Are you and your laptop overheating from the harsh summer heat? Sadly, not all rooms come with an air conditioner. A desktop air conditioner is a great appliance to get when you need an extra breeze to keep you chilled! Although these devices can't cool an entire room due to their mini size, they can provide immediate relief for a designated spot.
Purchasing a desktop air conditioner can get confusing because of the multiple models and types. We're here to help! After thorough research, we found that Pesonder's Portable Air Conditioner is a great desktop air conditioner to start with for its three-in-one features and night light function. Continue reading this article to find a detailed buying guide with all the information you need to make a confident purchase.
Our top 10 best desktop air conditioners list is made up of different coolers with different functions! Browse through the list to find the product fit for your needs.
$36.99
Type | Fan, evaporative cooler, air humidifier/purifier |
---|---|
Tank capacity | Not listed |
Power supply | USB-C |
Run time | 3-5 hrs. |
Dimensions | 6.8 in. tall |
Extra features | Handle, 3 speeds, adjustable wind direction, 7-color LED light with 2 modes |
$29.99
Type | Fan, evaporative cooler, air humidifier |
---|---|
Tank capacity | 600mL |
Power supply | USB |
Run time | 4.5-6 hrs. |
Dimensions | 9.6 x 5.7 in. |
Extra features | Handle, 3 speeds, 2 misting modes, timer, LCD display, 8-color night light |
$24.99
Type | Evaporative cooler, air humidifier |
---|---|
Tank capacity | Not listed |
Power supply | USB |
Run time | Not listed |
Dimensions | 5.7 x 5.2 x 6.8 in. |
Extra features | Handle, adjustable wind direction, speed control knob |
$99.00
Type | Evaporative cooler, air humidifier/purifier |
---|---|
Tank capacity | 800mL |
Power supply | Micro-USB |
Run time | 9 hrs. |
Dimensions | 6.69 x 6.69 x 6.77 in. |
Extra features | Handle, LED light |
$9.99
Type | Fan |
---|---|
Tank capacity | N/A |
Power supply | USB |
Run time | N/A |
Dimensions | 7.2 x 6.1 x 3.9 in. |
Extra features | 3 speeds, 360-degree rotation, anti-slip pad |
$49.99
Type | Evaporative cooler |
---|---|
Tank capacity | 700mL |
Power supply | Rechargeable battery and USB |
Run time | 12 hrs. |
Dimensions | Not listed |
Extra features | Auto-oscillation, 3 wind speeds |
$57.99
Type | Fan, evaporative cooler |
---|---|
Tank capacity | 380mL |
Power supply | USB |
Run time | Not listed |
Dimensions | 6.69 ×5.98 ×6.18 in. |
Extra features | 3 speeds, LED tank light |
$28.99
Type | Evaporative cooler, air humidifier/purifier |
---|---|
Tank capacity | 500mL |
Power supply | USB |
Run time | 8 hrs. |
Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.3 x 5.9 in. |
Extra features | 3 speeds, LED indicator and light switch, adjustable wind direction |
$38.99
Type | Fan, evaporative cooler, air humidifier |
---|---|
Tank capacity | Not listed |
Power supply | USB |
Run time | Not listed |
Dimensions | 7.8 x 6.2 x 6.2 in. |
Extra features | LED light, 3 speeds |
$39.99
Type | Fan, evaporative cooler, air humidifier/purifier |
---|---|
Tank capacity | 700mL |
Power supply | USB-C |
Run time | 2.5-8 hrs. |
Dimensions | 7.5 x 6 x 6.5 in. |
Extra features | Handle, 3 speeds, LED charging indicator |
Image | 1 ![]() Pesonder | 2 ![]() Charmelife | 3 ![]() SmartDevil | 4 ![]() evapolar | 5 ![]() Gaiatop | 6 ![]() AddAcc | 7 ![]() Vinmen | 8 ![]() Mekomy | 9 ![]() TKLake | 10 ![]() Generic |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Portable Air Conditioner | Portable Air Cooler Fan | Portable Mini Air Conditioning Fan | evaCHILL | USB Desk Fan | Portable Air Conditioner | Breeze Maxx Air Cooler | Air Cooler | 4-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner | Portable Air Conditioner Fan |
Features | Three-in-One Rechargeable Air Conditioner | Portable Air Cooler With a Timer and LCD Display | Mini Air Conditioner With a Built-In Ice Tray | Simple Air Cooler That Lasts up to 9 Hours | A Powerful Anti-Slip Desk Fan | Battery-Powered Portable Air Conditioner | Air Conditioner With an Easy-to-Track Water Tank | Easy-to-Use and Compact Air Cooler | Easy-to-Refill Portable Air Conditioner | Desktop Air Cooler With an Ion Air Purifier |
Price | $36.99 | $29.99 | $24.99 | $99.00 | $9.99 | $49.99 | $57.99 | $28.99 | $38.99 | $39.99 |
Type | Fan, evaporative cooler, air humidifier/purifier | Fan, evaporative cooler, air humidifier | Evaporative cooler, air humidifier | Evaporative cooler, air humidifier/purifier | Fan | Evaporative cooler | Fan, evaporative cooler | Evaporative cooler, air humidifier/purifier | Fan, evaporative cooler, air humidifier | Fan, evaporative cooler, air humidifier/purifier |
Tank capacity | Not listed | 600mL | Not listed | 800mL | N/A | 700mL | 380mL | 500mL | Not listed | 700mL |
Power supply | USB-C | USB | USB | Micro-USB | USB | Rechargeable battery and USB | USB | USB | USB | USB-C |
Run time | 3-5 hrs. | 4.5-6 hrs. | Not listed | 9 hrs. | N/A | 12 hrs. | Not listed | 8 hrs. | Not listed | 2.5-8 hrs. |
Dimensions | 6.8 in. tall | 9.6 x 5.7 in. | 5.7 x 5.2 x 6.8 in. | 6.69 x 6.69 x 6.77 in. | 7.2 x 6.1 x 3.9 in. | Not listed | 6.69 ×5.98 ×6.18 in. | 6.6 x 6.3 x 5.9 in. | 7.8 x 6.2 x 6.2 in. | 7.5 x 6 x 6.5 in. |
Extra features | Handle, 3 speeds, adjustable wind direction, 7-color LED light with 2 modes | Handle, 3 speeds, 2 misting modes, timer, LCD display, 8-color night light | Handle, adjustable wind direction, speed control knob | Handle, LED light | 3 speeds, 360-degree rotation, anti-slip pad | Auto-oscillation, 3 wind speeds | 3 speeds, LED tank light | 3 speeds, LED indicator and light switch, adjustable wind direction | LED light, 3 speeds | Handle, 3 speeds, LED charging indicator |
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The right desktop air conditioner should cool a designated area without being too obtrusive or loud. Read our buying guide below for all the information you need to pick out the best option for you!
