6 Best Portable Air Conditioners Under $300 in 2026
We compared six single-hose portable air conditioners under $300 on room coverage, noise, smart control, drainage and window fit.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 16, 2026
Portable air conditioners under $300 can still cool a real bedroom or living room. In this price range you can find 12,000 BTU units for rooms up to 600 sq ft, Wi-Fi models you control from your phone, and self-evaporating designs that rarely need draining. Our list of the best portable air conditioners under $300 compares six single-hose units on room coverage, noise, controls, drainage and window fit. To see every single-hose model we cover, go to our Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioners page.
All six were listed at or under the $300 cap when we checked prices in October 2026, and all six run on a standard household outlet with an included window kit. Two of them have more than 3,000 ratings each, so this budget does not mean giving up on proven models.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Cooling Capacity | Room Size | Noise | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Overall | 12,000 BTU / 7,500 BTU SACC | Up to 450 sq ft | 52 dB | Self-evaporating dry mode |
| Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi | Value | 10,000 BTU / 6,000 BTU SACC | Up to 450 sq ft | 50 dB | App, Alexa and Google |
| Tehanld 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Large rooms | 12,000 BTU | Up to 600 sq ft | 42 dB sleep | 8.1 CEER |
| BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Trusted brand | 10,000 BTU / 5,550 DOE | Up to 450 sq ft | 54 dB | FOLLOW ME remote |
| COSTWAY 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Compact rooms | 10,000 BTU | 350 sq ft | 60 dB | Child lock, self-evaporating |
| Electactic 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Quiet operation | 10,000 BTU | Up to 550 sq ft | 45 dB | Self-evaporating, full-tank shutoff |
| Award | Product | WikiCooling Score About WikiCooling ScoreThe WikiCooling Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on the criteria described on our How We Review page. It reflects research, not laboratory measurement, and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Premium |
Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.0/10 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
| Best Value |
Tehanld 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.4/10 | Buy |
BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT 10,000 BTU Portable Air
|
7.8/10 | Buy | |
COSTWAY 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.0/10 | Buy | |
| Best Overall |
Electactic 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
9.1/10 | Buy |
Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner from Shinco offers 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (7,500 BTU SACC) cooling for rooms up to 450 sq. ft. It combines cool, fan, and dehumidifier modes with a self-evaporating system that removes up to 43.2 liters of moisture per day. Quick window installation and a remote control make it a practical choice for small to medium spaces.
Pros
- Covers rooms up to 450 sq. ft.
- Self-evaporating dehumidifier mode
- Includes remote and 24-hour timer
- Easy to move with casters
- Quick window installation kit
Cons
- Single-hose design reduces efficiency
- Reciprocating compressor can be noisy at 52 dB
- Heavy at 56.2 pounds
Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
A portable air conditioner with 10,000 BTU ASHRAE (6,000 BTU SACC) cooling power for rooms up to 450 sq ft. It offers smart app and voice control, a quiet sleep mode at 50 dB, and 3-in-1 functionality for cooling, dehumidifying, and fan-only operation. This unit suits bedrooms, home offices, and apartments where easy installation and remote management are priorities.
Pros
- Quiet sleep mode at 50 dB
- Smart app and voice control
- Easy tool-free installation
- Self-evaporating system reduces draining
- 3-in-1 cooling, dehumidifying, fan modes
Cons
- Manual drain needed on high fan mode
- No inverter compressor
- Limited cooling in extreme outdoor heat
Tehanld 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner delivers 12,000 BTU of cooling for rooms up to 600 sq ft, making it a strong choice for bedrooms and small living spaces. Its standout sleep mode runs at 42 dB with auto-dimming lights, while the upward airflow and auto-swing prevent direct drafts. With tool-free setup and a full-function remote, it suits anyone seeking quiet, efficient cooling at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Quiet sleep mode at 42 dB
- Tool-free setup in minutes
- Effective cooling for 600 sq ft
- Remote control with long range
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Manual drain required for condensate
- Fits only sliding and double-hung windows
- Heavy at 62 pounds
BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT 10,000 BTU Portable Air
This 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner from BLACK+DECKER cools rooms up to 450 sq ft and also works as a dehumidifier and fan. Its Follow Me remote allows the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control. With casters and side handles, it's easy to move from room to room.
Pros
- Three-in-one functionality
- Follow Me remote for precise control
- Easy to move with casters and handles
- Includes window installation kit
- Washable filter
Cons
- No inverter compressor
- 47.3 pounds can be heavy to move
- No heat mode
COSTWAY 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner from COSTWAY is designed for small to medium rooms up to 350 square feet. It offers four modes including cooling, dehumidifying, fan, and sleep, with a remote control for convenient operation. Its budget-friendly price and compact size make it a practical choice for apartments or offices.
