5 Best Portable Air Conditioner for Condo [In 2025]

When the sweltering summer heat hits, a reliable and efficient portable air conditioner can be a game-changer for your condo. These compact, easy-to-install units offer a convenient solution to keep your living space cool and comfortable. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the top portable air conditioners for condos, highlighting their features, performance, and customer feedback to help you make an informed decision.

5 Best Portable Air Conditioner for Condo Reviews

1. 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners – 3-in-1 Cooling Unit with Dehumidifier, Fan & AC Modes – Ac Units Cools Up to 550 Sq.Ft – 24-Hour Timer, Remote Control & Window Kit Included – White

Overview

This powerful 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner is designed to cool spaces up to 550 square feet. It offers a 3-in-1 functionality, allowing you to use it as a cooling unit, dehumidifier, or fan, providing versatile climate control for your condo.

Specs

Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU
Cooling Area: Up to 550 sq. ft.
Dehumidification Capacity: 51 pints/day
Noise Level: 52-56 dB
Dimensions: 16.54 x 13.78 x 27.95 inches
Weight: 60.6 lbs

Pros

Powerful cooling for larger spaces
Versatile 3-in-1 functionality
Includes a remote control and 24-hour timer
Comes with a window installation kit for easy setup
Relatively quiet operation

Cons

Some complaints about the quality of the peripheral components
Window adapter may require additional weatherproofing
Abrupt start and stop when reaching the selected temperature

Customer Reviews

The 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner has received generally positive reviews from customers. Many users praise its effective cooling, easy installation, and versatile features. However, some have noted issues with the quality of the included accessories and the noise level when the unit starts and stops.

2. Portable Air Conditioners 10,000 BTU,Air Conditioner Portable Cooling up to 450 Sq. Ft. with Dehumidifier, Fan & Sleep Mode, 3-in-1 Standing AC with RC, 24H Timer & Window Kit for Bedroom, Office

Overview

This 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner is designed to cool spaces up to 450 square feet. It offers a 3-in-1 functionality, allowing you to use it as a cooling unit, dehumidifier, or fan, providing versatile climate control for your condo.

Specs

Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU
Cooling Area: Up to 450 sq. ft.
Dehumidification Capacity: 50 pints/day
Noise Level: 45-55 dB
Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.8 x 28.3 inches
Weight: 59.5 lbs

Pros

Effective cooling for medium-sized spaces
Compact and sleek design
Easy to move with built-in wheels
Includes a remote control and 24-hour timer
Versatile 3-in-1 functionality
Relatively quiet operation

Cons

May not be powerful enough for larger condos
Some users reported issues with the window installation kit

Customer Reviews

The 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers. Users praise its effective cooling, compact design, and user-friendly features. Many find it to be a great value for the price, though a few have encountered minor issues with the window installation.

3. ZAFRO 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioners, 4 Modes Portable AC Unit with Fast Cooling/Energy Efficient/Remote/24Hrs Timer for Bedroom/Dorms/Indoor Rooms, White

Overview

The ZAFRO 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner offers a versatile 4-in-1 functionality, allowing you to use it for cooling, dehumidifying, fan, and sleep modes. Designed to cool spaces up to 450 square feet, this unit provides efficient and energy-saving climate control for your condo.

Specs

Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU
Cooling Area: Up to 450 sq. ft.
Dehumidification Capacity: 50 pints/day
Noise Level: 45 dB
Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.8 x 28.3 inches
Weight: 59.5 lbs

Pros

Versatile 4-in-1 functionality
Effective cooling for medium-sized spaces
Energy-efficient operation
Includes a remote control and 24-hour timer
Relatively quiet operation
Easy to install with the included window kit

Cons

May not be powerful enough for larger condos
Some users reported issues with the window installation kit

Customer Reviews

The ZAFRO 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner has received positive reviews from customers. Many users appreciate its effective cooling, energy-efficient performance, and versatile features. Some have reported minor issues with the window installation, but overall, it seems to be a reliable and user-friendly option for medium-sized condos.

4. 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, Smart Control, Cools up to 350 Sq. Ft., with Dehumidifier & Fan mode, Easy- to-use Remote Control & Window Installation Kit Included, White

Overview

This 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner is designed to cool spaces up to 350 square feet. It offers a 3-in-1 functionality, allowing you to use it as a cooling unit, dehumidifier, or fan, providing versatile climate control for your condo.

