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In this article, I review everything you need to help you compare the best smart portable wi-fi air conditioners. One of them even works with Amazon Alexa.
I’ll include some killer tips for choosing the right model. We’ll take a look at the top brands and the “coolest” features.
And of course, I’ll give you my recommendations on the five best smart Wi-Fi portable air conditioners you can buy today.
I’ll even include a handy comparison table to sum things up nicely.
The Best Smart Portable ACs You Can Buy
So what are the best smart portable Wi-Fi air conditioners? Here are five top-rated models:
#1: Whynter Elite RC-122DS 12,000 BTU (Dual Hose)- #2: Rollibot RolliCool 14,000 BTU
- #3: Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU (Dual Hose)
- #4: Frigidaire Cool Connect 12,000 BTU
- #5: LG LP1417WSRSM 14,000 BTU
Feeling cooler already? I am too! Let’s chill. I’ll go into detail on each of these ACs below and follow that up with a handy comparison table so you can compare them on major features.
Not the ACs you’re looking for? Check out this post about Window units instead:
7 Best Smart Window ACs [that Work with Alexa].
How To Choose a Portable Wi-Fi Air Conditioner
There are essentially two main things you need to think about when buying smart portable air conditioners.
What are they?
THING 1 and THING 2 (Dr. Seuss)
Thing #1: Understand Your BTU Requirements
First, you need to make sure you purchase a unit that is powerful enough to cover your space.
The efficacy of an air conditioner (portable, window, etc.) is measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units. BTUs measure thermal (heat) energy, or more specifically, the amount of energy needed to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at sea level.
When used relative to AC systems, the measurement is expressed in terms of how many BTUs per hour the unit the can remove from the air. In simpler terms, the removal of BTUs from the air is what causes the room to cool down.
So why should you care?
Selecting the right BTU coverage is essential to make sure your new AC will give the proper amount of cooling coverage.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right amount of BTU coverage for your space:
- 8,000 BTU will cover around 350 square feet.
- 10,000 BTU will cover around 450 square feet.
- 12,000 BTU will cover around 500 – 550 square feet.
- 14,000 BTU will cover around 600 – 700 square feet.
In order to keep this review focused on the broadest audience, I will mainly cover 12,000 to 14,000 BTU smart portable air conditioners in this article. However, I will also indicate which products have alternative BTU/coverage options.
According to The Exhaustive Guide to Heating and Cooling Your Tiny Home, the higher the number of BTUs, the larger the capacity for either heating or cooling a given space, but bigger doesn’t always mean better. Make sure to size your air conditioner accordingly to the space it needs to cool. Using a unit that is too big for your space could result in moisture and mold problems.
If you have a different room size—or need help choosing the right model for you—contact me (Tim) at oneSmartcrib@gmail.com and I can provide a specific recommendation.
Thing #2: Decide on Single vs. Dual Hose
Second, you will need to determine whether you want a single or a dual hose system.
Most smart portable air conditioners are broken into two categories based on their configuration: single hose and dual hose.
A single-hose AC unit uses the same hose for both air intake and air exhaust. Therefore, they have to work harder than dual hose units and are not as efficient. However, they tend to cost less and provide a good solution for smaller rooms, such as a bedroom or a small studio apartment.
A dual-hose AC unit has both an intake hose and an exhaust hose. With two separate hoses, these types of smart portable air conditioners are usually more energy-efficient. They can generally cool a room up to 40% faster than single-hose units. Consequently, these are the preferred choice for cooling larger rooms.
All portable ACs come with window venting kits. Typically, you would vent one or both hoses out of the same window. We suggest you purchase a unit with self-evaporating technology that gets rid of the condensation produced by the unit. Otherwise, you’ll have to empty a tank regularly.
Best Smart Portable Wi-Fi Air Conditioners Buying Guide
Of course, you will also need to determine your budget relative to the best smart portable Wi-Fi air conditioners features that are important to you. Here is a checklist of questions you can ask yourself to help get the juices flowing:
- What is the maximum amount I want to spend on my new smart portable air conditioner?
- Do I want to control the AC from my smartphone device?
- Do I want to use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Home Kit to control my unit?
