6 Best Smart Portable Air Conditioners Under $300 in 2026
We compared six Smart Portable Air Conditioners Under $300 on cooling capacity, room size, noise and features.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 31, 2026
Smart portable air conditioners under $300 bring app control, schedules and voice commands to budget units. We compared six from Temprium, TCL, Midea and LG on capacity, smart features and noise. Every unit was listed under $300 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 | Setup | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi | Overall | 10,000 BTU ASHRAE (6,000 SACC) | Up to 450 sq ft | Single hose | Wi-Fi, 350 m³/h, 50 dB sleep |
| TCL 7,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner | Small rooms | 7,000 BTU | Up to 300 sq ft | Single hose | App, Alexa, Google, 24h timer |
| Midea 10,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner | Realistic sizing | 10,000 BTU ASHRAE (7,100 SACC) | Up to 300 sq ft | Single hose | SmartHome app, Alexa, Google |
| Midea 9,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner | Midea 9,000 BTU | 9,000 BTU ASHRAE (6,000 SACC) | Up to 250 sq ft | Single hose | SmartHome app, Alexa, Google |
| LG 6,000 BTU SACC (10,000 BTU ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner | LG ThinQ | 6,000 BTU SACC (10,000 ASHRAE) | Up to 250 sq ft | Single hose | ThinQ app, Alexa, Google |
| Temprium 8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner | Low-cost Wi-Fi | 8,000 BTU | Up to 350 sq ft | Single hose | Wi-Fi, 50 dB sleep, 320 m³/h |
| 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 Budget |
Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy |
| Best Overall |
TCL 7,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner
|
9.4/10 | Buy |
| Best Value |
Midea 10,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner
|
7.2/10 | Buy |
|
Midea 9,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner
|
7.6/10 | Buy | |
| Best Premium |
LG 6,000 BTU SACC (10,000 BTU ASHRAE)
|
7.8/10 | Buy |
Temprium 8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner
|
Buy |
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
TCL 7,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner
With a compact footprint and 7,000 BTU SACC (11,000 BTU ASHRAE) cooling, this portable air conditioner suits rooms up to 300 sq. ft. It offers AC, fan, and dehumidifier modes, plus app, voice, and remote control for convenient operation. The ultra-compact design and included installation kit make it a practical choice for dorms, bedrooms, and offices.
Pros
- Compact footprint for tight spaces
- Smart app and voice control
- 3-in-1 AC, fan, dehumidifier
- Sleep and Eco energy-saving modes
- Easy mobility with wheels and handles
Cons
- No inverter compressor
- No heat mode
- 50 dB noise level may be noticeable
Midea 10,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner from Midea provides 10,000 BTU ASHRAE (7,100 BTU SACC) cooling for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. It features smart home control through the SmartHome app and voice assistants, a washable filter, and a 24-hour timer. Suitable for those seeking a connected, multi-mode portable AC with dehumidification and fan-only options.
Pros
- Smart home and voice control
- Washable, reusable air filter
- 3 operating modes (cool, dehumidify, fan)
- 24-hour timer and remote included
- Quiet operation at 52.8 dB
Cons
- Single-hose exhaust design
- Heavy at 50 pounds
- Low SEER rating of 6.92
Midea 9,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner
This portable air conditioner from Midea delivers 9,000 BTU ASHRAE (6,000 BTU SACC) cooling for rooms up to 250 square feet. It includes smart home compatibility, a remote control, and a washable filter. The unit also functions as a fan and dehumidifier, making it a versatile option for small spaces.
Pros
- Smart app and voice control
- 3-in-1 cooling, fan, dehumidifier
- Washable and reusable air filter
- Easy rolling installation
- Compact design for small rooms
Cons
- Non-inverter compressor
- No heating mode
- Filter needs weekly cleaning
LG 6,000 BTU SACC (10,000 BTU ASHRAE)
This LG portable air conditioner offers both ASHRAE and SACC cooling ratings, with a SACC of 6,000 BTU and an ASHRAE rating of 10,000 BTU. It cools rooms up to 250 square feet and includes smart features like app and voice control. Suitable for medium-sized bedrooms or offices, it combines convenience with moderate cooling power.
Pros
- Smart app and voice control
- 3-in-1 operation modes
- Rated at 50 dB for quiet operation
- Auto Clean and filter reminder
- Window installation kit included
Cons
- No heat mode
- Heavy at 50.7 lbs
- Small condensate tank (2.2 pints) may need frequent draining
Top 3 Smart Portable Air Conditioners Under $300 Reviewed
#1 Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
Temprium’s 10,000 BTU ASHRAE portable air conditioner, rated at 6,000 BTU SACC, adds Wi-Fi control and a 50 dB sleep mode for home offices up to 450 sq ft.
