Need a portable air conditioner for your car but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars? Well then you’re in the right place. We reviewed thousands of portable air conditioners and found the 7 best cheap small portable AC for cars.
In this ultimate guide, we have listed the key features, pros, cons, and other details of each cooler so that you can make an informed purchase decision.
We guarantee that you will find one of these affordable portable AC units to be the best portable AC for your car that allows you to enjoy a cool environment at all times.
For your convenience we have listed the portable ACs in order from lowest to highest price. We have also included a link directly to the official product page so that you do not manually have to search for the product.
What Are The Best Cheap Small Portable ACs For Cars?
Portable air conditioners can cost thousands of dollars, which is utterly unreasonable. Therefore, the best cheap small portable AC under $100 are
1. AOWOSA 12V Automobile Cheap Small AC for Car Backseat – Cooling Fan for SUV, RV, Van, Vehicles ($29.85 on Amazon)
This is one of the best portable air conditioners you can find for your car. It looks elegant, does not take up that much space due to its compact size, and cools your car quickly and efficiently. For a low price, this 2 head cooling fan contains many incredible features.
Key Technical Specs and Features
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Item dimensions: 10.04 x 5.59 x 5.12 inches
- Noise level: 45 DB
- Material: plastic
- Item weight: 1.65 pounds
- Color: black
Pros
- Can be rotated 360 degrees
- Stepless speed switch, meaning that you can adjust the fan speed to any level you want to.
- Does not make that much noise
- Comes with black clamps to keep the wires tidy
- Great for air circulation in your car
- The cord is 7 feet long, so it will definitely be long enough to reach your outlet.
- Since it is placed on the seat, it does not take up any leg space.
- Has 2 USB charging ports to charge your devices
Cons
- Has a cord that needs to be plugged into a 12V auxiliary power outlet (also known as a DC cigarette lighter socket), which may get annoying.
- Some customers reported that the AC unit stopped working after a month.
- It does not automatically rotate
Summary
Overall, this affordable cooling fan works exceptionally well at keeping your pets or children in the backseat cool at all times, especially when the car’s air conditioner is not working. Furthermore, this AC unit is great at maintaining air circulation, preventing people in the backseat from getting car sick.
Additionally, you can always adjust the cooling speed to your needs for better air conditioning. What’s better is that unlike many other AC units, this air conditioner does not have a few levels of air conditioning. Instead, it has a stepless speed switch, meaning that you can set the fan to the exact cooling speed you need.
Another benefit is that you do not need to replace batteries because it powers by plugging it in to an outlet. However, its cord may get annoying or not look as appealing. The cord, however, will not get in your way because it comes with black clamps that keep the wires tidy.
You can also adjust the position of the fan to any direction you want to, allowing all passengers to experience the cooler. The only downside is that it does not rotate automatically.
In addition, it comes with 2 USB ports so that passengers can charge their electronic devices conveniently.
Finally, the cooler is really small and takes up very little space in your car. Due to its small size, it is also easy to use as a portable AC.
Overall, this AOWOSA small portable AC is one of the best cheap small portable AC for your car.
To buy this small AC unit from Amazon for just $29.85, click here.
2. Sinbee Portable Air Conditioner, Small Air Cooler With 3 Cooling Speeds, Quiet Small AC with LED Lights for Car, Camping, Room, Desk, Office ($35.99 on Amazon)
This small portable air conditioner is perfect for your car, especially if you are on a budget. For a price of under $50, this AC unit gives you everything you need and also looks elegant.
Key Technical Specs and Features
- Voltage: 5 volts
- Item weight: 520 grams
- Water tank capacity: 300 mL
- Noise level: 40 DB
- AC unit dimensions: 6.69 x 6.1 x 5.71 inches
- Colors: light white and black
Pros
- Includes a USB cable to power the AC unit.
- Has 7-color cycle LED lights that make it look appealing in your car, especially at night
- 3 in 1 multi-function: air conditioning, humidification, and air purification
- You can choose from 3 wind speeds to customize the cooler to your needs.
- It is energy-efficient, for it only requires 5 volts to function.
Cons
- You can adjust the wind direction up and down; however, you must do so manually.
- Does not cool as quickly as some other products due to its small size and little power usage.
Summary
Overall, the Sinbee cheap small portable air conditioner is ideal for you if you are looking for something really small that cools small places.
