A portable aircon is a mobile, lightweight, and quick-to-install air conditioning system perfect for incorporating into your bedroom, workspace, or living room. After setting up the exhaust, just plug the unit into your wall and start coolingーno permanent fixtures needed! Portable air conditioners are a great alternative to installed aircons, especially for people who live in compact spaces.
In this article, we have a buying guide reviewed by mechanical engineer Leo Rea that discusses the factors to consider when choosing a portable air conditioner. We've also prepared a list of recommendations for you to know which ones are the best portable air conditioner brandsーfrom reputable brands like Dowell, Carrier, Midea, Asahi, and more!
Quick List - Top Portable Aircons
Fujidenzo
Energy-Efficient Portable Aircon With Advanced Air Filtration
Hailang
Provides Instant Cooling and Dehumidification for Ultimate Comfort
Midea
Built With an Auto-Protection Function to Prevent Electrical Accidents
A Mechanical Engineering graduate and currently a project manager. He has always been interested in the HVAC/R industry. His family also owns an air-conditioning business, where they supply airconditioners in commercial and industrial areas.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
When buying a portable aircon, one of the first things you have to consider is your room size. You'll need to measure the size of your room or at least have an estimate to get a unit capable of cooling that amount of space.
This is crucial because an undersized unit for your room won't be able to provide adequate cooling. On the other hand, if you end up with one that's too large, it won't be able to remove enough humidity. You should also match the size of the aircon to its designated spot in a room.
Portable ACs measure their power through British Thermal Units or BTU. A higher number indicates more power to cool a larger room. Make sure that you do not choose an overpowered PAC for a tiny room. Or worse, choose too weak of a PAC for a large room. Match your room's size with the recommended BTUs for the best air conditioning. As a rule of thumb, 20 sqm = 12,000 BTU
If your portable air conditioner (PAC) uses kilojoule/hour instead of British Thermal Unit/hour, do not worry. There is a very small difference between the two. For easy calculation, 1 BTU/h is equal to 1.05 Kj/h.
Units that don't have this kind of technology need to be manually emptied when the reservoir or drip pan is full. If you choose to go with one like this, check that the drain or drip pan is easy to access so that it would be convenient to drain it.
Portable air conditioner units that have only exhaust have inefficient cooling capabilities compared to portable aircons with outlet and inlet hoses attached. This is because units with exhaust only reject and absorb heat in the same room.
All portable air conditioners are designed for convenience, but the presence of additional features can give you more value for your money. Below are some useful additions to look for if you want more than just basic air cooling.
Looking at the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of the air conditioner you plan on purchasing is essential, since it will affect the amount of energy you consume. The higher its EER, the more energy-efficient it is and the less it will cost to run. If you can, opt for a PAC with a programmable thermostat. This feature lets you set a specific temperature at which the unit will run.
The thermostat would automatically switch off once this temperature is reached. It prevents overcooling a room, which is not only unpleasant but also wasteful. Other aircons also let you set a specific time at a specific temperature, making sure you are cool when you need it most.
Excess humidity in the air can make a room stuffy and unpleasant. A dehumidifier removes dampness in the air and creates better air quality. This feature prevents the formation of molds that are harmful to your health and destroy clothes and wooden materials that they can stick to. If you frequently have allergies or respiratory issues, it's best to get a PAC with a dehumidifier.
This removes the necessity of having to buy another product for heating. There are days, especially when you live in higher altitude areas like Baguio or Tagaytay, when you want warmth instead of cooling. During the rainy season, you might also want warm air to keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
This device is an adjustable slider with a hole perfectly fitted for the aircon’s exhaust to be installed on your window. It allows for a seamless room with no leakage of air. This is one of the advantages of PACs over traditional air conditioners; they remove the necessity for carpentry work.
A standard window kit includes one or two vent hoses, vent hose adapters, and a window bracket. Make sure to check the length of the vent hose to ensure that it is adequate enough given your specific room size.
Similar to your standard wall or window units, portable air conditioners have a compressor and a fan that run with some noise. The sound it emits acts like a noise machine, giving you background or white noise that some may find beneficial as a sleep aid.
