Buying Guide 2024: 5 Best Portable Aircons in Singapore

Image: Close Comfort

Fighting the summer heat is never easy, so many people choose to invest in a high-quality portable aircon. The main benefit is the versatility of the unit, especially since a fixed unit in each room can be extremely difficult and expensive.

Portable air conditioners are an excellent choice if you want to relocate the unit as you wish, take it with you wherever you go, and there is no effort required. This is why you should consider the following five best portable aircons in Singapore [2024 review]. Keep reading to find out more about buying a portable aircon and which models are worth your attention!

Things to consider when buying a portable aircon

There are several things you need to consider before buying a portable aircon that suits your needs. First, most people need to determine their preferences according to the following factors, so you will avoid purchasing an aircon that you don’t need.

1. Size and BTUs

One of the most important aspects is the size. If you are looking for a portable aircon, you may need to determine where you want to place it. The portable aircon needs to be powerful enough to cool down your room. Similar to fixed air conditioners, portable units come in different sizes and with varying amounts of BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour.

In short, the higher the BTU number, the more powerful your aircon is. However, if your room is relatively small, you do not need to invest in a unit with too many BTUs. Choosing the appropriate size for your needs will help you cut down unnecessary energy costs while keeping your room cool.

If you have rooms with standard ceilings (8 ft), you can use this quick estimation guide. For a room of up to 200 square feet, you need a unit with 8,000 BTUs. For each 100 sq feet extra, add 2,000 more BTUs. For instance, if your room is 300 sq. ft, you need 10,000 BTUs or 400 square feet with 12,000 BTUs, and so on.

This is only a rough estimation that can be affected by other environmental factors. For example, if you plan to use the portable aircon in a room with numerous appliances or devices that produce heat simultaneously, you need more BTUs.

Assume that you have a room of 300 square feet, so you need 10,000 BTUs according to the instructions above. However, if your room is a kitchen on the second floor (as higher levels are always warmer) or is exposed to plenty of sunlight during the day, you should consider a unit with at least 12,000 BTUs.

2. Noise Level

Similar to any other device, portable aircons generate noise. An excellent portable aircon should generate a maximum of 55 dB (decibels); otherwise, it may disturb you.

It also depends on the room you want to cool down. For instance, if you place it in the kitchen or living room, a higher noise level may not be so unbearable. However, if you want to cool down your home office or bedroom, a high noise level can become very disturbing.

3. Maintenance

As with most of our household items, portable aircons also require maintenance. Most models collect water in a tank, so you need to empty it frequently.

If you find this uncomfortable, you may want to invest more into a unit with an auto-evaporation system. Other models are usually placed next to the window or another area that allows you to put the expeller hose in a safe place to drain the water continuously.

1. Close Comfort Cool Focus Portable Aircon

Image: Close Comfort

Best for
Office/working space
Brand
Close Comfort
Model
Cool Focus (PC9+)
Price
S$589-S$699
Shop now
Lazada | Close Comfort | Shopee

The Close Comfort Cool Focus Portable Aircon has the standard characteristics of a high-quality aircon. What makes it stand out from other alternatives is that you do not need any installation – there are no pipes, no water refilling or drainage, and it requires no consumables, so it is excellent for small spaces. The unit is designed to lower the room temperature by 8-10 degrees and is suitable for personal cooling.

It efficiently cools down the air surrounding it while keeping the costs down. With a consumption rate of 300W per eight hours, it is a great choice for people concerned with associated energy bills. The aircon must be used in a room with an open window for constant, fresh airflow.

The unit does not use water, which significantly decreases the required maintenance. Instead, the unit uses a compressor, along with an eco-friendly refrigerant to cool down the air that doesn’t require topping up. It also has removable dust filters, so you can easily clean them when needed.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:

No installation required, only plug it in
No maintenance or consumables
Reusable dust filter
3000 BTUs and 54 dB (on maximum level)
Suitable for small rooms
Designed to cool people down directly, ideal for working spaces

2. EuropAce EPAC 14T8

Image: EuropAce

Best for
Large rooms
Brand
EuropAce
Model
EuropAce EPAC 14T8
Price
S$845 - S$999
Shop now
Lazada | EuropAce | Shopee

If you want a portable aircon that quickly cools down large rooms, the EuropAce EPAC 14T8 comes with 14,000 BTUs, making it ideal for your home. However, despite this impressive power, it is incredibly compact, without overcrowding your room.

