
23
Products Tested

36
Hours of Research

122
Reviews Examined
Most rooms need portable air conditioners in the 45 – 55 decibel range or about the same volume as light traffic or conversation. This is why we tested, gathered data, compared and reviewed the quietest portable AC units, and discovered the best models on the market.
At Air Conditioner Lab, we’ve spent hours researching the industry’s top units from brands like Honeywell, LG, Haier, Whynter, EdgeStar, Friedrich, etc. Our research included nearly 40 portable AC models that ranged in strength from 8,000 to 15,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units).
We found that the average noise level for most portable air conditioners is about 53 decibels, the same as light conversion or nearby traffic. We aim to help people who consider the noise of an air conditioner to be an important purchasing decision. Read our list below to find the right (and quiet) cooling appliance for your needs.
Quick Guide – Our Top Picks
Lowest Decibel Portable AC
Haier HPC12XCR
Ease of Use
4.5
Power
4.0
Value
4.0
Our Score
4.2
Quiet Portable AC For Larger Rooms
Friedrich ZoneAire PH14B
Ease of Use
4.0
Power
4.0
Value
4.0
Our Score
4.0
Quietest Dual Hose Unit
Whynter Elite ARC-122DHP
Ease of Use
4.0
Power
4.0
Value
4.5
Our Score
4.2
The Haier HPC12XCR is ideal for those who value quietness in a small space (under 450 square feet) over anything else. This model still performs well, but at 50 dBA and under 28 inches, its real strength is quiet, compact cooling.
The Friedrich PH14B is ideal for those with rooms larger than 450 square feet but smaller than 700; it’s great for users who want to keep the noise down, but still get the efficiency and cooling power of a dual-hose portable AC.
Finally, the Whynter Elite ARC-122DHP is a great option for those who want industry-leading reputation and performance in a unit that still performs, according to the manufacturer, below the average decibel rating we found in our research.
7 Quietest Portable Air Conditioners Reviewed
We have reviewed the lowest noise portable AC units on the market. We have tested the decibels levels and found these to be the quietest options for homeowners.
1 - Haier HPC12XCR – Lowest Decibel Portable AC Unit
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.2
The Haier HPC12XCR was also named our top recommendation for small units, so it’s no wonder that the model excels in this area as well.
The Haier HPC12XCR was also named our top recommendation for small units, so it’s no wonder that the model excels in this area as well.
Haier did an excellent job keeping this single-hose model efficient: its dimensions keep the unit compact and less loud than most other portable air conditioners, but it still delivers excellent cooling power and performance.
This silent portable air conditioner can cool a room up to 450 square feet, though this depends on the room’s layout, orientation toward the sun, and the environment outside (humidity, direct sunlight, etc.). If you have a room larger than 450 square feet, the Friedrich PH14B (reviewed below) offers a stronger cooling power and performance that can work in rooms up to 700 square feet.
A remote control, digital panel, and air circulation features make the Haier HPC12XCR a good pick for today’s modern user. An auto-evaporative setup means you don’t have to manually drain the unit, which is extremely convenient for those who leave for extended amounts of time and still want the unit to run. Units without this technology will run until their water containers are filled and typically shut off.
The Haier HPC12XCR offers several fan speeds and has a top-flow design that keeps rooms cool. As with portable ACs in general, this model has its share of users who say it doesn’t cool the room as fast as possible, but this is often the result of higher-than-normal expectations. After all, a portable unit has all of its components in the room that it is cooling, so these are often less efficient than many users expect initially.
With all that said, this quiet portable AC unit is an excellent choice if you’re trying to keep your background white noise to a minimum. Because of its small size, it fits in easily to small bedrooms and the smooth aesthetics don’t make it stick out like many bulky home appliances do.
It’s easy to use and convenient, thanks to caster wheels. This is why it’s our top pick for the quietest portable AC units. Believe it or not, it’s the best portable air conditioner in town.
With all that said, the Haier HPC12XCR is an excellent choice if you’re trying to keep your background white noise to a minimum. Because of its small size, it fits in easily to small bedrooms and the smooth aesthetics don’t make it stick out like many bulky home appliances do.
It’s easy to use, easy to clean and quiet, and for those reasons the Haier HPC12XCR is our top pick for the quietest portable AC unit.
