Shopping for a personal mini air conditioner?Have a look at our list of recommendations to choose a suitable one for yourself.
Summer brings with it the joys of ice cream, beach trips, pool parties, and lots of fun.
Yet, the heat makes it difficult to carry on with daily activities, especially when you have to spend the long days staying indoors.
Whether you are at the office or at home, a mini air conditioner is a great way to keep yourself cool throughout the sweltering summer days. With these small portable air conditioners, you don’t have to worry about your energy bills jacking up.
If you too are interested in purchasing a mini ac unit, you are at the right place. This article discusses the best mini air conditioners you can buy. Read on to find out which one would suit you and your needs best.
When does it make sense to use a personal/mini air conditioner?
Mini/personal air conditioners are a hit among the masses. While the scorching seasonal heat does play its part, their convenience and portability play a major role in their popularity.
They don’t require complex installation or venting. All you have to do is pour in some water and plug in the USB cable, and you’re good to go, ready to use them pretty much anywhere.
A mini air conditioner can be a great pick for:
Office
The eight-hour office job is quite difficult as is. But it becomes more tedious during the hot summer months. Even if the central climate system works at its lowest temperature, you often sprout a sweat mustache.
A mini air conditioner is a great remedy to this situation. Just set it up on your desktop, and you won’t have to deal with the heat.
Bedroom
Do you get sweaty while you sleep? Although our bodies tend to cool down while we sleep, night sweats are a common phenomenon, and more often than not, the reason is a hot bedroom.
A mini air conditioner is a suitable solution in this case. You can place it on your bed stand to blow cool air over you while you sleep, keeping night sweats at bay.
Outdoors
Organizing an outdoor party for your loved ones? Surely you wouldn’t leave them sweating in the hot sun!
A mini air conditioner or two will keep your guests cool and comfortable. Setting it in on the tabletop is a great way to provide cool air to everyone and make their stay all the more comfortable and enjoyable.
Camping trip
Camping trips are fun and adventurous, but the heat and sun can easily ruin the mood.
The good news is you can use a mini air conditioner here, too. In fact, it is a must-have piece of camping gear during the summers. It will keep you cool, so you don’t sweat and suffer from dehydration.
Car
Most cars have their own built-in cooling systems to keep both the drivers and passengers cool. But if yours doesn’t have one or fails to coop effectively, a mini air conditioner is certainly a way to go. You can set one on your dashboard, and it will keep you cool even in the worst traffic.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Boasts a cute yet trendy design
- Equipped with a large 800 ml tank
- Available in a variety of colors to choose from
- Has a tank Capacity of 750 ml
- Can run as long as 10 hours on a single fill
- Delivers an array of LED lights for a soothing effect
- Boasts 18 hours of battery life
- Can run on three different fan speeds
- Equipped with filters and an ionizer to regulate air quality
What’s In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
This guide tells you everything you need to know about mini air conditioners. It begins with a list of some good uses for one, followed by a list of our recommendations for the best mini air conditioners.
Further below is a comparison table listing their features and specs. We have also included a detailed review of each unit with its pros and cons.
Lastly, we mention the features you should look out for as well as some FAQs to answer any query you might have.
