TOP 3 Best Portable Room Air Conditioners in 2025

AUG 28, 2025

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When summer hits, a reliable air conditioner becomes a must-have to maintain a cool and comfortable bedroom. However, not everyone is ready to splurge on high-end models. Fortunately, there are cheap room air conditioners portable that are perfect for your bedroom, offering efficient cooling without breaking the bank.

In this article, we'll explore the best portable air conditioners for bedrooms in Australia in 2025, provide a guide on how to choose the best one, and highlight common pitfalls to avoid.

In this article

1. How to Choose a Portable Cheap Room Air Conditioner? 2. 3 Best Cheap and Portable Air Conditioner for Bedroom Australia 3 Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a Budget Air Conditioner 4 FAQs about Cheap and Portable Air Conditioner

How to Choose a Portable Cheap Room Air Conditioner?

Determine the Appropriate Cooling Capacity (BTU)

The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). Select a unit whose BTU rating matches your room size to ensure efficient cooling without overspending. Generally, you need about 20 BTU per square foot of space. Here’s a quick reference:

Up to 150 sq ft: 5,000–7,000 BTU
150–300 sq ft: 8,000–10,000 BTU
300–500 sq ft: 12,000–14,000 BTU.

Tips

Note: An undersized unit will struggle to cool, while an oversized unit may consume excess energy without properly dehumidifying the air.

Check Energy Efficiency

Look for High EER: The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) shows how well a unit uses electricity. A higher EER (e.g., above 3.0) means it uses less energy and costs you less over time.
Inverter Technology: Newer models with inverter technology can adjust the compressor speed to maintain a steady temperature, which saves energy.

Evaluate Noise Levels

Portable ACs usually run between **50–60 decibels**, similar to a normal conversation.
If you'll use it in a bedroom or quiet area, look for models with a "quiet" or "sleep" mode that operates at **45 dB or lower**.

Prioritize Portability and Design

Look for units with **built-in wheels and handles** for easy moving between rooms.
Compact and lightweight designs are best for small spaces like dorms or apartments.

Extra Features and Maintenance

Timers and remote controls are convenient features.
A dehumidification mode can improve comfort in humid climates.
Check if the filters are washable and how often you need to drain condensation. Some units have self-evaporative technology that reduces the need for draining.

Maintenance Requirements

When it comes to maintenance, budget-friendly air conditioners often require you to regularly clean the filter and manually drain water, especially in humid conditions. Some models have a self-evaporating system that reuses condensation, which can reduce the need for draining. Still, these systems might struggle in very damp environments. Before you buy, check if the filter is washable and how often you'll need to drain the unit to avoid any surprises.

3 Best Cheap and Portable Air Conditioner for Bedroom Australia

After thorough testing, we've chosen the top 3 budget-friendly portable room air conditioners for 2025, offering a great mix of performance, affordability, and energy efficiency. These models are perfect for cooling small to medium-sized spaces.

1. Newentor Portable Air Conditioner

The Newentor Portable Air Conditioner is a top pick for Australians, blending a user-friendly design with powerful, energy-efficient cooling. It's the perfect choice for anyone needing an affordable yet high-performing solution for rooms up to 20m². Its compact size and strong cooling make it an unbeatable value for money.

Noise Level: 54 dB
Cooling Capacity: 9,000 / 12,000 / 14,000 BTU
Warranty: 10 Years

Key Features:

Follow-Me Technology: A smart remote sensor directs cooling to your location, which boosts comfort and saves up to 30% on energy.
TCL x Newentor Compressor: Developed with industry leader TCL, this custom compressor provides powerful, quiet, and energy-efficient cooling.
Human-Centered Design: A retractable handle and four swivel casters make it easy to move the unit between rooms or up and down stairs.
Innovative Heat Transfer: An extended heat exchanger allows for faster and more effective cooling.
Silent Operation: With a noise level of just 54 dB, the unit provides refreshing silence.

