Do not confuse the best portable air conditioners in Malaysia 2021 with portable air coolers! They are more like their wall-mounted cousins! Price-wise and how they work!
You can use them on their own to cool a small room. Or to supplement your air conditioner for a larger room!
Regardless, you can take these reviews of portable air conditioners in Malaysia to assist with your final decision!
How To Choose A Portable Air Conditioner
1. Size
This is important because you will waste money (and electricity) if you get a portable air conditioner that cannot efficiently cool your room!
To determine if a portable air conditioner is suitable for your home, look at the unit called CFM (Cubic feet per minute).
Which represents the rate that the portable air conditioner can release cool air back to your room.
In order to compensate for other factors (e.g. high ceilings, abundance of heat sources, etc), pick a model that has a higher CFM then you need.
For example,
- 300 sq ft = 750-2,000 CFM
- 1,000 sq ft = 2,000-4,000 CFM
In order to compensate for other factors (e.g. high ceilings, abundance of heat sources, etc), pick a model that has a higher CFM then you need.
2. Placement
Your portable air conditioner must always be near a window. This is so you can hang the exhaust hose over the window sill.
For the hot air to be released!
3. Noise Level
Anything with a noise rating (decibels of dB) lower than 65dB is bearable.
Portable air conditioners do have a tendency to be noisy though. Since the compressor is together with the unit.
4. Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Some manufacturers will put out the EER rating. The higher, the better.
As this means the unit is energy-efficient.
The average EER is ~8.5.
5. Inverter VS Non-inverter
Inverter air conditioners offer cheaper electricity bills, a lower noise signature and more efficient cooling, albeit at a higher initial costs.
Non-inverter air conditioners, on the other hand, are much more affordable, but are noisier, less efficient at cooling, and have higher electricity bills.
For more information on their differences, check out our handy inverter vs non-inverter air conditioner article for a detailed guide.
6. Other Features You Might Want:
- Dust filter
- Power cord that is long enough
- Remote control
- Timer
- Oscillating louvers
- Window filler kit
- Self-evaporation/ water drainage system
9 Best Portable Air Conditioner Malaysia 2021
- Best Portable Air Conditioner Under RM1,000 – Hisense Portable Air Conditioner R32 (1.0 HP) AP09KVG
- Best 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner With Left/Right Oscillation – Morgan 1.0HP Feather Lite Portable Air Conditioner MAC-091
- Most Energy Efficient 1.5HP Portable Air Conditioner – Acson MOVEO 1.5HP Portable Air Conditioner A5PA15C
- Most Powerful 1.0 HP Portable Air Conditioner – Gree 1.0HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner
- Best For Sliding Windows – Hisense Portable Air Conditioner R32 (1.0 HP) AP09KVG
- Best Budget 1.0 HP Portable Air Conditioner (Rental Situations) – Midea MPH-09CRN1
- Best Quiet Portable Air Conditioner – Acson or Gree portable air conditioners
- Best Space-Saving Portable Air Conditioner – Hisense Portable Air Conditioner R32 (1.0 HP) AP09KVG
- Best 1.5 HP Portable Air Conditioner – Pensonic Portable Air Conditioner PPA1010 1.0HP/PPA1510 1.5HP or Midea MPF-12CRN1
1. Midea 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner MPH-09CRN1
Though quiet as far as portable air conditioners go, you’ll still be able to hear the compressor of Midea’s 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner MPH-09CRN1. But the noise is tolerable, according to reviews.
You can install the exhaust hose following the manual. One user advises that the location you choose is very important.
Exhaust set up:
Because even though the unit has its own evaporative system, you still need to empty the excess water out periodically.
Users find that it produces cool air (not immediately though) and the horsepower suits a small to normal sized room (e.g. 10x10ft or 3x4m2). Its features include a 24-hour timer, sleep mode and a filter.
Unlike the Morgan 1.0HP Feather Lite Portable Air Conditioner MAC-091, the Midea 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner MPH-09CRN1 can’t swing. It only blows in one direction.
So if you think you would prefer a portable air conditioner with swing, you better take the similarly priced Morgan 1.0HP Feather Lite Portable Air Conditioner MAC-091!
