Portable Air Conditioners vs Split Air Conditioners Differences in India 2023

In this article, we are going to talk about Portable Air Conditioners vs Split Air Conditioners differences in India. For better convenience during the summer months, Air Conditioners will be necessary. As a nation, India is quite accustomed to using air conditioning. Originally, Window ACs were quite popular in the country. They were mainly used in corporate areas. However, since then, the situation has changed.

Various kinds of Air Conditioners like Split Air Conditioners and Portable Air Conditioners have been introduced to the market as a result of innovation. There are so many features in these home appliances that this article will clarify the issue of Portable Air Conditioners vs Split Air Conditioners. By comparing the detailed features of each type of Air Conditioner, the article will help you to distinguish between them better. It is hoped that it will assist you in buying the best air conditioner.

So only for you, GadgetsBhai makes a proper and full comparison between Portable Air Conditioners vs Split Air Conditioners. And also give some best selling products considering their pros and cons. So be prepared to read the full article and make knowledge about it.

Also Read: Inverter AC Vs Non-Inverter AC Differences

What is Portable Air Conditioner?

As its name suggests, a Portable Air Conditioner is an Air Conditioner that can be moved quickly from space to space when required. A duct connected to the back of many portable air conditioning systems will need to be linked to a window since many are not larger than a bedside table.

The Portable Air Conditioner attracts warm air from the air, dries it, and cools it, preparing it to be flown back into the room. Several portable air conditioning systems can likewise dehumidify and heat a space in the winter. They expel hot air out the window via the linking duct.

What is Split System Air Conditioner?

The most common air conditioning unit in Australian homes is the Split Air Conditioner. The Split System Air Conditioner consists of two parts: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The indoor system is the wall-mounted system that blows cool air into the room.

In addition to removing the hot air produced during the cooling process, the exterior unit is typically located outside the wall on which the indoor system is installed.

Now Ready for Grand Comparison between the Portable Air Conditioners vs Split Air Conditioners:

Portable Air Conditioners vs Split Air Conditioners

Split AC vs Portable AC: Mobility

Portable ACSplit AC
A portable air conditioner has the advantage of being easily portable. This means that, unlike a split system air conditioner, you will not have to pick out a single room in your house to cool.

When your portable air conditioner is not in use, it can be easily stored, saving floor space.

Furthermore, if you’re renting an apartment, you can take your air conditioner with you when you move.
In contrast, split systems a/c are wall-mounted, so even if your landlord allows you to install one, you can’t take it with you when you move.

Split AC vs Portable AC: Unit Cost

Portable ACSplit AC
A portable air conditioner usually costs between 30,000.00 rupees and 70,000.00 rupees, which is significantly less than the system cost of a split system unit.

You need to take into account both the system cost as well as the running expenses when choosing an air conditioner that has to be cost-efficient.
In comparison to portable air conditioners, split system units are considerably more expensive to purchase, with setup fees ranging from 75,000.00 rupees to 150000.00 rupees.

With the higher unit cost and professional setup, you’ll get a high-powered cooling system that is energy-efficient.

Portable AC vs Split AC: Installation

Portable ACSplit AC
Instead of split system units that require expert setup, portable air conditioners are assembled and ready to use immediately.

Additionally, you won’t have to wait for your air conditioner to be professionally installed before you can start using it. This will save you money on setup costs.
Installing your own split air conditioner is not only illegal, but it will also void your guarantee, and a poorly set up air conditioner will not run effectively.

Therefore, split air conditioners require expert installation. Despite this, split systems are relatively inexpensive and simple to set up compared to other a/c units, such as ducted units.

Portable AC vs Split AC: Power

Portable ACSplit AC
Split system air conditioners tend to run anywhere from 2.5 kW to upwards of 9 kW, whereas portable air conditioners usually run around 2 kW, which is much smaller than portable air conditioners.

Due to this, portable air conditioners can only efficiently cool small rooms of about 20 square metres, unlike split system units.
Another terrific benefit of split system air conditioning systems is the high-powered cooling they supply. Unlike portable air conditioning systems, split system air conditioning systems are capable of cooling much larger rooms and spaces.

A multi-split system can also be used to supply higher cooling power if necessary by connecting several indoor systems to one outside unit. By keeping your electricity bills down, you can feel confident that your AC has the power to cool an ample space, so you won’t have to worry about your electric bills.

Alternatively, using a portable air conditioner to cool a large area will result in a few degrees difference in temperature level (if any temperature level modification is evident at all) and high energy usage.

