9 Best Smallest AC Of 2023 | Reviews + Guide

Beating the summer heat without an air conditioner is tough, especially when the days only seem to be getting hotter.

For smaller spaces, you will need a smaller air conditioner, as larger ACs consume too much power for what is effectively unnecessary. And when looking for smaller ACs, you’ll be sifting through the window and portable air conditioning options.

So, wondering which smallest portable air conditioners make for the best cooling devices? Check out my recommendations for the best air conditioners to get a better idea of the best choice at the best price.

Best Smallest ACs Reviewed

1. Best Overall: Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner

The Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner is a compact and affordable cooling device aimed to be an option for small rooms. 

This is a 5,000 BTU air conditioner that can cool down a 150-square-foot room, along with several settings to alter the cooling experience. These settings include seven temperature settings, as well as two cooling and fan-only speeds. Additionally, the device has two-way air directions to cover as much area as possible.

The Midea EasyCool Window AC has a Combined Energy Efficiency Rating of 11, which makes its energy-saving capability quite high. It comes with a filter that can be removed and washed, eliminating the need to replace them frequently. On top of this, the AC is reasonably quiet and capable of removing moisture from the air at the rate of 1.27 pints per hour.

I found that the Midea EasyCool operates quite easily with mechanical controls. The buttons on the on-device console respond quickly, allowing time, temperature, and mode adjustments once pressed.

Lastly, the Midea Group AC is covered by a one-year limited warranty for parts and servicing. The device is easy to install and suitable for windows that are 23-36 inches wide and 13 inches high.

2. Most Energy Efficient: Frigidaire Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner

This window-mounted Frigidaire entry in the segment is a cooling device that is designed to fit many window sizes using extending side panels. It is an Energy Star-certified air conditioner, meaning that the AC is certified to consume very little power during operation, lowering your utility bills.

The Frigidaire model is a 5,000 BTU small window AC unit that can cool air in a 150-square-foot room with little trouble. To do so, the appliance makes use of programmable temperature presets that maintain the chosen room temperature. 

In addition to the on-console panel, the air conditioner can be operated using a remote control. The buttons are responsive and react quickly to each button press, meaning that you won’t have to wait for the settings to change.

The dust filter can be removed for cleaning without any hassle to speak of. Periodic maintenance allows for effective and malfunction-free operation for a long time.

I found that the Frigidaire window AC is about as quiet as the Midea EasyCool, sitting at around 50 decibels on the lowest fan setting. Even at the highest fan setting, the window unit makes very little noise that can easily go unnoticed.

And lastly, in the event of a power outage, the AC can restart automatically at its previous settings once the power is restored. You won’t have to worry about fine-tuning the settings all over again in such cases.

3. Best Portability: SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner

The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner is one of the smallest portable air conditioners that is primarily meant to be used in small spaces. It boasts a lightweight and sleek design that is intended to blend seamlessly with all aesthetic sensibilities.

This 8,000 BTU air conditioner system has no less than four operating modes that include dehumidifier, cooling, heating, and fan modes. Additionally, it features an automatic swing mode with a moving wind vent to cover as much of the room as possible.

The built-in dehumidifier removes moisture from the air during particularly humid nights at the rate of 290 cubic meters of moisture per hour. Moreover, the functionality doubles as an energy-saving option while eliminating the need to purchase a dedicated dehumidifier.

Its remote control is responsive and gives you access to adjusting all of the aforementioned settings in a responsive manner. The remote control also allows other functions such as switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit, sleep timer, and fan speed.

Topping it all off, the SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner has a noise level of 55 dB, which is comparable to other quiet cooling window units.

4. Most Versatile Small AC: Vremi Portable Air Conditioner

The Vremi Portable Air Conditioner is a small portable air conditioner that aims to be flexible with its multiple operating modes. It can be used effectively in rooms that are sized between 150 and 250 square feet.

This 6,250 BTU portable air conditioner has four distinct operating modes meant for different purposes, namely sleep, cool, fan, and dry. I found the sleep mode to be an option worth considering for light sleepers, as it only produces 51 dB of noise.

When in dry mode, the air conditioner can remove up to 63 pints of moisture every day, acting as a dehumidifier in this mode. And in fan mode, the air conditioner is capable of up to 880 r/min, depending on your settings. Lastly, the cool mode makes use of the 6,250 BTUs that the unit has access to cool air effectively.

The Vremi Portable Air Conditioner has a removable air filter that can be washed and reused to maintain its performance consistency. Ideally, it should be cleaned weekly for optimum performance.

As for the secondary features, the AC comes with an LED display screen, along with remote control storage. The latter is particularly useful if you’re worried about losing the remote in your room.

Lastly, the portable AC unit is easy to install next to an accessible window. Installing it is as simple as attaching the hose and window slide adapter, after which the cooling device can be turned on.