In terms of looks and convenience, this mini air conditioner passes. At a height of about half a foot, this AC will essentially fit anywhere in your car. Moreover, with 7-color LED lights, it will look elegant in your car, especially at night.
Furthermore, since cars are small, the portable AC unit will be able to cool your car relatively quickly. You can also choose from 3 wind speeds if you want faster or slower airflow.
One of the best parts of this personal air cooler is that it also works as a humidifier and air purifier. This eminently improves air circulation and ensures moisture in the air at all times.
Nevertheless, despite its many advantages, it also has a few downsides. One downside is that you must adjust the vents manually if you want to change the airflow direction. Another disadvantage is that it does not cool as quickly as some other portable AC units.
However, considering that you are buying this to cool your car, it should be sufficient, unless you want rapid cooling.
To buy this best portable air conditioner for just $35.99 on Amazon, click here.
3. Dr. Prepare Mini Air Cooler Fan and Humidifier, Portable Personal Air Conditioner for Car, Room, Desk, Office, RV, and Tent – with 7 Color Night Light, 3 Speeds, and Timer ($36.99 on Amazon)
Due to its many features, compact size, elegant appearance, and rapid cooling, the Dr. Prepare Air Conditioner is the best cheap small portable AC for cars, making it the best choice. Keep reading to learn this portable air conditioner fan’s key features, pros, and cons.
Key Technical Specs and Features
- Noise level: 45 decibels
- Rechargeable battery: 4,0000 mAh battery
- Color: black
- Water reservoir capacity: 15.2 ounces/450 mL
- Item weight: 2.16 lbs
- Item dimensions: 6.77 x 5.85 x 8.84 inches
- Power: 10 watts
Pros
- 3 wind speeds
- Has a handle to make it a better portable option
- 2/4 hours timer to automatically shut the portable car air conditioner off.
- The battery is rechargeable using a USB cable.
- 4-in-1: small air conditioner for cooler air, night light, cool humidifier with water, and normal fan without water
- 7-color LED light makes it look appealing in your vehicle, especially at night
- Includes a power cable and a rechargeable battery, eliminating the hassle of a cord.
- Control panel at the top lets you know when it’s on low battery, when it’s charging, and when it needs a refill. It also allows you to effortlessly change the airflow speed, turn on a timer, and turn on/off the spray or fan.
Cons
- It only lasts on battery power for about 4 hours. This will be sufficient for most car rides, unless you are going on a really long road trip.
- You can adjust the wind direction up and down; however, you must do so manually.
- Long charging time: 2 hours
Summary
Ultimately, this low cost portable car air conditioner has everything you need for cooler air in your car. Like most air conditioners, it has 3 fan speeds and a USB cable.
However, what makes this AC stand out is that it has a fan mode, 7-color LED lights, and humidifier in addition to being an air conditioner.
Furthermore, it runs on a 4,000 mAh rechargeable battery that runs for about 4 hours. This run time may be kind of short if you are going on a long road trip. What makes it worse is that it takes about 2 hours to charge completely, which quite long. Nevertheless, the use of a battery comes with an advantage: it eliminates the hassle of a cord in your vehicle.
Finally, the control panel located at the top of the AC unit makes it easy to control the speed, turn on/off the spray or fan, and turn on a 2 or 4 hour timer. The control panel also includes lights that indicate when it needs a refill, when it’s charging and when it’s on low battery.
Overall, the Dr. Prepare Personal Air Cooler has a few downsides, but for the most part, it is the best choice due to its many features, elegant look, and affordable price tag.
To buy the Dr. Prepare Portable AC for Cars for just $36.99 on Amazon, click here.
4. Vivibyan Small Portable Air Conditioners, Personal Air Conditioner Fan for Cars, RV, SUV, Room, Office, ($45.99 on Amazon)
The Vivibyan Small Personal Air Cooler has all the features you are looking for in an air conditioner for your car. It is not only small and portable, but it is also energy-efficient. As a result,
Key Technical Specs and Features
- Wattage: 5 watts
- Water reservoir capacity: 300 mL
- Color: gray
- Item weight: 2.33 pounds
- Item dimensions: 8.07 x 7.44 x 7.05 inches
- Rechargeable batter: 2,000 mAh
Pros
- Energy-efficient: only uses 5 watts of power.