This Temprium covers the needs of a typical home office at a lower price than the big brands. It pushes 350 cubic meters per hour of airflow and can deliver air as low as 60°F, so it cools a room quickly before your workday starts. Wi-Fi lets you control it from your phone, set a schedule that matches your hours and turn it off from another room. The sleep mode runs at 50 dB, and the soft ambient light can be switched off fully, which matters if your office doubles as a guest room. A programmable 24 hour timer handles the rest. Temprium suggests it for bedrooms, living rooms, apartments, home offices and garages, and it uses R-32 refrigerant.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 10,000 BTU ASHRAE, 6,000 BTU SACC
- Coverage: Up to 450 sq ft
- Airflow: 350 m³/h
- Controls: Wi-Fi app, remote, 24 hour timer
- Noise: 50 dB in sleep mode
- Light: Can be turned off
- Refrigerant: R-32
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
A 6,000 BTU SACC unit will not cool a full 450 sq ft on a hot day. It is best in a typical spare bedroom office.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for home offices and guest rooms that double as workspaces.
Check the current price and availability of the Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi on Amazon.
#2 TCL 7,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner: Best Small Room
Why We Picked It
TCL’s 7,000 BTU smart portable air conditioner cools up to 300 sq ft in a compact 15.3 by 14 by 24.8 inch cabinet and adds app and voice control, which suits a dorm room well.
TCL built this model for tight spaces such as dorms, bedrooms and offices. The cabinet is compact, and it still covers up to 300 sq ft, a typical double dorm room or a large bedroom. It works as an air conditioner, a fan and a dehumidifier, so it can dry out a damp room on a mild day. Control it with the included remote, the TCL Home app or your voice through Alexa or Google Assistant, which is handy when you want the room cool before you get back from class. Sleep and Eco modes and a 24 hour timer help manage power, which matters if your school limits appliance draw. TCL lists the noise at 50 dB and uses R-32 refrigerant.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 7,000 BTU
- Coverage: Up to 300 sq ft
- Size: 15.3 x 14 x 24.8 inches
- Controls: TCL Home app, Alexa, Google Assistant, remote
- Modes: Cool, Fan, Dehumidifier, Sleep, Eco
- Timer: 24 hour
- Noise: 50 dB
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Check your housing rules before you buy, because some schools limit or ban portable air conditioners. TCL does not list a SACC figure.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for dorm rooms, bedrooms and small offices.
Check the current price and availability of the TCL 7,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
#3 Midea 10,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner: Best Honest Sizing
Why We Picked It
Midea’s 10,000 BTU ASHRAE portable air conditioner is rated at 7,100 BTU SACC for 300 sq ft and adds the SmartHome app plus Alexa and Google voice control.
Midea’s honest sizing helps here: 7,100 BTU SACC for 300 sq ft is a realistic match for a home office with a computer, a monitor and a person working for hours. It cools, dehumidifies and runs as a fan. The SmartHome app lets you switch modes, set a schedule and adjust it from anywhere, so the room can be cool when you sit down in the morning and the unit can switch off at the end of your day. Alexa and Google Assistant handle voice commands. Digital controls and an included remote cover use on the unit, and Midea lists the noise at 52.8 dB, so set it to a lower fan speed during calls. The filter is reusable, which keeps running costs down.
Key Specifications
- Cooling: 10,000 BTU ASHRAE, 7,100 BTU SACC
- Coverage: Up to 300 sq ft
- Controls: SmartHome app, Alexa, Google Assistant, remote
- Modes: Cool, Dehumidify, Fan
- Noise: 52.8 dB
- Filter: Reusable
- Display: Digital
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
At 52.8 dB, it is a little louder than the DREO in this list. Use a lower fan speed or place it away from your microphone during calls.
Best For
This portable air conditioner is best for home offices that need realistic capacity and app scheduling.
Check the current price and availability of the Midea 10,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Other Models Worth Considering
Midea 9,000 BTU ASHRAE Portable Air Conditioner. Midea’s 9,000 BTU ASHRAE unit is rated at 6,000 BTU SACC for 250 sq ft and adds app and voice control.
LG 6,000 BTU SACC (10,000 BTU ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner. LG’s smart 6,000 BTU SACC model cools 250 sq ft and adds LG ThinQ app control plus Alexa and Google voice control.
Temprium 8,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner. Temprium’s 8,000 BTU smart unit cools 350 sq ft, adds Wi-Fi and runs at 50 dB in sleep mode.
What to Expect from Smart Portable Air Conditioners Under $300
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 smart portable air conditioners and budget portable air conditioners. The product cards above show the current price for each model.
How to Choose Smart Portable Air Conditioners Under $300
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, so you can start cooling before you get home. A remote with its own temperature sensor helps the unit cool the spot where you sit rather than the air right around the cabinet.
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.
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.
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 Smart Portable Air Conditioners Under $300
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 smart units listed under $300 and weighed capacity and app features 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.
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.
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 inverter compressors all reduce the daily total.
Final Verdict
The Temprium 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with WiFi is the best Smart Portable Air Conditioner Under $300 for most people, with Wi-Fi and strong airflow. For a small room with app and voice control, choose the TCL 7,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner, and for realistic SACC sizing with app control, the Midea 10,000 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.