Are you in search of a method to keep cool during your outdoor escapades? The top tent air conditioner presents a compact, effective answer to uphold a cozy atmosphere within your tent. Crafted for convenience and simplicity, these air conditioners prove ideal for campers desiring to relish nature’s beauty without enduring hot, humid evenings. Tailored to accommodate different tent dimensions, they guarantee a refreshing and enjoyable setting, enriching your camping venture.
There are a few factors that you need to consider before buying a tent conditioner. Let’s take a look at these:
- BTU: BTU stands for cooling power. It determines the cooling power of your air conditioner. Usually, the higher the BTU the better the cooling capacity. But higher BTUs is what you will always want. You should pick the BTUs depending on the floor size of your tent.
- Floor Area: You need to calculate your tent’s exact floor area in square footage. Then use that number to figure out how much BTUs your AC will need to cool down your tent.
- SEER rating: This is a rating system that determines the energy efficiency of your AC unit. The higher the SEER rating, the better the energy efficiency. The SEER rating is directly related to electricity bills. So, get yourself an air conditioner with higher SEER ratings.
In this guide, we’ll review the top tent air conditioners and provide a “Buying Guide” to help you select the best option for your needs.
Best Tent Air Conditioner Table
| Best Tent Air Conditioners | BTU | Floor Area | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER Tent Air Conditioner | 8000 BTU | 300 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
| SereneLife Tent Air Conditioner | 8000 BTU | 250 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
| Vremi Tent Air Conditioner | 6250 BTU | 150-250 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
| TOSOT Tent Air Conditioner | 8,000 BTU | 300 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
| COSTWAY Tent Air Conditioner | 8000 BTU | 230 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
| HOmelabs Tent Air Conditioner | 8600 BTU | 450 - 600 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
| LG Tent Air Conditioner | 6,000 BTU | 250 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
| PPQ Tent Air Conditioner | 3000BTU | 15 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
| Nommyair Tent Air Conditioner | 2380BTU | 43 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
| BougeRV Tent Air Conditioner | 2899BTU | 54 Sq.Ft | Check On Amazon |
Best Tent Air Conditioner Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Tent Air Conditioner
Black+Decker, a renowned American brand recognized for its prowess in power tools and household appliances, distinguishes itself with its line of portable air conditioners tailored for tent use. Among these, the 8000 BTU model not only delivers cooling relief but also offers heating functionality, ensuring comfort throughout the year.
This floor-standing portable air conditioner efficiently cools areas up to 350 square feet. Although its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 4.62 isn’t the highest on the market, the unit’s comprehensive features make it a worthwhile investment.
Despite its powerful cooling capacity, the unit operates relatively quietly. Noise levels reach up to 53 dB during high-speed cooling and drop to 51 dB in sleep mode. The air conditioner offers three fan speeds, a sleep mode, and a 24-hour timer, catering to various preferences and needs.
The self-evaporating system ensures the tent remains cool, clean, and dry. With its compact design, caster wheels for mobility, and easy-to-maintain reusable filters, this Black+Decker air conditioner is both versatile and user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for cooling and heating needs.
Best Features
- 8,000 BTUs for 350 Sq feet cooling
- SEER rating 4.6
- AC that doubles up as a heater. Minimum cooling temperature 18 degree C, maximum heating temperature 25 degree C
- Comes with a remote controller and digital display
- Includes caster wheel for ease of portability
- Comes with 5 feet exhaust pipe and 8-inch long power cord
Pros
- Small and compact
- Good for tents and other small spaces
- Comes with window kit
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Limited space cooling
Another model from BLACK+DECKER:
Here is the Black+Decker 12000 BTU portable AC for tents can cool off a 500 sq feet area with ease.It has a SEER rating of 4.6. It features incredibly low-noise performance which produces only 53 dB in full-speed mode and 51 dB is sleep mode. You get a remote controller and digital display along with a 4’11” inches exhaust hose and window kit.The best part of this AC unit is that it doubles up as a heater too keeping you comfortable all year round.
