Portable air conditioners are often noisier than the window or split-type counterparts, but you don’t need to suffer through excessive noise while you’re sleeping or working. A portable air conditioner gives you the freedom to install in different rooms as long as you have the appropriate window to push the warm exhaust air outside.
I lived in California for years, and we had great weather where I lived. We didn’t need air conditioning most of the year, but it would sometimes get really hot for a month or two. Our portable air conditioner helped us survive and get some sleep during those hot days and nights. Now I also have a portable air conditioner at our tiny house in the country.
Thankfully I did my research when shopping for the portable AC units we bought, and I don’t mind the amount of white noise it creates when it’s time to sleep.
I know some of you are looking for a silent portable AC unit. Well good luck... Unfortunately they don’t exist in my experience. But, you can still find very effective portable air conditioners with reasonably low noise output.
Some of the quietest portable air conditioners have noise levels between 50 to 60 decibels. You can expect larger capacity units to be noisier, but other factors like the size and acoustics of your room also affect the perception of noise output.
To find the right portable unit for your rooms, make sure to note the cooling capacity and energy efficiency. Also, double check the length of the exhaust tube that will run from the AC unit to your window, as this is a key part of the cooling process.
The top picks below based on my research are a great place to start. If you aren’t familiar with AC specs and want some more explanation, I’ve included that in the article below to help you choose the best quiet portable air conditioner for you.
Quiet Portable Air Conditioners Comparison Table
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Runner-up  |
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hOmeLabs HME020235N Portable Air Conditioner
14,000 BTU ASHRAE
10,000 BTU DOE
Min. Noise Levels: 53 dB
Cooling Area: 450-600 sq. ft.
Dehumidification: 85 pints per day
Max. Power Draw: 1470 Watts
Dimensions: 17.9 x 15 x 30.7 inches
Weight: 72.3 pounds
The best quiet portable air conditioner by far is from hOmeLabs. With a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU as per the new DOE Energy Guide labels (or 14,000 BTU as per ASHRAE), it can cover rooms between 400 and 650 square feet. For a unit with its high capacity, it’s very quiet with 53 dB noise levels at the lowest setting, although it has a pretty low CFM airflow. It comes with a single hose exhaust, window sliders and adapters, as well as a drain hose for condensate formed from cooling and dehumidifying.
Like most other portable air conditioners of its class, the hOmeLabs operates in three modes: Cool, Dry, and Fan Only. When in Cool mode, you can adjust the temperature from 17°C to 30°C (62°F to 86°F) in 1°C or 1°F increments, and choose from Low, High, or Auto fan speed. If you choose Dry mode, you can only set the humidity level from 35% to 85% RH in 5% increments, but you cannot adjust the temperature or select the fan speed. In Auto mode, the unit will automatically select either Cool or Fan mode depending on your set temperature and the current room temperature. The adjustable swing feature distributes conditioned air evenly throughout the room.
The control panel includes a temperature/humidity display, control buttons, and indicator lights. You can set a timer to enable Auto On or Auto Off in 0.5 hour increments up to 10 hours, then 1 hour increments up to 24 hours. Sleep function enables quiet, energy-saving operation. The unit also comes with a remote control so you can change any of the settings from anywhere in the room.
This silent portable air conditioner is easy to move and install in any room with a single or double hung window. Simply attach the exhaust hose and window slider adapter, plug in, and turn on. When dehumidifying, it can remove up to 100 pints of moisture per day. Attach the drain hose to the outlet and let it run to a low level drain. For optimum performance, clean the air filter at least every two weeks. The Filter indicator will light up to remind you when to wash the filter. The unit comes with a 2-year warranty.x
Pros
• High DOE to ASHRAE capacity ratio
• Large cooling area
• Built-in humidistat for more precise humidity control
• Easy to install
Cons
• Heavier than it looks
LG LP0621WSR Portable Air Conditioner
6,000 BTU DOE
8,000 BTU ASHRAE
Min. Noise Levels: 51 dB
Cooling Area: 250 sq ft
Dehumidification: 58 pints per day
Max. Power Draw: 930 Watts
Dimensions: 13.27 x 17.32 x 27.36 inches
Weight: 54.2 Pounds
For high quality appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators, you can rely on LG to provide you with quiet, energy efficient units. Our next pick is the LG portable air conditioner with DOE rating of 6,000 BTU (or 8,000 BTU ASHRAE). This quiet portable unit is ideal for cooling small to medium rooms up to 250 square feet.