Best Mini Air Conditioners
- Best Quiet Mini Air Conditioner: Evapolar evaCHILL
- Best Affordable Air Conditioner: Ontel Arctic Air Pure Chill
- Best Wearable Mini Air Conditioner: BLAUX Wearable Fan
Evapolar evaCHILL
Category
Best Quiet Mini Air ConditionerDimensions:
7 x 7 x 7 inchesWeight:
1.7 poundsCoverage Area:
Up to 45 Sq. Ft.Tank Capacity:
800 mlRun Time:
up to 9 hoursNoise Level:
35 dBFunctions:
Cooling, humidification, and Air PurificationPower Consumption:
7.5 wattsWarranty:
Not Specified
Ontel Arctic Air Pure Chill
Category:
Best Affordable Mini Air ConditionerDimensions:
7.95 x 8.05 x 10.10 inchesWeight:
2.81 poundsCoverage Area:
Up to 45 Sq. Ft.Tank Capacity:
750 mlRun Time:
up to 10 hoursNoise Level:
50 dBFunctions:
Air purification, humidification, and coolingPower Consumption:
7.5 wattsWarranty:
60-day money-back guarantee
BLAUX Wearable Fan
Category:
Best Wearable Mini Air ConditionerDimensions:
35mm X 199 mm x 222 mmWeight:
15.2 ouncesCoverage Area:
Not SpecifiedTank Capacity:
300 mlRun Time:
up to 18 hoursNoise Level:
40 dBFunctions:
Air purification and CoolingPower Consumption:
3 wattsWarranty:
30-day money-back guarantee
The Evapolar evaCHILL is pretty much the most grammable mini air conditioner available on the market. Given its features and impressive specs, it is quite a catch at this price point.
PROS
- Aesthetic design looks trendy on any surface
- Compact size greatly enhances its portability
- The versatile unit plugs into both a regular power outlet and a USB port
- Designed to be environmentally friendly
- Collapsible handle facilitates handling
CONS
- Not suitable to use in humid environments
- Weight increases considerably when the tank is full
Features
- Boasts a cute yet trendy design
- Equipped with a large 800 ml tank
- Available in a variety of colors to choose from
- Very energy-efficient with a power consumption of 7.5 Watts only
- The 3-in-1 technology enables it to clean, dehumidify, and cool the air
Our Review
If you are looking for a pretty alternative to a regular desk fan for your bedroom, office, or pretty much anywhere in your house, the Evapolar evaCHILL is your best bet.
However, the device is not just all about looks. When you look under the hood, the specifications will tell you its true potential.
It has a total area coverage of up to 45 square feet. Considering how most mini air conditioners can cover only a fraction of this area, you can guess how powerful this device is. Hence, if you use it in ideal conditions, it can significantly change the indoor temperature.
The device boasts a 3-in-1 functionality.
The most obvious, of course, is cooling. Secondly, it humidifies the indoor air, and lastly, with its patented inorganic nanofiber filter, it removes airborne pollutants and irritants to provide you better-quality air to breathe in.
It takes in hot, dry air from the room, moistens, and cools it before blowing it out again. For this purpose, it has an 800 ml water tank. It uses electricity to convert water into moisture.
When the hot air from the room passes through the device, it infuses the moisture into it to make it cool and humid. The output is cleaner, cooler, and humid air that makes you feel comfortable on a stuffy summer day.
Another reason for its immense popularity is its surprisingly user-friendly interface. You only need to fill the water tank and power it up to enjoy a blast of cool air. Although because of the evaporative design, you might need to wait for a few minutes before cold air starts blowing out.
Moreover, the evaChill is energy-efficient and runs on only 7.5 watts of energy. This means that it consumes as much power as an ordinary light bulb, so you won’t have to worry about your electrical bills jumping.
A noteworthy aspect of this model is its eco-friendliness. It is entirely made out of biodegradable materials. So, after it has served its lifespan, you can throw it away; it won’t end up as a landfill polluting our environment even more.
The automatic program feature allows you to set up the device to work for half an hour after an interval of 12 or 24 hours, eliminating the need to set it manually. This ozone generator does an outstanding job of eliminating numerous household odors.
Equipped with a timer, this model is very easy to operate. Its durable construction ensures that this unit will serve you for a long time. It requires minimal maintenance, and it is very simple to clean its plates. Moreover, it comes with a 3-year warranty.
The Ontel Arctic Air Pure Chill took the air conditioner industry by storm when it was released. It claims to provide utmost relief from the heat by instantly cooling the surroundings.
