Take that COOL BREEZE ON THE MOVE. Get yourself a portable air conditioner.
By using our guide to find the best portable air conditioner, you can keep yourself cool no matter where you go.
It’s time to invest in your own slice of happiness.
We’ve been putting portable air conditioners to the test, analysing over 20 of the UK’s top models and spending well over 45 hours doing so.
All of this to find out which is going to get the job done. From Pro Breeze to Honeywell, we’ve taken a thorough look at them all.
Why would we take the time to do this?
It’s simple. We know that you deserve the best, and that goes for every aspect of your life. You need a portable air conditioner that can provide POWER, that’s easy to get started, and also fits in with your budget. What if I told you that I can provide you with that?
At the end of the day, it was the Pro Breeze 4-in-1 that stole our hearts. It ticked all the right boxes and left us feeling wonderfully refreshed.
We get that our editor’s pick might not be everyone’s favourite, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have other options to cool you down. Why not check out everything we have on offer?Best Portable Air Conditioner (In Order)
Pro-Breeze Air Conditioner
Editors Pick
This portable air conditioner really is the cream of the crop, offering a compact size and POWERFUL touch that will get your home cooled down in no time at all.
Suited to medium and large homes, there isn’t a space that this powerhouse can’t cool.
Features
- Dimensions: 30 x 35.2 x 75.6cm
- Fan Speeds: 2
- Dehumidifier: Yes
- Sleep Mode: Yes
- Remote: Yes
- Weight: 24.5kg
The 4-in-1 features means that you get the classic air cooling, but you are also blessed with dehumidification, fan only, and a sleep setting that allows you to fully customise your cooling experience. Easy to access? You bet it is.
The two fan settings give you freedom with regards to how powerful the breeze is, and all of this can be accessed via the snazzy LED screen or the remote control - depends on how comfortable you are chilling in your favourite chair.
The digital display also has the room temperature included as well as a built-in timer which can be used with the timer setting - giving you the opportunity to perfectly time how long the cooling goes on for.
There’s nothing worse than noisy machinery (hey, mum, vacuuming at 7am on Sunday), but this portable air conditioner provides you with quiet running and a fantastic sleep mode that will ensure everything remains nice and peaceful all night long.Not sure this sexy little air conditioner is right for you? In that case, our runner up might be better suited to your personal needs and taste. Why not check it out? It’s just as good, and you might even think it’s better.
Igenix IG9703 Air Conditioner
Runner Up
This portable air conditioner offers an adorably portable design that incorporates a carry handle so that it can be easily carried from one room to the other. It’s lightweight, providing you with quick access that won’t break your arm (and we know how much these things can weigh).
Features
- Dimensions: 26 x 27.5 x 67.5cm
- Fan Speeds: 3
- Dehumidifier: No
- Sleep Mode: Yes
- Remote: Yes
- Weight: 6.45g
It has three fan speeds, allowing you to adjust the POWER levels so that you can enjoy the perfect breeze from the comfort of your sofa.
This also includes a handy timer that allows you to determine how long the portable air conditioner will be running for.
The oscillation function ensures the even distribution of cold air throughout the home, and you also get the benefit of a closed grill to protect it from dust and other impurities that are lurking in your indoor air (you might also want to try an air purifier for those nasty pollutants).
The humidification function is very handy if your indoor air is prone to getting dry, which is a common problem with air conditioning.
The 6L water tank means that it can push moisture back into the air to keep it at a healthy level - good for your skin, hair, and lungs.
The sleep setting is perfect for those who want to get a peaceful night and remain cool, with a handy remote control that allows you access this feature and more at the click of a button.
What’s more, you also have easy access controls on the top of the machine - GREAT!
If you’re not sure about our runner up, why not see if any of the models below can help cool you down? Each of them are equally superb at cooling the air, but those extra features are certainly where it counts. Take a peek, see what you fancy.
