Most people assume cooling power is the feature most important to a buyer in a portable air conditioner. After all, it’s relief from the heat you are seeking.
However, anyone who has suffered through a night of sleep with an unbearably loud or rattling unit can tell you how much the noise level should be considered in purchasing.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Quietest Portable Air Conditioners
- OUR TOP PICK: SereneLife SLPAC8
- RUNNER-UP: Whynter Elite ARC-122DS
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: TOSOT 8000 BTU
Comparison of the Quietest Portable Air Conditioners
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Can You Really Find a Portable Air Conditioner That's Affordable and Quiet?
A portable air conditioner that gives your wallet a break does not necessarily have to give your eardrums a beating. It is possible to find a unit that gives you the cooling power you need along with a reasonable price and a reasonable decibel level.
Manufacturers consider consumer reviews as they design new products, improve older ones, and “too noisy” is a chief complaint regarding many portable air conditioners, so this is a real competing point for many of the companies.
They understand to compete for your dollars, they need to provide a machine that is both affordable and produces a reasonable level of noise without being burdensome to the owner.
What Size Portable Air Conditioner Do I Need?
The size of your portable air conditioner will relate to the size of your space and the corresponding BTUs of the unit.
BTUs are “British Thermal Units,” which describe how much heat the unit moves per hour. You may see them described as “ASHRAE BTUs,” which is a designation from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
The maximum square footage that can be cooled by a small portable air conditioner is typically in the 400-450 range, and that would be with 12,000 BTUs. It is possible to cool very small spaces (think a desk or a small sleeping area) with fewer than 10,000 BTUs. However, it can never hurt to estimate higher when it comes to the BTUs and square footage range.
Review of the Quietest Portable Air Conditioners
If you are looking to cool a small space and you do not want to end up with the noisiest portable air conditioner on the market, we can take the guesswork out of your shopping as we have reviewed the quietest portable air conditioners available.
Best Overall:
SereneLife SLPAC8
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
With proper installation and set up this unit works well for most buyers. One recent customer noted that the addition of some weather stripping was necessary based on the type of window sill, and this may be a simple fix to help consumers get the best experience out of this portable air conditioner.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The SereneLife lives up to its name thanks to a low noise level quiet operation mode that can be activated to cool a room quietly. We think this unit is a great pick for cooling bedrooms, offices, and other small spaces, and the consumer does not have to be tech-savvy to operate it.
An LED control panel and a simple, user-friendly remote make the SereneLife easy to adjust to different settings as needed.
Bottom Line
While you may need to take some extra steps in setup, such as weather stripping, it will be worth it for the result, which is a unit that cools effectively without being extremely loud.
Runner-up:
Whynter Elite ARC-122DS
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For a unit that includes both cooling and heating capabilities, the Whynter Elite is your best bet among the quietest portable air conditioners.
Some users have had difficulty with the initial setup and installation but are pleased once it is set up correctly. Dual hose construction means this unit should not be sucking in hot air from your other windows, and regular maintenance will keep this unit functioning well in your small space.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We give the Whynter Elite high marks among small portable air conditioners because it is the closest to the way permanent HVAC functions. In other words, its function more closely resembles a “built-in” HVAC system in a home, thanks to the dual hoses.
Additionally, the Elite addresses the need for heat in the colder months and can work in larger spaces than many other portable units on the market. The auto pump function sets it apart from most competitors as well.
Bottom Line
If you are the type who struggles to change the batteries in remote control or cannot figure out a smartphone, this is probably not the unit for you—unless you have someone very handy who can help you install it. The Whynter Elite is a powerhouse portable air conditioner as long as it is installed properly. In cooling mode, it will offer a reasonable noise level that most users have no problem tolerating.
Best for the Money:
TOSOT 8000 BTU
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love that this relatively quiet portable air conditioner is a breeze to set up and cools a small room efficiently, without too much noise. They also appreciate the sleek look of the unit and how it takes up a minimal amount of floor space.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner is one of our favorites for both reliability and simplicity. It may not be packed with “smart” features, but it does the basics well, which is what you need when you are trying to beat the heat.
If you don’t need the dehumidifier mode, you can switch the machine to a fan or cool only, and the unit can work with both horizontal and vertical sliding windows.
The display panel is easily visible to users, and the remote makes it handy to change the temperature without leaving your favorite recliner. While running on low fan speed, this unit’s noise output should be the equivalent of a light rainstorm.
Bottom Line
If your needs in a portable air conditioner are (1) something that cools efficiently, (2) is attractive to look at, and (3) is not overly complicated by too many extra bells and whistles, this is the best choice for you.
Quietest 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner:
Emerson Quiet Kool EAPC8RD1
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users appreciate the sleep and eco modes, ensuring the machine can cut back on energy used when temperatures get cooler at night (read: saving money!) During the warmer daytime hours, the unit cools small spaces effectively after an easy installation and setup.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Quiet Kool is consistently rated as one of the quietest small portable air conditioners, living up to its name. Realistically speaking, no portable air conditioner will be “noiseless,” and a user should expect a period of adjusting to the noise.
