Error placeholder Click here to sign in
Portable air conditioners can be a great way to stay at roughly the correct temperature if fans aren't cutting it.
Our team has examined portable air conditioners from brands like De'Longhi, Advwin, Devanti and TCL to pick the best products based on key features for you.
Read our full methodology below.
De'Longhi Pinguino Air-to-Air 3.3 KW Portable Air Conditioner
Best portable air conditioner (overall)
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Easy to move around
- Silent operation
Cons
- Expensive
- Too bulky for some
Buy now
The De'Longhi Pinguino Air-to-Air 3.3 KW Portable Air Conditioner is our pick for the best overall portable air conditioner. With 3.3KW of power and a user-friendly operation to boot, it has earned a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and The Good Guys.
This powerful 3.3KW portable air conditioner is the perfect solution for large spaces. It uses natural and non-toxic gas and features self-evaporating technology so you're cooler for longer. There is also an ECO Real Feel feature that the brand claims to provide the best comfort level.
For added convenience, there's a 24-hour electronic timer and thermostat so you can adjust the unit's temperature the way you want it. The LED control panel is also intuitive and has a light indicator for ease of use.
Finally, this unit features carry handles and pre-assembled castors for better portability. Some may find it too bulky for smaller areas but this seems to be a minor concern.
Teco 3.3kW Reverse Cycle Portable Air Conditioner
Best portable reverse cycle air conditioner
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Easy to use
- Slient operation
Cons
- Too bulky
- Wi-Fi configuration may be challenging for some
Buy now
If you're in the market for a portable reverse cycle air conditioner, give the Teco 3.3kW Reverse Cycle Portable Air Conditioner a look. It's our pick for the best option in this category. On Harvey Norman, it also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Compact and easy to set up, this reverse cycle portable air conditioner features a 3.3kW cooling capacity and a 2.9kW heating capacity to fit any of your needs. It also dehumidifies small areas and comes with a timer control for up to 24 hours for added convenience.
There are also 3 fan settings including an auto mode and Wi-Fi connectivity so you can better control the unit using your smartphone. And while it's bigger than other portable air conditioners, it's still easy to move around because of its roll-on castors. It also comes with a 1.5m exhaust hose and window kit for easy set-up.
Delonghi 2.6kW Portable Air Conditioner PAC CN93ECO
Best quiet portable air conditioner
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Works fast
- Minimum drainage
Cons
- The 1500mm hose might not be long enough
- Only a 2 year warranty
Buy now
With its special Silent Technology to keep noise pressure levels between 47dB and 50dB (for context a normal conversation is 60dB) the PACEM93KSILENT is a great choice for a quiet AC unit.
Operating it is a breeze using the soft touch buttons or remote to adjust the temperature, fan speed, timer and cooling. All modes are displayed on a sleek LED panel at the top.
Castors are attached to the base for easy portability. It's capable of cooling rooms of up to 90 metres squares though, so it's unlikely you'll need to move it much.
There's a 24-hour timer for efficiency and a dehumidifying mode to reduce excess moisture in your home. As a nice touch the PACEM93KSILENT uses a Condensate Recirculation System which reduces the need for constant draining.
Customers love how quiet it can run, how quickly it cools rooms and how few times you need to empty the water.
Devanti Evaporative Air Cooler Conditioner Water Fan 60L
Best ventless portable air conditioner
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Large 60 litre tank capacity
- 4 functions: cooler, fan, humidifier and purifier
Cons
- Large and bulky
- Less suited for humid conditions (but this is true of all evaporative coolers)
Buy now
If your room doesn't have a suitable window to support a hose for venting air into your machine then a ventless air conditioner is a fantastic solution. Also known as evaporative air coolers, they are much more portable than vented ACs and use ice and stored water to cool the air in your house.
One of the best we've found is the Devanti Evaporative Air Cooler. It's a commercial-sized machine that can hold 60 litres of water and cool rooms of up to 50m2. The sizable tank means you can go hours without having to top it up. For more rapid cooling you can also add ice into the top compartment.
A 12-hour timer lets you pre-set it to run throughout the day when it's needed. Run it overnight in sleep mode for a cool and quiet night's sleep.
You can lock the castor wheels for safety and there's a swing mode to cool rooms evenly.
