The sweltering summer months can make doing just about anything absolutely miserable. And whether you’re sleeping in a camper or sitting in your sunroom, you can quickly become uncomfortably hot.
These situations are where the battery powered air conditioner comes in handy.
But is there such a thing as a battery powered air conditioner?
Luckily for you there is! And, we’ve rounded up the top 6 battery-powered air conditioners on the market, so continue reading!
Battery Powered Air Conditioner Quick Comparison
Before we dive into the specifics of each of our top battery-powered air conditioner picks, use the below chart as a general overview and comparison of the top 6 units.
If you find a particular model you like, keep reading beyond the chart for a more in-depth view.
Our Top Pick – Zero Breeze Mark 2
Best Battery Powered Air Conditioner
Zero Breeze Mark 2
- 3-5 hours of battery life
- Relatively quiet
- Can run via adapters
Save $50 on the Zero Breeze Mark 2 with our exclusive coupon code: EHG50MARK2
The best battery powered AC unit is the Zero Breeze Mark 2. Although the unit is on the pricey side, it’s hard to put a price on comfort, so we think it’s well worth it.
This little system can run via adapters, which are included, or batteries. There’s no need to tote a generator around to power it; batteries do the trick. If you run the unit with batteries, you can get anywhere from three to five hours of portable usage.
And, you’ll get enough cooling juice to keep you and your friends and family cool and comfortable. Plus, it’s easy to use, relatively quiet, and has some nice extra features.
We’ll discuss the Zero Breeze Mark 2 more in-depth later on, but first, let’s examine what we look for in the best battery powered air conditioner.
What We Look For in a Battery Operated Air Conditioner
When selecting the best battery-powered air conditioners there are several factors such as cooling type, performance and battery life that can influence which model is best for you.
Here are our top considerations.
Cooling Type and Performance
The cooling type and performance of the unit are significant factors to consider.
If you’re looking for a unit that mimics the operation and function of a traditional air conditioner, like a central AC unit, a refrigerated unit is likely your best option.
Standard air conditioners use compressed refrigerants to cool the air as it passes through the system. Think of your central air conditioner, window air conditioner, or mini-split AC unit. For the most part, these types of air conditioners are “refrigerated” units.
Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, operate using ice and water. These work entirely differently than a standard air conditioner. They use a battery-powered fan to blow air across the ice to cool.
Note: Since evaporative coolers melt ice, they add considerable humidity to the air. If you live in an area that experiences severe humidity, an evaporative cooler may not be the best idea.
This cooling type also provides a substantial cooling effect, but it isn’t a “true” air conditioner in the technical sense. They can’t provide as much cooling capacity (measured in BTUs) as a traditional AC that works with refrigerants.
Units that use the same technology as a traditional air conditioner, like the Zero Breeze Mark 2, could be the better choice for humid areas because when conventional air conditioners cool air, they remove excess moisture.
On the other hand, if you live in a dry, arid climate (like West Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, etc.), an evaporative cooler may be a good choice since it adds moisture.
Our AC tip–use evaporative coolers if you live in a dry area and traditional AC units if you live in a humid area.
Battery Specifications or Requirements
Another aspect to consider when browsing for the best battery-powered air conditioners is the battery size, recharging capabilities, and additional power sources. For example, some systems run via wall adapters, while others are only battery-powered.
The requirements to run the system are an essential consideration. Some battery-powered air conditioners can run via other options like a typical outlet, a 12-volt carport, etc. If you’re looking for a truly portable air conditioner, make sure it runs on batteries.
Available Runtime Before Charging
How long the battery lasts is another essential factor to keep in mind. Many models offer at least a few hours of runtime before the battery runs out. Of course, this varies on how often the AC unit is running (which relates to how hot it is), the size (capacity) of the battery, and the battery’s age.
If you want a battery-powered air conditioner for off-grid purposes like camping, an off-grid home, or outdoor activities, ensure you consider how long it lasts before needing a recharge.
Also, pay attention to the charging method. You wouldn’t want to have just a wall plug when all you have access to is a car charging outlet.
Coverage Area
The area a battery-powered AC unit can cool is yet another critical factor. However, most battery-powered units cannot cool large spaces. Remember, they are designed to be portable. So they have to trade off the ability to cool a large area with people being able to carry it without a forklift.
With that said, some battery-powered AC units cover larger spaces than others. So, keep in mind the size of the space you wish to cool while browsing.
Warranty
The warranty is a critical part of new products for many people. While many folks aren’t overly concerned with a warranty for inexpensive products, solid coverage becomes a must-have with expensive items.
A few of the products on our list of the best battery-powered air conditioners are on the pricey side, so excellent coverage is essential. On the other hand, a few of the models on the list are inexpensive, so warranties may not be critical to you.
