Did you know that you can have a complete AC set without the need for an external body and a grueling installation? The best part is that you can also locate an exceptionally silent unit if you follow our article below. Get to know the best quiet portable air conditioners on the market and see the units that we have hand picked for you.
We won’t leave you there, though. Since our goal is to always bring you the bigger picture, we have also compiled a thorough buying guide that will outline tips, pros & cons of portable ACs as well as features to look for. Check out our comparisons and customer reports on quiet ACs and see which ones are the most silent and convenient units. Have a productive read!
See The Quick Comparison Chart
Are Quiet Portable Air Conditioners Any Good?
Well, if you haven’t gotten an answer to this question yet, then we will definitely give you a little bump on the shoulder and will highlight the main reasons why people love portable ACs. Most quiet portable air conditioner reviews will give you the answers but we will condense them here in order to provide you with a concise and easy to grasp section.
Installing a portable AC is not challenging and you will almost never need a professional do it for you. Instructions are clear and the only thing you need to do carefully is the sealing of the window. If you manage to drive the exhaust hose out and seal your window properly, then you are in the clear.
The low-profile of these devices really sets them apart from a large number of the best heating and cooling systems you can find on the market. They are rarely in the way and will sit nicely in the corner of the room. This makes them perfect for tight office spaces as well. Spot cooling is the bread and butter of portable ACs after all.
While you can also get a top-class window AC unit there’s a good chance you won’t be happy with the unit blocking your view. Having just a hose there will significantly improve your venue.
Portability is likely the most important aspect of these units because otherwise, you might simply get a stationary AC. Here you have the opportunity to move your quiet portable AC from room to room without the need to conduct huge uninstallation procedures. Simply detach the hose and roll the device to the next room. Easy!
Things to Consider When Buying a Quiet Portable AC
You want your portable AC to be just right for your needs. For that reason alone, you cannot skip the section below because we will tell you exactly what to look for in a unit.
Size
Size is the most important of all. Here one size definitely does not fit all. Depending on the square footage of your room, the height of the ceilings, and other factors, you will need to select the proper size of AC. Why not get a big unit then? Because it will use more electricity and will not remove any excess moisture from the air.
BTUs are the magical measuring unit that you need. The more BTUs, the larger the room that the AC can cool off. Some folks might want to also look into our reviews on tower fans available in case they want a solution for a really small area. So here is a small chart for you:
| 0 – 10 000 BTU | 300 square feet |
| 10 000 – 14 000 BTU | 500 square feet |
| 14 000 + BTU | Over 500 square feet |
This table alone should be enough for you to decide on the power of the portable AC unit that you require for your home. Keep in mind that a poorly insulated room or one with higher ceilings will call for a larger and more powerful unit.
Thermostat
Programmable thermostats work like everywhere else. Thanks to them you can set an ideal temperature and the unit will maintain it. Better efficiency is the result of this feature because you require less power.
Timer
Another programmable setting is the timer. It will bring you a lot of convenience and easiness. The AC unit will be used only when needed.
Modes
Modes and speeds can vary a lot. In fact, some appliances also have a heating mode. Of course, they will end up costing more but will definitely give you versatility. Fan speeds are also essential and bear in mind that they are directly linked to the level of noise that your device will make. A fan-only mode is used only for air circulation.
Noise
Noise levels are a crucial aspect for people looking to have peace and quiet. The finest models will produce values between 30 and 50 dB. Sleep modes are also available in a number of portable ACs and if you plan on leaving the unit on during the night, then, by all means, go for such a product.
Auto Options
Auto-restart is a convenience related to you not having to set the AC again after a power outage. Even if you don’t have this feature, get something with a remote control to mitigate the inconvenience of having to tune the device all over again.
You may also be interested in our radiant floor heater reviews!
Quiet Portable Air Conditioners Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon |
 | Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner Unit |
| View On Amazon |
 | Haier Dual-Hose Portable AC |
| View On Amazon |
 | Costway Portable Air Conditioner Dehumidifier |
| View On Amazon |
 | LG LP1013WNR Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon |
 | Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner with Humidifier |
| View On Amazon |
 | Global Air Portable Air Conditioner |
| View On Amazon |
Quietest Portable Air Conditioner Reviews
1. Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
While you might find the 3 main modes to be pretty standard, the Whynter Dual Hose Portable AC will also give you impeccable design. You are also free to have the unit turn off at a certain time or temperature – it’s up to you. Since silence is important, this is one of the top products in this aspect. If you want to use it in a bedroom, the most you will hear from it would be as much as a high-speed fan.
