while the window attachment allows you to convert the machine and make it worthy of inclusion in the best portable window air conditioner reviews!NewAir AC-14100E - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet)700Power (BTU)14,000Maximum Airflow (CFM)250Moisture Removal2.9Multiple Fan SpeedYesFan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversNo  NewAir AC-14100E Efficiency and CertificationsThe NewAir AC-14100Es EER of 9.88 is better than average, but it certainly doesnt head up our most efficient list. The unit costs approximately $122 to operate per year, based on a running time of eight hours per day for 90 days.NewA ir AC-14100E - Efficiency and CertificationsEnergy Efficiency Ratio9.88Estimated Annual Energy Cost$122.53UL ListedNoRoHS CompliantNo  NewAir AC-14100E ConvenienceIts a lovely little unit, and its a pity that it lacks some of the key features on the design front (see below), because for size and ease of operation, its a very convenient little player.NewAir AC-14100E - ConvenienceRemote ControlLCD Screen24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemYesCastersYesAuto RestartNoSleep ModeYes  NewAir AC-14100E DesignMany of the design specs are excellent but really suffers for a want of some features, including oscillating louvers or auto restart. Manual adjustment of louvers is necessary to change airflow direction. And if you experience a power outage when you are not home, the NewAir AC-14100E will not kick back into action. In that event, you will likely return home to stiflingly hot temperatures.The NewAir AC-14100E also lacks certain industry certifications (UL, ASHRAE, RoH S or ETL) that would verify the units safety, and the absence of hazardous materials in its construction.NewAir AC-14100E â€" DesignWeight (pounds)61.9Max Window Size (inches)59Vent Hose Length (feet)4.92Height (inches)31 1/8Width (inches)16Depth (inches)16 1/2  NewAir AC-14100E â€" Noise LevelThis is among the loudest units we reviewed, with an average operational noise level of 57dB. It won’t cause too much hassle, but when compared to other units reviewed for this post, it is noticeably louder.  NewAir AC-14100E Value For MoneyOne of the more expensive air conditioner units reviewed by our team, its price point and features on balance constitutes very good value for money. Its not the largest portable air conditioner, but it delivers an amazing 14,000 BTUs of cooling power. This machine can efficiently and swiftly cool down areas of up to 525 square feet.  NewAir AC-14100E Help SupportThe NewAir AC-14100Es one-year compressor warranty is below average. However, the company o ffers decent customer service. if you have any issues or need an answer to a specific question, representatives can be contacted either via email or by phone. The company website has a dedicated FAQ page and an easily downloadable online manual for assistance and reference.NewAir AC-14100E - Help SupportCompressor Warranty1 Year1-Year Appliance WarrantyYesEmail PhoneYesOnline ManualYesFAQsYesLive ChatNo  NewAir AC-14100E Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThe NewAir AC-14100E is a powerful 14,000 BTU portable AC that can cool reasonably large spaces very quickly. It is a pretty versatile machine with a variety of usage modes based on time of day or differing circumstances. If you want to use it simply as a fan it will effectively flush the room of stale air. While annual operating costs are higher than average, it has decent energy efficiency. It is missing a few notable features, such as restart capability, but overall it has a nice feature package.NewAir AC-14100E - VerdictA versatile portable air conditioner, the NewAir AC-14100E is quite powerful and efficient for small to medium spaces, albeit with relatively high annual operating costs. Despite lacking a number of key features, it's an attractive overall AC package.ProsConsVersatility is the calling card of this portable air conditioner from New Air. Portable and lightweight but powerful, the AC-14100E can easily be converted to a window AC unit.Excellent features are negated by the absence of some basics, including oscillating louvers or auto restart. Also, the unit lacks several industry standards (UL, ASHRAE, RoHS or ETL)10.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Review Whynter Arc-14S    Image Source: AmazonIf energy efficiency is the most decisive factor in your search for a portable air conditioner, be sure to check out the Whynter ARC-14S. With an EER of 11.1, this portable unit would be difficult to beat, and its also markedly good at reducing excess moisture in the air. Bear in mind the bulky si ze, weight and noticeably louder operational noise level, however.   Number of Customer Ratings:  1,706 Average Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars   Check Price    Whynter Arc-14S Cooling PerformanceThe Whynter Arc 14S boasts an incredibly powerful 14,000 BTUs of cooling power, making it one of the most formidable portable air conditioner appliances available. This would be most suitable in larger rooms, although some people question the manufacturers claims that the unit can cool spaces of up to 500 square feet. Whats not in question is the BTU level, in addition to its functionality as a dehumidifier. In this mode, the Whynter can remove an incredible 101 pints of moisture from the air in your living space every 24 hours!Whynter Arc-14S - Cooling PerformanceRoom Size (square feet)500Power (BTU)14,000Maximum Airflow (CFM)222Moisture Removal101 pints per dayMultiple Fan SpeedYes (3)Fan ModeYesDehumidify or Dry ModeYesOscillating LouversNo  Whynter Arc-14S Efficiency and CertificationsIts truly an energy-saving unit, with an EER of 11.1. That EER places the Whynter Arc-14S is in the upper echelons of the energy efficiency league. In addition, this unit has three fan settings thereby allowing for cooling of rooms at low settings, making for further energy savings when required. The appliance is also UL-listed, and its components are RoHS-compliant, so there are no issues with safety either.Whynter Arc-14S - Efficiency and CertificationsEnergy Efficiency Ratio11.1Estimated Annual