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Note: Prices listed in this article are accurate at the time of writing.
If the humidity is getting to you, you could consider getting a portable air conditioner (AC) or air cooler. Though it generally helps, it’s still dependant on the type of air cooler/portable air conditioner you get, how often you use it, and what temperature you set it on most often.
Contrary to their name, portable ACs do not typically blow cold air like regular air conditioners do. But if you’re rajin enough to top up with ice cubes or cold water, some of them are meant to help reduce your electricity bill while providing “cooler” air. Another benefit of getting one would be if you don’t want to install an AC in every single room.
In saying that, keep in mind that portable ACs usually cool down one room or a specific area, and not an entire house. Some portable ACs also require a window nearby for its exhaust hose to exit.
1. Sharp Air Cooler PJA36TVB / PJA36TVW | RM299 – RM339
This Sharp air cooler is said to provide slightly cooler air than a fan but it’s not as cold as an air conditioner. It has four fan speeds, three fan modes (normal, natural, sleep), and it comes with four ice packs.
The air cooler has an automatic swing from right to left, as well as an up and down swing that can be manually adjusted.
There are two colours available and each one comes with a remote control.
Specifications
Dimensions: 30.6cm (W) x 74.5cm (H) x 37.5cm (D)
Weight: 7.08kg
Power consumption: 65W
Water tank capacity: 6L
Fan speed: 4 (Soft | Low | Middle | High)
You can get it on Senheng, Shopee, Lazada, ESH, or Harvey Norman.
2. Midea MAC 120-AR 10L | RM259 – RM288
This air cooler is described as multifunctional, as it’s said to also act as a humidifier and an air purifier. The air cooler is slightly bulkier-looking and wide but it does come with a relatively large water tank (10L) and two ice packs.
3. Youpin Microhoo Mini Air Conditioner | RM109.90 – RM119.90
Under Xiaomi Youpin, Microhoo is a mini air conditioner that can be placed on desks, coffee tables, or next to your bed. It comes with an LED touch screen and USB-C cable so you can connect it to your power bank, plug, or laptop.
The 1L water tank is removable and can be filled with cold water. If you want it even colder, you can add ice cubes. Each refill is said to last between six and 10 hours.
One thing to note is that you may need to replace the filter every four to six months and clean it carefully with a toothbrush to remove any dust.
4. Midea 15L Ionizer Air Cooler MAC-215F | RM315
Similar to the Midea MAC 120-AR, this air cooler is also recognised as a multifunctional device. The difference is that this one has a slightly larger tank capacity (15L).
Once the water tank is empty, it will automatically shut off to prevent overheating. The air cooler also has a set of four wheels, making it easy to roll from one room to another. Each purchase comes with a remote control and two ice packs.
5. Arctic Air Ultra / Arctic Storm Ultra mini air conditioner fan | RM25.49 – RM28.80
These mini air conditioner fans are perfect for placing on desks to make working from home or playing games more comfortable. They come with a USB cable but not an adaptor.
The small water tank can be filled with cold water, ice, or water mixed in with drops of essential oil. Each refill is said to last for up to six to eight hours.
6. Pensonic 7L Air Cooler PAC-104M | RM245 – RM288
This Pensonic air cooler comes with a horizontal auto-swing and a manually-adjustable vertical air swing.
It has four wheels to make it easier to transfer to different areas of your home. It also comes with two ice packs and a cable storage area.
7. Morgan 1.0HP Portable Aircond MAC-093 | RM849 – RM889
If you’re looking for something colder than an air cooler, consider this portable air conditioner. Instead of a water tank, it comes with a large exhaust hose that requires a nearby window for the hot air to escape.
It also has temperature settings similar to a regular air conditioner, and it comes with a remote control as well.
8. KHIND EAC-600 Air Cooler | RM323 – RM339.90
Khind’s EAC-600 Air Cooler has a 6L water tank capacity and once it’s empty, it will automatically shut off to prevent overheating.
The device is said to work best for small rooms or specific areas. Unlike the others that come with two or more ice packs, this one only comes with one ice pack.
It has two wheels and a handle on top, as well as a remote control.
Specifications
Power consumption: 65W
Water tank capacity: 6L
Fan speed: 3
Dimensions: 35cm (L) x 35cm (W) x 77cm (H)
Weight: 7kg
You can get it on Shopee, Lazada, Zalora, or Harvey Norman.
9. Maidronic European Style Portable & Rechargeable Air Cooler | RM49
Similar to those misty fans we see at mamaks, this small air cooler can blow a slight mist if you want, or you can switch off that option too.
As it doesn’t take up too much space, it’s best placed on desks or bedside tables. The battery can only last for up to two hours each time but it does come with a rechargeable USB cable.
The air cooler’s horizontal swing is manually adjustable, and its small water tank has a cover that can slide open or close.
10. Sharp Air Cooler PJA200TVB | RM579 – RM619
This Sharp air cooler is a sleek black with a water tank capacity of 20L. It comes with four ice packs, and if you want the air even cooler, you can add ice cubes as well.
It has an automatic right-to-left swing, with a manually-adjustable vertical and downward swing. Several reviews mention that, on its highest setting, it can be pretty noisy. So if you’re a light sleeper, it might not be the best option.
It comes with a matching black remote control.
11. Pensonic 1HP Home Comfort Portable Air Conditioner PPA1010 | RM1,299
With temperature settings similar to a regular air conditioning unit, this portable version comes with a large exhaust hose, requiring it to be placed near a window. Reviews say that it works pretty well to cool down a small room.
The device comes with a vertical auto swing, LED screen, and a remote control.
12. Firenzzi 40L or 42L Air Cooler | RM480 – RM655
These Firenzzi air coolers have one of the largest water tank capacities. Each one comes with two ice packs. It’s said that they can blow up to 6m or 8m away. Without cold water or the ice packs, however, they function just like a regular fan.
Both have an automatic left-to-right swing and comes with a set of four wheels, a touch screen panel, and a remote control. Take note that both designs look slightly different from each other.
13. Hisense 1.0HP R32 Portable Air Conditioner | RM895 – RM919
This portable AC has several good reviews, saying that it provides sufficient cool air for a small-to-medium-sized room. It comes with an exhaust hose, requiring it to be placed near a window.
It also comes with a remote control, so you can switch it off while still in bed.
Specifications
Weight: 21.4kg
Dimensions: 30cm (L) x 33cm (W) x 67cm (H)
Fan speed: 2
Cooling speed: 2
You can get it on Shopee, Lazada, or Harvey Norman.