Portable air conditioner vs. window

in general portables r less efficient and more noisy.

They do not circulate outside air. Outside air is what brings in the oxygen to mix out the pollutants and co2 indoors.

People always think outside is worse than indoors. Indoor air is more often much more dirty than out. Especially in small apartments.

Our natural environment is the most efficient at cleaning the air. Not recycled air in ans apartment with chemicals from your cooking and cleaning.

That. Much worse than in-window.

We've actually owned both.

The portable are MUCH quieter but they don't cool as much. You take the water out by emptying a bucket at the bottom of the unit. We found them insufficient for a south-facing apartment with giant windows.

The in-window are MUCH noisier, but will provide a lot of cooling.

Both are available as energy star rated units. Google to find noise ratings.

Heat and noise leakage (at the window) around either type of unit is an issue.

Portable is a lot more pricy compared to window unit with same BTU. Also, some portables have heat feature but not very efficient or strong and very noisy.

I bought a portable for my old apt because of limited windows. First portable I had wasn't all that good because would turn off once reservoir was filled with water. The second model I bought was a Friedrich - expensive (about $550 - $600, including shopping), but had no reservoir and really cooled place. Only downside was that it was noisy, but that was a tradeoff I was happy to make. If you have the window space, I think I would go with the in-window model.

Oh yeah! The reservoir! HATE!!!!! That alone is worth not getting a potable! Having to constantly empty a water bucket sucks!

I will second what the others have said, having had experience with both types of units. IMO, ONLY go for a portable if you absolutely need it (that is, the quick portability of it) for some reason.