Energy Costn/aUL ListedYesRoHS CompliantYes  Whynter Arc-14S DesignThis is one of the bulkiest air conditioner appliances on the market, but its well designed enough to enable easy transport from room to room. This appliance is also a more than serviceable air purifier. It has a carbon air filter and washable pre-filter that it uses to remove unpleasant odors from the air.Whynter Arc-14S - DesignWeight (pounds)80Max Window Size (inches)46Vent Hose Length (feet)Extendable to 5ftHeight (inches) 35.5Width (inches)19Depth (inches)16  Whynter Arc-14S ConvenienceWith three operational modes (air conditioner, fan and dehumidifier) the Whynter Arc-14S definitely delivers in value for money terms. The latter two functions are particularly useful when cooling is not necessary, but you wish merely to freshen a stale living atmosphere. The remote control with its LCD screen it very easy to use, and the 24-hour programmable timer is a great function for people who have a busy schedule but who like to keep the home the come home to cool and comfortable. Allied with auto-restart, which enables the machine to reboot itself after a sudden power cut, this makes the Whynter Arc-14S very convenient indeed. However, the lack of a sleep mode is a shame.Whynter Arc-14S - ConvenienceRemote ControlLCD display buttons24-Hour Programmable TimerYesAuto Evaporative SystemYesCastersYesAuto RestartYesSleep ModeNo  Whynter Arc-14S Noise LevelThis was among the louder units we reviewed with an operat ional level of 56dB. It won’t cause too much in the way of inconvenience, but when compared to other units reviewed for this post, the Whynter Arc-14S is noticeably louder. We wouldnt recommend this as the best portable air conditioner for bedrooms and other noise-sensitive spaces.  Whynter Arc-14S Value For MoneyThe upper middle-price range Whynter Arc-14S is available for $452.99. It has a super energy efficiency ratio of 11.1, and will swiftly cool down your rooms and eliminate moisture from even the most humid environments. Some people might baulk at the asking price, but for the money, it would be tough to best the return on investment.  Whynter Arc-14S Help SupportWhynter has a strong customer service dimension, with teams and representatives that are contactable by phone, email, or via an array of social media channels. In addition, the official Whynter website has a trove of resources for all of its appliances, which include FAQ sections, downloadable manuals and troubl eshooting guides. The Arc-14S has a one-year limited appliance warranty, and a three-year warranty for the compressor, which is one of the more generous offerings.Whynter Arc-14S - Help SupportCompressor Warranty3 Years1-Year Appliance WarrantyYesEmail PhoneYesOnline ManualYesFAQsYesLive ChatNo  Whynter Arc-14S Best Portable Air Conditioner SummaryThis is one of the units that we enjoyed reviewing most, in that its energy efficiency is beyond question, and its also incredibly easy to use. This would be absolutely ideal for people who need an appliance to keep larger living and working spaces comfortably cool. Its not the easiest machine to move around, and its noise level would not lend it well to situation in bedrooms or the quieter rooms in the house, but its definitely worth considering for general living spaces.Whynter Arc-14S - VerdictYour decision on the Whynter ARC-14S will depend on you can get past issues such as operational noise (in fairness, it's not overly noisy, jus t relatively so) and the bulk. If you can, this unit can't fair to impress. Its features are myriad and easy to use, and if you have a fairly large living room in your home, this appliance will definitely keep it cool and comfortable.ProsConsOne of the best portable air conditioners on the market, the Whynter Arc-14S has a very cool design that would be at home just about anywhere. Its energy efficiency is second to none, and the appliance is also incredibly effective as a dehumidifier.The manufacturers' claims that the machine can cool up to 500 square feet are debatable (although there is no doubt that its performance at spaces up to 400 square feet is effective). Noise is definitely an issue, and there are few portable air conditioners as bulky as this one.    Best Portable Air Conditioner Buyers GuideWe have determined that there are five key criteria that will guide you to choose the portable air conditioner that will be the best match for your lifestyle:Best Portable Air Cond itioner - Key Purchasing Criteria• Cooling PerformanceRead More • Efficiency SafetyRead More • ConvenienceRead More • DesignRead More • Noise LevelRead More • Value for MoneyRead More You might identify one or more of these as the most important factors to you to you. Does your space become uncomfortable in the blink of an eye? Do you need to get that cooling effect as quickly as possible? If so, you might want to focus on Cooling Performance. Do you need to easily move from room to room without fuss? If so, then maybe Design is what you should focus on. No two of the best portable air conditioner units in this review are identical. Each appliance has its own particular standout qualities. You need to understand what aspects of these best portable air conditioner units will work best for you and choose the product that will do the job.    Best Portable Air Conditioner Review What We EvaluatedAfter investigating a wide range of AC products, we identified a range of the best selling portable air conditioner units, and then tested them according to the criteria we have identified here. Read on to find out why these criteria are important.