Imagine driving down a country road with the best portable air conditioner blasting, the tunes blaring, and the sun shining. Your destination doesn’t matter.
You’re enjoying the freedom and the welcome relief from the relentless summer sun cool that can only come from the portable air conditioner for cars and trucks.
Now, imagine the same scenario without a mini air conditioner for cars and trucks. Even with the windows down, you’re sweating and uncomfortable.
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You want to get out of the heat and cool down. You need the best portable air conditioner for cars and trucks, and you need to find one now.
Best Portable Car Air Conditioner Autozone
- Fan-Tastic Vent 01100WH Endless Breeze – Wall-Mount Option
- Comlife Air Vent Clip Fan – Built-in Battery Option
- IcyBreeze Cooler Blizzard Package – Best Portable Option
- MightyKool A 12-Volt 120/12-volt Converter Bundle – Best Premium Option
- XOOL Car Fan –Best overall Option
- AboveTEK Dual Head Car Fan – Best Budget option
- Anpress 12V Car Mini Electric Fan – Best Quiet Option
- OPOLAR Mini Car & Kitchen USB Fan – Best High-Speed Option
That’s why we created this portable air conditioner buying guide. We looked at the best portable automobile air conditioners and assembled reviews to make your search for the right portable air conditioner for car or truck interiors easier.
8 Best Portable Air Conditioner for Cars and Trucks Reviews
Last update on 2023-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Fan-Tastic Vent 01100WH Endless Breeze
- Instant air flow
- Low sound levels
- Multi-purpose
- Low amp draw: 1.2 - 2.6
- 12 Volt plug with 5' cord
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This fan for cars without AC is a quiet and efficient way to cool off small spaces. At approximately 15″ square, the Fan-Tastic blows a significant amount of air but uses very little power.
And while it is noisier than some other models, it’s quiet for an open-style best portable car air conditioner.
When selecting a portable AC for car interiors, tents, and other small spaces, you need a quality system. You’ll find that the Fan-Tastic Vent fan is well-made and sturdy. It will survive a few drops or being tipped over.
This system uses an adapter with a five-foot cord to power the five-pound Fan-Tastic portable AC. For car or truck interiors, you’ll find the cord is long enough to reach into the back without having to stretch it.
If you’re in a tent, you may need to hook the best portable car air conditioner up to an extension or battery, but that’s quick and easy to accomplish.
Pros
- It doesn’t drain the car battery
- Strong air movement
- Three speeds
- Durable
- Easy to mount
- It stays where you put it
Cons
- Slightly noisy
- Higher price
2. Comlife Air Vent Clip Fan
While most car cooling fan for drivers are designed to sit on the dashboard, the Comlife Air Vent Fan clips tightly onto a car’s air vent, eliminating the chance of falling.
The fan is compact, measuring 7.9” by 5.5” by 2.6”, making it great for a range of applications, from driving to camping, fishing, and hiking.
The Comlife Air Vent fan runs on a 2200mAh battery and supports USB charging, sparing you the hassle of dealing with cigarette lighter plugs.
The battery can last for 2-8 hours depending on the speed you set, with the maximum being a decent 4,000 revolutions per minute.
And, speaking of speed settings, the fan’s four pre-set speed modes offer more wind options for beating the heat, removing unwanted tobacco smoke, eliminating pet odor, and improving air circulation.
Users of the Comlife Air Vent car cooling fan praise the model primarily for its compact size and the safety it offers by tightly clipping on the air vent.
However, modest battery life makes it a less appealing choice for buyers looking for a battery-powered car cooling fan. Additionally, batteries come with their fair share of complications.
This fan, for instance, will require you to remove the battery before you leave your car, especially in hot weather, to prevent an explosion. Higher speeds will also not work with a low battery.
