Living in a small apartment means relying on the building for air conditioning. But if you want to control the level of cooling independently, or worse, if the building doesn’t offer central air conditioning, you’ll need a portable air conditioner. They are compact, affordable, easy to move around, and don’t require complex installation, which is why they’re popular among renters and apartment and condo dwellers.
I remember a few years ago when it became unseasonally hot in May. Since the apartment building where my grandmother lived doesn’t switch on AC until a specific date in summer, her place was sweltering. My cousins and I banded together to get a portable air conditioner for her unit so she could stay cool. If you want the freedom to cool sooner or later because of unseasonal temperatures, or maybe you don’t find that the apartment gets cool enough no matter how you adjust the thermostat, a portable AC can save the day.
Several brands make portable air conditioners, including LG, Midea, Hisense, and Insignia, which are among the top brands at Best Buy Canada. Beyond the brand, it’s important to choose the right BTU and noise level, especially with potentially thin walls, ceilings, and floors in a building.
How to choose a portable AC for a small apartment
Before you make your pick, there are a few important things to consider.
Room size and BTU rating
The room size and BTU rating correspond to one another, and it’s crucial to get the right size air conditioner. For a room that’s up to 150 square feet, 5,000 BTU should do. For 150-250 square-feet, it’s 6,000 BTU, 250-350 square feet (8,000 BTU), 350-450 square-feet (10,000 BTU), 450-550 square feet (12,000 BTU), and 550-700 square feet (14,000 BTU). Adjust this, as noted in our guide, based on SACC numbers. This accounts for the heat the unit itself generates. Also consider single vs dual-hose models, ceiling height, and occupancy as well.
Noise levels
No one likes angry neighbours. If you or others in nearby units are sensitive to sound, or if you or someone living in a unit nearby has a baby, noise level is especially important. Generally, a model that promises under 50dB is considered excellent and very quiet. A rating of 50-55dB is still good, and above 55dB means you’ll notice the hum more.
Energy efficiency
Understanding SEER, CEER, and EER ratings as well as ENERGY STAR certification can help you weigh the benefits of spending a bit more on a more efficient model now to save in the long run. When considering how much it costs to run an air conditioner in Canada, you want to maximize savings as much as possible. Consider inverter portable AC models. They use a variable speed compressor to cool a room faster without constantly turning on and off. This, in turn, wastes less electricity and can cool a room much more quickly.
Portability
Visualize where it will go, which will require running the vent hose through a window as part of installing an air conditioner. Look at the space and determine what size will fit. Smaller, lighter weight models on castors are ideal since they’re easier to put away in a closet or storage room once the season ends. Tower designs, meanwhile, are good for smaller corners and to conserve floor space.
Best portable air conditioners for small apartments in Canada
If you’re looking for the best portable air conditioners for summer, here’s an easy-read table to help with your decision. Note that all four brands have other models that are outside of these specs that you may prefer depending on your needs, budget, and more.
| Model | BTU | Coverage | Noise | Type | Smart Features | Best Buy Price | Dimensions,Weight |
| LG LP1419IVSM | 14,000 (10,000 SACC) | 500 sq. ft. | 44dB | Dual Inverter | LG ThinQ app, Alexa, Google Assistant, 24-hour timer | $1,049.99 (on sale) | 30.43 x 19.41 x 18.11 inches, 83.77 lbs. |
| Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL | 12,000 (10,000 SACC) | 450 sq. ft. | 42dB | Dual-Hose, Variable Speed Inverter | Midea Air app, Alexa, Google Assistant, Cool/Fan/Dehumidify modes | $679.99 (on sale) | 32.48 x 19.52 x 16.73 inches, 72.6 lbs. |
| Hisense AP1026TW1SACO | 12,400 (10,000 SACC) | 450 sq. ft. | 51dB | Dual-Hose, Inverter | Hisense app, Alexa, Google Assistant, timer | $549.99 | 49.45 x 13.19 x 13.78 inches, 71.87 lbs. |
| Insignia NS-AC14PWH5-C | 14,000 (other options available) | 400 sq. ft. | 56dB | Single-hose | Remote, 24-hour timer | $379.99 (on sale) | 21.5 x 14.4 x 12.6 inches, 58 lbs. |
LG LP1419IVSM 3-in-1 Portable AC: Best overall
There are enough BTUs at 14,000 (10,000 DOE) with this portable AC to cover a large, open-concept apartment or a larger living room or bedroom that’s up to 500 square feet in size. It runs at an ultra-quiet 44dB operation, making it a good choice that will meet most small apartment needs. Plus, it has LG’s brand reputation behind it. This isn’t the most affordable option on the market. But dual inverter technology will help you save money on energy bills in the long run. The oscillating air vent circulates air around the space while you can customize the fan speed as well. It has a programmable timer and LCD remote. It also works with the LG ThinQ app along with Alexa and Google Assistant Voice control. It’s easy to set up with the included window installation kit and simple to maintain with a removable and washable intake grille.
