Even if your vehicle’s air conditioner has gone off track or it is just not enough—a portable automotive air conditioner fills the need exquisitely. They are lightly weighted, easy to carry/place, don’t need a live power source, have a long-lasting battery, and cooling is enough for a relevant sized vehicle. The cooling system used in the portable air conditioners for automotive might or might not be the same as the units used in residential places—thus, this guide lets you acknowledge the things you might consider before buying any of the models.
Editor's Pick | Features | |
 | Bcamelys Purple
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Based on the features, durability, cooling capacity, modes, weight, dimensions, and aesthetics we have selected Bcamelys Portable Air Conditioner as the most recommended model in the category of portable air conditioners.
Features to Look in Before Buying the Portable Automotive Air Conditioners
These features will help you check the compatibility of mini portable car air conditioners according to your need and requirements.
Cooling System
The cooling system in the portable air conditioners plays a crucial role in keeping that required temperature demand from it. Whether it is the portable car AC or a home unit, the main purpose is to expel the heat from the environment to the outside of the unit. There are diversely three sorts of cooling scenarios that cover;
Simple Fan Based System
This sort of cooling is basic—operates on fan rotation only. The cooling is done by the ventilation of air, the fan picks up the hot air and displaces it with cool air already present.
Refrigerant Cooling
The refrigerant cooling consists of a refrigerant, that readily changes the forms as the result of throwing the heat—hot air passes thru the refrigerant and it absorbs all the warmth, therefore, making the air cool. The main three components of this procedure are;
- Refrigerant: It is mostly the “freon” gas and responsible for cooling the hot air by means of changing the forms of matter.
- Compressor: It compresses the refrigerant and causes heat release (exothermic).
- Fan: The air that is been cold by the refrigerant is blown away by the fans.
The cooling process in the refrigerant system is much higher and efficient than the other procedures—even they are used in the household to commercial grade level cooling systems.
Evaporative Cooling
The evaporative cooling is the use of vaporized water to cool hot air. The procedure can be understood by example as, when you take a bath in summers and come out of house and when even the hot air touches the body, it feels chill until you get dried. The portable air conditioners that have evaporative cooling installed in them usually have a water container or ice likewise. The hot air passes thru the grills (moist) and mixes with the mist (water particles) that leaves the air conditioner and proceeds the cooling process.
Power Source
The power source of the portable ac unit for the car varies (battery and live) depending on the model. They are;
Direct/Live Power Source
The 12v portable air conditioners are super energy efficient. But on the other hand, the range for portable car AC is;
- 12V—24V
The power is drawn from the automobile thus the range is always kept convenient. Models with less power potential are energy efficient but they likewise will be average in performance, nevertheless; some models are exceptional cases—work potently on the lower power source.
Battery Sourced
The portable air conditioner with a battery doesn’t need a live power source—with these models there is no hassle of wires. They can be placed inside the house or moved to any area.
Long-Lasting
The lasting of any portable air conditioner depends on variant factors—battery capacity, working efficiency, stand-by, and other modes. The range of long lasting is;
- Average-Sized Batteries (12 V)—2 to 3 hours
- Larger Batteries—4 to 7 hours
Fan Speed
The adjustability of fan speed plays a keen role in creating an environment of your choice. There comes normally three-mode fan speed (low, moderate, and high) but contrarily, some models integrate an adjusting knob.
Humidifier
The humidifiers eliminate the dryness from the surrounding by spreading mist (tiny particles of water) in the air. They are super helpful for asthmatics to breathe in rough air conditions. If you are living in an area with hot weather and dryness in the air then the portable automotive air conditioners integrated with humidifying systems will be electable.
Air Purification
The air purification system installed in the air conditioner allows the air to pass through the filters and eliminates the dirt, microbes, and contaminants from it—thus, giving off the perfect & cleansed air for a healthier environment.
Weight
Weight of the portable air conditioner must be at an average measurement otherwise, there will be hustle in carrying and placing it. The weight range of portable auto air conditioning system is;
- 510 g to 4 kg
Dimensions
The dimensions, according to the professional portable ac for car reviews, must be smaller enough to fit in the dashboard of the vehicle. The normal range of height X width X length is;
- 8—12 (H) X 6—8 (W) X 6—10 (L) inches
Aesthetics
The aesthetics help a lot in most of the convenience for the user. Rather than just considering the power source and cooling capacity, they matter as well. The most common to look in before buying are;
Control
The control panel on any of the 12 V air conditioner for a car can be operated by;
- Touch
- Remote Control
- Buttons
- Rocket Switches
The modern and highly efficient command type is the touch control panel.
