When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We tested several new Honeywell models in 2022 as well, having previously recommended the companys HL14CES as an also-great until it was discontinued. Thom Dunn is an associate staff writer at Wirecutter reporting on HVAC and other home improvement topics. We researched and compared pricing as well as features like coverage area, BTU rating, and noise level to find the top affordable AC units available right now. The Frigidaire Gallery Cool Connect GHPC132AB1 impressed us not only with its ability to maintain a steady chill throughout the room within one-half of a degree but also with its surprisingly low-volume performance. We didnt concern ourselves too much with these specific numbers as long as an AC reached our minimum SACC threshold of 7,200 Btu per hour; anything less than that, and the AC isnt even worth a glance. The controls on the Black+Decker are touch-sensitive, but its hard to tell if youve activated them. Note, too, that this drain is higher up on the Duo than on other modelsabout 1 foot up from the bottom, which should make it easier to tilt and drain. Whynter claims the built-in dehumidifier can remove 76 pints of excess moisture each day. The one major exception, however, is if you plan on setting up your portable AC in a room with a furnace or hot water heater or anything else that uses combustion. Once again, summer is returning with a vengeance, and it is time to start thinking about how to stay cool. After 130 hours of research and over 90 hours of testing, were confident that the Midea U MAW08V1QWT is the quietest and most efficient AC available. With an SACC rating of 8,000 Btu per hour, its not quite as powerful as an inverter model, but its still better than any of the other non-inverter portable ACs we tested. If you wait to set up your AC until an already-sweltering day, youll be even more annoyed when you realize you need to sign up for more junk mail before you can get cool again. This is great if you think you might enjoy listening to an amateur White Stripes cover band with a snake on lead vocals, but it might not be the best if you want to sleep or get any work done. The Duos remote control is large and a little clunky, but it puts all the features you need right there at your fingertips. It also is capable of cooling rooms much larger than other units can, giving a total coverage area of more than 215 square feet. A digital remote control helps simplify operations, but there is also a digital touch button control panel. But even so, it gets the job done, and its a fine choice if you need a portable AC at something closer to a window-AC price. But contained within that hose are two separate conduits for intake and exhaust, making it even more efficient than the competition. Some owner reviews complain that the compressor on the LG emits a loud, high-pitched whine that sometimes makes sleeping difficult. The biggest appeal of the Lowes-exclusive GE APWD07JASG is that you can configure it as a single-hose model out of the box or turn it into a dual-hose AC with the help of an $80 conversion kit. We plan on testing several new models this spring, including the Frigidaire FHPW122AC1 and the Honeywell MN4CFSWW9. And its definitely a powerful beast, with the kind of fan that you can still feel blowing on your skin from 15 feet away. In fact, we found no compelling new double-hose models from major manufacturers in 2019 or 2020 (although a few new ones cropped up in 2021, including our new top pick). Full disclosure: When I was measuring these frequencies with the Black+Decker running in a small, closed room, I got a headache after 15 minutes. Unlike central air, which cools rooms, ceiling fans cool people directly. It boasts a fan speed that you can easily adjust to your liking with a convenient LED display. We also tried the Honeywell MN4HFS9, which is essentially the same model with an added heat pump. This is normally fine, since the unit has wheels to help you move it around, but its weight can be a problem when youre trying to tip the machine over to use the drain plug, which is inconveniently located at the very bottom of the unit. While it was slightly quieter than our current budget pick, it also wasnt as powerful. The popular, affordable Black+Decker BPACT14WT delivers where it countsin cooling performancebetter than anything else in its price range. It also produced the most uneven range of frequencies: We measured peaks around 100 Hz (like the low end of a guitar) and then again at the high range of 4,500 Hz, 5,500 Hz, and 9,000 Hz (like a bunch of cymbals and sibilant s sounds). We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. This detail, combined with the wide variety of window-installation panels that Midea includes in the box, makes the Duo especially easy to wrangle and install (a particularly remarkable feat for a dual-hose model). The Windmill Air Conditioner may not be the cheapest on our list, but it is our top pick for the best cheap air conditioner, given the fully loaded benefits this model provides. He is particularly good at being cool. In our search for the best cheap air conditioners, we consider several factors and compare different models to find the best units for your family. The Whynter Elite ARC-122DHP is another former pick thats essentially the same, with the addition of a built-in heater. The unit is designed for areas no larger than 150 square feet for maximum performance. Our bigger gripe with the app concerns the lengthy registration process, which requires you to give Frigidaire all of your contact information, including your home address and the units date of purchase. Frigidaire Gallery Cool Connect GHPC132AB1, Also great: Frigidaire Gallery Cool Connect GHPC132AB1, The