7 Best Portable Air Conditioners Under $400 in 2026
We compared seven Portable Air Conditioners Under $400 on cooling capacity, room size, noise and controls, from DREO and BLACK+DECKER to Midea.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated November 3, 2026
Portable air conditioners under $400 cover the sweet spot of the category: 12,000 and 14,000 BTU units for bedrooms, living rooms and offices, plus one compact smart model for small rooms. We compared seven from DREO, BLACK+DECKER, Midea, KAMLAM, DOMANKI, SereneLife and Frigidaire on capacity, room size, noise and controls. Every unit was listed under $400 when we checked; prices change, so confirm on the product cards.
To browse every model we cover, visit our Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioners page.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Cooling | Room Size | Noise | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Overall | 8,000 BTU ASHRAE (5,000 DOE) | Not listed | 45 dB | Drainage-free, app and voice |
| BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Large rooms | 12,000 BTU | Up to 550 sq ft | 53 dB | Follow Me remote |
| Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner | Smart control | 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 SACC) | Up to 450 sq ft | 51.5 dB | App, voice, proximity remote |
| KAMLAM 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Large rooms | 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 SACC) | Up to 700 sq ft | 48 dB | Sleep mode, 4 modes |
| DOMANKI 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Features | 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 SACC) | Up to 700 sq ft | 48 dB | 24-hour timer, child lock |
| SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | Dehumidifying | 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (7,000 SACC) | 550+ sq ft | 56 dB | Dehumidifier, wheels |
| Frigidaire 12,000/8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner | Wi-Fi brand name | 12,000 BTU ASHRAE (8,000 DOE) | Up to 550 sq ft | 49 dB | Wi-Fi, filter alerts |
| 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 Value |
DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
| Best Premium |
BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner
|
7.8/10 | Buy | |
| Best Budget |
KAMLAM 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.0/10 | Buy |
DOMANKI 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy | |
| Best Overall |
SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
Frigidaire 12,000/8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air
|
7.2/10 | Buy |
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 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
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
KAMLAM 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
KAMLAM's 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner delivers both ASHRAE and SACC ratings for rooms up to 700 square feet. It combines cooling, fan, and dehumidifier functions with a sleep mode that lowers noise to 48 dB. Suitable for medium to large rooms where a free-standing unit with window venting is practical.
Pros
- Cools up to 700 sq. ft.
- 3-in-1 cooling, fan, dehumidifier
- Sleep mode at 48 dB
- No-drain operation in most conditions
- Includes remote and installation kit
Cons
- Heavy at 66 pounds
- No inverter compressor
- Requires manual drain in humid conditions
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
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
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
Top 3 Portable Air Conditioners Under $400 Reviewed
#1 DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
The DREO 318S is an 8,000 BTU ASHRAE (5,000 BTU DOE) smart portable air conditioner that runs drainage-free in cool mode and lists a 45 dB noise level.
It is the most complete small-room unit in this price range. DREO rates it for cooling up to 14 feet from the unit and lets you set 61 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It works as an air conditioner, a fan and a dehumidifier, and you can run it from the touchpad, the remote, the app or by voice through Alexa and Google Assistant. The cabinet measures 15.16 by 13.98 by 24.8 inches, which is narrow enough for a bedroom corner, and it draws 1,040 watts on a standard 115 volt outlet. It uses R-32 refrigerant and has no inverter.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 8,000 BTU ASHRAE, 5,000 BTU DOE
- Noise: 45 dB
- Modes: Cool, Fan, Dry
- Controls: Touchpad, remote, app, Alexa, Google Assistant
- Power: 1,040 watts, 115 volts
- Weight: 55 pounds
- Max window opening: 53 inches
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
The 5,000 BTU DOE rating means this is a bedroom or small office unit, not a living room cooler. DREO says a drain hose may still be needed in high humidity, and the window panels can need extra sealing.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for bedrooms, home offices and other small rooms where quiet smart control matters most.
Check the current price and availability of the DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner review.
#2 BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: Best for Large Rooms
Why We Picked It
The BLACK+DECKER BPT08WTB is a 12,000 BTU single hose portable air conditioner rated for rooms up to 550 sq ft, with a Follow Me remote that works as a thermostat.
