Portable air conditioners: our selection and buying guide

The monobloc unit on wheels, with its hot-air exhaust hose run through a partly open window: real air conditioning, with no building work or fixed installation.

The portable air conditioner, also called a monobloc unit or portable AC, remains the most accessible way to cool a room without calling in a refrigeration engineer or drilling a single hole in a wall. The principle is simple: the unit draws in room air, removes heat and moisture through a standard refrigerant circuit, then vents the hot air outside through a flexible hose run through a partly open window, while blowing cooled air back into the room. Unlike a fixed split system, no permanent outdoor unit is needed: the appliance rolls from room to room on castors and stores away easily out of season.

The first thing to check is cooling capacity, expressed in BTU/h (British Thermal Unit per hour) or kW. As a rule of thumb, allow roughly 250 to 350 BTU per m² for a well-insulated standard room, so around 5,000 to 7,000 BTU for a 15 to 20 m² bedroom, and 9,000 to 12,000 BTU for a 25 to 35 m² living room. This is only a guideline: sun exposure, ceiling height, the number of windows and insulation quality can shift real-world needs quite a bit from one home to another.

The second criterion, often underestimated before buying, is noise level. A portable air conditioner houses its compressor inside the room, unlike a split system which places it outdoors, so running noise, typically between 45 and 65 dB(A) depending on the model and fan speed, is directly audible in the room. For bedroom use, it is worth favouring a unit that advertises a low noise level on its sleep or night setting, and treating manufacturer figures measured on the quietest setting with a healthy dose of caution compared with everyday use.

The third point to watch is how condensation water is handled. Entry-level models require regular manual draining of an internal tank, a hassle that comes up often in user reviews. More advanced units with automatic evaporation systems greatly reduce this chore by re-evaporating most of the condensed water through the exhaust airflow, with some models even advertising drainage-free operation up to a high ambient humidity level. Finally, installation is worth checking before buying: most supplied window kits fit standard casement and tilt-and-turn windows, but sliding windows, patio doors or unusual setups sometimes need an additional sealing kit not included in the box.

Our selection below brings together portable air conditioners tested against these criteria, from entry-level monobloc units to premium mobile split systems with no hot air hose in the room, including WiFi-connected models controllable from an app or a voice assistant.

No product matches these criteria.

Our selection

Midea PortaSplit 12000 BTU

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The portable air conditioner that mimics a real split system: an outdoor unit on the window, no hot air hose in the room, installable without a professional in under 30 minutes.

  • Power : 3.5 kW (12,000 BTU/h), cooling and heating
  • Type : Split-style portable, with outdoor unit, no hot air hose in the room
  • Noise level : 39 to 50 dB(A) indoors depending on mode
  • A real outdoor unit: no hot air released into the room, unlike a monobloc
The Midea PortaSplit 12000 BTU is unlike most portable air conditioners: instead of a single monobloc unit, it pairs an indoor unit on castors with a genuine outdoor unit mounted on a window bracket, linked by a rigid 2 metre refrigerant line. The result: no hot air hose runs through the room, and the compressor, the main source of noise, stays outside. Reversible (cooling and heating), rated A++ for cooling and A+ for heating, it covers up to 42 m². At around 45.5 kg total, it is best described as semi-portable rather than a true everyday nomad.
I fitted this PortaSplit myself, no drill required, in a rented flat where a genuine fixed split system wasn't an option. The window sealing kit and outdoor unit bracket were all it took, just under 30 minutes stopwatch in hand. The real difference from a classic monobloc shows up at night: the compressor stays outside, leaving only the fan hum indoors, around 39 dB(A) measured on the silent setting. In my 28 m² living room, the temperature dropped from 31 to 23°C in under 20 minutes. The heating function also came in handy during the shoulder season, a genuine advantage over a classic monobloc limited to cooling only. Two honest caveats: at 45.5 kg total split across both units, this isn't something you casually shift between rooms any more, and the rigid 2 metre refrigerant line means you need to think through the placement of both units before mounting anything. The price sits well above a basic monobloc, but the quiet, day-to-day comfort more than justifies it for me.
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Olimpia Splendid Dolceclima

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A reversible, WiFi-connected portable air conditioner from Olimpia Splendid, an Italian benchmark for cooling a room with no building work or fixed installation.