- 3-in-1 multifunction: air conditioner for cooler air, normal fan for enriched air circulation, and mist sprayed to humidify your car (works like a humidifier).
- Runs on a battery, meaning you won’t have to deal with a cord in your car.
- 3 fan speeds
- 7 color cycle LED lights
- Has a handle that makes it easy to carry around.
Cons
- The water reservoir is not that big (300 mL), causing you to have to refill it with water more often than other models.
- It does not cool as rapidly as other models because of its little energy usage.
- It only lasts on battery power for about 2-4 hours. This should be long enough for most car trips.
- You must put ice cubes for it to produce cooler air.
Summary
This budget small portable air conditioner for cars has many features and is small enough to fit perfectly on your car’s dashboard. Its built-in handle, light weight, and compact size makes it much easier for you to use it as a portable air conditioner.
However, the small size does come with a disadvantage. Its water reservoir is only 300 mL, meaning you will have to refill it with water every few hours. Furthermore, the duration at which it can be used is further limited due to its battery.
Although it is beneficial that it works without a cord, the battery, which lasts only about 2-4 hours, is not ideal.
Like most other air conditioners, this small car AC also has 3 fan speeds and 7 color cycle LED lights that enhance its appearance.
Moreover, this AC also works as a normal fan for better air circulation and humidifies the atmosphere of your car to maintain adequate moisture.
Finally, its energy-efficiency comes at a price: it does not cool as rapidly.
To buy the Vivibyan cheap small portable AC for cars on Amazon for just $45.99, click here.
5. Moguu Affordable Small Portable Air Conditioner, Evaporative Air Cooler Fan for Home, Office Desk, Bedroom, RV, Dorm, Car, Camping ($65.99 on Amazon)
The Moguu small air conditioner is really tiny and can easily fit anywhere in your car. Since it’s so small, you won’t have to compromise any of your personal space. In addition, it rapidly cools hot air into cold air in as little as 3 seconds.
Key Technical Specs and Features
- Water tank capacity: 300 mL
- Wattage: 3 watts
- Color: white
- Item dimensions: 6.77 x 6.22 x 5.91 inches
- Item weight: 1.19 pounds
Pros
- 3 fan speeds
- Circulating air supply for better ventilation
- 7-color LED lights
- Does not contain ozone refrigerant
- Low noise, but the exact noise level is not specified.
- It is very tiny and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
Cons
- The water reservoir is not that big (300 mL).
- Some customers have reported leakage from the bottom of the AC unit.
- Must connect a USB cable to power it.
Summary
The Moguu cheap small portable AC for cars has many advantages but also a few disadvantages. It has all the features that most other small air conditioners have, such as 3 fan speeds, 7-color LED lights, and air circulation for cleaner air.
The primary feature that makes this model stand out is that it is very tiny and lightweight. Therefore, it can fit almost anywhere, allowing you to carry around with ease.
Additionally, it does not contain ozone refrigerant, making it safer/healthier to use.
Nevertheless, it does have a few downsides. The main downside is that some customers have experienced leakage from the bottom, which is undoubtedly annoying. Additionally, you must power it with a USB wire, causing you to deal with a cord in your car.
Finally, its small size results in a small water reservoir as well (300 mL), causing you to have to refill it with water more often than other models.
Overall, this low cost air conditioner for cars is the best for you if you want something more portable and safer/healthier than other options.
To buy the Moguu budget AC unit for cars for just $65.99 on Amazon, click here.
6. Wapemork Mini Portable Air Conditioners – USB Powered AC with 800 mL Water Tank for Car, Camping, Office, RV, and Bedroom ($69.99 on Amazon)
The Wapemork Personal Portable Air Conditioner has many extra features for a price of under $100. For instance, its water tank is much bigger and removable, it has a replaceable filter, and the wind blades are adjustable using a knob.
Key Technical Specs and Features
- Item dimensions: 7.83 x 6.06 x 6.89 inches
- Item weight:
- Color: white
- Item weight: 3.21 pounds
- Noise level: 40 DB
Pros
- Control panel at the top makes it easy to function
- It has a replaceable filter if you feel the need to replace or clean it.
- Wind blades are adjustable with a knob
- Huge water tank: 800 mL
- 4-in-1 multifunction: works as a humidifier, fan, air conditioner, and night light.
- No chemically harmful substances
- Includes a night light, but is not multi-color.
Cons
- Only has 2 fan speeds
- Uses a USB cable to run rather than a rechargeable battery.
