How many fit
9 of the 23 models checked meet every need here: “I plan to wheel it from room to room nearby”, “I have a small bedroom to cool”, and “A basic panel and remote suit me best”.
9 models fit, out of 23 checkedPicked for one job
Casters help on a single floor, while on stairs weight counts
Top pick
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Portable AC
At 52 pounds and only 12 inches wide, the Frigidaire FHPC082AC1 is the lightest cabinet listed. The Whynter ARC-102CS gives more cooling capacity and weighs 53 pounds.
Why it suits this job
- Weight as published
- Width of cabinet
- The catch
- For many sunny bedrooms, a DOE result of 5,500 BTU is too small.
- Go with Whynter ARC-102CS if
- Small rooms in which cabinet size and carrying weight come first
More reasons we picked it
- Casters and handles
- Stairs and thresholds
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Lighter cabinets for nearby rooms and for storing between seasons.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the portable air conditioners we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I plan to wheel it from room to room nearby”, “I have a small bedroom to cool”, and “A basic panel and remote suit me best”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Portable AC |
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| |
| Whynter ARC-102CS |
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| Dreo Portable AC 318S |
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3 options
The top pick and the alternatives
Frigidaire, FHPC082AC1
8,000 BTU Portable AC
Narrow model at 5,500 BTU SACC whose sound, airflow and window specifications are clearly stated.
Top pick ifSmall rooms that call for a slim and simple cabinet
Key facts
- Frigidaire's listing gives 5,500 BTU DOE and 8,000 BTU ASHRAE.
- Sound is published at 50 to 53 dBA.
The catch
For many sunny bedrooms, a DOE result of 5,500 BTU is too small.
Whynter, ARC-102CS
ARC-102CS
A single-hose model at 7,000 BTU SACC that stays compact and keeps the controls simple.
Best forSmall rooms in which cabinet size and carrying weight come first
Key facts
- Whynter's listing gives 7,000 BTU SACC and guidance up to 300 square feet.
- Weight of the unit is 53 pounds.
The catch
With only one exhaust hose, the room ends up at negative pressure.
Dreo, DR-HAC008S
Portable AC 318S
Dreo's smallest current model cools at 5,000 BTU SACC and has smart controls, for a compact room.
Best forDorm rooms, offices and small bedrooms
Key facts
- Dreo's listing gives 5,000 BTU DOE/SACC and 8,000 BTU ASHRAE.
- Cooling, fan and dry modes are on the model.
The catch
An open living area is beyond what it is sized for.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Portable AC
Weight as published
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
Whynter ARC-102CS
Small rooms in which cabinet size and carrying weight come first
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money