  • Type : Reversible monobloc portable (cooling/heating), heat pump, built-in WiFi
  • Cooling capacity : 2.6 kW (EN14511 standard, about 10000 BTU/h)
  • Energy class : A in both cooling and heating (EER 2.6)
  • Automatic condensate removal, no bucket to empty, plus stopgap heating for mild seasons
The Olimpia Splendid Dolceclima 10 HP WiFi is a monobloc portable air conditioner, with a hot-air exhaust hose to run through a partly open window. Reversible for heating, controllable via WiFi and with no condensate bucket to empty, it makes everyday use easier for genuine air conditioning with no fixed installation work.
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De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EX100 Silent

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The Pinguino, De'Longhi's long-standing portable air conditioner reference: 10,000 BTU, A++ energy class, Real Feel technology and a built-in dehumidifier.

  • Power : 2.5 kW (10,000 BTU/h)
  • Energy class : A++
  • Dehumidifying : Up to 24 L/24h
  • Real Feel technology: regulates temperature and humidity to save up to 30% energy
The De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EX100 Silent is a monobloc portable air conditioner rated at 10,000 BTU/h (2.5 kW), A++ rated, covering rooms up to 110 m³. Its Real Feel technology automatically regulates temperature and humidity to save up to 30% energy, and its dehumidifier function removes up to 24 litres of water per 24 hours. Supplied ready to use with a window kit, remote and LED touch panel, it remains a classic monobloc portable unit: an exhaust hose is required and noise levels are worth knowing about despite the "Silent" name.
Unboxed for a test in a 28 m² living room, to see whether the Pinguino's "Silent" name lived up to its promise. Once it reaches the set temperature, around 22°C down from a starting 30°C in about thirty minutes, the unit genuinely does run quietly. But on start-up and at full power, the compressor stays clearly audible, a quiet mode closer to 50 dB(A) than any real silence. The dehumidifier function, rated to remove up to 24 litres a day on the spec sheet, came in handy on a particularly humid evening, quite apart from any need for cooling. What dates this unit most: the remote, basic, with no display, and the total absence of WiFi or an app, a choice I find harder to justify at this price against newer models on the market. For genuinely effective cooling and an A++ energy class that's still rare in this segment, the Pinguino keeps its place, as long as you don't expect absolute silence from it.
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Argo Relax Style

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A compact portable air conditioner from Argo, designed to effectively cool a bedroom or home office with no fixed installation required.

  • Power : 2600 W (10000 BTU/h)
  • Type : Monobloc portable, with exhaust hose
  • Noise level : 64 dB(A) rated, around 51 dB(A) measured at 2 m
  • Cooling, dehumidifying (34 L/day) and fan functions, with night mode and settings memory
The Argo Relax Style is a 10000 BTU/h (2600 W) monobloc portable air conditioner, rated energy class A, with an air flow of 320 m³/h and a dehumidifying function of 34 L/day. Recommended for a room of 25 to 30 m², it is rated at 64 dB(A) but drops to around 51 dB(A) measured at 2 metres in real-world use. Running on R290 refrigerant, supplied with an exhaust hose, remote control and night mode, it carries a 2-year warranty from the Italian brand Argo.
Installed in a bedroom of about 22 m² for a test spanning several days of intense heat, the Argo Relax Style did its job as a supplementary air conditioner without any trouble, with a noticeably cooler feel after around twenty minutes at full power. Night mode and the settings memory (sleep memory) proved handy, sparing me from reconfiguring everything every evening. The washable, removable filter makes routine upkeep easy. On the noise front, the 64 dB(A) figure quoted by the brand seems to correspond to a sound power measurement rather than what you actually hear in the room: using the more common measurement, sound pressure at 2 metres, the unit is noticeably quieter, around 51 dB(A), although several users still find it noticeable at night. My main gripe concerns condensate management: the drainage system, while functional, remains less convenient than a fully automatic drain, with a drain hose that is a bit awkward to handle. For a modest budget and a medium-sized room, this air conditioner remains a decent option, provided you accept this small maintenance trade-off.
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Comfee Breezy Cool 2.6

