11 best portable air con units for a chilled summer 2024
It pays to be prepared, so if you’re looking for a portable air con unit ahead of this summer’s inevitable heatwaves, you’ve come to the right place. Yes, it’s hard to believe we’ll soon be bemoaning the scorching weather and reaching for our best fans and accompanying face mist to cool us down, and while there are many other clever ways to keep your cool at home when the mercury rises – from linen bedding to blackout blinds to cooling pillows – nothing beats stepping into a perfectly air-conditioned room to give you sweet release from sticky conditions.
SKIP TO: What is a portable air con unit? | What are the advantages of portable air con units? | Does a portable AC use a lot of electricity? | What is the best type of portable air conditioner to buy? | How long does it take to cool a room with a portable air conditioner? | How we tested | Our GLAMOUR best portable air con picks
Meet the expert:
- Chris Michael, Managing Director of Meaco.
Best portable air con units – at a glance
- Best portable air con unit overall: Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ Autoreact HP7A, WAS £599.99, NOW £449.99, Dyson
- Best portable air con unit for light sleepers: Meaco Cool 10,000 BTU Air Conditioner, £399, Meaco
- Best air conditioner for your desk top: Ferrica Portable Air Cooler, WAS £79.99, NOW £56.99, Amazon
- Best energy saving portable air con unit: De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EM82 Portable Air Conditioner, £600, Argos
- Best portable air con unit for large spaces: Black & DeckerPortable 3-in-1 Air Conditioner, WAS £649, NOW £479, Very
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Of course, not all portable air con units are created equally, so let's dive into the essential features to look for, and why they matter.
First and foremost, consider the BTU rating, which measures the cooling capacity of an air conditioning unit in British Thermal Units. Essentially, a higher BTU rating means the unit can cool larger rooms more effectively. For smaller spaces, a lower BTU rating will suffice, ensuring energy efficiency, without compromising on comfort.
Modern portable air conditioners often come equipped with smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and remote control compatibility. These allow you to adjust the settings from your smartphone or Alexa, giving you convenience and ease of use, and can even be linked up to a nifty smart home system.
Energy efficiency rating is all-important, too. We’ve only just broken up with our thermostat for the summer, thank you very much, so introducing another machine can seem counterintuitive. But the aim of the game here is reducing energy consumption and keeping our electricity bills as low as possible. Units with inverter compressors are particularly efficient, adjusting their speed to maintain the desired temperature without wasting energy. Check for models with good energy efficiency ratings to ensure long-term savings.
It’s worth noting that many portable air con units also double as dehumidifiers, helping to remove excess moisture from the air. This feature is useful during particularly hot and humid days, making the environment more comfortable and reducing the likelihood of mould growth. Some units offer a dedicated dehumidifier mode, too, which can be a significant advantage.
Noise level, measured in decibels, is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use your air con unit in the bedroom or home office. Look for models that operate quietly, allowing you to work or sleep undisturbed. Some products offer a sleep mode, reducing noise and maintaining a steady temperature throughout the night.
Additionally, many portable air conditioners come with multiple fan speeds and a timer function, allowing you to customise the cooling to your personal preferences, and your schedule. Some even include air purifiers, enhancing air quality by filtering out dust and allergens, making them ideal for those with a sensitive nose.
Whatever your taste, space or budget, always look out for the latest offers with free delivery. And when the heatwave hits unexpectedly (don’t say we didn’t warn you), next day delivery will be your friend.
What is a portable air con unit?
As its name suggests, a portable air con unit is a nifty air conditioning machine that can be moved from room to room. Typically on casters for easy gliding, you can set it up wherever you need it in the home. Most come with an exhaust hose, together with a window kit to attach to open windows or doors ensuring hot air is efficiently expelled.
While there’s certainly a crossover between portable air conditioning units and (often cheaper) fans and air coolers, there’s an important difference.
Meaco’s Chris Michael explains: “A portable air conditioner will reduce the actual temperature of a room, whereas a fan just moves the room air around so that it feels cooler. A fan does not actually reduce the room temperature at all.” And unlike a fan, a moveable air con unit can come with additional functions including humidifying, dehumidifying, air purifying, and even heating if it comes with an integrated heat pump.
What are the advantages of portable air con units?