However, exceptional coverage never hurts, especially for investments like a battery-powered air conditioner.
Generally, many of these units have a replacement warranty or some semblance of coverage. Like most consumer products, some warranties are better than others.
Battery Powered Portable Air Conditioner Reviews
From battery-powered portable air conditioners using ice and water to traditional “refrigerated” AC units, your options for battery-powered AC units are plentiful.
To help you decide which one is best for you, we put together a list of the best battery-powered air conditioners to simplify your search.
Zero Breeze Mark 2
Key Specifications
- 3-5 hour battery life
- Can run via power adapters too
- Works like a traditional AC (no water or ice required)
- Compact size
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The Zero Breeze Mark 2 is different from other portable air conditioners on our list — it doesn’t require water or ice to cool an area. Instead, this air conditioner functions just like a window AC unit and your central AC, but on batteries.
It has a built-in 24V adaptive frequency micro compressor, which drives the process to cool your space’s air. Plus, the system comes with a few different power options. If you’d like to take the system on the go, use the battery. Or, you can also plug it into the wall using a 240W power adapter, which is included with your purchase.
Info: Zero Breeze claims the system can drop the temperature by 30 degrees Fahrenheit (lower than the ambient temp) within ten minutes of running.
It is also ultra-compact, at 20 inches long, 8.6 inches wide, and 2.3 inches high. So, it easily fits on the armrest in most vehicles or tucked away in your closet during the winter.
One downside is that it is heftier than some of our other top picks, at 16.5 pounds. But the lack of a water tank (which adds to the weight of other units) makes up for it.
The Zero Breeze Mark 2 is the priciest model on our list but for a good reason. Unlike the other models, it offers true air conditioning capabilities.
Pros
- Functions like a regular AC
- Doesn’t need water or ice
- Ultra-compact design
- 240W adapter included
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
AIVANT Portable Evaporative Air Conditioner
Key Specifications
- Lightweight
- Up to 9 hours of cooling
- Oscillating fan
At 2.45 pounds (without water in the tank), the AIVANT Portable Evaporative air conditioner offers convenient cooling, regardless of where you are. You can even carry it with you on your next camping trip thanks to its clever and hidden handle.
Although it differs somewhat in operation, the system is similar to other evaporative coolers. It has an auto oscillation feature that blasts cool air to every angle of the room. There are also three different airflow and cooling levels to meet your preferences and cooling needs.
But before you could enjoy cool air, you will need to add water to its 700ml water tank first. This extra step can be a nuisance for some, but it just takes 30 seconds (and even less) — you just open the top and pour water or add ice cubes. Once you fill the water tank, the next step is just pressing the “ON” button.
As for run time, its built-in 5000mAh battery offers up to nine hours of cooling. If you need to top up the battery, there’s a micro USB port for convenient charging. But how do you know if it’s time to recharge the battery? Its LED light bar provides a straightforward way to judge the battery levels, so there’s no guessing.
This battery-powered air conditioner from AIVANT is affordable compared to other mini air coolers on our list.
Pros
- Up to nine hours of cooling
- Rechargeable via micro USB
- LED battery life indicator
- Auto oscillation feature
Cons
- Only for small spaces
IcyBreeze 38 Qt. Portable Air Conditioner Cooler with Rechargeable Battery
Key Specifications
- Large size to cool big spaces
- Cool drinks at the same time
- Easy drainage
The IcyBreeze Portable Air Conditioner Cooler is a fantastic and large swamp cooler. Its design looks like a hard-sided cooler but has components that enable it to function as an air conditioner.
Like AVIANT, it uses cold water. You can also add ice cubes for extra cooling power. The cooler itself is a whopping 38 quarts, which can effortlessly hold up to 49 cans (if you want to cool some drinks while you cool your home).
Of course, ice and water may decrease the can count, but there’s still plenty of room.
The cooler’s design makes for easy transport. It has a built-in pull handle, dual lift handles, and wheels for quick maneuvering. Overall, the unit is 18.5 inches in height, 23.5 inches in width, and 16.25 inches deep.
Although it’s not nearly as compact as some of the other units on our list, it offers a 2-in-1 function, so the extra size is ideal.
The system uses a submersible pump and a radiator to provide cool air. It pulls heat out of the air, then moves it into the water before returning it to the cooler to be chilled by the ice.
The radiator actively lowers the temperature and adds cold mist to the air, making it an excellent choice for both dry and humid environments.
If you use the cooler solely to keep drinks and other food items cold, ice will last up to seven days in the cooler at temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ice lasts about three hours if you use the cooling function, so you’ll have to change the ice frequently, which could be inconvenient.
A drain in the unit allows you to quickly drain out excess water to replace it with cooler water or ice. To charge the battery, use the 100V charging station, which is included.
