For small spaces where installing a window air conditioner isn’t possible and a wall or dual-hose unit, like the Avallon dual hose portable air conditioner, isn’t practical, the best quiet portable air conditioners provide convenience, mobility, efficiency, and good cooling capacity with a low-noise operation. One of the best air conditioners for your needs, if you’re looking for a quiet model, might be a portable model.
Ventless air conditioners can be placed anywhere and moved around as desired, like these quiet portable models. They are a great option for small offices or recording studios because of how quietly they operate, especially in situations where even the quietest window air conditioner is inconvenient.
However, before you select a quiet portable air conditioner, it’s a good idea to be aware of efficiency determinants like EER rating and BTU class, as well as practical features like digital controls, remote controls, or programmable timers, like a 24-hour timer function.
In this post, we recommend the top 10 quietest portable air conditioners. So keep reading our buying guide to find out more about what the best quiet portable air conditioners on the market have to offer.
Top 10 Quietest Portable Air Conditioners
Midea Duo Map12ss1tbl 10,000 BTU
- Noise description: Quieter (42dBa)
- Cooling score: 48%
- Price: $699
Anyone who wants to enjoy the convenience of controlling it through voice command or a smartphone should strongly consider the Midea Duo 3-in-1 quiet portable air conditioner. Due to its duo hose design, it can be easily integrated into a smart home and controlled via Alexa. It can also take in and exhaust air from outside, preventing stale air from entering the room through cracks in doors and windows. Additionally, it has an air duct system that forces air deeper into a space, which speeds up cooling by nearly twofold compared to conventional air conditioners. It’s unfortunate that it can’t be put away from a window.
This quietest portable air conditioner’s 12,000 BTU rating makes it suitable for rooms up to 450 square feet in size. Additionally, it has a very low 42 dB noise output that is barely audible and won’t disturb the majority of people while they are sleeping. Its three modes of operation—cooling, dehumidification, and fanning—can be switched between, and because it employs inverter technology, it can cool spaces more effectively while using a lot less power.
Tosot 8000 BTU
- Noise description: Quieter (49dBa)
- Cooling score: 48%
- Price: $299
Powerful and best suited for rooms up to 300 square feet, the Tosot 8000BTU air conditioner has a high BTU output. The air conditioner can be used as a fan or a dehumidifier in addition to cooling, and since it has a child lock, parents can stop any unauthorized alterations to its settings or operation. This quietest portable air conditioner unit has castor wheels that make it completely portable, and it also has an adjustable timer that can be set to turn off after a certain amount of time. Sadly, despite being wheel-based, some people might find it difficult to move around due to its 65-pound weight.
With a very low noise level of only 49 decibels, the AC unit can be placed anywhere in the room and is guaranteed to be fairly quiet all night. Since it has X-fan technology, its fan can be set to continue spinning slowly to dry the remaining water in the machine as well as its exhaust hose, saving owners the trouble of having to walk up to it to change settings.
Airo Aco08mws 8000 BTU
- Noise description: Quieter (50dBa)
- Cooling score: 48%
- Price: $269
The Airo Comfort portable air conditioner is a sleek, modern device that is ideal for 200 square foot spaces and can be installed either vertically or horizontally in windows. With an 8000 BTU rating, the air conditioner can be configured to operate as a cooler, fan, or dehumidifier based on user preferences. On its top, this quietest portable air conditioner has controls that can set up a timer, switch through its different modes, increase or decrease the temperature, and alternate between a low, medium, or high fan speed. Its double-layered filters are also removable and simple to wash. Unfortunately, for it to function, it must be placed close to a window.
This quietest portable air conditioner has a 50dB noise output, so it shouldn’t be disruptive. It also comes with remote control, so users can use it from their couch or bed. The sleep mode should be used if you decide to keep it in your bedroom because it combines quiet operation with improved energy efficiency. The unit is also fairly simple to install because all of the necessary accessories are included in the packaging.
Shinco Spf1-08c 8000BTU
- Noise description: Quieter (55dBa)
- Cooling score: 48%
- Price: $399
The Shinco 8000BTU air conditioner is a quiet, small device designed to effectively cool rooms up to 200 square feet. It has a cooling mode for hot days, a dehumidification mode that can remove up to 19 liters of moisture per day, and a two-speed fan. Its output is less than 55 decibels at its slowest speed, so it won’t likely disturb anyone. Its well-organized control layout and LED display panel makes using it quite simple. To function, it must be positioned close to a window.
Additionally, since it has an automatic timer, owners can choose to have the air conditioner run for a number of hours at night before eventually turning off, saving them the trouble of having to walk up to it. This quietest portable air conditioner also comes with an easy-to-use remote control. The air conditioner has caster wheels that allow for quick movement between rooms and is very simple to install.