Pros
- Compact
- Sturdily clips on a car’s air vent
- Adaptable to a wide range of applications
- Four-speed modes
Cons
- Average battery life
- The battery can be affected by high temperatures
3. IcyBreeze Cooler Blizzard Package
- The next choice should be which IcyBreeze package to buy. The Blizzard Package is all about freedom - the freedom to charge and power your new portable air conditioner in a variety of ways. A standard IcyBreeze charger, a Car Power Supply (12V Power
- Where do you use it? The better question is where can't you use it? The IcyBreeze is perfect for campers, boaters, recreational sports, family sports, pilots, surveillance professionals, and tailgaters.
- What makes IcyBreeze so great? You have the power to drastically cool the ambient temperature around you. It's as simple as filling up a fully charged IceBreeze with water and ice, turning the unit on, and pointing the breeze in the direction of your
- 3 SPEED FAN BLOWS UP TO 25 MPH, INTEGRATED VENT AND STAY PUT FLEXI-HOSE
- MADE IN THE USA
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The IcyBreeze is another unique portable air conditioner. However, the IcyBreeze cooler isn’t a small portable AC for RVs, tents, cars, and trucks.
This unit looks very much like a regular cooler with wheels and a handle. However, it uses ice and water to keep food and beverages cool and the surrounding area.
This fun air conditioning unit uses 110V or 12V to charge the onboard battery in red, blue, and lime green.
It uses a little more power than a small portable air conditioner for cars and automobiles, but the built-in cooler makes sure that power goes further and lasts longer.
The flex-hose helps to maximize the IcyBreeze’s cooling power. You can adjust it using the selector button to choose one of the three speeds.
And while it doesn’t cool an entire RV or car interior, it does an excellent job cooling the immediate area. However, this car air conditioning system does have a few drawbacks that you’ll want to consider.
First, at more than $400, it’s considerably more expensive than a traditional small portable air conditioner for cars. Second, it takes up the same amount of space as other coolers but tends to be a bit loud.
Pros
- Flexi-hose
- 3-speed fan
- Cooler and portable automobile air conditioning unit
- 110V or 12V and battery
Cons
- Loud and large
- Expensive
4. MightyKool A 12-Volt 120/12-volt Converter Bundle
- We will ship your order sooner if you answer our email and include the correct Performance option(s) for your need free.
- The K2 will not cool a vehicle, however it will typically may cool people or pets in a vehicle that is not moving.
- The MightyKool K2 Evaporative Cooler produces 25 mph of cool air through each of two cool air vents.
- The $39 - 7 mph breeze is not adequate for campers, sleepers, vehicles, boats, etc. only someone at a desk.
- The K2 uses water only no Ice to cool people or pets in campers, sleepers, boats, tents, or non-moving vehicles
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The MightyKool portable air conditioner unit for car and RV interiors is another efficient little unit. Powered by DC or 110/220V inverter, it uses water to cool the air up to 25 degrees in dry climate areas.
This feature makes it a powerful portable AC. For car, truck, or RV passengers, this can be a welcome relief. The MightyKool unit is only around 9″ by 8″ and is 6.5 pounds, so you’ll find it easy to set up and use.
Just fill it with water, set the dial on the side for the desired temperature, and turn it on. It fits almost anywhere, too, so you’ll find this is a great little portable air conditioner for car comfort regardless of the climate or available space.
This unit does tend to be a bit pricey, but make sure you register and respond to the manufacturer. They provide a performance package that customizes this portable AC for car windows, RV spaces, and other specialized uses.
It doesn’t cool the entire interior of the vehicle. It’s meant to cool small areas only, but this area is plenty big enough to keep you cool while relaxing or sleeping.
Pros
- Compact
- It uses a DC or 110-volt converter
- Very cool air
- Free performance package from the manufacturer
- Adjustable
Cons
- Limited coverage
- We need to watch water levels
5. XOOL Car Fan
- ❄【FEEL COOL】 With 2 rotatable fan heads, 12V electric car fans blow hot air out of parking car efficiently. XOOL car fan can provide strong wind to cool down rear seat passengers and pets at back seat immediately when car air conditioner is weak or no air conditioner at all. The car fan allows rear seat passengers or pets to feel cool and comfortable in the car. XOOL car fan will not disturb the passengers who are at rest for its low noise.
