6 Best Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioners of 2026
We compared six single-hose portable air conditioners on real-world cooling, room coverage, noise, drainage and smart control.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 16, 2026
Single-hose portable air conditioners are the most common type of portable you can buy. One flexible hose carries hot air out through a window kit, which keeps setup simple and the unit compact, and makes them a practical choice for renters and rooms where a window unit will not fit. Our list of the best single-hose portable air conditioners compares six of them on real-world cooling, room coverage, noise, drainage and controls. To browse every model we cover in this category, visit our Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioners page.
The trade-off with one hose is that the unit pulls some indoor air out with the heat, and warmer air leaks back in to replace it. That is why we lean on SACC or DOE ratings, which account for this effect, wherever a brand lists one. All six picks run on a standard household outlet and include a window kit.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Cooling Capacity | Room Size | Noise | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUMHOLD 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Overall | 14,000 BTU / 10,000 SACC | 550 to 700 sq ft | Under 48 dB sleep | Self-evaporating, Smart Mode |
| SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Medium rooms | 12,000 BTU / 7,000 BTU SACC | Up to 550 sq ft | 56 dB | Auto swing |
| Temprium 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Value | 8,000 BTU / 5000 BTU SACC | Up to 350 sq ft | 50 dB sleep | App, Alexa, Google |
| DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Quiet smart pick | 8000 BTU / 5000 BTU DOE | Small rooms | 45 dB | Drainage-free, sleep curve |
| BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner | Large smart rooms | 14,000 BTU / 10,200 BTU SACC | Up to 700 sq ft | 54 dB | Wi-Fi, FOLLOW ME remote |
| Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner | Efficiency | 14,000 BTU / 10,000 BTU SACC | Up to 450 sq ft | 51.5 dB | SEER 7.9, app and voice |
| 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 Overall |
HUMHOLD 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.3/10 | Buy |
| Best Value |
SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
Temprium 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy | |
| Best Premium |
BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU Smart Portable Air
|
7.6/10 | Buy |
Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner
|
7.8/10 | Buy |
HUMHOLD 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This portable AC from HUMHOLD delivers 14,000 BTU of cooling power (10,000 SACC) for spaces up to 700 square feet. It combines cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes, with a self-evaporating system that reduces manual draining in cool mode. The quiet sleep mode operates under 48 dB, and the auto-swing function distributes air evenly, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.
Pros
- Cools up to 700 sq. ft.
- Quiet sleep mode under 48 dB
- Self-evaporating in cool mode
- Auto swing for even airflow
- Easy installation with included kit
Cons
- Heavy at 65 pounds
- Requires continuous drain in dry mode
- Noise up to 56 dB in cooling mode
SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner from SereneLife combines cooling and dehumidifying in one unit. With 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) and 7,000 BTU (SACC) cooling power, it is designed for rooms up to 550 sq ft. Features include three operating modes, a built-in dehumidifier, remote control, and rolling wheels for easy mobility.
Pros
- Portable with rolling wheels
- Three operating modes
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Remote control included
- Covers rooms up to 550 sq ft
Cons
- Noise level of 56 dB
- SEER rating of 2.6
- No heat mode
Temprium 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This smart portable air conditioner from Temprium offers 8,000 BTU of cooling power (ASHRAE) for rooms up to 350 sq ft, with convenient WiFi and voice control. Its 50 dB noise level in Sleep mode makes it suitable for bedrooms, and the 3-in-1 functionality adds dehumidification and fan modes.
Pros
- Smart app and voice control
- Quiet 50 dB Sleep mode
- 3-in-1 cooling, dehumidifier, fan
- Tool-free window kit installation
- CEER 6.1 energy efficiency
Cons
- Single-motor design
- No auto-swing louver
- Requires drain hose in dehumidifier mode
DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This DREO portable air conditioner combines 8,000 BTU ASHRAE (5,000 BTU SACC) cooling with a fan and dehumidifier in one unit. Its drainage-free operation and smart controls make it a convenient choice for cooling a small bedroom or office.
Pros
- Powerful cooling for small rooms
- Drainage-free in most conditions
- Smart app and voice control
- Quiet at 45 dB
- Easy installation with included kit
Cons
- Heavy at 55 pounds
- Window panels may require extra sealing
- Drain hose needed in high humidity
BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU Smart Portable Air
This portable air conditioner from BLACK+DECKER offers 14,000 BTU of cooling power (10,200 BTU SACC) for spaces up to 700 square feet. It functions as a dehumidifier and fan, and includes Wi-Fi connectivity for voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant. The Follow Me remote lets the unit adjust temperature based on the remote's location for more precise comfort.