Delonghi Pacem360 WH
- Noise description: Quieter (53dBa)
- Cooling score: 48%
- Price: $620
A powerful yet small 11,000 BTU air conditioner, the Delonghi PACEM360 WH is designed to cool rooms and areas up to 400 square feet in size. This air conditioner has a cooling, dehumidifying, and fan function as well as a washable dust filter that removes dust and other airborne particles from the air, just like the vast majority of ACs in its class. This quietest portable air conditioner unit has castor wheels that make moving it from room to room simple, but some users have complained that the uninsulated hose of the unit causes heat to be returned to the room.
The AC unit has a remote control that makes it convenient to use, and because it also has a 24-hour timer, users can program its operation so that it turns off at the desired time. Given that it has a sound output of 53 decibels, the device is also relatively quiet. Users can choose to put it anywhere in their home or room because it is free-standing and comes with a window kit.
LG LP0621WST
- Noise description: Quieter (55dBa)
- Cooling score: 48%
- Price: $429
This LG air conditioner is suitable for rooms up to 250 square feet in size and has a BTU rating of 6000. It is simple to install and has three operating modes: cool, fan, and dry. Two different cooling and fan speeds can be selected by the user on the AC unit, which also has an oscillating air vent for even air circulation. It was a little noisy, though, according to some customers.
A user-friendly control panel is also included with this quietest portable air conditioner, allowing users to change between the three modes, set a timer, and modify the fan speed. It has caster wheels that make moving it from room to room much simpler, and it comes with a remote for added convenience. Owners won’t have to guess when to remove the unit’s filters for cleaning because it has a check filter alert and an auto-restart feature that turns it back on when power is restored following an outage.
Polocool PQ10C
- Noise description: Quieter (57dBa)
- Cooling score: 55%
- Price: $699
In our laboratory tests, this 2.7kW unit was noticeably the quietest one we examined. Unfortunately, it also significantly underperforms when it comes to cooling, scoring a pitiful 55%. So, even though you’ll probably be perspiring more, you’ll hear it less.
Although this model has low operating costs, this quietest portable air conditioner only received an OK rating in our energy efficiency test, making it a true mixed bag.
Yokohama Yokp7000
- Noise description: Quieter (59dBa)
- Cooling score: 48%
- Price: $339
This unit, like others in the quiet operator category, is a portable air conditioner from the lower end of the market and lacks a few features, including castors and a sleep timer, found on more expensive models. As a result of its lack of wheels, it is also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at only 21 kg.
Its lower operating costs don’t really make up for its subpar performance; in fact, it’s probably only less expensive to run because it doesn’t do much in the way of cooling. The fact that it is quiet doesn’t make it cool.
Goldair Gcpac07
- Noise description: Quieter (59dBa)
- Cooling score: 48%
- Price: $399
This model is similarly light in the cooling department, weighing only 19 kg. Our experts gave its cooling capacity a “Borderline” rating and its energy efficiency a “Just OK” rating.
The fact that this quietest portable air conditioner is more affordable is a plus, but it doesn’t significantly lower the temperature, so that isn’t much of a consolation.
Goldair Gcpac200
- Noise description: Quieter (59 dBa)
- Cooling score: 48%
- Price: $399
This Goldair model scored an equally paltry 48% for cooling and 62% for energy efficiency, making it yet another model that falls short when it comes to keeping you cool.
Like its sibling, the GCPAC07, it is nice and light and has low operating costs, but this quietest portable air conditioner also barely succeeds in lowering the room temperature.
Beginner’s Guide To Quiet Portable Air Conditioners
What Exactly Is A Quiet Portable AC Unit?
A portable air conditioner that operates quietly is one like the Anbber portable air conditioner. The majority of quiet portable air conditioners, and even tower air conditioners, don’t need window or wall vent installation with hoses to circulate indoor and outdoor air. Instead, they use a ventless design. Finding low-noise models to choose from shouldn’t be difficult because any AC unit designed with any significant additional functionality, such as the best window air conditioners with heat, will be clearly categorized with that functionality by manufacturers.
Such units have the benefit of allowing for self-contained operation as well as a great deal more placement and mobility flexibility. They can be used to cool areas without windows or places where it would be difficult or impractical to cut a wall-mounted vent hole.
Designed for quiet operation, small portable air conditioners are available. They’re a particularly good choice for tiny mobile offices, recording studios, and seasonal workshops where excessive noise during use is either disruptive or highly undesirable. They are a good choice for cooling small bedrooms that don’t frequently require air conditioning because of their quiet operation.
