The cost of air conditioning can be rather expensive to run, and it isn’t always available in every home and having one installed costs even more. Finding an effective portable unit is one of the easiest ways to get concentrated relaxation. Having a suitable portable AC unit can make a difference.
Rather than dealing with the heat and sweat of summertime, consumers can purchase one of the top units on the market. It is significantly more cost-effective for consumers, and it won’t involve any significant setup.
Anyone who needs a little direction can check out these top air cooler units online today.
The Top Personal Air Coolers For 2022
With testing and consideration of the reviews, here are the top coolers available today:
- ChillWell AC
- Ice House Portable AC
- HydroBoost Portable AC
- IcyBreeze
- EvaPolar
- ZeroBreeze
- New Air Portable ACs
- RW Flame Portable Air Conditioners
- Sleep Connection Cool Mist Humidifier
- Arctic Box
- IceBox Cordless Air Cooler
- CoolEdge
- CoolMe Pro
- CoolX
- Aero Cool Portable AC
- Williston Force
- NexFan Evo UV Cooler
- Air Cooler Pro
- Sylvane Portable Air Conditioners
- Sion Cooler
- UV Cooler
- CoolFeel Max
Take a look below to learn about each of these coolers.
ChillWell AC
ChillWell AC is easy to set up and provides the user with cool air. Establishing the right temperature offers evaporative cooling that takes the heat out of the air. It circulates cool air to replace the heat, making any room more comfortable. Many customers praise the device for being quite chilly, though it is up to the user to control the speed and temperature of the device. Users can customize their experience, whether they want a gentle flow of air or an icy breeze.
Evaporative coolers tend to work the best in climates already hot and dry, increasing the moisture in the air. It is beneficial to individuals in the southwest region of the United States in the summertime.
Ice House Portable AC
Ice House Portable AC helps consumers quickly get relief from the heat using a water tank. The process slowly removes the harmful particles from the air, filtering out contaminants as it improves the temperature. The creators behind this particular unit claim that it cools twice as well as other models can. It introduces humidity in a way that will chill the air with impressive cost-efficiency and energy efficiency.
This unit makes no excess noise, and it is entirely portable and rechargeable.
HydroBoost Portable AC
HydroBoost Portable AC provides users with three modes that they can choose from – fan, air conditioner, or air humidifier. This device can offer coolness for up to four hours, using about 10 ounces of water or ice with a full charge. The machine needs to be regularly refilled to keep up with this air circulation at low temperatures.
The device only requires 8 watts of power, and users won’t have to worry about the high electricity bills associated with complete air conditioning systems. It is quiet, bringing temperatures down to a comfortable level of coolness.
IcyBreeze
IcyBreeze has one of the higher power levels found on this list. With six hours of runtime between charges, this device works with a fraction of the power that other devices need. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, ensuring that the customer can fix any problems with the manufacturer’s help.
Most of the other coolers on this list focus on how they can work indoors, but the creators behind IcyBreeze focus on all of the outdoor activities that this cooler lets them do, like fishing and camping. It can be used in venues for different events and sports competitions, keeping everyone comfortable through the many physical activities.
EvaPolar
EvaPolar is an entire line of different portable air coolers, ensuring that users will get the type of model they are looking for. Users can choose everything from a gentle breeze to a powerful shiver when they browse the different options, including Eva LIGHT Plus, evaCHILL, and evaSMART.
Unlike other products, these coolers are available with voice control and connection to a mobile app, giving users many ways to improve the temperature in their home. Every option available is energy efficient and portable, though their subtle design is part of the most appealing features.
ZeroBreeze
ZeroBreeze is meant for outdoor use, and the powerful mechanisms needed for such an impact come at a high price. The device can work wherever the user goes, even camping in their backyard. It offers 23,000 BTU of power, and it runs entirely on battery power. Users who want to keep up with their battery life can also get a portable charging station from the website. This device also charges other electronics when the user isn’t near a primary energy source.
New Air Portable ACs
New Air Portable ACs is another product line for portable air conditioning units. The products available allow users to choose from a variety of power levels and intensities, regardless of how ample the space might be. The models range from 6,000 to 12,000 BTUs, ensuring that users can get what they need for their area.
Rather than being small and compact, this device has exhaust hoses that bring in outside air for coolness.
