With the summer heat, mobile air conditioning is a practical and flexible solution for cooling our homes.
With no complex installation required, you can enjoy a welcome breeze whenever and wherever you want. But with so many different models to choose from, how do you select the best performing, quietest and most economical unit?
To help you see things more clearly, we've analysed consumer tests and opinions to present you with our selection of the 10 best mobile air conditioners on the market.
| Rank | Make and model | Customer rating | Price range | Main assets |
| 1 | De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 Eco Real Feel | 4.2/5 (verified reviews) | 450 – 600 € | Energy efficiency, Real Feel function, low noise level. |
| 2 | Olimpia Splendid Dolceclima Silent 12 P | 4.1/5 (verified reviews) | 400 – 550 € | Quiet, powerful, compact design, standby mode. |
| 3 | Trotec PAC 2610 E | 4.0/5 (verified reviews) | 350 – 500 € | Good value for money, dehumidifier function, timer. |
| 4 | Klarstein Metrobreeze Miami 12k | 3.9/5 (verified reviews) | 300 – 450 € | Modern design, cooling power, remote control. |
| 5 | Whirlpool PACW212HP | 4.0/5 (verified reviews) | 500 – 700 € | Connectivity (Wi-Fi), reversible heating mode, 6th sense technology. |
| 6 | Honeywell HL14CESWK | 3.8/5 (verified reviews) | 400 – 550 € | Large cooling capacity, easy-access water tank. |
| 7 | Electrolux EXP26DN1WI | 3.9/5 (verified reviews) | 450 – 600 € | Elegant design, dehumidifier function, auto mode. |
| 8 | Comfee MPPHA-09CRN7 | 4.0/5 (verified reviews) | 250 – 400 € | Compact, lightweight, excellent value for money for small spaces. |
| 9 | Rowenta Intense Cool Compact AU2010F0 | 3.7/5 (verified reviews) | 300 – 450 € | Small footprint, washable filters, easy to transport. |
| 10 | Argo Polifemo Plus | 3.9/5 (verified reviews) | 380 – 520 € | Quiet operation, low power consumption, sleek design. |
The De'Longhi Pinguino PAC EL98 stands out for its energy efficiency and "Real Feel" technology, which automatically adjusts temperature and humidity for optimum comfort. Users appreciate its relatively low noise level for a mobile air conditioner and its ability to cool large spaces quickly. It's a high-performance model, ideal for those looking for maximum comfort.
The Olimpia Splendid Dolceclima Silent 12 P is a benchmark for its particularly quiet operation, a major advantage for use in bedrooms or offices. Despite its discreet appearance, it offers very satisfactory cooling performance. Its compact design and standby mode also contribute to its success with consumers.
The Trotec PAC 2610 E represents excellent value for money in the mobile air conditioning market. It not only cools, but also has a dehumidifier function and a timer, offering much-appreciated versatility. Its ease of installation and use make it a good choice for those looking for efficiency without breaking the bank.
The Klarstein Metrobreeze Miami 12k has a sleek, modern design that blends in easily with any interior. As well as looking good, it offers significant cooling power, capable of cooling medium-sized rooms. A remote control and a range of functions make it practical for everyday use.
The Whirlpool PACW212HP is a smart, versatile model. Its Wi-Fi connectivity means it can be controlled remotely via an app, while its reversible function means it can heat in winter. Whirlpool's "6th Sense" technology optimises energy consumption, providing optimum comfort and easy management.
The Honeywell HL14CESWK is a solid choice for those who need a large cooling capacity, ideal for large rooms. Its performance is often praised by users. The easy-access water tank simplifies maintenance and use of the dehumidification function, ensuring more comfortable air.
The Electrolux EXP26DN1WI stands out for its elegant, minimalist design, which makes it a discreet and aesthetically pleasing appliance. Beyond its looks, it offers an effective dehumidifier function and an automatic mode that adjusts power according to the ambient temperature. It's a reliable model for everyday comfort.
The Comfee MPPHA-09CRN7 is a smart choice for small spaces thanks to its compact size and light weight, making it easy to move around. It offers excellent value for money, making it an economical solution for cooling a room without major investment. Easy to use, it's ideal for bedrooms or individual offices.
The Rowenta Intense Cool Compact AU2010F0 is appreciated for its compact size and ease of transport, making it practical for use in different rooms of the house. Its washable filters simplify maintenance and guarantee purified air. It's an effective device for cooling targeted areas.
The Argo Polifemo Plus is a mobile air conditioner that focuses on silent operation and low energy consumption. Its sleek, modern design makes it discreet and attractive. It offers efficient cooling while respecting the environment and sound comfort, which is an asset for prolonged use.
A mobile air conditioner works on the principle of extracting heat from the ambient air. It draws in warm air from the room, cools it using a refrigerant, then exhausts the warm air and moisture to the outside via an exhaust duct, usually through a half-open window or a hole in the wall. The fresh air is then blown into the room.
Yes, a mobile air conditioner is effective for cooling a room, provided it is correctly sized for the volume of the room and the exhaust duct is correctly installed to prevent hot air from entering. It is ideal for medium-sized to large rooms where fixed installation is not possible or desirable.
Noise level is an important criterion for mobile air conditioners, as the compressor and fan are located in the room. Most models emit between 50 and 65 decibels (dB). Silent" models can be as low as 45-50 dB. It's essential to check this figure if the air conditioner is intended for a bedroom.
Installing a mobile air conditioner is relatively simple. It mainly consists of placing the appliance in the room, connecting the power cable and, above all, directing the warm air exhaust duct to the outside. Window kits are often supplied to minimise the opening and improve efficiency.
The power consumption of a mobile air conditioner depends on its output (expressed in BTUs or Watts) and its energy efficiency (energy class A, A+, A++). Although they consume more power than a fan, they are often less energy-hungry than a fixed reversible air conditioner and are designed for occasional or targeted use.
A packaged mobile air conditioner is a single appliance that combines all functions. It is simpler to install, but generally noisier. A split mobile air conditioner is made up of two units (one indoors, one outdoors) connected by a flexible pipe, which makes it quieter indoors but more complex to install and more expensive.
Most mobile air conditioners have a dehumidifier function that condenses the moisture in the air. This water is generally evacuated via the warm air duct. However, some models may have a small reservoir that needs to be emptied occasionally, especially if the ambient humidity is very high.
Portable air conditioners are most effective for cooling individual rooms or limited open spaces. For very large areas or several rooms, their efficiency decreases. It's crucial to choose an appliance with the right power rating (BTU) for the surface area to be cooled to ensure optimum performance.
Maintaining a mobile air conditioner is simple and contributes to its performance and longevity. Air filters should be cleaned or changed regularly (depending on the model) to ensure good air quality and prevent clogging. It's also advisable to clean the outside of the appliance and check the exhaust duct.
A reversible mobile air conditioner can cool in summer and heat in winter. This is a major advantage for rooms that need an auxiliary heating solution, or for periods between seasons. This versatility makes it a more useful investment all year round.
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