Related Article – More Small Portable ACs to Choose From
BTUs | 12000 (10000 also available) |
Noise Levels (dBa) | ~50 |
Cooling Area | Up to 450 sq.ft. |
Weight | 55 lbs |
Dimensions | 16.9 x 27.8 x 14.2 “ |
Warranty | Yes – 1 year limited |
2 - SereneLife SLPAC8 – Best Quiet Portable AC For Small Rooms
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.2
SereneLife has manufactured this powerful portable air conditioner for people who are looking to bear the summer months in ill-ventilated apartments, measuring up to 300 square-feet.
The 10,000 BTUs portable room conditioner weighs only 55.1 pounds, and ensures your entire space is cooled down, whether you’re studying in the study room or cozying up in your bed.
This portable air conditioner makes sure consumers can adjust the cooling according to their need with 2 fan speed options, temperature select options, and an extensive 24 hour-timer that users can use to save power around the clock.
Featuring advanced dehumidifying technology, SereneLife’s air conditioner comes equipped with a built-in dehumidifier, like most other portable AC units, that extracts the moisture out of the atmosphere, at the rate of 1.5 liters per hour to provide maximum cooling efficiency.
SereneLife claims the noise level to be around 52-56 decibels, which is dependent upon the power mode you are using. If you are using the high power mode, expect your new portable air conditioner to make more noise. Sleep mode puts the air conditioner in a low power mode which also numbs down the noise levels.
While the noise levels stated may vary, the air conditioner unit’s noise is comparable to a normal window air conditioner which can be easily ignored.
The unit’s effectiveness is rounded up with a handy remote control, which means you can tinker with your desired cooling settings without needing to get up.
Its sleek design and comparatively low noise output have been standout features for SereneLife’s powerful portable AC. However, some users may face a leakage problem due to the hose.
Related Article – Best Portable ACs for Dorms
BTUs | 10,000 |
Noise Levels (dBa) | 52-56 |
Cooling Area | Up to 300 sq. ft. |
Weight | 55.1 lbs. |
Dimensions | 13.4 x 32.1 x 17.4 inches |
Warranty | Up to 1-year |
3 - Honeywell HL09CESWK - Quiet Portable AC For Medium-Sized Rooms
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling Ability
4.2
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.2
Honeywell’s portable air conditioner offers users a modern and attractive look, making for a great addition to the corner of your room.
Packing 10,000 BTUs of cooling power, this AC unit provides consumers a stylish yet powerful cooling alternative that can cool down spaces averaging 400 square-feet – the best portable air conditioner for medium-size rooms.
In addition to being powerful, the unit is also equipped with thermal overload protection technology to ensure consumers can remain carefree when using it in the summers.
Honeywell’s portable air conditioner is protected by dual filters, designed to keep out dust and hair, which guarantees a durable unit that performs brilliantly throughout its useful life. The filters are easily washable for added convenience.
Honeywell addresses user convenience by introducing 3 fan speeds in this unit, alongside a convenient low energy ‘sleep-mode,’ digital controls, and a 24-hour timer for added feasibility. The unit is equipped with a digital remote to ensure consumer comfort.
The unit has been noted to make a ‘humming’ sound when operating, which is a common trait among air conditioners of various types. There is negligible vibration when the air conditioner functions at full speed, but that is a signature trait across most portable AC units.
Honeywell rates the voice level at 54 dB and the unit lives up to its reputation, decreasing further when switched to the low energy sleeping mode.
The usit also features a built-in dehumidifier capable of removing up to 38 liters of moisture in 24 hours. Unless you’re living in a highly humid region, there is no need to manually empty the bucket as the unit consists of a continuous drain option for long unattended operation.
While the easy installation and quiet operations have been well received, some consumers might face difficulty with the considerable weight of Honeywell’s portable AC unit.
Related Article – How Long Can You Run a Portable AC?
BTUs | 10,000 |
Noise Levels (dBa) | 54 |
Cooling Area | Up to 400 sq. ft. |
Weight | 76.7 lbs. |
Dimensions | 18.9 x 15.7 x 31.3 inches |
Warranty | 1-year parts and labor, 5-years on all parts of the sealed system |
4 - Avallon APAC140HC - Quiet Portable AC For Large Rooms
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
The Avallon Dual Dose is a powerful portable air conditioner that packs in a significant amount of power with its 14,000 BTU powered engine. This makes it a reliable option for cooling your room, lounge, office – or all 3 due to its easy portability.
