[2025] 3 Best and Cheap Portable Air Conditioner in Australia

JUL 31, 2025

564 views , 6 mins read

Are you looking for the best and cheap portable air conditioners? Thanks to its flexibility and convenience, portable air conditioners can be easily moved from one room to another, providing cool air wherever you need it. This makes them the perfect choice for renters and people with small spaces during the summer. Plus, they are usually very budget-friendly.

This guide will explain the factors to consider when purchasing a portable air conditioner and recommend three of the best affordable and efficient models available on the market. Check it out now!

In this article

1. What You Should Consider When Buying a Portable Air Conditioner 2. Top 3 Cheap Portable Air Conditioners in Australia

3. FAQs about Portable Air Conditioner

What You Should Consider When Buying a Portable Air Conditioner

When selecting the ideal portable air conditioner, keep these important factors in mind:

Cooling Capacity (BTUs): A higher BTU rating ensures better cooling performance. For smaller rooms, 8,000–10,000 BTUs should suffice; larger spaces may require 12,000 BTUs or more.
Energy Efficiency: Opt for units with high Energy Efficiency Ratios (EER) or ENERGY STAR® certification to reduce electricity usage and minimize your environmental footprint.
Noise Levels: Choose models with noise levels between 50-60 dB for a quieter experience, perfect for bedrooms or offices.
Exhaust Hose: Flexible hoses are easier to install and typically offer better cooling performance than fixed-length options.
Additional Features: Features like timers, remote controls, and built-in air filters enhance convenience and overall functionality.
Size and Portability: Ensure the unit fits your space. While most portable ACs come with wheels for easy mobility, larger models may be less portable.

Top 3 Cheap Portable Air Conditioners in Australia

In this section, we’ll explore three budget-friendly portable air conditioners, highlighting their key features, pros and cons, pricing, and more. Whether you’re looking for efficiency, portability, or value for money, we’ve got you covered with these top picks that deliver excellent cooling without breaking the bank.

2.1 Newentor Portable Air Conditioner

It offers efficient cooling with 9,000, 12,000, and 14,000 BTU options, making it suitable for various room sizes. Its energy-efficient technology reduces electricity costs while maintaining excellent performance. Designed for easy portability, it features built-in wheels for effortless movement between rooms.

The user-friendly remote control and multiple cooling modes allow for personalized comfort, while the ultra-quiet operation ensures a peaceful environment, perfect for bedrooms or offices. Whether you're cooling a living room, office, or bedroom, the Newentor Portable Air Conditioner provides reliable and cost-effective cooling with exceptional convenience and value.

newentor energy efficient portable air conditioner

Pros

10 years warranty.
Easy to use
Silent operation
Built-in wheels make it easy to move between rooms.
Remote control and multiple cooling modes for customizable comfort.
Remote control and multiple cooling modes for customizable comfort.

Cons

It is a relatively new brand in the market with lower recognition.

Prices:

9000 BTU: $385
12000 BTU: $522
14000 BTU: $574

2.2 Carson 2.64kW Portable Air Conditioner

The Carson 9000 BTU 2.64kW Portable Air Conditioner is an excellent budget-friendly choice under $500, offering a cost-effective solution for cooling.

With its compact design, it's ideal for spaces ranging from 15 to 20m³. The LCD display and remote control make it easy to operate.

This unit stands out with its multifunctional features, including a dehumidifier mode, dual-speed oscillating fan, and a self-evaporating system. Installation is simple with the included window exhaust kit. It’s also energy-efficient, allowing you to stay cool without a hefty electricity bill.

However, at 65dB, it’s slightly noisier than other models in this price range, and the dehumidifier may require more frequent maintenance depending on the humidity and operating mode.

Price: $369

Pros

Dehumidifier function.
Compact design, ideal for spaces ranging from 15 to 20m³.
Easy to operate with an LCD display and remote control.

Cons

Slightly noisier at 65dB compared to other models in the same price range
Dehumidifier may require frequent maintenance depending on humidity levels and mode of operation

2.3 Delonghi Portable Air Conditioner PAC CN93CO 2.6kW

The De'Longhi 26kW Portable Air Conditioner PAC CN93ECO impresses with its silent technology, keeping noise levels between 47-50 dB, making it a great choice for quiet cooling. It features easy-to-use soft-touch buttons, a remote control, and a user-friendly LED interface. The unit’s caster wheels make it easy to move, though it’s designed for areas up to 90m², reducing the need for frequent relocation.

Its 24-hour timer, energy efficiency, and dehumidifier mode add convenience, while the condensate recycling system reduces drainage frequency. However, the 150cm hose may be too short for some setups.

Prices: $829

Pros

Low noise
Easy to use with caster wheels for easy transport
Condensate recycling system
Equipped with a 24-hour timer, energy-efficient, and includes a dehumidifier mode

Cons

The 150cm exhaust hose may be too short
Only a 2-year warranty

FAQs about Portable Air Conditioner

1. How much do portable air conditioners cost to run?

In Australia, the average electricity rate is about $0.25 per kWh, which is higher than in the U.S. Here’s the adjusted cost calculation for running a portable air conditioner:

Example Calculation:
- Power consumption: 1 kW unit running for 8 hours a day.
- Energy usage: 1 kW x 8 hours = 8 kWh.
- Daily cost: 8 kWh x $0.25 (per kWh) = $2.00 per day.
- Monthly cost (30 days): $2.00 x 30 = $60.00 per month.

So, running a 1 kW portable air conditioner for 8 hours a day in Australia would cost you approximately $60 per month, depending on the specific rate and usage.

2. Pros and cons of portable air conditioner

Pros

Portable and Easy to Move: Can be moved between rooms or taken to different locations.
No Permanent Installation: Ideal for renters or people who don’t want to commit to installing a permanent AC system.
Compact Design: Suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
Affordable: Generally cheaper to purchase and install compared to traditional central air systems.
Multi-Functional: Many models include features like dehumidification, fans, and heating.

Cons

Noise: Often louder than other cooling solutions (e.g., window or central air units).
Efficiency: Not as energy-efficient as larger systems or window units.
Limited Cooling Capacity: Best suited for smaller spaces; may struggle in larger rooms.
Drainage: Some models require manual emptying of water collected from humidity, or may have a built-in drainage hose.

3. Can a portable power station run an air conditioner?

Yes, a portable power station can run an air conditioner, depending on the power station’s size and the air conditioner's energy consumption. Air conditioners typically use 800W to 1500W, while power stations range from 200Wh to 2000Wh.

For example, an 800W air conditioner running for 2 hours consumes 1600Wh, which a 2000Wh power station can support. Larger AC units require bigger power stations, and it's important to check if the station can handle the starting surge power. For extended use, you may need a larger power station or additional battery pack.

Bottom Lines

Portable air conditioners are a flexible and cost-effective solution, perfect for small spaces and renters. While they are generally affordable, some models may have noise or efficiency issues. If you’re looking for a cheap portable air conditioner that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Newentor Portable Air Conditioner is an excellent choice.

With multiple cooling capacities, quiet operation, easy portability, and a 10-year warranty, it offers great value, making it one of the best budget-friendly options for efficient cooling.

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