In the set, you will find a carbon air filter, washable pre-filter, and remote control. Humidity is often an issue but this unit comes with a dehumidifier. The capacity of this component stands at 101 pints per day which are among the highest in this category. Also, don’t worry about the drain of the unit. It will remain dry almost at all times. The maximum power capacity is 1250W. It doesn’t work with a 240V circuit, though.
2. Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner Unit
Don’t be fooled by the generic looks of this unit as it will have plenty to offer in terms of domestic air conditioning. The Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner is perfect for a room up to 300 square feet. Yes, that’s not a lot but it is definitely not below average. The maximum BTU is 8000 and the timer gives you full control over when to have the unit on and off automatically.
The remote control also helps your convenience. All the settings can also be found on the digital display. You can remove the filter and have it washed. This will ensure cleaner air and smoother functioning of the AC. Take advantage of the thermostat and the sleep function to always achieve optimal temperature during the night. On the downside, portability isn’t exactly the strongest characteristic of the product. A single person will hardly be able to relocate it.
3. Haier Dual-Hose Portable AC
This small AC will take good care of you during the summer. You will need to dismount it and put it away in the winter, though, because it has no heating function. If you can live with that, the summer regime of the Haier Dual-Hose Portable AC will likely satisfy you fully. 14 500 BTU is what you can get from it and that will be enough for a 500 square feet room.
Select between 3 main settings depending on your particular needs. Go with “cool” when it is too hot, select “fan-only” when you simply want some air movement and use the “dehumidify” function to reduce humidity. There are also 3 fan speeds – low, medium, and high. Needless to say, there is a thermostat and a 24-hour timer. The timer also has an “on” function which is a great convenience. You can go back to the previously selected settings in case of a power outage.
4. Costway Portable Air Conditioner Dehumidifier
This is not only a very quiet portable AC but it is also one of the smallest ones you find on our list today. In fact, it doesn’t require a drain hose, just an exhaust one which is included in the set. Portability is further enhanced by the presence of casters. There’s also a window seal plate which will allow for a more effective work of the unit. The Costway Portable Air Conditioner can give you 10 000 BTU maximum and you can regulate its work through remote control.
You got full control over the fan speeds of which you have two. While the remote control will allow for convenience, specific settings can be accessed only through the LED display. For instance, you can opt for a fan-only mode or you can select a specific temperature that you want to have. This quiet AC also has a temperature sensor and a water-full warning.
5. LG LP1013WNR Portable Air Conditioner
8000 BTU isn’t a bad stat when we talk about a small air conditioner and LG really stepped up with this model. The LED display along with the soft-touch remote control will give you complete and easy oversight on how the unit performs. Whatever settings you have input prior to a power outage, you can have restored thanks to the Auto Restart function. Use the programmable timer to decide when to have the machine on and off.
Choose between multiple available speeds when cooling your room. You can also select a specific temperature using the up and down arrow buttons. The auto evaporation system will let you have clean and moderately humidified air without any dryness. Moving the unit to another room isn’t troublesome as the caster wheels are easy to roll. The product works only with a 120V circuit and will be good for an area of 150 square feet.
6. Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner with Humidifier
This is definitely a small ac unit but it is definitely a powerful one. With the Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner, you get both power and silence. It will be able to cool off a room up to 550 square feet. The cooling mode is twice as powerful as the heating one. 12 000 BTU is the maximum strength of the unit when cooling and you will get 6500 BTU when you want to warm up. No permanent installation is required and there are also castors for a convenient move.
ACS generally give off some water or at least drips. In this case, you have an auto-evaporation system so you won’t see a drop of water. The dehumidification function will give you about 69 pints every 24 hours. The remote control leaves something to be expected from a design standpoint but the top-notch LCD display more than compensates for this.
7. Global Air Portable Air Conditioner
Even though this is a portable domestic AC, it still needs to be vented to the outside, so don’t let the looks fool you. The Global Air Portable AC comes with just 2 fan speeds but fortunately, they are exceptionally quiet. You also have a 4-way direction of the airflow in order to cool specific areas or objects within your room. If you look at the LED display on top of the unit, you will see controls allowing you to set a specific temperature.
Needless to say, you got a timer and remote control. A key component is a self-evaporative system. This means that the appliance doesn’t have a water tank and that the condensing water is basically being recycled. This will also affect the quality of the air. As far as numbers go, 10 000 BTU is the output and the unit will be good in any 300 square feet room or smaller.
