10 Best Cheap Portable Air Conditioner Under $100

Air conditioning is a great way to beat the heat during summer as well as improve the quality of indoor air. However, most people think that they have to spend a fortune to get the best air conditioner.

Fortunately, you can get an efficient air conditioner for a lot less than you might expect. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an old unit, supplement your primary cooling system, or a first-time buyer, the best cheap portable air conditioner under 100 will deliver enough cold air to keep you comfortable in your room.

The most important thing you have to consider when choosing a portable air conditioner under $100 is the size of your room. Most of these units have low cooling power and only ideal for personal cooling.

If you can spend a little more, you can consider portable air conditioners under $200 or portable air conditioners under $300

Best Cheap Portable Air Conditioner Under $100

1. COSTWAY Portable Cooler with Fan & Humidifier 

Costway portable cooler is a multifunctional unit that conditions and humidifies your room. It’s recommended for hot, dry climates and suitable for small indoor spaces, including bedrooms, study rooms, and offices.

It has three adjustable speeds( low, medium, and high speed) that you can select depending on how fast you want your space cool or reach your set temperature. It also uses ice crystal refrigeration and air humidifying technology that reduces temperature while increasing relative humidity.

Since it automatically swings it blades both horizontally and vertically, you can direct the cold air where it’s needed the most, ensuring even distribution of air across the room. You can also take advantage of the timer to schedule for cooling before you back home.

This unit has a large-capacity water tank that holds up to six liters of water. With that size, you can go for quite a long time without refilling the tank now and again. Since it’s heavy to carry or move around, there are caster wheels to help you move it freely.

Pros

• The speed is adjustable
• It can deliver wind at a wide-angle.
• Large capacity water tank.
• It has wheels that enhance portability.

Cons

• It has some white noise.

2. HoMedics MyChill Personal Space Cooler

No products found.

Portability, cooling speed, and energy-efficiency are all the wonderful features you can find in the HoMedics MyChill Personal Space Cooler. This cooler is designed to offer users convenience and efficiency when they want to cool a space of about 1.2 meters (4 feet) radius. The good thing about this cooler is that it can cool an area up to 12 degrees Fahrenheit or 6.6 degrees Celsius. 

There are included 2 fan speeds that perform better in hot and dry conditions. When it comes to energy consumption, you won’t have to worry about anything while using this space cooler because it’s designed to save energy. Another unique feature about the HoMedics MyChill Personal Space Cooler is its indicator light, which informs you that the water has run out. 

It’s an environmentally-friendly space cooler that doesn’t use any ozone-depleting refrigerants, making it safe to use in your home or workplace. The included clean tank technology helps to protect the tank of the cooler from mildew or mold.

To use, all you have to do is add water and turn it on. If you prefer using a space heater during the winter season, the HoMedics MyChill Personal Space Cooler is an ideal option to consider.

Pros

• Energy-efficient
• Environmentally-friendly
• Indicator light
• 2-fan speeds
• Clean tank technology
• It can run up to 4 hours

Cons

• Water only lasts a few hours when it’s on the lowest setting
• Not designed to cool entire rooms
• It gets cold fast

3. Ontel Arctic Ultra Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner

The Ontel Arctic Ultra Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner is designed to cool, humidify, and purify the air in your space. It is a personal space cooler that comes with three fan speeds and a multi-directional air vent.

The AC is portable and quiet due to its lightweight feature and whisper-quiet fan. There’s also an included soothing night light that makes it possible to use the air conditioner at night and enjoy a comfortable sleep.

Energy-efficiency is also a feature that makes this air conditioner unique and worth having. It saves energy, and it’s also Freon-free. It also offers efficient cooling thanks to the included hydro-chill technology that pulls in hot air through an evaporative air-cooling filter and then turns it into cool and refreshing air instantly.

It’s also very easy to use this air conditioner. All you’re required to do is add water, fill the water tank, and press the button. With this portable air conditioner, you can enjoy cool and clean air anywhere. The provided soothing ambient light features 7 different colors with a color-cycle option.

The Ontel Arctic Ultra Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner is compact and powerful, which means you can plug it into walls or USB ports anywhere.

Pros

• Portable
• Cools humidifies and purifies
• Quiet
• Efficient cooling
• Compact and powerful
• It runs up to 8 hours per fill

Cons

• It doesn’t blow air colder than a fan
• Only suitable for a small area

4. RAINBEAN Personal Evaporative Air Cooler

The RAINBEAN Personal Evaporative Air Cooler is efficient and offers a healthy personal cooling experience to users. The air conditioner is inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s swamp cooler theory.

When you want a personal cooler to use in your home, office, or car, this is an excellent choice to consider. If you want it to cool faster, you can add ice to the water instead of relying on Freon refrigeration or chemicals.

Therefore, this makes it healthier for your body and more energy-efficient. It also features two-speed settings and a wind direction adjustment function that allows you to select the perfect wind for the best experience. As a mini-sized air conditioner, it is perfect for personal use and features USB charging options.