Best Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner, seasonally adjusted cooling capacity, or SACC, Lascar temperature and humidity data loggers, Introducing New Portable AC BTU Guidelines, Test Procedure for Portable Air Conditioners (PDF), Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Portable Air Conditioners. As a result, its better at cooling spaces than other models with the same power output and will save you money on your electric bill in the long run. Also like other portables, the Duo uses filters that are easy to remove and clean without any additional tools. In addition, the Midea Duos hose (which is technically two hoses in one) is built directly into the ACs rear side, in a design that can compress like an accordion in a vertical orientation that sits nearly flush with the unit. But the Mideas compressor design means that the initial difference in sound between fan-only mode and cooling mode is much less abrupt than it is on the Frigidaire. Its a little louder than our also-great pick (about 5 decibels, on average) and doesnt have quite the same thoughtful bells and whistles we enjoyed, but otherwise it performed nearly as well as the Cool Connect. The low and medium fan settings are remarkably quieter (45 dB and 48 dB, respectively) than the high setting (56 dB); as a result, the compressor is much more noticeable when it kicks on with the lower fan settings than when the whole thing is running on high. If your air quality is bad and you dont have an air purifier, an HVAC filter taped to a box fan is better than nothing. But even with an SACC rating of 7,500 Btu per hour, it struggled to make the room any cooler than 70 degrees (even though the thermostat went lower than that). However, the other cheap air conditioners on our list are definitely worth a second look before you buy. The 5 best cheap meal delivery services of 2022. Of course, it is not the pick you want when you are looking to cool bigger spaces, but for your typical school or office desk, it could be the perfect reprieve you have been needing in your room, office, or dorm. Daniel Giamatta, senior account executive, LG-One US, email interview, March 18, 2019, Tom Kelly, product senior manager, Haier AC/GE Appliances, email interview, March 13, 2019, Rachel Lee, sales manager, Whynter, email interview, March 12, 2019, Gary Woodruff, residential manager, Hurley & David Home HVAC Services, email interview, March 19, 2019, Zach Claxton, Introducing New Portable AC BTU Guidelines, Sylvane, February 22, 2018, Test Procedure for Portable Air Conditioners (PDF), US Department of Energy, May 5, 2014, Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment: Portable Air Conditioners, US Department of Energy, December 27, 2016, Portable Air Conditioners Wiki, The Air Geeks, March 1, 2019, David Morrison, How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?, Home Air Guides, March 18, 2019. Neither ZDNet nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. We say mostly because the fan actually hurled some of the cold air over our 3-feet-away thermometer, which initially led to some inconsistent readings. The Duos unique compressor design also means that it operates more quietly than other models, registering around 51 decibels on average (normal conversation reaches about 60 dB). However, its window-installation kit wasnt quite as robust, and while it offered all the same smart-home capabilities, we encountered some frustrations with the way they worked. But if you need more cooling power, Midea also makes a 12,000 SACC (14,000 Btu) model, the MAP14S1TBL, as well as another portable inverter AC that provides heating in addition to cooling. The air conditioner comes with a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy, just in case you are not satisfied with your purchase. According to the old ASHRAE standards, the Duo has 12,000 Btu of power, just like most of the other models we tested. Finally, we found the Frigidaires window-installation kit to be somewhat lacking. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). But its volume output came as a similar surprise, as it measured about 2 decibels quieter on average than the Midea. Portable air conditioners arent as mobile as their name suggests, and theyre also one of the loudest and least efficient ways to cool a room. In fact, with both the compressor and the fan on high, we had trouble measuring any volume difference at all. Once ready, there are two different fan settings that you can use based on your changing needs. ZDNet independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. Its one of the quietest portable ACs weve ever tested, too, with a volume that consistently measured below normal conversation levels. Like the Midea Duo, it has an inverter compressor that makes it quieter and more efficient than other portable air conditioners, with an SACC of 10,000 Btu per hourthe same as the Midea, even though its power output by the older standards was comparatively higher than the Mideas at 14,000 Btu per hour. Sometimes his curiosity gets the best of him, such as when he plugged a space heater and a Marshall guitar amp into the same power strip. Pro tip: Dont do that. If you want to save $100 and dont mind sacrificing a few little luxuries (including the noise), this could be a good alternative. Rather than running only at max speed or nothing, the Mideas inverter-powered compressor can operate at a continuously variable speed, so the unit has a lot more flexibility in how it reaches a desired temperature in a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions. A primary measure was seasonally adjusted cooling capacity, or SACC, a US Department of Energy calculation that represents the weighted average performance of a portable air conditioner in a number of