Portable Air Conditioners are great for those who want to be able to move their unit from one room to another or even from one house to another. They’re perfect for small spaces, too. And they can save you money on your energy bill because you can use them only when necessary.
We spent hours researching and testing the best portable air conditioners on the market, so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible product for your needs. We’ve looked at various factors, including cooling capacity, portability, noise levels, and energy efficiency.
In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary of the Article
- Best overall portable air conditioner – Devanti Portable Air Conditioner 12000BTU Wi-Fi APP Control
- Best portable air conditioner for camping/traveling – Evapolar EvaLIGHT Plus EV-1500 Evaporative Air Cooler and Humidifier
Best Portable Air Conditioner Australia
1. Devanti 12000BTU – The best portable air conditioner for Caravan
Ok, so starting our list of the best portable air conditioner in Australia with Devanti, which is of the finest products out there currently on the market. This unit is specifically recommended for caravans due to its amazing capabilities and surprisingly better outputs.
It has a cooling capacity of 2.5kw and can also be used as a dehumidifier. What’s more, the Devanti portable air conditioner requires minimum power for running, which makes it way ahead of its competitor, especially when you compare its features with the price tag.
This unit is also fitted with four caster wheels that make it easy for you to move it around. You can also set the airflow direction according to your need, as it comes with an adjustable air vent.
Apart from that, it allows you to move your air conditioner wherever you want inside your caravan without any issues at all. However, one thing that may concern you a bit is that it doesn’t come with an external exhaust hose, but that shouldn’t be a problem as you can easily make one on your own.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- 2.5kw cooling capacity
- It can also be used as a dehumidifier
- It comes with four caster wheels
- It has an adjustable air vent
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with an external exhaust hose
2. De’Longhi Pinguino – best portable air conditioner for apartment
If you are looking for the best air conditioner for a large room then we have another amazing option on our list. The De’Longhi Pinguino is one of the most classy air conditioners available that comes packed with a lot of features. There are so many things that we love about this AC, and one of them is the fact that it can cool up to 16 square meters, which is pretty impressive.
It has a cooling capacity of 2.5kw and can also be used as a fan or a dehumidifier. You can easily control the speed and direction of airflow with the help of its three different settings. The De’Longhi Pinguino also comes with a digital timer that makes life so much easier as compared to manually controlled ACs.
This unit is also very energy efficient and has a low noise level, making it perfect for bedrooms. The only thing we didn’t like about this air conditioner is its high price tag, but then again, you get what you pay for.
Pros:
- Cools up to 16 square meters
- 2.5kw cooling capacity
- It can also be used as a fan or dehumidifier.
- It comes with a digital timer.
- Very energy efficient
- Low noise level
Cons:
- High price tag
3. Whynter ARC-14SH – best portable air conditioner for large room
The next option on our list is the Whynter ARC-14SH. It is another top-tier product that is considered as the best portable Air Conditioner for large rooms and apartments as it features a lot of impressive specs.
Firstly, it has a powerful cooling capacity of 14000 BTUs that can cover an area of 500 square feet which is more than enough for most apartments. This unit also comes with three different modes that include the fan mode, dehumidifier mode, and AC mode. You can easily control all these modes with the help of its full-featured remote.
Apart from that, the Whynter ARC-14SH also features a programmable timer that can be set for up to 24 hours in advance. Another great thing about this air conditioner is that it has a low noise level which makes it perfect for bedrooms. The only thing that we didn’t like about this unit is its high price tag but then again, you get what you pay for.
Pros:
- 14000 BTUs cooling capacity
- Can cover an area of 500 square feet
- Comes with three different modes
- Features a full-featured remote
- Multi-functional and energy saving
Cons:
- A bit bulky and heavy as compared to other options
4. Shinco Mobile – best portable air conditioner for bedroom
Looking for something portable and lightweight that can easily cool your bedroom? Well, the Shinco mobile is the best air conditioner for the bedroom because it features a lightweight structure and comes with caster wheels. These two features allow you to move the AC around whenever you need to.
