In the Australian portable air conditioner market, Kogan is undoubtedly one of the most affordable brands. They offer three models of portable air conditioners: the Kogan SmarterHome 4.1kW Portable Air Conditioner, the Kogan SmarterHome 5.2kW Portable Air Conditioner, and the Kogan SmarterHome 2.6kW Portable Air Conditioner. In this article, we will focus on reviewing their most popular model, the Kogan SmarterHome 2.6kW Portable Air Conditioner.
Kogan Portable Air Conditioner Review: Worth The Money?
AUG 07, 2025
1215 views , 5 mins read
Looking for an efficient and affordable cooling solution? In this Kogan portable air conditioner review, we’ll dive into the features, pros, and cons of this popular appliance. With rising temperatures, having a portable air conditioner can be a game-changer for comfort at home or in the office. But how does the Kogan model stack up?
We’ll compare it with other leading options, including the Newentor portable air conditioner, and share real user feedback to help you decide if it's worth the investment. Let’s explore everything you need to know before making a purchase!
In this article
Kogan Portable Air Conditioner Review
1.1 The Features of Kogan 2.6kW Portable Air Conditioner
The Kogan SmarterHome 2.6kW Portable Air Conditioner is a popular choice for Australians looking for an inexpensive way to beat the summer heat. With a cooling capacity of 2.6kW (9000 BTU), this unit is designed to effectively cool rooms up to approximately 20 square meters, making it ideal for bedrooms, small living areas, or home offices.
Here are some of the features:
- Dehumidification Rate: 21L per 24 hours
- Cooling Power: 9,000 BTU, 2.6kW portable air conditioner
- Room Coverage: Suitable for spaces up to 18sqm
- Temperature Range: 16°C to 30°C cooling
- Multi-functional: Includes air conditioner, fan, and dehumidifier modes
- Convenient Controls: Operate via remote, control panel, or the Kogan SmarterHome™ app
- Voice Control: Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa
- Smart Temperature Management: Automatically maintains your ideal temperature
- Mobility: Features easy-glide wheels for effortless room-to-room movement
- Window Exhaust Setup: Requires an exhaust pipe connected to your window
- Window Kit: Includes a kit for sliding windows installation
The Pros and Cons of Kogan Portable Air Conditioner
Pros
- At a cost of sub-$400, it is a very cheap option for a portable air conditioner.
- It rovides instant cooling effects and is capable of effectively cooling a small to medium-sized room, even in high humidity.
- Includes a dehumidifier, Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control, and easy setup.
Cons
- Slow to Cool a Room: It takes a significant amount of time to lower the overall room temperature.
- Poor Customer Service: Kogan has a well-documented reputation for lackluster customer support and a difficult returns process.
- Risky Purchase: The "Change of Mind" policy does not apply, so buyers are taking a risk if the unit doesn't meet their expectations.
- Buggy App: The "SmarterHome" app can be unreliable with some functionality issues.
1.3 The Price List of Kogan Portable Aircon
- 2.0kw: $249
- 2.6kw: $329
- 3.5kw: $379
- 4.1kw: $699
- 4.7kw: $699
Kogan Portable Air Conditioner vs. Newentor Portable Air Conditioner: Who Wins?
We'll compare the Kogan portable air conditioner with the Newentor portable air conditioner, which is in a similar price range, to see which brand offers better value for money.
| Brand | Newentor | Kogan |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 30 square meters | 20 square meters |
| BTUs | 9,000 BTU | 9,000 BTU |
| Smart Controls | YES | YES |
| Noise Level | 54db | 68db |
| Warranty | 10 Years | 1 Year |
| Price | $385 | $329 |
| Value for Money | High | Middle |
The Newentor Portable Air Conditioner is a better choice for those seeking long-term value. It covers 30 square meters, operates at a quieter 54db, and comes with a 10-year warranty. While Kogan is cheaper at $329, Newentor offers higher value for money with its extended warranty and quieter operation, making it a more reliable investment at $385.
Newentor Portable Air Conditioner
Real User Comments about Kogan Portable Air Conditioner
Check out what users are saying about the Kogan Portable Air Conditioner on ProductReview:
- Rating: 3.3/5 stars
- Review Breakdown: 58% Positive, 15% Neutral, 27% Negative
Key Ratings:
- Build Quality: 3.6/5
- Value for Money: 3.2/5
- Ease of Use: 3.9/5
- Cleaning & Maintenance: 3.8/5
- Noise Level: 2.9/5
- Heating/Cooling Speed: 3.5/5
- Portability: 3.9/5
“Good For Small Rooms But Noisy – This has been excellent all summer. We use it in the bedroom and it's done a sweet job of cooling us down on the hot days. You can tell it's getting to the limits of its abilities on 40c plus days though, so I wouldn't try using it in any larger rooms. Quality of the machine and hoses seems fine. The remote is pretty basic but does the job. There is one big issue with it - the noise factor. Its noisy! So know that if you are a light sleeper because this thing isn't quiet.”
From Mitch23 in ProductReview
"great unit but broke – bought it 2 yrs ago and sold as we got ducted . the swing broke within a week of buying it but did not affect the unit working it cooled real well and was not too loud besides when it turned on and off ."
From brad in ProductReview
Bottom Lines
In this Kogan Portable Air Conditioner review, we have thoroughly analyzed the unit, including user feedback, features, pros, and cons. Overall, it is a well-built air conditioner. However, if durability is your main concern, we highly recommend the slightly pricier Newentor Portable Air Conditioner. Newentor has partnered with TCL to develop a customized compressor for the global market, making it a more durable option.
Newentor Portable Air Conditioner
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