This unit has the standard Cool and Dry operation modes with a digital thermostat that allows you to set the temperature from 60°F to 86°F (16°C to 30°C) and a 24 hour timer to enable delay on or delay off. In Fan mode, you can choose between Low or High fan speed. An LED will illuminate to indicate your selected settings. You can also dim the lights or turn them off completely for less distractions during your sleep. The two-way auto-swing air vent helps direct the air where it’s needed most. This single-hose portable AC quickly cools and dehumidifies the air, removing up to 58 pints of moisture per day. The Condensation Fan feature sets the fan to continue to run for ten minutes after the unit is shut off in order to remove condensation buildup inside.
In case of a power outage, the auto restart feature will automatically resume operation with your last settings once power is restored. For your convenience, you can also use the remote control to adjust the settings. LG’s easy rolling casters and side handles allow you to transport the unit easily from room to room. It also includes a window installation kit and a reusable filter.
While LG makes some of the quietest window air conditioners, this portable unit may not be as quiet as they claim, some users report.
Pros
• Light and portable
• Easy to install
• Reliable brand of quiet air conditioners
Cons
• Not as quiet as stated
• Small capacity and coverage
Honeywell MO08CESWK Portable Air Conditioner
4,000 BTU DOE
8,000 BTU ASHRAE
Min. Noise Levels: 50 dB
Cooling Area: 250-350 sq. ft.
Dehumidification: 61 pints per day
Max. Power Draw: 700W
Dimensions: 13.5 x 14.6 x 27.7 inches
Weight: 43 Pounds
If you want a quiet portable air conditioner that is truly portable, this light and compact Honeywell 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner is a great choice. It has a DOE rated cooling capacity of 4,000 BTU (or 8,000 BTU ASHRAE), that is ideal for areas from 350 to 450 square feet. This single-hose AC operates in three modes: Cool, Dry, and Fan, with three fan speeds.
The control panel includes a digital temperature/humidity display, control buttons with icon labels, and LED indicator lights. In Cool mode, you can adjust the fan speed and temperature from 16°C to 32°C (61°F to 89°F). In Dry mode, the temperature cannot be adjusted. If the room temperature is higher than 25°C (77°F), you can change the fan speed. Otherwise, it will be set automatically to Low speed. The Timer function allows you to delay start or stop operation after one to 24 hours.
When dehumidifying, the MO08CESWK can remove up to 61 pints of moisture per day. The self-evaporation system automatically evaporates the condensate through the exhaust hose when cooling and/or dehumidifying the air. If there’s excess humidity, you may need to place a shallow pan under the lower drain plug to catch the condensate, or remove the exhaust hose and attach the included drain hose to the upper drain plug for continuous drainage.
This light and compact Honeywell air conditioner is built with four smooth-gliding wheels to make air conditioning and dehumidifying from room to room a breeze. The unit includes a remote control for hassle-free operation anywhere in the room. It also comes with two dust filters that slide out easily behind the intake air grilles. The Clean Filter reminder will light up when you need to clean the filters. Simply rinse them in lukewarm water to remove dust buildup and dry completely before reinstalling. Honeywell comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Pros
• Light and compact
• Easy to install
Cons
• Low DOE to ASHRAE capacity ratio
Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner
9,500 BTU DOE
14,000 BTU ASHRAE
Min. Noise Levels: 56 dB
Cooling Area: 500 sq. ft.
Dehumidification: 71 pints per day
Max. Power Draw: 1300 Watts
Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 35.5 inches
Weight: 80 Pounds
If you need a quiet and efficient cooling solution for larger rooms, we recommend the Whynter ARC-14S portable air conditioner with DOE rated 9,500 BTU cooling power. The only unit with a dual exhaust hose in our list, this portable AC is designed to quickly and efficiently cool down any large space up to 500 square feet.
