When the weather gets dry and hot, cooling devices arrive for the user’s help. Air conditioners are commonly preferred among several devices to cool down a confined space. But the cooling offered by these units is limited to their place of installation. What if the user could move the ACs to a desired location? The answer to this question is a portable air conditioner.
Portable air conditioners work similarly to the other units but with an extra advantage: portability. Since all the components of these ACs are assembled in a compact case, it is common for them to be noisy. With proper design and reworked components placement, these units’ overall audio output becomes quiet. Before selecting a unit, the user has to be aware of some important factors.
- Noise level: As discussed earlier, these portable AC units produce higher noise output due to the components like compressors. The audio output is given a lot of importance as the user does not desire interruption by the AC’s operational noise. These units’ noise output is kept below 60 dB to prevent interruption in the silence.
- BTU: The cooling power of any air conditioner is the most sought-after factor. Measured with BTU, the cooling power is crucial to cool down a room. With a higher BTU rating, the air conditioner will offer better cooling and cover a larger space quickly. Portable air conditioners usually offer a BTU rating between 5,000 to 15,000.
- Room size: The total area to be cooled by an air conditioner is also equally important. Factors like BTU rating controls the overall coverage offered by the air conditioner. A higher BTU rating will eventually help in covering a larger area. The portable units are designed for medium-sized rooms between 250 to 500 sq. ft.
By deeply understanding these factors, users can choose a suitable air conditioner. This article offers a compiled list of the best quietest portable air conditioners to make the selection process easy. It also has a “Buying Guide” which helps in understanding some governing parameters and their effect on the AC’s performance.
Best Quietest Portable Air Conditioner Chart
Best Quietest Portable Air Conditioner Reviews
1. Dreo Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
The first air conditioner on the list comes from Dreo. It offers a huge range of climate solutions for modern homes. With excellent craftsmanship, the products offer class-leading performance.
The Dreo TwinCool Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner is one of the most powerful units on the list. This air conditioner boasts a cooling capacity and cooling power of 72.9 pounds and 12,000 BTU, respectively. The dual hose design efficiently circulates air at the height of 28 feet which further helps cover a room of 450 sq. ft size. It is certified with 5 energy stars to ensure efficient power consumption.
With perfect cooling, this unit operates at a noise output of only 42 dB. With 5 different modes, users can set the cooling as per their comfort. The temperature can be set between 60 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit with the touch buttons or via a remote controller from a distance of 26 feet. Additional features like the 24 hr timer and 47 feet long hose pipe are also included.
Best Features:
- A portable air conditioner with a dehumidification function
- The noise output of 42 dB
- Cooling capacity and power of 72.9 pounds and 12,000 BTU
- Covers a room of 450 sq. ft in size
- Inverter compressor with 5 energy star certification
- 47-feet hose pipe included
- 5 different modes, 24-hour timer, and temperature adjustment between 60 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit
- Touch controls and remote controller support
Pros:
- It is the quietest portable air consignment on the list
- It is one of the most powerful air conditioners on the list
- It comes with a 1-year warranty and additional 30 months extended warranty offer
Cons:
- This unit is pierced high than other options on the list
2. Frigidaire Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
Frigidaire offers a wide range of cooling solutions to the modern consumer. The products offer a user-friendly design along with reliable performance.
The Frigidaire FHPC082AC1 Portable Room Air Conditioner is a 3-in-1 unit. It offers a cooling power of 8,000 BTU and a multi-fan speed function. As a result, it easily cools down a room of 350 sq. ft size. A dry mode allows the dehumidification process to remove excess moisture from the air. The portable air conditioner operates at a noise output of 50 dB, keeping the environment silent. A SEER value of 4.62 assures efficient consumption of energy.
A washable filter helps in keeping dust away from the cooling air. The portable air conditioner also offers a programmable timer to customize the on and off function of the unit. A remote controller helps in accessing various functions of the AC unit. The sleep mode, automatic restart, etc features help in saving the power consumption of the unit.
Best Features:
- 3-in-1 portable air conditioner with dehumidification feature
- Rated with 8,000 BTU
- The noise output of 50 dB
- Suitable for a room of 350 sq. ft size
- Certified with SEER value of 4.62
- Remote controller with features like sleep mode, etc
Pros:
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
- It comes with a washable filter, which saves money on buying a new filter
- With a programmable timer, the cooling process can be automatically turned on or off
Cons:
- The design looks quite dated
3. TOSOT Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
TOSOT manufactures various types of HVAC equipment for residential and commercial applications. By using the latest technologies, it offers some of the most efficient products on the market.