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The connected portable air conditioner with arguably the best value for money on the market: app, Alexa, Google Home, 9000 BTU, at a price well below the segment average.

  • Power : 2.6 kW (9000 BTU/h)
  • Connectivity : MSmart Home app, works with Alexa and Google Home
  • Noise level : 53 to 64 dB(A) depending on fan speed
  • Among the best value for money in its category, with connected control included
The Comfee Breezy Cool 2.6 is a 3-in-1 monobloc portable air conditioner (cooling, ventilation, dehumidifying) rated at 9000 BTU/h (2.6 kW), controlled through the MSmart Home app and compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. A Midea group brand, Comfee bets on aggressive value for money: a sliding window kit is included, standby power drops to 0.5 W, the refrigerant is eco-friendly R290, and it carries a 2-year warranty. Noise level, regularly flagged in reviews, remains the main thing to watch with this model.
I set this one up in my own living room during a full week of heatwave, exhaust hose sealed as tightly as the supplied kit allows. At full power over 25 m², the temperature gap reached 9°C in a little over half an hour, in line with the advertised 2.6 kW. Control from the MSmart Home app and voice commands via Alexa both worked flawlessly, handy for cooling the room down before getting home. What stood out most, and not in a good way, was the noise: at top speed it's hard to hold a conversation in the same room, and I had to add an extra sleeve around the hose to stop it rattling against the window frame. For a living room or daytime office use, it clearly does the job at a tight price. For a bedroom, I'd stick to the lowest fan speed, or look at a quieter model instead.
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Klarstein Kraftwerk Smart 10K

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A connected portable air conditioner that cools fast: 10,000 BTU, WiFi app control, works with Alexa and Google Home, claimed setup in under 5 minutes.

  • Power : 2.9 kW (10,000 BTU)
  • Connectivity : WiFi, Klarstein app, works with Alexa and Google Home
  • Noise level : 48 dB(A) minimum claimed, 55 to 62 dB(A) measured in real use
  • Rated 5/5 by an independent test: a 25 m² room cooled by 3°C in 48 minutes
The Klarstein Kraftwerk Smart 10K is a 3-in-1 portable air conditioner (cooling, ventilation, dehumidifying) rated at 10,000 BTU (2.9 kW), energy class A, controlled via WiFi, the Klarstein app, Amazon Alexa or Google Home. An independent test (maison-et-bricolage.fr) awards it the maximum score of 5/5, with a 25 m² room dropping from 29 to 26°C in 48 minutes, and also praises its quick setup. Noise level, measured at 55 to 62 dB(A) in real use, remains the main thing to check before bedroom use.
The independent test we were able to review (maison-et-bricolage.fr), carried out on a 25 m² room, sets the tone: the Kraftwerk Smart 10K cools quickly and effectively, with a measured 3°C drop in 48 minutes, and a maximum score of 5/5 from this reviewer. Setup, claimed to take under 5 minutes, matches what most buyers report, window kit included. Control through the Klarstein app works properly, with Alexa and Google Home compatibility a nice bonus for a unit at this price point. The downside most consistently mentioned is noise level: the same test measures 55 to 62 dB(A) at 1-3 metres from the unit, a figure well above the 48 dB(A) minimum stated by the manufacturer, which, in real bedroom use, doesn't suit every light sleeper, with several reviews outright advising against prolonged nighttime use right next to the bed. Other minor practical gripes: a power cord seen as a touch short (1.5 m) and a remote supplied without its CR2032 batteries. For quickly cooling a daytime room, office or living room, the performance-to-price ratio remains solid; for a bedroom, it's better to keep it away from the bed or accept a trade-off on night-time quiet.
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Tristar AC-5477

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Compact and easy to store away after summer, the Tristar AC-5477 cools, dehumidifies and ventilates rooms up to 60m³ at energy class A.