The RAINBEAN Personal Evaporative Air Cooler is lightweight, portable, and convenient for use at night in your bedroom while sleeping. You can also carry it when going camping or when you’re traveling.

This mini space cooling fan has the power to cool an area of approximately 45 sq. ft. It also features a water leakage-proof system and an enlarged water tank.

Pros

• Efficient
• Healthy personal cooling
• Portable
• Water leakage-proof system
• Enlarged water tank
• Multi-functional air conditioner fan
• Quiet
• LED light

Cons

• It cools a small area
• It only offers a slight cool breeze

5. LEMAITECH Evaporative Air Cooler

No products found.

This 4-in-1 LEMAITECH Evaporative Air Cooler is an efficient option to consider when you want to cool down during the hot summer season.

The benefit of having this cooler is that you can use it as a desk fan, air humidifier, and filter. It has a built-in multiple efficient water curtain that effectively filters dust in the air and offers you a healthy breathing experience.

This air conditioner is designed to keep you away from dry air and enjoy the cool fresh summer conveniently. It has a humidifier that uses ultrasonic atomization technology to atomize water to humidify the air and moisturize your skin. The cooler also has a 7-color night light water tank that increases the convenience of water injection and prevents water leakage.

The air conditioner is also made of unique safety design from high-quality materials. It uses a closed fan blade design, making it possible for children to use or even pets. It also features a portable charging design with a built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery that you can use in most spaces.

Pros

• 4-in-1 air conditioner
• Unique safety design
• Portable
• Quiet 3-speed adjustment

Cons

• Not durable enough
• Ineffective airflow

6. AERZETIX 2020 Rechargeable Air Conditioner

The AERZETIX 2020 Rechargeable Air Conditioner offers efficient cooling due to its hydro-chill technology that pulls in hot air through an evaporative air-cooling filter and instantly turns it into cool and refreshing air. It’s a simple and easy-to-use air cooler fan that only requires you to add water and press the button to start working.

The air conditioner has 3-in-1 functionality, which includes cooling, humidifying, and purifying the air. There’s also a multi-directional air vent that helps to keep you away from dry air, thereby reducing dust and smoke. 

It features a USB rechargeable, which means you can even run it using a laptop, power bank, or wall outlet. The AERZETIX 2020 Rechargeable Air Conditioner also comes with built-in 2 x 500mAh batteries, and you can place it in any position once you’ve fully charged. Therefore, it helps to save on space. It is ultra-quiet, portable, and perfect to use overnight for a comfortable sleep.

Pros

• Efficient cooling
• 3-in-1 functionality
• Portable air cooler
• Ultra-quiet
• Easy to use
• Eco-friendly

Cons

• Not good for animals
• May encounter issues blowing air at times
• Not durable enough

7. Beluga Portable Air Conditioner Fan

The Portable Air Conditioner Fan is designed to offer users convenience and efficiency. It is a USB rechargeable, portable mini air conditioner fan that doesn’t need any batteries to run since any USB devices can easily charge it.

When fully charged, this air conditioner can run for 2 to 8 hours. Although it doesn’t cool spaces like an air conditioner or Freon-operated AC, it’s better than an ordinary wind-blowing fan, plus it also doesn’t make your skin dry. 

This air cooler fan also features a portable handle that makes it easy to carry anywhere, and you can even use it as an ordinary fan or air cooler by simply adding ice water into the tank. Adding ice water into the tank will blow out cooler wind and make the temperature drop cool you down instantly. 

Another advantage of using this Portable Air Conditioner Fan is that it doesn’t consume too much energy. It’s easy to use since it only includes two buttons for speed and anion. There are also 3 wind speed options to help you control through the speed button. 

Pros

• USB charging design
• It saves energy
• User-friendly
• Multi-functional
• Portable
• 3-speed modes
• Runs for 8 hours when fully charged

Cons

• It doesn’t cool large areas
• Not long-lasting
• It doesn’t produce air like air conditioners
• It doesn’t cool spaces like Freon operated air conditioners

8. VOSAREA Personal Air Cooler

This 3-in-1 multi-functional air cooler is what everyone needs to look for a small, portable, and efficient air conditioner. The VOSAREA Personal Air Cooler features a 400ml water tank that helps create a mist that humidifies the air, thereby purifying the environment. It’s a small air conditioner that can help you stay away from dry air and moisturize your skin all day.

It features a special design with 3-speed fan modes and a built-in 7 color LED warm light that allows you to use at night and customize it the way you want.

The timer function allows you to switch between 2 hours and 4 hours depending on what you prefer. It’s also an energy-efficient air conditioner with small air circulators that don’t contain any ozone refrigerant to keep you and your family in good health.

The VOSAREA Personal Air Cooler is lightweight and comes with a portable handle that makes it easier to move. When the water tank is filled, it can run for 3 to 5 hours. It’s perfectly-designed to use in your office, bedroom, or outdoor.

