Top Air Conditioner Picks
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Portable air conditioners fill a much-needed role within the A/C market. They're a practical choice for anyone who needs a flexible, easy-to-move cooling solution who isn't able to have a more efficient permanent wall-mounted or window-based setup, and they're generally simple to install and store between seasons. The best portable air conditioners feature efficient dual-hose designs and quieter inverter-controlled compressors, while delivering quick, consistent cooling performance and added convenience features like programmable timers or app control. It's also important to pick a unit that's sized appropriately: an oversized A/C cools too fast to properly remove humidity, which can make a room feel clammy rather than cool and dry.
We've bought more than 20 air conditioners and subjected them all to the same rigorous testing methodology, and based our recommendations on that data, along with additional factors like price and availability. That said, if you'd rather do the work yourself, we've included a buyer's guide to help identify some of the main things to look out for when shopping for a new A/C.
If you're looking for an alternative and have the space and ability to install one, it's worth checking out our recommendations for the best window air conditioners, as they tend to be more efficient overall and can cool spaces more quickly and consistently than portable units. Alternatively, if you want a broader overview of the A/C market, see our recommendations for the best air conditioners, the best small room air conditioners, and the best air conditioners for bedrooms.