In terms of cooling capacity, filter type, fan speed, and optional features like auto-timer and sleep mode, these types of units can differ greatly. Their energy efficiency can also vary significantly from model to model, but most work by cooling indoor air with water rather than by cycling refrigerant as in conventional models. If you’re looking for the best portable air conditioner, you won’t have to be concerned about the device raising your energy costs.
Read More: How To Vent A Portable Air Conditioner Without A Window?
How Quiet Are Portable Air Conditioners?
The noise level of portable air conditioners is not low. They generate noise levels between 44 dB and 64 dB, with 54.6 dB as the average and 56 dB as the most frequent.
The sound level of portable air conditioners ranges from that of a whisper to that of a normal conversation.
The analysis of 56 of the most popular portable air conditioners on the market yielded the decibel values in this paragraph.
What Portable AC Unit Components Make The Loudest Noise?
In portable air conditioners, there are two main noise producers:
- Airflow.
- Compressor.
The decibel meter can soar to 70+ dB when using portable air conditioner compressors. As you are aware, high airflow causes the AC unit to vibrate and make a swirling noise.
Read More: How Long Can You Run A Portable Air Conditioner Continuously?
How Quietly Do Portable Air Conditioners Operate?
If you’re curious about how portable air conditioners operate, you should know that they typically operate very differently from window air conditioners, wall-mounted air conditioners, and top-rated central air conditioning systems because they typically use a ventless “evaporator cooler” design that doesn’t need access to the outside air through a window or exhaust hose.
An open tank with a refillable water reservoir at the bottom of a ventless air conditioner, which is typically on caster wheels for mobility, is connected to a fan and a special cooling pad above. A pump delivers water from a reservoir to the cooling pad as the fan pulls warm interior air in. When the cooling pad is exposed to indoor door air, it picks up moisture from the reservoir and is then blown across it by the fan. After being blown back into space, the cooled air lowers the temperature to the ideal level while raising the humidity. Now, if the quietest portable air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, there must be a problem with it that needs to be fixed either by self-diagnosis or by hiring a technician.
How Long Does A Portable Quiet Air Conditioner Last?
Since portable air conditioners are less efficient than window models, they typically last less than ten years when used frequently. Units with quiet operation are included.
A unit’s lifespan is influenced by a number of factors, including:
Frequent Moving
Generally speaking, portable units are not as well constructed as their window and wall counterparts. One’s lifespan may be shortened if it is moved around a lot and used in several locations. This is because of rattling parts and increased wear and tear.
Heavy Regular Use
Long-term heavy use puts a unit through more wear and tear. Additionally, the humidity that great ventless portable A/C units produce while cooling rooms can harm various parts. These two elements have the potential to drastically reduce life expectancies.
What Are The Benefits Of Purchasing A Quiet Portable Air Conditioner?
With the additional proviso that a low sound level is a priority for you, and quiet portable AC unit would be a good fit for you for the same reasons that any portable option would be.
A quiet portable air conditioner will work well if you need to cool a room without windows, such as a basement, workshop, or temporary office, and cutting a hole for a wall installation is either impossible or impractical. This is particularly true if it is not required to operate continuously throughout the year.
Again, quiet portable units are a good option if you have a small to medium-sized windowless space that only occasionally needs cooling and quiet operation is important. A portable unit’s efficiency decreases with size, so keep that in mind. Therefore, it might be worth trying a wall installation for a 700-square-foot room that needs an AC unit in the 15,000 BTU class (if it has no windows) because the energy costs of a portable model in that BTU class would be high unless you used it very little. The best portable air conditioner for an RV can be a great fit for small spaces you only use occasionally like an RV, where a quiet portable unit might be great.
How Do I Select A Quiet Air Conditioner?
You need to look for a silent compressor as well as low airflow in a portable AC unit in order for it to be truly silent. The following 4 guidelines should be followed when choosing a quiet room air conditioner:
Low Airflow, Colder Air Portable AC Units Generate Less Noise
Every portable air conditioner produces a swirling sound, which is caused by the air moving through the unit. You are aware that the portable air conditioner will become noisier if the cooling speed is sped up. The improved airflow is represented by that.
You are also aware that larger 8,000 BTU portable AC units tend to be quieter than 14,000 BTU units. That’s easy because a 14,000 BTU unit needs to produce more airflow. There are obviously other factors, but decreasing airflow will always result in a reduction in the overall noise levels of any HVAC system.
Inverter Compressor Makes Less Noise Than Rotary Compressor
There are two categories of compressors:
- Rotary compressor. The standard version is found in most loud portable air conditioners.
