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The best portable air conditioners for quick, effective cooling, tested by our experts
With our summers heating up, these portable units can make a big difference
Tested by Marcus Strong, Tilly Hartshorn and Blossom Boothroyd
When the temperatures start rising, it’s only a matter of time before we all start wishing for air conditioning. That beautifully cool air inside shops feels like the ultimate luxury during those intense heatwaves (we’ve been known to just stand in the freezer aisle of Sainsbury’s to cool down).
But you don’t have to move into the supermarket or need to invest thousands in fixed air conditioning for the odd mini heatwave, as the best portable air conditioners can cool down hot rooms in minutes.
Due to the heatwave, all our Tried & Tested portable air conditioners are currently out of stock. We'll be updating this page frequently with the latest stock levels and prices.
Best portable air conditioners to buy in 2026
Unlike fans that just blow hot air round your room, portable air conditioners work by pulling the air in, passing it over a refrigerant to reduce the temperature, and pushing the cool air back out into your room. The excess heat then passes out of the window through a hose.
It’s important to note that while they’re very effective at cooling, air conditioning units can use up a lot of electricity, making them more costly to run and less environmentally friendly than fans. On average, the air conditioning units in this list used 0.635kWh per hour, which costs around 17 pence using the current energy price cap of 26.11 pence per kWh.
However, our experts have been busy testing the leading models at the Good Housekeeping Institute, to find the best portable air conditioning units – and the most energy efficient. You’ll find our winners below.
How we test portable air conditioners
To find the best portable air conditioners, we conduct hours of research into what is on the market and the features that matter most. We also regularly speak to leading brands about new releases to make sure we’re testing models with the latest technology.
Once in the lab, we set up our testing room (approximately 9m2) and heat it to 30-degrees before carrying out the following tests.
- Cooling power: We measure the starting temperature of the room, then turn the air conditioning unit on and record it again every half an hour for two hours. This shows us how quickly each model can cool a small room.
- Air strength: We record each machine’s air flow using an anemometer. We take readings up close to the air vent as well as at a 50cm and 75cm distance on both the lowest and highest settings.
- Noise level: We use a decibel reader to record the noise level of each portable air conditioner on its highest and lowest setting and again when the compressor (a type of pump that drives the cooling system) starts up as this is often when they’re at their loudest.
- Energy consumption: We measure how much energy the units consume over a two-hour period on both the highest and lowest settings. This allows us to calculate the running cost for each model.
- Comfort test: We use the air conditioners as you would at home, adjusting the settings to suit our personal preferences, and rating the overall experience including whether it cooled us down!
Finally, our expert assesses the design, instructions and general ease of use, looking for adjustability, clear and responsive controls, and detailed guidance. We then combine all the data and feedback to give an overall score out of 100.
Belaco Portable Air Conditioner 9000BTU
Belaco Portable Air Conditioner 9000BTU
Pros
- Effective at cooling
- Great air strength
- Good extra features, including a timer and night mode
- Build is durable and well designed
Cons
- Only two speed settings
- Bulky
- Not very energy efficient on low when compared with other models, using 0.582kWh (14p an hour)
Score: 82/100
A great option for bedrooms and living spaces, this air conditioner kept us comfortable and has a night mode, directional air flow, and easy-to-adjust controls. While there are only two speed settings, it impressed us by delivering the strongest air flow of all the models we tried. At full power, it pushed air out into the room at over 7m/s (about 15.5mph), while the lowest speed measured 0.7m/s, offering a much gentler breeze and a great range.
In testing, it cooled more gradually than some other models during the first half an hour, reducing the temperature by just 3.6°C. The pace picked up after this though and it ended up achieving one of the largest total temperature drops of the models we tested, cooling the room by 11°C within two hours.
Note, it’s quite a bulky unit, so you’ll need a good amount of storage space for when you’re not using it, but it’s user-friendly and effective.
Key specifications
| Recommended room size | Up to 20m2 |
|---|---|
| BTU rating | 9000 |
| Dimensions | H85 x W31 x D31cm |
| Weight | 21kg |
| Features | Dehumidifying mode, night mode, remote control, 24-hour timer |
| Venting hose length | 1.5m |
| Energy consumption on high | 0.72kWh = 19p an hour |
| Maximum noise level | 60.2dB |
| Air speed on high | 7.2m/s at 50cm; 7.2m/s up close |
| Window kit | For slide windows, hung windows, and hinged windows |
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
Many hours of research and work have gone into this list. We haven’t just picked random models on the market; we’ve researched the leading brands and latest technology, and we’ve selected a range of portable air conditioners to test that cover various needs and budgets.