- Does the smart air conditioner have a complex installation and/ or ventilation requirements?
- Is energy use a consideration?
- Is noise a consideration? Pro Tip: The best way to gauge potential noise issues without actually purchasing the unit is by reading customer reviews on Amazon.
Now that you have a better understanding of your requirements, let’s move on to have a look at some of the best air conditioners you can buy today.
Not ready to ditch that old clunker AC just yet? Check out this post How to Make Your Dumb AC Smart [Window, Portable or Central].
#1: Whynter Elite RC-122DS 12,000 BTU (Dual Hose)
Why You Will Love It
Whynter is coming…to cool you down for the summer! Smaller and lighter than similar units in its class, this smart portable air conditioner from Whynter provides the best cooling out of all the models we reviewed. While there is no built-in wi-fi connectivity, it does come with remote control.
Wi-Fi connectivity can be achieved using a product like Sensibo Sky – Air Conditioner Controller. Pairing the Whynter Elite with Sensibo Sky will make the unit compatible with Amazon Alexa & Google Home, and it supports smart device control for iOS & Android.
The Whynter Elite has a dual hose for faster cooling. It also comes complete with a digital readout, remote control, three fan speeds, a carbon air filter, and a washable pre-filter.
Learn more and check the latest price over at Amazon here.Video Review
Thanks to our friends at O!Technology for the helpful video review:
The Whynter ARC-122DS portable air conditioner is the ideal solution for the warm spots in your bedroom, home office, server room, or another space-constrained area. Portable and easy to set up, this portable air conditioner offers cooling relief for any area where excess humidity and heat cannot be remedied by traditional air conditioning.
Sizing It Up
Dimensions: 17 x 29.5 x 16 inches,
Product Weight: 60 pounds
Also available in 14,000 BTU model for more powerful cooling. (See our review below. )
The Cool Pros
- Compact size and lighter than other units reviewed.
- A Dual-hose system facilitates more efficient cooling.
- Customers have reported they are happy with the noise level and some have gone so far as to say they can’t tell it’s running.
- Patented auto drain function fully exhausts condensate automatically in most environments.
- Three operating modes: Cool, Dehumidify, and Fan, plus activated Carbon Filter and Storage bag.
- Advanced self-evaporating technology facilitates maintenance (upper and lower direct drain option for continuous operation)
The Not So Cool Cons
- No built-in wi-fi compatibility, which means no native smartphone app or compatibility with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. However, wi-fi capabilities can be achieved using an add-on product like Sensibo Sky – Air Conditioner Controller.
- Some users have reported challenges with installing the dual ventilation hoses, but this is par for the course for any portable AC.
- Some users have reported challenges with getting in-home service from Whynter.
#2: Rollibot RolliCool 14,000 BTU
Why You’ll Love It
If Wi-Fi and Alexa integration are your things you crave it the best smart portable wi-fi air conditioners, Rollibot’s RolliCool is definitely worth a look. What makes RolliCool, well cool? It will let you control your portable air conditioner via smartphone, remote, AND Amazon Echo devices natively.
The RolliCool app is available via the Play and App Stores and provides a user-friendly way to adjust temperature or climate. You can switch between the climate pro option with a tap on your smartphone or remote buttons. If connected to Echo devices, the COOL 100H’s temperature also adjusts via voice command. The app is superior to the other apps I looked at.
Customers who own this AC swear by it.
You can read the latest customer reviews over at Amazon here.Video Review
Here is the Rollibot ad spot showing off RolliCool’s awesome integration with Amazon Alexa:
Sizing it Up
Dimensions: 15.2 x 13.4 x 28.1 inches
Product Weight: 62 pounds
The Cool Pros
- Unlike some of the other products we’ve looked at, the mobile app is incredibly responsive and among the best of the products that I reviewed.
- The app is easy to set up and works over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. WiFi is required to set up the app, even if you only plan to use the Bluetooth feature.
- Documentation is well written, with clear infographics, and comprehensive step-by-step instructions and feature references.
- 12 feet of flexible tubing allows you to move the Rollibot around the room, and the window insert allows you to remove the tube fairly easily if you plan to transport the unit to another location.