This unit is designed for all year use and comes equipped with a heating function, which means you can use it through the summer as well as the winter season. Laced with the latest Invisimist technology, this model ensures an uninterrupted cooling experience without the need for consumers to manually empty the unit’s reservoir.
Avallon’s dual hose portable air conditioner features a dual hose (separate intake and exhaust hoses) design that allows for more air intake and enhances cooling capacity– a 40% faster cooling rate than single-hose units.
With an advanced user interface, the unit consists of multiple fan and noise settings complete with an ‘intelligent’ mode, and a remote control to ensure easy usability without the need to walk to the unit.
The manufacturer has labeled the unit to create only 53 decibels worth of noise at full speed, which is considered fairly quiet for air conditioners. The air conditioner caters to large spaces, which means unless you are sitting right next to the unit, it is difficult for you to notice the noise. This is one of the quietest air conditioners available in the market.
The unit consists of multiple fan and power settings which can increase or decrease the level of noise being created, but users are unlikely to notice the difference as it is negligible.
The low noise levels and the included window kit add to the features of this unit. However, users may have reservations regarding its weight and price point.
BTUs | 14,000 |
Noise Levels (dBa) | 53.4 (max) |
Cooling Area | Up to 525 sq. ft. |
Weight | 73 lbs. |
Dimensions | 15.7 x 19.5 x 33.7 inches |
Warranty | 1-year parts and 5-years compressor warranty |
5 - Friedrich ZoneAire PH14B
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
For rooms larger than 450 square feet, or rooms with direct sunlight that need better cooling, consider the Friedrich PH14B, a 13,500 BTU rating unit from “the experts in air conditioning.” The company was started in 1883, and today they make some of the finest air conditioning products because of their rigorous field tests.
Friedrich claims that the PH14B cools rooms up to 40 times faster than normal units, and although it’s one of the more powerful models on the market, it’s still quiet at 51 dBA. Those looking for a hybrid of quietness and cooling capacity will find the PH14B more than capable.
Where the Haier model above uses only one hose to vent hot air, the PH14B is a dual-hose AC that works more efficiently because the air that’s warmed by the unit’s components is vented outside before it can circulate in the room, which is a common design flaw (though unavoidable) with single-hose units.
This makes the Friedrich AC units more efficient than the Haier, though it is larger and more powerful, which is why it’s still slightly louder than the Haier. The negligible difference in decibels, however, means that for those with more demanding cooling needs, the PH14B is an excellent choice.
The PH14B is even more useful than most units as well: it also functions as a heater (as well as fan and dehumidifier). The heating capability of the unit is 10,700 BTUs, so if you live in a climate that has harsh summers and winters, then the PH14B can help eliminate the need for multiple appliances.
Like the Haier, the PH14B has self-evaporating technology that doesn’t require you to empty and fill water containers. It has a remote, 24-hour timer and auto-start capability in case it’s turned off by a power outage or user. Installation is easy with Friedrich’s quick-install kit, and the window kit works about as well as most industry-standard kits do. To make the unit work even better, consider sealing the air around the window kit with a simple tape seal.
A fully washable air filter kills pollutants, makes the air quality better and provides cool air. The only downside of the PH14B is its weight and size: at 78 pounds, you may not be moving the unit very often, though it does come with casters that make it mobile.
BTUs | 13500 (12000 also available) |
Noise Levels (dBa) | ~51 |
Cooling Area | Up to 700 sq.ft. |
Weight | 95 lbs |
Dimensions | 15.5 x 19.5 x 33.5 “ |
Warranty | Yes – 1 – 5 year limited |
6 - Frigidaire Cool Connect – Smart AC with WiFi
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling Ability
3.5
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
This is one of the most advanced, sophisticated and quietest portable ACs released by Frigidaire. Aptly labeled the Cool Connect ‘Smart’ portable air conditioner, its powerhouse can channel 12,000 BTUs, enabling it to cool down a room of up to 550 square-feet. with relative ease.
What’s more, this heat pump packs in a built-in dehumidifier capable of controlling the humidity of a room by capturing up to 34 liters in 24 hours of usage. Frigidaire has made sure that consumers benefit from a comprehensive air conditioning unit, which provides ample cooling across the room through its 360-degree airflow mechanism.
The unit also offers extensive user customization with 3 different cooling and 3 fan speeds, as well as a 24-hour timer for around-the-clock usage. That’s not all – the unit also comes equipped with an auto cool function, an energy efficient mode, and a sleep mode for flexible efficiency and cooling.
