If you live in a home or apartment without air conditioning, the Australian summer can quickly become unbearable. One way you can beat the summer heat is to buy a portable fan, buy a dehumidifier, improve your home’s passive cooling capabilities, or invest in an air conditioner.
Portable air conditioners are a great option if you just need to cool one room, if you’re a renter, or if you’re not quite ready to fork out for a ducted air conditioning system. But when it comes to buying the best portable refrigerated air con or evaporative cooler for your space, it pays to consider both your budget and the climate you live in.
The difference between evaporative coolers and refrigerated air conditioners
There are two main types of portable air conditioners that you will find in stores: evaporative coolers and refrigerated air conditioners. So what’s the difference?
Evaporative coolers are usually cheaper to buy and cheaper to run but will not provide the same level of cooling as a refrigerated air conditioning unit – particularly if you live in a humid climate. In humid climates, refrigerated air conditioners are the best choice, as they remove moisture from the air as they cool.
Many evaporative coolers will require you to fill a water tank before operating it. On the other hand, refrigerated air conditioners will usually come with a window exhaust kit (basically a large pipe that forces hot, humid air outside through a window).
Now we’ve got that covered. Here are the best portable air conditioners you can buy in Australia.
2024’s top portable air conditioners
- Devanti window, $723.95, Myer (here’s why)
- Devanti portable, $475.95, catch.com.au (here’s why)
- DeLonghi portable, $1049, The Good Guys (here’s why)
Our top picks for portable air conditioners
The best refrigerated air conditioners
01
Devanti window air-conditioner 2.7kW
from $723.95, Myer
Best for: reason
The Devanti portable window air conditioner offers efficient cooling with a 2.7kW capacity. Easily controlled through the LED panel or the included remote, it features 3-speed cooling, auto swing, sleep mode, and a 24-hour timer.
Key features:
- 2.7kW cooling capacity
- LED control panel
- 3-speed: Low, medium, high
- 2 modes: Cooling, fan
- Auto swing function
- Sleep mode
- 24-hour timer
Available at:
- $419.95 from Amazon
02
Devanti portable air conditioner WiFi 12000BTU
from $475.95, catch.com.au
Best for: reason
This air conditioner by Devanti has three heat-beating appliances in one: an air conditioner, a 2-speed fan and a dehumidifier. Even at the affordable price point, this unit has features, including a 24-hour timer function, remote control operation and a smart LED display.
Key features:
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- 3-in-1: air con, dehumidifier, 4-speed fan
- LED display screen
- Remote control
- 24-hour timer
- Automatic water vaporisation system
- Outstanding heat dissipation
03
DeLonghi 2.9kW portable air conditioner
from $1049, The Good Guys
Best for: reason
According to Canstar, DeLonghi portable air conditioners consistently receive great consumer feedback for reliability, functionality and overall satisfaction. This machine features ‘Silent Technology’ for quiet operation while you sleep.
Key features:
- Powerful cooling – 2.9kW* cooling capacity (11,000 BTU/h**) and 3 fan speeds, ideal for medium rooms.
- Easy to install – Easy DIY installation with included window kit, no technician needed.
- Wifi connectivity – Conveniently control the appliance with your voice or the app.
- Effortless control – Intuitive LED display, 24h timer and remote.
- Multifunctional use – Enjoy more flexibility with dehumidifying and fan-only modes.
04
Kogan SmarterHome 2.6kW portable air conditioner
from $329, Kogan
Best for: reason
The Kogan SmarterHome portable air conditioner boasts a 2.6kW cooling capacity and 9,000 BTU, making it ideal for rooms up to 20 sqm. With three modes – air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier – this smart and portable unit is controllable via the remote, control panel, or the Kogan SmarterHome™ App.
Key features:
- Dehumidifying Capacity 21L/24hours
- 9,000 BTU, 2.6kW Portable air conditioner
- Ideal for rooms up to 18sqm
- Cooling temperature 16 – 30°
- 3 Modes – air conditioner, fan & dehumidifier
The best evaporative coolers
05
Evapolar evaLIGHT plus personal air cooler and humidifier
from $252.94, Kogan
Best for: reason
The small but mighty evaLIGHT Plus by Evapolar is an eco-friendly Green Product Award-winning evaporative cooler with 10 watts of power. This nifty device chills, purifies and humidifies, featuring a leakage-proof system, full-spectrum LED light, a removable water tank, and much more.
Key features:
- 3 in 1 cooling
- Natural personal cooling, using evaporative technology
- Energy efficient and cost saving, due to consuming only 10W
- 100% safe for breathing
- Postable and mobile