RW Flame Portable Air Conditioners
RW Flame Portable Air Conditioners are air conditioning units using fan cooling, various fan speeds, and a dehumidifying feature to give the preferred temperature. Though many models have complex components, some units are more basic as needed. The Antarctic Star Electric Air Conditioner is the more basic of models, while the RW Flame offers incredible power for a larger space.
Sleep Connection Cool Mist Humidifier
The Sleep Connection Cool Mist Humidifier is the most compact of any product on this list, and it is just as affordable. It can even fit within a cupholder, which means that users can bring it anywhere they want to go. To cool off the user, it sprays a mist of cool water into the area on a timer to keep the user comfortable, which is particularly helpful to anyone who lives in a generally dry and hot region.
Arctic Box
Arctic Box eliminates heat discomfort with the portable unit, which uses evaporative technology. It pulls the hot air from the air around it, and the unit pushes out a cool breeze in return. Users can keep up with this cooler’s maintenance to eliminate the dryness and sweat that comes with so much discomfort.
The device doesn’t require much work to use, only requiring that the user adds water or ice to the tank to keep pushing out water. Users will also need to keep this device charged to carry it around wherever it needs to go.
IceBox Cordless Air Cooler
The IceBox Cordless Air Cooler uses no cord, ensuring that users get the purification and humidification that the cooler can provide. It has many adjustments that users can make to customize their experience, including changes to the direction of the air, its speed, and more. When the built-in battery is fully charged, it will last for up to five hours, using a USB cord to connect to the power source.
The mechanism used to cool the air is evaporative cooling, which can help reduce the temperature without causing dryness like a traditional system might. It promotes a cooler environment in almost any weather. Still, it stands out among other devices by providing the user with a few bonus features (like mood lights and air purification).
CoolEdge
CoolEdge offers a uniquely beautiful motif, ideal for consumers who want a model that won’t disrupt their décor. The device is bright and colorful, but there is no built-in cooling system. It doesn’t even use evaporative technology! Instead, it works primarily as a fan, cooling the user due to the fan speed rather than the air circulating through it. It isn’t quite as powerful, but it is effective.
Unlike other models, it even features a phone mount for people who like to sit right at the source of coolness and comfort. Users can also choose from different intensities.
CoolMe Pro
CoolMe Pro works quickly to improve the coolness of the room. It can cool, humidify, and purify the air with its lightweight build and lack of freon. It is entirely non-toxic. Users who want to customize their cool air can choose from three different fan speeds, though even the highest setting is relatively quiet.
This cooler is the result of the work by Riga, which is based in Latvia. It is much more cost-effective than a home HVAC system. Users who want to reduce the cost of their electric bill should consider this model.
CoolX
CoolX is a cooling fan that helps consumers improve their relaxation with adjustable fan speeds and direction. The fan comes without the loud noise that other water-based units cause. It blows at incredible speed to ensure that users can feel comfortable anywhere. This device comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it works best for individuals who live in areas that are already humid and won’t benefit from adding more humidity.
Aero Cool Portable AC
The Aero Cool Portable AC is an evaporative cooler that improves the cold temperature in the entire home. The warm air goes in one side of the device, and cool air comes out of the other side at a drastically lower temperature. Air is filtered through the cooler, creating a clean environment wherever the portable cooler is placed.
Though some of these units are meant to cool an entire building, Aero Cool Portable AC is for a much smaller space. It is lightweight and easy to bring wherever the user wants to lower the temperature.
Williston Force
The Williston Force system acts as a cooler and a portable fan at an affordable price. It can create a cooler climate wherever the user is, though it doesn’t work like other portable units on this list. It uses electronics technology and fan circulation to improve the environment. Like other units on this list that rely on fans to cool, it doesn’t introduce humidity. A 30-day return policy covers it for any purchase.
NexFan Evo UV Cooler
The NexFan Evo UV Cooler improves the clean smell in the home, creating a purer climate that allows users to breathe more easily while feeling more comfortable. Instead of using a fan to pull in particles, this cooler uses a UV light that neutralizes contaminants. While the primary goal of this cooler is to keep the home more comfortable, it also prioritizes cleaner air. Plus, the unit provides cold air for up to 12 hours.
Air Cooler Pro
Air Cooler Pro is a portable unit that helps consumers reduce their electricity bills. It allows the user to create a balanced climate in the home, and users don’t have to create any unique setup. Instead, users should be able to plug it into the charging cable and use it as soon as they open the box. Plus, it offers incredible cooling with water and ice in the tank. The hot air goes over the water and releases cold air in return.
Sylvane Portable Air Conditioners
Sylvane Portable Air Conditioners is a leading brand for improving air conditioning with portable units. There are many models to choose from, ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 BTUs and accommodating multiple room sizes. Though this list includes some smaller units, the air conditioning units from this brand can work for larger rooms as well, though it won’t cost nearly the same as a traditional unit might.
Sion Cooler
Sion Cooler provides the user with three fan speeds, excellent cooling, and a fast setup. It is relatively affordable for many budgets, and the fan has a customizable direction. It also includes a handle on top that makes it easier to carry around wherever the user wants to go. Individuals who primarily want basic cooling and portability can find what they need in this cooler.
UV Cooler
UV Cooler is a portable unit, offering purification and improved coolness for whatever room they’re in. The device uses ultraviolet light to clean the germs and bacteria from the environment, which means that users get both improved coolness and purity in the air. The device comes with several fan speeds to choose from, and users will only need a USB connection to charge it. Plus, it costs a lot less than installing an entire HVAC system.
CoolFeel Max
CoolFeel Max works almost instantly to provide warm spaces with extra coolness. It is portable and lightweight, though it uses a neck-hang design to make it easier to carry along on the user’s body. It can be worn while the user walks along, though it is made to work for individuals who exercise, hike, or do other activities. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery that works at any temperature, though users will need to charge it periodically with the included micro USB cable.
The Deciding Factors For The Top Portable ACs
Every company makes its money on how well it can convince the public that they offer superior cooling to other models. However, every product is different, and they don’t consistently deliver.
The following criteria were considered to ensure that this guide included the top options available:
Ability to Dispense Cold Air
The whole point of buying any kind of AC unit is to give the user the ability to cool off wherever they want. The primary focus in choosing these models was to find AC units that could provide the necessary cold air. While some units kept icy cold temperatures, others only circulated barely cool air.
Temperature Control
Some units only circulate air at the pre-programmed level, while others allow users to decide how cold they want their area to be. The units that offered more temperature control were most likely to get a place on this list.
BTUs
BTUs determine the cooling radius of the portable AC unit. Rather than specifically focusing on one room size, the options on this list offer a broad range to work with the needs of consumers.
How Long It Takes to Cool the Space
No one wants to wait to get relief when the temperature rises outside. Some units can take 20 minutes, while others start working relatively quickly. The units that got priority were the ones that didn’t make users wait for relief.
Size and Portability
The whole point of a portable AC is to be portable, which means that the devices on this list had to be easy to move from one place to the next. Some creators have prioritized the ease of moving the device with a lightweight design, while others included handles or different types of cases that help the user to grip to move it somewhere else.
Convenience & Ease of Use
Some units have a weak battery that needs to be constantly charged to keep up with the user’s demand, while others have almost no maintenance required. The device had to be easy for any consumers to include in their day, offering any possible accommodations to make a difference.
Appropriate Value for Cost
No one should have to pay a high cost to be comfortable during the summertime. The top products can be purchased directly from the company, reducing the potential costs associated with the purchase. While the point of this guide wasn’t just to find cheap options, some products work for every budget.
Noise Emission
Having a noisy portable AC unit is incredibly distracting. This guide prioritized low noise emissions products, even while they were blowing out cool air at the lowest setting.
Customizable Cooling & Fan Speeds
The ability to adjust the speed and coolness of a portable AC unit allows the user to decide on their experience each time. They can change the settings throughout their use, ensuring that users feel comfortable in their surroundings.
Build Quality & Design
Low prices don’t have to mean a cheap product, which far too many brands think to be true. Some models barely hold themselves together with the weakest plastic available to save on cost. The products prioritized in this guide had to use high-quality materials that could last.
Battery Life, Charging Capacity, and Power
The battery’s performance tells a lot about how this device will run. To indeed be portable, these units should be able to be charged and brought where they need to go. The charge often depends on how the device is run, but some units barely last through the hour. Consumers who want to see a difference in the room’s temperature should have access to a battery that lasts hours.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to the difference in costs, a portable AC unit is typically more affordable than an entire air conditioning system. It works so well because it doesn’t require much power, charging before it runs without having a constant power connection.