Not all desktop air conditioners function the same way. They use a motorized fan to provide a steady air stream or create a cool mist by evaporating ice water. Since these small devices lack the cooling refrigerants that stationary air conditioners have, they cannot cool large areas.
Desktop fans come in multiple sizes and have different cooling capabilities. These fans look much like regular fans but are smaller and more portable. They have a motor that spins blades to blow out air. Place these portable devices on your desk to provide relief on a hot day or help cool down an overheating laptop.
Desktop fans are great for prolonged use and work, much like a regular standalone fan. The main difference between an air conditioner and a fan is is that the temperature in an area cannot be reduced with a fan.
Desktop fans use a motor to circulate the air in a room, creating an airflow that helps cool down your body. However, some fans can get loud, especially if they have different power levels.
Evaporative air conditioners are slightly larger than desktop fans. They are usually rectangular and have the same panels you see on a stationary air conditioner. They are still very portable and small enough to be placed on top of your desk!
Get an evaporative air conditioner if you’re looking for a device that emits cold air rather than just circulating air. These devices, sometimes called personal cooling air conditioners, cool a small area by evaporating ice water and circulating the cool air with a fan.
The strength of the cold air coming from regular air conditioners is measured by British Thermal Units (BTU). Stationary air conditioners usually run on around 5,000 to 12,500 British thermal units.
Unlike a standard stationary air conditioner that requires installation, an evaporative air conditioner is portable and light. It comes with a water tank, a set of filters, and a fan. Simply fill up the tank with ice water and enjoy a short period of cold air!
Most evaporative cooling air conditioners can be used as a standalone fan or as an air cooler. In addition, some models can also act as humidifiers that help reduce a room’s dryness by adding extra moisture.
Desktop air conditioners don't produce much noise compared to regular air conditioners, making them an excellent alternative for those looking for a little white noise to help them relax or fall asleep.
Desktop fans, which can’t blow out cold air and look like regular standing fans, don’t have a water tank. So, they can be kept on for a long time. However, evaporative air conditioners' run time depends on their water tank.
Evaporative air conditioners usually have a tank capacity ranging from small 200-milliliter tanks to large 800-milliliter tanks. These devices run roughly for four to nine hours, depending on the cooler’s strength. If it has multiple speeds, running it at the lowest speed will make it last longer.
Regular desktop fans and evaporative air conditioners are both very energy-efficient appliances. Whether they use a power cord or a USB cable to run, they use up little energy. These useful appliances don’t have an air compressor, unlike regular like stationary air conditioners that require a lot of power to run.
Personal cooling air conditioners may use a USB cable and rechargeable batteries. These models are very portable and can be charged using multiple methods. Hook a desktop air conditioner to your PC or laptop and enjoy cold air on the go.
Desktop evaporative air conditioners are easy to use and maintain. Most models only require a few simple steps to keep the air clean and cool. After the water in the tank is used up, clean the filters using a damp cloth.
Some manufacturers include an extra set of filters, or you can purchase your own. Filters get dirty relatively quickly, especially in rooms with a lot of dust. So don’t forget to give the filters a clean from time to time!
Not all desktop evaporative air conditioners come with filters. For those that don’t have a separate filter, make sure to clean the fan’s blades as soon as the dust starts to accumulate. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on the water tank for mold or mildew.
Desktop fans are maintained and cleaned like regular standing fans. As soon as you see the cover of dust building up on the blades and outer covering, the fan needs cleaning. Maintaining a desktop fan is easier than cleaning an evaporative air conditioner because it lacks a water tank and filters.
Evaporative air conditioners come in a range of sizes and models. They also have additional features that add functionality. Like we mentioned above, some personal cooling air conditioners are a three-in-one product. You get a fan, an air cooler, and a humidifier.
Other useful features to look for are remote controllability, different fan strengths and modes, auto-shutdown timers, LED lights, and carry handles. The more additional features your cooling air conditioner has, the more convenient they are to use. Some can even connect to Google Home or Amazon Alexa!
Sadly, desktop fans do not usually have extra features. Other than changing the fan’s strength and maybe remote controllability, desktop fans are straightforward appliances.
Are you looking for more ways to stay cool? Check out these items that will help you beat the heat!
Looking for more air conditioning choices? See what Amazon's popular items are for cooling down anytime, anywhere!
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