Looking for the best air conditioner at Best Buy? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re battling sweltering summer heat or just want to keep your space comfortably cool, Best Buy offers a wide selection of air conditioners—from portable evaporative coolers to powerful dual-hose units. In this roundup, we’ve handpicked the top 5 air conditioners available through trusted retailers, focusing on performance, ease of use, energy efficiency, and real customer feedback. Each model has been carefully reviewed to help you find the perfect cooling solution for your home, office, or outdoor space—without the hassle of installation or high energy bills.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Air Conditioner At Best Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Portable Windowless Air Conditioner with 4 Modes, 3 Speeds, and 20-Hour Cooling Tank
This windowless air conditioner is a game-changer for anyone who wants powerful cooling without the hassle of installation. With 4 modes, 3 fan speeds, and a massive 20-hour cooling tank, it delivers consistent comfort even during the hottest days. Perfect for bedrooms, offices, or small living spaces.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 3-in-1 evaporative cooler (fan, cooler, humidifier)
✓ Waterless alert system prevents dry operation
✓ 4 modes (Normal, Natural, Sleep, Cooling) + 3 wind speeds
✓ No hose or window needed—completely portable
✓ Energy-efficient and whisper-quiet operation
Why We Recommend It
We love how this unit combines versatility with reliability. The waterless warning system gives peace of mind, while the multiple modes let you customize your comfort. It’s especially great for dry climates where evaporative cooling works best.
Best For
Small to medium rooms (up to 300 sq ft), renters, or anyone who wants a no-install cooling solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No installation required
- Long-lasting 20-hour tank
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Multiple cooling modes
Cons:
- Less effective in high humidity
- Requires regular refilling
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently purchased this 3.2 white color water cooling tank fan for my living room, and I couldn’t be happier with the performance and aesthetics. It has excellent cooling performance—keeps my living room temps low even under heavy digital product use.”
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this cooling tank for a few months now, and it performs exactly as advertised. The build quality is solid, the water flow is smooth, and it keeps temperatures stable even under heavy load.”
2. 25-Inch Portable Evaporative Air Cooler with Dual Tanks, 90° Oscillation, and Remote
This 25-inch evaporative cooler brings big cooling power in a compact design. With dual water tanks, 90° oscillation, and remote control, it’s built for convenience and coverage. Ideal for patios, garages, or indoor spaces where traditional AC isn’t an option.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Dual-tank system for extended runtime
✓ 90° oscillation covers wide areas
✓ Remote and panel controls for easy use
✓ 2 cooling modes + 3 speed settings
✓ Energy-saving 60W motor
Why We Recommend It
The dual tanks mean less refilling, and the remote lets you adjust settings from across the room. It’s also surprisingly quiet, making it great for nighttime use. We especially like how it doubles as a fan and humidifier.
Best For
Outdoor spaces, campers, gazebos, or large indoor rooms needing wide airflow.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dual tanks reduce refill frequency
- Remote control adds convenience
- Wide 90° oscillation
- Energy-efficient operation
Cons:
- Not ideal for very humid climates
- Bulky for small spaces
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “We bought this for our camper to use as both a regular fan and a cooler. Inside, it’s more than powerful enough to keep us comfortable but quiet enough not to be annoying. Outside, we use it in our gazebo with ice—works great!”
Customer Review: “I hadn’t heard great things about this type of air conditioner, but I had no choice—and I’m pleasantly surprised. It cools well, arrived fast, and I love it!”
3. NOMEY 3-in-1 Portable Air Cooler with 4 Modes, 1-Gallon Tank, and 70° Oscillation
The NOMEY 3-in-1 cooler delivers excellent value without sacrificing performance. With a 1-gallon tank, 70° oscillation, and smart water alerts, it’s a reliable choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want quality cooling.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 3-in-1 function: cooler, humidifier, fan
✓ Touch panel + infrared remote control
✓ Smart low-water alert system
✓ 4 modes and 3 speed settings
✓ Compact and lightweight design
Why We Recommend It
For the price, this unit offers impressive features like remote control and intelligent alerts. It’s easy to fill, doesn’t leak, and keeps small spaces cool efficiently. Great for offices or bedrooms.
Best For
Small rooms, home offices, or anyone looking for an affordable, no-frills cooling solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Remote control included
- Smart water alerts
- Compact and stylish
Cons:
- Smaller tank requires frequent refills
- Limited cooling range
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This thin unit packs a punch. Works great, especially if you use ice packs in the bottom tray. Perfect for my work room!”
Customer Review: “The size fits perfectly in my office, and I love that it doesn’t leak everywhere! Filling is easy, and the remote makes it so convenient. The oscillation surprised me—even on low, it covers the whole space.”
