A small portable air conditioner, though not the most energy-efficient among different air conditioning types, boasts of its own advantages – it is mobile (so you can move it from one place to another), easy to set up, and can be stored when not in use.
The market for a portable air conditioner is teeming with options and can also cater to different budgets, space dimensions, and other features that boost its functionality. But first, it has to be reliable when it comes to cooling an area as it claims, as fast and consistent as it can. Next, it should be portable for easy transport between rooms or areas in your home, office, or wherever you intend it to be.
A host of other features also come important like noise and energy efficiency. Noise should be within bearable levels, especially if you will use it in the bedroom and while you sleep. Energy efficiency is also a significant factor since you would want a portable ac unit that does not chug on electricity. Though generally, a portable ac actually consumes more energy than a window-type unit.
Now, some small portable air conditioner units come with modern features, making them more viable to users who want more convenience in operating them. You may encounter wireless connectivity, app and voice control, and automatic features. There are also small air conditioners that have a dehumidifying mode and air purifying feature.
To help you scout the best deal for a small portable air conditioner, we checked a dozen of options online and narrowed them down to our 3 most recommended ones.
Best Multi-Purpose Small Portable Air Conditioner – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| LG LP1419IVSM Smart Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner – (Editor’s Choice) | Equipped with a dual-inverter compressor for increased energy efficiency | Check Price |
| BLACK+DECKER BPP10WTB Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control | With the “Follow Me” function wherein a thermostat is installed on the remote control for a more precise temperature reading | Check Price |
| MIDEA MAP14S1CWT 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan | Can be controlled wirelessly via the MideaAir mobile app or through voice via Alexa or Google Assistant | Check Price |
LG LP1419IVSM Smart Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner – Editor’s Choice
This small portable air conditioner retains some of the best features you can find in traditional AC units, only that it is portable, mobile, and easier to set up. What we love most about it is it is energy efficient, which is something not expected from a portable aircon in the first place, but LG was able to equip it with.
The LG LP1419IVSM is powered by a dual inverter compressor, which consumes energy more efficiently because of its variable motor operation. Once the set temperature is achieved, the compressor turns off so it saves on energy.
This small portable air conditioner has a cooling capacity of up to 14,000 BTU or can cool down areas up to 500 square feet. It also has 3 operating modes – cool, fan, and dry. This allows you to set your small AC to the most appropriate setting that’s healthy for you and depending on the outside weather condition. In addition, the fan speed also varies – low, mid, and high for your comfort.
This portable air conditioning unit also comes in an intuitive touch control panel conveniently placed on the unit itself. It contains all the controls you need to customize your cooling experience. It is easy to operate and comes with a digital display to monitor your settings. For your convenience, you also have the option to control it via remote control, a mobile app (SmartThinQ), or voice via Alexa.
If you are worried about noise levels, then this small portable air conditioner is also excellent in this aspect. It only emits 44 dB of noise, which does not disrupt sleep or rest. It also has a sleep mode that when turned on, emits the lowest noise, as well as allows you to set a timer before it switches off automatically.
The LG LP1419IVSM Smart Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner comes in a user-friendly, easy-to-install kit that is also the same when you need to dismantle it for storage or transfer. It comes with caster wheels for easy transport.
Pros
- Equipped with a dual-inverter compressor for increased energy efficiency
- Has different control options – touchpad panel, remote control, mobile app, and voice
- Low noise level
- 3 operating modes – cool, dry, fan
- 3 fan modes – low, mid, high
- Easy to set up, install and dismantle
- Comes with smooth-gliding caster wheels for easy transport
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
The LG LP1419IVSM Smart Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner maximizes your benefits from a small portable air conditioner – you get a portable unit that runs with higher energy efficiency and low noise. Operation and control are also easy and convenient with various means – via the touchpad, remote control, mobile app, and even via voice.
BLACK+DECKER BPP10WTB Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control
This small portable air conditioner has straightforward but powerful functionalities that focus on comfort, convenience, and operation.