This Whynter portable unit operates in three modes: Cooling, Dehumidifying, and Fan. When Cooling mode is selected, you can adjust the temperature from 61°F to 89°F, and choose from High, Medium, or Low fan speed. The exhaust hose must be connected to operate in this mode. When dehumidifying, it can remove up to 71 pints of moisture per day. This unit does not come with a built-in humidistat and will only dehumidify the room continuously. In this mode, the fan speed can be adjusted if the temperature is higher than 77°F, and set to Low speed if the temperature is lower. If the exhaust hose is vented, the unit will also cool the room. Remove the exhaust hose to recirculate the warm air instead. In high humidity areas, water may accumulate inside the unit. When there is excess water, the unit will stop operating and the Warning light will illuminate. Roll the unit above a drain or place a drain pan under the lower drain plug to empty the water.
The Timer function enables delay on or off after one to 24 hours. The included remote control can also be used to change the settings. In case of a power outage, the unit automatically resumes operation in your last settings once power comes back. Additionally, the unit purifies the air with a washable pre-filter and activated carbon air filter for a cleaner and fresher air. This Whynter air conditioner comes with a one-year warranty on the unit and three years on the compressor.
Since this is larger than most other units in this list (both physically and in cooling capacity), it’s not the quietest. However, compared to similar models from other brands, it’s still pretty quiet.
Pros
• Large capacity and coverage
• Dual exhaust hose for quicker cooling
• With air purifying filters
Cons
• Not the quietest
BLACK+DECKER BPP08WTB Portable Air Conditioner
8,000 BTU DOE
12,000 BTU ASHRAE
Min. Noise Levels: 54dB
Cooling Area: 350 sq ft
Dehumidification: 80 pints per day
Max. Power Draw: 1160 Watts
Dimensions: 17.32 x 13.2 x 27.2 inches
Weight: 63.1 Pounds
This portable air conditioner comes from another known brand of well-made home appliances. The BLACK+DECKER BPP08WTB has a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTU under DOE guidelines (and 12,000 BTU under ASHRAE). This portable unit is perfect for small to medium sized rooms up to 350 square feet, from offices, living rooms, and even bedrooms. In Sleep mode, it’s as quiet as 54 decibels so you can rest easily. You can change the settings on the control panel or with the included remote control.
This portable AC unit features the standard Cool and Dry operation modes and two fan speeds. The LCD control panel and digital thermostat allow you to adjust the temperature from 61°F to 86°F (16°C to 30°C). The unit dehumidifies the air while cooling, removing up to 80 pints of moisture per day. You also have a 24 hour timer to enable auto start or auto stop. In Fan mode, you can choose between Low or High fan speed. The LED lights indicate your selected settings, although you’ll notice they only have icons and no text labels. The adjustable air vent swings up and down to circulate air. The Clean FIlter light indicates when you need to clean the filter. Twice a month, slide it out from behind the air intake, rinse it thoroughly under running water, dry completely and put it back.
The unit is light for its capacity, and comes with four rolling casters, side handles, and a 5-ft long exhaust hose to make movement more convenient. Also included is a window installation kit with a foam seal, slider bracket, a single exhaust hose with inlet and outlet, locking screws and a drain hose for the condensate. Since this is a newer model, there aren’t a lot of reviews we can find at this time. However, BLACK+DECKER older models of portable air conditioners are generally well-received in all aspects.
Pros
• High DOE to ASHRAE capacity ratio
• Comes from a reliable brand
Cons
• Not a lot of reviews
TOSOT 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
6,000 BTU DOE
8,000 BTU ASHRAE
Min. Noise Levels: 49dB
Cooling Area: 250 sq ft
Dehumidification: 55 pints per day
Max. Power Draw:
Dimensions: 11.8×15.4×30.4 inches
Weight: 54 Pounds
This TOSOT portable air conditioner is a great choice for cooling down small spaces within 250 square feet, such as a living room or office. It has a DOE rated cooling power of 6,000 BTU, not too far from the ASHRAE rating of 8,000 BTU. This portable unit runs at a very quiet 49 decibels on the lowest setting, although the compressor may be louder than most during the start of a cooling cycle.
