Last Updated on February 20, 2022
Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Top 10 Best Portable Air Conditioners
- De’Longhi Pinguino PACN82 (Editor’s Choice)
- De’Longhi Pinguino PACEX100 (Luxury Choice)
- Inventor Chilly 9000BTU (Best Value)
- NETTA 8,000 BTU (Best Small)
- Pro Breeze 10L (Best with Many Operating Modes)
- BLACK+DECKER BXAC40008GB (Best Compact)
- Inventor Magic 12.000BTU (Best With a Remote Control)
- Pro Breeze 4 in 1 (Best for Filtration)
- De’Longhi Pinguino PACAN112 (Quietest)
- Igenix IG9901Wi-Fi 3 in 1 (Best Smart Model)
Tired of hot air in your home or just want to keep cooler indoors in the hot weather? Then an air conditioner might be a great option, particularly a portable unit that you can move between rooms.
Portable air conditioners help to filter and circulate the air in your home or office while also removing any pollutants from the air, resulting in a healthier environment. Not only do these units make the air inside your home easier to breathe, but they create a more comfortable atmosphere for you and your family.
As a result, we have a selection of the best portable air conditioning units to tailor to your preferences and meet your needs and budgets.
Discover the best portable air conditioner in the UK for you and your family’s/employee’s needs with our diverse selection below. We’ve taken into consideration the size, power and design of the unit to help you find the best option that suits your needs.
How we Compared Portable Air Conditioners
To find the right portable air conditioners we considered multiple factors, including:
- Size
- Room size
- Energy use
- Noise
- Multi-functional feature
- Exhaust hose option
Our team independently examined and compared hundreds of products to help satisfy different needs. We spent our time researching portable air conditioners and consulting customer reviews to ultimately bring you what, in our opinion, are the best options on the market right now.
To find out more about our editorial process, take a look here.
Portable Air Conditioner Reviews
De’Longhi Pinguino PACN82 (Editor’s Choice)
This is the best portable air conditioner in the UK for its energy efficiency with a class A low energy consumption, and it doesn’t emit any greenhouse gases. All the while, it has a cooling capacity for rooms up to 80 m3. Equipped with three-speed settings, you can select the preferred power or noise suitable for your environment.
Moreover, this portable air conditioning unit includes an electronic timer and thermostat, plus a wireless remote control, enabling you to use all of the unit’s features without having to get up out of your seat. The digital control panel provides a clear and continuous update of the room’s conditions. The orange light describes any uncomfortable conditions, the green light describes acceptable conditions, and the blue light describes optimal conditions.
Best of all, this compact portable air conditioner operates at just 52 decibels, enabling you to run it at night without disturbing your sleep. Even in ‘regular’ working mode, it guarantees low noise emissions, so you can use it at night or in a quiet office.
On the other hand, this portable air conditioner might not include chill or dehumidifying options like other portable air conditioners on this list. In addition, the remote control might not always sync with the real-time results, leading to a delay.
Pros:
- Excellent energy efficiency and doesn’t emit greenhouse gases
- Has three fan speed settings for customizability
- Includes a remote control for convenience
- The digital control panel describes the room’s conditions in real-time
- Operates at 52 decibels, making it extremely quiet during use
Cons:
- It might not include chill or dehumidifying options
- The remote control might not sync to the data in real-time
De’Longhi Pinguino PACEX100 (Luxury Choice)
Upgrade to one of the best air conditioners with this unit. It operates quietly (between 47 and 53 decibels), making it an ideal appliance to use in virtually any setting. Plus, the optimised airflow makes this air conditioner virtually silent.
This portable air conditioner makes your environment more comfortable by using correct measurements of temperature and humidity. Eco Real Feel tracks and monitors these factors and automatically reaches and maintains your desired comfort levels—all the while saving up to 30 per cent on energy consumption.
The Comfort Light indicator manages the temperature, fan speed, timer, and cooling function with its digital control panel. You’ll also receive a handy remote control to make any adjustments without having to get up and change the settings on the appliance.
On the other hand, the vent is positioned at the top, which might take longer to direct the airflow into your room. Plus, some customers reported that it might produce a slight whistling sound when it’s in the most powerful operating mode.