test conditions. Despite all of its features, this model is affordably priced at $310, making it a far more affordable and economical pick than many of the other options out there. If you want to save a little money, the Frigidaire FHPW122AC1 is a similar model we tested that feels like a stripped down version of the GHPC132AB1 and costs about $100 less. The most important thing to do to make a portable AC perform at its best is to insulate the gaps between the window, the window frame, and the panel holding the AC vent. But overall, the effect wasnt unpleasant, and the Midea Duo was still slightly quieter than the other inverter-style portable AC we tested, the LG LP1419IVSM, and 2 to 5 decibels quieter than most of the other models we tested. This popular model matches our other picks in cooling performance but feels cheaperit has chintzy buttons and lacks conveniences such as cord storage. We had to snap one of the plastic plates in half in order to fit it snugly into a standard double-hung window. Many air conditioners include both numbersthe Btu measurements developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) were widely adoptedso we considered both stats in our selection. And a ceiling fan with smart-home controls is even more efficient and convenient. Clean the filter at least once a month. He has also published articles for The Huffington Post, Upworthy, Vice, The Weather Channel, and other outlets, and in 2019 he was commissioned by Cornell University to create a full-length play about community responses to climate change. But we were more concerned about making recommendations that could actually provide adequate power. Still, this air conditioner packs in some extra features. Its no substitute for an actual heat pump though. The Frigidaires compressor is a little more noticeable when it first kicks on, but otherwise it produces a mostly pleasant white noise thats easy to ignore. This portable AC offers plenty of thoughtful features, including a variable-speed dual-rotor compressor, a built-in hose for easier setup, and a convenient storage pocket. In our tests, it was also remarkably effective at distributing the cool air, never leaving more than a 1-degree temperature difference across the room. Its slightly more expensive than the Midea, and some readers have complained about the timbre of its sound (though we never had any problems with that ourselves), but overall its still one of the best portable air conditioners you can find. We measured the volume at each units various settingscompressor on/off and fan high/medium/lowfrom a distance of about 6 feet with an audio spectrum analyzer app. 2022 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Most portable ACs are pretty similar, but the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL delivers better cooling performance than other models while using less energy and making less noise. Thats toward the upper limit of the adult human hearing range, but it could account for the problems that some people have encountered. The Whynter Elite ARC-122DS used to be our top pick. Like the other models we tested, the Duo allows you to set it to dehumidify (without cooling) or just run it in a fan-only mode. Our primary concern in choosing a portable AC was finding a unit with adequate cooling performance, followed by low noise, decent efficiency, and other quality-of-life factors we measured once we saw our finalists in person. Cheap air conditioners can come in a variety of different sizes, so they each may work differently based on room size requirements and cooling methods. The Midea Duos top-mounted cylindrical fan is impressively effective at moving air through the room. The SereneLife Powerful Portable Room Air Conditioner packs some power with an 8,000 BTU unit and a built-in dehumidifier to combat those humid nights. Its typically more affordable than the other inverter models weve seen, as well. The Black+Decker isnt hard to set up or maintain, but you do need a screwdriver to install the window panel or remove the filters; this isnt terrible, but its also not as easy to deal with as the installation for the Midea and Frigidaire models we tested. At 68.3 pounds, the Black+Decker BPACT14WT was the second-lightest model we tested. We didnt hear anything like that in our own tests, although we did measure a small spike in volume that occasionally popped up around the 9,900 Hz to 10,500 Hz range, and then again between 14,500 Hz and 15,000 Hz. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Portable ACs are notorious underperformers, generally less efficient than their window-mounted counterparts, and weve frequently heard that people buy a smaller unit, find it unsatisfying, and either return it or swap it out for a larger one. ZDNet's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Want a portable option for those smaller spaces, Want a little portable device you can take anywhere, Want an affordable portable option for those larger areas, don't mind spending extra for an air conditioner/heater combo. It lacks some of the more luxury features, such as the haptic controls and the sleek hose cover, and ran about 5 decibels louder on average, but otherwise, it cooled the room nearly as well as the GHPC132AB1. In 2020, the Department of Energy also finalized new standards for combined energy-efficiency ratio (CEER), a new metric based on SACC that considers additional factors such as standby energy usage alongside the previously used energy-efficiency ratio (EER) measurement. We appreciated that the Duo could function fully without relying on the app or the voice controls, but we valued this versatility, especially for anyone who has difficulty getting up and manually adjusting the unit itself. Its rough, bumpy casters feel cheaply made but work well enough. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. The fact that this hose is anchored to the body of the AC by default also makes it easier to wrangle when youre trying to set the AC up (thus helping you avoid the frustration of securing the hose into the window only to realize that you accidentally pulled it out of the AC, trapping yourself in a clumsy tug-of-war with an exhaust hose). At 68.3 pounds, the Black+Decker was the second-lightest model we tested. But its a little rough around the edges compared with our other picks: Its operation is louder, its controls are clunkier, and it lacks the nice details we like about some other models. The control panel on the Frigidaire is clear, but the LEDs can be a little too bright. So were sticking with the Black+Decker, and you should, too. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. It is also the quietest machine on our list, as soft as the evaCHILL that is a fraction of its size. The Frigidaires cooling consistency was impressive (and inexplicable) enough for any portable air conditioner, though especially one without an inverter compressor. Simply touch to control the unit, and choose the feature you want between cooling and humidifying. *At the time of publishing, the price was $470. Its drain port works like the others, as well: You can screw it open when you need to empty the unit of condensation or attach a hose to it. The Duo is one of the rare portables with a variable inverter compressor, which allows for more fine-tuned and energy-efficient temperature control. On the outside, the Duo resembles any other single-hose portable air conditioner. We confirmed that they did by taking measurements with two Lascar temperature and humidity data loggerswe placed one 3 feet away, directly in front of the unit, and placed the other one 6 feet away on a diagonal. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. So even though these units all had a similar (or larger) basic power-output level, the Midea Duos compressor setup allowed it to use that power output more effectively. Unlike the single-hose portables we typically recommend, the Duo has a unique hose-in-hose setup where the exhaust and intake are split into two separate conduits contained within a single larger tube, making it even more efficient. Although it doesnt have the same power or efficiency as an inverter model like the Midea or the LG, the single-hose Frigidaire somehow inexplicably managed to run at an even lower volume in our tests, beating both of those portable ACs by about 2 decibels. If you dont have central air conditioning, you should first look into window ACs or ductless mini-splits, which are generally more efficient and (in the case of window units) more affordable. The LG sounds similar to the Midea, too, with a pop-up fan that makes a gentle, almost breath-like white noise. The unit comes with 8,300 BTU power, giving a bit more than the average air conditioner, so it is enough to cool down a medium-sized space. The Black+Decker BPACT14WT is loud and clumsy, yet its your best bet for a cheapish portable air conditioner that will actually get the job done. Those results helped our decision to go big and not focus too much on the claimed square-footage requirements. The Midea Duo came with one of the most robust window-installation kits weve ever seen, with enough customizable options to help you make it fit almost any window. In our tests, we measured the temperature from 3 feet directly in front of the AC and 6 feet away on a diagonal, and the Duo was mostly able to retain a consistent temperature within 1 degree between those two thermometers. The compressor did produce a fuller sound than the fan-only setting, especially on the lower end of the spectrum. It has a similar setup overall, with a built-in hose and a top-mounted fan that makes the AC sound as if its breathing in and out with steady wafts of white noise and cool air, plus all the same smart-home features. While this is not one of the noisiest units out there, it is not the quietest, either, so users are sure to appreciate the option of a quiet fan mode at night. The best thing we took away from our tests was the chance at a direct comparison between a single-hose design and a dual-hose design that were otherwise identical, and our experience confirmed our suspicions that dual-hose portable ACs are slightly more effective than single-hose models but not effective enough to make a real difference (unless youre in a situation with a potentially dangerous carbon monoxide downdraft, as mentioned above). With each AC set to its lowest setting (between 60 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the unit) and the highest fan/compressor setting, we measured the temperature and humidity in the room every 15 minutes for three hours to see how well each unit dispersed the coolness and dehumidification process across the space. The best cheap air conditioners can vary significantly in cost, depending on the model you choose. There is even a night light feature to help you find your way, whether it is to your home or to your dreams. In our tests, the Black+Decker BPACT14WTs condenser started at 64 dB with the fan running lowabout 8 decibels louder than the Midea Duo at its loudest. At 73 pounds, the Midea Duo is one of the heavier portable ACs out thereabout 5 pounds more than our budget pick and more than 10 pounds heavier than the convertible dual-hose model we tested from GE. But not every room or window type can accommodate a window AC, and mini-split installations can be too costly or complicated. The unit also features a built-in dehumidifier to combat those pesky humid summer days. Despite a conveniently portable size, this unit features a dual-hose system that allows for cold air to spread more evenly and quickly throughout your space. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. A pool or beach will only go so far, especially when you lay awake at night drowning in your own perspiration. Its one of the more attractive portable ACs weve seen, too, although thats kind of like saying that R2-D2 is better looking than R5-D4one is a little more sleek-looking, but at the end of the day, they all resemble trash cans on wheels.1 Overall, the Midea Duo does a fantastic job of achieving and maintaining a desired temperature and humidity level regardless of the weather or room conditions, with a high energy-efficiency ratio and all of the convenient smart-home features you might expect. These are a few of the options that almost made our list: While shopping for your home, consider our picks for thebest smart thermostats, thebest space heaters, and thebest home office cooling solutions! Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. Even with the condenser off, the Black+Decker still emitted about as much noise as the Midea and the Frigidaire GHPC132AB1 at their absolute top volume. The process is simple, and we tested it in both configurations, both of which proved to be the epitome of fine. It was quieter than a lot of other portable ACs (with the dual-hose version registering 2 to 3 decibels quieter on average than the single-hose setup) but still nothing compared with the ACs we ended up recommending. The Duo is also the first new dual-hose model weve called in for testing since 2018, thanks in large part to its unique hose-in-hose design, which places the intake and exhaust hoses side by side within a single larger hose. At almost $465, its price tag belies its power with maximum 12,000 BTU coverage, the largest of any unit on our list. It has rough, bumpy casters that felt cheaply made to us but work well enough. Over the course of a sweltering summer week in Boston, we set up our finalists in a roughly 250-square-foot space, taking notes and rating each model on the basic setup process, performance, portability, accessories, and overall user experience. The coolest setting will bring the room to a brisk 65F, plus there is a 24-hour timer option that can help you save money on those monthly bills. Weve met with manufacturers at trade shows and events, corresponded with sources over years of interviews, and combed through volumes of Department of Energy material about AC efficiency standards. Although the single-hose Frigidaire Gallery Cool Connect GHPC132AB1 is not an inverter-style portable AC, it proved to be even quieter and more consistent than the Midea Duo and the LG LP1419IVSM in the way it distributed the air around the room during our tests. We dismissed it for the same reasons, too; but if you happen to have a living situation where you need year-round climate control and dont mind having a portable AC taking up floor space all the time, it could be a decent alternative to a more permanent installation. To further aid in that easy installation process, the Duo also comes with more window-panel attachment options than any other portable air conditioner weve ever tested. Windmill Air Conditioner is ZDNet's top choice. Back to school: Must-have tech for students, How to answer "tell me about yourself" in interviews, Apple explains why iPhone cases are a waste, The 6 best Samsung phones: Explore a new Galaxy, The top home batteries: Essential battery backup systems, Our favorite pellet grills: Alternatives to gas and charcoal, The 5 best wireless headphones: Great sound untethered, The top GPS trackers and devices for kids: Find your child fast, Supports Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa, Total coverage area of more than 215 square feet. The tape will help prevent warm air from slipping in through cracks as easily. At just two pounds, this is a USB-powered unit that is super easy to transport wherever you like in just the palm of your hand. To help, these are the best cheap air conditioners for your home or business this year. In our tests, it produced some of the most even and consistent cooling across the room, never registering more than a 1-degree difference between our monitors positioned at 3 feet directly in front of the AC and 6 feet away on a diagonal. With an auto-dimming LED display, you can use Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa to control the unit by voice. Suffice to say, the Midea Duo is more likely to have the hardware that you need for your particular situation, whatever it may be. The other downside is that the LG usually costs around $100 more than the Mideawhen its available, that is. This guide builds on earlier work done by Wirecutter senior staff writer Liam McCabe, who has been writing about appliances for Wirecutter since 2013. The LG LP1419IVSM was our top pick from 2019 to 2021, and its still pretty great if you can find it in stock. ZDNet's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. However, buying a new air conditioner may not always be in your immediate budget, even if it is an immediate need. They also look like push buttons, and if you follow your instincts to push themor if youre not sure whether they responded to your tap, and you push a little more just to triple-checkthe whole control panel bows down slightly along with your fingers. Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control, SereneLife Compact Portable Air Conditioner, Whynter Elite Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner. The Frigidaires hose includes an attractive cover for the otherwise unsightly accordion hose, and it has a protective grid over the exhaust to prevent anything from sneaking inside. This unit is one that is easily portable and offers a simplified set-up process to get you started.