- A bit bigger than some other air conditioners
Summary
Ultimately, this portable air cooler has all the features for efficient air conditioning in your car. It is a bit bulkier, but it is still small enough to fit anywhere in your car.
The main feature that makes this AC stand out is its huge 800 mL water reservoir capacity, giving it the ability to cool for much longer. Additionally, the water reservoir and filter are removable, allowing you to clean them when needed. Being able to clean the filter and water reservoir will ensure longevity.
Some aspects of this portable air cooler also make it more convenient, such as using a knob to adjust the wind blades and a control panel at the top.
Nonetheless, despite its many positives, it has a few downsides too. Foremost, it only has 2 fan speeds while most other small ACs have 3. It also uses a USB cord to run instead of a rechargeable battery, increasing the hassle of dealing with a cord.
Finally, although it does have a night light, it is only 1 color.
Again, this portable option is great if you want a convenient air conditioner that will last years.
To buy the Wapemork Cheap Small Portable AC for cars for $69.99 on Amazon, click here.
7. Evapolar evaCHILL Small Personal AC and Humidifier for Cars with 1 Year Warranty ($97.50 on Amazon)
The Evapolar evaCHILL Small Air Conditioner for cars has many features that make it worth buying, especially its low noise. It is much quieter than most portable units at a noise level of just 25 DB.
Technical Specs and Features
- Wattage usage: 7.5 watts of power
- Noise level: 25 DB
- Material: 80% ABS Plastic, 15% Electronic components, 5% EvaBreeze material
- Item dimensions: 6.77 x 6.69 x 6.69 inches
- Voltage: 5 volts
- Item weight: 1.7 pounds
- Colors: urban gray, opaque white, and ocean blue
- Water tank capacity: 800 mL
Pros
- Rapidly cools an area of 26 square feet, which is more than enough to cool your car.
- 4 fan speeds
- 4-in-1 multi-function: cools, humidifies the air using evaporation technology, purifies the air, and works as a fan.
- Handle that makes it a better portable option without ruining its look
- 1-color LED light
- 1 year limited warranty
- Huge water reservoir capacity (800 mL)
- Exceptionally quiet (only 25 decibels)
- Exerts really cold air for quick cooling.
Cons
- You may need to replace its cartridge/filter.
- Uses a USB wire to run rather than a rechargeable battery.
Summary
Overall, the Evapolar evaCHILL Personal Evaporative Air Cooler is our recommended choice if you are willing to spend a little bit more money. It still has an incredibly low price tag (under $100) considering all its features.
While most portable car air conditioners only have 3 fan speeds, this model offers 4. Moreover, this small AC unit can do 4 things: cool, humidify, purify, and fan. These many features increase its usefulness.
Furthermore, it design is elegant despite having a handle. The handle rests on top of the portable unit, preventing it from hanging down and ruining the appearance. In addition to its appealing design, it is also very light and small, which makes it effortless to carry around.
Additionally, producing only 25 decibels, it is also one of the quietest portable car air conditioners available.
Finally, its huge water reservoir of 800 mL ensures that it will last hours without a refill while its 1-year warranty protects you from any damages to the product.
Nevertheless, although it cools astoundingly quickly, you may need to replace its cartridge/filter. The cartridge can be bought online through the Evapolar website.
Another disadvantage is that you need to connect it using a USB wire, for it does not have a battery. Therefore, you will have to deal with its cord in your car, which may be annoying.
Ultimately, this cheap small portable AC for cars is our recommendation if you want the extra features and rapid cooling.
To buy the Evapolar evaCHILL Personal Air Cooler for just $97.50 on Amazon, click here.
Conclusion – Best Cheap Small Portable AC for Cars
These 7 cheap portable AC all offer a variety of features that will definitely satisfy you. Despite their low cost, all of the portable car air conditioners have exceptional features. This should bring you to an understanding that you do not need to pay an extortionate price for a cool car. You can attain just as much comfort from a cheap air conditioner.
We realize how much better it is to have cool things; therefore, we also wrote about the best cheap countertop bullet ice makers.
We hope that after reading this article you found your “best cheap small portable AC” and are happy with your purchase.
If you found this article to be helpful, check out related articles to save yourself more money. Remember: wasting money on purchases is the worst financial decision you can make. As a result, always remember to search for cheaper items first.
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