- ❄【ADJUSTABLE CAR FAN】 XOOL car fan can be rotated by 360 degree, and fan base is also rotatable, which can bring coolness to the passengers or pets in every corner in the backseat of car. You just need to adjust by yourself. With a big speed controller, you can change wind speed easily and effortlessly according to your feeling. Stepless speed regulation which has no specific wind speed setting limit maximizes your comfort.
- ❄【AIR CIRCULATION】 XOOL car fan is perfect for removing off moisture of interior windshield on cold rainy days and reducing unwanted hot air, cigarettes smoke or dust. It also can eliminate pet odor which makes you feel uncomfortable. The car fan features sturdy and high quality grip that can be installed tightly in your car seat. XOOL car fans comes with some black clamps to keep the wire clean. The wire length 5.87ft.
- ❄【COMPATIBILITY】 XOOL car fans fit all mini small compact or medium large full size sedans SUV Van Truck RV ATV with 12V DC Cigarette Lighter Socket (Not for 24V Trucks). XOOL car fan is easy to use. Just plug into 12V cigarette lighter power socket and use. You need to screw the swivel nut at bottom when you install or remove the car fan from the grip. The installment can be done easily by hand without any extra tools.
- ❄【WONDERFUL GIFT】 XOOL car fan is an amazing gift for car owners. The car fan is energy saving and takes up very little space in car. You can order the durable car fans as a gift for your family and friends. They must be impressed by this wonderful gift.
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This compact dual-head fan portable air conditioner from XOOL is arguably the most bang for the buck you can get in the car cooling fan market.
Weighing in at a little shy over 1.6 pounds and measuring 10” by 6” by 5.5”, the fan seems to have been intentionally designed to fit vehicles, from compact hatchbacks and sedans to full-size SUVs and trucks.
It easily plugs into the 12V DC cigarette lighter socket of a car to deliver high air volume for cooling rear-seat passengers and pets when the air conditioner is weak, non-functional, or absent.
You can rotate the XOOL car air cooler by 360 degrees when mounted on a car seat to bring coolness to every corner in your car’s backseat, and with the model’s convenient speed controller, you can change wind speed effortlessly.
Even at maximum operation, the fan is remarkably silent, making it ideal for pet owners that want their pets to stay calm and rested in the back seat.
The XOOL fan is not just great for reducing unwanted hot air during warm weather but is also effective at getting rid of moisture on the interior of a car’s windscreen on colder days.
As expected at this price point, however, this fan comes with a few trade-offs. The wiring construction is relatively lackluster for starters, and you will be lucky not to land a portable air conditioner whose wires will loosen up within the first few weeks.
Additionally, while the fan often runs quietly, it can be rather noisy if positioned in the wrong way. Nonetheless, at less than $20, the XOOL car fan is an excellent choice if you are looking for functionality on a tight budget.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Compact
- A relatively easy set-up process
- 360-degree rotating base
Cons
- It can be noisy depending on placement
- Lackluster build quality
6. AboveTEK Dual Head Car Fan
- COOL DOWN YOUR CAR INTERIOR IN SECONDS: Offers strong cool and quiet wind in seconds with the AboveTEK 12V DC electric car fan. Ideal for hot summer days (and hot climates) our 2-speed fans will help cool your car interior and keep you, your passengers, your pets or kids comfortable
- LOW NOISE - 100% pure copper motor with our strong 2-speed fan for cars will not disturb the normal rest. And make hot days more bearable even if your AC does not get the job done. Make sure that you and your passengers are comfy even on long road trips or traffic jams.
- SUPER-EASY TO SET UP & ADJUST TO YOUR NEEDS: Our 12V car dashboard fan is equipped with strong adhesive stickers that will keep it securely in place on your dashboard or arm rest area. Plus, you can adjust the air flow direction of each fan and make sure it covers all areas of your car.