This unit also features the standard cooling and dehumidifying operation modes with a digital thermostat that allows you to set the temperature and a 24 hour timer to delay start or stop operation from 0.5 to 24 hours in 0.5-hour increments. In Fan mode, you can choose from High, Med, or Low fan speed, unlike most other similar models with only two fan speeds. The LED lights will illuminate to determine the settings you select. You can also turn off the lights if you’re sensitive to light in your sleep. If you have a child in the room, the Child Lock function will lock the control panel and stop getting signals from the remote control.
This single-hose portable AC also dehumidifies the air, removing up to 55 pints of moisture per day. The X-Fan feature sets the fan to continue to run for a few minutes after the unit is shut off to help dry any condensation buildup inside.
Since the fan turns off along with the compressor when the set temperature is achieved, the cooling cycle is much shorter than other similar sized models. While this can save energy, it also means that the unit makes a loud noise when the compressor kicks in more frequently.
Pros
• High DOE to ASHRAE capacity ratio
• Multiple modes and lock function
Cons
• Compressor is loud when it turns on
• Shorter cooling cycles
Midea MAP14S1CWT Portable Air Conditioner
8,200 BTU DOE
14,000 BTU ASHRAE
Min. Noise Levels:
Cooling Area: 350 sq. ft.
Dehumidification:
Max. Power Draw:
Dimensions: 18.03 x 14.69 x 30.87 inches
Weight: 67.9 pounds
This smart portable air conditioner by Midea provides three functions at the tip of your fingers. With a 8,200 BTU DOE rating (14,000 BTU ASHRAE), it effectively cools any space up to 350 square feet. Like the rest of our picks, it offers three operation modes and three fan speeds.
In Cool mode, you can adjust the temperature from 17°C to 30°C or 62°F to 86°F in 1°C or 1°F increments, and choose from the three fan speeds. In Dry mode, you can select the humidity level, but the temperature cannot be adjusted and the fan will be set to Low speed. In Auto mode, the unit will automatically select operation depending on the room temperature and your set temperature. The adjustable air vents distribute airflow evenly to cool the entire room. You can also set a timer to turn on or turn off the unit automatically at 0.5 hour increments up to 10 hours, then at 1 hour increments up to 24 hours.
You can select the operation, adjust the temperature and humidity, or set the timer on the control panel or with the included remote control. As an added feature, you can also control the unit from anywhere using the MideaAir app, or pair it with Alexa or Google Assistant to enable voice command. With rolling casters, you can keep any room cool and comfortable easily. Installation is quick and easy with the included 5-ft exhaust hose and window sliders.
When operating in dehumidifying mode, attach the drain hose to the outlet and let it run directly to the drain to avoid leaks. After 250 hours of operation, the Filter indicator light will illuminate. At this time, remove and clean the air filter, then press the Filter reset button once it’s dried and reinstalled.
While this Midea smart portable AC has some neat features, the low DOE rating compared to ASHRAE rating is a testament to low efficiency. Also, this unit comes with a standard one-year warranty.
Pros
• With built-in humidistat
• Wi-Fi compatibility and voice commands
• Easy to install
Cons
• Low efficiency due to low DOE to ASHRAE capacity ratio
SereneLife SLPAC10 Portable Air Conditioner
6,000 BTU DOE
10,000 BTU ASHRAE
Min. Noise Levels: 52-56 dB
Cooling Area: 350 sq. ft.
Dehumidification: 76 pints per day
Max. Power Draw: 1150W
Dimensions: 13.39 x 32.09 x 17.45 inches
Weight: 55.12 Pounds
For instant cooling in small rooms, this SereneLife portable air conditioner is another great option. With a DOE rated cooling capacity of 6,000 BTU (or 10,000 BTU ASHRAE), it’s ideal for small spaces within 350 square feet. It offers many of the features you can find in our bigger portable AC picks above, but in a more compact build and lower price.
