Top 5 Portable ACs for Apartments: Buyer's Guide

Does the summer heat make your small apartment feel like a sauna? You are not alone! Finding the perfect cooling solution for apartment living can be tricky. Many apartments have rules against window units, and central air just isn’t an option. This leaves you searching for a portable air conditioner that actually works without taking up too much space or costing a fortune.

Choosing the right portable AC involves more than just picking the coolest-looking machine. You need to think about noise levels, how easy it is to set up, and if it can handle your room size. It can feel overwhelming to sort through all the technical terms and features.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most for apartment dwellers. Learn how to pick a quiet, efficient unit that fits your budget and keeps you comfortable all summer long. Ready to finally enjoy a cool, relaxing space? Let’s dive into finding your ideal portable air conditioner!

Top Portable Ac For Apartment Recommendations

No. 1

8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners, Quiet Portable Cooling AC Unit Up to 350 Sq.Ft. with Dehumidifier, 24H Timer, Sleep Modes, 3 in-1 AC Unit with Remote Control, for Bedroom, Room, Office,Apartment

Efficient & Powerful 8,000 BTU Cooling for Small to Medium Rooms: This portable air conditioner features an upgraded compressor refrigeration system with a maximum airflow of 320 m³/h, rapidly cooling rooms up to 350 sq.ft. Adjustable temperature range from 60℉ to 86℉ lets you customize your comfort. With a high CEER rating of 6.2, this portable AC unit ensures energy-saving operation, ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, apartments, and offices
3 in-1 Cooling, Dehumidify & Fan Functions for All-Season Comfort: Beyond cooling, this small AC unit also acts as a dehumidifier, removing up to 44 pt of moisture daily (requires drain pipe in Dry mode), and as a fan to circulate fresh air. Perfect for humid days and mild weather, it maintains a comfortable, healthy indoor environment
User-Friendly Remote Control & LED Display: Control your portable air conditioner easily with the full-function remote up to 23 ft away. The large LED display clearly shows device status and settings, letting you adjust temperature, fan speed, and modes without leaving your seat
Portable & Easy Installation with Detachable Washable Filter: Compact dimensions (15.75 in x 13.39 in x 35.04 in ) and four smooth caster wheels with built-in handles make this room air conditioner easy to move between rooms. Installation requires no drilling, and the adjustable window kit fits most sliding windows. The removable washable filter ensures clean air and simple maintenance
Sleep Mode & 24-Hour Timer for Quiet & Energy-Efficient Operation: Enjoy peaceful nights with the sleep mode that reduces noise levels to 64 dB by lowering fan speed. The 24-hour timer lets you pre-set automatic shutoff times, saving energy while providing a comfortable sleeping environment—making this portable AC perfect as an AC unit for bedroom use

No. 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

【14000 BTU Powerful Cooling Efficient】Humhold Powerful Portable AC unit owns a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU(ASHRAE) / 10,000 BTU(SACC), has an most energy efficient compressor that can supply cool air to 700 square feet of large space in your living room, bedroom, apartment, home kitchen, garage, basement and office, stable and efficient way to make you feel cool all the time in the hot summer. In addition, you can maintain temperatures from 61°F to 88°F with a variety of controls, allows to customize cooling experience to your needs.
【3-in-1 Cooling/Dehumidify/Fan Function】 The smart portable air conditioner offers the convenience of 3-in-1 functions, including Cooling, 3-speeds Fan, and Dehumidify, which meets your daily needs. You can freely adjust the temperature in cooling mode, ranging from (61℉ to 88℉) in hot seasons. The dehumidifier capacity of 95 Pints/day can effectively reduce the humidity in small room, and as a fan to circulate indoor air at all times, removing excess moisture and releasing fresh air for a healthy and comfortable environment.
【Front LED Display & Remote Control】 Our self evaporating portable ac unit is equipped with an easy-to-read Front LED Display，combined with full-function remote control which has LED display and up to 23 feets control distance, you can easily set the temperature and wind speed you want while sitting on the sofa or lying on the bed, no need to get close or stand up, maximize the convenience of mobile air conditioners. The Remote requires 2pcs AAA 1.5V dry batteries (package not included).
【No Need To Drain】With Built-in water self-evaporation system, there is no need to drain water for daily use, the water will automatically evaporate through hose. If it is placed in humid environment such as basement, laundry room, it needs to drain every 8 hours, or the machine will stop for the water tank inside is full, you need to unplug the drain plugs on the back and connect household pipe to drain, then start the machine again. The filter is design to easy disassemble without any tools and can be washed directly by water flushing.
【Smart & Sleep Mode with 24H Timer for Enery Saving】 Built-in internal temp-sensor, Smart Mode enables the portable ac unit run in Cool or Fan mode based on the room temperature, Keep the room at the most comfortable temperature 73F-77F. Sleep Mode will maintain an optimal temperature in low speed, and provide you less than 48dB quiet bedroom. You can also preset to stop the ac unit after 0.5-24 hours, all these funtional modes are money-saving and let you have a suitable temperature for relaxation and good sleep in the wonderful summer.

No. 3

Humhold 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners with Remote Control, 3-in-1 Free Standing Cooling AC Unit with Fan & Dehumidifier, Cools Room up to 500 sq.ft, Smart/Sleep Mode,3 Speed,24H Timer,Window Kit

【12000 BTU Powerful Cooling Efficient】Humhold Powerful Portable AC unit owns a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU(ASHRAE) / 8,000 BTU(SACC), has an most energy efficient compressor that can supply cold air up to 500 sq. ft of large space, such as living room, bedroom, apartment, home kitchen, garage, basement and office, make you feel cool all the time in hot summer.
【3-in-1 Cooling/Dehumidify/Fan Function】 The smart portable air conditioner offers the convenience of 3-in-1 functions, including Cooling,3-speeds Fan, and Dehumidify, which meets your daily needs. You can freely adjust the temperature in cooling mode, ranging from (61℉ to 86℉) in hot seasons. The dehumidifier capacity of 75 Pints/day can effectively reduce the humidity in small room, and as a fan to circulate indoor air at all times, removing excess moisture and releasing fresh air for a healthy and comfortable environment.
【Front LED Display & Remote Control】 Our self evaporating portable ac unit is equipped with an easy-to-read Front LED Display，combined with full-function remote control which has LED display and up to 23 feets control distance, you can easily set the temperature and wind speed you want while sitting on the sofa or lying on the bed, no need to get close or stand up, maximize the convenience of mobile air conditioners.The Remote requires 2pcs AAA 1.5V dry batteries (package not included).
【No Need To Drain】With Built-in water self-evaporation system, there is no need to drain water for daily use, the water will auto evaporate through hose. If it is placed in humid room (air humidity exceeds 70%) such as basement, laundry room, it needs to drain every 8 hours, or the machine will stop for the water tank inside is full, you need to unplug the drain plugs on the back and connect draining pipe to drain, then start the machine again.
【Smart & Sleep Mode with 24H Timer】 Built-in internal temp-sensor, Smart Mode enables the ac unit run in Cool or Fan mode based on room temp, Keep your room at the most comfortable temperature 73F-77F. Sleep Mode will maintain an optimal temperature in low speed, and provide you less than 48dB quiet bedroom. You can also preset to stop the ac unit after 0.5-24 hours. (note: When the temperature difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature exceeds 15F, the air unit will run at high power and emit a noise of nearly 60dB.)

