6 Best Portable Air Conditioners for Sliding Windows of 2026
We compared six Portable Air Conditioners for Sliding Windows on cooling capacity, room size, noise and features.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 31, 2026
Sliding windows are the easiest windows to vent a portable unit through, and portable air conditioners for sliding windows come with adjustable kits that fit horizontal openings. We compared six models from Shinco, GrowthWing, ZAFRO, BLACK+DECKER, Temprium and DOMANKI whose kits list sliding window fit.
To browse every model we cover, visit our Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioners page.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Cooling | Room Size | Setup | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinco SPU2-14CW 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Overall | 14,000 BTU (10,000 SACC) | Up to 700 sq ft | Single hose | 3-in-1, remote, 60°F to 86°F |
| GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi Portable Air Conditioner | Quiet smart | 14,000 BTU ASHRAE | Up to 700 sq ft | Single hose | Wi-Fi, voice, 72-hour auto-evaporation, 42 dB |
| ZAFRO 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | No drain needed | 12,000 BTU (8,000 SACC) | Medium rooms | Single hose | 72-hour drainage-free, app, 47 dB |
| BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Dehumidifying | 12,000 BTU | Up to 550 sq ft | Single hose | Dehumidifier, Follow Me remote |
| Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi | Wi-Fi value | 10,000 BTU ASHRAE (6,000 SACC) | Up to 450 sq ft | Single hose | Wi-Fi, 350 m³/h, 50 dB sleep |
| DOMANKI 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Auto swing | 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 SACC) | Up to 700 sq ft | Single hose | ETL certified, auto swing, 48 dB |
| 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 › | |
|---|---|---|---|
Shinco SPU2-14CW 14,000 BTU Portable Air
|
7.5/10 | Buy | |
| Best Overall |
GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi Portable Air
|
8.9/10 | Buy |
ZAFRO 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy | |
| Best Premium |
BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
| Best Value |
DOMANKI 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
Shinco SPU2-14CW 14,000 BTU Portable Air
This portable air conditioner delivers 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) and 10,000 BTU (SACC) cooling for rooms up to 650 square feet. It combines cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes with a remote control and quick window installation. While budget-friendly, some users report leaking issues that may affect long-term reliability.
Pros
- Powerful cooling for medium-sized rooms
- Built-in dehumidifier and fan modes
- Easy window installation included
- Remote control and timer functions
- Portable with smooth-rolling casters
Cons
- Reported leaking issues from some users
- Heavy at 68 pounds for one person
- Single-hose design may reduce efficiency
GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi Portable Air
This portable air conditioner delivers strong cooling for large rooms up to 700 sq ft with its 14,000 BTU ASHRAE rating. It offers smart WiFi and voice control, a quiet sleep mode at 42dB, and an auto-evaporation system that reduces manual drainage. The main trade-off is the lack of a SACC rating, and it is heavy at 66 pounds.
Pros
- Cools large rooms up to 700 sq ft
- Smart WiFi and voice control
- Quiet sleep mode at 42dB
- Auto-evaporation reduces drainage
- Easy setup with included kit
Cons
- Heavy at 66 pounds
- No SACC rating listed (ASHRAE only)
- May need drain hose for dehumidifier mode
ZAFRO 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner delivers 12,000 BTU (8,000 BTU SACC) cooling with three operating modes and four fan speeds. Its self-evaporating system eliminates the need to drain water, and smart controls via app, Alexa, or Google Home add convenience. With a quiet sleep mode at 47 dB and compact design on casters, it suits bedrooms and small spaces where low maintenance and remote operation are priorities.
Pros
- Quiet sleep mode at 47 dB
- Self-evaporating, no draining needed
- Smart app and voice control
- Compact with casters for easy movement
- 24-hour programmable timer
Cons
- Heavy at 59.3 pounds
- No inverter compressor
- No heat mode
BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner from BLACK+DECKER delivers 12,000 BTU of cooling power (ASHRAE) for rooms up to 550 sq. ft. Its three-in-one design combines air conditioning, dehumidifying, and fan functions, while the Follow Me remote control allows the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control. Ideal for larger living spaces, master bedrooms, or entire floors, it includes a window kit for easy installation.
Pros
- Cools up to 550 sq. ft.
