Best Mini Split Heat Pumps and Portable ACs by Room Size

For a room you want to cool and heat year-round, a 12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump such as the Rellytech 19 SEER2 or the Temprium 22 SEER2 is the better long-term answer, because it moves heat outdoors efficiently and also warms the room in cool weather. For a rental, a sliding window, or a room where you cannot install anything, a dual-hose portable air conditioner like the DREO 14,000 BTU inverter or the Whynter ARC-1230WN is the practical runner-up. This guide compares the best mini split heat pumps and portable air conditioners by capacity, efficiency rating, noise and installation, so you can choose by room size and situation.

We did not personally use these units. This guide is research-based: it relies on the specifications in each product listing, manufacturer information, and general guidance on efficiency ratings. Where a spec is not stated in the listing, we write “not listed.” We do not make claims about energy savings, rebates or local installer costs, because those depend on your home, climate and utility.

Albott 12,000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heater SEER2 18, 115V | Inverter Energy-Efficient AC with Self-Cleaning, Remote and APP Control, HVAC Tech Needed, Cools up to 750 Sq.Ft.

Chosen because it specifies 000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heater SEER2 18 and 115V.

View on Amazon →

Mountman 12000BTU Mini Split AC/Heating System, 19SEER2 115V Energy Efficient Mini Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump, Cools Up to 750sq.ft, Ductless Inverter AC Unit with Pre-Charged Condenser

Chosen because it specifies Cools Up to 750sq.ft and Ductless Inverter AC Unit with Pre-Charged Condenser.

View on Amazon →

Rellytech Mini Split AC/Heating System, 12000 BTU, 19 SEER2 115V/110V | Ductless air conditioner, energy efficient, pre-charged system, up to 750sq.ft coverage, inverter heating and cooling

Chosen because it specifies 12000 BTU and 19 SEER2 115V/110V.

View on Amazon →

Temprium 12000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner, 115V 22 SEER2 AC & Heat Pump | Quiet ductless system for up to 750 Sq.Ft. Features R32 refrigerant, WiFi smart control & complete installation kit.

Chosen because it specifies 115V 22 SEER2 AC & Heat Pump and WiFi smart control & complete installation kit..

View on Amazon →

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall Mini Split: Rellytech 12,000 BTU, 19 SEER2, 115V, pre-charged
• Best Efficiency Rating: Temprium 12,000 BTU, 22 SEER2, 115V, R32 refrigerant
• Best Known-Name Mini Split: Senville LETO 12,000 BTU, 110/120V, heat pump
• Best Feature Set: COSTWAY 12,000 BTU, 20 SEER2, WiFi, installation kit
• Best Dual-Hose Portable: Whynter ARC-1230WN, 14,000 BTU, built-in dehumidifier
• Best Quiet Inverter Portable: DREO 14,000 BTU dual-hose inverter, 42 dB listed
• Best Portable with Clear Capacity Numbers: BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU, 10,200 BTU SACC

Quick Comparison Table

Mini Split or Portable AC? The Short Answer

A mini split has an outdoor unit that sends heat outside and a wall-mounted indoor unit, connected by a refrigerant line. It is efficient, quiet indoors, and usually heats as well as cools if it is a heat pump model. A portable air conditioner sits in the room and vents its hot air through one or two hoses to a window. It needs no permanent installation, but it takes up floor space, is louder, and is generally less efficient.

A caution on hoses: a single-hose portable pulls room air to cool its condenser and pushes it outdoors, which draws hot outside air back in through gaps. Dual-hose models bring air in from outdoors through a second hose and avoid that problem, which is why they tend to cool better at the same BTU rating.

How to Size the Unit: A Worked Example

A common starting rule is about 20 BTU per square foot of cooled space, adjusted for ceiling height, sun exposure, kitchens and number of occupants. Use it as a rough check, not a design calculation.

• A 300 sq ft bedroom: about 6,000 BTU by the rule, so a 9,000 BTU mini split gives comfortable headroom, such as the 9,000 BTU units in the store’s range (the Rellytech 9,000 BTU lists coverage up to 550 sq ft).
• A 600 sq ft open living area: about 12,000 BTU, so the 12,000 BTU mini splits listed for up to 750 sq ft fit.
• A sunny 400 sq ft room with a west-facing window: add about 10 percent, so about 8,800 BTU. Choose 9,000 to 12,000.

