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10 Best Ac Coolers 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Whynter ARC-1230WN 14,000 BTU (12,000 BTU SACC) NEX Inverter Dual Hose Cooling Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, and Fan with Smart Wi-Fi, Up to 600 sq ft in White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,409
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
1083 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
It cooled a room of about 500 sq ft from 95 to 70 under an hour in a sealed room.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
It's pretty quiet for how much it cools a room, and the inverter is great for only doing as much as it needs to, which is great for power consumption.
Noise Level
The unit is very quiet compared to others and cools very well.
Airflow (CFM)
The swing option helps distribute the cool air throughout the room and you can even adjust the swing angle.
Type of AC Cooler
The dual hose design is much better than other units, not getting as externally hot and screwed into place for durability.
Additional Features
You can remotely activate the AC via smartphone or set a schedule for if you want the room cool before you get there.

The Whynter Inverter Portable Air Conditioner offers a strong cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU, making it suitable for rooms up to 600 square feet. Its dual hose design helps enhance cooling efficiency, providing 20% more cooling and using energy 40% more efficiently compared to single hose units. The noise level is quite low at 42.5 dB, which makes it a quiet option for home use, although it is not Energy Star rated, which may concern eco-conscious buyers.

The unit also includes a smart control feature with WiFi connectivity via the NetHome Plus app, compatible with Alexa and Google Home, offering convenient control and monitoring. Additional features include a built-in dehumidifier capable of exhausting up to 87 pints of moisture per day, and three operational modes: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan with three speeds. The unit's relatively high power consumption (max. 1293W / 11.9A) might be a consideration for those with energy usage concerns.

The product dimensions and portability make it a practical option for various spaces, but those seeking an Energy Star rated option might need to look elsewhere. This AC cooler is ideal for users needing efficient cooling for larger spaces and valuing smart home integration and low noise operation.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,409
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
1083 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
It cooled a room of about 500 sq ft from 95 to 70 under an hour in a sealed room.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
It's pretty quiet for how much it cools a room, and the inverter is great for only doing as much as it needs to, which is great for power consumption.
Noise Level
The unit is very quiet compared to others and cools very well.
Airflow (CFM)
The swing option helps distribute the cool air throughout the room and you can even adjust the swing angle.
Type of AC Cooler
The dual hose design is much better than other units, not getting as externally hot and screwed into place for durability.
Additional Features
You can remotely activate the AC via smartphone or set a schedule for if you want the room cool before you get there.
#2

Humhold 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners with Remote Control, 3-in-1 Free Standing Cooling AC Unit with Fan & Dehumidifier, Cools Room up to 700 sq.ft, Smart/Sleep Mode,3 Speed,Auto Swing,24H Timer

Rating
9.4
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Type of AC Cooler

Most important from
621 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This portable AC cools a 500 sq. ft. room quickly and works great as a fan and dehumidifier too. The remote is super handy, and the sleep mode is quiet and perfect for nighttime.
Noise Level
This portable AC cools a 500 sq. ft. room quickly and works great as a fan and dehumidifier too. The remote is super handy, and the sleep mode is quiet and perfect for nighttime.
Type of AC Cooler
This portable AC cools a 500 sq. ft. room quickly and works great as a fan and dehumidifier too. The remote is super handy, and the sleep mode is quiet and perfect for nighttime.
Additional Features
This portable AC cools a 500 sq. ft. room quickly and works great as a fan and dehumidifier too. The remote is super handy, and the sleep mode is quiet and perfect for nighttime.

The Humhold 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is designed to cool spaces up to 700 square feet effectively, making it suitable for large rooms or small apartments. Its cooling capacity, combined with an energy-efficient compressor, ensures good performance. The unit offers a 3-in-1 functionality with cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes, adding versatility to its operation. The dehumidifier is quite effective, handling up to 95 pints per day, which is beneficial for maintaining comfortable humidity levels.

The smart and sleep modes, along with a 24-hour timer, provide energy-saving options and quieter operation, which is ideal for nighttime use, though the noise level is slightly above average at 48dB in sleep mode. The airflow is enhanced by a wide-angle auto-swing feature, ensuring even distribution of cool air throughout the room. Convenience is a significant focus with this model, featuring easy mobility thanks to 360-degree wheels and hidden handles, as well as straightforward installation with included window sealing kits and exhaust hose.

The LED display and remote control increase user-friendliness, allowing easy adjustments from a distance. However, the need to drain water every 8 hours in humid environments can be cumbersome. The washable filter is a handy feature, simplifying maintenance.

