Are AC units all the same? Of course, they aren’t. Some come in mini sizes, while others have a heat pump. In addition, there are window air conditioners and portable AC units. From portable units to heat pump units and more, the shopping may overwhelm you, which is why we’re here to guide you.
| Product | Details |
| BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT | Dimensions: 11.5” x 16.5” x 26” Weight: 52.9 lbs. Coverage: up to 150 sq. ft. Capacity: 8,000 BTU |
| SereneLife 8,000 BTU SLPAC8 | Dimensions: 13.8” x 14.6” x 27.2” Weight: 46.3 lbs. Coverage: up to 225 sq. ft. Capacity: 8,000 BTU |
| Midea 5,000 BTU MAW05M1BWT | Dimensions: 13.19” x 15.98” x 12.05” Weight: 41.4 lbs. Coverage: up to 150 sq. ft. Capacity: 5,000 BTU |
| Frigidaire 5,000 BTU FFRA051WAE | Dimensions: 16” x 15.25” x 12” Weight: 41.4 lbs. Coverage: up to 150 sq. ft. Capacity: 5,000 BTU |
| hOmeLabs 5,000 BTU HME020003N | Dimensions: 12” x 16” x 15.4” Weight: 36.5 lbs. Coverage: up to 250 sq. ft. Capacity: 5,000 BTU |
| Honeywell 8,000 BTU MO08CESWK | Dimensions: 14.6” x 13.5” x 27.7” Weight: 43 lbs. Coverage: up to 350 sq. ft. Capacity: 8,000 BTU |
| LG 5,000 BTU LW5016 | Dimensions: 17.31” x 14.38” x 11.13” Weight: 40 lbs. Coverage: up to 150 sq. ft. Capacity: 5,000 BTU |
| Zero Breeze Mark 2 | Dimensions: 10” x 20” x 11” Weight: 45 lbs. Coverage: up to 40 sq. ft. Capacity: 2,300 BTU |
Smallest Air Conditioners for Small Room
1. BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT - Best Overall
| Cooling capacity: | 8,000 BTU |
| Recommended square footage: | 100 - 150 square feet |
| Energy efficiency: | 8.4 |
| Power: | 950W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH in inches): | 11.5” x 16.5” x 26” |
| Weight: | 52.9 lbs. |
If there’s one portable air conditioner that’s as close as possible to having it all, it’s the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT. It presents a balanced selection of features that caters to most customers.
First things first, the design of this portable air conditioner is slim so that it doesn’t take up too much floor space. Plus, the four caster wheels enable you to move it from room to room, depending on the need for air conditioning.
Moreover, the performance is stunning, thanks to its cooling ability of 8,000 BTU and wattage of 950W for up to 150 sq. ft. Also, it has everything that modern portable air conditioners could have, including an LED display, full-function remote control, and 24-hour timer.
Moreover, it has a dehumidification function with a self-evaporating technique and has a fan-only mode. Thanks to the included hose, you can drain the unit through the window. It even has multiple airflow speeds. Although it’s feature-packed, it’s surprisingly affordable as well.
However, this small portable air conditioner has one disadvantage, as it’s the heaviest on the list. Yet, it still isn’t too heavy.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Four caster wheels for mobility
- Powerful performance
- LED display, remote control, and timer
- Three functions, including the self-evaporating function
- Slim design
Cons:
- Heavy portable air conditioner compared to other units on the list
2. SereneLife 8,000 BTU SLPAC8 - Runner-up
| Cooling capacity: | 8,000 BTU |
| Recommended square footage: | 215 - 225 square feet |
| Energy efficiency: | 8.9 |
| Power: | 900W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH in inches): | 13.8” x 14.6” x 27.2” |
| Weight: | 46.3 lbs. |
An alternative to the BPACT08WT that rivals it in terms of excellence is SereneLife 8,000 the BTU SLPAC8.
Like its superior, the SLPAC8 requires little space with its compact size. The caster wheels are also excellent in transporting the small portable air conditioner around without scratching the floor.