For portable units, size by the SACC (seasonally adjusted cooling capacity) on the energy label, not the headline BTU. Marketing BTU numbers measure something different from what reaches the room. Two listings show this clearly: the BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU lists 10,200 BTU SACC, and the DREO 14,000 BTU lists 10,000 BTU DOE. So a “14,000 BTU” portable may deliver roughly 10,000 BTU of real cooling. That is why a unit labeled 14,000 BTU on the box is not equal to a 12,000 BTU mini split.

Oversizing is not free. A unit much larger than needed cycles on and off, which can leave a room clammy. Inverter-driven units (all the mini splits and the DREO here) vary their output, which reduces the problem.

1. Rellytech 12,000 BTU Mini Split: Best Overall Mini Split

• 12,000 BTU, 19 SEER2, 115V
• Pre-charged system, inverter heating and cooling
• Coverage up to 750 sq ft per the listing
• Installation kit: not stated in the title

Best for: one-room or open-plan spaces where you want heating and cooling without ductwork. Skip if: you rent, or you need a certified install for warranty and are not sure the product allows DIY.

A 115V mini split plugs into a standard household circuit, which is attractive because many 12,000 BTU units need 230V. Check your breaker size and the manufacturer’s required circuit before ordering. “Pre-charged” means the refrigerant is already in the outdoor unit, so installation does not necessarily require charging the system on site. Even so, lines must be connected correctly, the system evacuated per the instructions, and local rules followed. Handling refrigerant in the U.S. generally requires certification, so if the instructions call for any step you are not licensed to do, hire a professional.

19 SEER2 is a good efficiency figure. SEER2 and HSPF2 replaced the older SEER and HSPF ratings in 2023 with tougher test conditions, so you should compare SEER2 to SEER2, not to older numbers.

Pros: heating and cooling; inverter; plugs into a standard 115V circuit per the listing; no ducts. Cons: installation required; heating performance at very low outdoor temperatures not listed; support depends on the brand.

2. Temprium 12,000 BTU, 22 SEER2: Best Efficiency Rating

• 12,000 BTU, 22 SEER2, 115V
• AC and heat pump
• R32 refrigerant, WiFi smart control, complete installation kit
• Up to 750 sq ft per the listing

Best for: people who plan to run it a lot and want the most efficient rating in this list. Skip if: you want a long track record from the brand.

Higher SEER2 means less electricity per unit of cooling, which matters most if you run the unit for many hours. The savings depend on your climate, hours of use and electricity rates, so we do not put a dollar figure on them. R32 is a refrigerant used in many newer systems; it has a lower global warming potential than older refrigerants, but it is mildly flammable, which is one reason to follow the install instructions exactly.

Pros: highest SEER2 here; WiFi control; install kit. Cons: premium cost; newer brand; install requirements apply.

3. Senville LETO 12,000 BTU: Best Known-Name Mini Split

• 12,000 BTU (1 ton), heat pump
• 110/120V, wall mounted, ductless
• Works with Alexa; quiet operation per the listing
• SEER2 rating: not stated in the title

Best for: shoppers who prefer a brand with years in the mini split category. Skip if: you need to see the SEER2 rating in the product title before buying; check the spec sheet.

Senville is among the better-known direct-to-consumer mini split brands. Because the title does not state a SEER2, treat the efficiency as unconfirmed and look at the AHRI or spec sheet before you compare it with the 19 to 22 SEER2 models above. If you shop for a cold-climate home, such as those searching for a heat pump for Minnesota or Utah winters, look for a model with a stated low-temperature heating rating and a cold-climate certification rather than relying on a general BTU figure.

Pros: known brand; heat pump; 110/120V; voice control. Cons: premium cost; efficiency not stated in the title.

4. COSTWAY 12,000 BTU, 20 SEER2: Best Feature Set

• 12,000 BTU, 20 SEER2, 115V
• WiFi enabled, Alexa compatible, inverter
• Heat pump and installation kit
• Up to 750 sq ft per the listing

Best for: homes where smartphone and voice control matter. Skip if: you would rather have a model that lists detailed noise figures; indoor decibel levels are not in the title.

The mid-range price and mid-to-high efficiency make it a sensible middle choice. Smart control is useful for setting schedules and turning the unit on before you get home, and heat pump mode makes it a year-round unit. Ask about the warranty if you do the install yourself.