Companion Maxi Evaporative Cooler
Best portable air conditioner for camping/12v air conditioner
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Runs off AC/DC and battery
Cons
- Is a fan/cooler and doesn't offer the power of an air conditioner
- Not as effective against humid heat
Buy now
Pitching up a tent in the warmer weather? A 12 volt air cooler such as the Companion Rechargeable Maxi Evaporative Cooler is a lightweight, energy efficient solution that can keep you cool.
Designed for camping, it's 3.02kgs and compact enough to throw into the boot or back seat. It offers AC and DC charging for if you have a power source. Otherwise an internal 7.4-volt lithium battery is included which has a runtime of up to 5.5-hours.
Two fan settings give you the option to run it as a fan or as a cooler. Like most other 12 volt conditioners it uses evaporative cooling, which is best against dry heat. It comes with a respectably sized 1.2 litre water tank and a substantial 250m3/hr airflow.
CARSON PA250 II 9000BTU portable air conditioner
Best cheap portable air conditioner
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Multi-function: Cooler, fan and dehumidifier
- Horizontal and vertical swin
Cons
- No standard warranty, this is different per seller
- A little loud, with a maximum noise level of 65dB
Buy now
If you're searching for an air conditioner that's light on the wallet but still capable of cooling down an entire room (or small apartment) we recommend the CARSON Portable Air Conditioner 9000BTU.
On marketplace websites such as Kogan it'll cost you under $400. And while it may not be a big brand name, it has all the functionalities of one, including a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, castor wheels and a remote control.
It swings both horizontally and vertically for even cooling plus it doubles down as a fan and dehumidifier to reduce moisture in your home.
It's best for areas under 20 sqm which is roughly the size of a large master bedroom and just shy of a standard living room. Customers say it's compact and easy to use.
Coolzy-Pro 3650BTU Eco-Friendly Portable Air Conditioner
Best Australian portable AC
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Highly energy-efficient
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Less effective in very small rooms
- Exhaust hose sold separately
Buy now
When it comes to all-Aussie portable ACs, the Coolzy-Pro is our top pick. It's incredibly user-friendly, requiring no complex installation or additives like ice to run. Just wheel it into a room, plug it into a 240V power source and you're set.
The Coolzy-Pro has a unique approach to cooling, focusing on individuals rather than entire rooms. This allows it to run at an energy-efficient 340 watts. In addition to being good for the environment and your electricity bill, the low wattage also helps reduce operation noise.
According to Coolzy, the Coolzy-Pro is the quietest A/C on the market. We were unable to verify these claims but can confirm it isn't noisy - even at the highest setting, the sound it makes is comparable to an average pedestal fan.
The only drawback is that hot air has nowhere to go. This isn't an issue for larger spaces, but if you're setting it up in a small room you may need to purchase the optional exhaust hose or igloo tent which cost $50 and $99, respectively.
Save on portable air conditioners with these deals and discounts:
Up to 50% off portable air conditioners at Myer
Shop portable air conditioners at Myer to grab great savings of up to half-price on the RRP. Available brands include Devanti, Goldair, Lenoxx, Dyson and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
22% off Haier 5.0 kW Pinnacle Hi Wall Split System R/C Air Conditioner
Get 22% off the Haier 5.0 kW Pinnacle Hi Wall Split System R/C Air Conditioner at Appliances Online. Now down to $1,357 from RRP of $1,749. T&Cs apply.
Portable air conditioners from $499
Shop portable air conditioners from Honeywell, Excel Air and Electrolux. Hurry while stocks last at Bing Lee. T&Cs apply.
As low as $499 on clearance air conditioners
Enjoy huge savings on selected air conditioners on clearance from Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Fujitsu and Omega at Bing Lee. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 56% off air conditioners, fans and split systems
Enjoy up to 56% off Vostok, Dyson, Kogan and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 50% off portable air conditioners
Beat the heat without breaking the bank-Amazon is offering up to 50% off on a wide range of portable air conditioners. From compact coolers to high-powered units, it's the perfect time to upgrade your comfort at a fraction of the price on Amazon's deals page. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Up to 50% off portable air conditioners
Save big on portable air conditioners at eBay. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 34% off portable air conditioners
Take advantage of huge savings at Temu. Hurry while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Air conditioner + cartridge for only $118
Get Evapolar air conditioner + cartridge for only $118. T&Cs apply.
