Many Singaporeans have a love-hate relationship when it comes to our hot and humid weather. While there are many outdoor activities we can enjoy all year round, there are also times when the heat is simply too much to endure. If your fan is not doing enough to keep the heat at bay and you’re not keen to install a complete aircon system in your home, it’s time to consider other alternatives such as a portable aircon. Find out whether a portable aircon is suitable for your lifestyle and browse through our review of the best portable aircons in Singapore below!
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How to choose the best portable aircon in Singapore?
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Room size
The best way to ensure your portable aircon is effective at cooling your space down is to pick one that can cater to your room size. Portable aircons are measured by the British Thermal Unit (BTU) to determine how powerful they are. The higher the BTU, the bigger the space that can be cooled down by the portable aircon.
| Room Size (sq m) | 15 – 18 | 20 – 25 | 30 – 35 | 40 – 45 | 55 – 60 |
| Required BTU | 9,000 | 12,000 | 18,000 | 24,000 | 30,000 |
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Energy consumption
It’s important to pick the best portable aircon in Singapore with efficient energy consumption. This prevents a shock in your bills. You can assess this criterion based on the energy efficiency grade labelled on many portable aircon. Grade A signifies excellent energy efficiency, while grades B, C, and D represent good to average energy efficiency. Aside from the labels, you can also opt to buy a portable aircon with automatic shut-off timers or thermostats so the appliance knows when to cut off without wasting energy.
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Ventilation
Portable aircons need to vent out hot air. Hence, they are usually placed near a closed window. However, if you’re hoping to keep your aircon further away from the window, you will need to check that its window kit provides sufficient length or get an extension hose to make your setup work!
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Portable aircon size
The size of your portable aircon is important as you don’t want it to take up too much space in your room. If you’re living in a studio apartment, opting for a small portable aircon would be a wiser option. Meanwhile, larger homes have more flexibility in choosing bigger units, but keep in mind that the larger a portable aircon, the harder it is to move it around your home.
Is it worth buying a portable aircon in Singapore?
Portable aircons can be a costly investment for your home. Hence, we’ve put together a comparison between portable aircons, split aircon systems, and air coolers so you can decide if this cooling solution is right for you and your family.
| Aircon type | Portable Aircon | Split System Aircon | Air Coolers |
| Portability | Can be moved from room to room | Fixed location, not portable | Can be moved from room to room |
| Set up | Easy to set up by yourself | Must be professionally installed | Easy to set up by yourself |
| Cooling Power | At least 10 degrees cooler than the current temperature | More than 10 degrees cooler than the current temperature | At most 3 degrees cooler than the current temperature |
| Cooling Method | Refrigerant | Refrigerant | Direct evaporative cooling (requires water) |
| Wind Reach | Smaller rooms | Bigger areas | Smaller rooms |
| Noise | 35 – 60 db | 30 – 40 db | 35 – 60 db |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean | Regular professional maintenance required | Easy to clean |
| Energy Efficiency | Not as efficient | More efficient than portable aircons | Most efficient |
| Cost | Up to $1,000 per unit | Up to $5,000 for multiple units | Less than $500 |
Best portable aircons in Singapore
1. Novita Coolplus 3-In-1 Portable Air Conditioner
Equipped with the innovative Blue-Fin Cooling technology, the Novita Coolplus 3-In-1 Portable Air Conditioner (available on novita Official Store) boasts superb cooling efficiency. In addition, this small portable air conditioner in Singapore features self-cleaning and corrosion-resistant properties for enhanced durability. This makes the Novita Cooplus one of the best portable aircons in Singapore that’s built to last! The impressive 12,000 BTU, also means you can count on the Novita portable air conditioner to beat the heat in larger rooms up to 25sqm!
2. EuropAce 3-in-1 Portable Aircon 10K BTU – EPAC 10A6
Experiencing a space crunch but can’t live with the heat? The EuropAce 3-in-1 Portable Aircon (available on EuropAce Official Store) is as compact as a regular CPU — which means it’s small enough to fit under your desk even! There are also wheels on this small portable air conditioner in Singapore so you can move it around to make space. This 3-in-1 EuropAce portable aircon also works as a fan and dehumidifier. Operate the aircon in smart mode and it will automatically determine when to switch to the fan when the desired temperature is achieved — this can help to save on electricity. With the recent energy cost hikes, this definitely makes it one of the best portable aircons in Singapore!