The TOSOT Aovia Series Portable Air Conditioner has a lightweight construction. It offers a BTU rating and capacity of 10,000 and 62 pounds respectively. This helps in cooling down a room of 300 sq. ft size. Along with cooling, it also offers dehumidification at the rate of 2.5 pints of water per hour. Running at a noise level of 51 dB, this air conditioner does not interrupt the silence of a room.
It has a SEER rating of 2.6, which allows the saving of energy. The design of this air conditioner allows easy installation and, thereby, a lower setup time. The LED control panel has various switches to control fan speed, temperature, and other functions. Users can also comfortably access the AC’s functions with remote control from a 20 ft distance.
Best Features:
- A portable air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 62 pounds
- Rated for cooling power of 10,000 BTU
- Suitable for a room of 300 sq. ft size
- The operational noise output of 51 dB
- Certified with SEER value of 2.6
- LED control pane with features like fan speed, temperature control, etc
- Dedicated remote controller with 20 ft range
Pros:
- It also offers dehumidification at the rate of 2.5 pints of water per hour
- With automatic condensation, it prevents the need for manually emptying collected water
- This air conditioner offers easy installation
Cons:
- It is one of the heavier units on the list
4. Shinco Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
Shinco has been active for 2 decades, in the market for cooling solutions. It manufactures a range of affordable products which show excellent functionality.
The Shinco SPF1-08C Portable Air Conditioner is an ideal option for budget-oriented users. The user won’t have to worry about cooling thanks to a BTU rating of 8,000. This AC easily cools a room of 200 sq. ft size within minutes. The cooling speed can be further adjusted up to 3 different levels. Even at a maximum airflow, the unit keeps noise output under the 52 dB limit. Apart from cooling, this unit also dehumidifies air at the rate of 22.7 liters per day.
Rated with SEER 5, it ensures efficient energy consumption. The LED display allows access to the features like temperature control, 24-hour timer, etc. A 59-inch hose and window mount kit is provided to connect the air conditioner to the window. The remote controller also has various functions enabled, to offer wireless control over the air conditioner’s functions.
Best Features:
- A portable air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 40 pints
- The cooling power of 8,000 BTU
- The overall noise output of 52 dB
- Suitable for a room of 200 sq. ft size
- Certified with SEER value of 5
- LED display and remote controller to access several functions
- Fan with 3-speed control
- 59-inch hose pipe and window mount kit for easy installation
Pros:
- It is the most affordable unit on the list
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
- It also offers dehumidification at the rate of 22.7 liters per day
Cons:
- This unit is not suitable for large rooms
5. Midea Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
Midea is one of the older brands in the market for domestic cooking appliances. Its product range offers multiple facilities along with innovative design. Hence the brand enjoys a global presence.
The Midea Portable Air Conditioner is suitable for small rooms. It offers a cooling power of 8,000 BTU to cool down the surrounding air quickly. With an airflow of 277 CFM, the air conditioner covers an area of 150 sq. ft size. No one will notice it while cooling the room while operating at a minimal noise output of 52 dB. A SEER rating of 6.5 keeps the overall energy consumption low.
With the help of the LED display, users can read all the necessary data related to the AC. Along with 3 modes, the temperature can be adjusted between 62 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A remote controller offers time, temperature, and other adjustments wirelessly. A 5 ft long hose and washable filter are also provided as accessories to the air conditioner.
Best Features:
- A portable air conditioner with a cooling power of 8,000 BTU
- Maximum airflow at the rate of 277 CFM
- Offers coverage for 150 sq. ft area
- The overall noise output of 52 dB
- The SEER rating of 6.5
- Adjustable temperature range between 62 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Remote controller with 3 modes
- 5 ft long hose and washable filter provided
Pros:
- It comes with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor
- It is one of the most energy-efficient units on the list
- It has a lightweight construction making it easy to transport anywhere
Cons:
- This unit is not suitable for large rooms
6. LG Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
LG is a trustworthy name for domestic appliances including air conditioners. It assures strict product quality control to enhance its durability and reliability.
The LG LP0621WSR Portable Air Conditioner has a compact construction. With a cooling power of 6,000 BTU, the air conditioner cools the surrounding atmosphere. The cooling performance offered by this unit is enough to cover a room of 250 sq. ft size. The air conditioner works at a noise output range of 53 dB, silent enough to avoid interruptions. It is rated with a 6.51 SEER value to ensure the user of efficient power consumption.
The air conditioner also offers dehumidification, regular fan mode, and cooling. The fan offers 2 different speeds to control the airflow. The automatically swinging air vents help in circulating air in all directions. Users can control the AC’s functions via touch buttons or a remote controller.