2. SereneLife Tent Air Conditioner
SereneLife, a reputable American brand recognized for its diverse range of indoor and outdoor appliances, presents an optimal solution for enthusiastic travelers in search of a portable and cost-effective cooling option. The SereneLife Portable Air Conditioner, boasting an 8,000 BTU capacity, effectively chills areas up to 250 square feet, accompanied by an impressive SEER rating of 10.5, underscoring its energy-efficient operation.
While it may generate slightly more noise when compared to alternatives like the Black+Decker model, the SereneLife unit delivers exceptional value within its price range. Featuring a compact design, this air conditioner offers versatile 3-in-1 functionality encompassing cooling, fan, and a built-in dehumidifier, catering to a variety of cooling needs.
Its portable construction incorporates wheels for effortless mobility, complemented by a user-friendly LED display, a convenient 24-hour timer, and easily removable and cleanable air filters. Despite the exhaust pipe being somewhat bulkier, the air conditioner comes complete with all essential window mounting kits, streamlining the installation process for users.
Best Features
- 8,000 BTU for 250 sq ft size room
- SEER rating 10.5
- Comes with remorse controller and LED display
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Stand-free design comes along with wheels
- 24-hour timer
- Moving air vents for better air circulation
Pros
- Affordable
- Great cooling
- Lightweight and easily movable
- Low on maintenance
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Small cooling capacity
One more product from the SereneLife:
It’s an upgrade over the last product that we have reviewed. SereneLife a 10, 000 BUT capacity power chiller that can cool down a room of upto 270 Sq ft area. The small, portable, stand-alone design is incredibly energy efficient. It has a SEER rating of 9.8 and a noise level that operates between 52 to 56 dB. It’s not the quietest option available out there but it’s also not among the loudest portable ACs. Talking about its design, it’s a small portable stand-alone design which won’t take much of your floor space.
3. Vremi Tent Air Conditioner
Headquartered in New York, Vremi has built a reputation for crafting cost-effective, top-notch portable air conditioners tailored for tents and RVs. Their portable air conditioner, boasting a 6,250 BTU capacity, is engineered for adaptability, effectively cooling expansive cabin tents accommodating up to 12 individuals or smaller family tents.
It caters to areas spanning from 150 to 250 sq ft and flaunts a SEER rating of 7.94. While it may not be the most silent option, with noise levels hovering around 51 dB at its quietest, it delivers considerable cooling prowess. Equipped with various operational modes, a timer, remote control, LED display, and washable filters, this unit prioritizes user convenience and demands minimal upkeep.
Setting it up is a breeze, courtesy of the included window seal adapters and mounting kits. Moreover, this air conditioner pulls double duty as a heater, offering a temperature range of 64 to 90 degrees F. Nevertheless, manual oversight of the dehumidifier is necessary. Despite this minor inconvenience, the Vremi portable air conditioner stands as a fantastic choice for budget-conscious campers.
Best Features
- 6250 BTU cooling power
- Can cool spaces measuring 150 to 250 sq ft
- SEER rating 7.94
- 4 operating modes: cool, dry, fan and sleep
- 24-hour timer function
- Remote control and LCD display
- Doubles up as a heater
Pros
- Easy installation
- Affordable and energy efficient
- Easily portable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Noisy operation
4. TOSOT Tent Air Conditioner
TOSOT, a renowned brand in the American market for portable and window air conditioners, leverages over three decades of expertise to deliver budget-friendly and eco-conscious appliances. Their 8000 BTU portable air conditioner is tailored to cool areas up to 300 square feet efficiently, offering a blend of performance and premium functionalities. Exceptionally quiet at a mere 43 dB, it ranks among the least noisy options on the market.
Crafted for user convenience, this unit features smooth-rolling caster wheels, diverse modes, a dehumidifier with a capacity of extracting 2.3 pints per hour, and a remote control for effortless temperature adjustments. Its setup is hassle-free, requiring less than 15 minutes, and includes a flexible exhaust hose spanning from 11.8 to 58 inches.