Pros
- Smart Wi-Fi and voice control
- Follow Me remote for precise temperature
- Three-in-one: AC, dehumidifier, fan
- Easy window installation kit
- Washable filter
Cons
- Vents direct air upward
- Requires frequent water draining in humid conditions
- Heavy at 68.3 pounds
Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner from Midea delivers 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 BTU SACC) cooling for rooms up to 450 sq. ft. It includes smart home control via app and voice, a reusable filter with indicator, and a proximity-sensing remote. Suitable for medium to large rooms needing efficient cooling with convenient smart features.
Pros
- Smart control via app and voice
- Quiet operation at 51.5 dB
- Cools up to 450 sq. ft.
- Easy installation with included window kit
- Proximity-sensing remote adjusts cooling
Cons
- Reciprocating compressor produces noticeable noise
- Heavy at 69.7 pounds
- No heat mode
Top 3 Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioners Reviewed
#1 HUMHOLD 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
The HUMHOLD HDPAC-10-A2 gives you strong real-world cooling with very little upkeep. It has a 4.3 rating from 314 ratings and lists 14,000 BTU ASHRAE with 10,000 SACC, one of the highest SACC figures among single-hose units we cover. HUMHOLD rates it for 550 to 700 sq ft spaces, which covers most living rooms and open-plan areas.
Its self-evaporating system turns condensate into vapor and blows it out through the exhaust hose, so there is no daily draining in normal use. Smart Mode uses a built-in sensor to switch between Cool and Fan and keep the room between 73 and 77 degrees F. Sleep Mode runs under 48dB, and a 1 to 24 hour timer lets you preset shut-off times. A three-speed fan with a 30 to 85 degree up-and-down auto-swing spreads air without blowing straight at you, and the backlit remote works from up to 28 feet away. The dehumidifier handles 80 to 96 pints per day.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE / 10,000 SACC
- Room Size: 550 to 700 sq ft
- Noise Level: Under 48dB in Sleep Mode
- Drainage: Self-evaporating
- Power: 1250 watts
- Weight: 65 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
HUMHOLD notes that continuous draining is required in Dry mode or when humidity is above 85%, so keep the drain hose handy in muggy climates. The remote needs two AAA batteries, which are not included.
Best For
This unit is best for a living room, large bedroom or open-plan space where you want serious cooling without emptying a tank.
Check the current price and availability of the HUMHOLD 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
#2 SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Best for Medium Rooms
Why We Picked It
The SereneLife 12,000 BTU unit has the deepest track record in this guide, with a 4.2 rating from 4,029 ratings. It lists 12,000 BTU ASHRAE and 7,000 BTU SACC cooling, and SereneLife says it can cover a room up to 550 square feet, so it is a good match for a bedroom, home office or garage workspace.
It keeps things simple with three modes: cooling, dehumidifier and fan. An automatic swing mode with a moving vent spreads air around the room, and the digital touch panel handles power, mode, timer, temperature, fan speed and a sleep key, with a remote for use from across the room. SereneLife lists airflow of 290 cubic meters per hour and moisture removal of 1.8 liters per hour. Rolling wheels make it easy to move, and the window mount exhaust kit is included. Rated power is 1150W.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU ASHRAE / 7,000 BTU SACC
- Room Size: Up to 550 sq ft
- Noise Level: 56 dB
- Modes: Cool, dehumidify, fan
- Power: 1150W
- Height: 34.1 inches
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
The 7,000 BTU SACC rating is the realistic figure, so the upper room size is best treated as a ceiling for shaded rooms. Light sleepers should look at the DREO or Temprium instead.
Best For
This unit is best for a home office, garage workspace or medium bedroom where proven, simple cooling matters more than smart features.
Check the current price and availability of the SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner review.
#3 Temprium 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Best Value
Why We Picked It
The Temprium PAC009-8K is the lowest-priced unit in this guide, yet it brings features you usually pay more for. It has a 4.2 rating from 363 ratings. Temprium lists 8,000 BTU ASHRAE with 5000 BTU SACC for rooms up to 350 sq ft, and a strong 320 cubic meters per hour of airflow.
