Buying Guide
The Best Honeywell Portable Air Conditioners for a Better Desk Setup
We looked at 8 honeywell 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 Honeywell 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 true BTU rating and venting needs, 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
Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
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)
Solid Alternative
GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi 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 GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi Portable Air Conditioner (opens in a new tab)
Another Strong Option
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)
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
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)
Best Value
FFXWTSF Portable Air Conditioner Window Kit with 5.9” Exhaust Hose
Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Our take Check price for FFXWTSF Portable Air Conditioner Window Kit with 5.9” Exhaust Hose (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
Honeywell 745 CFM* Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Remote Control,
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Honeywell 745 CFM* Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Remote Control, (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 8
Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft 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
& portable, ideal for areas up to 700 sq. Get a good night’s rest with one of the quietest pacs in its class, producing only 51 dba on its highest setting, comparable to a normal conversation.
A brand you trust, thermal overload protection provides added safety while dual dust filtration extends product life and performance by keeping internal system clean, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner.
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
- & portable, ideal for areas up to 700 sq
- Get a good night’s rest with one
- Brand you trust, thermal overload protection provides added safety
Pros
- & portable, ideal for areas up to 700 sq
- Get a good night’s rest with one
- Brand you trust, thermal overload protection provides added safety
- Easily set up your new portable air conditioner
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
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 10,000 BTU (5,550 doe) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. 8") in rooms up to 450 sq.
Side by side with Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft, the real difference worth noting is our portable ac unit comes with a full function remote control that features a follow me function, which allows the remote to act as a thermostat for precise temperature control.
This one is the right call 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
- Follow me remote
Pros
- Three-in-one unit
- Portable ac
- Follow me remote
- Easy mobility
Cons
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
Solid Alternative3 of 8
GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
GrowthWing 14,000 BTU Smart WiFi 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
Control your ac anytime through the app, voice commands, or the included remote.
The self-evaporating system reduces the need for manual drainage, providing up to 72 hours of drainage-free cooling in most environments, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft.
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
- 12,000 BTU ASHRAE cooling power, an upgraded compressor
- Control your ac anytime through the app, voice commands
- 72-hour auto-evaporation cooling
Pros
- 12,000 BTU ASHRAE cooling power, an upgraded compressor
- Control your ac anytime through the app, voice commands
- 72-hour auto-evaporation cooling
- 42db quiet sleep mode
Cons
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
Another Strong Option4 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.
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, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft.
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
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 8,500 BTU (5,100 BTU SACC) portable air conditioner combines an air conditioner, dehumidifier and fan for all your cooling & ventilation needs in rooms up to 350 sq. Our room air conditioners provide fast, effective cooling for up to 350 sq.
Featuring a top-mounted control panel with LED display, this ac unit for bedroom allows you to easily manage your indoor air conditioner settings for personalized comfort, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft.
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 ac unit
- For small rooms & living spaces
- User-friendly controls
Pros
- Three-in-one ac unit
- For small rooms & living spaces
- User-friendly controls
- Full function remote control
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
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.
Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft lands in a similar spot overall, but the deciding factor between the two is start cooling before you walk through the door.
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
- 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
Best Value7 of 8
FFXWTSF Portable Air Conditioner Window Kit with 5.9” Exhaust Hose on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
9” Exhaust 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
This window kit keeps your room cool for longer and save electricity charges. This window sealing kit is made of pvc, which does not deteriorate easily and can be used year after year.
Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft covers similar ground, though fits for sliding window or sliding door, embed the plates into the window track and supplement with window seal strip to achieve a good sealing effect is what tips the choice one way or the other.
This one is the right call if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. 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
- Good sealing
- Window sealing kit is made of pvc, which does
- Easy to install and disassemble
Pros
- Good sealing
- Window sealing kit is made of pvc, which does
- Easy to install and disassemble
- Adjustable lenth
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
Honeywell 745 CFM* Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Remote Control, on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Honeywell 745 CFM* Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Remote Control, 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
Indoor evaporative air cooler or swamp cooler ideal for use in the southwest and midwest regions of the us - performs best in hot/dry climates where humidity levels are <60%. Super low power consumption 230w & powerful 470-760cfm airflow ideal for spot cooling small to medium spaces such as living room, bedroom, den, covered patio, garage.
The gap between this and Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft isn't in the essentials, it shows up in activated carbon dust filter, remote control, low water alarm, energy saving timer, adjustable humidification dial & ice compartment.
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
- Indoor evaporative air cooler or swamp cooler ideal
- Super low power consumption 230w & powerful 470-760cfm airflow
- Activated carbon dust filter, remote control, low water alarm
Pros
- Indoor evaporative air cooler or swamp cooler ideal
- Super low power consumption 230w & powerful 470-760cfm airflow
- Activated carbon dust filter, remote control, low water alarm
- Moist, cool breeze can cool
Cons
- SACC cooling is usually lower than the headline BTU number
- Single-hose models lose efficiency from negative room pressure
How We Chose These Honeywell 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 Honeywell 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 Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner
| Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft | |
| Honeywell 745 CFM* Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Remote Control, |
| Lowest price in this lineup | |
|---|---|
| Honeywell 745 CFM* Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Remote Control, |
- Simpler and cheaper, adequate for rooms up to about 10,000-12,000 BTU, but loses some efficiency from negative room pressure.
- Honeywell 745 CFM* Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Remote Control,)
- 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 | Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| 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.
- Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft 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 Honeywell 745 CFM* Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Remote Control, justifies the extra cost.
- 9” Exhaust 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: Honeywell 14,500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 700 Sq Ft — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all honeywell portable air conditioners on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.