Best portable air conditioners to buy in India in 2024

When one thinks about an air conditioner, it usually is either a window AC or a split AC. But there is another type of AC that might be the right fit for several Indian users. A portable AC is a solution for homes or rooms lacking the facility to install window or split ACs.

With a portable AC, you can effortlessly stay cool anywhere while avoiding the installation hassle that comes with other types of AC models. Their mobility also makes them ideal for those staying in rental spaces or looking for cost-effective solutions that support the plug-and-play user experience.

How does a portable air conditioner work?

Before we dive into the best portable ACs for your home though, it may be a good idea to first understand just how they work, and why it may be a good idea for you to invest in one.

If you have never heard of portable air conditioners before, let us tell you a thing or two about them. They are relatively easy to install, require only a power socket, and an accessible window for ventilation. Their design is ingenious with an exhaust hose to vent heat outdoors through a window and a built-in fan that blows cool air indoors. These models also come with additional features like programmable timers, remote control, and adjustable fan speed.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the best portable ACs for you to buy for your homes in 2024.

Best portable ACs to buy in 2024

1. Croma 1.5 Ton portable AC

2. Blue Star 1 Ton portable AC

3. Lloyd Portable AC 1.0

1. Croma 1.5 Ton portable AC

The Croma 1.5 Ton portable AC is a portable air conditioner that can put a few split and window ACs to shame. With a coverage of 170 sq ft and airflow volume of 450 CMH, this portable AC delivers quick cooling without the hassles of installation. It is equipped with a single rotary fixed-speed compressor for high cooling performance and uses a copper condenser coil for maximum heat exchange efficiency.

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This portable AC from Croma also has an anti-dust filter and an on-off timer for convenient scheduling. It also has a self-diagnosis mode for optimising performance and detecting any malfunction. This compact air-conditioning unit is one of the best portable ACs in the market, offering a one-year comprehensive warranty and a five-year compressor warranty.

2. Blue Star 1 Ton portable AC

With an airflow volume of up to 350 CMH, the Blue Star 1 Ton portable AC is designed for rooms up to 120 sq ft and weighs 33 kg. It supports fast and efficient cooling with the help of a copper condenser coil and a high-efficiency rotary compressor. Its design might result in you mistaking it for an air cooler, but don’t let its size fool you. 

This compact air conditioning unit packs a punch with features like an auto-restart function for uninterrupted cooling and sleep mode that ensures a comfortable environment while saving power. It also supports self-diagnosis and uses an anti-dust filter. The Blue Star 1 Ton portable AC comes with a one-year comprehensive warranty and a five-year compressor warranty.

3. Lloyd Portable AC 1.0

The Lloyd Portable AC 1.0 is one of the well-designed portable ACs in the market, but is only designed for small rooms up to 100 sq ft in size. It has a gross weight of 36 kg and has an airflow volume of 595 CMH.

ALSO READ: Sony Reon Pocket 5 is a ‘wearable’ air conditioner that will keep you cool on your commute

Despite its compact form factor, this portable AC delivers strong performance with a two-way swing and copper condenser coils for a better rate of heat transfer.

There aren’t many models of portable ACs available in the market, but these options do their best to stand out. Their ability to compete with the likes of window and split ACs is commendable, while their mobility is unmatched. If you are looking for an AC with hassle-free installation and one that you can take with you while moving places, then these portable ACs definitely fit the bill.