The Best Deals on Window-Mounted and Portable Air Conditioners Right Now

You would think that after growing up in the hot and humid South, where stepping outside felt like standing in front of an open oven, that I would be used to and unbothered by stagnant summer air at this point. But nope! I still dislike the feeling of sticky clothes and stifling heat, especially in my own home, and think that everyone should have an air conditioner they can rely on.

But some houses don't come with central air and might not allow you to permanently mount something to the wall, which is where things can get complicated. So, to help you stay nice and cool this summer, I'm breaking down the difference between window-mounted and portable AC units and sharing the best deals on both happening right now. Keep scrolling to get the details.

Window-Mounted Air Conditioners

If you can't have a wall-mounted air conditioner, a window unit is a great alternative for a few reasons. They're pretty affordable and easy to install, they don't take up any floor space (which is nice if you're living in a small studio or apartment), they're temporary and they cool rooms efficiently and quickly. The only catch is that they'll also block some of the natural light that comes in your room, and they have to fit the specific dimensions of your window.

UNDER 500 SQUARE FEET

These ACs on sale are smaller than most window units, both in size and BTUs, so they're ideal for a smaller room such as a home office or an apartment living room.

OVER 500 SQUARE FEET

If you have a little wiggle room in the budget, these units have slightly more power than the ones above which means they can cool a larger area.

Portable Air Conditioners

If you don't love the idea of a box sitting on your window sill, you might prefer a portable air conditioner. Just as the name suggests, these units typically come on four caster wheels, so you can move them as needed. However, this means that even the most compact unit will take up some of your floor space, and high-powered ones can be pretty pricey. You'll also still need to vent your unit through a window, which means it will have to sit in a corner of your living room or bedroom.

UP TO 300 SQUARE FEET

Small. Efficient. As cheap as it gets. We spotted this AC for under $300. If you need cooling ASAP for a small home office or bedroom, this is your best buy.

UP TO 500 SQUARE FEET

We named this Black + Decker unit the best overall portable AC in our shopping guide, and now it's on sale for a fraction of the cost over! This deal won't last long so pounce on it if you're shopping for an apartment or small room AC.

UP TO 700 SQUARE FEET

Need mega power to cool a large room? These units are perfect for a family den or large bedroom. Plus, they come with extra features such as a dehumidifier and heater for winter!