And if you are getting this for your own house, just get a wall mounted air conditioner! But for a rented property, this is a worthy solution.
Review video:
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 345 x 355 x 703 mm
- Weight: 23.8 kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.0 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 9,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,015 W
- EER: 8.87
- Air Flow: 300 m³/hr (175 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 53 – 55 dBA
- Features: Self-evaporative, Silver ion filter
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years on compressor
- Price: RM849
Pros:
- High energy efficiency
- Lightweight
- With a remote control
- No need for another hose (for water)
- Relatively quiet
Cons:
- Narrow area coverage
- Have to empty out excess water
2. Acson MOVEO 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner A5PA10C
The MOVEO 1.0HP A5PA10C by Acson comes with the manual and accessories you need (e.g. window bracket, window outlet, exhaust hose, etc) to install the unit on your own! Without tools!
One thing to note is that the exhaust hose is very soft and may require additional support depending where you place it.
There is also a rubber hose for excess water to drain out but some say that it is optional as there does not seem to be water coming out from the unit anyways.
Note that the manual is not that helpful for explaining what all the accessories are for.
However, the installation effort may be worth it. As reviews compare the cooling capability of this portable air conditioner to a wall mounted air conditioner!
It’s a bit noisy according to users but quieter than other 1HP models from other brands. Like the Midea 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner MPH-09CRN1. But it is also ~10kg heavier.
There’s also a touch screen panel (and remote control) to change the speed (3 fan settings). The A5PA10C can even remember the last setting if the power should suddenly cut off!
For a room of 10x10ft, the horsepower enough. For larger rooms (e.g. 10 x 15ft), look into the 1.5HP version of this portable air conditioner, the Acson MOVEO 1.5HP Portable Air Conditioner A5PA15C.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 485 x 395 x 880 mm
- Weight: 30 kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.0 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,130 W
- EER: 8.85
- Air Flow: 300 m³/hr (176.6 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 50 – 52 dBA
- Features: Silver ion filter, self-evaporative system (double condenser technology)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years on compressor
- Price: RM1,350
Pros:
- Quiet for its HP
- With a remote control
- High EER rating
- Great cooling capability
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not so straightforward to install
- Heavy
3. Pensonic Portable Air Conditioner PPA1010 1.0HP/PPA1510 1.5HP
It’s definitely not lightweight at ~30kg, so the Pensonic Portable Air Conditioner PPA1010 1.0HP or PPA1510 1.5HP requires some manpower for installation. Luckily, installation is not hard.
You do need to put it close to a window or have a vent for the exhaust hose (included). There may be a window kit as well depending where you get your unit from.
Conversely, you will not need an outlet for excess water to drain out. Instead, you have to empty out the water container after using the unit for 6 hours. It is at the bottom of the unit, and at the back.
Either model will be more than enough to cool a small room. The price difference between them is ~RM200.
But think twice if you want to put one in a bedroom:
As these Pensonic portable air conditioners are louder than other similar models from other brands. The Acson MOVEO 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner A5PA10C, for example is below 60 dBA.
They also happen to have the highest air flow rates compared to other portable air conditioners mentioned here. Comparable to the Midea MPF-12CRN1.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 460 x 500 x 840 mm
- Weight: ~30kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.0 HP / 1.5 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 9000 BTU/h / 12000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1200 W / 1500 W
- EER: n/a
- Air Flow: 410 m³/hr
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 64 dBA
- Features: Caster Wheels, LED Display Control Panel, Timer, Sleep Mode, Dehumidifying, Vertical Auto Swing, 3 Speed Settings
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years for compressor
- Price: ~RM1,000 / RM1,200
Pros:
- Affordable
- Does not require an outlet to drain out water
- Easy to install
- Strong air flow
- With caster wheels
Cons:
- Quite loud
- Heavy
- Not especially energy saving (just average)
4. Morgan 1.0HP Feather Lite Portable Air Conditioner MAC-091
While this 1.0HP model is under RM1,000, and capable of a high air flow rate (380 m³/hr or 224 CFM) enough to cool a room of size 14m²:
It’s not the most environmentally-friendly as it still uses the refrigerant, R410A instead of R-32.
Notwithstanding that, most users find it adequate for a small room. The fact that it can swing left and right is a step up from competitors.