3. Midea MPHA-09CRN7 Portable Air Conditioner, 9000 BTU
Does the slightest noise disrupt your slumber? This Midea MPHA-09CRN7 Portable Air Conditioner (available on Midea SG Official Store) is your best choice! It is designed with a unique noise reduction technology, lowering its noise level to a minimum of 47.9 db – comparable to the noise level in a library. With this portable aircon, you can sleep peacefully while keeping yourself cool at night. Not to mention, it is also really smart. Its “Follow Me” function allows it to monitor the temperature around you and adjust its power accordingly. You will get to experience the optimal temperature for yourself without much fuss. This model is definitely one of the best portable aircons in Singapore.
4. CHiQ 9000 BTU 3 in 1 Portable Aircon
Not going to lie, this sleek white CHiQ 9000 BTU 3 in 1 Portable Aircon (available on CHiQ Official Store) is every modern homeowner’s dream come true. What we love about this sophisticated small portable air conditioner is that it adopts a self-evaporating drainage-free design with a cooling and dehumidifying function. If you find yourself glued to your couch watching some of the best Chinese dramas, just grab the full-function Wi-Fi remote control so you can operate the device without moving an inch. Did we mention that this portable aircon also has an intelligent sleep mode? This means reduced noise and adjusted temperature that’s perfect for a good night’s rest!
5. SONA Portable Air Conditioner
There’s no use for a best portable air conditioner in Singapore if it can’t blast air in the direction you want it to. Thankfully, the SONA Portable Air Conditioner (available on Sona_Official_Store) has an up-down oscillation so even the one sleeping on the upper deck of a loft bed can feel the cool breeze. This best portable air conditioner in Singapore produces a temperature range of 18 to 32 degrees celsius — perfect for tackling hot summer nights. This quiet SONA portable air conditioner has a maximum noise level of 54 decibels, similar to the noise of a slight drizzle, which is silent enough for the bedroom.
6. TCL Portable Aircon
Are you concerned for the environment, especially with the recent heatwave? TCL has the best portable aircon in Singapore for you. The TCL Portable Air Conditioner (available on Gain City Official Store) is equipped with the eco-friendly R410A refrigerant. It also features the TITANGOLD nanotechnology that enhances the aircon’s energy efficiency. So not only is it more environmentally friendly, but it also saves money for you. The titanium-gold condenser allows for auto-evaporation, which helps you avoid any drainage hassle. With all these amazing features, there’s no doubt that it is one of the best portable air conditioners in Singapore.
7. Ecoflow Wave Portable Air Conditioner
Camping sounds like a great idea for the vacay, but the sweltering heat can make tents unbearably warm. Ecoflow has one of the best portable air conditioners in Singapore for those who love the outdoors. The Ecoflow Wave Portable Air Conditioner (available on Ecoflow Official Store) is your best partner when it comes to camping. It is a small portable air conditioner, petit enough to fit in the back of your car. With 4000 BTUs, this Ecoflow portable air conditioner can cool your tent within eight minutes. It also automatically alternates between cooling and fan settings. Coupled with the timed mode, you’ll be kept cool all night long without the need to change batteries. That makes it one of the best portable aircons in Singapore for campers.
8. Tecno TAC1200 Portable Air Conditioner
For those who love a sleek device, the Tecno TAC1200 Portable Air Conditioner (available on Tecno Official Store) is just the one for you. This small portable air conditioner boasts a minimalist yet stylish design. It may seem simplistic, but with a 12000 BTU cooling capacity, it can cover up to 25 square metres. Furthermore, this Tecno portable air conditioner has many controls for you to fully customise your cooling experience. There’s a timer where you can adjust the air conditioner’s duration of operation. And there’s also a Dry mode to help with dehumidifying your room, making it one of the best portable aircons in Singapore.
9. EuropAce Portable Air Conditioner 20,000 BTU – EPAC-20A
What makes this EuropAce Portable Air Conditioner (available on EuropAce Official Store) one of the best portable air conditioners in Singapore? It is immensely powerful yet portable and easy to install. With an impressive 20000 BTU, it is powerful enough to cool up to 37 square metres – equivalent to the size of a standard living room. You also do not need to worry about leakage problems as it has an auto evaporation system. What’s more, this EuropAce portable air conditioner features a R410ACFC Free refrigerant. What this means is that it is non-ozone depleting, non-toxic, non-flammable and non-corrosive, making it environmentally-friendly. This best portable air conditioner for Singapore is definitely a worthy investment in the long run!