Who it’s best for: Condo owners, larger open-concept apartments or ones with larger bedrooms or main living spaces, smart home owners with other LG appliances, those who want quick and efficient cooling.
Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL Portable AC: Best for quiet bedrooms
Midea makes quite a few portable ACs that focus on ultra-quiet operation, but this model is ideal for a bedroom that’s up to 450 square feet in size. It boasts a dual-hose design for quicker and more efficient cooling. This is especially important for a nursery or upper-level bedroom that always seems to be warmer than the rest of the house. The unit operates at a whisper-quiet 42dB thanks to the more efficient variable-speed inverter technology, which often comes hand in hand with quieter operation. It works with the included remote, Midea Air app, and Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. Along with traditional cooling, it offers fan and dehumidify modes, too. A bonus is that the window bracket is adjustable so it can fit odd-sized windows as well.
Who it’s best for: Light sleepers, nurseries, remote workers, overnight cooling, those looking to save as much as possible on energy, those who need especially quick and efficient cooling.
Hisense AP1026TW1SACO 3-in-1 Tower Portable AC: Best value-performance balance
This inverter smart portable AC offers great value for dollar, especially if you can snag it on sale. It’s a tower design so it won’t take up too much floor space and can easily squeeze into a small corner by the window. The dual-hose design ensures quicker and more efficient cooling. Inverter technology further promotes energy efficiency and quiet operation at just 51dB. With cooling, drying, and fan-only functions, you can adjust as needed. It can cool a room up to 450 square feet with 12,400 BTU (10,000 SACC) and oscillates with four-way airflow. It’s great value with simple but effective cooling. With a solid 4.5-star rating from Best Buy shoppers, they praise its design, quick cooling, and quiet operation.
Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious shoppers, tight spaces, smaller apartments, more features without premium pricing, those looking to save as much as possible on energy, those who need especially quick and efficient cooling.
Insignia NS-AC14PWH5-C Portable AC: Best budget choice
While this is the 14,000 BTU model, Insignia offers various options with similar features and design with 8,000 BTU, 10,000 BTU, and 12,000 BTU as well for smaller spaces. The value brand is a fraction of the price of many others. Yet you still get effective cooling and simple operation with an included remote, 24-hour timer, and simple installation using the exhaust hose and window sealing plate. We reviewed a similar, less powerful model and our reviewer loved the simplicity. While it isn’t the most high-tech option, it has the basic functions you need, including a handy remote and castor wheels for easily wheeling it into a closet at the end of the season. She loves how lightweight and quiet it is, and how well it cools smaller spaces. “I feel like it’s the easiest air conditioner I’ve ever installed and used,” she says, noting that she was able to set it up using the included brackets in under five minutes.
Who it’s best for: Those on a strict budget, someone looking for ultra-simple installation, smaller spaces, multiple BTU options with the same design, easy to move around and pack away.
Which portable AC is quietest for bedroom use?
When it comes to which portable AC is quietest for bedroom use, you’ll want to look at the dB level. For context, 60dB is the level of a normal conversation; 50dB moderate rainfall; and 30dB a soft whisper. So, you’ll want something that’s 50dB or under for the quietest environment.
Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL Portable AC: As noted above, this model operates at 42dB, which is just slightly louder than a whisper conversation.
LG LP1419IVSM 3-in-1 Portable AC: Not surprisingly, the best overall portable AC model from LG also happens to be the brand’s quietest one available at Best Buy. At just 44dB, you’ll easily be able to get a good night’s sleep while it runs.
Hisense AP0825TW1SAHP Portable AC: It doesn’t get much quieter than the 39dB of this 8,000 BTU dual-hose inverter portable AC, which is designed for rooms up to 350 square feet in size. The tower model, similar to our top pick for value-performance, adds a heating function, too, so you can use it all year ’round. “I sit in my living room and I can still watch TV at a comfortable volume,” notes one happy buyer.
Insignia NS-AC8PWH5-C Portable AC: Insignia portable AC models aren’t the quietest on the market, ranging from 53-59 dB, equivalent to a moderate hum. Going with the least powerful 8,000 BTU option may result in the quietest operation, though it’s only for a room up to 150 square feet in size. If you want ultra-quiet operation, go with one of the other brands.
What’s the best portable AC under $600 in Canada?
You can always find air conditioners on sale, with more expensive units under $600 with deals. But if we’re talking base price without sales, you can find incredible options from both Insignia and Hisense. The good news is that when these units go on sale, they’ll be even less than under $600.
The Hisense AP0723CW1W 3-in-1 portable air conditioner is a Goldilocks option with 10,500 BTU (7,000 SACC), enough to accommodate a 300 square-foot room. Offering cooling, fan, and dehumidifying functions, it runs at just 49dB. At its full price, it’s $569.99, but it often goes on sale so you can get it for under $400.
For $529.99 at its regular price, you can get the Insignia NS-AC10PWH5-C portable AC, which boasts 10,000 BTU for up to 250 square-foot coverage. As noted with the more powerful model, it’s super easy to install and runs efficiently to cool your small space. There’s no fancy app control, but you can use the included remote to adjust the temperature from the comfort of your couch or bed. Use the timer to set schedules so the apartment always stays cool and comfortable. With sales bringing it down to under $300, you get incredible value.
What’s the best portable AC for a rental apartment?
If you’re residing in a rental, you want a nice balance of value and affordability with effective cooling and quick and efficient set-up. The four aforementioned Insignia models mentioned earlier are good options because they meet all four criteria. Which one you choose will depend on the size of the apartment and more so the size of the room where you want to place it.
Once you determine if you need the 8,000 BTU, 10,000 BTU, 12,000 BTU, or 14,000 BTU model, you can be confident based on our reviewer’s experience that you’ll be able to install it quickly. This is especially important when you’re renting and maybe planning to move in future. What renters will also appreciate is that it’s lightweight and easy to bring along to your new home. That includes another rented apartment or even a house with central AC for extra room cooling. Since it’s small and on castors, it’s easy to wheel and put away when you don’t need it. That’s something those renting small apartments without huge square footage and usable floor space will appreciate.
Who should buy which portable AC?
| If you are… | Buy |
| Budget-conscious renter | Insignia, Hisense |
| Looking for the quietest bedroom AC | Midea |
| Want smart controls | LG |
| Looking for value-performance balance | Hisense |
Finding the best portable AC for your rental apartment
Whether your building hasn’t invested in central AC, it seems to always be on the fritz, or you find that at least one room is never cool enough, a portable air conditioner is a great solution for small apartments. If you’re willing to invest in a powerful, larger unit with tons of smart functionality, LG is one of the best brands you can buy. For quieter operation as a priority, especially for bedrooms, nurseries, home offices, or apartments with thin walls and ceilings, Midea models are incredibly silent.
If you want something mid-level that balances value with great performance, Hisense has a wide selection of options. These include traditional units as well as tall, slender tower units that are great for saving as much floor space as possible. Finally, if you are on a budget, Insignia has a line of ultra-affordable portable air conditioners that are super easy to install in a pinch.
Compare the latest portable air conditioner models for your space and budget at Best Buy Canada, see our air conditioner buying guide for more information, then choose from the wide selection of models.