Each one has been tried by our expert, Marcus Strong, at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Testing a single portable air conditioner takes approximately three days, considering everything from cooling power to running cost. In total, we’ve spent 33 days testing to bring you the best models for your home.
Once all the feedback has been collected, Marcus passes it to our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall. She has reviewed hundreds of products and has spent time talking to brands and visiting trade shows to support our research. She looks after all our cooling content, including the best fans and best air coolers so knows what features to look out for and what matters to shoppers.
How to choose the best portable air conditioner
There are a few things to consider before you start shopping, so be sure to check out all the information below.
Size and BTU rating: Portable air conditioners come in a range of different sizes, which are all aimed at various rooms. The size of the air con unit is indicated by its BTU (British Thermal Units) rating. Most models have a BTU of 8000-10,000, which should suit most bedrooms and living spaces. You’ll find more information on sizes and BTUs further down this page.
Window types and installation kits: Window kits secure the exhaust hose that runs from the air conditioner to the window, so it can remove all the hot air it’s collected from the room. Without a compatible kit that creates a seal, hot air will simply flow back into the room, forcing the AC to run constantly, which will use up more energy. The most common types of windows in the UK are casement windows (which are hinged at the side or top and swing outward) and sash windows (which have vertical sliding panels). Some portable air conditioning units come with flexible window kits that suit a large range of window types but it’s worth checking the key specifications before buying so that you don’t need to buy an alternative kit later on.
Running costs: There’s no escaping the fact that portable air conditioners are expensive and we’ve gone into more detail about the typical running costs further down this page. According to our testing, you can expect to use up around 0.573kWh on average (roughly 14p an hour).
Air flow speed: Some models have strong air flow in one direction (most like a fan), whereas others just release cool air into the room, so you don’t get any chilly draughts directed at you. A stronger air flow can help create more of a cooling effect, as the cold air moves over your skin, but some may prefer a gentler, more comforting, breeze.
Noise level: On average, our testing showed that most models have a maximum noise level of around 61dB, which can be compared to the level of a normal conversation or a fridge humming. Note that air conditioners are often noisiest when the compressor kicks in and it’s actively cooling the air.
Hose length: The exhaust hose connects to the back of the unit and trails out of the window, removing the hot air from the room. Most models have a 1.5m hose, which limits where you can place the portable air conditioner so that it’s close enough to the window.
Useful features: Extras like a programmable timer, a dehumidifying function, a sleep mode, and app control are all nice to have but think about whether you’ll use these day-to-day. These features are often found in the more expensive models, so they’ll only be worth the cost if you use them regularly.
What size portable air conditioner do I need?
Choosing the right sized air conditioner can have a huge impact on its overall cooling effect. Too small and you won’t feel the change in temperature, but too large, and you may end up wasting energy.
Portable air conditioners are sized in BTUs – the larger the BTU rating, the more likely it will be able to cope with a big room. Most standard UK rooms would need a portable air conditioner with a BTU of 8,000 to 10,000 – this should cool down most bedrooms, living spaces and small flats. You can find the right BTU rating for your home below.
The size of your portable air conditioner will also depend on the individual room you’re trying to cool down. Rooms with lots of south-facing windows, top-floor flats, and Victorian terraced houses with thick walls tend to retain more heat, so it may be worth ‘sizing up’ if you find your home gets particularly hot.
What BTU air conditioner do I need?
The BTU rating you’ll need for your air conditioner is dependent on the size and type of room you’re trying to cool down. This is a rough estimate of the BTU for each room size:
- Small box room (up to 9m2) = up to 5000 BTU
- Standard double bedroom (11-14m2) = 5,000-8,000 BTU
- Large bedroom or small living room (15-30m2) = 8,000 – 12,000 BTU
- Large living room or open-plan flat (30-45cm2) = 12,000-18,000+ BTU
However, the BTU rating also depends on how many people are in the room and how many appliances are on (as these give out heat too), so it can vary greatly. If you’re unsure which portable air conditioner to buy, it’s worth trying out a few BTU calculators.
Are portable air conditioners worth it in the UK?
The UK weather isn’t always hot enough to need a portable air conditioning unit, but if you struggle during those intense heatwaves, then they’re certainly a good investment, explains Ben Gallizzi, energy comparison expert at Uswitch.