Unlike fixed air conditioning, a portable unit gives you the flexibility of using it in different areas of your home. Much cheaper to buy, and with no installation costs, it can prove a handy quick fix for uncomfortably hot summers.
“If you’re comparing portable air conditioning to cheaper air coolers then the portable air con has the advantage of providing cooling that will work in British summer conditioners and removes the sticky, excess humidity from the air”, says Chris. “Air cooling works best in dry climates, like sub-Saharan Africa and Australia where the heat is very dry, this is not the case in Britain.”
Does a portable AC use a lot of electricity?
With the cost-of-living crisis bearing down on us all, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to plug in yet another machine, but like some of the best fans on the market, these models can be surprisingly cost effective.
“The cooling capacity of portable air conditioners is expressed in either kilowatts (kW), or more commonly, British Thermal Units, or BTUs. The higher the number, the more cooling power on offer”, advises Chris. “1kW is the equivalent to 3,412 BTU, so a 3kW portable air conditioner would be called a 10,000 BTU model. On the current cost of £0.34p per kW, a 10,000 BTU model would cost £0.38p per hour.”
Our edit includes some powerful machines with a BTU of over 9,000, such as the De’Longhi Pinguino PAC EM82 Portable Air Conditioner, the Black & Decker Portable 3-in-1 Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier & Cooling Fan, and of course the Meaco Cool 10,000CH Air Conditioner.
What is the best type of portable air conditioner to buy?
While there are variations in functionality, and what’s best for you comes down to personal needs, Chris advises that we should always go as big as we can afford when it comes to portable AC – depending on our available space, of course: “A larger air conditioner will just get the job done faster than a small unit”, he says. “Whereas if you buy small and then it is too small for the room that you are using it in, then the unit will just run and run and will struggle to keep a room cool on hot days. Large units tend to be a very similar noise level to smaller units, so you get much more cooling, for the same sort of background sound.”
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How long does it take to cool a room with a portable air conditioner?
“Assuming that the portable air conditioner is the right size for the room and has been set up correctly with the window kit to expel the warm air, you would notice a difference after 40 minutes of operation”, says Chris. But he also tells us there are variables at play; “Is the room insulated, do you have other equipment running, how many people are in the room, is the room is facing south and getting a full sun all day?... How long a portable air conditioner can reduce the temperature of a room will depend on several factors, but the most important one is, don’t let the room get hot in the first place, if you can help it.”
How we tested
We put a range of portable air con units to the test, looking for the very best in functionality and ease of use. We weighed up energy efficiency with portability, we looked at how quickly a room cooled down, and whether the unit proved quiet enough to keep on throughout the night. We tested the units on each setting, exploring all functionalities. And we considered affordability, too, taking into account not only the initial outlay, but the day-to-day running costs. And to back up our real life testing, we also scoured a wealth of online customer reviews and feedback.
After more hot weather essentials? Make sure to browse our guides to the best garden furniture, the best rattan furniture, the best inflatable pools for adults and, lastly, the best cooling mattress toppers.
Keep scrolling to shop the best portable air con units to keep your temperature level and your mood elevated
Specifications
- Best: Portable air con unit overall.
- Pros: Multifunctional; sleek design; lightweight.
- Cons: As a Dyson product, it doesn't come cheap.
- BTU rating: Unspecified.
- Dimensions: 76.4cm x24.8cm x 22cm.
- Speed settings: 1.
- Weight: 5.69kg.
- Remote included?: Yes.
You can stay comfy and breathe easy with this high-tech Dyson product. Its HEPA H13 filter captures an impressive 99.95% of tiny pollutants. And it is easily controlled with a remote – no app needed. The unit automatically senses and captures airborne nasties, purifying the whole room, ensuring fresh air everywhere. In winter, it heats the room quickly and evenly, while in the summer months, it sends a powerful stream of cool, purified air. Plus, the draught-free mode purifies without cooling. It’s the perfect all-in-one solution for a cosy, clean home.
Specifications
- Best: For light sleepers.
- Pros: Goes easy on the decibels; environmentally friendly.
- Cons: Nothing to see here!
- BTU rating: 10,000.
- Dimensions: 70.1 x 35 x 34.8cm.
- Speed settings: Adjustable.
- Weight: 24kg.