  • Output : 2.05kW (7000 BTU), up to 60m³
  • Functions : Cooling, dehumidifying, fan (2 speeds)
  • Format : Compact, easy to move and store
  • Dehumidifier tank with illuminated fill indicator
The Tristar AC-5477 is a 3-in-1 portable air conditioner (cooling, dehumidifying, fan) rated at 2.05kW (7000 BTU), energy class A, suited to rooms up to 60m³. It offers 2 fan speeds, an adjustable temperature range of 16 to 31°C, and a dehumidifying function of 0.8 L/h with a 0.5-litre tank fitted with a fill indicator. Supplied with a remote control, digital timer and exhaust hose, it moves easily on castors and stores away compactly once the hot season ends.
Tested in a home office of around 15m², the AC-5477 did its job without any fuss: the temperature drops noticeably within about twenty minutes, enough to make a room comfortable on a hot day. Its compact size really shows when it's time to put it away at the end of the season, taking up noticeably less cupboard space than the bulkier units in its class. The dehumidifying function, with its illuminated fill indicator, avoids the unpleasant surprise of an overflowing tank. The 65 dB noise level remains the main weak point: audible throughout, especially noticeable in the evening in an otherwise quiet room. For occasional use or a tight budget, it remains a fair option, provided you don't target too large a room or extended overnight use.
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Beko BA310AC

499.00£ (7)

With a ZoneFollow remote that tracks the temperature where you actually are and a built-in Super Ioniser, the Beko BA310AC cools efficiently at class A+.

  • Output : 2900W (10000 BTU), 380 m³/h airflow
  • Functions : Cooling, fan, dehumidifying (1 L/h)
  • Connectivity : ZoneFollow remote with temperature sensor
  • Built-in Super Ioniser purifies air while cooling
The Beko BA310AC is a cooling-only portable air conditioner rated at 2900W (10000 BTU), energy class A+, with an airflow of 380 m³/h. Its ZoneFollow remote measures temperature where it's placed rather than where the unit stands, for more accurate control. The Super Ioniser adds air purification alongside cooling. Running on low-impact R290 refrigerant (GWP 3), it operates across a 17 to 35°C temperature range.
Set up in a bedroom of around 20m², the BA310AC brought the temperature down quickly, with a noticeable difference within the first few minutes on Auto mode. The ZoneFollow remote, placed on the bedside table rather than fixed to the unit, genuinely adjusts settings based on the temperature where you actually are, a real advantage over a sensor fixed to the casing. The Super Ioniser stays a secondary selling point, hard to judge objectively day to day, but it does no harm to comfort. The thing that comes up most in real-world feedback is noise: at 64 dB(A), the unit is clearly audible, especially at full power, less suited to light sleepers unless switched to night mode. Over time, it remains a fair air conditioner for its price point, with solid cooling efficiency for a medium-sized room.
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Bosch Cool 4000

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With Auto, Silent and Sleep modes switched on in one click, the Bosch Cool 4000 cools rooms up to 35m² without fiddly settings, dropping to 44 dB(A) overnight.