Split AC vs Portable AC: Energy Efficiency

Portable ACSplit AC
There is another downside to portable air conditioners: they are relatively inefficient to operate in relation to their size and cooling capacity. A portable air conditioner typically costs about 9.31 rs per hour to run, similar to much bigger and more effective split systems.Split systems are generally more energy efficient than portable air conditioners, which is one of their main advantages. You will spend less on running costs than a comparable portable air conditioner, even though you’ll pay more for the system and setup upfront.

Split AC vs Portable AC: Noise

Portable ACSplit AC
Due to their small size, portable air conditioners are also extremely noisy to operate. This is because, unlike split system air conditioning units, portable air conditioners have all their components inside the room, which increases the noise level.Split system units have the disadvantage that the outside unit can be quite loud, which might be a problem if you live in a townhouse complex or have neighbours nearby.

Portable AC vs Split AC: Space

Portable ACSplit AC
Despite their small size, portable air conditioners still occupy floor space. You should also consider the location of the portable air conditioner. It needs to be placed next to the window. This may restrict movement and force you to manoeuvre around furniture.In contrast to portable air conditioners, split system air conditioners are designed to be mounted on walls instead of taking up floor space. This space-saving style maximises your floor area and puts little to no disruption on the aesthetics of your home.

Best Portable Air Conditioners

1. Voltas Venture Slimline Tower AC

Voltas Venture Slimline Tower AC

Voltas Venture Slimline Tower AC
  • 2 Ton Capacity
  • 5 Star Rating
  • Antibacterial Coating
  • Superior Noise Suppression Technology
  • 3200 Watts
  • 585 mm x 1795 mm x 345 mm

This 1 Ton Voltas Venture slimline tower AC is a perfect choice if you want to keep all your rooms cool and beat the summer heat. Both stylish and compact, this appliance will not only look great but is also very easy to use via a convenient control panel. For added safety, it features a child lock switch so that kids won’t be able to tinker with it. It operates quietly thanks to superior noise suppression technology and vibration attenuation for a stable performance. 

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2. Symphony Diet 3D 30i Portable Tower Air Cooler

Symphony Diet 3D 30i Portable Tower Air Cooler

Symphony Diet 3D 30i Portable Tower Air Cooler
  • 3-Side Honeycomb Pads
  • Automatic Pop-Up Touchscreen
  • i-Pure Technology
  • Low Power Consumption 
  • SMPS Technology
  • 110 Watts
  • Voltage Fluctuations
  • High-Speed Blower
  • ‎33.8D x 36W x 93.2H Centimeters

Looking for an efficient and powerful portable air cooler? Check out the Symphony Diet 3D 30i portable tower air cooler, which is designed for rooms up to 14 square feet. It uses 3-sided honeycomb pads for a better cooling effect and boasts low power consumption, so you can save on your electricity bills. An automatic pop-up touch screen with a magnetic remote makes for easy operation, and the SMPS technology shuts off in case of voltage fluctuations. Plus, a high-speed blower ensures instant cooling across the entire room.

Also Read: 1.5 Ton AC Power Consumption

3. Blue Star 1 Ton AC PC12DB

Blue Star 1 Ton AC PC12DB

Blue Star 1 Ton AC (PC12DB, White)
  • 1 Ton Capacity
  • 2 Star Rating
  • High-Efficiency Rotary Compressor
  • R410A Eco-Friendly Refrigerant
  • Anti-Bacterial Silver Coating
  • Hydrophilic Gold Fin for Protection

The Blue Star 1 Ton AC (PC12DB, White) is Blue Star’s latest product that delivers on Blue Star’s mission of providing new cooling technologies to the Indian market at affordable prices. Due to the Polyester (POE) oil used in the Blue Star Portable AC, provides better heat transfer, superior lubrication, and improved oil return properties. Using the latest refrigerant R410A, the portable AC is also more eco-friendly because it contains zero ozone-depleting substances.

With the Hydrophilic golden evaporator fins, Blue Star ensures that the cooling appliance will last for a long time. It prevents water condensation, dust, and other particles from gathering. We must keep our living spaces free of bacteria and viruses during these times of deadly pandemics. This portable air conditioner includes a specially designed filter that prevents diseases from spreading. It contains bactericide, which effectively stops the development of bacteria and traps dust, thus filtering the air.