A standout attribute is its self-evaporating mechanism, eliminating the necessity for manual water drainage under low humidity conditions. However, for more humid environments, a drain hose is provided, ensuring uninterrupted operation without any inconvenience.
Best Features
- 8000 BTU of cooling power
- Can cool down a space measuring 300 sq ft
- Noise level: 43 dB
- Dehumidifier can pull out 2.3 pints per hour
- Remote controller
- LCD screen
- Adjustable timer function
- Reusable air filters
- Child safety lock
Pros
- Low noise operation
- Easy to maintain
- Doesn’t need to drain the water by hand
- Auto-dehumidification
Cons
- No warranty offered
- Not that powerful
5. COSTWAY Tent Air Conditioner
COSTWAY, a UK-based brand, offers a diverse range of home and kitchen appliances, including a portable air conditioner with an 8,000 BTU cooling capacity. This model efficiently cools areas up to 230 sq ft, thanks to its two-way air deflection system that ensures even air distribution vertically, and horizontally, eliminating hot spots.
The air conditioner features three modes: fan, cool, and dehumidify, with the latter capable of removing up to 50 pints of moisture daily. It also includes a sleep mode for quieter operation at less than 56 dB, a 24-hour timer, and temperature settings ranging from 64°F to 86°F.
Designed for convenience, it has caster wheels for easy movement and a compact size that fits easily into tent corners. However, it may be noisy at higher speeds and has a small-capacity reservoir. Despite these minor issues, the COSTWAY portable air conditioner is praised for its compactness, lightweight design, and portability.
Best Features
- 8,000 BTU cooling power
- Can cool own upto 230 sq ft area
- Operating noise level: 56 dB
- Refrigerant: R410A
- 3 operating modes: fan, cool and dehumidifying
- Remote controller
- Touch panel and LCD screen
- Easy-rolling caster wheels
- Washable air filters
Pros
- Affordable
- Small and compact
- Very lightweight and easily portable
Cons
- The exhaust hose could be more flexible
- Small reservoir
6. HOmelabs Tent Air Conditioner
HomeLabs is well-known for its top-notch portable air conditioners, and their 8,600 BTU model stands out as a prime example. It is adept at cooling sizable tents ranging from 450 to 600 square feet. Despite its SEER rating of 2.6, the unit boasts an impressive power-to-price ratio. Users praise its straightforward setup process, portability, and relatively quiet operation, emitting only 53 dB on the highest setting.
Among its notable features are a remote controller for convenience, adjustable temperature and fan speeds to cater to individual preferences, a cooling mode for swift temperature reduction, and an eco-friendly sleep mode for energy efficiency. Additionally, it includes a built-in dehumidifier capable of extracting up to 100 pints (47 liters) of water daily, supplemented by a drain hose due to the absence of a water reservoir. A handy clean-filter indicator is also integrated to provide timely maintenance reminders.
While highly effective, its substantial cooling capacity might be excessive for smaller tents designed for 4-6 occupants, potentially rendering it a costly choice for such requirements. However, for larger cabin tents accommodating 12-14 individuals, its rapid cooling abilities, appealing design, and quiet operation make it a worthwhile investment.
Best Features
- 8,600 BTU cooling power
- 400-650 sq cooling capacity
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Noise levels upto 53 dB
- Remote controller with LCD display
- Auto swing mode
- Eco-friendly sleep mode
Pros
- Brand value and trust
- Easy to set up
- Great cooling capacity
- Portable
Cons
- Heavyweight
- The air vents are located at the top which shoots air at the ceiling
7. LG Tent Air Conditioner
Renowned for its expertise in home appliances, L.G. presents a sleek and effective portable air conditioner. With a cooling capacity of 6,000 BTUs, it efficiently cools areas up to 250 square feet, catering well to medium-sized rooms or 14-person cabin tents. Notably, it boasts a SEER rating of 6.5 and operates quietly, emitting only 52 dB even at its highest setting.