And for the low price, the quality is good.
However, you do need somewhere for the hose to go out. The noise from the exhaust is loud for light sleepers. A few users say that the duct is too short.
Still, it does the job and many go for the Morgan 1.0HP Feather Lite Portable Air Conditioner MAC-091 for its affordability!
It also has a higher air flow (380 m³/hr) compared to other 1HP models (300 m³/hr) like the Acson MOVEO 1.0HP Portable Air and the Midea 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner MPH-09CRN1.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 360 x 320 x 730 mm
- Rated Capacity: 1.0 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 9,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 990 W
- EER: n/a
- Air Flow: 380 m³/hr (224 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 53 to 55 dBA
- Features: 4 Modes, Timer, Remote Control
- Warranty: 1 year & 5 years (Compressor)
- Price: ~RM890
Pros:
- Can cool a small room very well
- Can oscillate left and right
- With a timer
- Decent quality for the price
Cons:
- Very low EER rating (i.e. poor efficiency)
- Uses an older refrigerant (not as environmentally friendly)
- Duct is short
5. Hisense Portable Air Conditioner R32 (1.0 HP) AP09KVG
We’ll start by saying that we like that the Hisense Portable Air Conditioner R32 (1.0 HP) AP09KVG uses the newer refrigerant, R-32.
Secondly, if you want a portable air conditioner that comes with a window kit for sliding windows, you can get this one! The exhaust hose measures 5.9 inches for its diameter, and 59 inches for its length.
And you don’t need to empty out the excess condensation. It will drain and evaporate out the same exhaust vent (i.e. auto evaporation).
It does take time to cool a medium-sized room but it can reduce the temperature eventually (~1 hour).
Thankfully, it doesn’t take as long to get use to the sound (~53 dBA). And it’s quiet enough to sleep in the same room with!
The air flow rate is lower than other 1.0HP portable air conditioners. Like the Morgan 1.0HP Feather Lite Portable Air Conditioner MAC-091.
So it’s best to use this portable air conditioner for a small room. Users are satisfied with the quality and price ratio of this model!
The portable air conditioner is also easy enough to use. But a few users have found that the swing function (via remote control) does not seem to work.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 300 x 330 x 670 mm
- Weight: 21.4 kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.0 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 9,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: n/a
- EER: n/a
- Air Flow: 280 m³/hr (CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: ~53 dBA
- Features: Full Water Tank Indicator, 2 Fan Speeds, Auto-Restart, Timer (24 hours), Rapid Cool, Auto Cool, Dry Mode, Sleep Mode, LED Display
- Warranty: 1-2 years, 5 years for the compressor
- Price: ~RM 900
Pros:
- Uncomplicated installation
- Reasonably priced
- Sound is not too loud (similar to a regular metal fan)
- Appealing exterior
- Compact build with wheels
Cons:
- Narrow area coverage (only feels cold directly in front)
- Window kit only suits sliding windows
- Swing may not work
6. Gree 1.0HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner
Cheers to Gree for using the new coolant, R32 in their 1.0HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner!
Users say that both portable air conditioners can cool down a small room quickly (within minutes). The sound takes some getting used to. But is not jarring.
One user found it to be better than the LG portable air conditioner. Gree Shiny portable air conditioners are quieter and more efficient at cooling.
It does not take up much space. And is easy on the eyes too! Plus, you can direct the air flow where you need it to be.
According to reviews, installation is simple.
Unless you want to install the unit via a window! Because the included window kit uses screws that don’t seem to be the right size and is of average quality. Furthermore, the manual is not very useful.
There’s not much difference (in performance or installation ease) between the 8000 BTU model or the 9000 BTU model (Gree 1.0HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner):
However, the Gree 1.0HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner appears to be better at reducing humidity!
If you’re hoping to save on electric bills with this portable air conditioner, the Gree 1.0HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner won’t make much of a difference. But it definitely reduces the room temperature!