5. Best Small AC On A Budget: TCL Window Air Conditioner

The TCL 5WR1 is one of the most affordable small air conditioners on the market while being one of the quietest models available. Its noise level is at 50 dB, which is quiet enough not to be obtrusive.

This model boasts a cooling capacity of 5,000 BTUs, which can cover an area of 150 square feet. With two fan speeds and several temperature control settings, the TCL AC allows you to choose your level of comfort. You can tweak the settings with the two knobs present on the console that turn smoothly and click into place without much trouble. 

Additionally, the direction of the airflow can be customized to reach where you need it the most, providing air in 8 directions. This is made possible through two 4-way directional vents that move independently of each other.

The air conditioner can fit window sizes that are 23-36 inches wide and 14.5 inches high. It can be installed quite easily using the included installation kit, so long as the unit can fit the window.

6. Best Premium Small AC: Black + Decker Portable Air Conditioner

The Black + Decker portable air conditioner is one of the more premium models on this list, offering a high cooling capacity and several features. It is a quiet cooling unit that doesn’t surpass 54 dBs during operation, which may be helpful in an office environment.

Boasting 8,500 BTUs of cooling capacity, the Black + Decker air conditioner is powerful enough to be used during harsh summers. Using the settings incorporated in the device, the air conditioner can keep you comfortable throughout the season.

One of the first things I noticed about the Black + Decker air conditioner is the “Follow Me” function included in the remote. This allows the remote to function as a mini-thermostat that gives you precise control over the room temperature. It makes it so that you can choose how cool a specific area of the room is simply through the remote.

In addition to the normal cooling mode, the small portable air conditioner can operate in fan and dehumidifier modes. For the latter, the device has a built-in self-evaporating design that eliminates the hassle of removing accumulated moisture every week. The portable air conditioner doesn’t require maintenance as frequently as other devices, only needing general cleaning every once in a while.

Lastly, the Black + Decker portable air conditioner can be used right out of the box with no extensive installation required. You only need to attach the hose, plug it in and turn the switch on for it to begin cooling.

7. Quietest Small AC: Keystone Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

The Keystone Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is a cooling device that is suited for small living spaces, bedrooms, or offices. This AC comes in two variants: one with an Energy Star certification and one without, where the former is the more expensive of the pair. The model I reviewed was the one without the Energy Star rating.

Featuring 5,000 BTUs of cooling capacity, the Keystone AC can effectively cool a room up to 150 square feet in all operation modes. Even with a cooling capacity that rivals ACs at a similar price point, the Keystone air conditioner manages to be just a little quieter. Its noise levels are at 49 dBs when operating on low settings, which is low enough not to be noticeable easily.

This air conditioner is operated using a remote controller that has a built-in thermostat. The options you choose on the remote are reflected on the LED display on the AC itself, which responds the moment a button is pressed.

Alongside the cooling mode, you can also switch to the dehumidifier mode, which removes 1.3 pints of moisture from the room every hour. Moreover, you can choose from a few energy-conscious settings that can help lower your electricity bills. These include a dedicated energy-saver mode, a sleep mode, a 24-hour timer, and an auto-restart functionality.

The chassis of the Keystone portable air conditioner can be removed to allow for easier installation. Leaning into this is the included adjustable window kit to make window installation even simpler.

8. Best Visual Design: TOSOT Portable Air Conditioner

The TOSOT Portable Air Conditioner features a visually interesting design that strives to balance function with it. This is a powerful cooling unit that is one of the more expensive air conditioners on this list.

Rated at 8,000 BTUs (ASHRAE), the TOSOT air conditioner is capable of effectively cooling spaces up to 300 square feet. This is powerful enough to be used as a main cooling device in your living room, master bedroom, or home office.

The device features three main modes: cooling, fan, and dehumidifier. As a dehumidifier, the small portable air conditioner is capable of removing 2.3 pints of moisture per hour. Small portable air conditioners are more efficient at cooling dry air, which gives using the dehumidifier to take care of the humidity some merit.

You can switch the TOSOT Portable Air Conditioner to low noise mode during the night as well. As the name suggests, the mode lowers the noise produced by the small portable air conditioner unit to provide you with an optimal sleeping experience.

The small portable air conditioner also makes use of the X-Fan technology that keeps the fan running at a low speed. This serves as a form of self-evaporation, eliminating any residual water in the machine and the exhaust hose.

As for the installation, the device needs to be in proximity of a window by following the detailed instructions in the user manual. The process is relatively quick, taking up to 15 minutes at most to finish.

9. Best Medium-Range AC: Rosewill Portable Air Conditioner

For a medium-range portable AC unit, the Rosewill Portable Air Conditioner is an option to consider. The air conditioner features a large touch-operated LED control panel, along with a remote control, to make AC operation easier.

This small portable air conditioner boasts a high cooling capacity of 7,000 BTUs, which is enough to cool a single room, such as a bedroom, apartment, and the like. Accompanying the powerful operation are two adjustable fan speeds and power-saving options. The power-saving options are fairly standard, offering a sleep mode and automatic timer to save energy.