This air conditioner offers three distinct modes: cool, fan, and dry, accompanied by washable filters and a convenient filter check alert feature. Its dehumidifying capability can eliminate up to 43.2 pints of moisture daily, making it particularly advantageous in humid climates. Designed for both style and functionality, it includes two fan speeds, oscillating vents for uniform air circulation, and caster wheels for easy mobility.
While the unit’s weight is relatively heavy at 58.4 lbs, its compact dimensions and compatibility with a standard 115V outlet render it versatile for both campers and homeowners seeking effective cooling solutions.
Best Features
- 6,000 BTU for 250 sq ft room
- SEER rating of 6.5
- Auto evaporation system
- Remote controller, LED display
- 2 fan speeds
- Air filter check alert
- Dehumidification features
- 3 in 1 functions
Pros
- G reliability
- Great design
- Flexible duct
- Drain is easy to access
Cons
- Bit Heavy
- Might leak
8. PPQ Tent Air Conditioner
The PPQ Air Conditioner is a portable that cools rapidly using advanced technology. It can lower the temperature to 68°F in 1 minute, with a cooling power of 3000 BTUs. Despite being powerful, it consumes only 190W of power thanks to its efficient design.
This AC unit has handy features like wireless charging and an emergency LED light. It’s lightweight at 19 pounds and designed for outdoor use, making it great for camping and vehicles.
It’s also quiet at 35dB, perfect for a peaceful sleep. Setting it up is quick, taking only 30 seconds due to its cooling and fan modes.
Best Features:
- Wireless Charging and LED Ring Light for.
- Lightweight and portable at 19 lbs.
- Various Cooling and Fan Modes for different scenarios.
- Easy installation in just 30 seconds.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Ergonomic Mecha Aesthetics & 3D Noise-Free Structure.
Pros:
- Rapid cooling in outdoor settings.
- Multiple charging options including wireless
- Energy-efficient with various cooling modes.
- Quiet operatio
Cons:
- Limited coverage area in larger spaces.
- Requires a power source for operation.
9. Nommyair Tent Air Conditioner
The Nommyair tent air conditioner is designed to be convenient and efficient. It has a powerful cooling capacity of 2380 BTU. Its compact size, lightweight, and ergonomic handle.
It cools quickly, within an hour, which makes it great for camping, RV trips, or as a backup for home cooling systems. You can adjust the temperature between 60.8°F to 89.6°F to suit your comfort, even in hot weather.
The air conditioner offers four modes: Strong, Sleep, Cooling, and Fan. The remote control makes it easy to switch modes without getting up, and the adjustable vent. It’s designed to operate quietly, with a noise level of just 43 dB in sleep mode.
Best Features:
- Rapid Cooling Capacity of 2380 BTU.
- Adjustable Temperature Range.
- Suitable for Camping, Tents, RVs, Vans, Trucks, and more.
- Multiple Modes including Strong, Sleep, Cooling, and Fan Mode.
- Quiet Operation with a noise level of 43 dB on sleep mode.
- Adjustable Vent for directing cooling wind direction.
- Remote Control for convenient mode switching.
Pros:
- Fast cooling within an hour.
- Portable and easy to carry.
- Versatile application for indoor and outdoor use.
Cons:
- An issue with extended durability.
10. BougeRV Tent Air Conditioner
This air conditioner from BougeRV uses a strong Panasonic compressor for quick cooling. Its small size and handy handle make it easy to move between indoor and outdoor areas.
It offers four modes – Strong, Sleep, Cooling, and Fan – catering to various cooling needs. Operating quietly at under 50 dB, it ensures peaceful nights, ideal for camping or RV trips.
With dual exhaust venting hoses and adjustable venting from 30 to 180 degrees. Whether in a tent, RV, van, or trailer, this air conditioner keeps you cool even in summer. Despite its power, it’s portable and suitable for outdoor use.
Best Features:
- Portable Design with an ergonomic handle.
- Customizable Cooling Modes.
