8 Best Portable Air Conditioners For Cars (2023 Reviews)

8 Best Portable Air Conditioners For Cars And Trucks

Portable AC Units For Cars Compared

Buying Guide for the Best Portable AC for Cars

Not every portable AC or cooler is suitable for every car. It’s vital to pick a unit that suits your vehicle and cooling needs to avoid wasting money on an inadequate AC.

Here’s my breakdown of the most crucial things to keep an eye on when choosing a portable AC for your car.

Installation

Most portable ACs require minimal to no installation. Nonetheless, I recommend looking for a unit that you can just set down and power up.

Fans, like the Xool or Jiffi, are the simplest units to install — just connect them to the power source and turn them on. They might not always provide enough cooling for you, though.

In general, small portable AC units (like Zero Breeze and EcoFlow on my list) provide the best balance between ease of installation and cooling power. You need to attach a drain line and optionally connect exhaust ducts, but that only takes about 10 minutes. In return, you get a true AC that will efficiently cool your car or RV.

Power Source

DC, AC, USB, batteries… You have a lot of options for powering your cooling unit. For ACs and coolers you want to use in cars, I advise finding a unit you can power in a moving vehicle.

In general, that means buying a unit that can draw all the power it needs from your car’s cigarette lighter outlet. If that’s not possible, a USB-connected device (like the EvaPolar evaChill) will also work well with a simple adapter.

Battery-powered coolers enhance portability, but they come with the risk of running out of charge halfway through your road trip. Units that use simple AA batteries instead of rechargeable battery packs, such as the Bucket Breeze, can solve this issue — as long as you remember to pack extra batteries.

If you want the most cooling power, though, you will likely have to opt for a unit that connects to AC power. You usually can’t use these kinds of devices while driving, but they’re great for RVs, campgrounds, and tailgates.

Size

Interior space is often at a premium in vehicles. It’s a smart idea to try and find the smallest possible device that can keep you (and your passengers) cool.

Obviously, how big of an AC or cooler you can fit in your vehicle depends entirely on what you’re driving. A Honda Civic probably doesn’t have space for anything more than a small personal cooler, such as the EvaPolar, while your RV can likely house the big Zero Breeze and EcoFlow ACs.

I would measure the space available in your car before you start shopping for an AC. Remember to also take your possible passengers into account to make sure they can still sit comfortably.

Related Article – How Many Watts Does A Portable AC Use?

Cooling Power

You should match your cooling device’s capacity to your vehicle’s size and the number of passengers. For true ACs, I recommend aiming for a British thermal unit (BTU) rating of at least 2,000.

Without going too deep into the science behind it, the BTU rating measures an AC’s cooling power. For reference, the average car AC (the one installed into your vehicle) produces around 20,000 BTU of power, though they can reach up to 40,000 BTU. (1)

A portable unit can never reach that kind of power. However, 2,000 BTU is sufficient for spaces of around 50 square feet, which should be enough for a truck or RV.

Evaporative or bucket coolers and fans don’t have BTU ratings, since they’re not real ACs. There’s really no guideline I can give you here — just try to find a fan that can keep people comfortable.

Noise

My recommendation is to look for an AC or cooler that produces 50dB of noise or less. That’s more or less on par with a regular conversation. (2) You may have to compromise on that if you want a lot of power (like with the EcoFlow) but this is the limit I would aim for.

The noise level you can tolerate also depends on whether you aim to sleep with the AC running. You can probably put up with a bit louder device while driving than when you’re trying to sleep in your RV. Then again, there’s no need to settle — the Evapoler unit, for example, is a quiet unit that works even while driving.

Maintenance

Every cooler and AC needs some kind of maintenance to stay effective. Since portable car ACs are meant to be used on the move, aim to buy a low-maintenance unit so you can clean it quickly on the road.

Fans and bucket coolers are the lowest-maintenance units. All they need is a quick dusting every now and then to clear the blades, and you have to top up the water in bucket coolers. If you don’t want to bother with upkeep, go for one of these.

Evaporative coolers strike a good balance between efficiency and maintenance. You have to fill the water reservoir and change the filter every few months, but that’s a five-minute job. Some of the filters, like those of the Evapolar,  can get expensive, though.

