(Credit: Home101, Midea SG Official Store)
With this scorching heat Singapore’s been having, our usual love-hate relationship with the weather is definitely leaning more towards the “hate” side! Sure, we get year-round outdoor fun, but battling the extreme heat can be brutal. When your trusty fan just isn’t cutting it anymore, consider a portable aircon for a cool down at home. Unlike traditional air conditioners, portable ones are a breeze to install and use. Find out whether a portable air conditioner is suitable for your lifestyle. Browse through our review of the best portable aircons in Singapore below!
| Portable Aircon | Size (cm) | Cooling Capacity (BTU) | Power Consumption (W) | Max coverage (sq m) | Noise (db) | Price |
| EuropAce’s 4-IN-1 True Hoseless Portable Air Con + Air Cooler – EHAC18D-H2 | 37.5 x 129 x 45 | 18,000 | 750 | 40 | 50 | $1,999.90 |
| EuropAce 3-in-1 Portable Aircon 10K BTU – EPAC 10A6 | 32.5 x 29.5 x 70.2 | 10,000 | 1100 | 16 | 57 | $399.90 |
| Sona 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | 27 x 49 x 71 | 12,000 | 1800 | 35 | 51-54 | $439 |
| Noir by Mistral 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | 28 x 29 x 67.5 | 12,000 | 1650 | 50 | 51 | $418 |
| SONA 14,000 BTU 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner SACN 6286 | 49 x 27 x 71 | 14,000 | 1900 | 25 | 51 | $799 |
| TCL Portable Aircon Tac10cpa/hng | 41.5 x 31.5 x 69 | 10,000 | 1200 | 20 | 53 | $429 |
| Ecoflow Wave Portable Air Conditioner | 51.79 x 30.99 x 41.61 | 4,000 | 700 | 18 | 44-56 | $1,649.85 |
| EVITA EPAC 314W | 47 x 35.3 x 76.2 | 14,000 | 1680 | 28 | 48 | $599 |
| EuropAce Portable Air Conditioner 20,000 BTU – EPAC-20A | 38.5 x 58 x 78.3 | 20,000 | 2400 | 37 | 45-54 | $1599.90 |
| iFan 3IN1 Portable Aircon | 36.8 x 35.8 x 71.3 | 14,000 | 1130 | 500 | 65 | $699 |
| Avolta PC35AMF/S Portable Aircon | 30 x 53.2 x 76 | 12,000 | 3500 | 37 | 40-50 | $448 |
If you’re looking for a portable aircon without exhaust that is truly hoseless, then this EuropAce’s 4-IN-1 True Hoseless Portable Air Con + Air Cooler – EHAC18D-H2 (available on EuropAce Official Store) fits your requirements! This is one of the best portable aircons in Singapore for apartments and condominium units as it does not require installation or an open window to operate. This unit water-cools warm air before circling it back into the room, using 60% less energy compared to the usual air conditioners! Plus, it boasts an 18,000 BTU cooling capacity that’s capable of cooling spaces of up to 40 square metres.
(Credit: EuropAce Official Store)
Feeling cramped 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 — it’s small enough to fit under your desk! This small portable air conditioner comes equipped with wheels, allowing you to move it around your space as needed. Unlike the EuropAce portable aircon without exhaust, this 3-in-1 EuropAce portable aircon requires some installation, but it also works as a fan and dehumidifier. Operate the aircon in smart mode and it automatically determines when to switch to the fan when the desired temperature is achieved saving you on electricity bills. With the recent energy cost hikes, this makes it one of the best portable aircons in Singapore!
Looking for the best portable air conditioner in Singapore for HDB homes? The Sona 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (available on Hapee Store (Singapore)) fits the bill. It’s quiet, efficient, and compact – ideal for small apartments and bedrooms! Plus, this model has auto-evaporate and dehumidification features that keep humidity at bay so you can get a more comfortable sleep. It also features a self-diagnosis function that helps with maintenance, a washable filter, and a low-noise compressor for quiet cooling.
The sleek and powerful Noir by Mistral 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (available on SMart.Home.Appliances) is every modern homeowner’s dream come true! It’s a minimalist portable aircon that won’t be an eyesore in your home, while still effectively cooling down your space amidst the heat of Singapore’s tropical climate. What we love about this portable aircon is its three modes that you can toggle for any weather: turbo, smart, and sleep. Plus, you can link this portable aircon to Alexa or Google Home for hands-free operation, so you can keep yourself glued to your seat while watching the best Chinese dramas!