In terms of power, the portable AC isn’t messing around compared to other portable air conditioners. With 8,000 BTU and 900W, it can cool a space of up to 225 sq. ft. in no time. It’s more on the digital side, so you’ll find an LED display, remote controls, and a 24-hour timer that comes in handy.
Like our former pick, it battles humidity with its dehumidifier function, removing 1.3 liters of moisture/hour. Plus, it has a fan mode and lets you adjust speeds along with temperatures. Surprisingly, it’s even more affordable than the BPACT08WT.
However, it isn’t without its flaws. Despite only being rated at 57dB, it can get quite noisy. Also, the ventilation tube isn’t very durable.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Three functions
- Powerful performance
- LED display, remote controls, and timer
- Slim design
- Four caster wheel design for mobility
Cons:
- A bit noisy
- The ventilation tube is flimsy
3. Midea 5,000 BTU MAW05M1BWT - Budget Pick
| Cooling capacity: | 5,000 BTU |
| Recommended square footage: | 100 - 150 square feet |
| Energy efficiency: | 9.3 |
| Power: | 450W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH in inches): | 13.19” x 15.98” x 12.05” |
| Weight: | 41.4 lbs. |
If you’re on a tight budget and are hunting window air conditioners that don’t break the bank, we recommend the Midea 5,000 BTU MAW05M1BWT.
As you can tell from its size and weight, this window air conditioner isn’t going to occupy too much space on your window sill. And the window-mounted unit already comes with accessories for easy installation. Moreover, it covers a small area of up to 150 sq. ft. with 5,000 BTU and 450W, which is more than enough in terms of power and energy efficiency.
Unlike the SereneLife portable air conditioner, the MAW05M1BWT is a window air conditioner that relies on rotary dials for adjusting speed and temperature, which is straightforward and reliable. It also stands out with its incredibly quiet performance, allowing you to install it in a small bedroom for blissful sleep.
The only possible downside here is the lack of digital controls, which can be bothersome to some.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy-to-use rotary dials for speed and temperature setting
- Compact size
- Incredible quiet operation
Cons:
- No digital controls
4. Frigidaire 5,000 BTU FFRA051WAE - Old School Pick
| Cooling capacity: | 5,000 BTU |
| Recommended square footage: | 100 - 150 square feet |
| Energy efficiency: | 11.1 |
| Power: | 450W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH in inches): | 16” x 15.25” x 12” |
| Weight: | 41.4 lbs. |
If you’re sick of digital controls on every portable AC unit on the market and prefer the old-school ways, check out the Frigidaire 5,000 BTU FFRA051WAE. It utilizes mechanical controls when adjusting temperature and two fan speeds, an approach favored by many who are overwhelmed by needless features.
This window air conditioner shares the compact size of the Midea window AC, so you can install it easily in your window. Not to mention, the window-mounting kit is included to streamline the process.
Covering up to 150 sq. ft., the FFRA051WAE excels with 11.1 EER rating, which means it consumes less energy than other 5,000 BTU and 450W window AC units.
That being said, the lack of digital controls isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. And if we’re nitpicking, the small window unit is quiet but not as quiet as MAW05M1BWT.
Pros:
- High energy efficiency
- Relatively affordable
- Compact size
- Easy-to-use rotary dials for speed and temperature setting
Cons:
- No digital controls
- Not as quiet as the MAW05M1BWT
5. hOmeLabs 5,000 BTU HME020003N - Best Small Window Air Conditioner
| Cooling capacity: | 5,000 BTU |
| Recommended square footage: | 100 - 150 square feet |
| Energy efficiency: | 11.1 |
| Power: | 450W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH in inches): | 12” x 16” x 15.4” |
| Weight: | 36.5 lbs. |
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense window AC unit that gets the job done and even excels at it when compared to other window units, look no further than the hOmeLabs 5,000 BTU HME020003N.
In terms of size and measurements, this is arguably the smallest window air conditioner. It can fit in any window that’s 23” to 36” wide and 13” high, accommodating most windows in small rooms.