Specs

Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU
Cooling Area: Up to 350 sq. ft.
Dehumidification Capacity: 31 pints/day
Noise Level: 53-55 dB
Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.8 x 28.3 inches
Weight: 57.3 lbs

Pros

Effective cooling for smaller spaces
Versatile 3-in-1 functionality
Includes a remote control and easy-to-use controls
Comes with a window installation kit for easy setup
Relatively compact and portable design

Cons

May not be powerful enough for larger condos
Some users reported issues with the window installation kit

Customer Reviews

The 8,000 BTU portable air conditioner has received generally positive reviews from customers. Many users find it to be an effective cooling solution for smaller spaces, with the added benefits of dehumidification and fan modes. Some have encountered minor issues with the window installation, but overall, it seems to be a reliable and user-friendly option for small to medium-sized condos.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best portable air conditioner for your condo, there are several factors to consider. Here’s a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision:

Cooling Capacity

The cooling capacity, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), determines the size of the space the portable AC can effectively cool.
For a condo, you’ll generally want a unit with a cooling capacity between 8,000 and 12,000 BTUs, depending on the size of your living space.
Ensure the cooling capacity matches the square footage of your condo to achieve optimal cooling performance.

Dehumidification and Fan Modes

Look for portable ACs with additional features like dehumidification and fan modes, which can provide versatile climate control and improve indoor air quality.
Dehumidification helps remove excess moisture from the air, making the space feel more comfortable.
The fan mode allows you to circulate air without active cooling, which can be useful in mild weather conditions.

Noise Level

Consider the noise level of the portable AC, measured in decibels (dB).
Quieter units, typically below 55 dB, are preferable for use in condos, especially if you plan to run the unit during sleep hours.
Look for units with noise-reducing features or multiple fan speed settings to find the right balance between cooling power and noise level.

Portability and Installation

Portable ACs are designed to be easily moved from room to room, so look for units with wheels and handles for improved mobility.
Ensure the portable AC comes with a window installation kit that is compatible with your condo’s windows, as this will simplify the setup process.
Consider the size and weight of the unit, as it will need to fit in your desired location and be manageable to move around.

Additional Features

Look for portable ACs with convenient features like remote control, programmable timer, and energy-saving modes.
Some units also offer smart home integration, allowing you to control the AC unit using voice commands or a mobile app.
Consider your specific needs and preferences when evaluating these additional features.

FAQs

1. What is the recommended BTU for a condo?

The recommended BTU for a condo typically ranges from 8,000 to 12,000 BTUs, depending on the size of the space. A good rule of thumb is to choose a portable AC with a cooling capacity of around 250-400 BTUs per 100 square feet of living space.

2. Can a portable air conditioner cool an entire condo?

Portable air conditioners are generally best suited for cooling individual rooms or small to medium-sized spaces. While some high-capacity models can effectively cool larger areas, it’s recommended to use multiple portable ACs or consider a central air conditioning system if you need to cool your entire condo.

3. How long do portable air conditioners last?

With proper maintenance and care, a well-made portable air conditioner can typically last 5 to 10 years. Factors like usage frequency, environmental conditions, and maintenance habits can all affect the lifespan of a portable AC unit.

4. Do portable ACs need to be vented out a window?

Yes, portable air conditioners require venting to the outside, usually through a window. The exhaust hose and window kit included with the unit allow you to properly vent the hot air generated by the AC, ensuring efficient cooling and preventing overheating.

5. How much electricity do portable ACs use?

The electricity usage of a portable air conditioner can vary depending on the unit’s size, efficiency, and usage patterns. On average, a 10,000 BTU portable AC can consume between 900 to 1,500 watts of power. Energy-efficient models and proper usage can help minimize the electricity consumption.

Conclusion

Choosing the best portable air conditioner for your condo can be a game-changer in creating a comfortable and cool living environment. The top picks reviewed in this guide offer a range of powerful cooling capacities, versatile features, and user-friendly designs to meet the needs of various condo sizes and budgets. By considering factors like cooling capacity, dehumidification, noise level, and portability, you can find the perfect portable AC unit to beat the heat and keep your condo comfortable all summer long.