Methodology
Why you can trust our picks
For this list, we looked into hundreds of portable air conditioners listed in various online retailers like Amazon, Bing Lee, eBay and The Good Guys. We evaluated models from the following brands:
- Advwin
- Arctic Air
- Breville
- CARSON
- De'Longhi
- Devanti
- Dimplex
- Electrolux
- Evapolar
- EWT
- Goldair
- Hisense
- Honeywell
- Kogan
- Olimpia
- Omega
- Polocool
- Rinnai
- Shinico
- TCL
- Teco
- Vostok
- Yokohama
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of May 2023). We also considered each model's key product features, including size coverage, ease of use, price and energy efficiency. We came up with what we believe are the 7 best portable air conditioners available online.
Best Rated Air Conditioner Brand: MHIAA
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHIAA) was rated the best air conditioner at this year's Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards. It received top scores for performance and ease of use and product features.
Quick facts about portable air conditioners
- Portable air conditioners are ideal for renters, those living in small spaces and those wanting to cool a specific room in hot weather. If you want to cool a larger space, check out our guide to large air conditioners.
- They work the same way as a built-in air conditioner by sucking in warm, humid air, then dehumidifying and cooling it before finally circulating air back into the room.
- Prices range from $300 to $1,400 or more depending on the brand, make and model.
Types of portable air conditioners
There are several types of portable models available:
- Single duct portable. This is the main type of portable air conditioner. It draws in stagnant air, cools it and circulates it back into the room. Warm air is then exhausted through a single duct to the outside. Note that dual-hose portable air conditioners are not available for sale in Australia.
- Spot coolers. A spot cooler is generally only meant for specific commercial or industrial use and doesn't have any duct or connection to the outside.
- Reverse cycle. While portable air conditioners usually only cool, some manufacturers offer reverse cycle models with heating capabilities.
How to compare portable air conditioners
Before deciding on your chosen portable air conditioner, consider the following key features:
Noise
Portable air conditioners can be quite loud and disruptive to your sleep, normal activities or conversation – particularly on full power. You may want to test out the noise levels of the unit in-store before purchasing.
Room size
Make sure to choose the right air conditioner for your room size. If the air conditioner is underpowered, it will overwork itself trying to cool the room, causing faster burn-out. If it's overpowered, it will use more energy than needed to cool the room, racking up your electricity bill in the long term. Generally, look for 125 watts per square metre of area you're cooling.
Energy efficiency
The more stars, the more efficiently it uses energy and the cheaper it will be to run. Reverse cycle models display both a blue and a red star rating, for cooling and heating respectively. A more energy-efficient model may be more expensive up-front but can save you money in the long run.
Ease of use
If you're planning on moving your unit from room to room, choose a model that you can comfortably manoeuvre with easy grasp handles, sturdy wheels and decent clearance between the floor and the bottom of the unit.
Length of power cord
Manufacturers don't recommend using an extension cord with a portable air conditioner as it increases the risk of overheating and may void the warranty. Consider where you'll place your unit in relation to the power socket to make sure the cord is long enough.
Controls
An easy-to-read, large LED display with a touchpad, comfortably sized buttons, clear labels and a digital temperature reading could make your life easier. Some models come with a remote control, letting you set automatic modes and on/off times too.
Operating modes
Check whether your model offers a heat (reverse cycle) setting, a dry setting (to dehumidify), automatic settings or a fan-only setting. Dehumidifying is important for particularly humid spaces to reduce mould and mildew production. Smart or energy saver modes could help you to set the temperature when you're out, when a change in room temperature is detected or to turn off or turn down the unit for a comfortable quiet sleep.
Louvres or air vents
Generally, portable air conditioners come with manually adjustable louvres (some may have fixed louvres instead). Ideally, look for automatically oscillating louvres for more even air flow circulation. Consider your room layout and find a model that directs the air flow where you need it the most.
Air filter
Most air conditioners utilise air filters that can help remove odours, bacteria and smoke from the air. For those who have asthma or allergies, you may want to purchase a unit with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. To keep your unit working properly, you'll need to clean your air filter often.
Water collection
How your unit condenses and collects water will affect how easy it is to maintain it. You'll want to think about where the best place to put your unit is so that you can manage potential water puddles easily. There are 3 condensation types:
- Drip air conditioners. All water (also known as condensate) is collected in an internal bucket that you'll need to manually empty regularly. For some models, you may find that this has to be done frequently to avoid spillage.
- Partial drip air conditioners. Most of the water is drained via an exhaust hose; however, some water may be deposited into a drip pan. You'll have to check the pan and drain it from time to time, but this won't be as frequently as you would with a drip model.
