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UK heatwaves are becoming more frequent, and bedrooms in loft conversions and flats can become unbearable at night. A portable air conditioner is the quickest way to cool one room without installation.
We compared portable air conditioners sold in the UK on cooling power, noise, dehumidifying and how well the window kit seals.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Typical UK price |
|---|---|---|
| De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EM90 Portable Air Conditioner | Best for bedrooms | £450–£600 |
| MeacoCool MC Series Pro 10000 BTU | Best cooling power | £400–£550 |
| Pro Breeze 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner 9000 BTU | Best budget | £250–£350 |
The 3 best picks
1. De’Longhi Pinguino PAC EM90 Portable Air Conditioner – Best for bedrooms
Quiet modes, a sleep timer and dehumidifying make it a strong bedroom choice. Quiet, efficient cooling with dehumidifying.
Why we like it:
- Quiet mode
- Dehumidifies
- Remote and timer
Watch out for:
- Exhaust hose needs a window
Key specs: Type: Portable air conditioner.
Buy it if you want reliable cooling in a bedroom. Skip it if you want the cheapest option. Typical UK price: £450–£600.
👉 Check the price of the De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EM90 Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.co.uk
2. MeacoCool MC Series Pro 10000 BTU – Best cooling power
Strong cooling for larger bedrooms and living rooms, with a good window kit. Strong cooling with window kit.
Why we like it:
- Strong cooling
- Good window kit
- Dehumidifier mode
Watch out for:
- Heavy
Key specs: Capacity: 10,000 BTU.
Buy it if you want strong cooling. Skip it if you need it very light. Typical UK price: £400–£550.
👉 Check the price of the MeacoCool MC Series Pro 10000 BTU on Amazon.co.uk
3. Pro Breeze 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner 9000 BTU – Best budget
Cooling, fan and dehumidifier modes at a lower price. Cooling, fan and dehumidifier for less.
Why we like it:
- Affordable
- 4-in-1 modes
- Timer
Watch out for:
- Louder
Key specs: Capacity: 9,000 BTU.
Buy it if you want affordable cooling. Skip it if you need very quiet operation. Typical UK price: £250–£350.
👉 Check the price of the Pro Breeze 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner 9000 BTU on Amazon.co.uk
How to choose the right one
Portable air conditioner vs fan
A fan only moves air; a portable air conditioner removes heat and humidity from the room and pumps it outside through a hose. That is why it needs a window or vent for the exhaust.
BTU and room size
Around 7,000–9,000 BTU suits small bedrooms; 10,000–12,000 BTU suits larger bedrooms and living rooms. Sunny, top-floor rooms need more.
Noise at night
Portable units have the compressor inside the room, so they are never silent. Look for sleep or night modes and place the unit away from the bed.
Getting the best cooling
Close curtains or blinds on sunny windows during the day, keep the exhaust hose as short and straight as possible, and seal the gap around the window kit. Close the door to the room you are cooling – a portable unit cannot cool a whole open-plan flat. Pre-cool your bedroom an hour before bed, then switch to night mode. Empty the condensate tank regularly in humid weather, or use continuous drainage if available.
Alternatives to air conditioning
If your budget is tight, a good fan plus blackout curtains helps on milder days, and a dehumidifier makes muggy rooms feel more comfortable. For the hottest UK heatwaves, though, only an air conditioner actually lowers the room temperature.
Noise levels to expect
Even quiet portable units produce a steady hum. Night modes lower the fan speed, and placing the unit at the far side of the room makes a real difference to sleep.
Buying tips for UK shoppers
Buy before the first heatwave – UK stock often sells out in June and July. Seal the window kit well, or the unit will pull warm air back in.
How we chose these products
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, and only included products that are widely available from UK retailers. Our picks are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not carried out. Read our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Frequently asked questions
Do portable air conditioners need a window?
Yes, the hot exhaust must go outside, usually through a window kit.
How much does it cost to run?
Many use around 800–1,000 W, so roughly 20–25p an hour at UK prices.
Can I use it in a bedroom overnight?
Yes, but expect some noise – use night mode and a timer.
Our verdict
The De’Longhi Pinguino is our pick for bedrooms; the MeacoCool Pro cools larger rooms best, and the Pro Breeze is the budget choice.