8. EdgeStar AP12000S Portable Air Conditioner
What sets this unit apart is the presence of two filters. You get a washable pre-filter as well one carbon filter which is replaceable. The EdgeStar Portable AC can provide 12 000 BTU and will cool a room of about 425 square feet. The Auto-Drain System is a huge addition as it will not allow any water to come out of the unit. It will condensate water automatically unless the humidity is simply too much. As expected, you have a hose that is used for venting. This component is provided in the set.
The dehumidifier is exceptionally good and its specs speak for that. On a daily basis, you will be able to get 90 pints of dehumidification. Bear in mind that lifting the unit isn’t a good idea – it weighs 69 lb. You need either someone to help you or you can use the castors to roll it in and out.
9. Frigidaire 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This is a convenient little device from which you shouldn’t expect much. The price reflects the parameters of this portable AC and renders it an average one. This, of course, gives you excellent value for your money and this is why the product is on our list. The 8000 BTU of cooling is nice for a room of up to 350 square feet. The daily pints’ capacity of dehumidification stands at 50. As you see so far, this is nothing impressive but it is perfect for more unpretentious users.
You can get automatic air circulation thanks to the presence of the auto-swing louvers. The fan can work at 3 available speeds and the same goes for the cooling speeds as well. The remote control will help you program your device but the effortless restart will let you return to your previous settings after a power outage.
10. Emerson Quiet Kool
With the Emerson Quiet Kool AC, you definitely get one very powerful unit. This product will be able to cover 350 square feet. The BTU range is also pretty impressive as you can reach 14 000 BTU. Another interesting aspect here is the variable warranty. You get 1-year labor, 2 years for most parts, and 5 years for the compressor. The timer here works both ways.
You got the option not only to have the device shut off automatically but it can also turn on at a specific time. Among all, you have 3 speeds on your disposal – low, medium, and high. One of the more functional features that the Emerson Quiet Kool has is the auto condensation component. Everything else mentioned above is aided by the silent work of the unit. You can easily sleep in the same room with it. A slight drawback is the absence of a humidifier.
Some Useful Quiet Portable Air Conditioner Tips
In this second section, we will highlight the most important aspects that you need to know about using your AC. We will do it in the form of a portable AC tips list in order to make it as simplified as possible. Our team has carefully evaluated the performance of whisper-quiet portable air conditioners and we have created the bullets below for your information. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
The Space Between Walls
Let’s say that you are happy with the parameters of your portable AC and that space is large/small enough for this particular device. Now you need to make sure you leave sufficient space between the unit and the wall behind it. You don’t want to lean the appliance onto the wall because this will definitely limit the airflow that you get.
Don’t forget to also check out what the user manual of your appliance says. Most manuals will have proper information regarding spacing. This is important from both a safety and efficiency standpoint.
Strategic Installation
Spacing also matters in terms of the various areas of your room. Most domestic spaces have hot and cool spots and this is the main reason why you want to have a portable AC – to eliminate them. So try not to install your unit at an area with direct sunlight. This is important in a number of ways. If the AC is exposed to heat, it will try to compensate by working harder.
This will lead to too much energy consumption and can definitely shorten the lifespan of your AC. Humidity also matters because the unit will be forced into more condensation. This is why you rarely see the best portable air conditioners installed in basements.
Do Not Leave the Door Open
This might sound funny to you but it is actually essential. The productivity of your AC will significantly decrease if you are sloppy with keeping the premises closed. If warm air constantly invades the room from outside, the AC will never achieve the desired temperature and this will lead, again, to excessive amounts of electricity being used. You simply cannot overlook any of the no-cost ways to improve your residential air conditioning.
Do Not Overlook Ventilation
Driving the hot air out of your AC might be perhaps the most important thing to do. This is why you have an exhaust hose leading out of your room. You will be happy to find out that the finest models come with a venting kit. All you need to do is install it properly.
Sealing is the real challenge hear because portable ACs have their hose going out through the window and not a hole in the wall. Sometimes it might be a better idea to have a pro do it for you.
Do Not Twist the Exhaust Hose
You shouldn’t mess with the exhaust hose at all. Simplicity is your friend here. The hose should lead out without any twists or turns along the way. You want to have a completely unimpaired warm airflow because otherwise, you will compromise the integrity of your unit.