- The unit is compatible with Amazon Alexa. After pairing with your Alexa compatible ac unit, Alexa responds to voice commands to help keep your home comfortable.
- Displays current room temperature as well as set temperature.
- Comfort All Year Round – This powerful 14,000 BTU air conditioner cools, heats, dehumidifies, or circulates air in your space. Switch between three fan levels or cut sleep mode on and doze off to fan sounds. (Note: On COOL mode, exhaust tube must be installed properly to vent heat air out through window/wall.)
- Easily Move It to Any Room – The sturdy and portable design of this air conditioner and heater to prevent accidental falls and allows the air cooler to roll into living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and more.
- Eco-Friendly Refrigerant – Go green and stay cool with this small air conditioner’s eco-friendly R410A refrigerant and reusable filters. Wash* the filters, pop them back in, and enjoy a cozy, odor-free environment
The Not So Cool Cons
- Some users have complained that the unit is loud, especially on its highest settings. However, the unit has fewer overall noise complaints than others I reviewed.
- The included CARBON FILTER is not washable, despite conflicting instructions on the packing. The bottom line is: DO NOT WASH THE CARBON FILTER. Rollibot has confirmed it is not washable. The other two filters in the unit are washable.
Pro Tip: If you do wash the filter by accident, Rollibot will send you a free one due to the instructions being incorrect. Good on them.
Last update on 11/14/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#3: Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose
Why You Will Love It
The eco-friendly CFC-free, lead-free, and highly energy-efficient Whynter ARC 14S is one of those smart portable wi-fi air conditioners that helps you stay cool while keeping with better environmental standards and reducing energy consumption. The dual hose system provides fast cooling for up to 500 sq. ft. living space (ambient temperature and humidity may influence optimum performance).
The unit also includes a dehumidifier, a fan with an activated carbon filter, plus a storage bag. The window venting kit fits most standard windows, but the unit can also be exhausted through a wall or even a dropped ceiling with custom modification.
This is one of the best-rated portable ACs around.
You can read the latest customer reviews on Amazon here.Sizing It Up
Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 35.5 inches
Product Weight: 80 pounds
Also available in 12,000 BTU for smaller rooms. (See our review above. )
The Cool Pros
- Easy setup, dual hose system provides powerful cooling is able to cool quickly and maintain conditions easily.
- Patented advanced auto drain technology, which uses and recycles moisture collected during cooling to produce cool air.
- Remote control, carbon air filter, washable pre-filter, and product manual packaged inside the exhaust hose.
- Very quiet for such a powerful system.
- Dehumidifying capacity of 101 pints per day, 3 fan speeds. Includes extendable exhaust and intake hose (up to 60″) and window kit (up to 46″).
- Prefilter and odor-neutralizing carbon filter.
- Storage bag.
- Runs as an air conditioner, fan, or dehumidifier. Note: The Arc 14SH model has a heat pump function that can be used as a space heater in cooler weather.
- Full thermostatic control (61°F – 89°F) with digital readout, 24-hour programmable timer
- One-year warranty on the unit. Three-year warranty on the compressor.
The Not So Cool Cons
- Large size: bulky and heavy to move from room to room (80 lbs).
- No Alexa, Apple Homekit, or Google Home support or no smart mobile app support. However, this and other traditional ACs can be converted into a smart AC using Sensibo Sky – Air Conditioner Controller.
- Some users have reported having to make venting modifications beyond the manufacturer recommendations to get optimal cooling.
#4: Frigidaire Cool Connect 12,000 BTU
Why You’ll Love It
Next on our list of best smart portable Wi-Fi air conditioners is another great option from Frigidaire‘s Cool Connect line. This unit features some serious cooling power and the best all-around design. But it doesn’t stop there.
Cool Connect also features built-in smart-wifi control using the Frigidaire app, flexible room size options, an energy saver with sleep mode, programmable schedule, and 360-degree airflow, and multiple cooling settings. This is a great option for those looking for a powerful alternative to a window air conditioner. The Frigidaire mobile app runs on the iPhone, iPad, iPad, Android mini. Plus, it looks cool too.
This item often goes on sale in the offseason.
