Need to know
- Portable units are more convenient and cheaper than permanent split systems, but they're also noisier, less effective and less efficient
- We test models for noise on their highest setting – results vary dramatically
- Unfortunately, the quietest portable air conditioners in our review are also some of the worst performing
Clank, whoosh, beep, shudder! Portable air-conditioning units can be quite loud and distracting, especially if they're on full blast while you're working from home, watching TV or on the phone.
They also aren't hugely energy-efficient, but the reality is they're a good cooling option if:
- you can't install air conditioning because you rent or you're in a strata complex that requires approval
- you need an immediate cooling fix and can't wait for installation
- you don't have the budget for a fixed option.
But if the thought of a whooshing unit that keeps you up at night gives you nightmares, and you're looking for the best model that's also quiet, we can help.
Read on to find out which portable air conditioners were the quietest in our latest tests.
Quietest portable air cons – the good and bad news
Let's start with the positives.
In our comprehensive lab tests, CHOICE test experts found a number of units that rated in the 'quieter' category, with noise registering at 57–59dBa, so they're a good option if you're looking for a model that'll keep the peace in your home.
The catch? They didn't score that well for actual cooling performance (the one thing you're buying them to do), and none are recommended by our experts.
"Most portable air conditioners tend to be fairly noisy, regardless of their efficiency and performance," says CHOICE air conditioning expert Chris Barnes.
"Unfortunately the comparatively quiet models named here happen to be fairly mediocre performers.
"Quietness is clearly no guarantee of good performance or efficiency for portable air conditioners."
Most portable air conditioners tend to be fairly noisy, regardless of their efficiency and performance
Chris Barnes, CHOICE air conditioning expert
The current models we've tested range from 54.9dBa (quieter) up to 69dBa (very noisy) on high speed.
For comparison, a typical conversation reaches about 60dB, a very noisy dishwasher might sit at around 50dB, and a running shower might clock in at about 70dB.
Keep in mind that an air con's noisiness can vary notably depending on the room it's in. Carpets and soft furnishings will absorb some noise; hard floors and tiles can amplify it.
Still, if noise is a key factor for your choice (you might have a sleeping baby, do lots of video conferences, or you're sensitive to sound, for instance), here are the quieter models to look out for.
The Aldi Stirling portable unit is the cheapest and quietest we tested.
Aldi Stirling PA09W1
- Fan noise on high: 54.0dBa (Much quieter)
- Cooling score: 51%
- RRP: $229
- Running costs: $49*
Aldi Special Buys products only pop up from time to time, so if you're looking for a portable air con that's quiet, affordable and cheap to run, then you might consider grabbing this one when you see it.
But before you start scouring the middle aisle, we suggest you cool your heels.
At just $229, it's the cheapest portable air con in our review. However, it also sits towards the bottom of the leaderboard, with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 56%. (This overall score is based on each unit's cooling performance and energy efficiency.)
So it'll have minimal impact on your wallet (at least for upfront cost) and your ears – but also on the room temperature.
Before you start scouring the middle aisle, we suggest you cool your heels
We've also tested a $249 Aldi Stirling portable air conditioner, but despite its slightly higher price, it actually delivers performance that's lower than the $229 model. And it definitely doesn't deliver lower noise: at 63.1dBa, it's rated as 'Noisy'.
If you're trying to beat the heat on a tight budget, you might be better off looking at a pedestal fan: a number of the models recommended by our experts come in at well under $100. Check our pedestal and tower fan reviews to see which ones will lower the mercury but not your bank balance.
Read the full Aldi Stirling PA09W1 review.
*Summer running costs are the approximate cost of operating the unit at maximum capacity for four hours per day for three months in hot weather, based on an energy cost of 40c/kWh.
The Polocool costs a lot but delivers little.
Polocool PQ10C
- Fan noise on high: 57dBa (Quieter)
- Cooling score: 54%
- Price: $829
- Summer running costs: $144
This 2.7kW unit was one of the quietest we reviewed in our laboratory tests.
Unfortunately, it also seriously under-delivers on actually cooling, managing a lowly mark of just 54%. So you'll hear it less, but probably be sweating more.
Having said that, it did receive the highest cooling score of the models rated as 'quieter', so if you absolutely must have the quietest unit possible, this one is the way to go – but just bear in mind that you'll be sacrificing performance.
If you have this kind of money to spend on a portable air conditioner, you can definitely do better
If you have this kind of money to spend on a portable air conditioner, you can definitely do better: the top-rated unit from our tests costs only a little more.
Read our full review of the Polocool PQ10C.
This Click portable air con is less effective than the cheap Aldi unit.
Click CPAC1907-C
- Fan noise on high: 59dBa (Quieter)
- Cooling score: 47%
- RRP: $279
- Running costs: $114
If you're about to click 'add to cart' on this Click unit, we suggest you don't.
Despite its slightly higher price, it'll actually leave you worse off than the cheapo Aldi unit – both at the checkout and later on when you pay your power bill.
Despite its slightly higher price, it'll actually leave you worse off than the cheapo Aldi unit
Plus, it only has a one-year warranty while the Aldi air con has a generous three-year warranty.
Our experts say that such a short warranty period suggests that the manufacturer doesn't have much confidence in the product – and neither should you.
Read the full Click CPAC1907-C review.
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