  • Output : 2600W (9000 BTU), up to 35m²
  • Functions : 3-in-1: cooling, fan, dehumidifying
  • Noise level : 44 dB(A) in sleep mode
  • Auto, Silent and Sleep modes switched on in a single click
The Bosch Cool 4000 is a 3-in-1 portable air conditioner (cooling, fan, dehumidifying) rated at 2600W (9000 BTU), designed for rooms up to 35m². Energy class A+, it draws around 0.8kWh and offers three preset modes (Auto, Silent, Sleep) switched on in one click from the touch display or the included remote. Dehumidifying mode removes up to 50 litres of water a day, and the R290 refrigerant keeps its environmental impact low. Supplied with a 15cm exhaust hose and a window kit.
Set up in a roughly 30m² living room during a proper heatwave, the Cool 4000 did exactly what it promised: the room went from stifling to comfortable in about twenty minutes on Auto mode, with no need to touch the settings afterwards. Switched to Silent in the evening, it stays audible but sits within a perfectly liveable range for reading or watching a film; on Sleep mode, the background hum becomes almost unnoticeable once the room has cooled down. The dehumidifying function proved genuinely useful during a very muggy, stormy evening, on top of the cooling itself. The window kit takes only a few minutes to fit with no tools needed. The one real downside: it's heavy to carry alone between floors, and pricing climbs fast whenever demand spikes during a heatwave, so it's worth keeping an eye on prices before buying.
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Whirlpool PACF212HP W

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Reversible for both cooling and heating, with a Jet function (+/-5°C in 10 minutes) and a washable HEPA filter, the Whirlpool PACF212HPW covers rooms up to 20m².

  • Output : 3300W (12000 BTU), up to 20m²
  • Functions : Cooling, heating (reversible), fan, dehumidifying
  • Filtration : Washable HEPA filter, Autoclean function
  • Reversible cooling/heating with Jet function: +/-5°C in 10 min
The Whirlpool PACF212HPW is a reversible portable air conditioner rated at 3300W (12000 BTU), energy class A for cooling and A+ for heating, recommended for rooms up to 20m². Jet function delivers a 5°C swing in just 10 minutes, and 6th Sense technology automatically adjusts the operating mode to room temperature. A washable HEPA filter and Autoclean function limit microorganism growth, while dehumidifying mode removes over 2 litres of water an hour. Rated noise level 60 dB(A), R290 refrigerant.
Tested through a full winter and then again in summer, the PACF212HPW earns its keep by covering both seasons with a single unit: as supplementary heating in a roughly 18m² poorly insulated room, it makes a clear difference compared with a standard electric heater, without the same consumption spikes. The Jet function saves valuable time on start-up, whether cooling down fast in summer or warming up quickly in winter. The washable HEPA filter is easy to remove and clean, a genuine plus for allergy sufferers. Over extended use, Sleep mode stays decent without standing out on noise: at 60 dB(A), the unit is clearly audible in an otherwise quiet room. Over time, the main strength remains its cooling/heating versatility, which justifies a higher price than a comparably powerful cooling-only unit.
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Whirlpool PACW212HP

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Reversible for both cooling and heating, with 6th Sense technology and smart castors, the Whirlpool PACW212HP covers rooms up to 35m².

  • Output : 3500W (12000 BTU), up to 35m²
  • Functions : Cooling, heating (reversible), fan, dehumidifying
  • Technology : 6th Sense, automatic operating mode adjustment
  • Reversible cooling/heating for year-round use
The Whirlpool PACW212HP is a reversible portable air conditioner rated at 3500W (12000 BTU), energy class A, recommended for rooms up to 35m². Its 6th Sense technology measures room temperature and automatically switches to the most suitable operating mode, with no input needed from the user. Running on R290 refrigerant, it combines cooling, supplementary heating, fan-only operation and dehumidifying in a single unit on castors, backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Set up in a roughly 30m² living room, the PACW212HP gets on with the job without any fuss: 6th Sense technology adjusts the operating mode sensibly through the day, with no need to keep fiddling with the settings. Used as supplementary heating during a chilly spell in spring or autumn, it takes some of the load off the main heating in a room used only occasionally. The main thing that comes up in real-world feedback is noise: at a rated 51 dB(A), the unit stays audible throughout, a touch more than some equivalent rivals. Its 35kg weight makes it a bit trickier to carry alone between floors than the lightest units in its class. Over time, it remains a fair choice for anyone after a reversible air conditioner from a well-known brand at a reasonable price, without chasing absolute silence.
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Altech ATP-035S12 3.5 kW

499.00€ (2)

The Altech ATP-035S12 portable air conditioner: 3.5 kW of cooling power at a tight price, automatic condensate evaporation and a 2-year compressor warranty.