- Rated Capacity: 1.0 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 9,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,010 W
- EER: 8.9
- Air Flow: 270 – 330 m³/hr (159 – 194 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 49 – 53 dBA
- Features: Timer, Fast Cooling
- Warranty: 1 year, 3 years on compressor
- Price: ~RM1,199
Pros:
- Acceptable noise level, quieter than expected
- High EER rating
- Has a slot for the remote control
- You can control it with or without the remote control
- With practical functions and settings - low/med/high/, auto fan, oscillation, timer, sleep mode, etc
- There is an option to use it with a drainage outlet or without (i.e. collection tank)
- Pumps out cool air for fast cooling
- Effective for humid weather (Dry Mode)
- Exhaust hose has a rain guard
Cons:
- Shorter compressor warranty than other brands/ models in the same price range
- Installation is tricky for windows, unit is also heavy and cumbersome for window installation
- Occasionally leaks (may need to put a plastic sheet underneath to protect your floor or carpets)
- Instructions are not clear
- Some people find it loud
- No significant energy savings
- Actual coverage is smaller than stated 10-16m²
7. Midea 1.5HP Portable Air Conditioner MPF-12CRN1
Sporting a clean design, the MPF-12CRN1 has more horsepower on its side!
It too has a self-evaporative system, 24-hour timer, filter and sleep mode. The additional features are the ionizer and auto protection technology!
Reviews:
According to users, it functions well. Even if it is a bit noisy at higher speeds, the air flow is strong.
Do mind that like other portable air conditioners, this one needs a hose for hot air to be directed outside. Something which one user missed.
The exhaust duct of this portable air conditioner is 5 feet long. With a 6-inch diameter.
And if you plan to have it go out a sliding window, know that the installation kit doesn’t accommodate that particular window type (i.e. not for sliding windows).
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 458 x 372 x 774 mm
- Weight: 32.7 kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.5 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,255 W
- EER: 9.56
- Air Flow: 400 m³/hr (235 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 55 – 57 dBA
- Features: Built-in Ionizer
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years on compressor
- Price: RM1,288
Pros:
- With many features
- High energy efficiency rating
- Powerful
- Chic design
- Don’t need an adaptor (uses a regular 3-pin plug)
Cons:
- Quite noisy
- Heavy
8. Acson MOVEO 1.5HP Portable Air Conditioner A5PA15C
With the exact same exterior design, this is the higher powered model of the A5PA10C and costs ~RM400 more! It also happens to be more efficient (EER of 10).
This portable air conditioner has the highest EER rating out of all the 1.5 HP models in this list! It even beats the Gree 1.5HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner!
If you are facing the Acson MOVEO 1.5HP Portable Air Conditioner A5PA15C, it is very cold. But not so much from the sides!
At least it’s not very noisy and it’s possible to sleep with this in the room. Close to the sound of a regular fan. A few users commented that it is noisier than a split air conditioner (i.e. wall mounted air conditioner).
Based on the specifications, the noise level is about the same as the 1 HP models in this list. Quieter even than the Midea 1.0HP Portable Air Conditioner MPH-09CRN1!
Installation is thankfully easy with this portable air conditioner. And that makes it ideal for anyone in a rental situation! If you have the budget for it!
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 485 x 395 x 880 mm
- Weight: 30 kg
- Rated Capacity: 1.5 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,200 W
- EER: 10
- Air Flow: 300 m³/hr (176.6 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 51 – 53 dBA
- Features: Silver ion filter, self-evaporative system (double condenser technology)
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years on compressor
- Price: RM1,715
Pros:
- Very high energy efficiency
- Quiet for the HP
- Users don’t have a problem installing this portable air conditioner
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as cool or as quiet as a wall-mounted air conditioner
9. Gree 1.5HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner
The higher horsepower and cooling capacity (12,010 BTU/h) of the Gree 1.5HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner enables it to cool down areas of 15-22m².
Promo video and demonstration:
It too uses the new refrigerant, R32! And hot air expels out through a hose.
You can roll this portable air conditioner over to the next room on its castor wheels if you want. And set the timer (up to 24 hours) with the provided remote control.
To get the most out of this portable air conditioner, users suggest keeping the duct tube as short as possible (otherwise heat can build up). And to have windows closed when using this.
Also, the green light should be indicated for the snowflake icon, not the fan icon. Then you’ll find that it is effective at cooling a room. The noise level is audible, but bearable.
Thus the Gree 1.5HP Shiny Portable Air Conditioner is a likely alternative if you found the Acson MOVEO 1.5HP Portable Air Conditioner A5PA15C too expensive.
