Summers in Canada can get extraordinarily hot, especially if you live in the more southern regions or dense cities. Humidity is a killer, right? Depending on where you live, you might not have a central air conditioning unit installed. And what about working in garages or in offices that scrimp on AC? You might need a different way to stay cool. Fans can only do so much, after all.
And that’s where portable air conditioners come into play. They’re compact enough that they can move from room to room, or house to office to garage (or wherever else you need them) without causing any trouble. They can be very effective at cooling down appropriately-sized rooms, and many of them even double as dehumidifiers. And a rare few are even more functional than that. Sounds pretty sweet, right?
If you think a portable air conditioner is something you need for the warmer months of the year, we’re here to help you find the right one. They’ll vary in things like price, cooling power, timer settings, portability, coverage area, and more. And every feature will affect how well it gets on in your space.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best portable air conditioners in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Portable Air Conditioners Right Now
- Top Pick: Dreo AC515S Portable Air Conditioner
- Runner-Up: De’Longhi EM370 Portable Air Conditioner
- Small Room Pick: Tosot 6K 10,200 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
- Large Room Pick: Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
- Budget Pick: Costway 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Our Top Pick for The Best Portable Air Conditioner
Dreo AC515S Portable Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the Dreo AC515S Portable Air Conditioner
We are so excited to introduce you to the Dreo AC515S Portable Air Conditioner. One of the best things about it is its versatility. It has a wide temperature range for cooling, four fan-only settings, and a built-in dehumidifier that lets you set a custom humidity target. It’s surprisingly quiet while performing all of these tasks for you, too, so it won’t disrupt a night’s sleep, a work day, or a peaceful night in.
You’ll also be really pleased with the drainage-free design. That’s right, you won’t ever have to dump a water bucket! This air conditioner uses evaporation to clear water instead. What a relief! This model is also incredibly convenient because of its control options. You can use the magnetic remote, voice assistants, or a companion app to set schedules and adjust settings and modes. Brilliant!
One of the only reasons this portable air conditioner might not be right for you is if you need to cool an open floor plan. You’ll get the best performance from this one within 300 square feet, so it isn’t great for larger spaces. The price might also be a bit high for people shopping on a budget, but those are the only concerns we have to mention!
All in all, the Dreo AC515S Portable Air Conditioner has everything going for it. As long as you’re not trying to cool a massive space, this thing won’t ever let you down. It’s exceptionally easy to use and well-suited to every space.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Dreo AC515S Portable Air Conditioner
Reviewers are extremely happy with their Dreo AC515S Portable Air Conditioners. They enjoy being able to set schedules and use voice control, and it does an amazing job of cooling a room down quickly. The fan mode and dehumidify function both work very well, and it’s a great solution for staying cool during sleep. They highly recommend this one.
Dreo AC515S Portable Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You’d appreciate multiple ways to control your air conditioner
- You’re looking for a machine that can also act as a fan and dehumidifier
- You don’t want to worry about dumping a water bucket
- A quiet air conditioner is what you need
Don’t Buy If…
- You need a really affordable price tag
- You have a large open space that needs cooling
Dreo AC515S Portable Air Conditioner Specifications
- Dimensions: 17.3” x 14.4” x 28.1”
- Weight: 62.9 lbs
- Colour: White
- Cooling Power: 12,000 BTU
- Coverage Area: 300 sq. ft
- Timer: 24 hrs
- Remote: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Runner-Up
De’Longhi EM370 Portable Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the De’Longhi EM370 Portable Air Conditioner
The De’Longhi EM370 Portable Air Conditioner is a pretty great option. Of course it is, it’s in our top five. But we’ll still tell you why. Thanks to an eco-friendly composition and an energy-efficient system, you won’t have to worry about its environmental impact at any stage of its life. Plus, it has a washable filter, so you won’t have the waste (or expense) associated with replaceable ones.
We’re also big fans of the quiet mode—at its lower settings, this air conditioner won’t disrupt your sleep, work time, or zen-like relaxation hours. And it does more than cool your air. It can also dehumidify it, and it simultaneously acts like a fan to blow the cooler, dryer air around the space. Perfect, right? We sure think so.
Although we like a lot of things about this air conditioner (obviously), it isn’t going to be a perfect match for everyone. For example, if you have a smaller space to cool or a tighter budget, you won’t need to invest in this higher-powered option. Also, the fan mode shuts off once the room reaches your set temperature, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you’d like it to stay on without the compressor.