No. 4

GarveeHome Portable Air Conditioners 8000 BTU, Efficient 3 in-1 Portable AC Unit with Sleep Mode, Dehumidifier, Remote Control, Quiet Cooling for Bedrooms, Apartments, and Offices, White & Black

Efficient Cooling for Small Spaces: This 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner is a perfect small ac unit for cooling rooms up to 350 sq.ft. As a compact portable ac unit, it’s ideal as an ac unit for bedroom, home office, or studio apartment. The adjustable temperature range (62°F–86°F) ensures your room air conditioner delivers personalized comfort
3 in-1 Versatility: Cool, Fan & Dehumidify: Switch between cooling, fan-only, and dehumidifying functions on this portable air conditioner to maintain a comfortable environment all year. The dehumidifier mode helps remove excess moisture, making it one of the most versatile portable air conditioners for home use
Easy-to-Use Digital Controls & Remote: Adjust your portable ac settings with the LED display or included remote control (23 ft range). The 24-hour timer allows your small ac unit to operate efficiently and save energy, giving you full control over your portable ac experience
Hassle-Free Auto-Evaporation System: With auto-evaporation technology, most condensation from this portable ac unit evaporates automatically, reducing manual drainage. For high humidity, this portable air conditioner comes with a drain hose for continuous drainage, adding to its convenience as a room air conditioner
Portable & Simple Installation: The lightweight portable ac unit features 4 smooth-rolling wheels, making it easy to move between spaces. The universal window kit allows for quick, no-tools installation in most sliding or vertical windows, so you can set up your portable air conditioner wherever you need it

No. 5

EUHOMY 8000 Btu Portable Air Conditioners, 3 in 1 Portable AC with Cool, Dry, Fan Modes, Quiet Air Conditioners with 24H Timer & Sleep Modes, with Remote, for Bedroom, Apartments up to 350 Sq.Ft

𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦-𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬: With 8,000 BTU cooling power and strong 350 CFM airflow, this EUHOMY portable air conditioner quickly cools spaces up to 350 sq. ft. Adjustable temperature settings from 60–86°F help maintain a consistently comfortable indoor environment for bedrooms, living rooms, dorms, gyms, and garages
𝐀𝐥𝐥-𝐢𝐧-𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝟒-𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦: Designed for year-round convenience, this portable AC unit integrates cooling, dehumidifier, fan, and sleep modes in one compact machine. The dehumidifying function removes up to 86 pints of moisture per day, while fan and sleep modes provide flexible airflow and quiet nighttime operation
𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐊𝐢𝐭: Enjoy hassle-free installation with an included window kit compatible with 20–50 inch sliding or double-hung windows. No tools or professional help required—just connect the exhaust hose, plug in the unit, and start cooling your room within minutes
𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟒-𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: This 8,000 BTU(ASHRAE) / 5,000 BTU(SACC) portable air conditioner automatically stops cooling once the set temperature is reached, helping reduce unnecessary energy use. The built-in 24-hour timer allows you to schedule operation in advance for better comfort, efficiency, and lower electricity costs
𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 & 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞: Control your comfort your way using the top-mounted digital control panel or the LED remote control with up to 23 ft (7 m) range. Effortlessly adjust temperature, switch modes, and change between °F and °C without leaving your seat

No. 6

DREO Portable Air Conditioners, 8000 BTU ASHRAE (5000 BTU DOE) Smart AC Unit for Bedroom with Drainage-free Cooling, 45dB Quiet, APP/Voice/Remote, Portable AC for Room Indoors, AC318S

𝗨𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗜𝗰𝗲𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Increase coverage up to 14 ft. away with this 8000 BTU ASHRAE (5000 BTU SACC) portable air conditioners and its best buddy, the fan, giving you instant chills even in hot summer days. Additionally, you can keep the temperature between 61°F to 86°F using various controls to tailor the cooling to your preferences.
𝟯-𝗶𝗻-𝟭 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗖 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁: You can not only choose from Cool/Fan/Dry modes, but the AC318S also has three functions to control within each mode, making it perfect for all scenarios. Stay dry and comfortable with DREO AC unit powerful dehumidification!
𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗢'𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: reduces the standing ac compressor and turbulence noise to just 45dB, ideal for bedtime or working environments without interruptions.
𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: This self evaporating portable ac equipped with DREO's patented algorithm, sensors and pump evaporate excess water automatically eliminating the need for drainage in environments under 90% humidity. A drain hose (included) is required for environments with humidity above 90%.
𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹: Control this smart ac unit for bedroom with your voice using Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Home, or tailor your cooling experience by monitoring temp, humidity and customizing your sleep curve function through the DREO app.