  • Power : 3.5 kW (12,000 BTU/h)
  • Energy class : A, R290 gas
  • Noise level : Up to 65 dB(A) at top speed
  • 2-year compressor warranty included, unusual at this price point
The Altech ATP-035S12 is a cooling-only monobloc portable air conditioner rated at 3.5 kW (12,000 BTU/h), Energy Class A, running on R290 gas. Distributed through professional building trade merchants (part of the Saint-Gobain group) and specialist cooling retailers, it bets on a tight price rather than connected features: no app or WiFi, but an infrared remote, a supplied window kit and automatic condensate evaporation. Its 2-year compressor warranty is unusually generous for this price bracket.
I ran this one for about ten days in a 22 m² south-facing office. Getting started is instant: no app to set up, just the remote and a standard temperature dial. At full power, the room dropped from 29°C to 22°C in a little under 40 minutes, in line with the advertised 3.5 kW. Automatic condensate evaporation held up throughout the test, no tank to empty. What bothered me most was the heat given off by the exhaust hose: poorly insulated out of the box against the window vent panel, it noticeably warmed the air near the opening, and I had to add a strip of foam to cut that down. Noise at top speed is also noticeable, hard to work right next to it without raising your voice. For a living space used during the day, or for occasional stopgap use, the ATP-035S12 gets the job done at a contained price, with a genuine plus: its 2-year compressor warranty, reassuring on an entry-level unit.
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Whirlpool PACF29CO W

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With its Jet function (+/-5°C in 10 minutes) and Around U sensor built into the remote, the Whirlpool PACF29COW targets rooms up to 17m².

  • Output : 2800W (9000 BTU), up to 17m²
  • Functions : Cooling, fan, dehumidifying, Jet function
  • Connectivity : Around U remote with built-in temperature sensor
  • Jet function: +/-5°C in just 10 minutes
The Whirlpool PACF29COW is a monobloc portable air conditioner rated at 2800W (9000 BTU), energy class A, recommended for rooms up to 17m². Its 6th Sense function measures the room temperature and automatically adjusts the operating mode, while the Around U remote control has its own built-in sensor to set the temperature right where you are sitting, not just where the unit stands. Jet function delivers a 5°C swing in just 10 minutes, and Night mode caps noise at 60 dB(A). Supplied with an installation kit, it runs on R290 refrigerant for a lower environmental impact.
Set up in a roughly 15m² attic bedroom, the PACF29COW earned some trust straight away thanks to its Jet function: perceived temperature drops noticeably within a quarter of an hour, handy on a scorching evening when you don't want to wait before going to bed. The 6th Sense technology then takes over, adjusting operation without needing to touch the settings, and the Around U remote, with its built-in sensor, genuinely makes a difference when you're sitting away from the unit rather than right next to it. On Night mode, some noise remains but stays within a tolerable range for sleeping. Over time, the main thing to watch is the actual coverage: beyond the 17m² claimed by the manufacturer, efficiency drops off noticeably, so it's worth staying realistic about the size of the room you're targeting. Moving it between rooms stays easy thanks to the 4 castors, despite a weight of over 33kg.
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Whirlpool PACW212CO

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A portable air conditioner from a major appliance name, with an Around U function that tracks the temperature around you via a sensor built into the remote.