The noise level for this unit is measured to be 56 dB, which is well within the range for a portable air conditioner. The vast area that it covers means the person on the other end would be unable to hear the noise. The fan does make a low sound, but that is understandable as the compressor powers this 12,000 BTU rating machine.
Compared to other quiet portable air conditioners, this one is one of the quietest models available, with a negligible noise production at its low energy mode and a low pitch noise when working at full capacity.
However, the most significant feature of Frigidaire’s latest manufactured unit remains to be the Wi-Fi controlled setup that only asks consumers to download Frigidaire’s application on their smartphones and conveniently operate the air conditioner according to their needs.
The enhanced user convenience and flexibility offered by the air conditioner is worth the acclaim, but some consumers may object to the high price point, and face issues with an inaccurate thermostat.
BTUs | 12,000 |
Noise Levels (dBa) | 56 dB |
Cooling Area | Up to 550 sq. ft. |
Weight | 85 lbs. |
Dimensions | 12.6 x 12.6 x 36.8 inches |
Warranty | 1-year complete and 5-year parts sealed system warranty. |
7 - Whynter Elite ARC-122DHP – Quietest Dual Hose AC Unit
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.5
Overall Rating
4.2
As an alternate recommendation, we found the Whynter Elite ARC-122DHP is an excellent model that focuses on cooling performance while minimizing background noise. This quiet and energy efficient AC unit’s decibel ranking of 52dBA is still lower than average, and it’s difficult to beat Whynter’s performance and reputation in the industry.
The Sweet Home recently named the ARC-122DHP its model of choice, stating that it was a clear winner in energy efficiency and overall user satisfaction.
“We think this dual-hose energy efficient AC unit will cool a room faster than other portable ACs, using the least energy, even in extreme heat,” said the editors at The Sweet Home, which is now owned by The New York Times.
The ARC-122DHP offers 12,000 BTU cooling and 10,000 BTU heating capabilities and comes with the standard features of most good units: remote, timer, digital settings and multiple functions (cools, heats, dehumidifies).
A window kit makes installation relatively easy, though we still recommend using tape or some sort of seal to keep the air in your room. The unit cools rooms to between 61° – 89°F and has a self-evaporating feature that doesn’t require draining in most environments.
The ARC-122DHP isn’t quite as heavy as the Friedrich, but it is still hefty at 63 pounds, so size should be a consideration depending on how much space you have to work with. Nevertheless, it still saves enough floor space than many other models.
Related Article – DIY Tips on Hiding a Portable Air Conditioner
At 52 dBA (stated), and potentially higher in real-world settings, the ARC-122DHP does get closer to the standard noise level for most quiet portable air conditioners, which we found to be around 53 dBA. If the humming of a regular home refrigerator doesn’t bother you, neither will the ARC-122DHP, though this may seem louder at night when getting ready to sleep.
Still, the ARC-122DHP offers industry-leading cooling performance at a noise level that’s below par for the course, so for those reasons we recommend it as a smart alternative to the Haier and Friedrich models above.
BTUs | 12000 |
Noise Levels (dBa) | ~52 |
Cooling Area | Up to 400 sq.ft. |
Weight | 60 lbs |
Dimensions | 17 x 29.5 x 16 “ |
Warranty | Yes – 1 – 3 year limited |
AC Comparison Table (By Noise & Size)
How We Found The Quietest Portable ACs
We researched and analyzed approximately 40 models of portable AC systems that are well-known and readily available from retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, Best Buy, and the like. We found the manufacturer’s stated decibel rating for the models and then compared them to those with the consensus from users to better understand their “real-world” noise level.
To explain, the stated decibel level can be different than the actual decibel level, which can be tested using a decibel meter. So although we focused on the manufacturer’s data, we also wanted to confirm that users were satisfied with the overall noise level of their units. Often, consumer feedback is the best way to get a good idea of the actual – rather than advertised – the noise you’ll be dealing with.
On the other hand, we also consider that many reviews and reviewers are not necessarily objective; one reviewer who lives in Manhattan might find 53 dBA to be comfortable and even necessary, while someone who lives a quiet life in a rural area may find that much white noise to be distracting.
We reviewed and ranked our models on a combination of stated decibel rating, overall unit performance, and user feedback. We also looked at industry reviews from resources like The Sweet Home, Your Best Digs, Home Depot, and others to get an idea of trends in the market.
To clean up our data and process, we did not qualify any unit that did not have a manufacturer-stated decibel rating. This disqualified units from trustworthy brands in some cases, but we didn’t want to include these models to keep the ratings reliable and consistent.
Lastly, we did our testing to find the “real world” decibel ratings of the models placed in various rooms: living rooms, bedrooms, offices, etc. This gave us a better understanding of how manufacturer-stated ratings relate to the actual noise level produced by a unit.
Factors When Buying A Quiet Portable AC
Make Sure Your Machine Is Sized Appropriately To Your Space
As with any piece of climate control equipment you buy, you want to make sure you’re buying an appliance that’s suited appropriately to your space.
We’ve included area ratings in square feet for all our recommendations, and you should compare those ratings to the space in which you want to use your new appliance.
If you’re going to be using it to cool a single room, the area of that room will be your total square footage. If you’re intending to use it for a condo or entire apartment, figure out the total area and use that as your size benchmark.
While you come up with your numbers, bear in mind that tested ratings are based on standard 8-foot ceilings.
If yours are higher or lower than average, factor that into your estimates.
If you’re using one of these machines in a room that connects to another space, with an open doorway, you’ll want to assume that there will be a decent amount of airflow.
So, include the total area of both rooms in your requirements.

Remember: always leave yourself some margin of error between what your machine can do and what you actually need! Just because a portable air conditioner can technically handle 500 square feet, you don’t necessarily want to force it to. By running one of these machines at the edge of its capabilities, you’ll burn it out faster, and end up with a machine that’s constantly at its highest speed (which is going to make it anything but quiet). So, round up slightly when you’re deciding between sizes of portable air conditioner!
Related Article – How to Properly Choose an AC Size
Don’t Skimp On Power
While you’ll want to judge which size of AC is a best portable air conditioner for your space, you should also consider that the primary factor in determining how loud or quiet portable air conditioner will be is the fan speed you’re using.
With that in mind, we’d encourage you to slightly overpower your space. If you do so, your machine will have to work less hard relative to a smaller machine, meaning it can run at lower speeds and lower noise levels!
Try To Avoid Budget Models If You Can
If you’ve bought any cheap appliance before, you know how light and rattly they can be. It’s true of portable AC units as well! The cheaper they are, the more lightly they’ll be built, which means less noise insulation and more rattling.
So, it’s always worth spending a bit more for something with thicker plastic parts and a heavier build to mask noise. The more expensive options also tend to be designed more efficiently overall, which usually has the side effect of making them quiet!
Weight & Maneuverability
Portable AC units are a single–unit machine, and their portability means consumers can literally transport their cooling unit wherever they deem fit. However, to exercise such cooling capacity, the machines tend to lean on the heavier side.
Most portable ACs can weigh in the range of 60 – 90 pounds, making their handling a challenging feat. However, the majority of the models are equipped with wheels attached to the cooling unit, which means consumers can easily roll the unit across different rooms.
Window Ventilation Kit
Unlike window air conditioners that have half of their body hanging outside the window for ventilation purposes, portable AC units don’t enjoy that luxury. This is the reason behind manufacturers sending window ventilation kits that enable consumers to alter their windows to accommodate a hose through which the portable unit can regulate ventilation.
The window ventilation kit comes with a hose and panels that help you fit a hose in the window securely. Whether your window slides horizontally or vertically, the panels ensure no cold air escapes. While most ventilation kits are easy to install, some may require additional help.
Related Article – How to Vent a Portable AC Without a Window
Timers, Thermostats, & Remote Control
Portable air conditioning units provide users with enhanced feasibility.
The timer function is an ever-present feature across portable air conditioners and serves to set regular intervals to turn on, or conversely, turn off the air conditioning unit – such as during the night or coming back from work.
Thermostats are built-in temperature readers installed into the majority of portable ACs for a quick check on the room’s temperature before, after, and during its functioning for easy adjustment.
Lastly, the remote control enables users to access and modify the cooling options without leaving the comfort of their bed.

Get A Warranty (Even If You Pay For It!)
This might come across as a strong headline, but portable air conditioners, like any machine, can face manufacturer defaults or damages in transit, or it may not function as well as you had expected it too. If devoid of a warranty, it would represent an unnecessary loss of resources.
While a majority of companies offer warranties, there are companies that do not, which poses a risk to the user. Even if you have to pay for a warranty for your portable air conditioner, do so because the peace of mind and guarantee it provides will be worth the price.
Related Article – More Reasons Why Portable ACs are Worth It
What To Think About In Terms Of Noise
These recommendations are based primarily on the manufacturer’s decibel rating, as well as consumer feedback and industry opinion. It’s important to keep in mind that often, what the manufacturer states in their specifications can be different in real-world settings.
These companies use labs, field tests and third parties to verify and review their data, but at the end of the day, the way a product performs in your home depends on a number of environmental factors.
For instance, if you’re using a portable AC in a room that gets direct sunlight throughout the day, the room may be anywhere from 5 to 15 degrees hotter than other parts of the house, and you may need a stronger unit to cool the room – even if it’s in the specific square footage area of your AC model.

Source: ENERGY STAR
When it comes to noise level, the same concept is true. The stated decibels is often different than the actual decibels because of the way the singular product operates. Even if that specific product operates normally, it may be higher or lower than the stated decibel rating.
When testing the best portable units, Your Best Digs found that the actual decibel readings of most portable units was much higher than stated, which some units often getting into the 60 – 70 decibel range. This is much higher than the 53 average manufacturer-stated rating.
“There are two stages of sound levels for these units: ongoing, and the moment it turns on or off,” says Bryan Vu at Your Best Digs. “These units are all designed so that when they hit a temperature that now needs cooling, it hums to life, reaching its all-time loudest point—and vice versa when shutting down.”
A quiet home with minimal outside noise may have lower levels of ambient noise, in which case 53 – 55 decibels can make a more significant difference in personal comfort level.
Related Article – How to Make a Portable AC Quieter

Source: Your Best Digs
In their findings, the Whynter model was significantly louder than the Haier model when turning on or off the machine, or while its running. These are the kinds of tests that prove that decibel ratings vary widely, and it’s something to consider while making your purchasing decision.
You’ll also want to consider that the ambient noise of each household is different. As we mentioned, homes, apartments and flats in loud, urban environments may have generally louder ambient noise to begin with, so an appliance operating at 53 decibels may not be too noticeable.
A quiet home with minimal outside noise may have lower ambient noise levels, in which case 53 – 55 decibels can make a more significant difference in personal comfort levels.
Related Article – Venting Options for Portable AC
If the AC is further from your bed or desk, then the noise level will be lessened by the time it reaches you. Sleeping right by the portable air conditioner, however, means that its humming will be much louder as it’s closer to you. If your window placement means the unit will be close to where you’ll sleep, work or relax, then you may want to go with a quieter, smaller unit.
If you’re cooling a larger bedroom or office and will be working or sleeping on the opposite side of where your portable air conditioner will be, you can get away with a larger, louder unit that won’t disrupt your sleep or work as much.
These are all things to consider, and in the end often the only way to tell if the noise from a portable AC will bother you is to try them out. You can shop in person at places like Best Buy, or if shopping online, be aware of the return policies of units and manufacturers before you make a decision.
FAQs
What is the difference between dual and single hose models?
The difference between single hose and dual hose AC units is that with individual hose units, the air conditioner takes in and blows out cold air from a single hose causing the cooling process to slow down. In a two-hose unit, one hose is used to intake hot air, and another is used to blow out the cool air, which increases cooling and energy efficiency.
What decibel level is considered a ‘silent’ portable air conditioning unit?
While most portable quiet operation ACs function in the middle of 50-60 decibels unit of hearing, they are still considered loud. So, what dB rating should an AC unit has to ensure quiet operation?
For an air conditioning unit to be considered ‘silent,’ it should operate in the range of 40 decibels – more like the sound a functioning desktop CPU makes.
Are quiet portable AC’s more expensive to buy?
The quietness of a portable air conditioner is linked to its operational efficiency more than anything else. While there is no direct correlation of the quietest portable air conditioners and their price, generally units on the heftier side of the price range tend to demonstrate higher power and energy efficiency and therefore operate more quietly than units that are cheaper.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has answered all your questions about how to find the quietest portable air conditioners and pointed you to at least one model that would be appropriate for your needs. If so, click on the links in the reviews to see more details and check current prices on Amazon.
Still looking for your ideal unit? Don’t worry! Now that you know what you’re looking for, you can click through to see all Amazon’s best-selling portable air conditioners here.
Our #1 Quietest Portable AC
Haier HPC12XCR
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.2