Best Portable AC for Bedroom to Keep You Cool This Summer

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Are you tired of turning and tossing in your bedroom during those hot summer nights? Worry less; we are here to rescue you from discomfort with our guide to the best portable AC for your bedroom. You can say goodbye to those restless nights and hello to a cool, refreshing sanctuary right in the comfort of your room.

The top-rated portable AC for the bedroom is the BLACK+DECKER, 14,000 BTU. The portable AC comes with a built-in heater, allowing you to enjoy a cozy and warm ambiance during cold winter. The unit also features a reliable air filtration system that captures allergens and dust particles.

The second-best option on our list is the SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner, SLPAC8. This unit has a built-in dehumidifier, effectively removing excess moisture from the air and lowering humidity levels. However, it's not suitable for larger areas or open floor plans.

The third-best portable AC for the bedroom on our list is the Whynter Dual Hose ARC-14S AC. It features an activated carbon filter, which removes unpleasant smells and airborne particles from the air. However, it's relatively large and may require more floor space.

Why Would You Need a Portable AC?

A portable AC unit can be easily moved from one room to another, offering to cool whenever needed, whether in your bedroom, living room, or home office. Besides, they are a cost-effective option for central air conditioning systems. Plus, you can cool specific areas instead of the whole house, which helps save on energy costs.

Image Source: gadgetreview.com

Unlike traditional air conditioners, portable AC units require no or less setup. Besides, they come with a window kit that allows you to vent the hot air outside via a sliding door or window. In addition to cooling, most portable air conditioners also come with filters that help enhance indoor air quality by eliminating allergens, dust, and other particles. This is especially handy for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

Now that we know why a portable AC is important, let's check out the best portable air conditioner models for your bedroom.

1. BLACK+DECKER Portable AC with Remote Control, 14,000 BTU

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BLACK+DECKER Air Conditioner, 14,000 BTU Air...
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BLACK+DECKER Portable AC has excellent cooling performance. It quickly cools down my bedroom with its 14,000 BTU capacity, even on hot summer days. Besides, it features multiple fan speeds and adjustable temperature settings, which allow me to customize the cooling experience to my preference.

Image Source: etonline.com

This portable air conditioner has a built-in heater, enabling me to enjoy a cozy and warm ambiance during cold winter. This dual functionality eliminates the need for investing in separate cooling and heating appliances, saving space and money.

The unit has a remote control allowing me to adjust the settings anywhere in my bedroom effortlessly. On the other hand, the unit's control panel is also user-friendly and intuitive, allowing quick and easy adjustments.

Furthermore, this portable air conditioner features a reliable air filtration system that captures allergens and dust particles, considerably enhancing the air quality in the room. This is especially handy for people with allergies or sensitivities since it contributes to a healthier living environment.

Pros:

  • The unit comes with a built-in heater making it a versatile appliance.
  • Easy installation
  • It has a formidable cooling power capacity.
  • It features a user-friendly control panel.
  • The AC operates quietly, minimizing noise disruptions.
  • The unit comes with a reliable air filtration system.

Cons:

  • It's a bit noisy, especially when operating at higher fan speeds.
  • It requires proper venting through a sliding door or a window.

2. SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable AC with Built-in Dehumidifier, 8,000 BTU

Sale
SereneLife SLPAC8 SLPAC 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner...
  • HANDY AND PORTABLE: The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner...
  • 3 OPERATING MODES: The compact floor AC indoor cooler...
  • BUILT-IN DEHUMIDIFIER: you don’t only get the cooling effect of...
  • REMOTE CONTROL: Features a digital touch button control panel...
  • 8000 BTU COOLING POWER: with 900W rated power and 8000 BTU...

SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner, SLPAC8, has an 8,000 BTU rating which is enough cooling power for my bedroom. Even on hot days, the unit quickly creates a comfortable and pleasant ambiance, allowing me to relax and unwind without feeling overheated.

Image Source: harveynorman.ie

This AC has a compact design making it perfect for spaces where it might not be possible or necessary to use a bigger cooling unit. Besides, the unit comes with a window mount kit, which makes it easier to set up.

The built-in dehumidifier is an outstanding feature of this unit as it effectively removes excess moisture from the air, lowering humidity levels and making the atmosphere more pleasant. This air conditioner also offers multiple fan modes, so I can choose between different fan speeds to adjust the airflow to my preferences.