- Suitable for Camping, RVs, Vans, and Trailers.
- Quiet Operation with noise levels lower than 50 dB.
- Dual Exhaust Venting for optimal airflow..
- Energy-efficient operation.
- Powerful cooling for small to medium spaces.
Pros:
- Quick cooling in just 15 seconds.
- Easy to set up.
- Adjustable venting for directing airflow.
Cons:
- Not suitable for extremely hot climates.
Buying Guide For Best Tent Air Conditioner
Now that you have gone through the reviews of these products, here is a proper Buying guide consisting of every factor that you should consider while buying your suitable tent air conditioner.
1. BTU
British Thermal Unit, a measurement unit of how much energy an AC uses to get rid of heat inside your room within 1 hour. It typically shows the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. Usually, the higher the BTU, the more the cooling capacity.
But a higher number of BTUs is not always what you want. Using a portable tent AC with a BUT level higher than what you need will cause the unit to cool quickly, then turn off and then to maintain your desired temperature, it will turn back on.
This quick on/off cycle will stress the compressor, causing it to overwork. This, with time, will shorten your unit’s lifespan.
Similarly, using a portable AC with insufficient BTU will cause the AC to run continuously and never reach your desired temperature level. This will cause stress to the compressor motor, eventually shortening your AC’s lifespan.
There’s a BUT level recommended for every square foot area or floor area. Hence, paying attention and using an AC with recommended BTU levels for your floor area is important.
2. Floor Area
You need to calculate your tent’s exact floor area in square footage. Then use that number to figure out how much BTUs your AC will need to cool down your tent.
On average, for portable AC you need about 25 BTU of power per sq ft to keep your tent cool. So, if your tents measure 15’x15’ ft, and you need 25 BTU per square foot, you would need an AC of 5625 BTU cooling power.
(15’x15’) = (225 sq. ft.) x (25 BTU)= 5,625 BTU
Here’s is a chart for a better understanding:
| Tent Floor Area | Floor Area in Sq. Ft | Recommended BTU |
| 10’ x 10’ | 100 | 100 x 25= 2,500 |
| 10’ x 15’ | 150 | 150x 25= 3,750 |
| 10’ x 16’ | 160 | 160 x 25 = 4,000 |
| 10’ x18’ | 180 | 180 x 25 = 4,500 |
| 10’ x 20’ | 200 | 200 x 25= 5,000 |
The average air conditioner has a cooling capability of 5,000 BTU. Specially designed portable/personal air conditioners may have even less cooling power.
As you can see in the above-mentioned chart, having an AC for 2 people in a 100-150 sq ft tent is often too much, and it can cause the tent to overcool.
However, according to our research, a 5000 BTU AC is ideal for tents around 160-200 sq. ft, which is recommended for 8 to 10 persons. Note that having an AC with more power than you require is acceptable; just be careful not to purchase one with insufficient power.
3. SEER Rating
Get yourself an energy-efficient tent air conditioner to help you save money on your utility bills. This is a rating system that determines the efficiency of your AC unit.
The efficiency of your AC unit is directly related to your electricity bills. So, it’s important to purchase an AC unit that is both efficient and cost-effective.
SEER stands for seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s also the ratio of cooling power and electricity input energy. The higher the SEER rating, the better the energy efficiency and cooling power. These units are initially more costly but result in greater energy savings.
4. Noise Level
Another important consideration when buying a tent air conditioner. Tent air conditioners vary in terms of the noise they produce. You should know that none of them is silent, but you should also keep your research on finding a unit that doesn’t produce noise higher than 56 dB.
Some manufacturers list the noise levels their AC produces in decibels ( dB) which gives you an idea of how much noise to expect.
For your reference, a normal human voice typically has a noise level of 60 dB, while a whisper typically has a noise level of 25 dB. Many air conditioners feature a “quiet mode” in which they run slowly and produce very less noise, usually 50 dB or lower. But you should know that in “quiet-mode” the fan runs really slowly to produce less noise. So, when the fan runs on its highest speed setting, expect it to produce considerably more noise.
