BLACK+DECKER BP05PWA 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Yes, for the right buyer. The BLACK+DECKER BP05PWA 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner ranks #2 in our Best Portable Air Conditioners Under $300 list. Its biggest strength: affordable portable cooling. The main caveat: 5,000 BTU SACC suits small rooms only.

Based on our research it suits budgets under $300. It's ranked #2 of 3 in our Best Portable Air Conditioners Under $300 list.

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: 5,000 BTU SACC suits small rooms only; single hose is less efficient; noticeable compressor noise.

Worth comparing: LG LP0621WSR 6,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner and BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner, 8,000 BTU. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

Every compressor-based portable AC needs somewhere to reject the heat it pulls out of the room, normally through an exhaust hose vented outside. Some models can vent through a wall port, a dryer vent, or a drop ceiling instead of a window, but none of the mainstream single-hose or dual-hose units can run with the exhaust hose fully sealed indoors. Evaporative coolers, which do not use a compressor, can run without any venting but only lower the temperature a few degrees and add humidity, which is not a true substitute in humid climates.

Most portable AC kits ship with an adjustable slider panel designed for standard double-hung windows and often include a second bracket for casement or sliding windows. For sliding glass doors, a dedicated slider door venting kit (sold separately for some brands) seals the hose through a vertical track instead of a horizontal one. Check the specific model's included kit before buying if your window type is anything other than a standard double-hung.