Whether you’re cooling a small bedroom, a home office, or your living room, there’s a budget-friendly portable AC for you on this list.
Why Choose a Portable Air Conditioner Under $500?
Portable air conditioners at this price point offer the most cost-effective solution for cooling specific areas of your home such as the living room, bedrooms and even the kitchen. They are perfect for renters who are unable to install a permanent air conditioning unit, or for those who just want to cool specific areas without the overall cost of the entire house. One of the biggest things these portable air conditioners have in common is that they are very easy to move around, allowing you to direct cool air wherever you need it most.Our Top Picks at a Glance
3. 14000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner A8503W-12K.
In-Depth Reviews and Key Features
1. 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner 14,000 BTU ($399)
This 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner is packed with great features. With a cooling capacity of 14,000, it can effectively cool spaces up to 700 square feet in size, and the temperature range can be adjusted to ensure that you are comfortable even on the warmest days. Best of all it's less than 51 decibels, so low that you'll barely notice it's there.
Where this portable air conditioner really shines is in its practicality and versatility.The 24-hour timer and sleep mode optimize energy use and provide economical, quiet nighttime cooling.
2. 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner（$404)
With the same 14,000 BTU setting, this portable air conditioner cools 700 square feet of space down to 61 degrees Fahrenheit, providing powerful cooling to effectively combat the summer heat. Operation is quiet and low-noise, making it ideal for bedroom use. The 3-in-1 function includes cooling, drying and fan modes to meet different environmental needs. The unit's design further enhances practicality with an intuitive LED display, comprehensive remote control and 24-hour timer. Noise levels of less than 54dB in low mode ensure quiet operation at night, while the four castors and concealed side handles make it easy to move between rooms, whether it's a study, living room or caravan.
3. 14000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner（$439)
This smart window air conditioner is a technological marvel that seamlessly integrates a variety of advanced features that redefine home cooling. It comes with a great compatibility of APP connectivity and voice control features, providing users with the convenience of being able to control it remotely, as well as significantly reducing the energy consumption and cost of operation.
Compared to the other 2 portable air conditioners, it has a cooling capacity of only 12,000 BTUs and an effective cooling space of 550 square feet, making it perfect for living rooms, apartments and offices. It also comes with a variety of modes such as cooling, drying, fan, and timer to meet your multiple needs. Noisy operation and silent mode ensure a peaceful environment and the washable filter provides fresh air for a long time.
Buying Guide: What to look for
1. BTU (Cooling Power)
8,000-10,000 BTU → Small rooms (300-400 sq ft)
12,000-14,000 BTU → Medium/large rooms (500-700 sq ft)
2. Energy Efficiency
Energy Star Certified models save 10-15% on electricity.
3. Drainage System
✔ Auto-evaporation = less maintenance.
❌ Manual drain = requires emptying the tank.
4. Noise Level
<50dB = Quiet (good for bedrooms)
>55dB = Noticeable hum (better for living rooms)
5. Smart Features (WiFi, App Control)
Great if you want remote temperature control.
You don't have to spend a fortune to stay cool this year. These portable air conditioners under $500 offer excellent cooling capacity, user-friendly features and reliable performance at an affordable price.
Whether you need a powerful unit for a large space or a compact cooler for a small room, these products will meet your needs without breaking the bank.