All in all, the De’Longhi EM370 Portable Air Conditioner is our favourite option right now for environmentally-conscious cooling. Its user-friendliness and high-powered 3-in-1 functionality sure don’t hurt, though. We bet you’ll love it as much as we do.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 4.5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the De’Longhi EM370 Portable Air Conditioner
Reviewers have tons of good things to say about the De’Longhi EM370 Portable Air Conditioner. It cools even large rooms down very effectively, and the remote makes it super easy to adjust settings without needing to put your hands on the machine itself. The self-draining hookup for the window isn’t difficult to install either. Some people would prefer that the fan stay on even after the compressor shuts off, though.
De’Longhi EM370 Portable Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- Energy efficiency is important to you
- A 3-in-1 machine is ideal for your space
- You’d like to use it while sleeping or focusing on tasks
- You’d rather not deal with replacement filters
Don’t Buy If…
- You have a small space
- You don’t want to spend a lot of money
- You’d prefer the fan to run even after the compressor has turned off
De’Longhi EM370 Portable Air Conditioner Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.6” x 27.5” x 16.7”
- Weight: 63 lbs
- Colour: White
- Cooling Power: 11,500 BTU
- Coverage Area: 500 sq. ft
- Timer: 24 hrs
- Remote: Yes
- Warranty: 2 years
Our Small Room Pick
Tosot 6K 10,200 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the Tosot 6K 10,200 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The Tosot 6K 10,200 BTU Portable Air Conditioner has a lot going for it, and we’re about to tell you all about it. One of the things we think you’ll like most is the list of smart features. This air conditioner can be controlled by voice assistants and a smartphone app, with options for unique schedules and adjustments away from home. You’ll also get to make use of the built-in dehumidifier as well as a fan-only mode with multiple settings. It’s perfect for three seasons.
The long-term durability is also something we admire about this portable air conditioner. The copper core compressors provide a longer lifespan than most air conditioners, so this machine can hold up to frequent use and extreme temperatures with ease. Plus, since it can cool small to medium rooms in only 20 minutes, it’s the perfect energy-saver.
Luckily, there’s only one main concern we want to mention before we wrap this up, and it only applies to people who really enjoy using voice assistants. Unfortunately, this air conditioner isn’t super reliable with connectivity. Some machines sync perfectly to various voice assistants, others don’t ever connect. Something to think about!
Overall, the Tosot 6K 10,200 BTU Portable Air Conditioner will make a great addition to almost any home. It isn’t missing any of the important features you’re expecting, and it’ll keep you cool (even in extreme heat waves) for years to come.
- Performance: 4.5/5
- Usability: 4.5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Tosot 6K 10,200 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Reviewers have mostly good things to say about the Tosot 6K 10,200 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. Some people have run into problems with voice assistant connectivity (some of them just don’t work at all), but mostly, feedback is positive. It cools rooms down very quickly, is an effective dehumidifier, and looks great in every space. The app control is really convenient, too.
Tosot 6K 10,200 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You want an air conditioner that can cool average-sized rooms in only 20 minutes
- Smart features are something you want
- Longevity is a priority for you
- 3-in-1 functionality would be useful
Don’t Buy If…
- You’re set on using voice assistants with your air conditioner
Tosot 6K 10,200 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.4” x 15.6” x 30.3”
- Weight: 55 lbs
- Colour: Black
- Cooling Power: 10,200 BTU
- Coverage Area: 400 sq. ft
- Timer: 24 hrs
- Remote: Yes
Warranty: 1 year
Large Room Pick
Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner has two main claims to fame. It’s the most powerful portable AC unit, so it’ll be able to effectively cool any space in no time at all. It’s also one of the only Wi-Fi-enabled options out there. Not only can you connect to its companion app on your smartphone to adjust settings, but you can also connect it to your home assistant. How fun!
We’re also really happy with the energy efficiency of this option. It uses 40% less energy than similar machines, so you won’t have to worry so much about wasting power or expensive energy bills. Since it’s also one of the quietest machines out there, it’s perfect for bedrooms, offices, and any other spaces that do better with low noise levels.
Although there aren’t any flaws per se, there are a few features that just might not work for you. Unlike many other portable air conditioners, this one doesn’t have a dehumidifier mode. If you’re battling a lot of humidity indoors, you might want to keep looking. It’s also missing a timer. The only other potential red flag is the price—it won’t be a reasonable option for everybody.