- Rated Capacity: 1.5 HP
- Cooling Capacity: 12,010 BTU/h
- Power Consumption: 1,345 W
- EER: 8.9
- Air Flow: 300 – 360 m³/hr (176.6 – 212 CFM)
- Wireless Remote Controller: Yes
- Noise: 49 – 53 dBA
- Features: Faster & Powerful Cooling, Auto Water Evaporation System, Timer
- Warranty: 1 year, 3 years on compressor
- Price: ~RM1,499
Pros:
- Can be quiet on lower speeds
- Higher than average energy efficiency rating
- Can be controlled remotely (wireless controller)
- Attractive modern design
Cons:
- Not cheap
- Shorter than average compressor warranty
- Not many reviews on this exact same model
How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?
Portable air conditioners actually work just like the best air conditioners (otherwise known as split-systems) in Malaysia!
- The cooling systems inside the portable air conditioners contain refrigerant that flows in “cooling coils”.
- When hot air passes over these coils, the refrigerant (usually R410a) absorbs the heat and some of it evaporates.
- While cool air goes back to your room, the vaporized refrigerant goes to the compressor.
- Where it will lose the heat it picked up.
- A fan will direct this heat outside through an exhaust hose.
- Excess condensation that builds upon the coils will be drained out through a separate channel. Newer models can remove this moisture themselves! (i.e. Self-evaporating air conditioners)!
If you find that your portable air conditioner is sucking up all the moisture in the air:
That could lead to dry skin and increase your susceptibility to catching a cold.
To restore that moisture, consider getting the best humidifier in Malaysia!
- The process repeats as the refrigerant flows back into the air conditioner to receive heat again.
But you might also be wondering:
How are portable air conditioners different from an air cooler?
Portable Aircond Vs Portable Air Cooler
True, they look the same but an air cooler does not use any refrigerant or compressor.
Instead, they use cooling pads soaked with water. Ice cubes can be put into the water tank too.
The cooler will suck in hot air and convert it to cool air via the cooling pads before blowing the air back out.
| Criteria | Portable Air Conditioner | Portable Air cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Price | High | Low-Med |
| Ease Of Installation | Low-Med | Low |
| Size | Similar | Similar |
| Portability | Limited to length of exhaust hose | Can be moved anywhere |
| Cooling Effectiveness | Higher | Lower |
| Energy Consumption | Higher | Lower |
| Environmentally-Friendly | No | Yes |
| Humidity Level | Low | High |
| Good Ventilation | No | Yes |
| Area Of Application | Indoor only | Indoor and outdoor |
| Noise | Higher (because of the compressor) | Lower |
| Temperature Selection | Yes | No |
| Inconveniences | Need somewhere for the exhaust hose to go | Need top up of water every 6 hours or less. |
Aside from this, air coolers are significantly cheaper. But they are only able to make your room cooler by a couple of degrees.
So the most attractive thing about air coolers is their price! And that you don’t need any installation or an unsightly exhaust hose!
Pros & Cons Of A Portable Aircond
Here are the general pros and cons of a portable air conditioner compared to other cooling methods (e.g. fans, air conditioners, air coolers, etc):
Disadvantages Of A Portable Air Conditioner
- Noisy
- Placement restrictions
- Much bulkier than the best stand fans (usually)
- Less efficient than an air conditioner
- Can’t circulate air around a huge space the way a ceiling fan can
Advantages Of A Portable Air Conditioner
- Less complex to install than a regular air conditioner
- Non-permanent installation
- Usually has wheels
- Simple operation
- Able to cool small rooms and offices
- Double function as a dehumidifier
Portable Air Conditioner Setup And Maintenance
- Remove water from the collection tray occasionally
- Clean the filters as recommended by the manufacturer
- If you see ice building up on the coils, it’s time to fully defrost and dry the unit
- Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dust
Conclusion
There you have it, the best portable air conditioner Malaysia 2021! The good ones are around the same price as a wall-mounted air conditioner. So if you have the choice, just get those instead.
If you really need a portable air conditioner, take the Midea MPH-09CRN1 (Best model under RM1,000). Or the Midea MPF-12CRN1 (Best 1.5HP model)