- REMOVE ALL SMELLS & KEEP YOUR CAR FRESH: If you are looking for an effective way to remove unwanted cigarette, pet, smoke or food odors from your vehicle interior, look no further. Our cooling fan for cars will improve ventilation and air circulation, thus eliminating unpleasant smells.
- ONE ELECTRIC CAR FAN FOR ALL BRANDS & MODELS: The AboveTEK universal electric fan is suitable for every small, compact, medium or large vehicle, SUV, sedan, car, van, truck, RV, ATV or boat with a 12V DC cigarette lighter socket. Why are you still sitting in a scorching-hot car?
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AboveTEK is known for its highly functional, budget-friendly accessories, and this dual head car fan is no exception.
Designed to supplement your car’s existing cooling system, the fan is renowned for its compatibility with a wide range of vehicles.
Its powerful 2-speed dual-head fans can rotate 360 degrees for wider coverage. It can also allow separate airflow for the driver and passenger to remove annoying cigarette smoke or odor, making it particularly ideal for pets.
Setting up the 12V AboveTEK air cooler is pretty straightforward. The strong adhesive stickers that come with the unit will secure it well in place on your dashboard or arm-rest.
Even in high gear, the fan runs quietly, and as many buyers attest, it brings a remarkable amount of wind for its compact size while also going easy on the battery.
Admittedly, this fan is not the most durable model you will find in the market. A considerable number of shoppers have expressed dissatisfaction with the short time it lasts before it starts getting noisy and eventually breaks down.
Nevertheless, AboveTEK sells their dual-head car fan with a lifetime guarantee and will send you a replacement if the one you buy suddenly stops working.
Pros
- Dual-head design with 360-degree rotation
- Compact
- Easy to set up and operate
- Energy-saving
- Low noise output
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Short life-span
- Only adequate when supplementing your existing AC system
7. Anpress 12V Car Mini Electric Fan
- 【ROTATABLE】-- 360 degree rotatable and fan base is also 360 degree rotatable, which makes the fan extremely convenient. Suitable for more people use. Super strong wind to blow hot air out of cars and cool down driver and passengers immediately.
- 【LOW NOISE】-- Strong wind but low noise and it comes with two adhesive stickers to secure the fan to dashboard or arm rest area.
- 【Multifunctional】-- It really moves a lot of air which will help to both cool the van on hot days + remove moisture off of interior windshield on cold rainy days.Quickly and effectively removing unwanted cigarettes tobacco smoke or dust, eliminate pet odor smell.
- 【Strong Wind】-- Help the air conditioning cool down vehicle in the summertime quickly by good circulation.
- 【Compatibility】-- Fits to all family car sedan van truck SUV RV ATV boat with 12V cigarette lighter socket. Just insert the 1.2m cord plug into 12V cigarette lighter power socket and use.
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If the Fan-Tastic and OPOLAR portable automobile air conditioners had a baby, it would be the Empress 12V Car Mini Electric Fan.
It has the power adaptor and quality construction of the Fan-Tastic automotive fan, but it’s small and compact like the OPOLAR windshield fan.
At the bottom of this portable car fan, you’ll find a sturdy plastic base. It uses adhesive strips to attach the system to armrests, skylights, door handles, review mirrors, dashboards, and visors.
And it’s only 7″ x 5″ x 5″ and weighs 7 ounces so that it won’t get in the way. However, it does let go, so you may need to find an alternative way to secure it to your vehicle with extended use.
Efficiency is where this portable air conditioner shines. This model is small and quiet. However, it produces more airflow than some larger units.
And because it only uses 4W of power, it won’t kill your battery like many other ordinary car cooling fans.