5. Number of Speeds
You should also check whether your AC has multiple fan speed settings. This is an important consideration because within the tent, the atmosphere is usually hot and humid, and to cool yourself down, you must set the fan speed at its highest setting. Usually, most tent ACs have 3 adjustable fan settings. But there can be more settings in high-end models.
6. Refrigerant
Portable tent air conditioners use either R-410A or R-32 as a refrigerant. These are both hydrofluorocarbon or HFC, which are considered to be more eco-friendly as compared to older refrigerants such as the R-22.
The R-22 has been phased out in many countries due to its ozone-depleting properties. Compared to R-22, R-410A and R-32 have lower global warming potentials (GWP), implying they have less of an adverse effect on the environment.
8. Additional Features
- Timer: Most portable tent air conditioners feature a timer setting, allowing you to pre-set a timer at any time of the day and have the device turn on or off.
- Dehumidifier: Excess humidity inside a tent can make it feel hot and stuffy. It may also contribute to mild mildew growth inside the tent. So, some air conditioners have a built-in dehumidifier that removes the excess dampness from the air, creating a cool, dry and comfortable space.
- Remote control: Almost all air conditioners have a handy remote control that allows you to change the temperature settings, fan speed and set timer without getting up and walking over it.
- Sleep mode: Some tent air conditioners have a sleep mode with very low operating noise. It also runs on low energy to save your electricity bills.
- Drip tray: Dehumidifying portable air conditioners operate by extracting moisture from the air, which is then transformed into condensed water. This water is eventually stored in a drip tray, which you need to empty occasionally. In other types, the water is immediately drained away by a drainage hose, while more expensive models use a self-evaporative system that does not require a drip tray or hose.
- Window Kit: Your portable air conditioner must be placed close to a window to work. The heated air must be expelled by directing the exhaust hose out the window. Most models include a window kit and setup instructions for your air conditioner.
Tent Air Conditioner – FAQs
Ans: Portable air conditioners offer a cheap and convenient solution to keep your tent cool in hot and humid conditions. They are quite effective at cooling and even have dehumidifying capabilities to remove excess moisture from your tent. They come with an exhaust hose and window that you need to install.
Ans: There are various ways to air condition your room without electricity:
* You can use a battery-powered fan which is easily available
* Set up a tent with lots of ventilation
* Remove the rainfly
* Set out some ice
* Create an air-conditioned effect by hanging a wet towel on the tent door
* Pitch your tent in the direction of the breeze
* Sleep in wet cotton T-shirt
Ans: The short answer to this is yes. Your portable AC will still work without a venting hose, but it will start heating the room since it doesn’t have an exhaust hose. When you remove the vent hose, the air conditioner alternates the cycles between cool and dry and hot and humid. This would heat up your room much more than it would chill down. If you must run the AC without a venting hose, run it in dehumidifier mode so it can remove the excess moisture and humidity from inside your room.
Conclusion
A tent conditioner is a must to beat the summer heat while you are camping. It gets rid of all the hot and humid air that’s built up inside your tent. To get the best tent conditioner, you need to keep in mind its BTU or cooling power, the tent’s floor area, and the SEER rating of the portable tent conditioner.
- Considering the above-mentioned factors, we found The BLACK+DECKer Tent Air Conditioner the best overall tent air conditioner on the market. We love its efficiency, cooling power and the features that it offers. It’s a great deal for the price. It’s an 8,000 BTU power tent air conditioner ideal for a 350 sq ft tent.
- If you want something more affordable, we recommend the SereneLife Tent Air Conditioner. We love Its efficiency, cooling power and most importantly its energy-savings. It has a SEER rating of 10.5 which is excellent for a portable air conditioner.
- Now if you are looking for something more premium, then we would suggest you to go with the LG Tent Air Conditioner. We love it for its sleek design, premium features and dehumidifying capabilities. It’s a 6,000 BTU unit ideal for a 250 sq ft tent.