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4. Cruise CPCATF-PQ3S12 Portable AC

Cruise CPCATF-PQ3S12 Portable AC

Cruise CPCATF-PQ3S12 Portable AC
  • 1 Ton Capacity
  • Air Purifier
  • Antibacterial Coating
  • Tropical-x Rotary Compressor
  • High Energy Efficiency
  • 10.7D x 19.4W x 28.1H Centimeters
  • Feather Touch Panel
  • Smart Wireless Remote Control

Cruise CPCATF-PQ3S12 is the next air conditioner on our list. The only requirement is that it has a fifteen amp plug and a provision for exhaust vents within the room. A hot air pipe is included. The cooling is excellent. Three fan modes and a powerful compressor make it the perfect choice for instant cooling.

The wheels are very smooth, it feels as if it glides over the floor. They seem extremely durable, with an easy swivel function. Easy to select a mode as it comes with a remote. (Keep in mind that the exhaust pipe needs to be connected carefully, and should point away from the cooling area) If you are using it on the porch or garden, you don’t need to attach a hose.

Also Read: Difference Between 1 Ton AC and 1.5 Ton AC

5. COSTWAY 8000BTU Portable Air Conditioner

COSTWAY 8000BTU Portable Air Conditioner

COSTWAY 8000BTU Portable Air Conditioner
  • 4-in-1 Smart Air Conditioner
  • Remote Control
  • 24H Timer & Window Venting Kit
  • Multi-Function & Powerful AC Unit
  • Suitable for Bedroom
  • Smart Operation & Huge Coverage

COSTWAY FP10110US-GR comes in 5th on the list. During our testing, this cools up to 200 square feet easily. With the handles attached, the portable air conditioner can be moved easily. It has four different modes, including ventilating, drying, air cooling, and sleeping, which we found very useful during our testing. The build is sturdy. The filtration is high-density, ensuring clean and hygienic air in the room.

It has an easy-to-use remote and task panel for added convenience. Moreover, even though it is a portable AC, it produces less noise, which will not disturb you for sure, as we concluded in our tests. There are two fan speeds. Performance is never compromised. Customer history suggests that no defects will be found over time.

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Best Split Air Conditioners

1. Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star AC
  • 1.5 Ton Capacity
  • 5 Star Rating
  • Inverter Compressor
  • Dew Clean Technology
  • ‎785.67 Kilowatt Hours Per Year
  • 88.5 x 22.9 x 29.8 Centimeters

This Daikin AC is the most powerful on this list, boasting a 1.5-ton or 5280 Watts cooling capacity and 100% copper coils coated in an anti-rust coating. Its quiet-working neo-swing compressor operates at a low friction level, reducing the risk of gas leakage during compression. What makes it truly special is its “Smart” features, being compatible with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa for voice command control. In addition to saving you money on your power bills, it has an ISEER rating of 5.20. Furthermore, this AC comes with a stabiliser inside, which regulates input voltage from 130-285V to give an output voltage of 220V.

Therefore, your AC will always receive the optimum voltage needed to operate without interruption. It is superior to the feature provided by other brands, where the AC is capable of operating at a wide range of input voltages. Please note that Daikin does not have a very large network of company-owned service centres in India. If you live in a tier II city or a town, please check if there is a service centre near your city or district before making a purchase.

Also Read: Semi-Automatic vs Fully Automatic Washing Machine

2. Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Twin-Cool Inverter Split Air Conditioner

Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split Air Conditioner

Panasonic CS/CU-HU18YKYF AC
  • 1.5 Ton Capacity
  • 5 Star Rating
  • Auto Convertible
  • Shield Blu Anti-Corrosion Technology
  • Wi-Fi Air Conditioner
  • ‎840.75 Kilowatt Hours
  • 107 x 23.5 x 29 Centimeters

Using Panasonic’s Mirae platform, this 1.5-ton air conditioner can be controlled through a mobile app or voice commands if you have an Alexa device. This Panasonic CS/CU-NU18XKYWA AC does not come with a WiFi feature, but it still has a copper condenser, twin inverter compressor, hydrophilic anti-corrosive coating, 5-star BEE rating, self-diagnosis, PM 2.5 air purification system, stabiliser-free operation, and several other features that make it a great product.

As long as your area doesn’t experience very wild voltage fluctuations, you don’t have to purchase a stabiliser for this air conditioner. This saves you rupees 2500 to 4000. The serviceability of these air conditioners will not be an issue because Panasonic has a wide network of service centres throughout India.

