6 Best Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments of 2026
We compared six portable air conditioners for apartments on cooling capacity, room size, noise and features.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 31, 2026
Portable air conditioners for apartments solve a common renter problem: many buildings ban window units but allow a portable model with a removable window kit. We compared six apartment-friendly models from Midea, TCL, ZAFRO, Frigidaire, Shinco and DREO on capacity, footprint, drainage, noise and smart controls.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea 12,000 BTU ASHRAE Inverter Portable Air Conditioner | Overall | 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (8,000 SACC) | Up to 350 sq ft | Single hose | Inverter, SmartHome app, 48 dB |
| TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner | Small footprint | 10,000 BTU | Up to 450 sq ft | Single hose | App, Alexa, Google, 14.1 x 16.05 inch footprint |
| 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 |
| Frigidaire 12,000/8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner | Larger rooms | 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (8,000 DOE) | Up to 550 sq ft | Single hose | Wi-Fi, auto swing, 49 dB |
| Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi | Value Wi-Fi | 12,000 BTU (7,500 SACC) | Up to 450 sq ft | Single hose | Smart Life app, 24h timer |
| DREO 515S Portable Air Conditioner | Quiet bedrooms | 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (8,000 DOE) | Medium rooms | Single hose | Noise isolation, drainage-free, 45 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 › | |
|---|---|---|---|
Midea 12,000 BTU ASHRAE Inverter Portable Air
|
7.0/10 | Buy | |
| Best Overall |
TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.3/10 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
ZAFRO 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
Frigidaire 12,000/8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air
|
7.2/10 | Buy | |
Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
7.8/10 | Buy | |
| Best Premium |
DREO 515S Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.0/10 | Buy |
Midea 12,000 BTU ASHRAE Inverter Portable Air
This portable air conditioner from Midea delivers 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (8,000 BTU SACC) cooling for rooms up to 350 sq. ft. Its inverter compressor and smart controls make it a practical choice for those seeking efficient, app-enabled cooling without permanent installation.
Pros
- Inverter technology for efficient cooling
- Smart control via app and voice
- Easy roll-away installation with wheels
- Quiet operation at 48 dB
- Covers rooms up to 350 sq. ft.
Cons
- No heat mode for winter use
- Heavy at 52.9 pounds
- One-year limited warranty
TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner from TCL offers 10,000 BTU SACC (14,000 BTU ASHRAE) cooling for rooms up to 450 square feet. Its 3-in-1 operation includes fan and dehumidifier modes, while Wi-Fi and voice control add convenience. The compact footprint and included installation kit make it a practical choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.
Pros
- Compact design fits in tight spaces
- Smart app and voice control
- 3-in-1 AC, fan, and dehumidifier
- Washable filter for easy maintenance
- Easy mobility with handles and wheels
Cons
- No inverter compressor
- Single-hose design
- Noise level of 51 dB
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
Frigidaire 12,000/8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air
This Frigidaire portable air conditioner combines Wi-Fi connectivity with three operating modes, cooling spaces up to 550 sq. ft. Its 49 dBA noise level and Sleep Mode make it suitable for bedrooms, while the washable filter and Clean Filter alerts simplify maintenance. The unit offers both ASHRAE and DOE cooling capacities, with the 8,000 BTU DOE rating reflecting real-world performance.
Pros
- Wi-Fi and voice control
- Quiet 49 dBA operation
- Washable filter with clean alerts
- Dehumidifier mode included
- 24-hour programmable timer
Cons
- Single-hose design
- Manual drain for dehumidifier mode
- Heavy at 69 pounds
Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
For those seeking a connected portable AC, the Shinco 12,000 BTU model offers WiFi control via the Smart Life app, letting you adjust settings remotely. Its 3-in-1 design covers cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes, with a dehumidification rate of 43.2 liters per day. Best suited for rooms up to 450 square feet, it includes a window kit and casters for easy relocation.
Pros
- WiFi app control for remote adjustments.
- High dehumidification capacity in dry mode.
- Easy to move with built-in casters.
- Includes window kit for quick setup.
- Adjustable fan speeds and swing function.
Cons
- Single-hose design requires window venting.
- No heat mode for year-round use.
- Manual drain needed in dry mode when tank is full.
DREO 515S Portable Air Conditioner
The DREO 515S is a 3-in-1 portable air conditioner that cools, fans, and dehumidifies. With 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (8,000 BTU SACC) capacity, it suits rooms up to 150 square feet. Its drainage-free system in cool mode under 90% humidity reduces maintenance, and the 45 dB noise level makes it suitable for bedrooms. Smart app and voice control add convenience.