Pros

• Excellent design
• Timer functionality
• Energy-efficient
• Portable 
• 3-in-1 multi-function

Cons

• Limited to cooling small spaces
• It may encounter leaking issues when used for long
• Minimal airflow on high and room temperature
• Too small

9. IMIKEYA 2020 Newest Personal Air Cooler

The IMIKEYA 2020 Newest Personal Air Cooler features 4-in-1 multi-functionality and can significantly help you save on energy costs. It is suitable to use as a personal air conditioner, which means you can use it in your office, library, bedroom, or anywhere you go. It’s simple to use because all you have to do is add ice and water into the tank. 

This air cooler also features a waterproof design that prevents leaking water and 3 wind speeds fans, allowing you to select the best wind power that suits your needs. The fact that you can use this AC during the night, thanks to its 7-color LED light, makes it worth buying. 

It uses nanotechnology that produces nanospray, and the misting produced increases the air humidity and even purifies the air to keep your skin moisturized.

The IMIKEYA 2020 Newest Personal Air Cooler is space-efficient and economical to use. What’s more, it has a handle that makes it easier to carry anywhere and a USB cable that you can plug even into your laptop.

Pros

• Energy-saver
• Portable
• 4-in-1 multi-functionality
• LED night light
• Quiet
• 3 speeds fan
• Portable handle
• USB cable

Cons

• It may encounter overheating issues
• Just a regular fan
• It doesn’t last long

10. Enklen Portable Air Cooler

No products found.

The Enklen Portable Air Cooler is designed to offer users portability, efficiency, and a quiet cooling experience. Inspired by the changes of the four seasons, this portable AC doesn’t disappoint when it comes to personal use. It creates the perfect temperature and keeps you cool during the hot summer season.

It doesn’t consume a lot of energy, and it’s also eco-friendly. Therefore, this helps you save money. The operating time depends on the humidity level and room temperature. To reach better performance, all you need to do is add some ice into the water tank. 

You can use the Enklen Portable Air Cooler on your office desk, bedroom, and even while traveling or camping. That means it offers you the convenience of carrying anywhere you want and use it for cooling down. Even while you’re sleeping, you can entirely rely on this air conditioner to keep you cool.

Pros

• Portable
• It offers efficient cooling
• Great design
• Eco-friendly
• Quiet

Cons

• Not ideal for large spaces
• It doesn’t hold a charge long enough
• Not durable enough
• It doesn’t work as an AC cooler

Are Cheap Portable Air Conditioners Worth It?

Yes! Cheap air conditioners are worth it. But, it depends on the type of AC you buy or the brand you buy from. Another advantage is that you won’t have to worry about carrying it or storage space since it’s a portable air conditioner.

Benefits of Portable Air Conditioner

• Easy to use – Portable air conditioners are very easy to use and carry anywhere because most of them are lightweight and come with handles.
• Energy-efficient: Portable air conditioners can help you save on electricity costs because they only consume low energy.
• Most are eco-friendly – It’s always important to consider buying an eco-friendly air conditioner because it’s healthy for your home.
• Affordable – Most portable air conditioners are cheap and affordable. Good examples are the ones we’ve discussed in this post.
• Simple cooling solution: Another massive advantage of portable air conditioners is that they offer simple cooling solutions due to their efficiency and affordability.

Portable Air Conditioners vs. Portable Evaporative Coolers

Air conditioners and evaporative coolers differ in various such as functioning and efficiency. Air conditioners are known as default dehumidifiers, while evaporative or swamp coolers use water and fans to function.

Both of these coolers are efficient and suitable to use, which means it will depend on what you like. Most people use air conditioners than evaporative coolers, although both of them are unique and beneficial in their way.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Portable Air Conditioner

• Size – Choose the right BTU size of an AC that will adequately cool your space. 
• Cost – It’s important to buy a cheap AC, but in the process, ensure it can satisfy your needs.
• Energy-efficiency– Strive to buy an air conditioner that is energy-efficient enough to save electricity costs.
• Installation – It is highly recommended to buy an air conditioner that is easy to install to eliminate all the hassle of complex installation processes.
• Ventilation – Ensure that your home is well ventilated when running an AC to help it last longer.
• Noise level – Quiet air conditioners are always the best option to consider since you can even use them at night in your bedroom while sleeping.

Tips for Using Portable Air Conditioners

• Install the AC proper: You need to consider the strategic installation of an AC to use it properly. 
• Store the air conditioner in a convenient place – Avoid keeping your AC where it’s prone to sunlight because that may make it overwork and become inefficient after a short period of use.
• Consider proper ventilation: No matter the type of air conditioner you’re using, ventilation is a crucial factor to consider. This will help your air conditioner to perform better and last longer.
• Ensure the exhaust hose is kept straight – Strive to limit any twists, coils, or kinks in the hose because that will affect it. Ensure it remains straight without any contortions.
• Regularly clean and replace the air filter of the air conditioner. This will ensure your air conditioner performs better and help you maintain your indoor air quality.