Adding any extensions to the hose is also a very bad idea. Using stock components is the way to go and any experiments will result in very bad outcomes.
Turn Off Other Electric Stuff
The fewer appliances you got plugged in, the better. First of all, if you have too many things plugged in, you run the risk of overloading your system. Also, your electricity bill will skyrocket. You definitely don’t want any of these.
What you also don’t want is too much warmth in your room. All devices in a household also emit heat. This includes TVs, DVDs, audio systems, etc. We already discussed the negative impact that too much heat has. It will never affect your AC in a good way so make sure you minimize the number of appliances turned on.
Give It Some Time
Pre-cooling your room is an excellent idea. You know full well that an AC will need the most energy when it just starts working. This also means that it won’t be as effective during the first few minutes. All of that goes to show you that you ought to have your portable AC on about 1 hour before you need it.
This is where the programmable timer will come in handy. Even you are able to get a soundproof portable air conditioner, you will still benefit greatly from a timer function.
Maintenance
This is one of the broader topics when it comes to properly run a portable AC. Typical for any household appliance, the portable AC also requires care in order for it to run for longer and as efficiently as possible. You need to focus on some main points when it comes to the maintenance of your portable air conditioner.
First of all, make sure your filter is in top form. There are two types of filters that your AC might have. The first one is a washable filter which means that you can simply take it out and rinse it. Leave it to dry and then just put it back in the AC.
The second type is the carbon filters. They are also called antimicrobial filters. You cannot re-use them and they can’t be refurbished. This means that you will need to regularly replace the filter if you want the AC to keep working smoothly.
Dust or vacuum the louvers. This action will also remove a lot of the dust particles from the airflow which you breathe. Maintaining the front grill or mesh in shape is essential to both the appliance and the health of the inhabitants.
Finally, don’t forget to clean the body of the AC. Even though it seems like it doesn’t do anything, it still needs to be cleaned like any other device or piece of furniture at home. This will prolong the life of the appliance. In fact, if you check our reviews, you will see that people come together around the fact that maintenance is key.
Electrical Limitations
Even though you can get the quietest portable air conditioner for relatively little money, you can rest assured that the device is very well-secured when it comes to electric failures. However, you can always take small steps and improving this condition and having peace of mind. Opt for a surge protector which will add some more protection to your unit against any sudden electric shocks.
Additionally, make sure you check the circuit compatibility of any AC prior to purchasing it. Most of them will run on 120V which is the predominant circuit in the USA. In case you need to hook it to a 240V circuit, we recommend that you contact an electrician or look for an adapter.
Do Not Be Sloppy with Storage
You simply cannot just ditch a fantastic portable and quiet AC unit somewhere in the basement and forget about it till next spring. When you unearth it again, it might not even turn back on and there would be a good reason for that. Get educated on how to properly winterize your portable AC unit.
- Use the fan before you put the AC away for about one hour. This will take care of the inside parts of the AC remaining dry.
- Drain all the water from the unit. We don’t even need to address this in a long paragraph. If any water remains inside, things can definitely go south when the unit is not in use.
- The exhaust hose should be rolled up or compressed. Expose less of it to potential damage.
- Clean everything we mentioned in the “Maintenance” section above.
- Cover the appliance with a cloth in order to prevent dusting or any critters from interacting with it.
Two Categories of Portable ACs
Here we will draw a line between two important categories. Here’s the first one:
Fully and Partially Evaporative ACs
Moisture will definitely generate inside your unit – that’s unavoidable. Partially evaporative ACs require that you manually drain the water from within the unit. There is a drain for you to unseal. This can be done once every couple of weeks.
Fully evaporative ACs will save you all that hassle because all the water will be drained through the exhaust hose out of your house.
Single and Dual Hose Portable AC
The main difference between the single hose and dual hose air conditioners here is not only design. Single hose portable AC will draw the air not from outside but from within the room. Before all the hot air and moisture are drained through the exhaust hose, they cool off the insides of the unit.
A Dual hose AC system will take air from outside and will pretty much achieve the same as the Single hose AC. However, the unit will also draw some air from inside the room as well.
Wrapping Up
This was our presentation of the best quiet portable AC units available. We hope that we have helped you learn more about portable ACs in general as the level of quietness is simply one of the features to look for. However, our crew has worked hard to select the right products so feel free to check out our reviews once again.
Leave us a comment and share the article if you found it useful. Make sure to become familiar with some of our other heating and cooling options. Thanks for reading and as always – stay put!
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