- Remote included?: Yes.
This multi-mode portable air conditioner works to remove humidity by drying the air as it cools. What makes this one a stand-out its minimal noise level. Much quieter than most on the market, the MeacoCool MC Series 10,000BTU unit is ideal for the bedroom or the home office, where peace and quiet is all-important. It’s reliably energy-efficient too, so you can keep your cool without breaking a sweat over next month’s electricity bill, and it also uses the new R290 refrigerant, which is demonstrably kinder to the environment. Handily, this one comes with two types of window kit, standard, which is suited to sash windows and sliding doors, and the flexible option, which is designed to fit all external openings. Either way, this ensures unwanted hot air is kept firmly outside.
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Specifications
- Best: For large, open-plan living spaces.
- Pros: Energy-efficient; boasts 360-degree castor wheels make it easy to move around.
- Cons: Some reviewers report a small water tank, meaning it needs a regular refill.
- BTU rating: 12,000.
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 35.2 x 39.4cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
- Weight: 26.7kg.
- Remote included?: Yes.
This versatile air conditioner serves as a cooler, dehumidifier, and fan. Choose from high, medium, or low speed settings and adjust the vertical louvre to direct cool air throughout the room. The soft touch LED controls make it easy to set temperatures from 18-32 degrees, with a remote control for flexible 24-hour timer operation. A carbon filter eliminates unpleasant odours and bacteria, ensuring fresh airflow, while the window ventilation system naturally evaporates collected water through the provided venting hose. With a 12,000 BTU output and R290 refrigerant, it’s energy-efficient and eco-friendly. The 360-degree castor wheels make it easy to move around your home, perfect for rooms up to 24m².
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Specifications
- Best: desk top air con unit.
- Pros: Eco-friendly and energy-efficient; includes LED lights to create a cosy atmosphere.
- Cons: Water tank needs regular refilling.
- BTU rating: Unspecified.
- Dimensions: 26.2cm x 13.5cm x 17.7cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
- Weight: 910g.
- Remote included?: No.
Small but mighty, this portable unit combines an air cooler fan, humidifier, and LED night light in one sleek design. Perfect for your WFH desk top, it uses a unique air circulation system to cool the room without chemicals. Lightweight at only 1.56lbs and equipped with a handle, it’s easy to carry wherever you need that sweet relief. Its high-performance motor and unique air duct design provide powerful airflow with minimal noise, ensuring undisturbed sleep. With a 600ml water tank, it runs for 6-8 hours on a full tank, while the timer feature (1-8 hours) allows for worry-free operation while you kip.
Specifications
- Best: portable air conditioning unit with window venting kit.
- Pros: Comes with window venting kit; eco-friendly.
- Cons: Bulky, so not ideal for small spaces.
- BTU rating: 9,000.
- Dimensions: 72cm x 33cm x 28cm.
- Speed settings: 2.
- Weight: 23kg.
- Remote included?: Yes.
Ideal for rooms up to 37m², VonHaus's 4-in-1 air conditioner offers cooling for summer, dehumidifying for winter, and a fan-only mode for spring and autumn. Plus, the sleep mode ensures a restful night at any time of the year. This compact unit is powerful yet space-saving, with handles and wheels for easy movement around the house. Whether in your lounge or office, the window venting kit fits double-hung and sliding windows perfectly. And you can control everything from the comfort of your sofa with a wireless remote. Eco-friendly with R290 refrigerant, it’s also natural and non-toxic.
Specifications
- Best: User-friendly portable air con unit.
- Pros: Multifunctional, easy to use.
- Cons: Nothing from us!
- BTU rating: 900.
- Dimensions: 77cm x 40cm x 32cm.
- Speed settings: 2.
- Weight: 25.88 kg.
- Remote included?: Yes.
This unit from Black + Decker proves satisfyingly user-friendly. The portable 3-in-1 air conditioner boasts cooling, fan, and dehumidifier functions, plus two speed settings. The soft touch LED display on the top makes it easy to set the temperature between 18 and 32 degrees, and thanks to its silent compressor, this air conditioner is quiet enough for year-round use. It also features a self-evaporating system, making it hassle-free, so you can keep your space cool and comfortable effortlessly. This one's perfect for maintaining the ideal atmosphere in any room.