Display
Most of the 12v electric air conditioner for a car doesn’t integrate the display—a few have LCD digital display for the gauge speed of the fan and the water level (if they have an evaporative cooling system).
Some show the voltage they are getting. The portable air conditioners that have batteries as a power sources have digital indicators on the display.
Cigarette Lighter
Some of the aesthetic models come with a cigarette lighter that draws power from the portable air conditioner. They are convenient to use, especially when the vehicle’s igniter has gone off track or there is not any installed. We have listed the portable car air conditioner cigarette lighter edition.
Noise/Quiet
The fan-based air conditioners might be noisy, stay keen about the sound they produce while operating. Go for the quietest ones.
Cooling
The cooling capacity of an average-sized model is suitable for a normal 5-seater car—larger models are capable of cooling 7-seaters, vans, eventually an area of up to 21 sq. ft.
Top 6 Best Portable Automotive Air Conditioners
| Image | Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Bcamelys Purple -Power Source: Battery -Voice Control -Capability: up to 7 hours | Check Price |
 | Blaux Portable Air Conditioner -Power Source: Battery -Weight: 1.1 kilogram -Efficient Air Filtration | Check Price |
 | Goodqueen Adjustable -Power Source: Direct -Voltage: 12 Volts -Dimension: 20 X 9 X 14 (cm) | Check Price |
 | Ivation Personal Mini Air Cooler -Power Source: Battery -Control: Touch -Cool Mode | Check Price |
 | Yosoo 12V Car Air Conditioner -Power Source: Corded -Dimensions: 8 X 6 X 5 Inches -Weight: 1.1 kg | Check Price |
 | Little Big Chill Portable Air Conditioner -Power Source: Battery -Evaporative Cooling -Adjustable Speed Control | Check Price |
1. Bcamelys Purple Light Mobile Air Conditioner
Hot Feature
- Power Source: Battery
- Voice Control
- Capability: up to 7 hours
- 3 Fan Speed
- Weight: 2.44 lbs. (without water)
- Water Tank Capacity: 500 ml
- LED Night Light
- Power Saving Mode
- Portable Design
- Easy Refilling
- Purifying Mode
- Humidifying
- Built-in Filters
The Bcamelys Purple Portable Air Conditioner is integrated with 5-in-1 functionality—can be used as; table fan, humidifier, portable car ac, purple light lamp, LED mood light, and air purifying is an all-time feature of this. The purple lighting can be used as side lamps and night light as well. The long-lasting battery provides a continuous of 4—7 hours, depending on the fan speed and functions.
The water tank has a space of up to half liter, that helps in extensive cooling without even worrying about the refill. The model has massive appealing because of aesthetic voice control system allowing you to control it without even bothering to stand up. The compact design is fit for portable car or room use.
2. Blaux Portable Air Conditioner G2
Hot Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Weight: 1.1 kilogram
- Efficient Air Filtration
- Battery Capacity: 2000 mAh
- Dimensions: 8 X 8 X 7 inches
- Touch Control
- Aesthetic Lights
- Built-in USB Charging Portable
- Battery Type: Lithium Cobalt
- Noiseless Cooling
The Blaux AC G2 has compact design and extensive durability. The touch control allows you to have complete customization over the speed and cooling capacity of the model—fan speed is distributed in 3 levels, low, moderate, and high. The air conditioners have integrated with particle capture water curtain that is replaceable.
The dimensions are best to fit on the dashboard of the vehicle—the cooling capacity is suitable up to 7-seater vehicles. The model is super quiet even when operated on the highest speed. With built-in easy charging by USB port allows you to plug power source especially in the vehicles.
3. Goodqueen Adjustable 12V Air Conditioner
Hot Features
- Power Source: Direct
- Voltage: 12 Volts
- Dimension: 20 X 9 X 14 (cm)
- Quiet Operation
- 2 Speed (slow—fast)
- Evaporative Cooling
- Water Tank
- Power: 60 W
- Operated by Car Cord
The Goodqueen 12 V portable air conditioner is super energy efficient that draws just a power of 12 V. The power source is corded but easy to connect that enables non-stop operativity. Evaporative cooling is extremely essential in hot and dry days—humidifies air, that is healthy for asthmatics.
The slim design of the portable air conditioner with adhesive tape attachment makes it easier to attach on the dashboard as well. Water tank is non messy and comes with easy refilling design; just open the upper covering, take out the container, fill in with water/ice, place it back and turn it on.
4. Ivation Personal Mini Air Cooler
Hot Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Control: Touch
- Cool Mode
- Evaporative Cooling
- Weight: 3.4 lbs.