Igenix Air Conditioner
Best Silent Air Conditioner
A reliable and trusted brand when it comes to the manufacture of home appliances and electronics, Igenix are known for their good quality products.
This silent air conditioner is no different, and might just make the perfect addition to your home. Take a look for yourself and see.
The Good
This portable air conditioner is multifunctional with 3-in-1 features.
This includes the portable air conditioner, along with a fan and a heating function for the winter months.
It also has a 900BTU cooling capacity, and is ideal for home and office use. There is a 12-hour timer and an energy saving mode.
It has an easy to use LED control panel as well as a remote so that it can be adjusted from a distance.
It has an active carbon filter to remove any foul odours, and there is also an automatic shutdown for the heating system if it gets past a certain temperature. The anti-bacterial water tray also prevents the growth of bacteria and mould.
The Not So Good
The unit is very heavy and can be quite cumbersome when it comes to trying to move it. It is also on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Our View
While the price might be a little off-putting for some, you are paying for quality and not the brand name. It has a range of excellent features, including a heater and fan so that it can be used throughout the year.
While reviewing this model, I was pleasantly surprised how quickly it lowered the temperature in the air. It was easy to manage the controls and get it to the heat I was looking for.
Instead of buying multiple machines you only need one. Plus, it is energy efficient and has a number of safety protocols to ensure that it is always up to standard. It’s a reliable and good quality machine for those who want to spend a little extra.
FAQ's
Q: Hi does the igenix IG9901 automatically cut off when the set temperature is reached?
A: Yes if it is left switch on, it also has a safety mode where it will automatically switch off after 6 hours i.e during the night.
Q: Can it be controlled with Alexa?
A:
Sadly, No. If you had an Alexa controlled outlet that you could turn on and off it still needs the remote control/on-off switch to start it.
Inventor Appliances
Best Home Air Conditioner
Inventor is a good brand when it comes to the production of home appliances and electronics.
This portable air conditioner might just be the best one for your home as well. Take a look at the reviews and see if it’s the right match.
The Good
This lightweight air conditioning unit is lightweight and very portable, thanks to the castors that have been installed on the base of the machine.
This way, it can be moved around with very little hassle. It also has an eco-design to save energy, along with an A-grade efficiency rating.
It has three fan speeds so you can adjust the airflow accordingly, along with a clear digital display on the machine itself.
Accompanying this is a remote, so you can have full control even from a distance. It also features air filters and quiet running, so you will have minimal disturbances while it is in use.
The Not So Good
The manual can be a little tricky to understand and takes a few tries.
Our View
This reasonably priced air conditioning unit is great for those who want something simple, both in terms of function and design.
It has a modern look that is sure to blend in anywhere, as well as an excellent energy efficiency rating.
With a range of excellent and very useful features, this is certainly one of the best standalone air conditioners on the market and worth a look.
FAQ's
Q: What is the difference between the dry and cool setting ?
A: The cool mode means it will reduce the room’s temperature. The dry settings will absorb the humidity from the room.
Q: Does this unit have a timer?
A: We would like to inform you that the Inventor FCool does have a timer function included. Please note that the range of time setting is: 0.5~2h.
Amcor Air Conditioner
Best Small AC Unit
A known brand, Amcor have developed a wide range of products for use in and outside of the home.
This portable air conditioner is small, nifty, ad ready to provide you with cool winters. Take a look at the reviews and see if it has what it takes to cool your home.
The Good
This portable air conditioner has a simple and compact design, making it ideal for those who do not have a great deal of space.
It has castors on the bottom of the machine, making it possible for it to be moved from location to location with ease.
It has cooling and dehumidifying functions, which can come in incredibly handy when it comes to drying the air in your home.
It is very economical to run thanks to the low power consumption, and it can even be used in motorhomes thanks to its small size. With a simple digital control panel, it is easy to adjust and set up, making it ideal for those who want something quick and easy.
The Not So Good
Our View
This reasonably priced air conditioner is perfect for those who do not have a great deal of space and need something more compact for their home or travels away.
It is portable thanks to the castors on the base, and features a range of settings and functions that are easy to access via the digital control panel.
Easy to use and with excellent results, it’s certainly one to consider if you need something small but mighty.
Further Portable Air Conditioner Models
Here are some of the other great portable air conditioners that we reckon will keep you feeling cool and relaxed throughout the summer months.
Honeywell ® CS12AE Evaporative Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner has a stylish design and is ideal for use in average-sized homes. Made by a popular and trusted brand, it is incredibly reliable and sure to keep your home cool.
It has a 12L tank and is incredibly energy efficient, so you won’t need to worry about large electricity bills at the end of the month.
It also features four speeds, so you can adjust the level of cold air to suit you. Available at a slightly higher end price, it is worth every penny spent.
Buyer's Guide
How to Choose a Portable Air Conditioner
Finding the perfect portable air conditioner for you is not an easy task, especially with so many on the market.
In this section of the guide, we help you to figure out which questions you should be asking yourself before you go to buy, as well as a few of the features you should be looking out for.
Price Range - How much have you set aside for your portable air conditioner? Are you willing to spend a little more or is it quite set? By answering these questions, you can really narrow down your options when it comes to selecting a suitable model.
Where you are planning to use it - After all, some models will require more careful planning as they may need to be located directly under a window. If you are planning on using it in the workplace, this may also need to be taken into serious consideration.
Plus, knowing where you plan on using it can help you to determine the size of the unit. For example, if you need an portable air conditioner for your motorhome, then you will likely need something much smaller than the model that would be used in your office or regular home.
Portability - of the air conditioning unit. One of the main things to look for is castors or wheels on the base of the machine.
If you are not a particularly strong person, then these can be an absolute lifesaver as they will ensure the machine simply glides across the floor. Air conditioner units are often quite cumbersome, so make sure to check the weight before you buy.
Reviews - You should always check out the reviews for the air conditioner you are looking to purchase. They can tell you a lot about a product and its overall quality, giving you good insight before you buy.
Key Things to Look for
Before you purchase your portable air conditioner, there are a few things you might want to take into consideration first.
Seasons - One of these is whether or not they can work throughout the year. The majority of portable air conditioners will only provide you will cold air, but there are some that will work to provide you with cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.
This can be beneficial if you are looking for a little heater as well as a little fan and is worth considering. Some of the models below feature this, along with the addition of a fan.
Noise - You should also consider whether or not you mind your air conditioning unit being a little noisy. There are some that are very quiet, including some solar models, but also some that produce noise alongside their effective results.
Of course, if you plan on having the unit in your bedroom, then a noisy one would probably not be advised. However, in the corner of your office block or living room, the noise is unlikely to interfere with your daily activities.
A remote control - can also be something to consider. Not every model comes with one, but it can be quite handy if you have the unit in a large room or need to adjust it just as you are about to go to sleep.
A remote control can make the process of adjusting the settings much easier ad is a nice luxury to give yourself.
To Conclude
In this guide, we have had a look at a fantastic range of portable air conditioners from a number of brands.
Of course, trying to determine which is the best portable air conditioner is a little tricky when it comes to collections such as this. After all, each of the machines here has different strengths and weaknesses that make them good (or not so good) for their intended purpose.
A lot of it is down to personal preference as well as what you need in your home. So whether you have a little budget or want to splash out, or even if you are looking for a model with a specific function, it’s sure to be here in this comprehensive little guide.
What did you think of our portable air conditioner selection? Are there any you would have added? Why not take a look at our tower fans guide ?We love hearing from you, so feel free to leave a message in the comments below.
Last Updated on April 14, 2021 by Gemma Tyler
Gemma Tyler is a freelance journalist with 15 years of experience writing for consumer publications. She has tested and reviewed a wide range of household items from vacuum cleaners to washing machines and dehumidifiers to steam irons. Her attention to detail and exhaustive testing certainly makes her an expert in her field.