Pros
- Effective for small rooms up to 350 sq ft
- Simple controls and remote
- Quiet sleep mode
- Good dehumidification
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- No heating mode
- Non-inverter compressor
- Window height range limited to 25.5-26 inches
Electactic 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner from Electactic provides 10,000 BTU cooling for rooms up to 550 sq ft. It offers four modes, a self-evaporating system, and a 24-hour timer. A budget-friendly choice for medium rooms where window units aren't an option.
Pros
- Cools rooms up to 550 sq ft
- Self-evaporating system reduces draining
- Four modes including dehumidifier
- Quiet operation at 45 dB
- Includes window installation kit
Cons
- Heavy at 44.6 lbs
- No heating mode
- Requires window venting for exhaust
Top 3 Portable Air Conditioners Under $300 Reviewed
#1 Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
The Shinco SPF1-12C gives you the most proven cooling at this budget. It has a 4.1 rating from 3,555 ratings and pairs 12,000 BTU ASHRAE with 7,500 BTU SACC, the highest SACC figure among the units here that list one. Shinco rates it for small to medium spaces up to 450 sq ft, with a temperature range of 60 to 86 degrees F.
It is a 3-in-1 unit with cool, fan and dry modes and three fan speeds. Shinco lists dehumidification of up to 43.2 liters per day without a bucket, thanks to self-evaporating operation, so you rarely need to drain it. Four casters make it easy to roll between rooms, and the LED display and remote, with a range of up to 23 feet, handle settings from across the room. Swing airflow and a 24-hour timer round it out. Installation uses a 59 inch telescopic hose and a window sealing kit, with no tools needed.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU ASHRAE / 7,500 BTU SACC
- Room Size: Up to 450 sq ft
- Noise Level: 52 dB
- Fan Speeds: 3
- Drainage: Self-evaporating in dry mode
- Weight: 56.2 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
The window kit is designed for sliding windows, so check your window type. If you want phone control, Shinco sells a Wi-Fi version of this model, but it is not part of this list.
Best For
This unit is best for a bedroom, office or small living room up to 450 sq ft where you want reliable cooling with little upkeep.
Check the current price and availability of the Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner review.
#2 Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi: Best Value
Why We Picked It
The Temprium PAC009-10K is the lowest-priced unit in this guide and still brings full smart control. It has a 4.2 rating from 363 ratings. You can start cooling, switch modes and build schedules in the TEMPRIUM App, use Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control, or reach for the remote and top touch panel.
Temprium lists 10,000 BTU ASHRAE and 6,000 BTU SACC for rooms up to 450 sq ft, with Sleep Mode at 50 dB and an ambient light you can turn off. Dry Mode removes up to 56 pints of moisture per day, and a self-evaporating system minimizes draining in most conditions. The universal window kit fits sliding windows 20 to 49 inches with no drilling, and the CEER is listed at 6.6. It is also one of the lightest here at 43.7 pounds, with four casters and a built-in handle.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU ASHRAE / 6,000 BTU SACC
- Room Size: Up to 450 sq ft
- Noise Level: 50 dB in Sleep Mode
- Smart Control: App, Alexa, Google Assistant
- Efficiency: CEER 6.6
- Weight: 43.7 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
The SACC rating of 6,000 BTU is the more realistic figure, so in a sunny room near 450 sq ft it will work hard. For more capacity at a similar budget, look at the Shinco or Tehanld.
Best For
This unit is best for a bedroom, dorm or home office where you want phone and voice control for the least money.
Check the current price and availability of the Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi on Amazon.
#3 Tehanld 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Best for Large Rooms
Why We Picked It
The Tehanld TH1309PAC12 covers the most floor area in this guide, with 12,000 BTU of cooling for rooms up to 600 sq ft. It has a 4.4 rating from 45 ratings. Its upward airflow and auto-swing spread cool air without blowing straight at you, and you can set it from 61 to 90 degrees F.
It is also one of the quieter options: Sleep Mode runs at 42 dB and dims the display. The 4-in-1 design covers Cool, Dehumidify, Fan and Sleep, and the dehumidifier handles up to 76 pints per day. Tehanld lists an 8.1 CEER rating with R32 refrigerant, the best efficiency figure in this guide. The full-function remote reaches 26.5 feet, and the LED panel includes a child lock and a 24-hour timer. Setup is tool-free on vertical or horizontal windows from 26 to 50 inches.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 600 sq ft
- Noise Level: 42 dB in Sleep Mode
- Efficiency: 8.1 CEER
- Dehumidifying: Up to 76 pints per day
- Weight: 62 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Unlike the Shinco and Temprium, this unit has no self-evaporating system, so plan to drain it or run a drain hose. It fits sliding and double-hung windows only.
Best For
This unit is best for a living room or large bedroom up to 600 sq ft where capacity and efficiency matter more than smart features.
