Top 5 Portable ACs for Small Apartments: A Review

Does the summer heat make your small apartment feel like a stuffy oven? You want cool air, but traditional window units are often banned by landlords or just too messy to install. Finding the perfect portable air conditioner for apartment living can feel like a confusing maze. There are so many features, sizes, and noise levels to worry about. Will it actually cool the room? Will it take up too much space? These are real problems for city dwellers trying to stay comfortable.

Don’t sweat the decision any longer! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a portable AC unit great for smaller spaces. You will learn the must-have features, how to measure your room correctly, and which models offer the best quiet performance. By the end of this article, you will know exactly which portable air conditioner will bring blissful relief to your apartment.

Top Portable Air Conditioner 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

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. 4

DREO Portable Air Conditioners, 12000 BTU ASHRAE (8000 BTU DOE) Smart AC Unit for Room with Drainage-free Cooling, APP/Voice/Remote, Fan & Dehumidifier, Quiet Standing AC for Bedroom, AC515S New

𝗨𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗜𝗰𝗲𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Increase coverage up to 16 ft. away with this 12000 BTU ASHRAE (8000 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.
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 of up to 90% humidity.
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.
𝟯-𝗶𝗻-𝟭 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗖 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁: You can not only choose from Cool/Fan/Dry modes, but the AC315S New also has three functions to control within each mode, making it perfect for all scenarios.

No. 5

Humhold 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners with Heater, Remote Control, 4-in-1 Free Stand Smart Cooling AC Unit with Heating, Dehumidifier, Fan Mode for 550-700 sq.ft Room, Auto Swing,Timer, Black

【14,000BTU Cooling & 12,500BTU Heating】Humhold Efficient Portable AC unit owns a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU(ASHRAE) / 10,000 BTU(SACC), Heating capacity 12,500 BTU, has an most energy efficient compressor that can supply 61F-86F cool or warm air to 550-700 square feet of large space in your living room, bedroom, apartment, home kitchen,basement and office, stable and fast way to make you feel cool all the time in the hot summer,and warm up your room quickly in winter.
【4-in-1 Mode Cooling/Heating/Dehumidify/Fan】 Our portable air conditioner offers the convenience of 4 functions, including Cooling, Heating, 3-Speed Fan, and Dehumidify, which meets your needs all four seasons. You can freely adjust the temperature in cooling/heating mode, ranging from 61F to 86F. The Dehumidifier capacity of 95 Pints/day can effectively reduce the humidity in small room, and as a Fan to circulate indoor air all the times, removing excess moisture and releasing fresh air for a healthy and comfortable environment.
【Touch & Remote Control w/t LED Display】 Our portable ac unit is equipped with an easy-to-read Front LED Display and Touch Panel，combined with full-function remote control which has backlight 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 use it dry mode or placed in humid environment such as basement, laundry room, it needs to drain every 8 hours, or the unit will stop for the water tank inside is full, you can unplug the drain plugs on the back and connect water pipe to drain (package included), then start the machine again. The filters are designed 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 inverter 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. 6

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. 7

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. 8

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.)

Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Portable Air Conditioner for Your Apartment

Finding the right portable air conditioner (PAC) for your apartment can make a huge difference in your comfort, especially during hot months. These units offer cooling without the need for permanent installation. Use this guide to help you pick the perfect one.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, certain features really matter for apartment living. These make the unit work better and fit your lifestyle.

Cooling Capacity (BTUs)

What it is: BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure how much heat the unit can remove. More BTUs mean more cooling power.
Why it matters: You need enough BTUs for your room size. Too few, and it won’t cool down. Too many, and you waste energy.

Portability and Size

Check the unit’s wheels. Good wheels let you move it easily from the living room to the bedroom.
Measure the space where you plan to store it when you are not using it.

Noise Level (Decibels – dB)

Apartment living means close neighbors. Look for units rated under 55 dB for quieter operation, especially if you plan to sleep with it running.

Drainage System

All ACs create water (condensation). Some units evaporate this water automatically. Others require manual draining. Look for “self-evaporating” if you want less hassle.

Energy Efficiency

Check the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). A higher EER means the unit uses less electricity to produce the same amount of cooling. This saves you money on bills.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your PAC lasts and how well it performs.

Exterior Casing

Most PACs use durable plastic. Look for thick, sturdy plastic that resists cracking if bumped. Metal components inside should resist rust, especially important if you live in a humid area.

Hoses and Venting Kits

The exhaust hose vents hot air out of your window. Ensure the hose is thick and well-insulated. A flimsy hose lets heat back into the room, making the AC work harder. The window venting kit should be made of strong, adjustable plastic or aluminum to seal the window opening tightly.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality isn’t just about the price tag. Smart design choices make a big difference in your daily experience.

Improving Quality: Dual-Hose Systems

Most PACs use a single hose. Single-hose units pull air from inside the room to cool the condenser, then push that hot air out. This creates negative pressure, pulling warm air from cracks around doors and windows. Dual-hose units pull outside air for cooling and exhaust hot air outside. This keeps your room pressure neutral, leading to much faster and more efficient cooling.

Reducing Quality: Poor Insulation

If the unit lacks good internal insulation, it will vibrate more, increasing noise. It also means the compressor has to run longer to maintain the set temperature.

Smart Features

Wi-Fi connectivity and smart apps allow you to control the temperature from your phone. Timers and sleep modes also improve efficiency and user convenience.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about *how* and *where* you will use the AC.

Single Room Cooling

PACs are excellent for cooling one specific area, like a bedroom or a home office, without cooling the entire apartment building system.

Temporary Cooling Needs

If you rent or your landlord doesn’t allow window units, a PAC is the perfect temporary solution. You simply roll it away when the season ends.

Installation Effort

Setup usually involves connecting the exhaust hose to the window kit. Read reviews to see how difficult users found this process. A complicated setup reduces the overall positive experience.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Portable ACs for Apartments

Q: How much space does a portable AC need behind it?

A: You need space for the exhaust hose connection and airflow. Generally, keep the back of the unit at least 12 to 18 inches away from walls or furniture.

Q: Can I use a portable AC without venting it out a window?

A: No. You must vent the hot air outside. If you do not vent it, the unit just heats your room faster by blowing hot air back into the space.

Q: Are portable ACs as effective as window units?

A: Generally, window units cool faster because they are designed better. However, modern, high-BTU portable units, especially dual-hose models, can cool rooms very effectively.

Q: How often do I need to drain the water?

A: This depends on the humidity. If the unit has a self-evaporating feature, you may rarely need to drain it. If it does not, you might need to empty the collection pan every 4 to 8 hours on very humid days.

Q: What is the best BTU rating for a 300 sq. ft. apartment room?

A: For a standard 300 sq. ft. room, look for a unit around 8,000 to 10,000 BTUs for efficient cooling.

Q: Can I use extension cords with a portable AC?

A: It is strongly discouraged. Portable ACs draw a lot of power. Plug them directly into a wall outlet to prevent fire hazards and ensure the unit gets enough electricity to run correctly.

Q: Will a portable AC cool my entire apartment?

A: No. PACs are designed to cool the immediate room they are in. They struggle to push cold air efficiently through doorways to other rooms.

Q: What does “Dehumidify Mode” do?

A: This mode runs the compressor to remove moisture from the air without significantly dropping the temperature. This makes the air feel cooler and less sticky.

Q: How long do portable ACs usually last?

A: With regular maintenance, most quality portable air conditioners last between 5 to 10 years.

Q: Is a portable AC louder than a window unit?

A: Yes, usually. Because the compressor sits inside the room, the noise is more noticeable than a window unit where the loud parts hang outside.