Best Features:
- A portable air conditioner with a power rating of 6,000 BTU
- Suitable for a room of 250 sq. ft size
- The operational noise output of 53 dB
- Rated with SEER value of 6.52
- Touch buttons and remote controller
- Dehumidifier and regular fan mode
Pros:
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
- This unit is one of the most energy-efficient units
- The automatic swinging feature helps in circulating air to every corner of a room
Cons:
- The air vents are smaller in size
7. BLACK+DECKER Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
BLACK+DECKER develops and manufactures a range of cooling solutions for domestic applications. The products are designed to add comfort to the user’s life.
The BLACK+DECKER BTU Portable Air Conditioner is designed for mid-size rooms. The 8,000 BTU rating helps the unit cool a room of 300 sq. ft size. With a minimum temperature output of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the unit ensures a cool environment even in the scorching heat. Even under heavy loads, this air conditioner creates a noise output of 54 dB only. A SEER value of 4.62 ensures efficient consumption of power.
Features like fan speed, sleep mode, etc, can be adjusted via onboard controls or a remote controller. The LED screen displays important data related to the AC unit. This unit also has a 4 ft 11-inch long hose pipe and window adapter for easy installation. It also has a washable filter to keep dust away from cooling air.
Best Features:
- A portable air conditioner with a cooling power of 8,000
- A coverage area of 300 sq. ft
- The noise output of 54 dB
- Certified with SEER 4.62 value
- 4 ft 11-inch hose popper and window adapter for easy installations
- LED display, touch buttons, and remote controller
Pros:
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
- The bucket-less dehumidification feature allows the automatic evaporation of extra water
- The minimum cooling temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit makes it favorable for hot temperatures
Cons:
- The compressor is audible at higher settings
8. SereneLife Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
SereneLife is committed to delivering reliable cooling solutions to consumers. The products offer multiple functionalities along with assured quality.
The SereneLife SLPAC12.5 SLPAC Portable Air Conditioner has a unique design that allows efficient coverage. It offers excellent cooling performance due to a BTU rating of 12,000. The air conditioner quickly cools a room of 550 sq. ft size with an airflow of 270 m3/hr. Working at a noise level of 56 dB, the unit ensures zero interruption to the other activities. It is certified with a SEER value of 2.6 for efficient power consumption.
This unit can be used as a dehumidifier to remove moisture at the rate of 1.8 liters per hour. The user can adjust 3 speeds of the fan via push buttons or a remote controller. This air conditioner also has various features like a 24-hour timer, automatic swinging, etc.
Best Features:
- A portable air conditioner with a cooling power of 12,000 BTU
- Maximum airflow rate of 270 m3/hr
- Suitable for large rooms of size 550 sq. ft
- The operational noise output of 56 dB
- Certified with SEER 2.6 value
- Additional features like automatic swinging, 24-hour timer, 3-way speed, etc.
Pros:
- It comes with a 1-year warranty
- It is one of the most powerful air conditioners on the list
- This unit also offers dehumidification at the rate of 1.8 liters per hour
Cons:
- This unit is one of the heavier options on the list
Buying Guide For The Best Quietest Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners have emerged as the best alternative to other portable cooling devices. It allows the user to enjoy cool environments on demand. With minimal audio output, these quiet units are suitable for noise-sensitive applications. A list of the best quietest portable air conditioners has already been discussed. This buying guide will help the user understand the importance of a few governing parameters.
1. Noise Level
The noise level is the topmost priority for the quietest portable air conditioners. These portable units have components like the compressor, which creates louder noise. Due to the portable design, the compressor is fitted inside the main body, unlike the split ACs installed outdoors. These portable units are thereby modified to keep the noise level low. Several units operate at a noise level below 60 dB, equivalent to the sound of human conversation. Soundproof materials are also used to lower the noise output further.
2. BTU
The overall selling point of a portable conditioner is its cooling power. This power is measured in the British Thermal Unit (BTU) to make the user aware. The BTU rating depends on various parameters like room temperature, size, etc. The portable air conditioners are designed for a BTU rating of 5,000 to 15,000, enough for mid-sized rooms. When the atmospheric temperature is high, and more cooling power is needed, some units offer cooling power beyond 15,000 BTU.
3. Room Size
The portability factor of portable air conditioners makes them suitable for various sizes of rooms. The room size is given importance to determine the coverage area of the air conditioner. This coverage capacity is dependent on factors like the BTU rating. With a higher BTU rating, the air conditioner will cover a larger area. To ensure efficient and faster cooling of the room, the coverage capacity must be more than the size of the room. The portable air conditioners are suitable for rooms sized between 250 to 500 sq. ft. Users can determine the coverage capacity with a BTU rating and room size chart.