Conversely, the unit features a fan-only mode so air can circulate without cooling, which is handy during cooler seasons or when I want to enhance air circulation in my bedroom.

Pros:

  • Compact and space-saving unit
  • The installation process is easy.
  • This portable air conditioner works quietly
  • It comes with a built-in dehumidifier that effectively removes excess air moisture.

Cons:

  • It's not suitable for larger areas or open floor plans.

3. Whynter Dual Hose Portable AC with Dehumidifier, ARC-14S

Sale
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air...
  • Portable AC Unit: Our portable room air conditioner keeps your...
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  • Powerful, Efficient, and Quiet: This Energy Star Rated 14,000 BTU...
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I have been using the Whynter Dual Hose ARC-14S AC for eight years, and it works perfectly as new. The dual-hose design of this unit sets it apart from single-hose units. It usually uses separate intake and exhaust hoses, resulting in faster and more efficient cooling times. Besides, this innovative design helps maintain balanced air pressure within the room. It reduces the possibility of outside air being drawn into the room.

Image Source: bestbuy.ca

The air conditioner comes with a built-in dehumidifier that removes excess moisture from the air, reducing humidity and enhancing the comfort of the room. Also, the unit features an activated carbon filter, which removes unpleasant smells and airborne particles from the air. This contributes to a healthier and cleaner atmosphere, which is especially handy for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

The package has a storage bag which offers a practical solution for storing the AC during seasons when it's not in use. Conversely, it's important to note that this dual hose model is relatively large and may require more floor space than smaller portable air conditioners. Furthermore, the unit requires proper positioning near a window or sliding door to promote air intake and exhaust.

Pros:

  • The AC operates quietly.
  • It features a dual hose design which offers enhanced cooling efficiency.
  • It has an activated carbon filter which helps enhance the air quality.
  • It comes with a built-in dehumidifier that effectively removes excess air moisture.

Cons:

  • It requires more floor space.

4. Midea Duo Ultra Quiet Portable AC, 12,000 BTU, Works with Alexa/Google Assistant

Sale
Midea Duo 12,000 BTU (10,000 BTU SACC) HE Inverter...
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  • SMART WI-FI, WORKS WITH ALEXA/GOOGLE ASSISTANT - Wi-Fi module...

Midea Duo Ultra Quiet Portable AC has a cooling power output of 12,000 BTU which is enough to cool up to 450 square feet of space. The unit operates with little noise, allowing me to enjoy a peaceful and undisturbed ambiance. Besides, this AC features an inverter compressor that automatically adjusts its speed based on the cooling needs, offering higher energy efficiency and more precise temperature control.

Image Source:usatoday.com

This smart portable air conditioner is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. This usually allows convenient control using voice commands, providing hands-free operation and enhanced convenience. It's also compatible with the MideaAir app, allowing for remote control and scheduling through smartphones when away from home. Conversely, you can use the remote control that comes with the unit, which allows easy changing of parameters like temperature, fan speed, and mode.

Furthermore, this unit features a window kit, which makes installation easier. The kit has all the essential components and instructions for a hassle-free setup. The installation process was quite easy. The window kit efficiently seals the window, preventing hot air from entering and ensuring effective cooling.

Pros:

  • The AC operates quietly, minimizing noise disruptions.
  • It's compatible with the Midea
  • Air app and voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
  • Easy installation process
  • Compact and space-saving unit

Cons:

  • It's not ideal for large bedrooms; it cools up to 450 square feet.

5. Midea ASHRAE Portable AC-Works as Dehumidifier, 8,000 BTU

Sale
Midea 8,000 BTU ASHRAE (5,300 BTU SACC) Portable Air...
  • EASY COOL - The Midea Portable Air Conditioner, ASHRAE rating...
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Mide ASHRAE Portable AC also serves as a dehumidifier. It effectively removes excess moisture from the air, lowering humidity levels and enhancing the atmosphere. This feature is especially handy in humid climates or during muggy summer days. Besides, the air conditioner offers multiple fan speeds, including different fan speeds and a fan-only mode, allowing airflow customization depending on individual preferences and needs.