- No-drip air conditioners. All the water is released into the air, meaning you won't have to empty anything.
What to watch out for
- Size: Portable air conditioners can be quite heavy (up to around 40kg) and, unlike a fan, difficult to move from room to room.
- Noise: There is a trade-off between noise and cooling speed: a more powerful air conditioner will be louder, larger and less portable.
- Window for venting: You'll need an exhaust tube to vent the hot air out of the space you are cooling. The exhaust will have to go through a window, duct or door, which will affect where you place the unit and how your room looks.
Frequently asked questions
Are portable ACs worth buying?
Portable air conditioners are ideal for small spaces and renters. They're cost effective and don't require any professional installation. However, they won't cool as effectively as a centralised system and can only cool the room they're in. To cool multiple rooms you may need several units.
What is the best portable split system air conditioner?
Split system air conditioners use 2 units, one on the inside of the house and another on the outside, to deliver cool air into the home.
There's no ducting involved and while they are portable you need a professional to install it every time you move it about.
Our team of experts recommends the Kelvinator 7.1kW Split System Reverse Cycle Inverter Air Conditioner as the best split system air conditioner available in Australia right now.
What is the difference between a portable air conditioner and an air cooler?
A portable air conditioner uses a cooling agent and a heat pump to reduce heat from the air. It blows cool air into the room, reducing its temperature by at least 10 degrees. An air cooler uses cold water to reduce heat in a room. It is more cooling, but can only decrease room temperature by at least 3 degrees.
Do portable air conditioners need to be vented out?
Portable air conditioners need to be vented out because they extract hot air from a room, which then needs to be let out through a vent.
How much electricity does a portable air conditioner consume?
Medium-sized air conditioners can use around 2,900W per hour. Larger ones can consume up to 4,100W per hour.
How do you clean a portable air conditioner?
Before cleaning your portable AC, drain the water. Then, remove the filters and clean them if they are washable. If not, replace the filters with a fresh one. Use a damp cloth to clean the coils and exterior. Use another clean cloth to wipe them dry. Once all components are dry, reassemble your unit.
What is the best portable air conditioner?
We picked the De'Longhi Pinguino Air-to-Air 3.3 KW Portable Air Conditioner as the best overall option you can get online.
How do portable air conditioners work?
Portable air conditioners work by pulling in hot air from the room and passing it over a cold evaporator coil. This causes the air to cool and the unit to expel the cooled air back into the room. Most portable air conditioners also have a built-in dehumidifier, which helps to remove moisture from the air.
Do I need a portable air conditioner window kit?
Because it sucks in air to cool your room, you need a window kit (and a window) to install and properly use a portable air conditioner.
How to install a portable air conditioner
Here's what you need to know about installing a portable air conditioner:
- Choose the right location. Portable air conditioners need to be placed near a window so that the exhaust hose can be properly vented. Make sure the area around the window is clear of any furniture or other obstacles.
- Install the bracket. Most portable air conditioners come with a bracket that needs to be installed to hold the unit in place. Follow the instructions that come with your particular model.
- Place the unit in the window. Once the bracket is installed, you can place the portable air conditioner in the window and secure it in place according to the instructions.
- Connect the exhaust hose. The final step is to connect the exhaust hose to the unit and route it out the window. Make sure the hose is properly secured and there are no leaks.
That's it! You're now ready to enjoy the cool air from your portable air conditioner. Just be sure to empty the water tank regularly and keep the filter clean for optimal performance.
Customer satisfaction rating breakdown
The Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards is an annual national survey. With over 30,000 real shoppers participating, the awards serve as a reliable reflection of Australian consumers' preferences and opinions.
Here are the scores for air conditioner brands from 2026.
Best rated portable air conditioner brand award breakdown
2021/2022 Best Rated Portable Air Conditioner Brand
2019/2020 Best Rated Portable Air Conditioner Brand
Best Rated Portable Air Conditioner Brand 2019: De'Longhi
De'Longhi is the top brand for portable air conditioners as chosen by customers, with 92% of surveyed owners recommending De'Longhi portable air conditioners. The Italian manufacturer received the highest overall score as well as top ratings for ease of use, cleaning and maintenance. De'Longhi also received the Finder Retail Award for the best electric heater brand.
*Brand did not meet the sample threshold to qualify for the award