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The best portable air conditioners for most homes
The Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL wins for strong, even cooling and efficiency; the Midea MAP12S1TBL costs less, while Amazon Basics is the budget pick.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Heat (MAP14HS1TBL) | Midea Duo 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (MAP12S1TBL) | Amazon Basics 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU (MPPDA-08CRN8-BCG2) |
| Price | about $679 | about $549 | about $400 |
| Why | Wirecutter named it its top pick, citing stronger cooling, lower energy use, and less noise than other portable ACs it tested. Its dual-hose inverter design also spread cooled air evenly in testing. | It keeps the dual-hose inverter design and smart controls of the pricier Duo, while Wirecutter reported it typically costs about $100 less. RTINGS recommends it for smaller apartments and medium-sized rooms. | Bob Vila tested it as its best bang-for-the-buck pick, praising straightforward setup, quiet operation, and reliable cooling. It offers a lower-cost alternative without being one of the very small-capacity budget models. |
| Good to know | It costs considerably more than basic single-hose models. | It has less cooling capacity and no heat-pump heating. | It is a single-hose unit and less efficient than the Midea Duo. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIWirecutter named it its top pick, citing stronger cooling, lower energy use, and less noise than other portable ACs it tested. Its dual-hose inverter design also spread cooled air evenly in testing.
Good to know: It costs considerably more than basic single-hose models.
See on Amazonpicture by AIIt keeps the dual-hose inverter design and smart controls of the pricier Duo, while Wirecutter reported it typically costs about $100 less. RTINGS recommends it for smaller apartments and medium-sized rooms.
Good to know: It has less cooling capacity and no heat-pump heating.
See on Amazonpicture by AIBob Vila tested it as its best bang-for-the-buck pick, praising straightforward setup, quiet operation, and reliable cooling. It offers a lower-cost alternative without being one of the very small-capacity budget models.
Good to know: It is a single-hose unit and less efficient than the Midea Duo.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Check the DOE/SACC cooling capacity against your room, not just the larger ASHRAE number. Dual-hose inverter models generally cool more efficiently and steadily, but cost more; also check noise, window fit, and whether you can vent the hose outside.
Who this is for
These picks are for people who need room cooling but can’t use a window unit or central air. Portable ACs take floor space and are generally less efficient than window units.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner with Heat (MAP14HS1TBL)
Wirecutter named it its top pick, citing stronger cooling, lower energy use, and less noise than other portable ACs it tested. Its dual-hose inverter design also spread cooled air evenly in testing. Wirecutter measured no more than a 1-degree temperature difference across the room. The built-in heat pump adds heating, and the unit supports app, Alexa, and Google Assistant controls. It is a substantial unit, so plan for its weight and floor space. Skip it if you only need to cool a small room or want the lowest price.
Good to know: It costs considerably more than basic single-hose models.
See on AmazonBest value: Midea Duo 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (MAP12S1TBL)
It keeps the dual-hose inverter design and smart controls of the pricier Duo, while Wirecutter reported it typically costs about $100 less. RTINGS recommends it for smaller apartments and medium-sized rooms. Wirecutter describes it as nearly as quiet and consistent at distributing cooled air as its top pick. It has 10,000 BTU of DOE-rated capacity and does not include a heater. It is a sensible choice for summer cooling if you don’t need the extra capacity or heating function. For a large, very hot room, consider the more powerful MAP14HS1TBL instead.
Good to know: It has less cooling capacity and no heat-pump heating.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Amazon Basics 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner, 12,000 BTU (MPPDA-08CRN8-BCG2)
Bob Vila tested it as its best bang-for-the-buck pick, praising straightforward setup, quiet operation, and reliable cooling. It offers a lower-cost alternative without being one of the very small-capacity budget models. The model is rated at 8,000 BTU SACC, so it is best suited to a modest-sized room rather than a large, sun-baked space. Bob Vila tested portable ACs in hot, humid Florida conditions and rated this one highly for ease of use and noise. It has simple controls and a remote, with no premium smart features. Skip it if you want dual-hose efficiency or need to cool a large area quickly.
Good to know: It is a single-hose unit and less efficient than the Midea Duo.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Reviewers assessed cooling performance, energy use, noise, setup, portability, and controls. Tests included measured power draw and sound, plus cooling rooms in hot, humid conditions; test duration and methods varied by publication. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.