Pros: WiFi and voice control; 20 SEER2; install kit. Cons: noise level not listed; installation required.

5. Whynter ARC-1230WN Dual-Hose Portable: Best Dual-Hose Portable

• 14,000 BTU, dual hose
• Built-in dehumidifier with auto drain
• Cool, dehumidify and fan modes, smart features
• SACC and decibel figures: not listed in the title

Best for: large bedrooms or living rooms where a mini split is not allowed. Skip if: you need a lightweight unit you can move upstairs regularly.

Dual-hose design addresses the biggest weakness of portables: negative pressure. One hose brings outdoor air in to cool the condenser, the other sends it out, so the room does not pull in warm air from outside. The auto-drain dehumidifier is helpful in humid climates, because many portables otherwise need a bucket emptied. Look at the energy label for the SACC figure before comparing against the others.

Pros: dual hose; auto-drain dehumidifier; no permanent install. Cons: large and heavy; premium cost; hose kits take window space.

6. DREO 14,000 BTU Inverter Portable: Best Quiet Inverter Portable

• 14,000 BTU (10,000 BTU DOE) inverter, dual hose
• 42 dB listed, drainage-free operation
• App, voice and remote control
• Marketed for bedrooms and large rooms

Best for: bedrooms where quiet running matters. Skip if: you want the lowest purchase cost; this is a premium portable.

Inverter compressors adjust their speed instead of switching fully on and off, which keeps the room temperature steadier and the noise lower. The listing is transparent about the 10,000 BTU DOE figure, which is the number to size by. A listed 42 dB is a manufacturer figure; real perceived noise depends on the room and on where the unit sits.

Pros: inverter; dual hose; low listed noise; clear DOE figure. Cons: premium cost; still a portable footprint.

7. BLACK+DECKER 14,000 BTU: Best Portable with Clear Capacity Numbers

• 14,000 BTU with 10,200 BTU SACC
• Rooms up to 700 sq ft per the listing
• Smart 3-in-1: cooling, fan, dehumidifier, with Follow Me remote
• Hose configuration: not listed in the title

Best for: larger rooms where you want a recognizable brand and an honest SACC number. Skip if: you need a confirmed dual-hose design; check the manual.

The SACC figure is the one to trust. At 10,200 BTU it is comparable to the DREO’s DOE figure, which tells you the real cooling is similar despite the same box number. The smaller BLACK+DECKER 9,000 BTU model lists 5,300 BTU SACC for rooms up to 400 sq ft, which shows how far the real number can fall below the headline.

Pros: clear SACC; known brand; three modes. Cons: hose type not in the title; floor space.

Also Consider

Albott 12,000 BTU mini split, SEER2 18

A lower-priced 12,000 BTU unit whose listing notes that an HVAC technician is needed for installation, which is useful honesty to weigh.

Rellytech 9,000 BTU mini split

The right size for bedrooms up to roughly 550 sq ft per the listing, with the same 19 SEER2 rating.

SereneLife 14,000 BTU inverter dual-hose portable

A lower-cost dual-hose inverter with Wi-Fi and a window kit, for renters comparing against the DREO.

BLACK+DECKER 9,000 BTU portable

Listed with 5,300 BTU SACC for rooms up to 400 sq ft, a small bedroom option.

AEROZY windowless evaporative cooler

An evaporative cooler, not a refrigerant air conditioner. It uses water and ice packs and adds humidity, so it only suits dry climates and personal cooling. If you have asked about portable air conditioners without hoses, this is what the “windowless” products are, and they do not cool like a compressor-based unit.

Portable AC Without Hoses, With Two Hoses, and Without a Window

Three questions come up often. First, can a portable air conditioner work without a hose? A true compressor-based air conditioner has to send its heat somewhere, so it needs at least one exhaust path. Products sold as hoseless or windowless are generally evaporative coolers, which behave very differently. Second, are two hoses better than one? Usually yes, for the reason above: a second hose stops the unit from sucking in warm air through cracks. Third, can I run a portable in a room with no window? Only with a venting solution that the manual allows, such as a wall or sliding-door kit; do not vent into another room or a closet.

How We Chose

We started with the mini split and portable air conditioner listings in the site store, then looked at capacity, stated efficiency rating, voltage, noise, hose design and installation notes. We picked four mini splits with different efficiency ratings and three portables across single, dual and inverter designs. For explanations of SEER2, HSPF2 and SACC we relied on ENERGY STAR and DOE terminology as summarized by HVAC publishers, and we noted where sources disagree. We did not personally use any product, and we do not estimate energy savings, rebates or installer prices.