You can check out the latest price on Amazon over here.Sizing It Up
Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.6 x 36.8
Product Weight: 85 lbs
Also available in 12,000, 10,000, and 8,000 BTU Units
The Cool Pros
- The unit features a modern, sleek design with LED lighting and mesh grill.
- Frigidaire app lets you can control AC with your smartphone (after creating a free account and configuring a Wi-Fi connection).
- You have the ability to control your AC from anywhere on the planet once the initial setup is completed. For example, you can turn on your AC and control the temperature from your office before you leave work for the day.
- You can also use the app to change temperature as well as control modes and fan speeds.
- The Frigidaire app is available on Apple’s iTunes store and runs on the iPhone, iPad, and iPad mini. For Android smart devices (smartphones and tablets) you can download the app at GooglePlay.
- Set it and forget it – Set the desired temperature and it cools quickly and effectively even on hot days.
- The unit is energy efficient with a 12.0 efficiency rating.
- This is one of the top-rated smart portable Wi-Fi air conditioners I discovered.
The Not So Cool Cons
- No support for Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.
- No fresh air intake
- Some users have reported a slight delay in app response to touch.
- Some users have complained that the unit is louder than they expected
- Heavy to move from room to room (85 lbs).
Last update on 11/14/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
After you get cooled off this summer, you might want to head out and mow the lawn. Or maybe you could let a robot do the work instead? Check this out Husqvarna vs Robomow vs Worx: Gnash of the Robot Mowers!
#5: LG 14,000 BTU
Why You’ll Love It
LG’s portable air conditioner with wi-fi control is relatively quiet and easy to move from room to room (or from location to location). It is also less expensive is reported to cool more quickly than other 14,000 BTU units. However, some users have complained that it falls short in terms of the app and there is no native compatibility with other smart home devices (namely Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit).
Still, if you are looking for the best smart portable Wi-Fi air conditioners with solid cooling and wi-fi capabilities, LG is worth a look, especially if the other options we reviewed are sold out or unavailable.
Amazon has a nice comparison of how LG stacks up against the competition.
You can see the comparison over at Amazon here [it’s halfway down the page].Sizing it Up
Dimensions: 14.8 x 17.4 x 29.5 inches
Product Weight: 75 pounds
The Cool Pros
- Sleek, clean contemporary design (two-tone white and light gray finish with silver trim).
- The auto evaporation system allows for continuous use.
- LG smartphone app gives lets you control the unit with your Smartphone when working properly
- Auto-swing air vent technology circulates the cool air efficiently (inclined air discharge with auto swing louvers helps eliminate hot spots).
- Multiple operating modes: Cool, Fan, Dry (dehumidification)
- Smartphone control includes temperature, scheduling, mode and fan speed (IOS and Android compatible).
- Uses a standard 115-volt/15 amp electrical outlet (6-ft. long power cord).
- Cools a room up to 400 sq. ft. with up to 3.1 pints per hour dehumidification.
The Not So Cool Cons
- Some customers have complained that the unit is too loud to have on in the same room where sleeping.
- The unit doesn’t display the current room temperature, nor does the remote.
- Others have complained about issues with the smartphone app, but, judging from the reviews on Amazon, it looks like LG has since worked to address these issues.
No products found.
By the way, if you have a major crush on Alexa like me, you might enjoy this Awesome Amazon Echo Device Gifts To Give ‘n Get.
Best Smart Portable Wi-Fi Air Conditioners Comparison
Here is a comparison chart summing up the key features and specifications of each model featured here:
10, 000
10, 000
Last update on 11/14/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Smart Portable Wi-Fi Air Conditioners – Your Turn
So what do you think about these picks for the best smart portable Wi-Fi air conditioners?
Do you already own or plan to buy one of these units?
Or perhaps you will choose a window or wall unit instead?
Either way, I would love to know what you think. Please leave me a comment below and let me know.
Oh, and if you liked this article, would you mind giving it a quick share using any of the social media buttons at the top of this page? Thanks!
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- 7 Best Smart WiFi Window ACs
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- Generac vs Kohler vs Champion vs Briggs: Best Smart Home Power Generator?
- Best Philips Hue Lights for Smart Outdoor Landscape Lights
Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for a fun take on all things tech.