Rosewill Portable Air Conditioner is a fairly compact cooling device that can be moved easily with the four mobility caster wheels. The free-standing air conditioner can also function as a dehumidifier with a self-evaporating system, drawing out moisture without the need to clean it up repeatedly.

This small portable air conditioner can cool a small room of up to 200 square feet with relative ease in all of its featured modes. It also comes with a removable and reusable EVA filter to clear out air pollution and provide you with refreshing air.

Best Smallest ACs Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Smallest AC

For rooms with limited area and no access to HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), the smallest portable air conditioners are a great option to manage room temperature. They are designed to be easy to install and be as efficient at cooling small spaces as possible while being simple to use and maintain.

If you’ve never purchased a portable air conditioner before, it can be troubling to pick from the smallest portable air conditioners on the market. After all, not all air conditioners are created equal, and some are bound to be better than others. As a consumer, you will want to maximize performance for the money you invest in the new air conditioner. 

There are five main considerations that predicate whether a small air conditioner suits your needs: AC size, placement, ease of maintenance, noise, and energy consumption.

Sizing The Air Conditioner

It’s nothing less than a tragic occurrence when you purchase a new, fancy mini-split ductless air conditioner, and it turns out to be of the wrong size. The AC can neither be too large nor too small for the space you use it in. An air conditioner that is too large may make your attic feel like an arctic tundra while spiking your energy bills. On the flip side, an air conditioner that is too small can barely make a dent in the overall room temperature.

Fortunately, it’s easy to tell if the smallest portable air conditioner is of the right size or not using the British Thermal Unit (BTU). Every AC is assigned a BTU rating, which increases by a factor of 20 for every square foot of the living space. For instance, a 300-square-foot room requires an AC with 8,000 BTUs.

This rating increases with the size and weight of the AC as well, in addition to the size of the room itself. As a consequence of this increase in size and power, the energy consumption of the appliance increases as well. This number will also fluctuate based on the ceiling height, solar exposure, and if the area has a kitchen.

Medium-sized spaces can require a 12,000 BTU air conditioner, while larger rooms require upwards of 20,000 BTUs. But for spaces no larger than 100 square feet, you won’t require a small portable air conditioner unit that is substantially more powerful than 2,000 BTUs. 

Placing The Air Conditioner

Placing the smallest portable air conditioner to maximize the cooling capacity is fairly straightforward. What is not quite as simple, however, is to ensure that the hot air it produces can leave the room through hoses. This means that the small portable air conditioner must be placed within a few feet of a window.

Now, it is worth mentioning that not all ACs have this strict placement restriction. Chillers don’t require window ventilation and you can place them wherever you like, so long as a window is open.

Ease Of Maintenance

Small portable air conditioners don’t require much in the way of maintenance apart from clearing out the collected moisture. These devices drain moisture from the air to cool the room down, which is then collected in a pan housed inside. There are several solutions for this, such as using a gravity-based draining system, removing the pan manually, or using an external pump. 

Ideally, the air conditioner that takes care of this problem on its own would be the best. These appliances make use of a fully self-evaporative design that, as the description suggests, evaporates most of the accumulated water without external aid. You will only need to clean these very occasionally, and the task takes a few minutes at most.

Apart from moisture, ACs require the filters to be cleaned as well, which house behind a panel as well. Typically, they can be removed just as easily as the moisture pan. And lastly, you will need to periodically defrost the unit if ice builds up on the cooling coils.

Of course, several models have features that take care of this problem on their own.

Noise Levels

Air conditioners are loud devices by design, a quality that has seen very little change over time. Portable ACs, in particular, can be prone to creating a loud noise that can be disruptive in your space. This is a drawback that is not shared by AC types like window ACs since their noisy parts extend out of the window.

The lower the noise an air conditioner produces, the better a model it is. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause hearing loss, which is far from the ideal prospect.

Energy Consumption

Energy bills rack up over time, adding to the overall costs of an AC, which makes it important for the device to be energy efficient. You can check the energy consumption and how much energy the air conditioner saves by looking at the SEER rating.

The baseline SEER rating of a small portable air conditioner is 10, but you may want to look for devices with a rating of 12. Consider 12 the golden SEER number to watch for when purchasing a portable AC, as devices with this rating are highly efficient.

Conclusion

As far as general use is concerned, I found the Midea EasyCool Window AC to be the best air conditioner. It is an affordable and functional AC that can effectively cool a small room while consuming very little energy.

That said, other air conditioners like the Black + Decker small portable air conditioner and the Vremi AC are also viable options to consider. They serve different functions at different price points, and they may serve your particular needs, depending on what you’re looking for.

When it comes to air conditioning, there is no such thing as a one-option-fits-all model. There are several variables that change which air conditioner is the best for each particular use case. At the end of the day, you alone can choose which brand is the right one for your home.