Buying Guide
The Best De'Longhi Portable Air Conditioners for a Better Desk Setup
We looked at 8 de'longhi portable air conditioners side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read8 products evaluated
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Best De'Longhi Portable Air Conditioners carry very different real cooling power, which is exactly why a BTU number rarely tells the story.
We compared this lineup on documented cooling and venting requirements, since this is where the decision gets made.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
DeLonghi PAC360LVYN WH Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner in White with 6800.0
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for DeLonghi PAC360LVYN WH Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner in White with 6800.0 (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Gasbye Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Gasbye Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
Hisense 8,000 BTU DOE/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner Dual Hose &
Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Our take Check price for Hisense 8,000 BTU DOE/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner Dual Hose & (opens in a new tab)
Runner-Up Pick
BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner (opens in a new tab)
Great Alternative
BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
AGTANA 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Large Room up to 700 Sq. Ft
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for AGTANA 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Large Room up to 700 Sq. Ft (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 8
DeLonghi PAC360LVYN WH Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner in White with 6800.0 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
0 is the top pick in this comparison.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
Powerful, connected, and efficient cooling. Cool surround technology features smart sensing remote with bluetooth to monitor surrounding temperature and humidity, auto-adjusting based on your actual surrounding temperature.
14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner covers similar ground, though 3-in-1 unit serves as an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or fan is what tips the choice one way or the other.
This one is the right call if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Single-hose models pull replacement air from cracks around doors and windows, so real cooling can fall short of the headline BTU rating.
Key dimensions & specs
- Powerful, connected, and efficient cooling
- Cool surround technology features smart sensing remote with bluetooth
- 3-in-1 unit serves as an air conditioner, dehumidifier
Pros
- Powerful, connected, and efficient cooling
- Cool surround technology features smart sensing remote with bluetooth
- 3-in-1 unit serves as an air conditioner, dehumidifier
- Enjoy maximum comfort with eco real feel technology’s sophisticated
Cons
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
Also Worth Considering2 of 8
14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Summer electric bills shouldn't make you sweat twice. Most portable air conditioners sound like a constant conversation in your room.
0, the real difference worth noting is start cooling before you walk through the door.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. The SACC rating, not the marketed ASHRAE BTU number, predicts real cooling performance, so check which figure a listing is actually quoting.
Key dimensions & specs
- Cool the heat, not your bills
- Whisper at 41 DB, you won't hear
- Start cooling before you walk through the door
Pros
- Cool the heat, not your bills
- Whisper at 41 DB, you won't hear
- Start cooling before you walk through the door
- 4-in-1 comfort for every season
Cons
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
Solid Alternative3 of 8
Gasbye Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gasbye Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
6 ceer rating verified by doe, representing the pinnacle of energy efficiency in its market. Inverter mode reduces the compressor's frequency to 50% load within 2 mins, lowering noise to about 45db.
0 covers similar ground, though a typical 10,500 BTU SACC portable ac can draw around 1,300 watts at full power is what tips the choice one way or the other.
This fits best if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Single-hose models pull replacement air from cracks around doors and windows, so real cooling can fall short of the headline BTU rating.
Key dimensions & specs
- 10,500 BTU SACC(14000 BTU ASHRAE 128) portable air conditioner
- Dual-hose cooling
- Say goodbye to compressor noise
Pros
- 10,500 BTU SACC(14000 BTU ASHRAE 128) portable air conditioner
- Dual-hose cooling
- Say goodbye to compressor noise
- Your room doesn’t need full power all the time
Cons
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
Best Value4 of 8
Hisense 8,000 BTU DOE/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner Dual Hose & on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Hisense 8,000 BTU DOE/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner Dual Hose & is the most affordable pick here that still clears the capability floor for this category.
Best for
- Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Why we like it
8,000 BTU doe/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE). 3-in-1 operation - enjoy cooling, dehumidifying, and fan mode with our versatile 3-in-1 portable air conditioner.
0, the real difference worth noting is dual-hose technology - dual hose technology provides faster, more efficient cooling and consistent room temperatures.
Go with this pick if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. The SACC rating, not the marketed ASHRAE BTU number, predicts real cooling performance, so check which figure a listing is actually quoting.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8,000 BTU doe/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE)
- 3-in-1 operation - enjoy cooling, dehumidifying, and fan mode
- Dual-hose technology - dual hose technology provides faster
Pros
- 8,000 BTU doe/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE)
- 3-in-1 operation - enjoy cooling, dehumidifying, and fan mode
- Dual-hose technology - dual hose technology provides faster
- Inverter technology - energy efficient (up to 40%
Cons
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
Runner-Up Pick5 of 8
BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Our 9000 BTU (5,300 BTU SACC) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. 8”) in rooms up to 400 sq.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Single-hose models pull replacement air from cracks around doors and windows, so real cooling can fall short of the headline BTU rating.
Key dimensions & specs
- Three-in-one unit
- Portable ac
- Follow me remote
Pros
- Three-in-one unit
- Portable ac
- Follow me remote
- Easy mobility
Cons
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
Worth a Look6 of 8
BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Our 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,200 BTU SACC) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. 09) in rooms up to 700 sq.
0, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is this smart air conditioner allows wi-fi connectivity and can be controlled using our mobile app available on ios and google play stores, and voice controlled by amazon alexa or google assistant.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. The SACC rating, not the marketed ASHRAE BTU number, predicts real cooling performance, so check which figure a listing is actually quoting.
Key dimensions & specs
- Three-in-one unit
- Portable ac
- Smart air conditioner allows wi-fi connectivity and can
Pros
- Three-in-one unit
- Portable ac
- Smart air conditioner allows wi-fi connectivity and can
- Follow me remote
Cons
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
Great Alternative7 of 8
BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Our 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,200 BTU SACC) air conditioner also offers 10,000 BTU heat for cold winter months. 09) in rooms up to 700 sq.
0 lands in a similar spot overall, but the deciding factor between the two is this smart air conditioner allows wi-fi connectivity and can be controlled using our mobile app available on ios and google play stores, and voice controlled by amazon alexa or google assistant.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Single-hose models pull replacement air from cracks around doors and windows, so real cooling can fall short of the headline BTU rating.
Key dimensions & specs
- Four-in-one unit
- Portable ac
- Smart air conditioner allows wi-fi connectivity and can
Pros
- Four-in-one unit
- Portable ac
- Smart air conditioner allows wi-fi connectivity and can
- Follow me remote
Cons
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
Also Worth Considering8 of 8
AGTANA 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Large Room up to 700 Sq. Ft on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AGTANA 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Large Room up to 700 Sq.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Ft is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick. Engineered with a dual-rated 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 10,000 BTU (SACC) capacity, this portable air conditioner is built to master any large room up to 700 sq. Experience true drainage-free cooling with our advanced self-evaporating system.
0, designed specifically for the bedroom, this portable ac operates at a whisper-quiet 48db in sleep mode ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. The SACC rating, not the marketed ASHRAE BTU number, predicts real cooling performance, so check which figure a listing is actually quoting.
Key dimensions & specs
- Engineered with a dual-rated 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 10,000
- Experience true drainage-free cooling with our advanced self-evaporating system
- Designed specifically for the bedroom, this portable ac operates
Pros
- Engineered with a dual-rated 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 10,000
- Experience true drainage-free cooling with our advanced self-evaporating system
- Designed specifically for the bedroom, this portable ac operates
- Versatile 3-in-1 comfort & 96 pints dehumidifier
Cons
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
How We Chose These De'Longhi Portable Air Conditioners
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- BTU vs SACC, Which Rating Actually Predicts Cooling
- A portable AC's advertised BTU figure and its real-world SACC rating are often two very different numbers, since ASHRAE BTU is measured under ideal lab conditions while SACC accounts for the heat the unit's own compressor adds back into the room you're trying to cool.
- A single-hose unit draws air from inside your room to cool its condenser, then exhausts that warm air outside, which creates negative pressure that pulls hot, humid outside air back in through door and window gaps, reducing real efficiency.
- Room Size Sizing: The 20 BTU Per Square Foot Rule
- Sizing a portable AC starts with roughly 20 BTU per square foot under typical conditions, adjusted up around 10% for a sun-facing room and down about 10% for a shaded one, plus roughly 600 BTU for each additional occupant beyond two and about 10% more per extra foot of ceiling height above 8 feet.
- Venting Requirements and Window Kit Compatibility
- Nearly every portable AC, single-hose or dual-hose, still needs to vent hot air somewhere, typically through an included window kit that seals around a sliding or crank window; a ventless (evaporative) unit works differently and isn't as effective as a true refrigerant-based portable AC in humid climates.
- Noise Level and Where You'll Actually Use It
- Because a portable AC's compressor runs inside the room being cooled, rather than outdoors like a window or split unit, noise level is a bigger practical concern than with other AC types, with 50 to 60+ decibels being typical depending on the model.
What to Look for in a De'Longhi Portable Air Conditioner
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
BTU vs SACC, Which Rating Actually Predicts Cooling
A portable AC's advertised BTU figure and its real-world SACC rating are often two very different numbers, since ASHRAE BTU is measured under ideal lab conditions while SACC accounts for the heat the unit's own compressor adds back into the room you're trying to cool. This gap can be 20 to 40%, meaning a unit's actual cooling power is meaningfully lower than the headline BTU suggests. Check the spec sheet specifically for a SACC number, since a listing that only advertises ASHRAE BTU is likely quoting the more flattering figure.
A single-hose unit draws air from inside your room to cool its condenser, then exhausts that warm air outside, which creates negative pressure that pulls hot, humid outside air back in through door and window gaps, reducing real efficiency. A dual-hose unit uses a separate dedicated intake hose for the condenser, avoiding that negative-pressure effect entirely, which is why a dual-hose unit's SACC rating is typically significantly higher than a single-hose unit with the same ASHRAE BTU rating. Single-hose units are usually adequate up to about 10,000-12,000 BTU; above that, a dual-hose design is worth the added cost and setup complexity.
