2025 Best Budget Portable Air Conditioners UK: Quiet, Efficient, and Budget-Friendly
A heatwave is sweeping across the UK. On the afternoon of July 1st, the temperature in central London soared to 34.7°C, setting the highest temperature so far in 2025. Affected by the ongoing heatwaves from Southern Europe and North Africa, this year, the UK is more likely than ever to break its historical temperature record of 40.3°C.
Beating the heat in the UK doesn't have to cost a fortune. While many wonder about air cooler vs air conditioner, the latter often delivers more reliable cooling in extreme heat. Whether you're working from home and need to stay focused, longing for a peaceful night's sleep amid the heatwave, or just want to find some cool relief on the living room sofa, a best inexpensive air conditioner—especially a portable one – can make a world of difference. But with the wide range of products on the market, how do you pick the best cheap portable air conditioner UK that's both efficient and affordable? This article rounds up the Best Budget Portable Air Conditioners UK—our top 5 picks in the UK market – thereby helping you easily embrace cool comfort this summer without overspending.
What to Consider When Buying a Budget Portable Air Conditioner
If you're new to cooling systems, learning some air conditioning basics can help. Before choosing the best budget portable air conditioner in the UK, it’s important to understand what features really matter — especially when you're shopping on a tight budget. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
1. Cooling Capacity (BTU)
BTU (British Thermal Units) measures how much cooling power a unit has. For small bedrooms or home offices, a unit with around 7,000–9,000 BTUs is often enough. If you’re looking for the best inexpensive air conditioner, make sure it still meets your room size requirements without overpaying for extra power you don’t need.
2. Energy Efficiency
A cheaper upfront cost shouldn’t mean high energy bills later. Look for models with energy-saving modes or those rated for good efficiency, especially if you plan to use the AC frequently during the summer months.
3. Noise Level
Budget doesn’t have to mean noisy. Many of the best cheap portable air conditioner UK models operate quietly, making them ideal for bedrooms or workspaces. Always check the decibel rating (dB) — under 55dB is generally considered quiet.
4. Portability and Size
Compact, lightweight models are ideal for smaller homes or flats. Look for units with wheels and easy-carry handles. Some budget air coolers are even more compact and ideal for occasional use or desk placement.
5. Drainage and Maintenance
Many affordable portable air conditioners need regular draining, especially in humid areas. Some have self-evaporating systems, which are more convenient. Also, check how easy it is to clean or replace filters.
6. Extra Features
While you’re on a budget, features like remote controls, timers, or dehumidifying modes can still be found in many affordable models. Prioritize what matters most to you — whether it’s convenience, comfort, or control.
2025 Top 5 Best Budget Portable Air Conditioners UK
1. EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner
Best for All-Season Wireless Cooling & Heating
The EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner is a standout option for those who need both powerful cooling and reliable heating in one portable unit. With a cooling capacity of 6100 BTU and heating capacity of 6800 BTU, it’s designed for year-round comfort—whether you're battling summer heat or enjoying a chilly autumn camping trip.
Key Features:
Fast temperature adjustment: Cools down or warms up your space by 8°C/15℉ in just 15 minutes, ensuring quick comfort in tents, RVs, or small rooms.
Wireless operation: Pair it with the optional 1024Wh LFP Add-On Battery (sold separately) for up to 8 hours of cable-free use—ideal for camping, mobile setups, or even as the best car air conditioner during road trips.
Smart control via app: Operate it remotely using your smartphone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, including mode switching, battery updates, and scheduling.
Compact and portable: Weighing just 15.6 kg (34.4 lbs), it fits into tight spaces and is easy to transport.
Low noise operation: With a noise range of 44–58 dB, it’s quiet enough for bedrooms or peaceful work setups.
2. Midea Comfee 2.0kW 7000BTU Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Best for Everyday Home Use on a Budget
The Midea Comfee 7000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner offers solid performance and versatile features at a budget-friendly price, making it one of the best cheap portable air conditioner UK options for small to medium rooms. Designed to cool spaces up to 14m² efficiently, it's perfect for bedrooms, home offices, or conservatories.
Key Features:
3-in-1 functionality: Offers cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes—ideal for year-round use.
Energy-efficient performance: A-rated for energy use, with only 790W power consumption.
Smart controls: Comes with a remote control, sleep mode, 24-hour timer, and auto-restart function.
Low-maintenance design: Features a self-evaporating system, so there’s no need to manually empty water trays under normal use.
User-friendly operation: Includes 3 fan speeds, caster wheels for easy movement, and a sleek black finish that fits modern interiors.
3. Olimpia Splendid Dolceclima 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
Best for Versatile Cooling with Full Installation Kit
The Olimpia Splendid Dolceclima Compact 8 P offers a powerful 8,000 BTU cooling capacity and 3-in-1 functionality, making it a fantastic budget portable air conditioner UK choice for rooms up to 26 m². It’s perfect if you want a unit that cools, dehumidifies, and circulates air — all year round.
Key Features:
3-in-1 functions: Cooling, dehumidifying (up to 1.8L/hour), and fan modes for versatile use.