We know from comparing this unit to others that it is one of the best you can get, both for the price and the noise level. Additionally, Emerson stands behind this portable air conditioner with a warranty that gives the consumer some reassurance when purchasing the unit.
Bottom Line
Until we live in a world with noiseless portable air conditioners, this is the next best thing. The Emerson Quiet Kool is our top choice for users who want the least amount of noise while cooling a small space.
Honorable Mention:
Quilo QP110WK
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Despite a few kinks, like the need for buyers to provide extra insulation for the exhaust hose, this unit does the job well once you are up and running. Despite the manufacturer’s claim that the unit can cool spaces up to 450 square feet, it is more likely to max out at 400 square feet as a stretch. For spaces smaller than that, this is a good bet.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Quilo unit earns our honorable mention as it is an affordable choice with some of the most attractive features we look for in a portable air conditioner: easy setup, a timer and sleep mode option, wheels for easy portability, and window kits that can adapt to either horizontal or vertical windows.
The built-in dehumidifier is the true workhorse of this unit, removing up to 80 pints of moisture per day. We also love the digital display remote, which makes operating the unit easy for users.
Bottom Line
This is a great choice for a portable air conditioner that checks all of our boxes: it is easy to set up and use, cools a small space well, and the noise level is not overwhelming or completely overbearing.
Portable Air Conditioner vs Window - Comparison Overview
Many consumers think “portable air conditioner” and “window air conditioner” describe the same product, but they have some specific differences. It is true that a portable air conditioner “needs” a window to function, but it is not mounted inside the window. Rather, the main compartment rests on the floor of your home (near a window).
A portable air conditioner is preferred by some consumers because;
- It is typically easier to install
- It can be moved from room to room if needed
- It does not violate homeowners association rules that may prohibit visible window units
On the other hand, the reason many people opt for a window unit is simple: it has greater cooling power.
The setup of a window unit enables it to use energy more efficiently than a portable air conditioner. However, that is not the only area where a window unit outshines a portable unit.
The window units can also direct more noise outside than in, so users are less bothered by the amount of noise from these versus portable air conditioners. Window units also save floor space where space may be at a premium, such as in a small apartment.
How to Clean a Portable Air Conditioner
As is the case with every appliance, machine, and other “tools” in your home, proper cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your portable air conditioner and enhance its functionality.
If you have ever tried to vacuum when your vacuum bag or filter is full or defective in some way, you know what you are usually left with: a big mess. Just like a vacuum filter needs to be cleaned or changed, the filter systems with portable air conditioners should be tended to by owners to prevent malfunction.
Refer to your specific manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, but you can also use these steps as a general guide after you have run the unit on fan mode for several hours to dry it out:
- Unplug the unit and drain excess water
- Remove and clean the filter, allowing it to air dry
- Vacuum the vents and wipe down the coils with a simple solution of water, vinegar, and lemon juice
- Wipe down dust and debris on the exterior as well
What Makes These Portable Air Conditioners Quieter Than Normal?
Portable air conditioners have to put out noise as they function. Still, manufacturers continue to find ways to reduce the noise output in small, sleek, and compact units that deliver a surprisingly powerful cooling experience.
In each of the units, we have recommended, the specific design and parts (including the compressor) are intended to make the least noise possible for the cooling output.
Because they are still not “noise-free,” users can find ways to reduce the noise in their own setup: for example, you might consider placing the unit on carpet or padding of some kind, rather than the bare floor, to muffle some of the noise.
Conclusion
Portable air conditioners can be a lifesaver for those suffering in sweltering heat in small spaces; they can make the dog days of summer bearable (or even enjoyable).
When shopping for a portable air conditioner, the noise will always be a consideration, and you should pay attention to the decibel output and how it can be reduced in the various operating modes.
Chances are a unit that prevents you from melting right into your desk chair will be a welcome relief no matter how loud it is, but it cannot hurt to find one with a noise level that is at least tolerable.
People Also Ask
When shopping for portable air conditioners, consumers often ask the questions below. Check out our answers to help guide you through the process and get you on your way to cooler days!
How Loud Are Normal Portable Air Conditioners?
The decibel range for portable air conditioners is from 40 to 60.
How Do I Quiet a Portable Air Conditioner?
Run it in fan mode, place it on padding, or wrap it in a blanket.
How Long Do Portable Air Conditioners Last?
With proper care and maintenance, you may be able to get 10 years out of your portable air conditioner.
How Does a Portable Air Conditioner Work?
It pulls stagnant air from inside a small space and then cools the air with a motor before recirculating it.
How Much is a Portable Air Conditioner?
You can expect to spend between $300 and $600 on a portable air conditioner.
What is the Highest BTU for a Portable Air Conditioner?
The highest BTU in portable air conditioners is 14,000.
How Much Power Does a Portable AC Use?
Portable air conditioners have an average power consumption of around 1,100 watts.