The control panel includes a temperature/timer display, control buttons, and indicator lights. You can choose from three operation modes. In cooling mode, you can adjust the temperature from 16°C to 30°C or 60°F to 86°F, and choose from the three fan speeds. In dehumidifying mode, the fan speed is automatically set to Low speed, and the temperature cannot be adjusted. It can remove up to 76 pints of moisture per day. When the internal reservoir is full with water, the compressor will stop and the warning light will illuminate. Remove the lower drain plug and empty the water into the drain.
In Fan mode, you can only choose the fan speed. When Auto mode is selected, the unit will operate in Cooling mode if the current room temperature is higher than 25°C or 77°F, and Fan mode otherwise. You can also set the timer to automatically turn on or turn off the unit after one to 24 hours. The unit comes with a remote control where you can change the settings from anywhere in the room.
The unit also includes the exhaust hose and window installation kit. It features auto swing air vents for air circulation and four rolling wheels for portability. There is currently no available information on the warranty period of this unit.
Pros
• Smaller and cheaper than most other similar models
• Easy to install and use
Cons
• Not much information on the brand
What Makes a Portable Air Conditioner Noisy?
Noise can be subjective. How you perceive noise levels will not depend solely on your AC unit itself, but also the size of your room and your distance from the unit, among other factors.
Quiet portable air conditioners produce noises around 50 dB, but anything below 60 dB is considered a quiet unit. For comparison, a whisper is around 30 dB, rainfall is around 40 dB, while normal conversation goes from 50 to 60 dB.
Compressor
The compressor is usually the noisiest part of an air conditioner (or a refrigerator and dehumidifier). The compressor is the part that controls all other components of your AC. It pumps refrigerant throughout the system, producing cool air from the warm, humid air in the room. Since all of the cooling components are located inside, portable ACs may be noisier than window or split type units, but it can vary from unit to unit.
A regular compressor makes the most noise during the start of its cycle. You’ll hear it kick in with a loud buzzing noise and this happens periodically as it turns on and off to release pressure. However, with inverter technology, the compressor will not turn off completely. It will run at the lowest speed needed to maintain the temperature in a specific room size. This means your air conditioner produces less noise while also saving energy.
Airflow
The airflow rate (in CFM) is the amount of air the unit can process per minute, and the higher it is, the more noise. A higher cooling capacity requires higher airflow to effectively cool the given area, and thus bigger air conditioners (10,000 BTU and above) produce higher noise levels. Running your unit on a higher fan speed also produces more noise.
ASHRAE vs DOE/SACC BTU Rating
An air conditioner’s BTU (British Thermal Units) rating determines the size of the room that the unit can effectively cool. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) tests the cooling power of an air conditioner by measuring the amount of heat (in BTUs) the AC moves per hour.
However, with portable air conditioners, this measurement may not be representative of the unit’s actual performance. When a portable AC expels air out through the exhaust hose, negative air pressure is created inside. This will lead to hot air outdoors seeping in through cracks around doors, windows, or electrical outlets.
This happens because the air in the room with the portable AC will become cooler and less humid, while the air outside the room (in the rest of the house) will become warmer and more humid, reducing the actual cooling power of the air conditioner.
To provide a more accurate representation of a portable air conditioner’s performance in the real world, the DOE implemented a different BTU rating for portable ACs called the Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity (SACC). This measurement factors the negative pressure created during the cooling process. DOE/SACC BTU ratings are typically 40% to 50% lower than ASHRAE, so it’s more important to look at the DOE rating when comparing portable air conditioners.
Sizing Portable Air Conditioners
When you purchase any appliance, you want to make sure you get the right size. The same is true for a portable air conditioner. An undersized unit will not cool the room effectively. It will have to run at the highest fan speed and coldest temperature setting to try to cover the entire room, resulting in warm, uneven temperatures on different parts of the room. This is both ineffective and wasteful of energy. Not to mention very loud, which is exactly the thing you want to avoid.
On the other hand, using a bigger portable AC may seem like a more effective solution. After all, it can cool the same room much faster at a lower fan setting. However, if the unit cycles on and off too fast, it won’t remove enough moisture in the air, resulting in a cool and clammy room. Also, a bigger unit will consume more power and produce higher noise levels.