PROS
- Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable
- Equipped with a mood-changing LED light
- Highly energy-efficient and eco-friendly
- Built sturdily from durable materials
- Boasts three adjustable fan settings for wind speed
CONS
- The operation is a bit loud
- You need to wet the filter and freeze it
Features
- Has a tank Capacity of 750 ml
- Can run as long as 10 hours on a single fill
- Can run as long as 10 hours on a single fill
- Delivers an array of LED lights for a soothing effect
- Features a spill-free top tank design
- Available for a ridiculously affordable price
Our Review
If you want a mini air conditioner that you can entirely rely on, the Ontel Arctic Air Pure chill is a solid option. It is outstanding and one-of-a-kind mainly because of its affordable price.
Unlike some other options with similar features, this model does not cost hundreds of dollars yet delivers significantly better performance.
It houses a 3-in-1 functionality within its compact body. It is designed to provide the user with a comfortable experience.
First, it pulls in hot air from the surroundings and passes it through the loaded filters to remove allergens and other contaminants. Next, it cools and moistens the clean air using its evaporative technology. Lastly, the fan blows out cold and clean air from the front-loaded, multi-directional vent.
The device itself is designed to provide users relief from the sticky, sweaty heat.
But it does even more than that.
Manufacturers have included an LED mood light into the machine to help you relax and unwind. You can choose between the seven different soothing colors to surround yourself with an ambient glow.
Another noteworthy feature of Arctic Air Pure Chill is its versatility. It can plug into a regular power socket as well as a USB port to draw power. It is also very efficient in its power consumption and uses merely 7.5 watts of energy to function.
Its sleek design and compact size also increase its value for buyers. Since it does not take up too much space, you can easily place it in confined spaces. But even when placed in a more visible place, the unit won’t look out of place.
We really like it for its extreme portability, too. You can use it all over the house, from basements to bedrooms. Taking it to the office is also not a big deal because it is lightweight and small, so it can easily fit inside your bag.
The BLAUX Wearable Fan is an innovative wireless air cooler that you can actually place around your neck. It is a convenient replacement for a traditional air conditioning system. It is battery-operated and lasts up to 18 hours of operation on a single full charge.
PROS
- Extremely simple and easy to set up
- Lightweight and very easy to carry around
- Produces only 40 dB of noise
- Proffers significant saving on your electricity bill
- Grille and fan speed are adjustable
CONS
- Not suitable for cooling rooms
- It is a bit noisy
Features
- Boasts 18 hours of battery life
- Can run on three different fan speeds
- Equipped with filters and an ionizer to regulate air quality
- Features a 300 ml water reservoir for cooling purposes
- Supports both AC and DC operation
Our Review
BLAUX Wearable AC is billed as a high-tech personal air cooler. This amazing piece of technology creates a personal cool air bubble around your head, making you feel extremely comfortable even on the hottest day.
Some reviews actually describe it as simply putting a cold towel around your neck, which accurately summarizes what it does.
This mini air conditioner stands out from rest because of its incredibly long run time. Where most personal air coolers with higher tank capacities last about 8 hours on average, the BLAUX Wearable Fan has a run time of 18 hours straight, despite having a 300ml tank.
Another noteworthy feature of this device is its built-in ionizer. Like the other units in its league, the device also offers cooling, humidification, and air purifying functionality.
But it goes one step ahead and targets bacteria and other air pollutants with the built-in ionizer. This way, you are supplied with clean and healthy air to breathe in.
The device’s dimensions make it suitable for any neck size. It is also designed to be weightless, so wearing it throughout the day won’t leave your neck and shoulders sore.
The vents are also thoughtfully placed so that they blow air on both sides of your face. It offers the flexibility of repositioning the device by lowering and adjusting the angle of inclination of the vent. Hence, you can use it to suit the situation and your needs.
It also allows you to choose between three fan speeds. This way, you have control over the electricity consumption of the device.
If the weather is not too hot, you can turn off the blast cooling to conserve its charge. Using it at slow or medium speed will also comfort you more than the blast of cool air hitting on the sides of your face.
Mini Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Why buy a mini air conditioner
There are many reasons why you should buy a mini air conditioner. If truth be told, it really is a useful device because it provides the benefits of air conditioning and cooling without the high costs and noisiness of some traditional AC devices.