Also Read: Best 1.5 Ton 5 Star AC Under 40000

3. LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star AI DUAL Inverter Split AC

LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star AI DUAL Inverter Split AC

LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star AI DUAL Inverter Split AC
  • 1.5 Ton Capacity
  • 5 Star Rating
  • Inverter Compressor
  • Super Convertible 6-in-1 Cooling
  • ‎685.26 Kilowatt Hours Per Year
  • 21 x 99.8 x 34.5 Centimeters

This LG RS-Q19YNZE AC comes with a dual rotary inverter compressor and is exceptionally quiet, yet amazingly powerful, comfortable, and energy-saving. Its auto-clean feature is really useful if you live in an area with high humidity. By evaporating moisture from the AC’s internal unit, prevents bacteria or mould from growing and eliminates potential odours.

As your AC ages, you’ll know when to top off refrigerant by using the low refrigerant detection feature. Even though you can find numerous air conditioners cheaper than this one, it offers you exceptional quality, more features, and a longer lifespan. Furthermore, LG is a time-tested brand with a good service network and produces excellent quality products.

The downside of this AC is that it’s underpowered compared to a Daikin or Panas AC. This has further decreased this year, so we have to bring it down to position.

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4. Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split AC
  • 1.5 Ton Capacity
  • 5 Star Rating
  • Inverter Compressor
  • 23 x 96 x 31.7 Centimeters

Tata Group’s Voltas AC is a 100% Indian product. It’s a popular brand among Indians as it provides the best air conditioners for an affordable price. Split inverter AC with 1.5-ton capacity with a 5-star BEE rating. It is ideal for cooling a room under 150 square feet.

It also comes with a dehumidifier, multistage air filtration, turbo mode, sleep mode, and several other features. This AC is capable of operating in a voltage range of 100-290V, so you would not need to install a stabiliser. Anti Dust Filter, Catechin Filter, and CO2 Reduction Filter are included for air purification.

Also Read: Best 1 Ton AC Under 35000 in India

5.  Blue Star 1.5 Tr 3 Star Fixed Speed Split AC

Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Fixed Speed Split AC

Blue Star 1.5 Tr 3 Star Fixed Speed Split AC
  • 1.5 Ton Capacity
  • 3 Star Rating
  • Fixed-Speed Compressor
  • Summer Chill Mode
  • 90.1 x 22.2 x 30.7 Centimeters

Featuring an old-style fixed-speed compressor, this AC is a great choice for commercial spaces and shops that see lots of traffic. There are very few companies that manufacture fixed-speed compressor air conditioners today, so BlueStar AC is a great choice for anyone looking for such air conditioners.

In terms of durability, this air conditioner does a good job, since it has 100% copper coils, and both the evaporator and condenser are coated with blue-fin epoxy. In the presence of harsh climates, rainwater, salty air, and humidity, this coating protects aluminium fins and copper pipes from corroding, preventing gas leaks and extending the AC’s life.

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FAQs: Portable Air Conditioners vs Split Air Conditioners

1. Which AC is best split or portable?

Split system air conditioners provide a better option than comparable portable units for most homes due to their energy efficiency and high cooling power.

2. What is the disadvantage of Portable AC?

It is likely that portable air conditioners use more BTUs – and therefore more electricity – to cool the same square foot space than window units, since they generate waste heat indoors instead of outdoors.

3. Does a Window AC Cool Better than a Portable Air Conditioner?

Unlike portable air conditioners, window air conditioners have no separate vents to worry about, and they are more efficient than portable air conditioners, so they can cool a larger space for a lower cost.

Final Thoughts: Portable Air Conditioners vs Split Air Conditioners

We have looked at the differences between portable air conditioners and split air conditioners, as well as their respective pros and cons. In summary, if you are looking for a cooling solution that is easy to install, and does not require permanent installation or extra ductwork, then a portable air conditioner may be your best bet.

If on the other hand space is no issue and you want to reap more energy savings in the long term then installing a split system might be your better option. Whichever one you go with ultimately depends on your individual needs so make sure to weigh all of your options before making a decision.

If you have any other questions on the portable Air Conditioners vs Split Air Conditioners then please comment below. We will try to solve your queries as quickly as possible. Please come again to read more articles on this website.

Also Read: Split AC vs Window AC

Saikat Mondal

Hello I'm Saikat Mondal. Currently, I am pursuing a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from CTS. I am very query full about the working process of electronic gadgets. Making new Electronic prototypes is my hobby.

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