Besides that, the unit also features an amazing control line right on top of its vents that let you fully control all the features of the AC. What’s more? It is a 9000 BTU unit that can cover an area of up to 15 square meters, which is pretty impressive.
Other features include a bright and easy-to-read display, a built-in dehumidifier, and an adjustable air vent. With this unit, you also get a remote control that makes life so much easier. All in all, it is one of the best portable air conditioners for bedrooms out there.
The only thing that we didn’t like about this unit is its short cord, but you can easily overcome this problem by using an extension cord.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- It comes with caster wheels.
- Features a control line
- 9000 BTUs cooling capacity
- It can cover an area of 15 square meters
- Bright and easy-to-read display
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Adjustable air vent
Cons:
- Short power cord
5. Evapolar EvaLIGHT Plus EV-1500 – best portable air conditioner for camping
Last but not least, if you are looking for the best portable air conditioner for camping then look no further than the Evapolar EvaLIGHT Plus EV-1500. This unit is one of the smallest and most compact air conditioners out there which makes it perfect for camping.
Despite its small size, it still packs a punch as it can cover an area of up to 45 square feet. It also features a 3-in-1 function that allows it to work as an air conditioner, a humidifier, and a purifier. Apart from that, it also features LED lighting, USB charging, and an easy to use control panel. All these features make it one of the best portable air conditioners for camping.
In addition, the Evapolar Evalight plus EV-1500 comes with an enlarged water tank and that too with a leakage proof design. This can come in really handy when you are using it for camping. Especially when you are worried about keeping the inside of your tent dry and cool at the same time.
Pros:
- Small and compact
- Can cover an area of 12 square meters
- 3-in-1 function
- Features LED lighting
- USB charging
- Easy to use control panel
Cons:
- A bit expensive
What to Look for When Selecting the Best Portable Aircon?
| Key Factors To Check | Corresponding Feature To Check |
|---|---|
| Cooling Capacity | BTU, BTU/hr, British Thermal Units, Cooling power |
| Energy Efficiency | EER, SEER, Energy Star rating, Energy consumption |
| Noise Level | dB, Decibel, Noise rating, Quiet operation |
| Room Size | Square footage, Area, Room dimensions |
| Portability | Weight, Wheels, Handles, Mobility |
| Installation | Window kit, Venting, Hose, Setup |
| Air Filtering | Filters, HEPA, Dust, Allergens |
| Dehumidification | Humidity control, Moisture removal |
| Programmability | Timer, Schedule, Remote control, Smart features |
| Price | Cost, Budget, Value for money |
| Warranty | Coverage, Duration, Terms |
Now that you’ve seen some of our recommended air conditions for different situations, there are still a few things that we would like you to know. As mentioned earlier, there are so many products available on the market and choosing the best one can be quite tricky.
Therefore, in order to help you make an informed decision without wasting too much time and energy, we’ve mentioned some important points that you need to keep in mind. These points will ensure that you pick the best portable air conditioner for your needs.
1. Size of the Unit:
One of the most important things that you need to consider is the size of the unit. This is because the size will determine how effective the AC will be in cooling a specific area. If you get a unit that is too small then it will struggle to cool the room and if you get a unit that is too big then it will end up wasting a lot of energy.
Therefore, we would recommend that you measure the size of the room before making your purchase. This way you can pick a unit that is just the right size for your needs.
2. BTU Rating:
Another important thing that you need to consider is the BTU rating of the unit. The BTU rating will determine the cooling capacity of the unit. In simple terms, the higher the BTU rating, the higher the cooling capacity.
Therefore, if you want a unit that can cool a large area then you need to get one with a high BTU rating. On the other hand, if you only want to use it for a small space then you can get away with a unit that has a lower BTU rating.
3. Price:
Of course, the price is also an important factor that you need to consider. After all, you need to make sure that the unit falls within your budget. However, we would not recommend that you pick the cheapest unit available.
Instead, we would suggest that you look for a unit that offers the best value for money. This way you can be sure that you are getting a quality product without spending too much money.
5. Noise Level:
Another thing that you need to consider is the noise level of the unit. This is because you don’t want a unit that is too loud as it can be quite disruptive.