Check the current price and availability of the Tehanld 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Other Models Worth Considering
BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. A 3-in-1 unit rated 10,000 BTU with 5,550 DOE for rooms up to 450 sq ft. It has the most buyer feedback in this list, a 4.0 rating from 11,077 ratings, plus a FOLLOW ME remote that works as a thermostat. It lists 54 dB, a SEER of 6.7 and weighs 47.3 pounds. There is no app.
COSTWAY 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. A compact 4-in-1 unit with ventilating, drying, cooling and sleep modes, 2 fan speeds and oscillation of 140 degrees vertically and 50 degrees horizontally, covering 350 sq ft. It adds a self-evaporating system, a child lock and a 1 to 24 hour timer. At 60 dB it is the loudest here, but it has a 4.1 rating from 1,033 ratings and weighs 45 pounds.
Electactic 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. A newer listing with a 4.8 rating from 18 ratings, rated for spaces up to 550 sq ft. It lists 45 dB, a self-evaporating system with a full-tank shutoff, four modes including sleep, and a dehumidifier that removes up to 40 pints per day. It is slim at 11.02 inches wide and weighs 44.6 pounds.
What to Expect from Portable Air Conditioners Under $300
At this budget you are buying a non-inverter, single-hose unit. That means the compressor cycles on and off and the unit pulls some warm air back into the room, which is why SACC ratings run well below the headline BTU figure. What you gain under the cap is choice: Wi-Fi control, self-evaporation, quiet sleep modes and enough capacity for a large room are all available.
Prices change often during the season. All six picks were at or under $300 when we checked, and the product cards show the current price. If you can spend a little more, our list of portable air conditioners with a higher budget adds larger and quieter units, and our guide to self-evaporating portable air conditioners focuses on low-maintenance models.
How to Choose a Portable Air Conditioner Under $300
Size the Unit to the Space
ENERGY STAR publishes this general guide for sizing a room air conditioner by floor area:
| Room Size (sq ft) | Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr) |
|---|---|
| 100 to 150 | 5,000 |
| 150 to 250 | 6,000 |
| 250 to 300 | 7,000 |
| 300 to 350 | 8,000 |
| 350 to 400 | 9,000 |
| 400 to 450 | 10,000 |
| 450 to 550 | 12,000 |
| 550 to 700 | 14,000 |
| 700 to 1,000 | 18,000 |
Reduce capacity by 10 percent for a heavily shaded room, increase it by 10 percent for a very sunny room, add 600 BTU for each regular occupant beyond two, and add 4,000 BTU if the unit cools a kitchen. Source: ENERGY STAR.
For a single-hose portable, compare your room against the SACC or DOE figure where the brand gives one, since it reflects real-world cooling.
Decide How Much Draining You Will Tolerate
The Shinco, Temprium, COSTWAY and Electactic list self-evaporating systems. The Tehanld needs manual draining or a hose, which is the trade-off for its large coverage and efficiency.
Check the Window
Most window kits here are built for sliding windows. The Tehanld also fits double-hung windows from 26 to 50 inches, and the Temprium fits sliding windows from 20 to 49 inches.
Mind the Noise
For a bedroom, the Tehanld at 42 dB and the Electactic at 45 dB list the lowest figures. The COSTWAY at 60 dB is better suited to an office or kitchen.
How We Evaluate Portable Air Conditioners
We rank portable air conditioners on manufacturer specifications, listing details and aggregated buyer ratings. For this list we kept only single-hose units listed at or under $300. We weighed cooling capacity, room coverage and buyer feedback first, giving more weight to ratings from larger numbers of buyers, then compared noise, efficiency, drainage, controls and weight. Where a listing gives two different figures, we note both and size against the more conservative one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a portable AC under $300 cool a large room?
Yes, within limits. The Tehanld is rated for rooms up to 600 sq ft, and the Electactic for spaces up to 550 sq ft.
Which portable air conditioner under $300 has Wi-Fi?
The Temprium 10,000 BTU in this list works with its own app, Alexa and Google Assistant.
Which one is the quietest?
The Tehanld, with a 42 dB Sleep Mode. The Electactic lists 45 dB and the Temprium 50 dB.
Do these units need to be drained?
Four of the six use self-evaporating systems that minimize draining. The Tehanld and BLACK+DECKER should be checked and drained as their manuals direct.
Final Verdict
The Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is the best portable air conditioner under $300 for most rooms, with 7,500 BTU SACC cooling, self-evaporation and 3,555 ratings behind it. For smart control at the lowest price, choose the Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi. For a large room up to 600 sq ft, the Tehanld 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner adds the most coverage and the best efficiency.
About the author
Daniel Brooks is a home cooling editor at WikiCooling, covering window, portable, through-the-wall and mini-split air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers. He researches cooling capacity, energy efficiency, noise levels, installation requirements, and buyer feedback to help homeowners choose the right unit for their room size, climate, and budget.