Appearance & Design
Though the portable AC unit serves a specific purpose, it should still look good. Since these units tend to be in areas frequented by many people, the appearance makes a big difference.
Filtration & Sanitization
As these portable AC units pull the heat out of the air, they often attract pollutants and other particles. To eliminate these contaminants, they usually include features that keep the air clean, like carbon filters or UV filtration.
Warranty or Moneyback Guarantee
Most importantly, every device is not perfectly capable of helping every person. Some aren’t the right size, while others just don’t fit with the user’s needs. The products on this list included a warranty or a money-back guarantee.
Where to Use a Portable AC Unit
Portable AC units can be used anywhere the user wants to get the coolness and relief of cold air. There are many different sizes available, which means that users can get these units for their small offices, medium-sized apartment, or large home.
Some of the top places that consumers place their portable AC units include:
- Bedrooms
- Dorms
- Apartments
- Condos
- Offices
- Houses
- Tents
- Other outdoor spaces
Most of the time, a portable AC unit only needs to be connected to power long enough to recharge it. They don’t need to consistently be near an outlet or other energy source, which means they can go wherever the user goes.
How Do Portable AC Units Work?
A portable AC unit isn’t quite the same as other air conditioning systems, and they all have different mechanisms for cooling the user. Some of these units are no more than portable fans to circulate the air, while others take advantage of water tanks to improve humidity with cool air. Then, high-end options use compressors and exhaust hoses; it depends on what type is purchased.
Here are the different types of portable AC units:
Evaporative Cooler
This type of cooler is one of the most popular options on this list, using evaporation to improve the coolness in the room. When hot air reaches the water curtain or water tank, it naturally pulls from the air, allowing the hot air to enter on just one side of the device. The air circulated as a cool breeze offers a much less expensive system than installing an entire air conditioning unit.
Fan-based Cooler
Some devices use portable coolers with a fan to keep the user comfortable for consumers who don’t want the hassle of dealing with a water tank. These fans direct the air to the user at various speeds to stay cooled off. Individuals who ordinarily live in a humid climate, as the environment in the eastern side of the United States won’t seem as big of an impact with evaporative cooling. Their environment already has moisture in the air, but a fan can chill the current humidity.
Exhaust Fan And Compressor-based AC
The high-end portable units take extreme measures to help consumers feel cooler with their compressors and exhaust fans. These units ordinarily cost about $400 or more, and they are meant to help individuals in larger spaces that need a more powerful unit.
Top Advantages of Buying a Portable Air Conditioner
Though portable air conditioners used to have a bad reputation amongst the public, their performance has improved exponentially through the years. Some of the top reasons that someone might purchase a portable air conditioner include:
- No installation. Anyone who rents an apartment or maintains a strict budget doesn’t want to have a permanent solution in their home. A portable air conditioner doesn’t stay where it is placed, ensuring that users can bring it where they want to go.
- Portable and convenient. The whole point of this type of unit is that it offers portable air conditioning. They can be carried where the user wants additional comfort, whether they go to their home or office.
- Improved air filtration. Whether it is hot or cold, the particles in the air can be pretty dangerous. Though every home is different, the general pollution of a city can be rather unhealthy, but these types of cooling units pull the particles out of the air as it draws in the heat.
- Reduced dryness. The typical air conditioning system can be pretty drying because they don’t add any moisture to the air. Instead, they push more air into the room. Problems like scratchy throats and other health concerns can arise with this dryness.
- Works wherever the user goes. Even if the user goes camping or somewhere else without any electricity, these coolers can still help. The majority of these products allow users to charge the cooler ahead of time, which means that they should be able to cool themselves off wherever they need.
- Lower electricity bills. Since these types of coolers don’t have to stay connected to their energy source, users don’t have to worry about losing money for their use. A portable unit is relatively easy on the pocketbook because they don’t even take much energy when they remain plugged in.
- Quiet. Without a ton of noise, consumers can keep relaxing in their new cool room. Whether they are working on a big project or just watching TV, the excessive noise from lower-quality products can cause a big distraction.