Overview of the best portable aircons in Singapore
| Portable Aircon | Size (cm) | BTU | Max coverage (sq m) | Noise (db) | Price |
| Novita Coolplus 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner | 35.8 x 41.9 x 68.8 | 12,000 | 25 | 50 | $529-$699 |
| EuropAce 3-in-1 Portable Aircon 10K BTU – EPAC 10A6 | 32.5 x 29.5 x 70.2 | 10,000 | 16 | – | $399.90 |
Midea MPHA-09CRN7 Portable Air Conditioner, 9000 BTU |
31.8 x 32.9 x 63.4 | 9,000 | 18 | 47.9 | $369 |
| CHiQ 9000 BTU 3 in 1 Portable Aircon | 44.1 x 32.7 x 70 | 9,000 | 15 | 50 – 55 | $399 |
| SONA 10000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner SACN 6266 | 49 x 27 x 71 | 10,000 | 20 | 51 – 54 | $499 |
| Tcl Portable Aircon Tac10cpa/hng | 41.5 x 31.5 x 69 | 10,000 | 20 | 53 | $469 |
| Ecoflow Smart Appliance – Wave Portable Air Conditioner | 51.8 x 31 x 41.6 | 4,000 | 8 | 55 | $659 |
| Tecno TAC1200 Portable Air Conditioner | 44.3 x 34 x 81.5 | 12,000 | 25 | 56 | $708 |
| EuropAce Portable Air Conditioner 20,000 BTU – EPAC-20A | 38.5 x 58 x 78.3 | 20,000 | 37 | – | $1599.90 |
Best aircon cleaners for portable air conditioners in Singapore
Even the best portable aircon in Singapore needs a thorough cleaning once in a while to operate to its best potential. If you’re not keen on hiring aircon cleaning services just for your portable air conditioner, we suggest employing the help of the following trusty aircon cleaner sprays to help you get the job done in a jiffy! Don’t forget to also remove the filter for a good wash.
1. WD-40 3-In-One Pro Aircon Cleaner
The WD-40 3-In-One Pro Aircon Cleaner (available on Ohere!) is a water-based aircon cleaner spray that works to dissolve grease, dirt, fungi, and nasty build-ups in your aircon. Simply spray it on the cooling coil and allow it to sit for two minutes to work its magic. This rinse-free formula creates minimal mess and can be used for quick and fuss-free portable aircon maintenance!
2. Kinbata DIY Aircon Chemical Wash
Odour and nasty germs can develop if you don’t clean your portable aircon frequently. The Kinbata DIY Aircon Chemical Wash (available on MeowMeow 13 SG LOCAL) works well as a DIY maintenance tool in between your aircon serving appointments. It features a fine nozzle straw to direct the cleaning solution deep into the aircon for a thorough cleanse. This aircon cleaner spray also boasts a pleasant scent which is preferable compared to ones with a strong chemical smell. Aside from portable aircons and split system aircons, this aircon cleaner can also be used on air coolers and fans!
3. Jackie Air Conditioner Cleaner
If your portable aircon no longer produces air as cold as it did before, it’s a sign that it needs a cleaning. The Jackie Air Conditioner Cleaner (available on Jackie Singapore) specifically targets salmonella, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other harmful bacterias that develop in the air conditioner. Not only do these build-ups reduce the effectiveness of your aircon, but they can also contaminate the air emitted into your home and affect your health. This aircon cleaner spray contains benzalkonium chloride to refresh the machine. It comes out as foam to prevent a dripping mess and can be left on the coils to dissolve by itself.
Enjoy a cooling summer with the best portable aircons in Singapore
Getting the best portable aircons in Singapore that are small and quiet is truly one of the most shiok methods to beat the heat. However, there are other cooling alternatives that you can consider too. This includes the best air coolers and the best standing fans which may be more cost-effective for you and your family. Otherwise, it’s also important to keep the air quality at home fresh. Try out some of the best air purifiers which help remove dust particles and the best dehumidifiers which take moisture out of the air when it is too humid. Shop at our 6.6 Great Shopee Sale for fantastic promotions and deals on all your air cooling appliances!
This article was updated on 18 May 2023. Additional research done by Jike Li.