When choosing a portable AC, you must take into account the total area of the room. Manufacturers usually indicate the square footage recommended for each model. The area of coverage is often related to the cooling capacity of the unit. However, you must also take note of the temperature outside, the type of activities performed in the room, and the number of occupants. All of these can contribute more heat that your air conditioner will need to remove.
Aspects to Consider When Choosing a Quiet Portable AC
Noise is relative. It can’t be the only factor you look at when choosing an air conditioner. To make sure you get not only a quiet unit but also the most efficient for your space, also consider the following factors.
Cooling Area
To find the best portable air conditioning unit for your room, measure the room length and width and multiply them to get the square footage. The unit’s BTU rating determines the size of the room that the unit can effectively cool. Portable air conditioners typically range from 8,000 to 14,000 BTU. A rule of thumb is each square foot requires 20 BTU cooling capacity.
Portability
What sets apart portable air conditioners is their compact size and portability. You’ll want a unit that can easily fit in any room where you may need it. Most models are built with wheels for easy movement from room to room. Take note that you need to maintain adequate space around the unit to allow the air to flow freely.
Ease of Installation and Use
Most portable air conditioners include an exhaust hose and window installation kit. Some may require a drain pan or bucket to collect the condensate, while there are a few units that allow continuous drainage with an included drain hose. Air conditioners also come with dust filters you can wash and reuse. Installation and setup is usually easy, but if you need a step-by-step guide you can refer to the owner’s manual.
While most models only feature a thermostat, some of the newer ones also have a humidistat for more precise humidity control. Additionally, these units come with a remote control, while a few are also WiFi enabled for easy monitoring wherever you are. Consider all of the features you need to make operation simple and hassle-free.
Energy Consumption
Air conditioners are among the most power-hungry home appliances. Thankfully, there are many options for energy efficient units to help you save money on electricity bills. The units we picked are some of the most efficient you’ll find in the market today.
Verify that your home’s electrical system can meet the unit’s power requirements. Room units operate on 120-volt or 240-volt circuits. The standard household receptacle is a connection for a 120-volt branch circuit. Large room units rated at 120 volts may require a dedicated circuit and room units rated at 240 volts may require a special circuit.
Single-hose vs Dual-hose Air Conditioners
Unlike single-hose units, dual-hose portable ACs come with two separate exhaust hoses. One hose draws fresh air in from the outside while the second hose releases the warm, moist air outside. A dual-hose unit can achieve higher CFM airflow so it will not have to work as hard to cool the same area.
How to Keep Your Portable Air Conditioner Quiet
Maintaining your quiet portable air conditioner properly can go a long way in keeping the low noise levels. Besides getting a quiet unit, there are a few ways you can further minimize noise levels and ensure that your unit can operate efficiently for a long time.
Most importantly, you need to choose the right size air conditioner. For best results, get the next bigger capacity unit recommended for your space so you can run it at a lower speed with less noise.
Next, add a sound blanket or insulation to prevent vibration sounds and muffle compressor noise. This can be an actual blanket wrapped around the unit.
Lastly, remember to clean the air filter regularly. A dirty filter may block the air getting into the unit, producing a wheezing sound, or causing the unit to overheat. Check your manual for filter cleaning instructions.
FAQ
How many decibels noise level does a quiet portable air conditioner produce?
A quiet portable air conditioner produces between 49 to 55 decibels. The average portable air conditioner generates anywhere from 50 to 60 decibels.
How can I make my portable AC quieter?
A simple solution will be to wrap the unit in a blanket to let the fabric absorb the noise from vibrations and the compressor working. You can also place the unit on soft carpeting instead of hard floors. Or even simpler, you can just place the unit farther away from you.
Are portable air conditioners quieter than window AC units?
Portable air conditioners are not quieter than window units, but the opposite can be true for most models. Quiet window air conditioners have an average noise level between 42 to 55 decibels while a portable air conditioner produces noise between 49 to 56 decibels. You can also consider a through the wall air conditioner.