Like any window AC that’s worth your time, it covers up to 150 sq. ft. with an output of 5,000 BTU. But, even better, the 450W helps keep the electricity bill with an impressive EER rating of 11.1.
It comes with easy-to-use mechanical controls for temperature and airflow. Regarding maintenance, it’s pretty easy, thanks to the washable filter that minimizes waste. While it’s an excellent air conditioner, it manages to be reasonably priced among window units. Despite its many perks, we have to note that it may not be as quiet as it’s said to be.
Pros:
- High energy efficiency
- Very affordable price
- Compact size
- Easy-to-use rotary dials for speeds and temperature settings
- Washable air filter
Cons:
- No digital controls
- Not entirely quiet
6. Honeywell 8,000 BTU MO08CESWK - Widest Coverage
| Cooling capacity: | 8,000 BTU |
| Recommended square footage: | 250 - 350 square feet |
| Energy efficiency: | 11.4 |
| Power: | 700W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH in inches): | 14.6” x 13.5” x 27.7” |
| Weight: | 43 lbs. |
If the small area in question isn’t as small as 150 or 250 sq. ft., you need something large but not too large, which is precisely what the Honeywell 8,000 BTU MO08CESWK is about.
This portable AC is slim, so it’s suitable for tight spaces. Moreover, the four-caster wheel design is excellent for transportation from room to room to accommodate any room that needs air conditioning.
Its best quality is that it covers up to 350 sq. ft. with a powerful 700W and impressive 8,000 BTU. Even better, this portable AC has the highest EER rating of 11.4, rendering it a worthy cost-effective option.
Like all excellent compact AC units, it manages to include three functions; it has dehumidification and fan modes. With the automatic drain system, you can drain the unit using an included exhaust hose to vent the water and hot air out of the window-venting panel.
Undoubtedly, it isn’t 100% flawless. Its considerable height makes it unsuitable for rooms with low ceilings. Also, it can be loud and is on the expensive side.
Pros:
- High energy efficiency
- Widest coverage on the list
- Four caster wheel-model for mobility
- Powerful performance
- Three functions, including self-evaporation
Cons:
- Tallest unit on the list
- Can be noisy
- Expensive
7. LG 5,000 BTU LW5016 - Energy Star Air Conditioner
| Cooling capacity: | 5,000 BTU |
| Recommended square footage: | 100 - 150 square feet |
| Energy efficiency: | 11.4 |
| Power: | 440W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH in inches): | 17.31” x 14.38” x 11.13” |
| Weight: | 40 lbs. |
If you want the most efficient appliance out there, there’s nothing better than an Energy Star AC unit like the LG 5,000 BTU LW5016. The fact that it’s an Energy Star certified AC unit means that it’s proven to consume less energy than others, thinning your energy bill.
In addition, this unit is all about saving money, so it even costs relatively little upfront as a window unit. Also, it has a high EER rating of 11.4. So, unfortunately, it isn’t the right pick if you want something as powerful as others on the list.
Pros:
- Energy Star certified
- High energy efficiency
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Not the most powerful
8. Zero Breeze Mark 2 - Portable Outdoor Air Conditioner
| Cooling capacity: | 2,300 BTU |
| Recommended square footage: | 40 square feet |
| Energy efficiency: | 9.6 |
| Power: | 240W |
| Dimensions (WxDxH in inches): | 10” x 20” x 11” |
| Weight: | 16.5 |
If you like personal air conditioners and want the smallest AC unit possible for an RV or tent, Zero Breeze Mark 2 is your friend. It’s one of, if not the lightest and smallest portable air conditioners and personal air coolers.
Moreover, this construction entails that you can carry it freely wherever you go. As a mini air conditioner, it only covers up to 40 sq. ft., so it’s perfect for an RV, tent, or golf cart. At 2400W, this small AC unit is powerful but only within a short distance.
As you can probably guess, it isn’t powerful and doesn’t have a wide coverage because it isn’t built for indoor air conditioning. Also, it runs on a battery. Plus, the Zero Breeze isn’t affordable, so not every outdoor enthusiast can buy it on a whim.