True portable ACs are the most maintenance-intensive. On top of cleaning and filter changes, you’ll have to top up the refrigerant (the frequency depends entirely on the unit). You also have to ensure they can drain properly or you might be looking at water damage in your vehicle.

Energy Efficiency

You might think energy efficiency doesn’t matter much with portable units, but it does. I recommend trying to find the most energy-efficient cooler or AC you can, preferably one with an Energy Star stamp.

This can be particularly important with battery-powered devices. The less energy the AC consumes, the longer the battery lasts. Believe me, nothing sucks more than your AC running out of charge in the middle of a sweaty road trip.

Energy efficiency also plays a role if you plug the unit into your car’s cigarette lighter. A power-hungry unit will lower your gas mileage somewhat since your car has to supply it with energy. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s good to be aware of it.

Price & Warranty

Set your budget before you start shopping for your portable car AC. You can then disregard units you can’t afford and save a lot of time during the process.

Car coolers are available in a wide price range, from cheap $30 fans like the Jiffi to ACs such as the EcoFlow that cost more than a grand. Remember to also take into account the possible maintenance costs, like filter replacements, which can build up over the unit’s lifetime.

Finally, see what kind of warranty the manufacturer offers. I’ve found out the hard way that car coolers can be very temperamental. Try to find a cooler that offers a warranty period of at least a year.

Tank Capacity

If you opt for an evaporative or bucket cooler, the water tank capacity becomes an important consideration. I advise purchasing a unit with the biggest tank you can fit in the space your vehicle has available.

There’s a simple reason for this — a bigger tank generally lasts for a longer time. Having to constantly top up the tank can be a hassle and result in water spills, especially in a moving car.

However, it’s not all about the size. For example, the Evapolar’s minuscule 27-ounce tank can last for hours because it’s well-matched to the unit’s cooling power.

Ease of Use

Try to find an AC and cooler that you could picture yourself controlling with one hand without your eyes closed. The simplest possible usability can be a literal lifesaver, especially if you’re traveling alone in your car.

Of course, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping and pulling over if you need to make big adjustments to your AC. Still, simple controls let you crank the AC up quickly during, for example, a red light stop.

This is less of a concern if you’re looking for an AC for your RV since you won’t be using it on the move. I would still get a remote-controlled AC (which the Zero Breeze and EcoFlow are) so you can easily set the temperature without hunching over the unit.

Extra Features

You should also consider the additional features of the AC or cooler. Some will have multiple speed options or airflow direction control adjustments. Some units, like EcoFlow, can work as heaters or have Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity.

At the same time, try to avoid bells and whistles you won’t need since they can quickly rack up the unit’s cost. There are no real guidelines I can give you here — just spend a few minutes thinking about what you want from your AC!

Types of Air Conditioners for Cars

If you’ve read through my list, you’ve noticed there are a lot of different portable ACs and coolers available for cars. Which one’s the right one for your needs?

I’ve listed the most common types here to help you find one that fits your vehicle.

Portable True ACs

True ACs for cars are exactly what it says on the label — small and compact portable air conditioners. They generally have the best cooling power out of the truly portable units and can chill a truck cabin or RV in minutes.

However, they are often much too big and power-hungry to use in a sedan. They often also need drainage and exhaust/intake venting, so using them in a moving vehicle is generally out of the question.

As such, portable true ACs are the best choice for cooling RVs, camping trailers, or truck cabins when you’re not on the move. For that purpose, they’re unbeatable.

Rooftop ACs

It’s a bit questionable whether rooftop ACs count as portable ACs — which is why you won’t find any on my list. They’re worth bringing up, though.

Rooftop ACs are permanent units attached to the roof of an RV, camper van, or trailer. They have all the same components and functionality as your regular in-house AC, just on a marginally smaller scale.

They’re absolutely the most efficient way to cool your RV on a regular basis. But is it really portable, although it technically travels with your vehicle?

Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers—also called swamp coolers—feature a filter (sometimes called a wick filter) that sucks up water from the unit’s water tank. A fan blows air through the filter, which cools it and provides you with a nice, chilly breeze.