- Easy to use. Portability is essential for this type of cooler, but it needs to be lightweight and easy to use.
- Reaches low temperatures with ice. If the user wants to get the lowest temperatures possible, they must add ice cubes to the tank-based system.
Plus, users can purchase multiple air conditioning units to work for their home, and there are some models as low as $50 each.
How Evaporative Air Conditioners Work
The mechanism in an evaporative air conditioner pulls the heat straight from the air with evaporation. Within the same transition, it adds new moisture to the air.
Most models start by plugging in the air conditioning unit and turning it on. When it initially activates, it starts drawing in the surrounding hot air to take it from the surrounding area, usually done with a fan. As the air goes into the device, it reaches a water tank or water curtain, traditionally located in the middle of the unit.
The moisture and the hot air combine to create evaporation, allowing the moisture to enter the air and improve coolness. The air starts to feel refreshing (rather than warm), and users can determine the speed that works best for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Air Conditioners
Q: What is the best portable air conditioner?
A: The best cooler depends on many factors, like their desired level of coolness and the climate. Some of the best options on this list include ChillWell AC, Ice House Portable AC, and HydroBoost Portable AC.
Q: How do portable air conditioners work?
A: The majority of these portable air conditioners use evaporative cooling mechanisms to improve the temperature in the room. It takes the heat from the air, increasing moisture in the room while pushing through cooler air.
Q: What size portable air conditioner does the average consumer need?
A: Every cooler has its amount of space that it can cover, based on its power. For instance, a 7,500 BTU unit will provide coolness to an area of 200 square feet of a room that measures about 10′ x 20′.
Q: To install a portable air conditioner, will the customer need to install anything else?
A: No. The unit should be installable without any other components being required. Most units only take a connection to the USB cable to start running on minimal electricity. Some units also have a water tank that should be filled.
Q: Will the user need a window or outside access to use a portable AC unit?
A: It entirely depends on the unit that the individual purchases. Most of these units don’t need outside access because they cycle the air through to keep the air cool without requiring any particular source.
Q: Are portable AC units a waste of electricity?
A: Not at all. These units are often more energy-efficient than a regular air conditioning system. They are much more cost-effective.
Q: Do portable AC units leak water?
A: Generally, no. The user will need to follow the instructions to ensure that the device works properly. If someone accidentally bumps into it and splashes water from the tank, it may leak.
Q: What is SEER in air conditioners?
A: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, and it is used to show how energy efficient a device is. With a higher rating, the device is supposed to be more energy-efficient. A high rating is at least 20, while the average AC home system ranges from 13 to 16.
Q: How can consumers cool their homes without air conditioning?
A: A portable unit is the easiest way to improve the temperature in a room without having a traditional AC. It only needs to be plugged in to function.
Q: How much do portable air conditioners cost?
A: Portable air conditioners typically range from $70 to $150, though a more high-quality device could cost $400.
Q: Are portable AC units safe to use?
A: Absolutely. The technology is pretty basic, pulling the air from the user’s environment and spreading cool air. It also keeps the temperature more manageable, and every device has to meet specific safety standards to be available for users.
Q: Where can users buy a portable air conditioner?
A: In-person and online stores both sell portable air conditioning units. Consumers can even go to the official website associated with the specific air conditioning units.
Q: Are portable AC units loud?
A: Not necessarily. The top products on the market are relatively quiet.
Q: Do portable air conditioners release carbon monoxide?
A: No. There’s no way for these devices to release carbon monoxide if the intake hose is set up near a grill, portable generator, or another source that could release carbon monoxide.
Q: Do users need to vent their portable AC unit?
A: It entirely depends on the particular model. Some models don’t require venting, while others do. Cheaper options that fall below $150 have no venting required.
Q: Do portable AC units keep users cool?
A: With the proper consideration for the area to be cooled, it is entirely possible to get the support needed to make it through the summer heat.
The Top Personal Air Coolers For 2022 Final Thoughts
Though there are many options on the market today, the best personal air coolers above offer a great starting point for anyone ahead of the worse summer temperatures. Portable AC units are the easiest way to stay cool and comfortable through the summertime. With cost-efficient technology, users don’t have to worry about spending a ton of money on their electric bills or its unit. Plus, many of the options available on this list offer purification techniques (like UV lighting).