Specifications
- Best: Design-led portable air con unit.
- Pros: Energy-efficient, using less power than a light bulb; stylish design.
- Cons: None here!
- BTU rating: Unspecified.
- Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 34 cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
- Weight: 1.9kg.
- Remote included?: No.
The Blueair Blue Pure 511, is your ultimate air purifier for rooms up to 38m². This little powerhouse removes 99.97% of particles like pollen, dust, mould, bacteria, and viruses. The activated carbon filter also tackles VOCs and odours from pets, cooking, and smoking. And, renowned as the UK’s most awarded air purifier brand from 2019-2023, it’s totally trusted on performance. Using HEPASilent technology, it’s ultra-quiet at just 24 dB on low, making it perfect for your bedroom, and it swiftly cleans a 16 m² room in under 15 minutes. With its sleek, Scandi-inspired design, and easy two-button control, it’s both stylish and user-friendly.
Specifications
- Best: Heavy duty portable air con unit.
- Pros: Good reach; includes a sliding window kit and power cable holder to keep things tidy.
- Cons: It can be heavy to manoeuvre.
- BTU rating: 14,000.
- Dimensions: 77cm x 44cm x 41cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
- Weight: 32kg.
- Remote included?: Yes.
Perfect for homes big and small, the versatile Homcom air con unit offers four modes: Cool for consistent temperature, Ventilate to control fan speed, Dehumidify to remove moisture, and Sleep for quiet operation. With adjustable temperatures from 17-30℃ and three fan speeds, you can customise your comfort. The 24-hour timer and automatic air blade adjustment ensure optimal convenience. Plus, you can easily move it around with its four wheels and a handle. It's controlled by the LED panel or remote, and features a removable, washable filter and a self-evaporating system.
Specifications
- Best: For year-round use.
- Pros: Includes heating function for the colder months; 24 hour programmable timer.
- Cons: While some say it’s attractive, we’d argue it looks a little bit bin-like.
- BTU rating: Unspecified.
- Dimensions: 71.5 x 44.5 x 37cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
- Weight: 31kg.
- Remote included?: Yes.
This hardworking machine is designed to bring you comfort all year round with four useful functions to suit your seasonal needs: fan, cooling, heating and dehumidifier. It’s suited to rooms of up to 25 square meters and boasts a 24 hour programmable timer, a three speed fan, sleep mode, and an easy-to-read temperature display. As a dehumidifier it can extract up to 36 litres of excess air moisture per day, making it a great choice for areas of the home that are prone to damp, such as the basement or the garage. The top section opens up to reveal adjustable louvres, giving you directional airflow and therefore an enhanced cooling performance.
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Specifications
- Best: Portable air purifying unit.
- Pros: Sleek design; smart home compatible.
- Cons: It's expensive.
- BTU rating: Unspecified.
- Dimensions: 92.3cm x 31.2cm x W 28cm.
- Speed settings: 1.
- Weight: 8.29 kg.
- Remote included?: Yes.
This stylish device features a HEPA H13 filter that catches 99.95% of tiny pollutants and even gets rid of formaldehyde (a nasty chemical used in building materials and many household products). The activated carbon filter tackles gases, and Air Multiplier technology spreads purified, humidified air around the room, cooling you when needed. It's easily connected to the MyDyson app for a smarter, fresher home, and its night mode uses the quietest settings we've come across.
Specifications
- Best: For energy saving.
- Pros: Good energy efficiency; easy to manoeuvre.
- Cons: Can be too noisy for some.
- BTU rating: 9400.
- Dimensions: 70 x 42.5 x 34.5cm.
- Speed settings: 3.
- Weight: 31.5 kg.
- Remote included?: Yes.
With its nippy castors, this portable AC unit is easy to manoeuvre and is guaranteed to become your sidekick when working from home in the heat. The Pinguino claims to provide maximum levels of comfort whilst keeping your creeping energy bills down. It features an exclusive condensate recirculatory system, dehumidification, and sustainable refrigerant gas, which, in layman’s terms, simply means that your immediate environment will be kept cool and fresh and you’ll notice an improvement in the air quality straight away. It also boasts a user-friendly soft touch digital display and a simple remote control, ideal for when you want to find the best comfort setting before getting out of bed.
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