Most portable aircons have a decibel level ranging from 40-60, which is not bad at all. So, the most important factor to consider is how the sound affects you. Are you comfortable or irritated by the noise? If the decibel level isn't indicated, you can read buyer reviews for feedback about it.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Appropriate Room Size | BTU | Self-Evaporating | Noise Level | Energy Efficiency Ratio | Key Features | |||||
1 | Fujidenzo 1.0 HP Inverter Grade Portable Aircon with Air Purifying Filters|PAC-100 AIG | ![]() | Energy-Efficient Portable Aircon With Advanced Air Filtration | 15-18 sqm | 9000 | Not Specified | 12.6Kj/Wh | Air Purifying Filters, Window Venting Kit, Inverter Grade Refrigerant | ||
2 | Hailang 1.5HP Portable Air Conditioner | ![]() | Provides Instant Cooling and Dehumidification for Ultimate Comfort | 18-25 sqm | 10000 | 50dBA | 8.7Kj/Wh | Dehumidifier, Fast Cooling, Silent Mode, Timer | ||
3 | Midea 1HP Portable Air Conditioner|FP-54APT010HENV-N5 | ![]() | Built With an Auto-Protection Function to Prevent Electrical Accidents | 12-18 sqm | 9000 | 53dBA | 8.7Kj/Wh | Timer, Dehumidifier, Air Direction Control, Fast Cooling | ||
4 | Kanazawa Portable Air Conditioner 1.0HP | ![]() | Smart Cooling With Rapid Dehumidification and WiFi Control | 8-16 sqm | 9000 | 54dBA | 10Kj/Wh | Timer, Dehumidifier, Fast Cooling, Wifi Connected | ||
5 | Shanben Electric Mobile Air Conditioner | ![]() | Equipped With a Remote and LED Display for Seamless Temperature Control | 20-30 sqm | 10000 | 50dBA | 8.7Kj/Wh | Timer, Dehumidifier, Fast Cooling | ||
6 | Xtreme X-Series 10L Portable Air Cooler | ![]() | Portable Cooling Solution With Humidifier & Waterless Protection | 12-17 sqm | Not Applicable | Not Specified | 10.6Kj/Wh | Remote Control, Timer | ||
7 | Hanabishi Portable Air Conditioner|HPORTAC10HP | ![]() | Reliable Cooling With Low Noise and Auto-Restart Feature | 8-10 sqm | 9000 | 58dBA | 13Kj/Wh | Timer, Fast Cooling, Silent Mode, Window Installation Kit | ||
8 | Everest 1.0 HP Portable Aircon | ![]() | Designed for Rapid Cooling, Clean Air, and Hassle-Free Maintenance | 11-15 sqm | 9000 | Not Specified | 12Kj/Wh | Timer, Fast Cooling, Silent Mode, Sensor Control | ||
9 | Tixx Air Cooler Fan Aircon 40L Air Conditioner | ![]() | Has a High-Capacity Water Tank and Humidification for Lasting Comfort | 30-100 sqm | Not Applicable | Not Specified | Not Specified | Aromatizer, Detachable Tank, Ice Compartment, Speed Control, Energy Saving | ||
10 | EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable Air Conditioners | ![]() | Compact Cooling and Heating for Indoor and Outdoor Use | 10 sqm | 5100 | 44dBA | Not Specified | Heating Mode, Fan Mode, App Control, Window Venting Kita |
Beat the heat while breathing cleaner air with the Fujidenzo 1.0 HP Portable Aircon. This unit not only provides efficient cooling with inverter-grade technology for energy savings but also ensures healthier indoor air with its triple filtration system. The Bio Filter effectively eliminates bacteria and germs, while the HEPA Filter captures 99.97% of dust, pollen, and mold. Meanwhile, the High-Density Filter enhances air purification by removing fine particles and transforming polluted air into fresh, energized air.
Designed for convenience, this portable aircon features roller feet for easy mobility, a window venting kit for hassle-free setup, and Follow Me Technology, which adjusts cooling based on your location. With auto-restart for power interruptions, a self-evaporative system to reduce draining, and a durable Gold Fin Condenser, it's a smart and reliable choice for Filipino homes.
