Head-to-head · Best Portable Air Conditioners

LG LP0621WSR vs Whynter ARC-14S

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

LG LP0621WSR and Whynter ARC-14S score essentially the same (4.0 vs 4.0). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #3 in Best Portable Air Conditioners

LG LP0621WSR

4.0

2 sourcesall derived

The LG LP0621WSR is the small-room value pick: a compact 8,000 BTU ASHRAE (6,000 BTU DOE) unit that cools spaces up to 250 sq ft quickly and quietly for less than the bigger units here. Reviewers praise its ease of use and fast small-room cooling, noting it runs as low as 51 dB. It is not for large rooms and there are no smart features, but for a bedroom or office on a budget it is an efficient fit.

Strengths

— Affordable, compact unit ideal for small rooms up to 250 sq ft
— Cools a small room quickly — one office in about 15 minutes
— Quiet at low fan, as low as 51 dB

Watch-outs

— Low 6,000 BTU DOE capacity limits it to small spaces
— Single-hose design is less efficient than dual-hose units
— No Wi-Fi or inverter; basic feature set

Buy at homedepot.com Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Portable Air Conditioners

Whynter ARC-14S

4.0

2 sources$436.37as of Aug 1

The Whynter ARC-14S is a long-running dual-hose portable AC that cools hard for hot climates, though reviewers are candid that its real SACC capacity (~9,500 BTU) falls far short of its 14,000 BTU ASHRAE claim. ConsumerAnalysis now recommends the Midea Duo over it on efficiency. It is still a solid dual-hose option, but at over 80 lbs with no handles, plus louder and less efficient operation, it trails the newer inverter units.

Strengths

— Dual-hose design cools more efficiently than single-hose units
— Strong cooling output for hot climates
— Eco-friendly CFC-free refrigerant and recognized brand

Watch-outs

— Real SACC capacity (~9,500 BTU) is well below its 14,000 BTU ASHRAE claim
— Very heavy at over 80 lbs with no handles, hard to move
— Loud and less energy-efficient than the Midea Duo

$436.37 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

LG LP0621WSR

The smallest and most affordable unit here, sized for rooms the larger Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL, LG LP1419IVSM, and Whynter ARC-14S would over-cool. Like the LG LP1419IVSM and Black+Decker BPACT12HWT it is a single-hose design, so it is less efficient than the dual-hose Midea Duo, but its low capacity is well-matched to small spaces.

Whynter ARC-14S

The other dual-hose unit alongside the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL, but older and without an inverter — so it is heavier, louder, and less efficient than the Duo. Its dual-hose design still makes it more efficient than the single-hose LG LP1419IVSM, LG LP0621WSR, and Black+Decker BPACT12HWT in principle, though its real SACC capacity is lower than its rating suggests.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	LG LP0621WSR	Whynter ARC-14S
BTU	8,000 ASHRAE / 6,000 DOE	14,000 ASHRAE / ~9,500 SACC
Coverage Area	Up to 250 sq ft	Up to 500 sq ft
Noise	As low as 51 dB	~59 dB
Energy Star	No	No
Hose Count	Single	Dual
Modes	Cool, fan, dry	AC, fan, dehumidifier
Drain	Auto evaporation	Self-evaporating
Controls	Remote + LCD	—
Wattage	930W	—
Weight	—	80+ lbs
Dimensions	—	19"D x 16"W x 35.5"H
Voltage	—	115 volts

← See the full ranking of best portable air conditioners