Image Source: cielowigle.com

This portable air conditioner has a remote control allowing me to change settings from anywhere in my bedroom. It offers control over fan speed, mode, and temperature, offering flexibility and comfort at my fingertips. Conversely, this unit comes with a window kit, making the installation easy. Also, the package has everything you need for a quick and easy installation.

It is crucial to note that this air conditioner is ideal for smaller spaces, up to 175 sq. ft, due to its cooling capacity and size. Therefore, if you have a larger bedroom, you will have to buy more than one unit or look for an alternative air conditioner to achieve optimal cooling performance.

Pros:

  • It also serves as a dehumidifier.
  • Easy installation process
  • The unit has a compact and space-saving design.
  • It comes with a friendly price tag compared to other portable air conditioners.

Cons:

  • It's not ideal for large bedrooms; it cools up to 175 square feet.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing the Best Portable AC for Bedroom

1. Noise Level

When investing in the best portable air conditioners, we recommend considering the noise level. Before, air conditioners produced high noise levels due to the motor's hum, but nowadays, the noise levels have significantly reduced.

Image Source: toptenreviews.com

The average air conditioner produces about 50 to 60 decibels (dB) of sound, while portable AC options may only be 40-45 dB; therefore, it won't be hard to find whisper-quiet models. We have several options on our list.

2. Room Size

Consider the room size before buying the best portable air conditioners for your bedroom. Portable air conditioners' cooling capacities are often listed in British thermal units (BTUs). Each BTU equals the heat the air conditioner can remove from a room. The output of a portable AC usually ranges from 3,000 BTU to 15,000 BTU.

3. Single-Hose Vs. Dual-Hose

When buying a portable air conditioner unit for your bedroom, you can choose either a single-hose or a dual-hose model.

Image Source: coolblue.nl

A single hose usually draws in and expels warm air through the same hose. These models are often less expensive and easier to install than dual-hose ones. However, these models can generate negative pressure by drawing in warm air from outside, making them less effective at cooling your bedroom.

Conversely, dual-hose models come with separate intake and exhaust hoses, expelling hot air from your space while drawing in fresh cold air from outside. Th dual hose design usually helps enhance the unit's cooling performance and efficiency, which can result in lower energy costs. However, these models are more expensive and difficult to set up than single-hose ones.

4. Installation

Portable air conditioners are usually easy to install. These units require an available power outlet and a place for the exhaust hose to filter out excess moisture and hot air. To do this, the hose is routed via a specialized frame installed within the open window, creating a watertight seal around the window and the hose.

On the other hand, evaporative air coolers don't have an external hose. Still, they require cold water or ice in the sponge or bucket to cool the hot air that passes through the unit.

5. Additional Features

Aside from the factors mentioned earlier, here are additional features to consider when shopping for the best portal AC for the bedroom.

Image Source: thesoothingair.com

  • Programmable Timer- A programmable timer will allow you to customize the device to turn on or off at specific times. This feature saves energy since the air conditioner will only shut down and turn on when needed.
  • Activated carbon or HEPA filters will enhance your bedroom's air quality by capturing dust particles, allergens, and odors.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility- Compatibility with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant will allow you to control the AC unit remotely using your smartphone or voice commands for extra convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Portable AC for Bedroom

1. Is a Portable AC Good for a Bedroom?

A portable AC is ideal if you live in a squeezed apartment or are just looking for a cost-effective way to keep your bedroom cool. Due to their compact size, these units may be placed anywhere in the room.

2. What is the Ideal Size of Portable AC for a Bedroom?

Compare your bedroom size to the BTU rating: 299 sq ft or less: 8,000 BTU unit. 300 to 500 sq ft: 10,000-BTU unit. 501 to 700 sq ft: 12,000-BTU unit.

3. Does Portable Air Conditioner Cool a Room?

Yes, a portable air conditioner can cool a room if it's the right size for that room. These units are designed to cool rooms of a specific size; therefore, if the AC is too small for the room, it might not be able to cool it adequately.

4. What Are the Drawbacks of a Portable AC?

Here are the two main drawbacks of a portable air conditioner.

  • Noisy operation: Portable ACs can be quite noisy when in operation. If you are looking for a whisper-quite cooling system that won't keep you up at night, portable ACs might not be the best option.
  • Limited coverage: Due to their size, portable ACs are limited to cooling one room at a time and cannot cover larger areas.
Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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