Buying Guide

Capacity: use real cooling numbers

For mini splits, choose by the room’s square footage and conditions: 9,000 BTU for roughly 350 to 550 sq ft, 12,000 BTU for roughly 550 to 750 sq ft, according to these listings. For portables, size by SACC or DOE capacity, not the headline BTU.

Efficiency: SEER2, HSPF2 and CEER

SEER2 rates cooling efficiency and HSPF2 rates heating efficiency for mini splits; higher is better. Portables use CEER and SACC. A 20 SEER2 unit uses less electricity per unit of cooling than a 15 SEER2 unit, but real savings depend on climate, hours of use and your electricity rate. ENERGY STAR qualification thresholds are published by ENERGY STAR and differ by product type, so check the current specification rather than relying on older articles.

Cold climates: look at low-temperature heating

Standard heat pumps lose heating capacity as the outdoor temperature falls. Cold-climate certified models are designed to hold more of their capacity at low temperatures. If you live in a place with hard winters, look for a stated low-temperature rating and keep a backup heat source in mind.

Noise and placement

Mini split indoor units are usually quieter than portables because the compressor is outside. Place the outdoor unit away from bedroom windows and neighbors. A portable’s noise is in the room with you, so look for an inverter model and a listed decibel figure.

Installation and warranty

Read the install section of the manual before you buy. Some pre-charged kits are designed for DIY, others need a licensed technician, and a warranty may require professional install. Check the electrical requirements, including voltage and breaker size, and whether your local rules require a permit.

Common Mistakes

• Buying by the headline BTU on a portable instead of SACC or DOE.
• Choosing a single-hose portable for a room where you will run it all day and wondering why the next room gets warm.
• Oversizing a mini split so much that it short cycles.
• Installing the outdoor unit where snow, leaves or a fence will block airflow.
• Skipping filter cleaning. Wash or replace filters on the schedule in the manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best mini split heat pumps?

For efficiency, the Temprium 22 SEER2 leads this list; for balance, the Rellytech and COSTWAY 12,000 BTU units; for a known brand, the Senville LETO. Choose by room size and by whether you can install it.

Are mini split heat pumps good for cold climates?

Standard models lose heating capacity as it gets colder, and cold-climate models are designed to keep more of it. If you live in a very cold area, look for a model that states a low-temperature heating capacity.

Can a mini split replace a portable air conditioner?

Yes for most rooms, and with better efficiency and quieter indoor sound. The trade-off is installation, which makes it a poor fit for many renters.

What is the best portable air conditioner with two hoses?

The Whynter ARC-1230WN and the DREO inverter are the dual-hose options in this guide. Dual-hose designs generally cool better than single-hose at the same rating.

Is there a portable air conditioner without hoses?

Compressor-based air conditioners need to vent heat. Products sold as hoseless are typically evaporative coolers that add moisture and work best in dry climates.

What does SACC mean on a portable air conditioner?

SACC stands for seasonally adjusted cooling capacity. It is the federally required capacity figure for portables and is usually lower than the marketing BTU number. Use it to size the unit.

Do I need a professional to install a mini split?

It depends on the model and your local rules. Some kits are pre-charged and designed for DIY, while others state a technician is needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local code, and ask an HVAC professional if you are unsure.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you own your home and want heating and cooling in one quiet unit, buy a 12,000 BTU mini split: the Rellytech for balance, the Temprium for the best efficiency rating, the COSTWAY for smart features, or the Senville LETO if brand history matters. If you rent or cannot install a wall unit, buy a dual-hose portable, the DREO for quiet bedrooms or the Whynter for a larger room, and size it by SACC or DOE rather than the box number. If your need is a small bedroom, step down to a 9,000 BTU mini split or a portable with a clear SACC rating.

Sources

• Product listing details for each model named above
• ENERGY STAR: heat pump and air conditioner specifications
• U.S. Department of Energy: portable air conditioner SACC test procedure
• Rellytech, Temprium, Senville, COSTWAY, Whynter, DREO and BLACK+DECKER manufacturer information
• Filterbuy and Costway blogs: mini split versus portable AC comparisons

Last updated: October 2026