Energy-efficient & eco-friendly: Uses low-GWP R290 refrigerant with an A energy rating and an EER of 2.7.
Quiet operation: Runs at a noise level between 47–63 dB, suitable for bedrooms and living areas.
Easy setup: Includes a full installation window kit and a 1.5m exhaust hose for fixed or mobile use.
User-friendly controls: Comes with a remote, LCD display, programmable 12-hour timer, Auto and Sleep modes.
Compact and portable: Weighs 22.5 kg with caster wheels and side handles for easy movement.
4. De’Longhi Pinguino PAC N82 Silent Portable Air Conditioner
Best for Quiet, Eco-Friendly Cooling in Larger Rooms
The De’Longhi Pinguino PAC N82 ECO is a powerful and energy-efficient portable AC designed for rooms up to 32 m². With 9,400 BTU (2.65 kW) cooling capacity and an A energy rating, it’s a smart choice for those who want strong cooling performance without compromising on sustainability or quiet operation.
Key Features:
Eco-friendly refrigerant: Uses R290 propane, which emits zero greenhouse gases and has a very low global warming potential.
Ultra-quiet operation: Thanks to Silent Technology, noise levels stay as low as 50 dB(A), suitable for bedrooms and offices.
3-in-1 functions: Cooling, dehumidifying (up to 1.3L/hour), and fan-only modes for versatile year-round comfort.
Smart comfort display: Comfort Light Indicator shows room comfort levels at a glance (blue = perfect, green = good, orange = seeking comfort).
Convenient controls: LED soft-touch panel plus remote control for easy adjustments from anywhere in the room.
Portable and easy to move: Equipped with castors, side handles, and includes a 1.2m exhaust hose and window kit for hassle-free installation.
5. De’Longhi Pinguino PAC N90 Silent Portable Air Conditioner
Best for Quiet, Energy-Efficient Cooling in Medium Rooms
The De’Longhi Pinguino PAC N90 ECO Silent is designed for those who want powerful, quiet cooling combined with energy savings. Delivering 9,800 BTU (approximately 2.9 kW) of cooling power, it’s ideal for rooms up to 25–34 m², making it a solid choice for bedrooms, offices, or living rooms.
Key Features:
Ultra-quiet operation: Operates at a maximum noise level of just 64 dB, suitable for nighttime use and quiet environments.
Energy efficient with ECO mode: Automatically adjusts power based on room temperature to optimise energy consumption, backed by an A energy rating.
Portable and easy to move: Equipped with strong castors and built-in handles for flexible, room-to-room use.
User-friendly controls: Soft-touch control panel, clear LCD display, and included remote control allow easy adjustment of temperature, fan speed (3 settings), timer (up to 12 hours), and modes.
Eco-conscious refrigerant: Uses R290 refrigerant and features an anti-bacterial filter for cleaner, healthier air.
Convenient setup: Includes a 1.2m exhaust hose and window kit for quick installation without extra tools.
Conclusion
Choosing the right budget portable air conditioner can make all the difference during those warmer months in the UK. Whether you need quick, wireless cooling on the go like the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner, a compact and energy-efficient option like the Midea Comfee 7000BTU, or a quiet and powerful unit such as the De’Longhi Pinguino PAC N90 Silent, there’s a solution to fit your needs and budget.
Remember to consider your room size, noise tolerance, energy efficiency, and any extra features like heating or smart controls when making your decision. Portable AC units provide flexible, hassle-free cooling without the commitment or cost of fixed installations—perfect for renters, flats, or temporary setups.
With this guide, you’re ready to beat the heat with confidence and find the best budget portable air conditioner for your home in 2025.
FAQs
Is it worth buying a portable air conditioner in the UK?
Whether it’s worth buying a portable air conditioner in the UK depends on a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including local climate characteristics, living environment, and usage needs.
If you need to cope with short-term heatwaves, live in a rented property, or only require cooling for small spaces, a portable air conditioner is worth purchasing. Its flexibility and cost-effectiveness can address core needs. However, if you plan to settle long-term and your property allows installation, a fixed air conditioner offers better cooling efficiency and durability.
When making a purchase, it’s advisable to prioritize models with high energy efficiency ratings (such as A++) and noise levels below 55 decibels, to balance cooling performance and user experience.
Which brand of portable AC is most reliable?
EcoFlow is one of the most trusted brands in portable power and climate solutions. Its EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner not only cools and heats quickly but also supports smart app control, operates with low noise, and achieves longer runtime when paired with an add-on battery—effortlessly handling both indoor home use and outdoor scenarios.
Do cheap portable air conditioners work?
Whether a cheap portable air conditioner is "good" depends largely on your usage needs, scenarios, and specific standards for what "good" means—such as cooling performance, portability, noise control, and durability. As such, it’s hard to simply label them as "good" or "bad."
In comparison, the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner has clear performance advantages: it operates quietly without disturbance, offers greater flexibility with battery power, and delivers an overall more comfortable experience. If you value quality and versatility, it’s undoubtedly a wise long-term choice worth investing in.