Pros:
- Operates at a maximum of 53 decibels, making it ideal to use in any environment
- Excellent energy efficiency while maintaining a comfortable environment
- It comes with wireless remote control for convenience
- The Comfort Light indicator manages various factors
- High-quality castor wheels on the base allow you to move it from room to room conveniently
Cons:
- The vent is positioned at the top, which could delay any cooling effects
- It might have a slight whistling effect when in the highest mode
Inventor Chilly 9000BTU (Best Value)
For excellent value, this portable air conditioner has a lot of advantages. It provides a world of relief to your home or office with virtually instant freshness. Most impressively, it’s up to 690 times more environmentally friendly than a gas portable air conditioner.
It’s equipped with caster wheels (which are omnidirectional) that allow you to manoeuvre Chilly around your home. In addition, it comes equipped with an expendable exhaust hose that fits onto any standard slider or double-hung window, making this a versatile appliance.
Featuring Sleep mode, you can set a timer for this portable air conditioner to help you sleep better and preserve energy by not having it powering through the night. This mode is easily accessible on the remote control.
It’s worth noting that this portable air conditioner might be noisier than other appliances on this list. Also, the timers might only be available in 30-minute increments, not allowing you to set a specific time.
Pros:
- Wheels are suitable for all floor types and make it easy to transport the unit from room to room
- Includes an exhaust hose, so you can attach it to a window or slider
- It comes with a wireless remote control with an LED display
- More environmentally friendly than other Chilly models
- Includes a Sleep mode to preserve energy
Cons:
- It might be noisier than other air conditioners on this list
- Timer function might only be available in 30-minute increments
NETTA 8,000 BTU (Best Small)
This small portable air conditioner is ideal for rooms up to 20m². Expertly combining efficiency, power and style, this appliance offers individual fans, cooling and dehumidifying modes to create the perfect environment in your home during the hot months.
It offers two fan speeds (Low, Medium and High) and a 24-hour timer, allowing you to keep the unit running for long periods. Lightweight and compact, this portable air conditioner includes wheels that enable you to conveniently move it into any room in the house with a simple push. It also won’t take up much space in your home. Plus, it dehumidifies up to 19 litres of water every day, enabling it to create a more comfortable home or office environment.
Unfortunately, this portable air conditioning unit might be quite noisy during operating, making it unideal for a focused environment. Plus, it might not include a Sleep mode, so you may have to keep it running throughout the night or not use it while you’re resting.
Pros:
- Includes individual fans, cooling and dehumidifying modes
- Includes two fan speeds and a 24-hour timer to create the perfect indoor environment
- Convenient and easy to push around the house
- It comes with a remote control for convenience
- Dehumidifies up to 19 litres of water every day
Cons:
- It might be quite noisy during operation
- It might not include a Sleep mode
Pro Breeze 10L (Best with Many Operating Modes)
This portable air conditioner includes an extra-large 10-litre water tank and a powerful air circulating motor that provides a powerful airflow of 408m³/hour, making this unit ideal for medium-sized rooms at home or in the office. Most impressively, it features an innovative honeycomb waterfall system that passes warm air over ice-cold water to quickly and efficiently cool rooms.
Furthermore, this compact portable air conditioner boasts four operating modes: air cooling, fan only, natural and night-time modes. Its versatility allows you to use this air conditioner in a variety of settings and environments, including the home, bedroom and office. These modes also enable the unit to automatically cool and humidify the air in your home to combat both dry heat and low humidity.
Moreover, it sports an LED control panel, remote control and a convenient timer, enabling you to enjoy complete control over your environment. In fact, it offers three fan settings and a 7.5-hour timer, so you needn’t worry about having to power this unit on and off throughout the day. Finally, this unit is convenient and lightweight enough to move from room to room with minimal struggles with four built-in wheels.
Unfortunately, this unit might not be as energy-efficient as other portable air conditioner units on this list. In addition, it might take longer than other air conditioners on this list to cool down a room.
Pros:
- Pumps both cool and hot air
- Include a 24-hour timer
- Wheels make it easier and more convenient to lift and move between rooms
- It comes with a remote control for easy usability
- The remote control includes a bright LED display
Cons:
- It might not be as energy-efficient as other air conditioners on this list
- It might not be able to target big spaces like other air conditioners
BLACK+DECKER BXAC40008GB (Best Compact)
This compact unit has pretty much all of the qualities that you could want. In particular, it uses advanced technology with a precision air quality control that provides consistent ambient temperature control in any room of your home. But that doesn’t mean it’s just suitable for tech-savvy individuals. With its simple and high-precision electronic controls, it’s easier than ever to program the 24-hour timer on or off and switch to varying modes.
