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!
Disclosure: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. This does not impact our reviews and comparisons. All opinions are our own. We pride ourselves on keeping our articles fair and balanced. For more info see our disclosure statement.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
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.
Also Available on Amazon Also Available on AmazonEnjoy 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.