Evaporative coolers can be very effective spot coolers and can be compact enough to fit well even in a small car. However, they don’t usually have enough kick to cool down the whole cabin. You also have to keep filling the water reservoir every few hours and replace the filter, typically at least once a year.

These units are at their best when used as personal coolers. As I said, they won’t cool down your whole car, but they can keep one or two people comfortable when properly positioned.

Bucket Coolers

A bucket cooler is essentially an evaporative cooler that relies (as the name implies) on a bucket filled with water or ice. On top of the bucket sits a fan that pulls the cool air out of the bucket and blows it on you. Some units, like the Arctic Cove, can also blow a fine water mist to boost their efficiency.

Bucket coolers are a bit of a mixed bag. They can be affordable and reasonably effective, yet still probably can’t cool an entire RV. They’re often pretty bulky, though, and unless they have a water-tight lid (or use a solid coolant like the Bucket Breeze) they’re a water spill waiting to happen.

I wouldn’t put a bucket cooler in a moving car. They can be cheap-ish and effective spot cooler for tailgates or camping, though!

Fans

You know what a fan is. It’s a set of spinning blades that moves air to cool you down. You probably already own at least a couple of them.

Fans only circulate air and, as such, don’t have any real cooling capacity. The breeze they create can keep a couple of people more comfortable in a hot car, though, and they also help keep the air from becoming too stale. They’re also often dirt-cheap (although I can’t vouch for a cheap fan’s quality)

If you’re looking to help your passengers stay a bit cooler in a small vehicle at a low price, a good fan might be just what you need.

FAQs

Can A Portable AC Be Used In A Car?

You can use a portable AC in a car as long as it’s waterproof, and has a battery or can draw power from the outlets available in your vehicle. Note that cars sway and bounce, so you shouldn’t use a portable AC during driving unless you’re certain it won’t spill water or coolant.

How effective are portable car air conditioners?

Portable car air conditioners can provide efficient spot cooling, but they are rarely a replacement for your vehicle’s standard air conditioner. Many of them can’t cool the entire vehicle, but they can provide excellent additional cooling if your car’s AC is struggling.

Is a fan sufficient for cooling a vehicle?

Fans are not designed to cool a vehicle. They are meant to provide cooling by circulating the air, but they can’t lower the temperature inside a vehicle.

What Is The Best Alternative To Car AC?

The best alternative to a personal car’s in-built AC is a compact evaporative cooler. Larger vehicles, such as trucks, may have enough space for a small portable AC unit. 

Can You Run A Portable AC On A Battery?

Yes, you can buy portable AC units that run on batteries. Even a plug-in unit can sometimes be connected to an external portable battery, although that means you must also carry the power pack with you. 

What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Portable AC In A Car?

The biggest disadvantage of using portable AC in a car is that it won’t match your car’s real AC’s cooling power. Battery-powered units can run out of charge, while plug-in units may lower your gas mileage. Additionally, you must be careful not to spill water from the unit if you use it while driving.

Which product on Your list is best for cooling children in the back seats?

The dual cooling fan from Xool is ideal for cooling children in the backseat, as you can position the fans to cover the entire backseat without worrying about water spills. The Jiffi fan is also a good option if you have only one child in the car.

How long do these portable air conditioners for cars last?

True portable ACs for cars can last up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. (3) Evaporative or bucket coolers and fans generally have shorter lifespans, but with some TLC, you can get five years of service out of them.

Conclusion

You have a lot of options when choosing a portable AC for a car. With my list, you can compare the most popular devices and see which one suits your vehicle and needs the best. If you still feel a bit lost, here are my personal recommendations:

• The MightyKool K2 is the best evaporative cooler, providing efficient cooling without you having to worry about spills.
• To cool an RV, camper van, or truck cabin with a true portable AC, Zero Breeze Mark 2 provides plenty of power and value.
• Evapolar evaChill is a budget-friendly and reasonably strong compact personal cooler for cars.

Resources:

1. https://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/258.cfm
2. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html
3. https://www.callks.com/blog/how-long-do-air-conditioners-last/