No. 7

MYICY Evaporative Air Cooler, 35" Windowless Air Conditioner Portable w/3 Speeds, 25ft Remote, Smart Timer & Water Tank, Portable Air Conditioners No Windows Needed, 90°Oscillating AC Unit for Room

❄️【Superior Motor Delivers 1S Chill】Powered by the 2026 upgraded motor, MYICY windowless portable air conditioners optimize internal mechanical components and minimizes friction, which can achieve a 1S fast cooling response while ensuring a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance. The portable ac unit features an optimized air duct design that maximizes airflow coverage and speed, boosting cooling efficiency by 70% and significantly reducing energy consumption.
❄️【2 Modes & 3 Speeds for Every Scenario】Enjoy personalized cooling with our portable air conditioners which features 3 speeds (low-15ft/s, medium-18ft/s, and high-24ft/s) and 2 modes including Normal (steady chill), Cooling (ice-boost max) to create your ideal climate. Whether you're working, relaxing, or sleeping, our evaporative cooler delivers the perfect balance of performance and comfort to fit your personalized cooling experience.
❄️【35-Inch Ergonomic Height for Easy Access】MYICY 35 inch evaporative air cooler with perfect height, is friendly to seniors and pregnant women, making it easy to adjust panel functions without having to bend over. With a vertical design and the built-in handle on the back of the cooler designed for portability, you can move it from room to room without taking up too much space in your room or garage, making it perfect for small spaces and tight corners.
❄️【90° Auto Swing Covers up to 300 sq.ft】Our windowless air conditioner can auto-swing horizontally by 90°, ensuring even cooling the entire room. It delivers an effective cooling area of up to 300 sq ft, making it perfect for both relaxing living rooms and busy offices. The portable swamp cooler extended 16-inch air outlet enhances airflow range and intensity, directing cool air further and more evenly to every corner. Enjoy even air flow and coolness in every corner!
❄️【7-Hour Timer & Ultra-Quiet < 30dB】MYICY swamp cooler air conditioner offers 7-hour timer function, allowing you to set an automatic shut-off in advance for optimized energy efficiency. Combined with its ultra-quiet design (less than 30 dB), this portable air cooler creates a peaceful environment perfect for work, relaxation, or a restful night’s sleep. Say goodbye to distractions and hello to uninterrupted comfort!

No. 8

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 8,000 BTU (3,950 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 400 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT08WT, White

Three-in-One Unit: Our 8000 BTU (3,950 BTU SACC) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner has a full function remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display
Portable AC: Use this personal air conditioner (15.3” x 14” x 24.8”) in rooms up to 400 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom
Follow Me Remote: Our portable AC unit comes with a full function remote control that features a FOLLOW ME function, which allows the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control
Easy Mobility: Thanks to casters on the bottom and side handles on both sides of the small air conditioner, this air cooler can be moved from room to room without any hassle
Installation Kit: When it comes to fans that blow cold air, this indoor ac unit includes an easy-to-install window kit. A large, vented airflow outlet ushers in cool air

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Portable ACs in Apartments

Living in an apartment often means tricky cooling situations. Central air might not reach your unit well, or maybe your landlord restricts window ACs. That’s where a portable air conditioner shines! This guide helps you pick the best one for your space.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, focus on these important details:

Cooling Power (BTUs)

What it is: BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure how much heat the unit removes. More BTUs mean colder air faster.
What you need: Check the size of your apartment room. A small bedroom needs fewer BTUs than a large open-plan living area. Always aim for the correct BTU rating for your square footage to avoid overworking the machine.

Exhaust System

Single-Hose vs. Dual-Hose: Single-hose units pull air from the room to cool the condenser and then blow hot air out the window. Dual-hose units use one hose for intake and one for exhaust. Dual-hose models cool faster and more efficiently because they don’t pull conditioned air out of the room.