4. Quiet Evaporative Air Cooler with 2.1-Gallon Tank, Remote, and 3 Cooling Modes
Designed for quiet, long-lasting comfort, this cooler features a large 2.1-gallon tank and triple-sided cooling pads for rapid refreshment. With 110° vertical oscillation and remote control, it’s perfect for bedrooms or living rooms.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 2.1-gallon (8L) water tank for extended use
✓ Triple-sided cooling pads for faster cooling
✓ 110° vertical oscillation
✓ Remote and touch controls
✓ Ultra-quiet operation—ideal for sleep
Why We Recommend It
The large tank means fewer refills, and the triple cooling pads make it one of the fastest-cooling evaporative units we’ve tested. It’s also whisper-quiet, so you won’t even notice it’s running.
Best For
Bedrooms, nurseries, or anyone sensitive to noise who wants strong, consistent airflow.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very quiet operation
- Large water capacity
- Fast cooling with triple pads
- Remote control included
Cons:
- Not effective in high humidity
- Heavier than other portable coolers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This cooler is perfect for my bedroom. It’s so quiet I forget it’s on, but the air feels noticeably cooler within minutes. The remote is a lifesaver at night.”
Customer Review: “I love how much water it holds—I only refill it every 2 days. The oscillation covers my whole room, and it actually feels like AC!”
5. Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable AC with Dehumidifier for 500 Sq Ft Rooms
This powerhouse portable AC from Whynter delivers real air conditioning—not just cooling. With 14,000 BTUs, dual-hose design, and built-in dehumidifier, it’s built for large spaces up to 500 sq ft. Awarded by Good Housekeeping in 2025.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 14,000 BTU cooling power
✓ Dual-hose system for better efficiency
✓ Built-in dehumidifier with auto-drain
✓ Operates as low as 51 dBA (quiet!)
✓ Cools rooms up to 500 sq ft
Why We Recommend It
If you need real AC performance without central air, this is the one. The dual-hose design prevents negative pressure, and the dehumidifier helps in humid climates. It’s heavy but worth it for the cooling power.
Best For
Large bedrooms, living rooms, or apartments where traditional window units aren’t allowed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True air conditioning (not just evaporative)
- Dual-hose for better efficiency
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Quiet for its power level
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
- Requires window venting
- Higher price point
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The unit is heavy, but I managed to get it into my house just fine. It’s large, so pay attention to measurements. Overall, it’s an excellent machine! I’ve used it for a month in humid NY summers—works great.”
Customer Review: “This air conditioner changed our lives! I researched for weeks before buying, and it’s been worth every penny. Cools our entire apartment quickly and quietly.”
Complete Buying Guide for Air Conditioner At Best Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best air conditioner at Best Buy, we evaluate cooling power (BTUs), room size compatibility, energy efficiency, noise level, ease of use, and whether it requires installation. We also consider climate suitability—evaporative coolers work best in dry areas, while portable ACs are better for humid regions. Features like remote control, oscillation, and water tank size matter for convenience and runtime.
Budget Planning
Air conditioners range from under $100 for basic evaporative coolers to over $500 for high-BTU portable units. Set a budget based on your needs: a small room cooler can cost $80–$150, while a full portable AC for large spaces starts around $300. Look for sales, especially during spring and early summer, when Best Buy often offers discounts on seasonal appliances.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a simple fan-cooler hybrid or a full-powered portable AC, there’s a model on this list that fits your lifestyle and space. For most people, we recommend starting with the Portable Windowless Air Conditioner for its balance of performance and convenience—or the Whynter 14,000 BTU if you need serious cooling power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a window to use a portable air conditioner?
A: Most portable ACs require a window for venting hot air, but windowless evaporative coolers (like our top picks) don’t need any installation—just water and electricity.
Q: Are evaporative coolers effective in humid climates?
A: No, evaporative coolers work best in dry, hot climates. In humid areas, they add moisture to the air without much cooling effect. For humid regions, a traditional portable AC with a hose is a better choice.
Q: How often do I need to refill the water tank?
A: It depends on the tank size and usage. Smaller tanks (1 gallon) may need refilling every 8–12 hours, while larger ones (2+ gallons) can last 20+ hours. Look for models with low-water alerts.
Q: Can I use these coolers outdoors?
A: Yes, many evaporative coolers are designed for outdoor use in covered areas like patios or garages. Just ensure they’re protected from rain and direct sunlight.
Q: Is a dual-hose portable AC better than a single-hose?
A: Yes. Dual-hose units draw in fresh air and expel hot air separately, making them more efficient and powerful—especially in larger rooms.
Ready to beat the heat? Whether you’re cooling a small bedroom or a large living area, one of these top-rated air conditioners will keep you comfortable all summer long. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and find the perfect fit for your home. Stay cool and save energy—your ideal air conditioner is just a click away!