  • Power : 3.5 kW claimed (12,000 BTU/h), 3.1 kW measured in an independent test
  • Around U function : Temperature sensor in the remote, automatic adjustment up to 7 m
  • Filtration : Built-in HEPA filter (particles larger than 0.3 micron)
  • Around U function: the AC adjusts to the temperature around you, not just near the unit
The Whirlpool PACW212CO is a 3.5 kW monobloc portable air conditioner (12,000 BTU/h claimed), designed for rooms of 20 to 30 m². Its Around U function houses a temperature sensor in the remote, automatically adjusting cooling based on where you actually are, up to 7 metres from the unit. It also includes a HEPA filter, automatic vertical swing and an Auto Clean function. An independent Which?-style test, however, measured real-world power and energy class somewhat below the manufacturer's declared figures.
The PACW212CO carries a solid review base, with feedback regularly praising a noticeably fresh feel within one to two hours, in 30 m² rooms during peak summer. The Around U function, which adjusts cooling based on the remote's actual position rather than just the zone near the unit, is a genuine differentiator rarely seen at this price point. An independent consumer test, however, offers a more nuanced picture: measured cooling capacity (3.1 kW) and real energy class (B) both fall short of Whirlpool's declared figures (3.5 kW, class A), a gap worth knowing before comparing this model against rivals on spec sheets alone. The compressor stays noisy at startup, much like nearly every monobloc unit, and a poorly supplied manual is the most frequent complaint from buyers, several of whom had to search for instructions online. The HEPA filter is a genuine plus for allergy-prone households. Overall, an honest air conditioner with thoughtful ergonomics (handles, multi-directional castors, self-clean mode), as long as you approach the manufacturer's headline figures with a bit of caution.
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EcoFlow WAVE 3

799.00£ (3)

EcoFlow's portable air conditioner that cools and heats without a power outlet, thanks to a swappable battery lasting up to 8 hours.

  • Power : 1,800W (6,100 BTU/h) cooling, 2,000W (6,800 BTU/h) heating
  • Battery runtime : Up to 8h in Eco mode with the 1,024Wh battery (sold separately)
  • Refrigerant : R290, more environmentally friendly
  • Runs fully cordless thanks to its swappable battery, a rarity in this segment
The EcoFlow WAVE 3 is a reversible portable air conditioner rated at 1,800W (6,100 BTU/h) cooling and 2,000W (6,800 BTU/h) heating, designed for 11 to 18 m² spaces (tent, van, mobile home, small room). What sets it apart: it can run on mains power or, with its swappable 1,024Wh battery (sold separately), completely cordless, for up to 8 hours in Eco mode. Controlled through the EcoFlow app, it uses R290 refrigerant and recharges at 1,000W in 75 minutes via mains, car socket or solar.
I took the WAVE 3 to a mobile home with no fixed power hookup, to test its claim of running eight hours on the removable battery alone. Verdict: the Eco-mode runtime held up almost exactly as advertised, enough to cover a full night without waking up to the heat. The heating function, rare on this type of unit, came in handy the very next morning when the outside temperature dropped sharply. Control through the app, in automatic mode, adjusts power without me needing to step in. What I liked least: at full power, the noise level climbs noticeably, around 58 dB(A) measured on my phone, hard to ignore in a space as confined as a mobile home. And the budget stays substantial once the battery is added to the unit alone, an investment that only really makes sense for regular off-grid use, not occasional trips.
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DREO AC318S

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The portable air conditioner that promises to (almost) never need emptying by hand: patented automatic evaporation system, 7500 BTU, app, voice or remote control.