Portability and Drainage

Look for units with strong caster wheels. You need to move it from the living room to the bedroom easily.
Most units collect water (condensate). Some models evaporate this water automatically (self-evaporating), which is great. Others require manual draining using a hose or bucket. Check the water tank size.

Noise Level (dB)

Portable ACs make noise. Look for decibel (dB) ratings. Anything under 55 dB is usually quiet enough for sleeping.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your AC lasts and how well it works.

Casing and Durability

Most casings are made of durable plastic. Check reviews to see if the plastic feels flimsy or sturdy. Sturdy plastic resists cracking if bumped.
Internal components, especially the compressor, should be high quality. This is the heart of the AC and determines its lifespan.

Window Kits

The hose and the plastic/foam window slider kit must fit securely. Poorly fitting kits let hot air leak back in, making your unit work overtime. Look for kits made of strong, rigid plastic that seals well against different window types.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Features That Boost Quality

Inverter Technology: This feature allows the compressor to run at variable speeds, saving energy and keeping the temperature steadier (and quieter) than older on/off models.
Smart Features: Wi-Fi connectivity lets you control the temperature from your phone or use voice commands. A programmable timer is also very helpful.

Quality Reducers

Low Quality Seals: If the exhaust hose connection or the window panel doesn’t seal tightly, efficiency drops dramatically.
Weak Fans: A weak internal fan means the cold air doesn’t circulate well across the room, leading to hot spots.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you plan to use the AC greatly influences your choice.

Apartment Living

For small city apartments, prioritize a smaller footprint and lower noise. A unit with a good sleep mode works best when you need to keep the bedroom cool without being disturbed.

Multi-Functionality

Many modern portable ACs also offer dehumidify or fan-only modes. If your apartment gets humid in the summer, a strong dehumidifier function is a huge bonus. You save money by using one machine instead of two.

Remember, portable ACs cool the area immediately around them very well, but they might struggle to cool an entire large, poorly insulated apartment evenly. Placement near an open doorway often helps the cooling spread.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much electricity does a portable AC use?

A: It depends on the BTU rating. A standard 10,000 BTU unit uses about as much power as a large hairdryer or a microwave when running at full blast. Inverter models usually use less power over time.

Q: Can I run a portable AC without the exhaust hose?

A: No. The exhaust hose is essential. It pushes the hot air generated by the cooling process out of your room. Running it without the hose will just heat your apartment up.

Q: Are portable ACs as effective as window units?

A: Generally, window units are slightly more efficient at cooling the same size space because they vent heat directly outside without the long hose. However, portability and ease of installation make portable units much better for renters.

Q: What is the best BTU for a 400 sq ft apartment room?

A: For a standard, well-insulated 400 sq ft room, you should look for an AC rated between 10,000 and 12,000 BTUs.

Q: How do I deal with the water drainage?

A: If your unit isn’t self-evaporating, you need to drain it daily or every other day, especially during very humid weather. Check for a drain plug near the bottom of the unit.

Q: Is dual-hose better than single-hose for apartments?

A: Yes, dual-hose units are generally better because they do not create negative pressure in the room, meaning less hot air sneaks back in through cracks.

Q: How long do the exhaust hoses last?

A: If you handle the hose gently and don’t severely kink or crush it, the hose should last as long as the air conditioner itself, often five years or more.

Q: Can I use a portable AC in a sliding glass door?

A: Yes, most kits come with panels that can be adjusted to fit sliding doors. You might need to buy extra weather stripping to seal the large gaps effectively.

Q: What is the warranty usually like?

A: Most reputable brands offer a one-year warranty on the whole unit. The compressor might have a longer warranty, sometimes three to five years. Read the fine print!

Q: Where is the best place to position the unit in my apartment?

A: Place the unit as close to the window as possible to keep the exhaust hose short. Ensure the air intake and output vents are not blocked by furniture so the air can circulate freely.