Smart control is the highlight. The TEMPRIUM App lets you adjust temperature, switch modes and schedule cooling, and the unit works with Alexa and Google Assistant, plus a remote and top panel. Sleep mode runs at 50 dB and the soft light can be switched off, which suits bedrooms and nurseries. A self-evaporation system reduces draining, Dry mode removes up to 41 pints of moisture per day with a drain pipe attached, and the universal window kit fits 20 to 49 inch sliding windows without tools. It is light at 41.6 pounds and lists a CEER of 6.1.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU ASHRAE / 5000 BTU SACC
- Room Size: Up to 350 sq ft
- Noise Level: 50 dB in Sleep mode
- Smart Control: App, Alexa, Google Assistant
- Power: 780 watts
- Weight: 41.6 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
With 5000 BTU SACC, this is a small-room unit. Do not stretch it to a living room on a hot, sunny day.
Best For
This unit is best for a bedroom, nursery or home office where you want smart control and low weight on a tight budget.
Check the current price and availability of the Temprium 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Other Models Worth Considering
DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (318S). A smart bedroom unit rated 8000 BTU ASHRAE and 5000 BTU DOE, with a patented noise isolation system that brings it down to 45dB. Its drainage-free system uses sensors and a pump to evaporate water in environments under 90% humidity. The DREO app adds temperature and humidity monitoring and a custom sleep curve, and it works with Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It has a 4.2 rating from 1,340 ratings and weighs 55 pounds.
BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner (BPACT14WT). A 14,000 BTU ASHRAE unit with 10,200 BTU SACC for rooms up to 700 sq ft, with Wi-Fi control through the BLACK+DECKER app, Alexa or Google Assistant, and a FOLLOW ME remote that acts as a thermostat. It lists 54 dB and weighs 68.3 pounds, with a 3.9 rating from 9,172 ratings.
Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner (MAP10S1XWT-A). Rated 14,000 BTU ASHRAE and 10,000 BTU SACC for spaces up to 450 sq ft. It works with the Midea SmartHome app, Alexa and Google Assistant, lists a SEER of 7.9 and 51.5 dB, and has a remote with a proximity sensing feature. It has a 4.0 rating from 108 ratings and weighs 69.7 pounds.
What to Expect from Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioners
A single-hose design keeps the unit simpler, lighter and easier to install than a dual-hose model, and it is what most portables on the market use. The cost is efficiency: because the unit exhausts some room air, warm air seeps back in through gaps around doors and windows. Good sealing around the window panel and a short, straight hose make a real difference.
For specific needs, see our guides to quiet portable air conditioners for bedrooms and self-evaporating portable air conditioners that rarely need draining. The product cards show the current price for each unit.
How to Choose a Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioner
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.
Compare your room against the SACC or DOE figure where it is listed, not the larger ASHRAE number on the box.
Decide on Drainage
The HUMHOLD, Temprium and DREO list self-evaporating or drainage-free systems. Others may need draining in humid weather, so check before you buy if you do not want to empty a tank.
Smart or Simple Controls
The Temprium, DREO, BLACK+DECKER Smart and Midea offer app and voice control. The HUMHOLD and SereneLife rely on a panel and remote.
Check Noise and Weight
For bedrooms, the DREO at 45dB and the HUMHOLD and Temprium sleep modes are the quietest options here. Most units weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, so check that the path to the window is clear.
How We Evaluate Single-Hose 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. We weighed real-world cooling capacity, room coverage and buyer feedback first, giving more weight to ratings from larger numbers of buyers, then compared noise, drainage, controls, efficiency and weight. Where a listing gives two different figures, we note both and size against the more conservative one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single-hose and dual-hose portables?
A single-hose unit uses one hose to exhaust hot air, drawing its cooling air from the room. A dual-hose unit adds a second hose to pull outside air for the condenser, which reduces warm air leaking back into the room.
Which single-hose portable cools the largest room?
The HUMHOLD and the BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU Smart are each rated for up to 700 sq ft.
Which one is the quietest?
The DREO 318S at 45dB. The HUMHOLD runs under 48dB in Sleep Mode, and the Temprium lists 50 dB in Sleep mode.
Do single-hose portables need a window?
Yes. The hose must vent outside, so every unit here comes with a window kit.
Final Verdict
The HUMHOLD 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is the best single-hose portable air conditioner for most homes, with 10,000 SACC cooling, a self-evaporating system and coverage for 550 to 700 sq ft. For a proven medium-room unit, choose the SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. If you want smart control at the lowest price here, the Temprium 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is the value pick.
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.