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Criteria i Cooling PerformanceSimply put â€" does this cool your space effectively? When choosing a portable air conditioner, we sometimes forget to consider the one basic requirement: to cool a room. Therefore, we used the cooling performance of the products as one of our key criteria.Obviously, if this factor is not so important to you, look at other criteria such as design, portability or efficiency.When tabulating our scores for cooling performance, we focussed on product specification. We checked if each unit could cool a room of the size that it was designed to cool. Also, we checked the level of power required to carry out these tasks.Additionally, we investigated if there were an additional features that would assist the cooling process. Did the product boast fan modes or f eatures such as moisture removal?In the cooling performance category we identified the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU as the stand out product. Across the performance-related criteria we identified this product worked best.The higher a performance rating of a portable air conditioner, the better, if cooling speed is most important to you.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Criteria ii Efficiency Safety CertificationsSome customers identify price and product safety as major factors when they are choosing a portable air conditioner. If you need a safe, cost-effective product, we have identified four things to take into account.Product efficiency basically means how much it should cost to run the portable air conditioner. We took a look at each product’s efficiency ratio and its estimated annual running cost. While efficiency ratios are a useful guide, we went a step further by calculating the annual estimated running cost. These figures will help if efficiency is your preferred criteria. We also looked at two distinct safety certifications â€" RoHS compliance and UL listing. An RoHS compliance certification will tell you that your portable air conditioner isn’t producing any materials deemed hazardous. The UL certification clearly tells you that the product is meeting any standards of safety identified by the industry.So to find the safest, most cost-effective portable air conditioner, focus on efficiency and certification criteria..  Best Portable Air Conditioner Criteria iii ConvenienceWe all will use products differently. Convenience is often a key decision-making factor. Some might want to ensure a product isn’t going to keep you up at night. If quietness of performance is important to you, then this category tells you most of what you need to know. Ratings under the convenience heading are likely to be decisive depending on how specific your requirements are.The portable air conditioner units we assessed include such core features as 24-hour timers, port ability wheels, and remote controls.A higher convenience rating often indicates extra features that make the unit stand apart. Extras can include sleep timers that control room temperature even while you sleep. And an auto-restart usefully turns the unit back on in the event of a power cut. Stand out extra features such as these are likely to be important when you make your choice.In terms of noise, most the machines we tested were pretty similar, all within 8dB of each other. Our favourite unit, the Frigidaire Gray 14000 BTU, was second on our noise ratings list (55db). Our runner up, the Haier, was actually  a little quieter at 49 dB. Do take note of a dB levels of a machine. Knowledge of these levels will help you make the most educated decision.If you need  a portable air conditioner thats quiet and easy to use, then carefully consider the convenience criteria scores.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Criteria iv DesignThe design of a portable air conditioner is important, espec ially if the unit is used frequently throughout your house.If your domestic lifestyle is mobile from room to room, then look for a lightweight unit. You are looking for portability and ease of manoeuvring. The various products we looked at weigh and average of 63 pounds. You might want to go with the lightest.If space is an issue in your home, consider a portable air conditioner unit with a long exhaust hose. These units will expel hot air through your windows. Longer exhaust hoses also give you greater scope for positioning of the unit.  For this reason, an exhaust hose of 5 feet or longer is worth considering.Do you need a unit thats portable and blends well with your spaces? Keep an eye on the design category.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Criteria v Noise LevelFor some customers, noise levels are the decisive factor in purchasing a new air conditioner. Some people may be seeking a completely silent portable air conditioner, or as close to it as possible. This will most likel y be the case if youre using the machine for domestic reasons and want to minimise the nuisance factor presented by noise.  Best Portable Air Conditioner Criteria vi Value for MoneyValue for money is important when purchasing a portable air conditioner. There is an array of portable air conditioners available that are affordable and which are graced with myriad attractive features and facilities. There is no doubt that the best ACs are relatively expensive. The Frigidaire Gallery FGPC1244T1 may indeed be one of our rave units, but its also one of the most expensive here. But if this is beyond your budget, dont lose heart, there is a myriad of more affordable appliances that do not sacrifice their cooling power and efficiency, more their range of features. And in some cases, these are features you could possibly do without?    How Customers Rate the Best Portable AC Units of 2020We undertook unofficial best portable air conditioner consumer reports, based on our readings of custom er activity on Amazon. This table charts how consumer rate the units that we rated as the best portable air conditioner appliances. The table takes account of the number of customers who submitted reviews for the products, and the average star rating awarded in each case. With these best portable air conditioners consumer reports we attempt to show you how typical shoppers rate the units.    Portable AirCon Review Final ThoughtsWhatever your choice, a quality portable air conditioner will make a difference to your life. All of the best portable air conditioner units offer cooling features that will make life comfortable. The best portable air conditioner systems are cost-efficient: they will not break the bank. They may differ, but hopefully this guide will help you find something that suits your requirements.Image Source:  Amazon