If you are still on the fence about whether you need one or not, here are some reasons why these are such a great purchase:
Affordable
If there is one thing any buyer loves, it’s affordable pricing.
The good thing about mini air conditioners is not just their lower upfront price, but their low maintenance costs and lack of installation costs also increase their value for customers.
Whether you are willing to spend $100, $500, or more, an effective mini air conditioner is readily available in any budget criteria. So, you won’t have any problem finding a suitable one for yourself.
Help you save money
Mini air conditioners help you cut down on your expenses in a number of ways.
Apart from their affordable upfront cost and lack of installation cost, these low-maintenance devices don’t need professionals to maintain them, so there is no spending involved here as well.
Lastly, a majority of these units are battery-powered, so they won’t put a burden on your energy bills.
Supplement the existing air conditioning system
A mini air conditioner is useful even when you already have a central air conditioning system working in your home. You can use it to seriously cut down on the energy costs by adding one or more portable ACs to a couple of rooms.
They will deliver targeted cooling in the rooms you use the most to supplement the central air conditioning system. Then you can lower the central AC’s setting or even turn it off entirely.
A great backup
Another major reason for buying a mini air conditioner is that they serve as an excellent backup to traditional air conditioning systems.
As temperatures continue to rise, many air conditioning systems begin to develop problems. Being variable in their origin and nature, some of these issues are easily resolved, while others are highly technical and require specialists to repair.
In such circumstances, a mini air conditioner can save you from troubling heat. Especially during the hottest days of the year, having a portable AC stocked away is a great way to avoid an emergency.
What to look for When Buying a Mini Air Conditioner
A personal AC certainly is the perfect investment for anybody who wants to hedge their bets against the incoming heatwave as the globe warms and the stuffy humidity swarms in from everywhere.
However, not every mini air conditioner will keep you as cool as a cucumber. The considerable rise in their popularity has indeed flooded the market, yet not all of them are created equally. Even some high-end expensive models carry shoddy and incompetent technical parts.
To make sure you steer clear of those and buy an efficient unit, make sure you look out for:
Coverage Area
The coverage area of a mini air conditioner usually determines its cooling output. The higher the cooling output, the more space it will cover. That’s why the dimensions of the room you want to use it in play a significant part.
If you choose a unit with a smaller coverage area to cool a big room, it won’t be very effective. For this reason, you should measure the size of the room beforehand to pick up a device with the appropriate area coverage.
In fact, we recommend buying a unit with enough area coverage to cool the largest room in your home. This way, you would be able to effectively use it all over the house.
Noise Levels
Another important consideration in a mini air conditioner is its noise level. Since it is pretty much going to blow cold air on your face, it should emit a beatable level of noise.
While most modern air conditioning units have sound levels anywhere between 30 and 82 decibels, mini versions make about 25 to 45 decibels of noise.
Your goal should be to look out for a unit with a minimum noise level. This way, even if you run it during the night, your peaceful slumber won’t be disturbed by its irritating noise.
Energy efficiency
Considering the energy efficiency of a personal air conditioner is important for two reasons: the high energy consumption quickly adds up and contributes to the present climate and high energy bills. The more energy your air conditioner uses, the more your bills will skyrocket.
So, if you want to keep your energy bills under check, choose a high energy-efficiency model.
Portability
As their name suggests, mini air conditioners are small desktop-sized units, which means they are highly portable.
Unlike regular portable ACs, these units are very light, so you can easily take them around with you. Most of these units are designed to sit on flat surfaces.
But if you want to take one to the office or on your next trip, choose a unit that can easily fit inside your bag.
Durability
The durability of a device can be a major deciding factor between different units.
Of course, most people relate the durability of a device to its price. They believe that a higher price tag means the unit is also high in quality.
However, this is not really true.
We have seen some very costly models with poor quality components inside them.
One way to learn about the durability of a device is to check its warranty. Devices with a longer warranty are usually quite durable because their manufacturers believe them to at least last as long as the warranty period.
Pros and Cons
Mini air conditioners can cool a room that does not have access to central cooling. They can even supplement the central cooling system in areas where it cannot reach effectively.