Overall, the Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is pretty spectacular. It’s the single most effective portable AC unit money can buy right now. It might not have the same claim to multifunctionality that many others do, but we bet you won’t mind that very much.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 4.5/5
- Price: 3/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Reviewers are blown away by the performance of the Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. It cools down even their larger rooms in only 20 minutes. They appreciate that it comes with a remote, and they absolutely love the Wi-Fi integration—they can use home assistants or the companion app to adjust settings, and it could not be more convenient. They all agree this one is worth the price.
Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You’d like it to be Wi-Fi-enabled
- An ultra-quiet machine sounds like a perfect fit
- Quick and efficient cooling is a priority
- You’d prefer an energy-efficient machine
Don’t Buy If…
- You need something budget-friendly
- A timer is important to you
- You want it to dehumidify as well as cool
Midea Duo 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Specifications
- Dimensions: 16.7” x 19.5” x 32.5”
- Weight: 45.2 lbs
- Colour: Black
- Cooling Power: 14,000 BTU
- Coverage Area: 550 sq. ft
- Timer: No
- Remote: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Budget Pick
Costway 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Review
What We Think of the Costway 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The Costway 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner has quite a few things working in its favour. And they’re things that add a lot of value to a very affordable machine. With a 24-hour timer and a fully functional remote included, you’ll be able to set schedules and adjust settings without much effort. And with handles and four wheels, it can easily follow you around the house. Convenient, right?
We also like that two drainage options are provided. You’ll be able to empty the collection tank manually if it needs to be portable, but you can also hook it up with a window kit (included!) to have it self-drain continuously. With its compact footprint, this thing is perfect for smaller spaces with limited floor space. We promise it won’t become a tripping hazard.
There are a couple of types of people who won’t get along with this machine. The first type is people with large rooms—this machine simply won’t be able to keep up in a larger space. The second group is people who need it to work in the background while they’re concentrating on something or trying to sleep. It’s just too loud for that.
All in all, the Costway 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is our top budget-friendly pick for Canadians this year. It isn’t perfect, but it sure beats a lot of the competition at this price point. If you’re only concerned with a small space, you really can’t do better than this one.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 4/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Costway 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Reviewers have mostly great things to say about the Costway 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. Some of them find the machine even louder than the more powerful ones they’ve used before, and they can’t use it as a bedroom AC unit as a result. But they’re really happy with how well it cools down a room, and the timer and remote are super convenient.
Costway 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You don’t have a lot of free floor space
- You appreciate multiple draining options
- You’d prefer to set it and forget it
- You want it to follow you from room to room
Don’t Buy If…
- You need to cool a medium or large space
- You need it for a quiet space
Costway 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.5” x 12” x 27.5”
- Weight: 44 lbs
- Colour: White
- Cooling Power: 8000 BTU
- Coverage Area: 250 sq. ft
- Timer: 24 hrs
- Remote: Yes
- Warranty: 3 months
Why Trust Shopping Trends?
At Shopping Trends, every product we review goes through rigorous hands-on testing to ensure we’re recommending only the best for Canadian households. With over a decade of experience in product evaluation and consumer reporting, I personally oversee each test and comparison.
Our process is transparent, methodical, and grounded in real-world usage. Whether it’s a cordless vacuum, a 4K TV, or a hammock for your next camping trip, we evaluate items the way you’d use them at home. When needed, we also consult Canadian industry experts to offer context and help readers make confident, informed decisions. Every “top pick” featured in our guides has earned its spot through careful analysis, not sponsorship.
How to Properly Choose Your Portable Air Conditioner
Price
Some portable air conditioners can be found for less than $300, others cost well over $800. The average price for a well-rounded unit is $400-600. More expensive options will usually have better cooling performance and potentially also some advanced Wi-Fi connectivity for smartphone apps and home assistants.
Cooling Power
The cooling power of a portable air conditioner is measured in BTU and will usually range between 6,000 and 14,000. The higher the BTUs, the faster the machine will be able to cool down your space. Generally, the price goes up as the cooling power goes up, so it’s all about striking a balance.
Coverage Area
Coverage area is directly linked to the cooling power of a portable air conditioner. The higher the BTU rating, the larger the space the portable air conditioner will be suited to. The square footage range is typically between 250 and 550.
Multifunctionality
Many portable air conditioners will also function as fans and/or dehumidifiers. If you’re combatting high humidity along with high temperatures, there’s nothing more convenient than a 3-in-1 machine—you won’t need two additional units taking up space and costing you money.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