Pros
- Fully-adjustable head
- It blows a significant amount of air
- Quiet
- Draws very little power
- Very affordable
Cons
- The base could be larger or heavier
- Adhesive strips let go over time
8. OPOLAR Mini Car & Kitchen USB Fan
Unlike the Fan-Tastic, the OPOLAR plug-in air conditioner for car or truck windshields runs off USB power. It’s only 8″ tall and 5″ wide, so it’s small and perfect for car or truck windshields.
The 4000 rpm motor blows enough air to keep the surrounding area cool without using a ton of power. And it doesn’t get in the way when you drive.
The OPOLAR has a 59″ cord. For car interiors, this is more than enough length to reach the back seat. It works well in RVs and tents, too.
And while you’ll want to watch out for it, the cord is durable and should last as long as the fan itself. The OPOLAR model uses a suction cup to mount the portable air conditioner unit.
For car glass, you can attach it securely to the window without the suction base. However, to install it on non-glass surfaces, you’ll need the suction base for a secure seal.
You can only use the base once, but the company includes a second suction cup if you decide to move the fan.
Pros
- 4 Speeds
- Lots of air
- Compact size
- USB powered
- Fully-adjustable head
Cons
- It’s not battery powered
- The suction base cannot be reused or repositioned.
Advantages of Using Best Portable Air Conditioners for Car and Truck
When it’s hot outside, cooling the air in your vehicle is more than a luxury. But, it can keep you safe and save you money. There are many advantages to using portable automobile air conditioners and fans for cars without AC.
Read also: 10 Best Smallest Portable Air Conditioners to Buy
Perhaps the most important benefit of installing a portable air conditioner is the excess moisture and pollutants it removes from the air.
You’ll find the air it blows is cooler and fresh, but you can also avoid breathing in a lot of the dust, smoke, and pollutants that fill a vehicle’s interior.
When it’s hot outside, and you’re uncomfortable, it makes it hard to concentrate on what’s going on around you. And if you get caught in a traffic jam, this frustration can cause even more problems.
By using portable automobile air conditioners and fans for cars without AC, you can keep your cool literally and figuratively.
Distractions that occur while driving are never a good thing. And if you have to ask passengers to repeat themselves continually, or if you can’t hear when they warn you about possible danger, it can cause an accident.
When you use a mini AC for cars without a built-in system, you can hear the latest traffic updates, chat to your passengers, and hear if they spot a driving danger that you don’t see.
Driving with the windows down can be fun, but it isn’t fuel-efficient. In addition, when you’re driving at higher speeds, the wind catches in the open windows and adds resistance to a usually aerodynamic vehicle.
Using portable automobile air conditioners and fans for cars without AC can save money on fuel because these systems are battery-powered automatically charged by the alternator as you drive.
Read also:
Best Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
How to Vent Portable AC Without Window
Disadvantages of Portable Car Air Conditioners
A portable air conditioner for cars can have a few disadvantages. First, it can tip over or fall, which can be particularly dangerous if the unit falls in by the gas or brake pedals.
Therefore, when you mount the system, try to place it so that the portable air conditioner for cars or fan falls anywhere buy by your feet.
Related: The 6 Best Cheap Portable Air Conditioners Under $200 (Reviews and Buyer Guide)
Fans and mini AC for cars can also be an added distraction. To keep yourself and others safe, you should never make adjustments to these units while driving. Or have a passenger make the adjustments for you.
Portable automobile air conditioners and some fans for cars without AC can start to smell. If this happens, it likely means that fungus, mold, or mildew has built up somewhere in the units, or the water needs to be changed.
However, so long as you regularly maintain your portable air conditioner for cars, you should be able to avoid this problem.
Read also: Quietest Portable Air Conditioners By Decibel Rating
Conclusion
We hope this portable air conditioner buying guide has helped make your search for the portable air conditioner for car, truck, and RVs easier.
If it hasn’t, and you still have questions or comments about choosing between the right portable automobile air conditioners, please leave a comment below or contact us using the contact page.
We’ll be more than happy to help you find the best portable air conditioners.