That’s why they are a popular choice among buyers for cooling offices, computer rooms, bedrooms, basements, and many more.
While they are certainly very advantageous, we cannot simply ignore some of their shortcomings. Here is a brief rundown of the pros and cons of a mini air conditioner:
Pros
Low price
Compared to their traditional counterparts, like window ACs, ductless split variations, and especially central air conditioning systems, mini air conditioners come at a surprisingly low price.
In fact, you can find some good models under $50. Even if you go for a costly one, you won’t have to spend more than a few hundred dollars.
Hence, no matter how much budget you have set for your new purchase, you will find a corresponding model without much difficulty.
No assembly or installation
The best thing about mini air conditioners is their ready-to-use convenience. They come pre-assembled and do not require any type of installation to get them going. They don’t need venting, nor do they require professional services to set them up.
All you have to do is fill their tank with water, and they’ll start cooling your room in no time.
Portability and convenience
Because of their ease of setup, personal air conditioners offer the ultimate user-friendly comfort. They are tiny in size and very light in weight. You can carry them anywhere – around the house, to the office, or on your next trip.
Even during the hottest summer days, they provide you immeasurable relief without putting any extra pressure on your budget.
Year-round operation
Modern mini air conditioners aren’t just one-trick units. Just like their full-sized counterparts, they also offer more than just cooling functionality. Some of these units also boast a heating mode to keep you comfortable during winters.
Others feature a dehumidification mode for removing extra moisture from the air and a fan mode for air circulation. These operational modes make them the perfect choice for year-round indoor comfort.
Cons
Small coverage area
The most significant disadvantage of a mini air conditioner is its small area coverage. Being very small in size, they can only cover about one to five square feet of area. This means they can only cool the air within a 10 to 50-foot radius around themselves.
Hence, while they are suitable for small rooms, they are ineffective at cooling down large spaces.
Increase Humidity
Many mini air conditioners use evaporative cooling to decrease the room temperature. Although the technique is highly effective, it inadvertently increases the humidity level inside the room, exposing you to different humidity-related issues.
In fact, you should be very careful about using such units around electronic appliances because the moisture can cause them to malfunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are better: mini air conditioners or portable air conditioners?
While we absolutely love the cute mini variations, portable air conditioners are definitely better in performance. They deliver powerful cooling and better area coverage than their smaller counterparts.
However, mini air conditioners have lower price tags, no maintenance cost, and relatively less running costs. Hence, the answer to this question really depends upon your unique application and personal preferences.
Do mini ACs use a lot of electricity?
According to a report, portable ACs use one-eighth of the electricity consumed by an average central air conditioning system. Since mini air conditioners are smaller and less powerful, they use even less energy.
In fact, some models are battery-powered, so there is no need to plug them in an electrical outlet to operate. Hence, in the air conditioner lineup, mini air conditioners use the least electricity.
Can I keep my mini AC on all day?
Mini air conditioners come in a versatile range. They usually rely on evaporative technology to supply you with cold air. For this purpose, they have a tank built into their bodies to hold the water.
The total running time of the machine depends upon the tank capacity. The higher the capacity, the longer the cooling effect.
If you want to keep your mini air conditioner on all day, you will have to refill the tank several times throughout the day. So, if you don’t mind filling it regularly, you can use your mini cooling device all day.
Does a mini air conditioner last long?
The answer to this question depends upon a number of factors. But the most important one is the durability of the device.
If your mini air conditioner is made out of quality components with expert craftsmanship, the device will last long. But it also depends on how well you maintain it.
If you are particular about its maintenance and cleaning, you can get it to last anywhere from one to five years of service.
Final Verdict: What is the best Mini Air Conditioner?
After carefully looking at numerous mini air conditioner models in this guide, we find the Evapolar evaCHILL to be the best mini air conditioner.
But if you are after something more affordable, look into getting the Ontel Arctic Air Pure Chill.
Lastly, if you want a true personal AC, we’d suggest you go for the BLAUX Wearable Fan.
