Portable AC, tower fan or mini split?

Three different ways to deal with a warm room, side by side. See what each one does, what it takes to set up, and who it suits, then check current prices on Amazon.

01 / Portable ACBLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU Smart Portable ACFor renters and single rooms, no permanent install

02 / Tower fanLevoit 36-Inch Tower FanFor moving air in bedrooms and living rooms

03 / Mini splitSenville LETO 24,000 BTU Mini SplitFor homeowners who want cooling and heating

Side by side

Figures come from each brand's Amazon listing. Brand-stated coverage and noise levels depend on the room, insulation, climate and settings.

	BLACK+DECKERPortable AC	LevoitTower fan	Senville LETODuctless mini split
Lowers air temperature	Yes	No, it moves air	Yes
Heating	Not on this model (heat versions listed)	No	Yes, heat pump
Rated output	14,000 BTU ASHRAE / 10,200 BTU SACC	Up to 28 ft/s airflow	24,000 BTU (2 ton)
Brand-stated coverage	Rooms up to 700 sq ft	Room-to-room use	See listing
Setup	Window kit included, for double-hung or sliding windows	Plug in	Indoor wall unit plus outdoor unit, usually installed by an HVAC technician
Power	115V, 1,400 W, 12 A	Standard outlet, corded	208/230V
Brand-stated noise	52 dB	28 dB	As low as 20 dB
Smart control	Wi-Fi app, Alexa, Google Assistant	Remote, 12-hour timer	App, Alexa (device required), schedules
Size	16.5 × 14 in footprint, 27.1 in tall, 62.7 lb	6.5 × 6.5 in footprint, 36.2 in tall	Wall-mounted unit plus outdoor unit

Swipe the table sideways on small screens.

Which one fits?

The portable AC, if you

Rent, or can't mount anything on the wall
Want to cool one room and move the unit later
Have a double-hung or sliding window

See the portable AC

The tower fan, if you

Mostly want air moving across a bedroom or couch
Want something light that plugs in anywhere
Don't need the room's temperature to drop

See the tower fan

The mini split, if you

Own your home and can have it installed
Want cooling in summer and heating in winter
Have a 208/230V circuit or can add one

See the mini split

01Portable air conditioner

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner, 14,000 BTU (BPACT14WT)

White BLACK+DECKER portable air conditioner on wheels with its remote control

Included window kit: exhaust hose, adjustable window panel and hose connectors

Key specsPortable AC

Cooling: 14,000 BTU ASHRAE 128 / 10,200 BTU SACC
Brand-stated room size: Up to 700 sq ft
Modes: AC, fan, dehumidifier
Controls: Follow Me remote, app, Alexa, Google Assistant
Settings: 3 fan speeds, sleep mode, 24-hour timer
Power: 115V / 60Hz, 1,400 W, 12 A, 7.9 CEER
Noise (brand): 52 dB
Size / weight: 16.5 × 14.06 × 27.09 in, 62.7 lb

What's good

No permanent installation: roll it in, attach the hose and window adapter, plug it in
The Follow Me remote reads the temperature where you are
Up/down and left/right swing louvers
Works with the BLACK+DECKER app and voice assistants

What to know

It needs a window for the exhaust hose
The SACC rating (10,200 BTU) is the newer, more conservative figure for portable units
Dehumidifier mode collects water in a 0.8 L tank
At 62.7 lb it has wheels, but stairs are a two-person job

Check price on Amazon

Opens Amazon.com in a new tab on the 14,000 BTU model without heat. Other sizes, including heat versions, are on the same listing. We may earn a commission.

02Tower fan

Levoit 36-Inch Tower Fan with Remote

Slim white and black Levoit tower fan with its remote control

A woman standing next to the Levoit tower fan in a bright living room

Key specsTower fan

Airflow (brand): Up to 28 ft/s
Oscillation: 90°
Speeds / modes: 5 speeds; Normal, Turbo, Sleep, Auto
Auto mode: Built-in temperature sensor adjusts fan speed
Timer: Up to 12 hours
Noise (brand): 28 dB at low speed
Size: 6.5 × 6.5 × 36.2 in
Power: Corded electric

What's good

Plugs into any outlet, nothing to install
Slim footprint fits beside a bed or sofa
Sleep mode and a 12-hour timer for nighttime use
The back grille comes off for cleaning

What to know

A fan moves air, it doesn't lower the room's temperature the way an air conditioner does
It feels coolest when the air is blowing on you
The 28 dB figure is for low speed; higher speeds are louder

Check price on Amazon

Opens Amazon.com in a new tab on the 36-inch white model. Other sizes, colors and a Wi-Fi version are on the same listing. We may earn a commission.

03Ductless mini split with heat pump

Senville LETO Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump, 24,000 BTU

Senville LETO indoor wall unit, outdoor condenser, remote, line set and accessories

The Senville LETO indoor unit mounted on a living room wall above a low cabinet

Key specsMini split

Capacity: 24,000 BTU (2 ton)
Function: Cooling and heat pump heating
Type: Ductless, wall-mounted, inverter
Voltage: 208/230V
Modes: Turbo, Eco, Sleep, Auto Swing
Controls: Remote, app, Alexa (device required), schedules, geo-fencing
Noise (brand): As low as 20 dB

What's good

Cools and heats from one system
No window needed, and the indoor unit stays off the floor
Inverter design adjusts output instead of cycling fully on and off
App and Alexa control with schedules

What to know

Mini splits are usually installed by a qualified HVAC technician. Check the listing and warranty for installation requirements
Needs a 208/230V circuit; a 12,000 BTU 110/120V version is also listed
Sold and shipped by Senville; the carrier contacts you to schedule delivery
Installation is a separate cost

Check price on Amazon

Opens Amazon.com in a new tab on the 24,000 BTU 208/230V model. Other capacities are on the same listing. We may earn a commission.

Questions

What's the difference between the ASHRAE and SACC BTU ratings?

Portable air conditioners are often listed with two numbers. SACC is the newer U.S. Department of Energy rating and usually comes out lower than the older ASHRAE figure. When comparing portable units, compare SACC to SACC.

Will a tower fan cool my room like an air conditioner?

No. A fan moves air, which can make you feel cooler when it blows on you, but it doesn't remove heat from the room. If you need the room itself to be cooler, look at the portable AC or the mini split.

Will the portable AC fit my window?

The brand says the included window kit fits double-hung or sliding windows. Measure your window and check the kit dimensions on the listing before ordering. Casement and crank windows usually need a different kit.

Can I install the mini split myself?

Mini splits involve electrical work and refrigerant lines, and are usually installed by a qualified HVAC technician. Installation requirements can affect the warranty, so check the listing and warranty terms first.

Who sells these, and who handles returns?

All three are sold on Amazon.com. Amazon or the listed seller handles payment, shipping, returns and warranty questions. We are not the seller and do not process payments.

Do you earn money if I buy?

We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through the links on this page. It doesn't change the price you pay.

Specifications, prices, availability and included items may change. Always review the current Amazon listing before buying. Brand names and logos belong to their owners; this page is not affiliated with or endorsed by BLACK+DECKER, Levoit or Senville.