Price:

9000 BTU: $385
12000 BTU: $522.5
14000 BTU: $574.8

2. Kogan 2.6kW Portable AC

The Kogan SmarterHome 2.6kW Portable Air Conditioner is a popular, budget-friendly option for Aussies battling the summer heat. Its 2.6kW (9000 BTU) cooling power is perfect for rooms up to 20 square meters, making it a great choice for bedrooms, offices, or small living spaces.

Noise Level: 68 dB
Cooling Capacity: 2.0 / 2.6 / 3.5 / 4.1 / 4.7 kW
Warranty: 1 Year

Key Features:

Cooling Power: A 9,000 BTU (2.6kW) output efficiently cools rooms up to 18 square meters.
Multi-Functional: This is a 3-in-1 unit with modes for cooling, fan, and dehumidification (removes up to 21L of moisture per day).
Smart Control: You can easily control it with the remote, the on-unit panel, or the Kogan SmarterHome™ app. It also supports voice control via Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Automated Comfort: The unit automatically maintains your desired temperature.
Easy Mobility: Built-in wheels allow you to move the unit easily between rooms.
Installation: It includes a window kit for a simple setup.

Price:

2.0kw: $249
2.6kw: $329
3.5kw: $379
4.1kw: $699
4.7kw: $699

3. Midea Portable Air Conditioner MAP08R1CWT

The Midea MAP08R1CWT is a compact and quiet portable air conditioner designed for smaller spaces like bedrooms or offices up to 150 sq. ft. With a 5,300 BTU cooling capacity, it offers three functions: cooling, fan, and dehumidification. It also features a special sleep mode that keeps noise to a minimum for a more restful night.

Price: $449.99

Key Features:

Cooling Power: Provides 5,300 BTU of SACC cooling.
Operating Modes: Functions as a cooler, fan, and dehumidifier.
Noise Level: Features a quiet sleep mode with noise levels between 52 and 56 dB.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a Budget Air Conditioner

Wrong Size: An undersized unit wastes energy. Always match the **BTU rating** to your room size.
Low Efficiency: Models with a poor **EER rating** use more power. A higher EER saves you money.
Too Noisy: Loud units can disrupt sleep or work. Check that the noise level is below **60 dB**.
Poor Maintenance: Dirty filters and full drainage trays decrease cooling and can cause leaks. Clean your filters monthly.
Bad Venting: An unsealed hose lets warm air back in. Use a secure window kit.
Room Factors: Rooms with high ceilings or large windows may need a slightly more powerful unit.

FAQs about Cheap and Portable Air Conditioner

Are portable air conditioners cheaper to run?

Portable air conditioners can be cheaper to run than central air systems but may be more expensive than other cooling methods like fans. The cost depends on factors like energy efficiency, the size of the room, and how long you use it. Models with high Energy Efficiency Ratios (EER) are more cost-effective over time.

How do I know what size portable air conditioner I need?

The size of the portable air conditioner you need depends on your room's square footage. As a general guide:

5,000–6,500 BTU: For rooms up to 200 sq. ft.
8,000–10,000 BTU: For rooms up to 350 sq. ft.
12,000–14,000 BTU: For rooms up to 500 sq. ft.

Choose a unit that matches your room’s size for optimal cooling efficiency.

Can I use a portable air conditioner without venting it through a window?

No, a portable air conditioner needs to be vented through a window to expel hot air. Without venting, the unit will recirculate warm air back into the room, which reduces its effectiveness. Most portable air conditioners come with a window venting kit for easy installation.

Bottom Lines

In conclusion, when it comes to affordable and efficient cooling for your bedroom, the Newentor Portable Air Conditioner stands out as the top choice. Offering excellent performance, low energy consumption, and quiet operation, it provides unbeatable value for money.

If you're looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option for the summer, the Newentor Portable Air Conditioner is the perfect solution.

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