- 2-Speed Fan
- USB Port Charging
- Tank Capacity: 4.4 Ounces
- Portable Design
- 10X Less Energy Consumption
The Ivation Mini Portable Air Conditioner has 2 speed fan modes with efficient evaporative cooling system. The technology cools up the area up to 21 sq. ft. The compact design can be used as personal room cooler as well portably in the vehicles. The energy consumption is 10 times less than the normal air conditioners of this category.
The simple one touch control is easy to operate with On/Off button, fan speed adjustability, and cool mode. Green technology allows eco-friendly and healthier breath—the maintenance is convenient; tank is easy to detach and easy to fill. USB port is integrated for charging for non-stop usage in the vehicle.
5. Yosoo 12V Car Air Conditioner
Hot Features
- Power Source: Corded
- Dimensions: 8 X 6 X 5 Inches
- Weight: 1.1 kg
- Voltage: 12 V
- Power: 30—60 W
- Evaporative Cooling
- Easy to Install
- Humidifier
- Material: ABS
The Yosoo portable air conditioner operates on 12 V power input making it super power efficient. The corded electric source allows you to operate it non-stop without battery low interruptions. The design is sleeky and simple—with compact dimensions making it easy to adjust anywhere, whether in a living room or vehicles.
The body is made of ABS material making it durable to shocks and hits. The lightweight and smart dimensions allow you to transport it without any hustle. Evaporative cooling gives completely moisture air that is solemnly healthy during dry weather conditions (autumn, seasonal etc.)
6. Little Big Chill Portable Air Conditioner
Hot Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Evaporative Cooling
- Adjustable Speed Control
- Battery Capacity: 2000 mAh
- Portable Design
- Easy Carry Handle
- DimensionsL 9 X 6 X 6 inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Lithium-Ion Battery
The Portable Air Conditioner is a simple yet efficiently cooling system with 3 speed adjustable fan modes (low, mid, and high). 2 lithium-ion batteries provide an extensive working of up to straight 6 hours. The humidifying feature is healthy for breathing especially in dry air conditions. Extremely portable design allows the user to install it in the room, vehicle (cars, RVs, mini busses), and as a table fan.
It is light weighted (2.2 lbs.—without water) and the slim dimensions make it an easy to adjust model. The carry handle allows you to transport it without convenience. Leather covering gives an aesthetic look and feel to touch. C-Type input is integrated for fast charging.
Conclusion
Cooling the environment of the vehicle especially when the dedicated air conditioner has gone off track or is just not enough—at that time, portable automotive air conditioner is best for non-stop cooling. Now, the second thought to entertain is the knowledge to you need to buy the most suitable model for you. The features to consider are; the cooling system installed (evaporative—refrigerant), fan speed levels, control panel, aesthetics (lights, color, design etc.), tank capacity, battery capacity, and durability. The enlisted products are searched out thru the market that are universal and portable to use. Whether you need to place them in the vehicle, or in the living—the attachment easy, with adhesive it is firm and convenient.
FAQs
Is there a portable air conditioner for cars?
The models like; Bcamelys, Blaux, Little Big chill, and Ivation are the most suitable portable air conditioners for cars. The compatibility, features, cooling capacity, power source, battery capability, and the aesthetics makes them good to use in automobiles.
How can I keep my car cool without AC?
Installing portable air conditioners in the automotive will help in keeping them cool. Sometimes the integrated AC goes off track—repairing is pricier, thus to compensate the tenure, drivers adjust portable air conditioner in the vehicle to maintain the temperature.
Is there a portable AC unit that doesn’t need a window?
The cooling always needs fresh air to vent thru, but portable automotive air conditioners can be placed on the dashboard and they will put the surrounding air in cycle, thus no need of window.
Is it worth buying a portable air conditioner?
If you are annoyed by the hot weather and your air conditioner is not operating well enough or just not working then putting a portable air conditioner in the place will be helpful.
How to Make your Portable Car Air Conditioner Noiseless?
Lubricating your fan and the motor will help in making the air conditioner quieter, and peaceful. Optimizing the electric source will likewise help adjust the load.
What are the best portable air conditioners?
The portable air conditioners; Bcamelys, Blaux, Little Big chill, and Ivation are the best option to consider for automotive. They are compact, aesthetic, cooling is capable, long lasting, easy to clean and durable.
Data Source
- https://www.enidhi.net/2015/04/portable-ac-india-review-feedback.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning
- https://www.theairgeeks.com/portable-air-conditioners-wiki/
- https://www.difference.wiki/split-ac-vs-window-ac/