4. SEER
Along with a good cooling performance, good energy saving is also a desirable factor for portable air conditioners. Efficient energy consumption allows better running of the AC units without increasing the energy bills. These portable air conditioners are rated with several certifications to ensure efficient power consumption. The AC units are rated with Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) to make the user aware of the power consumption. The quietest portable air conditioners usually have a SEER rating of 2 to 10. Some brands also offer energy star certification on their products rated between 1 to 5 stars.
5. Type Of Control
To access the basic functions of a portable air conditioner, various types of controls are offered. The most common control type is the buttons or knobs on the air conditioner’s body. Users have to touch these controls to adjust cooling and other features physically. To add comfort to the users, remote controllers are also offered. Other wireless controls like WiFi and app connectivity are also offered besides the remote controllers. The latest units also support voice control via Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, etc.
6. Warranty
Warranty is equally considered when buying the quietest portable air conditioner. AC units made up of high-quality materials are still vulnerable to electrical and physical accidental damage. The warranty adds a safety cover against these damages and offers relief to the user in the form of free repairs or replacements. A warranty period of 1 year is offered for the portable air conditioners. Users can also select extended warranty periods up to 30 months to ensure added safety cover against damages.
Quietest Portable Air Conditioner – FAQs
Ans: The quiet portable air conditioners are designed in a way to keep the noise output limited to 60 dB limit. The noise output may vary for different brands and their models. Few models are whipped with soundproofing features, which lowers the noise output up to 40 dB. At 60 dB level, the unit creates noise equivalent to humans talking.
Ans: The overall cooling capacity of a quiet portable AC unit varies depending on its specifications. Due to the portable design, the size of the compressor and evaporator is kept small. This reduces the cooling capacity of the AC. The portable units normally offer a cooling capacity of 5,000 to 15000 BTU, sufficient for mid-sized rooms.
Ans: The price range of the quiet portable ACs varies from brand to brand due to specific quality assurance. A unit made up of premium materials will eventually cost more than a unit made up of cheap materials. Similarly, a high-performance model has an expensive price tag than a lower-performance unit. The price range for portable ACs lies between 250 to 600 USD.
Ans: The portable units can be used with cars or RVs depending on the space availability and power supply. Several units work well with a 12V power supply available in the cars and RVs. The user also has to consider the cooling capacity of the portable air conditioner before selecting one. A lightweight unit will also allow easy transport and placement in cars and RVs.
Conclusion
With the help of a portable air conditioning unit, users can enjoy cool air whenever they want to. These units are also tuned for a quieter operation to assure a calm atmosphere. A list of the best quietest portable air conditioners is compiled in this article. A buying guide and FAQ section are also provided to help the user understand a few parameters related to these AC units. By considering this discussion, we have chosen our favorite air conditioner from the list.
- If silence is the topmost priority of the user, the Dreo Quietest Portable Air Conditioner is an ideal choice. Operating at a noise level of only 42 dB, this unit provides perfect cooling with zero disturbance. With 72.9 pounds of cooling capacity and cooling power of 12,000 BTU, the surroundings quickly cool down. Its dual hose design circulates air at a height of 28 feet, allowing coverage of 450 sq. ft area. The air conditioner is certified with 5 energy stars for energy efficiency while its temperature output lies between 60 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When cooling performance is important, the SereneLife Quietest Portable Air Conditioner will not disappoint. With a BTU rating of 12,000 and an airflow of 270 m3/hr, the air conditioner quickly cools a 550 sq. ft size room. This unit operates at a noise level of only 56 dB, ensuring no disturbance to the user. The air conditioner is SEER certified with a value of 2.6, making it energy-efficient. This unit also dehumidifies air at a rate of 1.8 liters per hour. Additional features, like a 24-hour timer and automatic swinging, etc. are also offered.
- A limited budget will not be an obstacle for enjoying the cool air, thanks to the affordable price tag of the Shinco Quietest Portable Air Conditioner. It boasts a BTU rating of 8,000 to cool a room of 200 sq. ft. in size quickly. Even at maximum airflow, the unit maintains a noise output below 52 dB, ensuring quieter operation. The air conditioner can also dehumidify air at a rate of 22.7 liters per day. Rated with SEER 5 it assured efficient consumption of energy. Features like an LED display, a remote controller, a 24-hour timer, etc., add more value to this air conditioner.