Use this compact unit while you’re sleeping or in a quiet room, as it operates at 45 decibels to ensure maximum performance without disturbing you or others. Most impressively, this compact portable air conditioning unit boasts a powerful 12,000 BTU cooling capacity with an Air Filtration system to improve the air quality in spaces up to 30m².
In addition, it includes a dehumidifier function that you can use independently when the wet season kicks in to keep your home free from mould. Just attach the included drainage pipe to the back of the appliance to extract up to 29 litres of moisture from your room each day. It also includes three fan settings and an Auto Breeze function, so you’ll also select the best function for your room.
On the other hand, the included hose might be too short to connect to the window. Plus, you might encounter some water leakage if you don’t monitor the unit.
Pros:
- Suitable for technophobes with its easy-to-understand digital display
- Operates at 45 decibels to not disturb you or others
- Suitable for rooms up to 30m²
- Includes a three-speed fan and an Auto Breeze function
- Extracts up to 29 litres of moisture from your room every day
Cons:
- The included hose might be too short than what people need
- Might experience some slight water leakage if you don’t regularly monitor and empty the unit
Inventor Magic 12.000BTU (Best With a Remote Control)
This portable air conditioner is a five-in-one appliance with Auto, Cool, Dry, Fan and Heat functions, making it exceptionally versatile for all environments and times of the year. As its heat pump releases hot air, you can use this air conditioner in both summer and winter, making it great to use all year round. It also includes three fan speeds, an LED display and a 24-hour timer, making it user friendly and easy to use.
Furthermore, this air conditioner offers a higher BTU rating than most portable air conditioners, ensuring that it’s powerful and effective during use. When it’s time to move this air conditioner, the built-in wheels make it easier to lift the unit each time from room to room.
The included remote control provides all the functions you need for adjusting your portable air conditioner. With its clear-cut LED screen, you can conveniently adjust the temperature and other functions to make your environment just perfect for you. So it’s easier than ever to select the sleep function, adjust the fan speeds, switch between various modes and more. Plus, you don’t need to switch on a light to see the remote since the bright LED display provides optimal viewing.
However, this portable air conditioner might not be as energy-efficient as other units on this list. It also might not have the capacity to fill an entire flat and might only target a small room at a time.
Pros:
- Pumps both cool and hot air
- Include a 24-hour timer
- Wheels make it easier and more convenient to lift and move between rooms
- It comes with a remote control for easy usability
- The remote control includes a bright LED display
Cons:
- It might not be as energy-efficient as other air conditioners on this list
- It might not be able to target big spaces like other air conditioners
Pro Breeze 4 in 1 (Best for Filtration)
If you want your air conditioner to go beyond the norms, then you might want to consider the Pro Breeze 4 in 1. This 7,000 BTU air conditioner provides a strong and effective cooling system down to 15°C to keep you cool in your living room, bedroom, office and more during hot months.
It’s equipped with a remote control and a digital display with an easy-to-use LED display that gives you full control of various operating modes: Auto, Cooling, Sleep and a built-in 24-hour timer. You can even select the thermostat temperature control with a choice of °C & °F.
In addition, this portable air conditioner is exceptionally energy-efficient to keep you cool in the sweltering heat while remaining cost-effective. In fact, it’s up to 690 times more eco-friendly than typical air conditioners. All the while, the Sleep mode keeps you cool at night without requiring too much energy to run.
On the other hand, the 7,000 BTU rating might not be as powerful/high as other air conditioners. In addition, it might be too bulky for some people.
Pros:
- Provides a choice of the thermostat temperature control
- Energy-efficient design to keep your energy bills low
- Includes Sleep mode and comes with a 24-hour timer
- Remote control provides access to all of the functions
- More eco-friendly than traditional air conditioners
Cons:
- BTU rating might not be as high as other air conditioners
- The design might be too bulky for some people
De’Longhi Pinguino PACAN112 (Quietest)
Enjoy peace and quiet in your home or office while you remain cool with this quietest portable air conditioner. Operating between 47 and 50 dBA, you needn’t worry about this unit keeping you awake at night or disturbing your work routine.