It combines an air conditioner, a dehumidifier and a fan in one cabinet. The Follow Me function lets the remote sense the temperature where you sit, so the unit cools your spot instead of the air next to the cabinet. An auto water evaporation feature limits how often you empty the bucket, and the kit includes an exhaust hose and window adapter for a double hung or sliding window. It lists 53 dB, draws 890 watts and has a washable filter. It uses R-32 refrigerant and has no inverter.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 12,000 BTU
- Coverage: Up to 550 sq ft
- Noise: 53 dB
- Power: 890 watts, 115 volts
- Controls: Remote with Follow Me
- Filter: Washable
- Weight: 55.4 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
It is a single hose unit, so it pulls some warm air in from the rest of the home while it runs. The 53 dB figure is higher than the quietest units here.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for larger bedrooms and living rooms up to 550 sq ft where a thermostat remote is useful.
Check the current price and availability of the BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
#3 Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner: Best Smart Control
Why We Picked It
Midea rates this portable air conditioner at 14,000 BTU ASHRAE and 10,000 BTU SACC, sized for spaces up to 450 sq ft, with app and voice control.
The SmartHome app for iOS and Android switches modes and sets schedules, and the unit pairs with Alexa or Google Assistant. A compact remote with a proximity sensor adjusts the cooling to where you are, and an LED display shows the settings. The kit includes the exhaust hose and window kit, and Midea says no extra tools are needed to set it up. It lists 51.5 dB and draws 1,365 watts. It has a reciprocating compressor and no inverter.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE, 10,000 BTU SACC
- Coverage: Up to 450 sq ft
- Noise: 51.5 dB
- Power: 1,365 watts, 115 volts
- Controls: App, remote, voice
- Weight: 69.7 pounds
- Refrigerant: R-32
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
At 69.7 pounds it is hard to move between floors. The reciprocating compressor makes more noise than the 51.5 dB figure suggests, and there is no inverter.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for bedrooms and living rooms up to 450 sq ft where app control and a high SACC rating matter.
Check the current price and availability of the Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Other Models Worth Considering
KAMLAM 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. KAMLAM lists 14,000 BTU ASHRAE and 10,000 BTU SACC for rooms up to 700 sq ft, with 48 dB sleep mode, four modes and a 1,300 watt draw. It weighs 66 pounds.
DOMANKI 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. DOMANKI lists 14,000 BTU ASHRAE and 10,000 BTU SACC for rooms up to 700 sq ft at 48 dB. It has a washable filter, a 24-hour timer, child lock and casters, and weighs 65 pounds.
SereneLife 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. SereneLife lists 12,000 BTU ASHRAE and 7,000 BTU SACC for rooms over 550 sq ft, with rolling wheels, a remote and a built-in dehumidifier rated at 1.8 liters per hour. Its listed noise level is 56 dB.
Frigidaire 12,000/8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner. Frigidaire lists 12,000 BTU ASHRAE and 8,000 BTU DOE for rooms up to 550 sq ft at 49 dB. It adds Wi-Fi, Alexa and Google Home control, a 24-hour timer and a washable filter with clean filter alerts, and weighs 69 pounds.
What to Expect from Portable Air Conditioners Under $400
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 dual-hose portable air conditioners and single-hose portable air conditioners. The product cards above show the current price for each model.
How to Choose Portable Air Conditioners Under $400
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 or DOE figure 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.
Match the Rating to the Room
A 14,000 BTU ASHRAE unit with a 10,000 BTU SACC rating suits a large bedroom or a living room, while a unit with a 5,000 BTU DOE rating belongs in a small room or office. Oversizing a portable unit costs more to run and adds noise without cooling a small room any better.
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 if you can find one. Quiet settings usually mean less airflow.
Controls and Smart Features
Nearly every portable AC now includes a remote, a timer and several modes such as cool, dry and fan. Smart models add Wi-Fi control from a phone app, schedules and voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant. A remote with its own temperature sensor helps the unit cool the spot where you sit rather than the air right around the cabinet.
Weight and Moving It
Units in this range weigh between 55 and 70 pounds, and they roll on casters. Plan the route before you buy if you will carry one up stairs between seasons.
How We Evaluate Portable Air Conditioners Under $400
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 listed under $400 and weighed capacity, room size and noise first.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
How much power does a portable air conditioner use?
Larger units use more power, and running time matters as much as size. Energy saver modes, timers and sleep modes all reduce the daily total.
Is a single hose portable AC good enough?
For bedrooms, offices and moderate climates, yes. Dual hose units cool faster in very hot weather and large rooms, but single hose models are lighter, cheaper and simpler.
Final Verdict
The DREO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is the best Portable Air Conditioner Under $400 for most people, with drainage-free cooling and app and voice control. For larger rooms, choose the BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, and for a high SACC rating with smart control, the Midea 14,000 BTU ASHRAE 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.