(Credit: Sona_Official_Store)
The humid weather in Singapore can sometimes put a damper on your plans, especially during intense heatwaves. Intense heat can also be dangerous as it increases the chances of overheating and stroke. You’ll need to cool down fast! Thankfully, the SONA Portable Air Conditioner (available on Sona_Official_Store) can cool your room in a jiffy, featuring a powerful 14,000 BTU capacity and dehumidifier. As one of the best portable air conditioners in Singapore, this model produces a temperature range of 18 to 32 degrees Celsius — perfect for tackling those hot summer nights. This quiet SONA portable air conditioner has a maximum noise level of 51 decibels, similar to the noise of a slight drizzle, which is silent enough for the bedroom.
(Credit: Gain City Official Store)
Are you concerned for the environment, especially with the recent heat wave? TCL has the best portable aircon in Singapore for you. The TCL Portable AirConditioner TAC-10CPA/HNG (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.
Its 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. Feel good knowing that you’re keeping yourself cool while being environmentally conscious with this eco-friendly portable aircon in Singapore!
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 Hardwarecity Official) 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. It also doubles as a space heater during cold, rainy nights, so you’ll always be at a comfortable temperature no matter where you are!
The EVITA EPAC 314W (available on Asia Excel) packs a powerful cooling punch for a portable unit, making it a strong contender for the title of best portable aircon in Singapore. With smart WiFi controls, a 3-in-1 function (cooling, dehumidifying, fan), and a self-evaporating system, it offers the ultimate cooling convenience and efficiency. Furthermore, its 80-degree auto-swing creates better airflow around the room, making this model a great option for those seeking a feature-rich portable air conditioner for their home.
(Credit: EuropAce Official Store)
What makes this EuropAce Portable Air Conditioner (available on EuropAce Official Store) one of the best portable air conditioners in Singapore? It’s 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 don’t need to worry about leakage problems as it has an auto-evaporation system. The EuropAce portable air conditioner also features an 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 a worthy investment in the long run!
The iFan 3-in-1 Portable Aircon (available on PowerPac Official Store) combines a cooling air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan all in one device – what you expect from one of the best portable aircons in Singapore! Plus, the small, compact device can dehumidify up to 56L per day, which is perfect for the humid summer season. It also comes with a washable air filter so you can keep your room free from dust and allergens!
The Avolta PC35AMF/S Portable Aircon (available on Home Life) is a budget-friendly option for those looking to cool down a small to medium-sized room. It boasts a 12,000 BTU cooling capacity, along with heating functionality, making it a versatile year-round climate control solution. Plus, it’s ideal for HDB homes as it requires almost zero installations, has a whisper-quiet noise level between just 40 – 50 db, and works with any window type!
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 snap! Don’t forget to also remove the filter for a good wash.
(Credit: Ohere!)
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 other 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!
(Credit: MeowMeow 13 SG LOCAL)
Odours 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 electric fans!
(Credit: Jackie Singapore)
If your portable air conditioner isn’t blowing air as cold as it used to, it’s likely a signal that it requires cleaning. The Jackie Air Conditioner Cleaner (available on Jackie Singapore) specifically targets salmonella, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other harmful bacteria that develop in air conditioners. 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.
(Credit: Midea SG Official Store [cropped])
Looking for the best portable aircon in Singapore to beat the harsh humidity of our tropical climate? If you’ve determined that a portable aircon is suitable for your needs, the next step is to consider the following factors when shopping for the best portable air conditioner in Singapore.
Portable air conditioners are not a one-size-fits-all solution. You’ll need to consider a couple of factors like BTU, energy efficiency, ventilation and size before you find the model that suits your space. It’s easy to browse online for these details – just make sure to read the product descriptions well!
Here are some factors to consider when buying a portable aircon in Singapore:
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 |
It’s important to choose the best portable aircons 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.
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!
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.
Can’t seem to find a good-sized window to install your portable aircon? While you can run a portable air conditioner without its exhaust vent, it is not an ideal scenario. The exhaust hose removes warm air from the room, keeping you cool. Using a portable aircon without exhaust is not only counterproductive, it can cause your unit to overwork as well. We recommend using a portable air conditioner with its exhaust hose connected to an outdoor vent or using a dual-hose portable air conditioner for better and more efficient cooling in your room.
(Credit: Mickeytool)
Portable air conditioners can be a practical choice for any home. They take up less space than conventional types and are typically more energy-efficient. However, portable aircons can also be a costly investment. Hence, we’ve put together a comparison between portable air conditioners, 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; DIY cleaning | Regular professional maintenance required; Deep cleaning required every 4-6 months. | Easy to clean; DIY cleaning |
| 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 |
Getting the best portable aircons in Singapore that are both space-saving and silent 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. Be sure to shop our 12.12 Birthday Sale for maximum savings.
It’s also important to keep the air quality at home fresh. Try out some of the best air purifiers in Singapore which help remove dust particles and the best dehumidifiers which take moisture out of the air when it is too humid.
This article was updated on 11 July 2024. Additional research done by Janica Ng.
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