It also has a BTU rating of 11,000 and 950 watts of power to remain powerful and easily target an ample, open space. Above all, it’s incredibly energy efficient with an A+ class. Designed with an innovative LED display, this unit provides immediate feedback about your comfort status as well as reaching your desired temperature, ensuring that you have all the data you need at a glance. Alternatively, use the included remote control for easy access to this appliance’s useful features.
Moreover, it comes with three fan speeds to provide you maximum power or opt for a minimal noise level when you’re sleeping or busy working.
However, this air conditioning unit might take longer than some air conditioners to cool down a room due to the fan placements. Additionally, it might not be as portable and lightweight as other units on this list, making it slightly heavier to transport among rooms.
Pros:
- Operates at a maximum of 50 dBA to remain virtually silent
- Powerful 11,000 BTU rating and 950 watts of power for efficiency
- A+ rating in energy efficiency to save you money on your energy bills
- Provides an option of three fan speeds
- Includes a 24-hour digital timer and thermostat
Cons:
- It might take longer to cool down a room due to the fan placement
- It might not be as portable as other air conditioners on this list
Igenix IG9901Wi-Fi 3 in 1 (Best Smart Model)
Finally, this air conditioner connects to your smart home device, including Amazon Echo devices, and is Alexa-enabled. So you can control functions and settings via voice commands. It’s a three-in-one unit with cooling, fan and dehumidifying functions along with an included 1.5-metre exhaust hose.
Furthermore, it operates at 65 dB of noise when in the cooling function, which makes it suitable to use when you’re sleeping while keeping your room cool at the same time. Boasting a 9,000 BTU cooling capacity, the cooling temperature in your home can be reduced to 15° C, allowing you to keep calm and cool while you work or relax.
Use it independently as a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture and humidity from your home or office atmosphere: this function can extract up to 27 litres of water a day.
On the other hand, this air conditioning unit might not be as quiet as others on this list. It also might be chunkier than other units on this list, making it not very space-saving.
Pros:
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
- Can reduce a room’s temperature down to 15° C
- It can be used as a dehumidifier
- Includes three fan speeds
- Can extract up to 27 litres of water a day
Cons:
- It might be louder than other air conditioners on this list
- It might be chunkier than other units on this list
Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Air Conditioner
Not sure which portable air conditioner suits your needs? Below, we’ve outlined all of the essential factors and features to look out for when considering the best portable air conditioners available. Take a look at our buying guide and keep in mind these determining factors to help you decide during your buying process.
Size
While a portable AC isn’t as big as other air conditioners, you still want to consider the dimensions. The last thing you want is for a bulky, portable AC unit taking up half of your spare space in your living area. You may also want to consider if you plan on moving the air conditioner from one location to another. In which case, it needs to be lightweight enough that you can reasonably pick it up on your own. The majority of portable air conditioners include wheels to make them easy to transport to different locations.
However, if you don’t plan to move your air conditioning unit into different rooms, you’ll still need to take measurements to ensure that it can easily fit into the room you want to use it for. While some people might be happy to re-arrange their room to accommodate a new unit, is this something that you’d be happy with?
Room Size
While the unit’s size isn’t an absolute determining factor, the size of the space it can cool most certainly is. Most portable air conditioners are unable to cool an entire flat or house and are designed for specific rooms, so you’ll need to research what capacity you need. Fortunately, manufacturers make this fairly easy by using a measurement tool: British Thermal Units (BTU). Some companies may also specify the room size that it’s suitable for, but it’s best to know the exact British Thermal Unit you need.
On average, a 150 sq. ft room will require 5,000 BTUs. A medium-sized room (300 sq. ft.) requires 7,000 BTUs. Or, if you have a space between 350 sq. ft. and 550 sq. ft., you’ll need at least 8,000–12,000 BTU. The higher the BTU, the bigger the unit, the more applicable it is for larger spaces.
With that being said, keep in mind that several factors can affect how the air conditioning unit operates. For example, if your living room receives a lot of sunlight during the afternoon or there are several hot appliances in one room, it might be worth increasing the BTU rating to accommodate these influences.
Energy Use
With anything electrical, it’ll cost you money to power the unit. But, ideally, you’ll consider the most energy-efficient conditioning unit you can buy. To assist you, Energy Star provides a handy directory of the unit’s rating to make it easier to compare the energy efficiency of various models.