- Follow Me remote acts as thermostat
- Three-in-one: AC, dehumidifier, fan
- Auto water evaporation
- Easy window installation
Cons
- Single-hose design
- No inverter compressor
- Heavy at 55.4 lbs
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
DOMANKI 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
This freestanding portable air conditioner from DOMANKI delivers 14,000 BTU ASHRAE and 10,000 BTU SACC cooling, with cool, dry, and fan modes in one unit. It is listed for a 500 sq ft floor area and comes with a full-function remote, washable filter, and window installation kit. At a listed 48 dB, it is quiet enough to use in a bedroom or office.
Pros
- 14,000 BTU ASHRAE / 10,000 BTU SACC output
- Three modes: cool, dehumidify, fan
- Self-evaporating design minimizes draining
- Remote and window kit included
- 48 dB noise level
Cons
- No heating mode
- Heavy at 65 pounds
- Manual drain needed in humid conditions
Top 3 Portable Air Conditioners for Sliding Windows Reviewed
#1 Shinco SPU2-14CW 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
Shinco’s SPU2-14CW is a 14,000 BTU ASHRAE portable air conditioner rated at 10,000 BTU SACC for up to 700 sq ft, a straightforward high-capacity unit for a garage or workshop.
Shinco states its capacity with an unusual level of detail: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE and 10,000 BTU SACC, with a stated tolerance of 5 percent between measured and nominal capacity. That gives you a dependable figure for sizing a garage or a basement workshop. The 3-in-1 design cools, dehumidifies and runs as a fan, and the set range runs from 60°F to 86°F. The remote control and installation kit are included, so you can fit the window panel in a garage window and run the unit from your bench. Shinco lists the noise at 57 dB, louder than living room units, but in a garage or workshop that matters far less than capacity. It uses R-32 refrigerant and rolls on casters for positioning.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE, 10,000 BTU SACC
- Coverage: Up to 700 sq ft
- Capacity tolerance: 5 percent (Shinco claim)
- Modes: Cool, Dehumidify, Fan
- Temperature range: 60°F to 86°F
- Noise: 57 dB
- Refrigerant: R-32
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
At 57 dB, it is too loud for a bedroom, but that is less of an issue in a garage. Close the main door and vent the exhaust outside.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for garages, workshops and basements.
Check the current price and availability of the Shinco SPU2-14CW 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
#2 GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi Portable Air Conditioner: Best Quiet Smart
Why We Picked It
GrowthWing’s 14,000 BTU smart portable air conditioner covers up to 700 sq ft, lists a quiet 42 dB, adds Wi-Fi and voice control and runs up to 72 hours without draining.
For a living room that you use all evening, the noise figure stands out: 42 dB is low for a 14,000 BTU single hose unit. A wide 77 degree air outlet spreads the cooling across a seating area, and R32 refrigerant and an upgraded compressor deliver the 14,000 BTU ASHRAE output. The auto-evaporation system means it can run for up to 72 hours without draining in normal conditions, so you are not checking a tank. You can control temperature, fan speed, modes and schedules from the app, by voice or with the included remote. GrowthWing lists 1200 watts on 115V, so it runs from a standard outlet. It also dehumidifies, which helps on muggy days when the living room feels sticky rather than hot.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE
- Coverage: Up to 700 sq ft
- Noise: 42 dB
- Drainage: Up to 72 hours auto-evaporation
- Controls: Wi-Fi app, voice, remote
- Air outlet: 77 degrees wide
- Power: 115V, 1200 watts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
GrowthWing does not list a SACC rating, so the 700 sq ft claim is based on the ASHRAE number. In a large, sunny room, expect it to cool a smaller area well.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for living rooms and family rooms used in the evening.
Check the current price and availability of the GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi Portable Air Conditioner review.
#3 ZAFRO 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Best Drain-Free
Why We Picked It
ZAFRO’s 12,000 BTU portable air conditioner, rated at 8,000 BTU SACC, runs up to 72 hours without draining and adds app, Alexa and Google Home control.
Drainage is a real issue in apartments, where you may not have a floor drain or want a hose across the floor. ZAFRO’s self-evaporating design lets it run up to 72 hours without draining in normal conditions. It offers cooling, dehumidifying and fan modes, four fan speeds including auto and an automatic mode, and precise temperature control from 61°F to 86°F. The ZAFRO app, Amazon Alexa and Google Home provide smart control, so you can schedule it around your workday. ZAFRO lists the noise at 47 dB, which suits a studio where the unit shares a room with your bed. Child lock and sleep mode are included, and the remote and window kit come in the box.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 12,000 BTU, 8,000 BTU SACC
- Drainage: Up to 72 hours drainage-free
- Controls: ZAFRO app, Alexa, Google Home, remote
- Fan speeds: 4 including auto
- Temperature range: 61°F to 86°F
- Noise: 47 dB
- Extras: Child lock, sleep mode
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
ZAFRO does not list a coverage area for this model, so size it by the 8,000 BTU SACC rating. It suits one room rather than an open plan apartment.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for studios and apartments without a convenient drain.