Pros
- Quiet 45 dB operation suitable for bedrooms
- Drainage-free in cool mode under 90% humidity
- Smart controls with app, voice, and remote
- 3-in-1 cooling, fan, and dehumidifier functions
- Cools rooms up to 150 square feet
Cons
- No inverter compressor for variable speed
- Heavy at 62.9 pounds may require two people
- Drainage-free limited to cool mode and low humidity
Top 3 Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments Reviewed
#1 Midea 12,000 BTU ASHRAE Inverter Portable Air Conditioner: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
Midea’s 12,000 BTU ASHRAE inverter portable air conditioner uses a variable speed compressor that Midea says saves more than 66 percent energy compared with the federal standard, and it adds full app control.
For an apartment where the AC runs most of the day, the inverter makes a real difference. It varies the compressor speed to hold your set point, which cuts power use and keeps noise down to a listed 48 dB. Midea rates it at 8,000 BTU SACC for spaces up to 350 sq ft, which suits a bedroom, a studio or the main room of a one bedroom apartment. It cools, dehumidifies and runs as a fan. The SmartHome app lets you switch modes, set schedules and adjust it from anywhere, and it works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. Because portable units are often allowed where window units are not, it is a good fit for renters whose building restricts window ACs.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 12,000 BTU ASHRAE, 8,000 BTU SACC
- Coverage: Up to 350 sq ft
- Compressor: Inverter
- Efficiency: Over 66 percent savings vs federal standard (Midea claim)
- Controls: SmartHome app, Alexa, Google Assistant, remote
- Noise: 48 dB
- Refrigerant: R-32
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Midea rates it for 350 sq ft, so it suits one room rather than a whole open plan apartment. Check your lease and window type before you buy.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for apartments where the AC runs for many hours a day.
Check the current price and availability of the Midea 12,000 BTU ASHRAE Inverter Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
#2 TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner: Best Compact
Why We Picked It
TCL’s 10,000 BTU smart portable air conditioner cools up to 450 sq ft from a compact 14.1 by 16.05 inch footprint, a good balance of capacity and size for an apartment living room.
Apartments rarely have spare floor space, and TCL designed this unit to fit beside a sofa or under a window without dominating the room. It is still rated for 450 sq ft, enough for a living room or an open studio. It works as an air conditioner, a fan and a dehumidifier, and you can run it from the TCL Home app, by voice through Alexa or Google Assistant or with the included remote. Sleep and Eco modes and a 24 hour timer help keep the electric bill down, which matters if you pay for your own power. TCL lists the noise at 51 dB, and the filter is washable. The window kit fits standard sliding and hung windows.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 10,000 BTU
- Coverage: Up to 450 sq ft
- Footprint: 14.1 x 16.05 inches
- Controls: TCL Home app, Alexa, Google Assistant, remote
- Modes: Cool, Fan, Dehumidifier, Sleep, Eco
- Noise: 51 dB
- Filter: Washable
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
TCL does not list a SACC figure, so expect real output below the headline number. It is not an inverter unit.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for apartment living rooms and studios.
Check the current price and availability of the TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full TCL 10,000 BTU Smart 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
Frigidaire 12,000/8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner. Frigidaire’s smart unit is rated at 8,000 BTU DOE for 550 sq ft, with Wi-Fi, auto swing louvers and a listed 49 dB.
Shinco 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi. Shinco’s 12,000 BTU Wi-Fi unit is rated at 7,500 BTU SACC for 450 sq ft and works through the Smart Life app.
DREO 515S Portable Air Conditioner. DREO’s 515S is rated at 8,000 BTU SACC, runs drainage-free in cool mode and uses noise isolation to reach a listed 45 dB.
What to Expect from Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments
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 bedrooms and quiet portable air conditioners. The product cards above show the current price for each model.
How to Choose Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments
Apartment Rules
Many leases and building rules ban window units but allow portable air conditioners, because the window kit is removable and nothing hangs outside the building. Check your lease first, measure your window, and look for a unit that can drain without a floor drain if you cannot run a hose.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How We Evaluate Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments
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 weighed efficiency, footprint and drainage first, then noise and smart controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Is it safe to run a portable AC all night?
Yes. Use sleep mode to quiet the fan and raise the set point gradually, and make sure the unit can drain or will stop safely if the tank fills.
Final Verdict
The Midea 12,000 BTU ASHRAE Inverter Portable Air Conditioner is the best portable air conditioner for apartments, with inverter efficiency, app control and a 48 dB listing. For a small footprint, choose the TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner, and to skip draining, 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.