If preserving energy is an absolute necessity for you, consider portable air conditioners with a programmable thermostat so that it automatically powers off once the room reaches the acquired temperature. You may also want to choose an air conditioner with an A+ rating for the ultimate efficiency and to keep your energy costs down.
Noise
Nobody wants a loud air conditioning unit, but a lower volume is more important for some people than others. In particular, if you plan on using your air conditioner at night, consider a model with a Sleep mode for a lower amount of power to remain quieter in operation. If a quiet unit is essential to prevent disturbances in your household or office, look for ones with a volume below 52 dBA. Anything louder than this, and you might encounter some disturbance.
Multi-Functional Features
Is it important to you that your unit goes beyond just cooling a room? Many of the best portable air conditioners include several modes, including dehumidifying and even heating. By dehumidifying your home, the appliance can remove moisture from the air to prevent a build-up of mould.
A multi-functional air conditioner is ideal for use all year round and keeps your home in tip-top condition.
Exhaust Hose Options
Another factor to look into is the exhaust hose options of your chosen air conditioner. Portable AC units come with either a single hose or a dual hose exhaust option. Those with a single hose extract air from the room and release warm air and moisture using the same pipe. This process means that the unit has to work harder to cool down the room, making it more expensive to run and not sufficient for small areas.
Alternatively, portable air conditioners with a dual hose opinion pull air out of the room with one hose and expel the warm air outside. This option is ideal for cooling down larger spaces in a quicker amount of time.
How to Maintain Portable Air Conditioners
Once you’re happy with the unit you’ve chosen, it’s time to crack down and research how to properly care for the appliance to keep it running.
Clean Filters
Anything that cleans needs cleaning itself. It’s important to get into a good routine of removing any filters in the unit. Most times, these will need to be replaced rather than simply cleaned, but you should check the manufacturer’s advice before making this decision. If you need to replace them, consider buying filters in bulk so that you always have them readily available.
Wipe the Exterior
A dirty portable air conditioner doesn’t look presentable in your home. Keep it looking its best by regularly wiping down the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Wiping the unit on a regular basis is a lot less strenuous than a deep clean a couple of times a year. Avoid using any harsh cleaning products that could damage the surface. Always ensure that the appliance is properly switched off before you clean it.
Furthermore, move the unit around to check that there’s no leakage or build-up of residue surrounding it. We also recommend getting into a good habit of moving it to another position when you’re vacuuming to keep it spick and span.
Maintain Condenser Coils
Portable air con units can only produce cold air if they’re in tip-top condition. A crucial part of ensuring that yours is up to standard is by maintaining the condenser coils. Over time, these coils can get dirt and build up with grease and grime. Therefore, you should examine portable units for gunk and invest in a coil cleaner to remove any build-up. Keeping on top of maintenance can save you a lot of money and hassle down the line.
Store Portable Air Conditioners Properly
Another way to keep your portable air conditioner in excellent condition is by storing it properly. When you’re not using the unit, don’t leave it neglected next to a window. Instead, store it in a dry, secure location that’s away from fluctuating temperatures and direct sunlight.
Leaving portable units plugged in when they’re not running can cause moisture from temperature changes to collect on the unit, not to mention a build-up of dust and dirt accumulated from the room. These contributions can impact the unit’s durability.
A great way to store your unit is to wrap it in a large plastic sheet that covers the entire appliance. A storage closet makes an excellent place to keep it in hiding until summer arrives. This location doesn’t usually have fluctuations in temperature, making it ideal.
The Winning Portable Air Conditioning Unit
We hope you enjoyed these portable air conditioner reviews. If we could only recommend the best air conditioner in the UK, this would be the De’Longhi Pinguino PACN82. Equipped with a dehumidifier setting, it’s ideal for removing excess moisture from the air inside your home, helping to limit mould growth. Moreover, it comes with a three-speed fan, enabling you to select the preferred power you need or choose a setting that generates the least amount of noise. You’ll also find an electronic timer and thermostat as well as an easy-to-use remote control for adjusting all of the features.
Do you have any portable air conditioners that you’d love to recommend to our readers? If so, share the brand and model in the comments below!
Additional Resources
Nicole has a passion for everything about the home – especially decor. She loves to add new touches and style to every part of the house. Join her as she documents her ideas at Home & Style.