Check the current price and availability of the ZAFRO 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Other Models Worth Considering
BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. BLACK+DECKER’s BPT08WTB pairs 12,000 BTU of cooling with a dehumidifier and a Follow Me remote for 550 sq ft.
Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi. Temprium’s 10,000 BTU ASHRAE unit is rated at 6,000 BTU SACC and adds Wi-Fi and a 50 dB sleep mode.
DOMANKI 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. DOMANKI’s 14,000 BTU unit is rated at 10,000 BTU SACC for 700 sq ft, with auto swing and a 48 dB listing.
What to Expect from Portable Air Conditioners for Sliding Windows
A portable air conditioner is a complete refrigeration unit on wheels. It pulls warm room air across a cold coil, sends the cooled air back into the room and pushes the heat it removed outside through an exhaust hose that runs to a window. Because the hot side and the cold side share one cabinet indoors, a portable unit works harder than a window unit of the same rating, but it needs no permanent installation and can move from room to room.
For more options, see our guides to portable air conditioners for apartments and portable air conditioners for living rooms. The product cards above show the current price for each model.
How to Choose Portable Air Conditioners for Sliding Windows
Window Kits and Installation
Portable units ship with a window kit: an adjustable panel that fits in the window opening and holds the exhaust hose. Most kits fit standard sliding and double-hung windows. Casement and crank windows usually need a different kit or a custom panel. Keep the exhaust hose as short and straight as possible, because every extra bend and foot of hose reduces cooling.
Match the Unit to the Room
Start with the room size the manufacturer lists, then adjust. Sunny rooms, high ceilings, kitchens and rooms with several people need more capacity, while shaded rooms need less. An undersized unit will run constantly without catching up, and an oversized unit cools quickly but removes less humidity, so the room can feel clammy.
ASHRAE vs SACC Ratings
Portable AC boxes often show two numbers. The larger ASHRAE figure is measured under ideal lab conditions and does not account for the heat that leaks back from the exhaust hose. The smaller SACC figure, which the Department of Energy uses, reflects real-world portable use. Compare units by their SACC or DOE rating when a listing gives one, and treat the ASHRAE number as a ceiling.
Check the Noise
Every portable AC has its compressor in the room with you, so noise matters. Look for a decibel figure on the listing, a sleep mode that slows the fan and dims the display, and an inverter compressor, which ramps up and down instead of cycling hard on and off. Quiet settings usually mean less airflow, so a slightly larger unit run on low can be quieter than a small unit on high.
Drainage and Self-Evaporation
Every air conditioner pulls water out of the air. Many portable units evaporate most of it and blow it out with the exhaust, so in normal conditions you rarely need to drain them. In very humid weather or in dehumidifier mode, water can collect in an internal tank, and the unit will stop when it is full. A drain port that accepts a hose lets you run it continuously into a floor drain or bucket.
How We Evaluate Portable Air Conditioners for Sliding Windows
We rank these units on manufacturer specifications and listing details: cooling capacity, the room size the maker lists, noise, controls, setup, power use and price. We kept only new, in-stock units and left out accessories, renewed listings, color duplicates and listings with too little data. For this list we kept only units whose listings mention sliding window kits, then weighed capacity and noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a portable air conditioner need a window?
Yes, in almost every case. The exhaust hose has to send the heat outside, usually through a window, a sliding door or a wall vent. A unit with nowhere to vent only moves heat around the room.
Should I trust the ASHRAE or the SACC rating?
Use the SACC or DOE rating to compare portable units. It accounts for real-world heat losses and is always lower than the ASHRAE number printed on the box.
Can I use a portable AC in an apartment?
Usually yes. Portable units are often allowed where window units are not, because the window kit is removable. Check your lease first.
Do portable air conditioners need to be drained?
Many evaporate most of the water they collect and rarely need draining, but in humid weather or dehumidifier mode the internal tank can fill. A drain hose lets the unit run continuously.
Final Verdict
The Shinco SPU2-14CW 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is the best Portable Air Conditioner for Sliding Windows for most people, with a 10,000 BTU SACC rating and a kit for sliding windows. For quiet smart cooling, choose the GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi Portable Air Conditioner, and for drainage-free operation, the ZAFRO 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner.
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.