- Inverter compressor. The advanced version is found in low-noise-level portable air conditioners.
We won’t discuss how compressors operate from the inside out. They operate differently in portable air conditioners, and this is a crucial distinction:
A rotary compressor is a turn-on-off compressor (most fridges have these compressors as well). For instance, if you set your refrigerator to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, it will probably maintain a temperature of between 32 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The rotary compressor, which creates that distinct high-noise thump, will turn on when the temperature reaches 38°F, lower it to 32°F, and then shut off.
Similar to how the rotary compressor in a portable air conditioner operates after you set the temperature for the room, the rotary compressor will occasionally turn on and emit a high-pitched sound. It’s not ideal; that sound might even wake you up.
On the contrary, inverter compressors use a variable-frequency drive (with varying input voltage and frequency) that modulates the compressor speed and thus modulates the cooling capacity much more tightly. Fridge example: If you set it to 35°F, the inverter compressor will continuously deliver cooling power (there won’t be any loud turning on and off) to maintain the desired temperature. Realistically, it will fluctuate between 34 and 36 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will do so very quietly.
Check the Specification Sheet For Noise Levels (measured In Db)
Every portable air conditioner has a specification sheet, but noise levels are not listed on every specification sheet.
Naturally, if noise levels are measured, you can simply look at how many decibels this or that portable air conditioner produces, rank the units from quietest to loudest, and determine which portable air conditioners on the market are the quietest by doing so.
Take Into Account Size (BTU), Eer Rating, Reliability
To truly qualify as the best quiet portable AC unit, the portable air conditioner must not only be silent but also extremely effective overall. Additional cooling metrics enter the picture here.
The most obvious one is the cooling effect, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). You will unnecessarily have a louder unit (as we know, bigger units tend to be louder due to higher airflow) if you choose a portable air conditioner that will be too big for your needs.
The EPA advises 20 BTU per square foot. So, if you need to cool a 500-square-foot space, a 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner might be all you need. To be safe, you can choose a 12,000 BTU unit, but you shouldn’t go higher because the 15,000 BTU unit will unnecessarily produce more noise.
How Can I Make My Portable Air Conditioner Quieter – 13 Tips
Portable air conditioners are not quiet, and some are much noisier than others. However, there are steps you can take to quiet down your unit.
Here are 13 easy-to-implement tips that can help you reduce your unit’s noise level.
- Secure the casing if it’s loose. The casing of your portable air conditioner may eventually become slack and begin to rattle. If the casing needs to be secured, check it and tighten any screws or tape or tie any exposed areas.
- Wrap it up. Think about draping a towel or blanket over the device. If you do this, be careful not to obstruct vents, sensors, or any other features that will hinder airflow and operation.
- Position it on a level surface. In operation, this will lessen additional knocking noises.
- Put it on a cushioned surface. For example, placing the appliance on a carpet can reduce the noise it makes.
- Consider using an anti-noise and anti-vibration mat – see an example on Amazon, here.
- Absorb the noise. Consider using noise-absorbing panels (see an example on Amazon, here) or other items that will help absorb the noise being produced. Basically, just put them close to the gadget. By doing this, you can lessen the likelihood of hearing echoes and reverberating sounds in the space.
- Use a fan and move the object away. Place the unit further away from you and think about using a louder, more powerful fan to better circulate the cooler air. Ceiling fans are a great option for this because they are typically quiet and cost-effective to run.
- Change the setting. If your portable air conditioner has a Night Mode, Quiet Mode, or Energy Efficient Mode, think about using it. The output of noise is typically reduced by these. If neither of these options is available, you might think about lowering the speed setting or raising the temperature, provided that doing so is comfortable. This will aid in lowering the amount of work necessary and, consequently, the noise output.
- Keep it away from heat sources. removing the appliance from areas with hot surfaces, such as cookers., will help reduce the device’s workload making it quieter. The room’s temperature can be lowered by drawing the curtains.
- Don’t forget to include the window insert. To prevent warm air from getting in and increase the unit’s workload and noise level, make sure it is essentially airtight. Additionally, it’ll help keep more noise from entering the space.
- As directed, perform the maintenance. If you don’t keep the device in working order, strange rattling, grinding, and humming noises may start to appear. Additionally, vents can become blocked, limiting airflow and reducing the cooling power of the device.
- Don’t use an unnecessarily powerful portable AC unit. Larger-room models typically have a louder sound. They require more power to cool the bigger area, which explains why. As a general rule, it will be less noisy to use a device that is more powerfully suited for a smaller space.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient, preferably quieter, model. The most energy-efficient portable air conditioners, as well as the quietest models, are listed above.