Best Portable Air Conditioners

Haier HPE07XC6(Around $360)

Small portable air conditioner (150 sq. ft.). The 7,000 BTU Haier HPE07XC6 is one of the least expensive portable air conditioners available, and reviews say it does a fine job in very small rooms of about 150 square feet or less. Since most of the condensed water removed from the air is expelled through the main exhaust hose, you don't have to empty the water-collection cup too often. Although this Haier air conditioner is small and inexpensive, reviews say it isn't that quiet. Sharp portable air conditioners get better reviews for low noise, but they are more expensive.


Sharp CV-P10MX(Around $550)

Quietest portable air conditioner (200 sq. ft.). Although more expensive than other portable air conditioners, the 9,500 BTU Sharp CV-P10MX has a couple of notable advantages. First, nearly every review we found for this series of Sharp AC units notes that they are quieter than others -- a plus for use in a bedroom. Second, since all of the condensate (water removed from the air during operation) is exhausted out of the main exhaust hose, you don't have to empty or drain a water-collection container as you do with most other portable air cooling units.


Amcor ALTL 12000E (Around $430)

Budget portable AC unit (350 sq. ft.). Although it's less expensive than others, reviews say the 12,000 BTU Amcor ALTL 12000E isn't the quietest portable air conditioner, and since its water-collection cup isn't removable, emptying the condensate is a little awkward. However, the Amcor portable AC unit does exhaust some of the condensate out with the main air exhaust. Features include digital controls and a remote. It can also be used as a dehumidifier.


Sharp CV-P12LX (Around $650)

Quietest portable AC for larger rooms (400 sq. ft.). This is the larger version of the highly rated Sharp 11,500 BTU CV-P09FX. Both models get the best reviews as the quietest portable air conditioners. Another advantage is that these two Sharp models send all the condensate out the window in the main exhaust hose, so you don't have to empty a separate water-collection cup. Both models can also be used as dehumidifiers. The larger Sharp CV-P12LX is meant for larger rooms of up to 400 square feet.