“Portable units are great for small spaces like flats, bungalows or terraces and are an ideal choice for renters who aren't able to make permanent changes to their home,” says Ben.
Portable air conditioners are easy to set up – just plug it in and trail the exhaust hose out of a window – and can quickly cool down the temperature of the room. Unlike an electric fan, which just moves hot air round the room, a portable air conditioner cools that air down, creating much-needed respite from the heat.
How much does portable AC cost to run?
In our lab tests, the cheapest air conditioner to run was the DeLonghi Pinguino GentleJet (currently out of stock) which used up 0.6105kWh of energy per hour (15 pence) on its lowest setting and 0.5385kWh (13 pence) on its highest. On the other end of the spectrum, the ProBreeze 12000 Smart Portable Air Conditioner (currently out of stock) used 0.977kWh on its highest setting, costing 24 pence an hour.
Portable air conditioning units are expensive when compared to electric fans and air coolers – both in their upfront and running costs. In comparison, when testing tower fans, the least energy efficient still only cost us 1.1p an hour (0.04kWh).
Can portable AC cool an entire house?
Portable air conditioners aren’t necessarily powerful enough to reduce the temperature of a whole house.
“If you need to cool a much larger space or multiple rooms, then a portable air conditioning unit may not be the best option”, says Ben. “While fixed units are more expensive and include initial installation costs, some newer systems are designed to be more energy-efficient and could cost less to run than a portable unit if used to cool the same space over longer periods.”
According to Ben, a full air conditioning system could cost anywhere from £1,500 to upwards of £5000.
“While not as effective at cooling as fixed units, portable air conditioners are a great option if you’re looking to curb the effects of a heatwave,” adds Ben.
How do I vent a portable AC without leaving the window wide open?
If you’re new to portable AC units, the setup might look a little confusing. Most come with a 1.5-metre exhaust hose that hangs out of the window for the hot air to escape.
All the best portable aircon units come with a window kit, which creates a seal around the hose and helps prevent hot air from rushing back in through the open window. It’s worth checking the type of window kit included, however, as some are better suited to certain windows than others.
Most homes in the UK have either casement windows, which are hinged and swing outward, or sash windows, which slide up and down, but this can vary. In some cases, it may be worth investing in an additional window kit that’s designed to fit your window type and dimensions to ensure your portable AC unit works as efficiently as possible.
What’s the best portable air conditioner without hose?
In short, there isn’t one. Portable air conditioners need an exhaust hose and a properly sealed window to vent hot air outside; without this, you won’t get the full cooling effect.
If you’d rather avoid the hassle of installing a window kit, it’s worth considering one of the best air coolers instead.
These clever gadgets sit somewhere between a portable AC unit and a simple fan. Rather than simply circulating the air, air coolers draw in the warmth, pass it over a cold-water tank (or ice pack), before blowing cooler air back into the room.
The cooling power won’t be as effective as an aircon unit, but it’s better than a fan and doesn’t require a complicated setup.
What is the quietest portable air conditioner?
We measured the noise level of each unit on its highest setting and lowest settings, and when the compressor was starting up (typically the loudest time) to find out which model was the quietest to run.
We found the De’Longhi Pinguino (currently out of stock) was the quietest portable air conditioner in testing, registering a maximum noise level of 57.1dB.
The verdict: What is the best portable air conditioner?
Almost all our Tried & Tested AC units are out of stock so it may be worth looking at the best air coolers or best fans to help you through the heatwave.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Marcus Strong is the Homes Operations Manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, overseeing product testing programmes and helping ensure readers receive trusted, evidence-based buying advice. With experience at leading retailers including Marks & Spencer Home and IKEA, he brings extensive expertise in home products, quality assessment and consumer needs.
Marcus works closely with testing and editorial teams to deliver rigorous evaluations across a wide range of household categories, combining operational excellence with a passion for helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
Tilly brings a unique blend of skills to the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Homes Testing team. She has hands-on experience testing equipment across both editorial and television, working on live and pre-recorded productions. Alongside this, she is an experienced food stylist and producer, having collaborated with celebrity chefs and leading brands, including representing companies as a demo chef. Her work also spans advertising campaigns and branded content across the UK and internationally.
Originally trained as a cookery journalist, Tilly specialises in equipment testing and recipe development. She is passionate about making life easier for consumers, with a particular focus on simplifying instructions and improving usability.
When she’s not testing products, Tilly can usually be found singing in a choir or cooking up a feast for friends and family.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