Therefore, we would recommend that you look for a unit that has a low noise level. This way you can be sure that it will not disturb you or your family when it is running. Noise level is extremely important if you are looking for an air conditioner for your bed room.
This is because some people are extremely sensitive and they can’t sleep in the presence of even a clock ticking. Under such conditions, your AC can cause a lot of trouble instead of providing comfort to the user.
6. Energy Efficiency:
Another thing to think about is the unit’s energy efficiency. This is because, you wouldn’t want a machine that cost you a large amount of money to run. Portable air conditioners such as the one that operates on DC are highly energy efficient as they can easily be operated with the help of batteries and solar panels.
However, such type of ACs are reported to be less powerful as compared to the ones that operate on standard electricity. If you want to get an AC that is both powerful and energy efficient then you should check out the inverter type air conditioners.
7. Portability
The portability of the unit is also one of the most important things you should consider. This is because you would want a unit that you can easily carry from one place to another.
Portable air conditioners come with caster wheels and handles which make them extremely easy to move from one place to another. Some units even come with a remote so that you can operate it without having to get up.
8. IoT Compatibility
Technology has changed the world from manual operations to automatic and from wired to wireless. So it would be best if your air conditioner also keeps up with the changing technology.
Nowadays, almost everything is operated with the help of smartphone apps. So it would be best if you can find an AC that you can operate with your smartphone.
Such types of air conditioners are perfect for bedrooms, apartments, and even offices especially when you are in bed or working on something important and don’t feel like getting up to change the settings of your air conditioner.
9. Features:
Last but not least, you also need to consider the features of the unit. Make sure to pick a unit that comes with all the features that you need. For instance, if you want a unit that can also double up as a humidifier then make sure to get one with that feature.
Similarly, if you want a unit that comes with a remote control then make sure to pick one that has that feature. This way you can be sure that you are getting exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which portable air conditioner works best?
After a lot of research and comparing features and functions of different products we found that the Devanti portable air conditioner works best. It is because the unit comes with all the features that we have discussed above.
It is a highly energy-efficient unit that comes with a remote so that you can operate it without having to get up. The portability feature makes it extremely easy to move from one place to another.
The Devanti portable air conditioner is the perfect unit for bedrooms, apartments and even offices.
Are there any portable AC that actually works?
You might be wondering whether a portable AC can actually work or not. One of the reasons why you might be thinking so is the size of the units that are usually highly compact compared to the standard units.
But the fact is that portable air conditioners can actually work and they are becoming more and more popular with every passing day because of their portability and compactness.
In addition to that, most portable ACs come with all the features that you would find in a standard unit. So if you are looking for an AC that is both powerful and energy efficient then you should check out the inverter-type air conditioners.
Can I use a portable AC in my RV?
Yes, you can use a portable AC in your RV. In fact, most of the people who own RVs use portable air conditioners because they are extremely compact and can be easily carried from one place to another.
The best thing about portable AC is that they require very less amount of energy to operate which makes them perfect for RVs. In addition to that, they are also very easy to install and can be used without any hassle.
So if you are looking for an AC for your RV then you should definitely check out the portable air conditioners.
What is the best way to use a portable air conditioner?
There is no one definitive answer to this question because it depends on your personal preference and needs. However, we would recommend you to use the portable ACs in well-ventilated areas so that the unit can work efficiently.
In addition to that, make sure to clean the filters of the unit on a regular basis so that it can work properly. Also, if you are using the AC in a small room then make sure to close the doors and windows so that the cold air does not escape.
Conclusion:
After a quite bit of digging and researching various portable air conditioners on different markets, we finally came to a conclusion that the Devanti portable air conditioner works best.
It also offers all of the characteristics we’ve discussed, including portability, energy efficiency, and remote management. The Devanti portable air conditioner is ideal for bedrooms, flats, and businesses alike.
We hope that this article was helpful and that you were able to find the best portable air conditioner for your needs. Remember to consider all the factors that we have discussed before making your purchase.
And if you have any questions then feel free to ask in the comments section below.
Maddie is a home appliance specialist, blogger in Australia. She enjoys researching, testing and writing about home appliances , improvements hacks and tips.