Room Size Sizing: The 20 BTU Per Square Foot Rule
Sizing a portable AC starts with roughly 20 BTU per square foot under typical conditions, adjusted up around 10% for a sun-facing room and down about 10% for a shaded one, plus roughly 600 BTU for each additional occupant beyond two and about 10% more per extra foot of ceiling height above 8 feet. This gives a real target BTU figure to compare against a unit's SACC rating, not its inflated ASHRAE number, since the SACC figure is what actually predicts whether the unit cools your specific room adequately.
Venting Requirements and Window Kit Compatibility
Nearly every portable AC, single-hose or dual-hose, still needs to vent hot air somewhere, typically through an included window kit that seals around a sliding or crank window; a ventless (evaporative) unit works differently and isn't as effective as a true refrigerant-based portable AC in humid climates. Check the included window kit's compatibility with your specific window type before buying, since sliding windows, casement windows, and hung windows each need different adapter designs. A unit marketed as 'no window needed' is usually a smaller evaporative cooler, not a substitute for real refrigerant-based cooling in a humid room.
Noise Level and Where You'll Actually Use It
Because a portable AC's compressor runs inside the room being cooled, rather than outdoors like a window or split unit, noise level is a bigger practical concern than with other AC types, with 50 to 60+ decibels being typical depending on the model. Check the manufacturer's specific decibel rating and cross-reference it against independent reviews before buying for a bedroom or other noise-sensitive space, since compressor hum is a frequent real-world complaint that spec sheets sometimes understate.
How to Choose a De'Longhi Portable Air Conditioner
| Hisense 8,000 BTU DOE/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner Dual Hose & | |
| AGTANA 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Large Room up to 700 Sq. |
| Lowest price in this lineup | Hisense 8,000 BTU DOE/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner Dual Hose & |
|---|---|
| 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner | |
| AGTANA 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Large Room up to 700 Sq. |
- Hisense 8,000 BTU DOE/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner Dual Hose &)
- Simpler and cheaper, adequate for rooms up to about 10,000-12,000 BTU, but loses some efficiency from negative room pressure.
- AGTANA 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Large Room up to 700 Sq.
- Avoids negative pressure entirely for meaningfully better real (SACC) cooling, worth it for larger rooms or hotter climates.
For rooms needing 12,000+ BTU of real cooling, dual-hose is generally worth the extra cost.
By SACC vs ASHRAE BTU Rating
| Standard room, verify the SACC figure | |
|---|---|
| Always check SACC, not just the headline BTU | Compare the SACC rating specifically before assuming cooling power |
For a Bedroom or Noise-Sensitive Space Specifically
- A specific decibel rating at standard operating speed, since compressor noise is one of the most common complaints about portable AC units.
- 0 is worth checking against its specific decibel rating before assuming any unit is quiet enough for a bedroom.
- You're cooling a large room and want dual-hose efficiency and higher real cooling power, where AGTANA 14000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Large Room up to 700 Sq. Ft justifies the extra cost.
- You're cooling a small room or bedroom, where Hisense 8,000 BTU DOE/SACC (10,000 ASHRAE) Portable Air Conditioner Dual Hose & already covers the job at the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size portable AC do I need for my room?
A practical starting point is roughly 20 BTU per square foot under standard conditions, adjusted up about 10% for a sunny room and down 10% for a shaded one, plus about 600 BTU per person beyond two occupants; compare this target against a unit's SACC rating, not the inflated ASHRAE BTU number.
What's the difference between BTU and SACC ratings?
The BTU figure is usually the ASHRAE rating, measured under ideal lab conditions, while SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity) is the real-world figure required by the Department of Energy that accounts for heat the unit's own motor adds back into the room; SACC is typically 20 to 40% lower than the headline BTU number.
Should I get a single-hose or dual-hose portable AC?
Single-hose units are adequate and cheaper for rooms needing up to about 10,000-12,000 BTU, but they pull replacement air from cracks around doors and windows, reducing efficiency; dual-hose units avoid that negative-pressure effect and deliver more real cooling, worth the extra cost for larger rooms or hotter climates.
Do all portable air conditioners need a window for venting?
Nearly all effective refrigerant-based portable ACs need to vent hot air outside through an included window kit; units marketed as 'no window needed' are typically much less powerful evaporative coolers, not a substitute for real air conditioning in a humid room.
How loud are portable air conditioners?
Typical noise levels run 50 to 60+ decibels since the compressor sits inside the room with you, louder than a window or split unit whose compressor is outdoors; check the manufacturer's specific decibel rating and independent reviews if noise matters for a bedroom or quiet space.
Can a portable AC also work as a dehumidifier?
Many portable ACs include a dehumidify-only mode that removes moisture without running the cooling function fully, useful in humid but not necessarily hot conditions, though a dedicated dehumidifier is generally more efficient at moisture removal alone.
Bottom Line
Best overall: DeLonghi PAC360LVYN WH Pinguino Portable Air Conditioner in White with 6800.0 — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all de'longhi portable air conditioners on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.