With the vast number of appliances available on the market, it's confusing to choose which one is the right one for you, especially when small differences can be so impactful.
Today, we are looking into the portable air conditioner vs. window unit air conditioner argument, assessing two of the most common options for cooling the home. We are going to help you decide which is the best option for you by identifying their key differences and looking into the advantages that comes with each type air conditioner. Let's figure out who wins when it comes to a portable air conditioner vs. window unit air conditioner!
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What Is The Difference Between a Portable Air Conditioner And a Window Unit Air Conditioner?
The key difference between a portable AC and a window AC is that a portable air conditioner offers versatility, while a window unit air conditioner saves floor space.
A portable AC is best suited for a person who favors easy and temporary installation. These units can be conveniently disassembled and rolled away into a closet for storage or even moved into another room for quick cooling. A number of homeowner associations forbid the installation of window air conditioners due to aesthetic, obstruction, and concerns of safety. Therefore, a portable air conditioner is the perfect option for someone facing these regulations.
On the other hand, if you are shopping for an air conditioner to cool a specific space, a window unit air conditioner is the better long-term option. Window air conditioners conserve floor space since they are stored entirely outside of your living space.
While they have their key differences, both of these air conditioning systems are more energy efficient than central cooling systems, providing you with cost savings. However, portable air conditioners are typically the better choice because of their versatility and mobility.
Portable Air Conditioner Pros & Cons
Let's take a deeper dive into portable air conditioners vs window unit air conditioners to look at their strengths and weaknesses. Below are the pros and cons of a portable air conditioner:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to install and move | Requires regular maintenance |
| Efficient and comfortable | A bit expensive compared to window ACs |
| Can often be easily hidden | Very large rooms will not be cooled adequately |
| No ductwork needed | Creates indoor condensation |
For an in-depth look into portable ACs, click here to be redirected to our portable air conditioner buying guide.
Window Unit Air Conditioner Pros & Cons
A window air conditioner also has its share of strengths and weaknesses. Here are the pros and cons of a window unit air conditioner:
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly energy efficient | Unattractive |
| Takes up no floor space | Loss of window use |
| Water conveniently drains to the exterior | Produces ambient noise |
| Availability is high since there's a lot of choices | Can be difficult to install |
Choosing a Portable Air Conditioner vs Window Unit Air Conditioner
Based from the pros and cons above, you will be able to choose which appliance is the right one for you. However, portable air conditioners are generally considered the better choice for most households, especially for those people who rent or are always on the go. With all factors considered, we are confident that you will be able to choose the best one!
What Is The Best Portable Air Conditioner?
We've had the chance to review various portable air conditioners and nothing beats the Black + Decker BPACT14WT Portable Air Conditioner. Don't let its small and compact size fool you, this portable AC is quite powerful, but still offers quiet operation that makes it suitable for any household. You can trust it to keep you and your family cool and comfortable in any climate!
Below are some of our favorite features of the Black + Decker Portable Air Conditioner:
- Cools rooms fast as it provides a steady, effective cooling for rooms up to 350 square feet
- Very simple to install, just roll this portable AC into any room
- Offers 3-in-1 functionality (cool, fan and dehumidify)
This Black + Decker portable air conditioner really packs a punch, and it's made by one of the most trusted appliance brand maker in the world. With the reputation and reliability of this brand, you can't go wrong. Plus, there are different size options so you can find the most efficient air conditioner for any home.
What Is The Best Window Unit Air Conditioner?
If you are more interested in a window unit air conditioner, we'd recommend the Midea MAW10R1BWT Window Conditioner 10,000 BTU. Compared to other window air conditioners, this window AC can be installed easily without significant modification to your existing window frame. This will save you the costs and inconvenience of professional installation!
One of our favorite features of the Midea window air conditioner is that it has a fresh air vent control. This allows fresh air to easily flow into your room by simply adjusting the switch located on the air vent. This will save you money in cooler climates, and also helps you enjoy nature's fresh air!
Here are some other great features of the Midea window unit air conditioner:
- 3-in-1 function combines air conditioning, dehumidification, and fan-only mode in one appliance
- Has a 24-hour timer so that you can automatically sync it to your busy schedule
- Has a sleep mode that lets it automatically adjust the temperature throughout the night
That's it! Thank you for the time reading our Portable Air Conditioner vs. Window Unit air conditioner article. We do hope that you enjoyed everything so far and learned more about their key differences. We at Appliance Accreditor offer other appliance reviews and recommendations, visit our appliance buying guides and blog to learn more.