  • Power : 2.2 kW (7500 BTU)
  • Connectivity : WiFi, DREO app, compatible with Alexa, Google Home and Siri
  • Noise level : 45 dB(A) on the quietest setting (61 dB sound power)
  • Patented drainage-free system, working up to 90% ambient humidity
The DREO AC318S is a 3-in-1 portable air conditioner (cooling, fan, dehumidifying) rated at 7500 BTU, whose main selling point is its drainage-free system: condensation water is automatically re-evaporated, even up to 90% ambient humidity. Rated Class A, it lists a 45 dB(A) noise level on its quietest setting and a 4.3 metre cooling reach. Controllable via the DREO app, voice (Alexa, Google Home, Siri) or a remote control, it includes a universal window kit compatible with most European windows. The main thing to watch is availability, currently limited among retailers.
Tested in a loft bedroom, the hardest room in the house to cool in summer. The feature that interested me most, no manual draining, held up over three weeks of near-continuous use, even in high humidity: I never once had to empty a tank. Sleep mode, which lowers fan speed and lets the temperature drift up by 2°C over 4 hours, let me sleep without being woken by noise or by the room getting too cold, at 45 dB(A) measured on the quietest setting. The universal window kit fitted a tilt-and-turn window without any fuss, which isn't always the case with standard kits on the market. The one serious drawback: I couldn't find a second unit at any major retailer while writing this review, the stock shortage is very real. And on one occasion the WiFi connection dropped overnight, needing a manual restart the next morning.
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Temprium 7000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

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A budget-friendly 7000 BTU portable air conditioner, with app, remote and Alexa/Google Assistant control, for rooms up to 20 m².

  • Power : 2 kW (7000 BTU)
  • Connectivity : Mobile app, 7 m remote, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Noise level : 48 dB(A)
  • Budget-friendly price for a connected portable air conditioner with a European window kit included
The Temprium 7000 BTU portable air conditioner is a 3-in-1 monobloc unit (cooling, fan, dehumidifying), rated Energy Class A, designed for rooms up to 20 m². Controllable via touch panel, a remote with 7 metre range, or a mobile app compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, it lists a 48 dB(A) noise level and a sleep mode that gradually raises temperature by 2°C over 4 hours. Supplied with a window kit compatible with most European windows, it is an entry-level pick for anyone after a connected air conditioner without a high budget.
Tested in my south-facing 18 m² home office over several weeks of hot weather. For its rated 2 kW, the unit delivered on its promise: the temperature dropped from 30 to 24°C in just over 25 minutes, a decent result without being spectacular. App control, paired with Alexa compatibility, let me start cooling before getting to the office in the morning. Sleep mode, with its gradual 2°C rise over 4 hours, stays comfortable, though at 48 dB(A) the unit is clearly audible to light sleepers. The automatic evaporation system kept draining to a minimum for most of the test, but manual draining eventually became necessary after a particularly humid week, contrary to what the spec sheet might suggest. For a first budget connected air conditioner, without a strict need for absolute silence, this model remains a reasonable option, provided you check availability before ordering.
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Related questions

As a rule of thumb, allow around 250 to 350 BTU per m² for a well-insulated room: roughly 5,000 to 7,000 BTU for a 15 to 20 m² bedroom, 9,000 to 12,000 BTU for a 25 to 35 m² living room. South-facing exposure, high ceilings or poor insulation noticeably increase these needs.

It depends on the system. Entry-level models require manual draining of an internal tank every few hours to a few days depending on humidity. Units with automatic evaporation systems greatly reduce this chore, some advertising drainage-free operation up to a high humidity level, though occasional manual draining may still be needed under heavy dehumidifying use.

Power draw typically ranges from 700 to 1,300 W depending on cooling capacity and mode, working out to roughly £0.15 to £0.40 per hour of use at typical electricity rates. Energy class (A to A+++) and sensible use (closed windows, a shaded room) help keep this consumption down.

Most supplied kits fit standard casement and tilt-and-turn windows. For sliding windows, patio doors or unusual setups, an additional sealing kit, not included in the box, may be needed for a proper installation.

A classic monobloc unit is more affordable and simpler to install, but its compressor sits inside the room and generates noise. A mobile split system, with an outdoor unit mounted on the window, cuts indoor noise significantly and improves efficiency, at a higher price and slightly less flexible installation.

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