Rating
9.4
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Type of AC Cooler

Most important from
621 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This portable AC cools a 500 sq. ft. room quickly and works great as a fan and dehumidifier too. The remote is super handy, and the sleep mode is quiet and perfect for nighttime.
Noise Level
This portable AC cools a 500 sq. ft. room quickly and works great as a fan and dehumidifier too. The remote is super handy, and the sleep mode is quiet and perfect for nighttime.
Type of AC Cooler
This portable AC cools a 500 sq. ft. room quickly and works great as a fan and dehumidifier too. The remote is super handy, and the sleep mode is quiet and perfect for nighttime.
Additional Features
This portable AC cools a 500 sq. ft. room quickly and works great as a fan and dehumidifier too. The remote is super handy, and the sleep mode is quiet and perfect for nighttime.
#3

Whynter Portable Air Conditioner 14,000 BTU with Dual Hose Dehumidifier & Cooling Fan for 500 Sq Ft Rooms, Includes AC Unit Window Kit, ARC-14S (9,500 SACC)

Rating
9.1
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Airflow (CFM)

Most important from
15757 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This air conditioner changed our lives! It cooled our 1200 sqft lower level, including a vaulted ceiling living room, kitchen, and master bedroom, even in 100+ degree weather.
Noise Level
The unit is relatively quiet, producing a steady stream of white noise that's not bothersome.
Airflow (CFM)
The air conditioner is a 'HOSS,' pumping out a strong stream of cold air consistently.

The Whynter Portable Air Conditioner offers a robust cooling solution with its 14,000 BTU capacity, making it suitable for rooms up to 500 sq ft. It's designed to be both powerful and quiet, operating at a noise level of 51 dB, which is relatively low for an air conditioner of this capacity. This could make it a great choice for bedrooms or living areas where noise can be a concern. Additionally, it runs on an environmentally friendly R-32 refrigerant, which is a plus for eco-conscious consumers.

However, its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 7.69 is on the lower side, meaning it might not be the most energy-efficient option available, which could potentially lead to higher electricity bills over time. The unit also includes a built-in dehumidifier with a capacity of 71 pints per day and offers three operational modes: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan, giving users flexibility based on their needs. The dual-hose system is efficient in expelling warm air, and it comes with various accessories like a window kit and filters for ease of installation and maintenance.

On the downside, the lack of an Energy Star certification might be a dealbreaker for some, as it indicates it doesn't meet certain energy efficiency criteria. Its dimensions are fairly large, so it may take up significant space in a room. Despite these limitations, its award-winning status and comprehensive feature set make it a strong contender for anyone looking for a portable air conditioning solution.

Rating
9.1
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Airflow (CFM)

Most important from
15757 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This air conditioner changed our lives! It cooled our 1200 sqft lower level, including a vaulted ceiling living room, kitchen, and master bedroom, even in 100+ degree weather.
Noise Level
The unit is relatively quiet, producing a steady stream of white noise that's not bothersome.
Airflow (CFM)
The air conditioner is a 'HOSS,' pumping out a strong stream of cold air consistently.

Buying Guide for the Best Ac Coolers

Choosing the right air conditioning (AC) cooler can significantly impact your comfort, especially during hot weather. To make an informed decision, it's essential to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting an AC cooler.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), indicates how much heat the AC cooler can remove from a room per hour. This is crucial because it determines the effectiveness of the cooler in a given space. For small rooms (up to 150 sq. ft.), a unit with 5,000-6,000 BTU is sufficient. Medium-sized rooms (150-300 sq. ft.) require 7,000-8,000 BTU, while larger rooms (300-450 sq. ft.) need 10,000-12,000 BTU. Choose a unit with the appropriate BTU rating for your room size to ensure efficient cooling.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the cooling efficiency of an AC cooler. It is calculated by dividing the BTU rating by the power consumption in watts. A higher EER indicates a more energy-efficient unit, which can save you money on electricity bills. Look for units with an EER of 10 or higher for better energy efficiency. If you prioritize energy savings and environmental impact, opt for a model with a high EER.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the AC cooler will be during operation. This is important if you plan to use the cooler in a bedroom, office, or any other quiet space. Units with noise levels below 50 dB are considered quiet and suitable for such environments. If noise is a concern for you, look for models specifically designed to operate quietly.
Airflow (CFM)Airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), indicates how much air the AC cooler can circulate. Higher CFM values mean better air circulation, which can lead to more effective cooling. For small rooms, a CFM of 200-300 is adequate. Medium-sized rooms may require 300-400 CFM, while larger rooms need 400-500 CFM. Choose a unit with the right CFM for your room size to ensure optimal air distribution.
Type of AC CoolerThere are different types of AC coolers, including window units, portable units, and split systems. Window units are installed in a window and are suitable for single rooms. Portable units can be moved from room to room and are ideal for renters or those who need flexibility. Split systems consist of an indoor and outdoor unit and are best for cooling multiple rooms or larger spaces. Consider your living situation and cooling needs when choosing the type of AC cooler.
Additional FeaturesModern AC coolers come with various additional features such as programmable timers, remote controls, sleep modes, and smart connectivity. These features can enhance convenience and comfort. For example, a programmable timer allows you to set the unit to turn on or off at specific times, while smart connectivity lets you control the cooler via a smartphone app. Consider which features are important to you and choose a model that offers them.

FAQ