The BLACK+DECKER BPP10WTB Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control features the “Follow Me” function that allows it to operate more accurately. The remote control doubles as a thermostat, allowing for a more precise temperature reading.
This indoor air conditioner can work on spaces up to 450 square feet but is best rated based on its 10,000 BTU (SACC/CEC) or 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) cooling capacity. For you to customize your cooling experience, you can choose from its 3 fan speeds and 3 cooling modes.
The operating modes are geared towards making your small portable air conditioner adaptable to the weather condition and temperature outside your home. You can choose between dehumidifying, fan, and cool modes whichever suits your situation. You can also set it to Sleep Mode for the quietest and most energy-efficient operation.
As a stand up air conditioner, you can use it in a variety of areas in your home, or even in an RV, on a dorm, or on a vacation rental. You can also use it as a tent air conditioner. It comes with a complete installation and window kit, which includes foam seal, slider bracket, exhaust and drain hoses, and inlet and outlet for the hose.
The BLACK+DECKER BPP10WTB Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control is equipped with removable air filters that can be washed for cleaner and high-quality air. This small portable air conditioner is also self-evaporating, which means, you are not going to deal with drip pans or trays.
Pros
- With the “Follow Me” function wherein a thermostat is installed on the remote control for a more precise temperature reading
- Works in spaces up to 450 square feet
- Rated at 10,000 BTU (SACC/CEC) or 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE)
- 3 operating modes – cool, fan, dehumidifying
- 3 fan modes – sleep, auto swing, max
- With removable and washable air filters
- Self-evaporating feature
- With rolling caster wheels for easy transport
Cons
- Runs in 53 dB, which is louder than other units
Conclusion
The BLACK+DECKER BPP10WTB Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control works as it promises but the loud noise adds a little annoyance when this small portable air conditioning is running.
MIDEA MAP14S1CWT 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan
This standing air conditioner looks sleek in your home with its slim and compact design. It is also able to cool down your space efficiently up to 350 square feet, rated at 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) or 8,200 BTU (2017 SACC).
The MIDEA MAP14S1CWT is a 3-in-1 mobile air conditioner. You can set it to dehumidifier, fan, or circulate mode to suit your needs based on your environment and climate condition. The dehumidifying function is a great feature of a small portable air conditioner since it improves the quality of the air inside your space.
This small portable air conditioner also has smart features, enabling you to control it via a mobile app or through voice. The MideaAir app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, which allows you to choose its operating mode, set a timer, control fan speed, set schedules, and a lot more. It can also hook up to your smart home hubs like Alexa or Google Assistant. Doing so allows you to control it with voice commands.
In the same way, you can also use the built-in touchpad and the included remote control to adjust settings, set the timer, or on/off your device. This small portable air conditioner comes with complete accessories for installing it in your space.
This floor air conditioner has wheels for easy transport and is easy to assemble, install, and store away when not in use. It also comes with removable and washable air filters to keep it clean and the air quality at an optimum level, which at the same time, extends the lifetime of your small portable air conditioner.
Pros
- Cools your space up to 350 square feet
- Rated at 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) or 8,200 BTU (2017 SACC)
- 3 operating modes – fan, cool, and dehumidification
- Comes with a 24-hour adjustable timer
- Comes with complete assembly and installation kits
- Can be controlled wirelessly via the MideaAir mobile app
- Hooks up on Alexa or Google Assistant
- With washable air filters
Cons
- The drain hose is short
Conclusion
The MIDEA MAP14S1CWT 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Fan is effective in cooling down a compact space, with smart control features adding a plus in terms of convenience.
Final Verdict
With technology and features continuously evolving, getting the most powerful and feature-packed one can bring more bang to your investment. Among the 3 items on this list, we find the LG LP1419IVSM Smart Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner as the best portable air conditioner.
As the best portable AC, the LG LP1419IVSM Smart Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner provides power, convenience, and energy efficiency that boosts its performance and investment value. This small portable air conditioner also has smart features, adjustable settings, and a compact design that fits its purpose.
The best portable AC unit should be reliable, and this is what this small portable air conditioner is for current users.