Appropriate Room Size | 15-18 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | 9000 |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | Not Specified |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 12.6Kj/Wh |
Key Features | Air Purifying Filters, Window Venting Kit, Inverter Grade Refrigerant |
Appropriate Room Size | 18-25 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | 10000 |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | 50dBA |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 8.7Kj/Wh |
Key Features | Dehumidifier, Fast Cooling, Silent Mode, Timer |
The best feature of this PAC is its ability to do error detection. When an unusual operation or if the parts malfunction, it automatically shuts the unit off. This feature help safeguard against overheating and short circuits that may lead to a power outage or even a fire.
It can also identify minor issues and indicate a protection or error code on its screen so you can get the unit serviced immediately. Furthermore, it has an ionizer that collects allergens while disinfecting, and it reduces bad odors by releasing negative ions into the air. This is best for those who have allergic rhinitis or those who are sensitive to pollutants in the air.
Appropriate Room Size | 12-18 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | 9000 |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | 53dBA |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 8.7Kj/Wh |
Key Features | Timer, Dehumidifier, Air Direction Control, Fast Cooling |
Appropriate Room Size | 8-16 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | 9000 |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | 54dBA |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 10Kj/Wh |
Key Features | Timer, Dehumidifier, Fast Cooling, Wifi Connected |
Appropriate Room Size | 20-30 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | 10000 |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | 50dBA |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 8.7Kj/Wh |
Key Features | Timer, Dehumidifier, Fast Cooling |
Appropriate Room Size | 12-17 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | Not Applicable |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | Not Specified |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 10.6Kj/Wh |
Key Features | Remote Control, Timer |
The Hanabishi Portable Aircon HPORTAC is designed to keep small to medium-sized rooms comfortable. Its self-evaporative system reduces the need for frequent draining, while the low-noise design (58-68 dB) ensures a peaceful environment. With a digital LCD display and a remote control, adjusting the temperature and airflow is effortless, giving you full control over your comfort.
Built for convenience, this unit features an auto-restart function that restores your settings after power interruptions. It also comes with three modes—cool, fan, and dry—to suit different needs. With an energy-saving timer and an easy-to-install window venting kit, this portable aircon is a practical and efficient choice for any space.
Appropriate Room Size | 8-10 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | 9000 |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | 58dBA |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 13Kj/Wh |
Key Features | Timer, Fast Cooling, Silent Mode, Window Installation Kit |
Appropriate Room Size | 11-15 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | 9000 |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | Not Specified |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | 12Kj/Wh |
Key Features | Timer, Fast Cooling, Silent Mode, Sensor Control |
Appropriate Room Size | 30-100 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | Not Applicable |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | Not Specified |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | Not Specified |
Key Features | Aromatizer, Detachable Tank, Ice Compartment, Speed Control, Energy Saving |
Appropriate Room Size | 10 sqm |
---|---|
BTU | 5100 |
Self-Evaporating | |
Noise Level | 44dBA |
Energy Efficiency Ratio | Not Specified |
Key Features | Heating Mode, Fan Mode, App Control, Window Venting Kita |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) indicates the relationship between an air conditioner's cooling power and its power input. Simply put, it is the capacity of a unit (in BTU) divided by its power (in watts). The higher the EER, the more energy-efficient a unit is.
Generally, portable aircons are less energy-efficient than window-mounted and ductless AC units because they use more energy to achieve your ideal cooling temperature. This is not due to the brand, though. It simply is an inherent aspect in the design of movable air conditioning.
Here are the basic steps to clean your portable aircon:
It depends on your area's humidity. In excessively humid areas, you might have to empty your PAC as often as every 8 hours. But if you live in a dry area, you probably will rarely need to drain. Some units also do not require draining at all if they are self-evaporating.
Also, note that air filters must be cleaned weekly, while the whole air conditioning unit must be cleaned quarterly.
If you're looking for more ways to keep the air in your home clean and smelling fresh, check out our articles below. You'll find the best products to ward off heat and help you relax!
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Fujidenzo|1.0 HP Inverter Grade Portable Aircon with Air Purifying Filters|PAC-100 AIG
No. 2: Hailang|1.5HP Portable Air Conditioner
No. 3: Midea|1HP Portable Air Conditioner|FP-54APT010HENV-N5
No. 4: Kanazawa|Portable Air Conditioner 1.0HP
No. 5: Shanben|Electric Mobile Air Conditioner
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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