Pros:
- The most lightweight and smallest portable air conditioner
- Flexible in movement
Cons:
- Not powerful or meant for a room
- Needs recharging
- Expensive
Choosing the Top Small Air Conditioners for Small Rooms – Buyer’s Guide
Finding the Right Size Air Conditioner
Small room air conditioners should be, well, small. So, measure the floor space you’ll place the AC unit on or the window that you’ll install it into. Then, pay attention to the width and length of the portable AC unit in inches, which tells you how much floor space it’ll take up. Next, take the height into account, especially if it’s a window AC.
Most AC units for small rooms range from 10” to 17” in width, 10” to 20” in length, and 10” to 26” in height. So, you can definitely find window or portable AC units that fit within these ranges.
Coverage (Square Feet)
Coverage is crucial when buying a small air conditioner, so it’s vital to know the total room size in square feet. The coverage that the smallest air conditioner provides ranges from 40 to 350 square feet. If you put these units in larger rooms, their coverage won’t be satisfactory. So, try to match the small AC unit with its environment.
BTU Output and Cooling Power
The cooling power or capacity affects buying a portable or window air conditioner. The larger an air conditioner is, the more cooling power or output it has. And this output is measured in British Thermal Units or BTU.
If you’re looking for a mini AC unit that has a high cooling ability and can give you that ice-cold air effect, pick the highest number of BTU for its room size in square feet. For example, any small air conditioner with 5,000 BTU to 8,000 BTU can efficiently cool air in most rooms from 150 to 350 square feet.
Energy Efficiency
Since AC units are naturally energy-intensive, it’s important to only invest in energy-efficient ones. If you tend to use the air conditioner a lot, especially in the summer, energy bills will pile up before you even see them. While energy-efficient air conditioners cost more upfront, the energy usage saves you more money on energy bills.
You can identify an energy-efficient AC unit in two ways: it’s either Energy Star certified or has a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER rating, meaning more than 10. Both the Energy Star AC unit and the one with a high SEER rating consume less energy than competitors.
However, if you’ll only use the portable or window air conditioner every once in a while, we don’t recommend that you pay more for an Energy Star certified. Instead, you can buy the most affordable option.
Noise Level
Nobody wants an air conditioner that sounds like a lawnmower, even in the summer. Exposure to loud noise for prolonged periods is known to have consequences.
The noise rating is measured in decibels or dB. Ideally, you don’t want a small room air conditioner that’s louder than 55 dB. That’s especially true if you intend to place it in a small bedroom. Bear in mind that the portable air conditioner is naturally louder than a window AC unit.
Built-in Dehumidifier
Humid climates mean that the outdoor temperature isn’t the problem; it’s the humidity. To avoid the clammy feeling in the summer, get an air conditioner with a dehumidifier function that removes excess moisture and hot air from humid air. The larger the water tank, the faster it will dehumidify a small room.
Air Conditioner Design
Tiny air conditioner units are typically divided into window, personal, and portable units. The portable air conditioner is the ideal choice to move around from one room to another. If it can dehumidify and be emptied at home with a hose, it’s perfect. Also, its installation is pretty easy for small room cooling.
Get small window air conditioners if you only need them in one room that has a window. Small window AC units are typically the most affordable option that every house has had at some point. A professional is recommended for the installation of window air conditioners. If you have a very small window, get a mini window air conditioner.
The personal air cooler is the most convenient option that needs no installation whatsoever and costs very little. The personal air conditioner covers a very small space, so it typically doesn’t cover an entire room but a portion of it.
Conclusion
That wraps up our review of the smallest air conditioners for small rooms available on the market today.
For one, the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT’s balance between a convenient size and various features is unbeatable. Moreover, the SereneLife 8,000 BTU SLPAC8 is the second in line because it’s one of the best portable AC units that’s feature-packed and affordable. But if you don’t want to spend much, the Midea 5,000 BTU MAW05M1BWT is for you.