This unit is on the pricier end of our list, but it is worth it since it is also a large drink cooler.
Pros
- Doubles as a cooler
- Separate charging station
- Adds cool mist to the air
Cons
- Frequent ice changes
- Expensive
2000mAH Battery Powered Mini Air Cooler/Humidifier
Key Specifications
- Weighs less than a pound
- Easy operation
- Up to five hours of cooling
At just under eight inches tall and 0.97 pounds, this 2000mAH Battery Powered Mini Air Cooler/Humidifier mini air conditioner is easy to tote around wherever you may need it. And like other models on our list, it also utilizes evaporation to provide its cooling function.
The unit requires cool water in its small water tray or ice cubes for an extra cooling effect. It also functions as a humidifier, which is ideal for dry, arid climates. While it runs, it gives off a cool misting breeze, lowering the air temperature and boosting the humidity.
Moreover, there’s no complex manual to read through and the operation is straightforward. As a matter of fact, there are only two buttons to toggle – one button controls the fan speed, and the other for the misting function.
It’s also excellent for delivering cool air without disrupting your day with excessive noise. It only operates at about 52 decibels, equivalent to a normal conversation in your home.
This miniature air conditioner comes with a built-in 2000mAh rechargeable lithium battery, allowing you to continuously run the system up to five hours on a full charge. Plus, the included 6-foot USB power cable is compatible with adapters, power banks, computers, car chargers, etc.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 52dB sound output
- Doubles as a humidifier
- Straightforward operation
Cons
- Small battery
- Can only last up to five hours
MightyKool Dual 12-Volt Air Conditioner
Key Specifications
- 25 mph cool air breeze
- Runs off 12-volt car battery
- Run off standard wall power with AC/DC converter
The MightyKool Dual 12-Volt air conditioner is an excellent way to create a cool, comfortable environment. Although the unit isn’t particularly aesthetically pleasing, it offers powerful cooling functions.
The system uses evaporation to create a cool breeze and requires ice or cool water to work. It can even produce 25mph of cool air through its two air vents.
Info: This unit can easily fit in tight spaces at 12 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 8 inches tall. Without ice or water, the unit weighs just under five pounds.
Since this battery-powered air conditioner is on the smaller side, don’t expect it to effectively cool an entire vehicle. It can, however, keep one or two people cool and comfortable especially if the vents are blowing straight on them.
You can plug this portable AC directly to your vehicle or RV. Alternatively, you can power the system with its battery (sold separately) or a spare battery with a 12-volt adapter and clamps. You can also use an AC/DC converter and run it off 110 power.
A slight downside is that this MightyKool AC unit is loud and on the pricey side.
Pros
- Can fit tight spaces
- Under five pounds without water or ice
- Can produce 25mph of cool air
- Can be hooked up directly to a car
Cons
- Battery is sold separately
- Loud operation
Mini AC Unit, 4000mAh Rechargeable AC
Key Specifications
- 2-7 hours of cooling
- Super quiet
- 3 speed settings, 2 timers, and 2 spray patterns
At 2.35 pounds and 10.63 by 7.91 by 6.14 inches, the Mini 4000mAh Rechargeable AC Unit offers solid evaporative cooling performance for its compact, portable size. Plus, there are various settings such as three speeds, two timers, and spray patterns to keep you cool and comfortable in hot climates.
Like most other units on our list, you just need to add water and ice and turn the system on. However, its tank’s capacity is only 420ml. On the flipside, there is a handy low level water indicator.
Tip: Use tap water instead or pure water instead of mineral water, as it can quickly clog the filtration system.
The unit uses a 4000mAh battery, which lasts about 2 to 7 hours, depending on the spray level setting. It is also super quiet, operating at just 35 decibels or lower which is similar to that of a quiet library or a soft whisper.
Another benefit is its seven different color atmosphere lamps. You can adjust these LED lights to match your mood. (Don’t worry; the LED lights are very low power and barely drain the battery.
The price of this mini portable air conditioner won’t leave a dent on your wallet. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty replacement, so you can proceed with peace of mind knowing it comes with excellent coverage.
Pros
- Affordable
- Whisper-like sound output
- Comes with LED lights
- 2-year warranty replacement
Cons
- Small battery
Enjoy A Cool Breeze Wherever You Are
Whether you need a portable air conditioner to supplement your current cooling solution or for a summer camping trip, battery-powered AC units are an excellent investment.
Some use ice or water to offer the cooling function, while others, like the Zero Breeze Mark 2, work just like traditional air conditioners (with better cooling capabilities).
Looking for a portable AC unit for your home that plugs into your wall? We’ve got you covered–check out our HomeLabs portable AC unit review here.
