Best portable air conditioners 2026: expert-backed models for UK homes

Tested by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full MeacoCool MC Series Pro 10000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner review

On hot nights, summoning up the energy even to move from your star-fished position on the bed can be exhausting, which is where a smart air conditioning unit really comes into its own. If the night starts to get sticky, you can control this portable air conditioner via your mobile device or hook it up to your Alexa or Google Home, so it can start pumping out cool air at the touch of a button - transforming the room "from sauna to pleasant" in the words of one Mumsnet user.

"This model stands out for its quiet operation and energy-efficient performance," says home efficiency expert Jose Escalante. "It’s ideal for light sleepers or those working from home in small-to-medium rooms. The remote control and timer add convenience, though the hose length might be a bit limiting in larger spaces."

With a sleep mode for quieter operation overnight and an hour timer to pre-cool any room of your home, the unit also boasts a dry mode for reducing humidity, and a fan mode for use when air conditioning isn't required.

Meaco is a trusted and much-recommended brand on the Mumsnet forums, making some of the best fans and best dehumidifiers around, at affordable prices. All in all, we think this is the best portable air conditioner in the UK right now. However, due to the popularity of their air conditioners, at the time of writing there's very limited stock available. We managed to find a few new on eBay, and there are lower BTU versions suitable for smaller rooms available at Argos and John Lewis.

Related: The best desk fan for keeping your cool when working from home

If you’re seeking a more affordable option, this VonHaus air conditioner offers excellent value for money, retailing at less than £250. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this 3-in-1 design includes a cooling fan, air conditioner, and dehumidifier, making it ideal for year-round use. 

Recommended for rooms up to 15m2), its portable design and castors make it easy to move around your house or carry downstairs to cool your surroundings when working from home. There are two window kits included, so whether you have a sash or sliding window, it's easy to set up and secure the venting hose.

Once set up, we love the convenience of the remote control, allowing you to turn it on, navigate between the two speed settings, or trigger the built-in 24-hour timer with minimal effort.

Related: The best budget fans for keeping cool without breaking the bank

A portable air conditioner is a big investment, and getting one with a dehumidifier function makes a lot of sense in the UK. This compact model from ProBreeze will keep you cool in summer with its air con and fan functions, and help dry your laundry in winter as a dehumidifier. There’s even a specific Sleep mode, so unlike some models, you can run it overnight without disturbing your neighbours.

You’ll find two window kits included to fit bit slide and hinged windows, with clear, step by step instructions. Once you’ve angled the louvres to your preference, you can operate this model from mobile phone, helping you lie back and attempt some shut eye in more comfortable surroundings.

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full AEG Comfort 6000 Portable Air Conditioner review

If your tower fan just isn't cutting it anymore as the temperatures rise, this easy-to-use AEG Comfort 6000 Portable Air Conditioner can be set up and installed in your bedroom or living space in minutes and offers quick cooling for spaces up to 36m². Whilst it’s fairly heavy compared to some models, it has casters to the base and strong grip handles to improve its portability, allowing you to move it around your home or upstairs as required, with a little bit of effort and some help lifting it.

"This is a premium choice with solid cooling performance and sleek design," says air con expert Jose Escalante. "Its powerful 12000 BTU output makes it great for large rooms or open-plan living spaces. A downside is its weight. Portability is relative here, so it's best for those who won’t need to move it often."

Simple to control remotely via the AEG app, it runs at a relatively low noise level and thanks to its powerful 12000 BTU rating, it gets to work pretty fast once you turn it on. Plus, if you don't want to control it through your smartphone, you can also set it to work manually on the control panel.

Unlike some older portable air conditioner models, it uses the modern R290 refrigerant gas to cool your surroundings, a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly choice. It also boasts an A energy efficiency rating, but as with all portable air conditioning units, the overall performance can be improved by using a window seal kit to prevent warm air from re-entering the room. The window kit is sold separately, which we don't like - there are different types for different window frames available on the AEG website.

Related: The best neck fans, as recommended by Mumsnetters

Smaller bedrooms can quickly become stifling and overbearing during periods of extreme heat, making them far from appealing when it's time to go to bed. The Meaco MeacoCool MC Series 7000R Portable Air Conditioner is ideal – maneuverable and compact, taking up less floor space than more powerful units. 

If you're looking to cool a relatively small room, there's no point forking out for a higher BTU rating than you need. This one is recommended for spaces up to 12-22 square metres in size, cooling your space quickly and efficiently without excessive noise.

Described by the manufacturer as a 4-in-1, we think it's more accurately described as a 3-in-1. The functions are air conditioner, fan and dehumidifier - plus a sleep mode for overnight use.

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We all know that heat rises, meaning our bedrooms can be unbearable during the summer months. If you have young children, this can lead to a disturbed night for everyone. Having a portable air conditioning unit upstairs or in your master bedroom can make the surroundings far more comfortable and conducive for sleep.

"The Pinguino offers a good balance of power and eco-friendliness, using R290 refrigerant," says Jose. "It’s quieter than many models in its class, making it ideal for bedrooms or offices. It's a bit pricier, but you're paying for quality and brand reliability."

The De'Longhi Pinguino ES72 Portable Air Conditioner is designed to cool rooms up to 60 m³, making it a great option for bedrooms, home offices or smaller living spaces during hot weather. It offers both air conditioning and dehumidifying functions, so you can use it throughout the year to help reduce excess moisture in the air as well as keep rooms cool.

You can control it remotely without getting out of bed, and there are three fan speeds plus an auto mode to help maintain a comfortable temperature while keeping noise levels lower on gentler settings. It’s also designed with energy efficiency in mind, using R290 refrigerant, which has a lower environmental impact than traditional gases. While it is an investment purchase, the added dehumidifier function means you’re likely to get use from it beyond the summer months too.