Similar to the previous model, it does not have a high energy consumption. It has a class A energy efficiency rating, ensuring constant, cold airflow without a massive impact on your energy bill. It also uses CFC-free refrigerant to cool down the air, turning it into one of the most user-friendly units without much maintenance.

Additionally, the aircon comes with two functions that purify and dehumidify the air. The powerful motor disperses the cool air around your room, while the oscillation louver is adjustable. Finally, the unit has a HEPA filter that cleans the air.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:

14,000 BTUs, ideal for larger rooms
Compact size with a powerful motor
Quickly cools your room down
The oscillation louver can be adjusted
Has dehumidifying and purifying functions
CFC-free refrigerant

3. Midea Portable Aircon

Image: Midea

Best for
Bedrooms
Brand
Midea
Model
Midea Portable Aircon MPPF-09CRN1 / MPPFB-12CRN1
Price
S$339-S$449
Shop now
Lazada | Shopee | Mega Discount Store

The Midea Portable Aircon MPPF-09CRN1 is an excellent option if you want to have a refreshing, comfortable sleep. It can be placed in any room as long as you can open the window to have a fresh airflow all the time. It distributes the cool air equally so that you can enjoy your rest; simultaneously, it emits ions that kill airborne bacteria.

This unit also boasts incredible durability thanks to golden fin technology. This is because it is resistant to oxidation and water rust, so it is a rewarding long-term investment for you and your family.

Midea aircon has a reusable filter that you can wash as necessary, so it keeps creating clean air. This also means it is low maintenance as you do not need to spend money on additional consumables. In addition, it makes for an excellent choice for bedrooms or any other room due to its smooth wheels that make it highly portable.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:

Cools down the entire room equally
Specific sleep mode for maximum comfort
Reusable filter, no other consumables/maintenance required
Uses golden fin technology for extra durability and resistance
Versatile, easy-to-use wheels for maximum portability
Timer for nighttime use
Budget-friendly
Self-diagnosis
9,000 BTUs

4. TCL Portable Aircon

Image: TCL Portable Aircon

Best for
Durability and long-term use
Brand
TCL
Model
TCL Portable Aircon TAC-12CPA/KNG
Price
S$499 - S$800
Shop now
Lazada

TCL portable aircon comes with 14,000 BTUs and several high-end features that make it an excellent choice for most budgets and preferences. For instance, the double condenser system boosts the cooling effect, helping you stay cool quickly even during the afternoon heat.

The unit is also highly efficient and user-friendly. On the one hand, it comes with TitanGold cooling technology, providing extra durability. At the same time, it has a patented fogging technology that ensures auto water evaporation. This way, you do not need to worry about emptying the water tank or other maintenance.

TCL portable aircon has a 3-in-1 design. In other words, it is fanning, cooling, and dehumidifying the air at the same time, providing maximum comfort. It uses the eco-friendly R410A refrigerant. The cooling effect is suitable for any room in your home, even a shared living room. It has a four-way air swing that will equally distribute cool air, ensuring that every person in the room can feel its effect.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:

TitanGold cooling technology for maximum durability and long-term use
Patented fogging technology for auto-evaporation
Eco-friendly refrigerant
Up to 12,000 BTUs and 53 dB for a comfortable use
3-in1 design with fanning, cooling, and dehumidifying features
Remote control for ease of use
Four-way air swing cools down the entire room

5. iFan Portable Aircon IF9090

Image: iFan

Best for
Anti-bacterial cooling
Brand
iFan
Model
iFan Portable Aircon IF9090
Price
S$359 - S$499
Shop now
Lazada | Shopee

The iFan Portable Aircon IF9090 is produced by a reputable Singaporean brand, well-appreciated for its energy-efficient offering. It is an excellent unit with a maximum level of 55 dB, includes a window kit for quick installation, and even regulates air humidity.

One of its remarkable features is the ability to clean the air. Apart from the dust filter and the active carbon filter, the iFan IF9090 portable aircon comes with an anti-bacterial water tray. This prevents the growth of mold, germs, and harmful bacteria. At the same time, the dust filter is washable and reusable, so it is an excellent unit if you are concerned with air quality.

As one of the best portable aircons available in Singapore, this unit is highly portable and convenient. It even has two speeds, so you can choose your favorite option. It is ideal for any room in your home, including the bedroom, thanks to the special sleep function.

HIGHLIGHT FEATURES: