5 Best Travel Air Conditioners (2024 Ratings)
Unlike traditional fans, travel air conditioners deliver a cool mist that, along with strong airflow, can help cool you down in warm months. While not designed to cool an entire room like a traditional portable air conditioner, travel air conditioners (also known as desktop air conditioners or tabletop air conditioners) are ideal for placing on your desk at work, next to your bed at night, or brought with you on the go to help keep you cool. They’re also less expensive—expect to spend between $50–$100 on most models.
We personally tested several of the top travel air conditioners on the market for how well they cooled and how easy they were to use. Overall, after our tests, our top choices were the Arctic Air Chill Zone Evaporative Cooler, which delivered excellent airflow and came with a handy removable cartridge that can be frozen for more power, and the Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air Conditioner, which also delivered above-average airflow, and had an excellent light that can provide a unique aesthetic. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
How We Rate Travel Air Conditioners
With a wide variety of options available, we narrowed down our scope of the best travel air conditioners and purchased some of the most popular options available to test on the following criteria:
- Airflow and fan speeds. We noted the fan speed settings on each unit and how well we could feel the airflow using both mildly cool water and ice water.
- Misting capability. We determined how much mist came out when the water tank was filled and how much it helped cool us down.
- Tank setup and capacity. We examined the size of each water tank and how quickly it emptied, as well as how simple it was to fill and empty it.
- Portability/plug-in method. We looked at the size and weight of each model and also noted the power source.
- Lighting/other features: We took note of how bright the light was one each model, as well as the number of color settings it had. Additionally, we looked for other features such as dehumidfying, timer settings, and remote controls.
Read more about how we tested travel air conditioners based on these factors.
A Deeper Dive on Our Top Travel Air Conditioners
Best Overall
Arctic Air Chill Zone Evaporative Cooler
We were impressed by this travel air conditioner’s performance and airflow, especially when used on the turbo setting, making it perfect for offices, bedrooms, or dorms. We could feel the air coming out on full blast several feet away, and the mist also provided an extra layer of coolness. The unit comes with a cartridge that can be kept in the freezer ahead of use for even colder air.
Our Testing Experience
- Fan speeds: Three plus a turbo mode
- Mist settings: Two
- Airflow adjustability: Vertical
- Plug-in method: Outlet
Overall, this air conditioner performed excellently in our testing, standing out as the most powerful. But its tank was somewhat difficult to set up, which was initially frustrating.
| Review Category | What We Found |
| Fan Speed/Power | The fan on this air conditioner was the strongest of all of the models we tested. We were able to feel a significant boost of cold air even when used with mildly cool water. |
| Mist Power | The mist on this air conditioner was top-of-the-line, and I was able to feel it when positioned several feet away. |
| Tank Size/Ease of Filling | It was initially very confusing to set this model up, as it was not clear if the cartridge should be removed or not before use, which led to a spill. However, beyond that hiccup, the tank is easy to fill, although it has a narrow opening for pouring water. |
| Light Functionality | The light on this model cycled through seven different lighting options in various colors, including a color-changing setting. However, the light is duller than other models we tested, as it only comes out of the bottom of the model. |
| Portability/Design | This air conditioner was lightweight and easy to carry around at just 2.2 pounds. It is relatively slim compared to the other models we tested and can easily fit on a desk or nightstand. However, it does require being close to a power outlet to work. |
| Overall Rating | This is an excellent travel air conditioner with strong airflow that would work for most situations. |
- Delivers powerful airflow and has turbo mode for extra power
- Has a strong mist that can be felt from several feet away
- Operates quietly
- The initial setup was confusing and initially led to a water leak on our counter
- Turning the machine off can be tedious and requires hitting the button multiple times to cycle through each option for the lights and fan
Good for: We love this air conditioner for its excellent airflow, which was the top of all of the models we tested.
Most Versatile
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air Conditioner
When set to its highest two settings, we found that this air conditioner delivered a strong airflow that was among the best of the models we tested. While no travel air conditioner is going to cool an entire room, this one has enough power to keep you cool as you work or sleep. What made this model our pick for the most versatile is its bright blue light, which can serve as an excellent night light in your bedroom.
Our Testing Experience
- Fan speeds: Three
- Mist settings: One
- Airflow adjustability: Vertical
- Plug-In method: Outlet
This was one of the top travel air conditioners we tested. It, along with the Arctic Chill model, led the way for overall airflow and fan speed, and it kept us cool when sitting across from it. However, the mist in this AC model was lacking, deducting some points from its overall total.
| Review Category | What We Found |
| Fan Speed/Power | The airflow in this portable AC was excellent and would definitely cool you down when used consistently. When we added ice water and raised it to its highest setting, it was comparable to a large fan, but at half the size. |
| Mist Power | Unfortunately, the mist in this travel AC was lacking, and was among the weakest that we tested. Additionally, you can only turn the mist on and off. |
| Tank Size/Ease of Filling | The tank for this air conditioner is on the smaller end of the ones we tested at 800 milliliters. We also found filling it up to be tricky at first, although we eventually got the hang of it. |
| Light Functionality | The bright blue light in this unit is excellent and can serve as the perfect night light or extra nighttime hallway or bathroom light. It also makes it easy to see how much water is in the tank, so you know when it’s time for a refill. |
| Portability/Design | This model was the lightest of any model we tested at under two pounds, and it has a minimalistic design that allows it to fit onto small tables and desks. However, it does need to be set up near an outlet during use. |
| Overall Rating | This is a great travel AC for those with limited space, as it has a compact design but still delivers a powerful breeze. |
- Delivered excellent airflow, especially when used on its two highest speed settings
- Has a bright blue light that can help illuminate small spaces
- Light makes it easy to see how much water is left in the tank
- Although the fan delivered plenty of cold air, the mist on this model was weak
- Filling the tank for this model was a bit tricky and requires careful reading of the instructions
Good for: Someone who wants a unit with strong cooling that doubles as a small lamp.
Best Oscillating
BAPOLE Portable Air Conditioner
This unit delivers solid airflow and is the only model we tested that had an oscillating feature, which is helpful if you’re trying to disperse cool air throughout a small room. When we tested this AC unit, we were particularly impressed with its large water tank, as well as how easy the tank was to fill. Another feature that stood out here was the light, which had seven different color choices and provided excellent brightness.
Our Testing Experience
- Fan speeds: Three
- Mist settings: Two
- Airflow adjustability: Optional oscillation
- Plug-in method: USB
When we tested this device, we were impressed with its convenient large tank and color-changing lights, but were let down by its weak misting capability.
| Review Category | What We Found |
| Fan Speed/Power | This air conditioner delivered solid airflow, although it was not nearly as powerful as the Arctic Chill or Evapolar. We would best compare it to a medium-sized fan. Adding in ice water improved the coolness of the air significantly, so we would definitely recommend making the water as cold as possible before adding to the tank. |
| Mist Power | The mist in this unit was visible, but we were barely able to feel the jets even when sitting right in front of the device. It includes two mist settings, but we found that it had to be on the higher of the two for us to feel anything. |
| Tank Size/Ease of Filling | We were very impressed with this unit’s tank. It is separated into two pieces, with the bottom easily snapping off once it is unlocked, allowing you to fill it with water. At 900 ML, the tank size was in the middle of the units we tested, and we did see that it ran through the water quickly when we used it at the maximum fan speed. |
| Light Functionality | The light in this unit had seven different color options to cycle through depending on your mood and preferences. The brightness of the light was also on the higher end of the models we tested. |
| Portability/Design | The carrying handle on this model made it very easy to transport, although it did feel a little flimsy. Be sure that the two pieces are locked in place before lifting it up, or else you’ll be cleaning up water all over the floor. This unit does need to be plugged into a USB to turn on, which may be inconvenient for some. |
| Overall Rating | While the overall performance of this cooler was average, we appreciated how easy it was to fill the tank and its ability to oscillate. |
- Has a large water tank that’s easy to fill
- Has a bright light with seven color options
- Includes a carrying handle that makes it easy to hold and move around
- Misting power was weak, even on the highest level
- Water drained quickly when used on the highest setting
- Needs to be plugged into a USB
Good for: Someone who wants to cool a small room for multiple people.
Most Portable
Wesapor Portable Air Conditioner Cooling Fan
The standout feature of this travel air conditioner is that it is cordless, so you don’t need to be near a USB port or outlet for it to work. This makes it an excellent option for bringing with you while traveling or camping. Additionally, we liked how this AC unit had an easy-to-fill water tank that required almost zero setup.
Our Testing Experience
- Fan speeds: Three
- Mist settings: One
- Airflow adjustability: Horizontal
- Plug-in method: Cordless or USB
This travel air conditioner was a standout during testing when it came to filling the tank and how much mist it released. However, it was lacking in airflow, which knocks it down in the rankings.
| Review Category | What We Found |
| Fan Speed/Power | We had a hard time feeling the fan on this unit, even on the highest setting, unless we were positioned only a foot or two away. On the first two fan speeds, we had a hard time feeling any air. We would definitely recommend using ice water for this unit to maximize its cooling power. |
| Mist Power | While the overall airflow was lacking, this model had above-average misting that improved its overall ability to cool us down. Especially when used with ice water, the mist on this model came out strong and was highly visible. The only negative was that the mist was only on/off and did not have multiple settings. |
| Tank Size/Ease of Filling | The tank on this model was incredibly easy to fill, requiring only removing a small covering. In terms of size, it was near the top of the units we tested at 1,000 ML, and we found it to be long-lasting even when used on the highest setting. |
| Light Functionality | The light on this air conditioner was unique in that it illuminates the entire unit since the light points upwards into the fan. It delivered a high brightness level and had four different color options to choose from. |
| Portability/Design | This unit does not need to be plugged into an outlet or USB, which makes it convenient for travel. The interface was also easy to understand, with large buttons for easy changing of the settings. The only negative is that it can be heavy and awkward to carry when the water tank is filled, and it is wide, which may be an issue on smaller tables. |
| Overall Rating | If airflow is not the most important feature to you in a travel air conditioner, this model checks off a lot of other boxes, including the ability to operate without being plugged into an outlet or USB. |
- Is rechargeable, so you can use it freestanding without keeping it plugged in
- Has a straightforward water tank that’s easy to fill
- Mist is above average compared to other models we tested
- Airflow was among the weakest of the units we tested
- Despite being cordless, it has a bulky design that might not fit on smaller desks or tables
- Beeps when the water tank is empty, which can be an issue if you’re using it overnight
Good for: Someone who wants to keep cool while traveling.
Best Remote Control
Zaguren Portable Air Conditioner
This travel air conditioner was the only model we tested that came with a remote control, which is very convenient, especially if you aren’t within arm’s reach of the device. The remote was easy to use and had a variety of buttons for adjusting the fan speed, mist, light, and setting a timer. However, this AC was lacking in overall fan speed and we would only recommend it for light cooling.
Our Testing Experience
- Fan speeds: Three
- Mist settings: Two
- Airflow adjustability: None
- Plug-in method: USB
This air conditioner was convenient to use due to its remote control, and it features a large water tank that will help it last throughout the day. However, it lacked the cooling power of the other units tested.
| Review Category | What We Found |
| Fan Speed/Power | While it has three fan speeds, even on the highest setting and when using ice water, we had a hard time feeling much from this air conditioner. We would only recommend it for a light breeze. |
| Mist Power | The mist was also lacking in this air conditioner, although we did feel it when we got close. It features two different mist settings that can be controlled with the remote. |
| Tank Size/Ease of Filling | The tank for this model was 1,500 ML, which is the largest of any we tested. To fill the tank, just remove a small piece from the top and pour the water into a large opening. |
| Light Functionality | While the light settings on this model do present a variety of color options, it only emits a very small amount of light from a small strip at the top of the unit. The light can enhance the aesthetic when using the air conditioner, but it won’t provide much extra brightness. |
| Portability/Design | Although this model is a little heavy and bulky, it was easy to carry around thanks to its included carrying handle. The included remote control makes it super easy to use, and it also comes with several timer settings. This model plugs into a USB port, which may or not be convenient depending on where you plan on setting it up. |
| Overall Rating | While the remote control and large tank are standout features, this unit loses some points for its weak airflow. However, if you’re only in need of a light breeze and want to be able to easily adjust the AC’s settings, this could be the right choice for you. |
- Has the largest tank of any model we tested at 1,500 ML
- Can be controlled with a remote
- Had a quiet operation that won’t disturb work or sleep
- Airflow and mist were among the weakest of the models we tested
- Direction of the airflow cannot be adjusted
Good for: With a large water tank and the ability to be controlled with a remote, this is a great tabletop air conditioner for those who value convenience over fan speed.
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How We Tested Travel Air Conditioners
A good tabletop air conditioner should cool you down better than just a fan and be easy to use. Using these principles, we rigorously tested five travel air conditioners to help you find the best one for you. We ran the units through two different cold water tests (using moderately cold water, and freezing ice water), tested each speed and mist setting, and ran the tanks for hours on end to see how well they held up over time.
We also looked at other features such as humidifying capabilities, tank size, the number of light settings, the portability of each unit, and its plug-in method. But, ultimately, how well it cooled the area was what separated the best units from the competition.
Compare Top Travel Air Conditioners
| Product | Fan Speeds | Mist Settings | Power | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arctic Air Chill Zone Evaporative Cooler |
3, plus turbo |
2 |
Wall outlet |
|
|
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air Conditioner |
3 |
1 |
Wall outlet |
|
|
BAPOLE Portable Air Conditioner |
3 |
2 |
USB |
|
|
Wesapor Portable Air Conditioner Cooling Fan |
3 |
1 |
Rechargable battery (USB) |
|
|
Zaguren Portable Air Conditioner |
3 |
2 |
USB |
Buying Guide
Desktop air conditioners are fairly straightforward machines, but there are a few aspects that you should look at to help you decide which unit is best for you.
Fan Speeds
The most important factor in a travel air conditioner is how well it keeps you cool. Most units come with at least three fan speeds, with the lowest offering a minimal breeze and the strongest offering its maximum airflow. If you’re using a travel AC unit as a replacement or addition to a regular AC unit or large fan, you’ll likely care the most about how the air feels when it’s at its maximum speed. Before purchasing a travel AC, check to see how many fan speeds the unit has, and read reviews from experts and customers to see how well it cools.
Misting Ability
What makes a travel AC unit stand out from traditional fans is that it can also spray out mist to cool you down in addition to blowing air. Check to see how many mist settings the product has before deciding on a product. While mist may keep you cool, too much mist can be an inconvenience, especially if you plan to set the unit up near electronic devices.
Size/Portability
Travel air conditioners are typically compact so that they can fit into a desk, nightstand, or end table, but some are bulkier than others. Consider the weight of the product both when it is empty and when it is filled with water, especially if you’re going to be moving it from place to place. You should also check the dimensions to be sure that it will easily fit into whichever table you plan to display it on without bumping up against other items.
Plug-In Method and Charging
Travel air conditioners typically can be plugged in via either a traditional power outlet or a USB, so pick a unit that best fits your setup. For example, if you plan to set up the travel AC unit next to your bed near an outlet, choose a unit with a traditional plug that goes into an outlet. If you plan to use your travel AC at your desk at work, choosing a unit that plugs in via a USB may be preferable, as it can plug directly into your desk or laptop.
Some models feature a rechargeable battery, which is convenient if you’re using the unit somewhere without easy access to an outlet. However, it’s important to note that these models can run out of battery and will need to be charged after a few hours of use.
Extra Features
In addition to cooling, many travel air conditioners can also work as a small dehumidifier, pulling water out of the air and making the area more breathable. Most units also have lighting features, which can both provide ambiance and serve as a night light if left on in the dark.
More Ways To Keep Cool
Travel air conditioners are a great option for keeping your face and body cool at close distances. However, if you’re looking for ways to cool larger areas, consider these additions:
- Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans, whether they are installed indoors or outdoors, are a great way to stay cool with minimal impact to your energy bill. Besides cooling the air and improving circulation, ceiling fans can also be a stylish addition to your home decor.
- Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners: Ductless mini-split air conditioners are easier to install and more energy-efficient than full-sized AC units. They typically connect directly to a refrigerant line and can also be used as a heater when the weather turns cool.
- Window Air Conditioners: For homes without central air, window air conditioners are great for cooling down specific rooms, and they can be turned off when you’re not in the room to save energy.
- Box Fans: Box fans are larger and much more powerful than traditional fans, and can be a good option if you need significant airflow in a room but don’t want to install an AC unit.
- Whole-House Fans: Another alternative to air conditioners is whole-house fans, which can be installed in an attic and can pull out hot air to keep your home’s temperature low.
- Portable Air Conditioners: Portable air conditioners typically connect through your window or fireplace and vent warm air outside while keeping the inside cool.
The Bottom Line: Our Top Travel Air Conditioner Picks
Travel or desktop air conditioners are an inexpensive way to keep yourself or a small room cool, and we tested five popular models to help you select the best one. If you are using a travel AC in your office and can easily refill the tank when needed, opt for a model with the best possible airflow. However, if you’re using it on a bedside table at night, opting for a model with a larger tank that will last longer may be smarter. These are the models we tested:
- Best Overall: Arctic Air Chill Zone Evaporative Cooler
- Most Versatile: Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air Conditioner
- Best Oscillating: BAPOLE Portable Air Conditioner
- Most Portable: Wesapor Portable Air Conditioner Cooling Fan
- Best Remote: Zaguren Portable Air Conditioner
Travel Air Conditioner FAQs
Below are some common frequently asked questions about travel air conditioners.
Can you use a travel air conditioner to cool an entire room?
Travel air conditioners are not meant to cool down an entire room like a window AC unit or portable air conditioner that connects through a window. Instead, travel air conditioners cool a small area, such as a desk, couch, or small closet.
What’s the difference between a travel air conditioner and a portable air conditioner?
Travel air conditioners are often referred to as portable air conditioners, but they don’t operate the same as traditional portable ACs. Portable air conditioners are able to cool down a large area by connecting through your window, fireplace, or other area. Travel units, meanwhile, connect via an outlet or USB and are meant to provide more direct cooling, operating more similarly to a fan.
Are travel air conditioners more powerful than fans?
While travel air conditioners operate in the same way as a fan, they offer more cooling overall and can cool the actual temperature of an area, as opposed to just blowing air. They accomplish this by blowing a light mist of cool water.