The Best Evaporative Air Coolers, Vetted

If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat this summer without skyrocketing your electric bill, an evaporative air cooler could be the answer. Sometimes called swamp coolers, these appliances draw warm air through water-saturated pads, cooling it as it passes through. Because they utilize simple evaporation rather than relying on heavy compressors, they use significantly less electricity than traditional air conditioners.

To help you find the right one for your space and needs, we began by researching more than 25 portable evaporative coolers and selecting nine for hands-on testing. After evaluating them for 2 months on ease of use, performance, noise, and overall value, we found a favorite: Uthfy’s 4800 CFM Evaporative Air Cooler. This straightforward model is easy to set up and operate, delivers 4,800 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow to cover up to 1,200 square feet, and comes at a very reasonable price. 

Keep reading to learn more about this pick and the rest of the best evaporative air coolers on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL:Uthfy 4800 CFM Evaporative Air Cooler
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Arctic Air Chill Zone XL Portable Evaporative Cooler
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3. UPGRADE PICK: Portacool Apex 500 Wi-Fi Evaporative Air Cooler
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4. BEST INDOOR: Dreo 712S Evaporative Air Cooler
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5. BEST OUTDOOR: Hessaire MC18M 1300 CFM Mobile Cooler
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6. BEST GARAGE/WORKSHOP: Hessaire MC37M 3100 CFM Evaporative Air Cooler
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7. BEST DESK: Soleey Personal Portable Evaporative Air Cooler
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Evaporative Air Coolers at a Glance

Our Top Picks

Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each of the evaporative cooling systems we tested, complete with pros and cons, to help you find the right one for staying cool without AC. 

Our Ratings

Although it’s the most powerful unit we tested and also has the largest coverage area, we didn’t give the Uthfy 4800 CFM portable air cooler​ the top award just for its size. But combine that size with its extra features, like the three included ice packs and 110-degree oscillation, as well as the unit’s relatively quiet operation and budget-friendly price, and it’s no surprise it earned the best score. Operation is straightforward, with three speed settings and a massive 10.6-gallon tank you can fill from the top as well as through the standard fold-out door and hose hookups. Repositioning is also easy, as the Uthfy sits on four locking caster wheels and has built-in handles on the sides. 

That said, it’s still an evaporative cooler, so its 40-inch-high by 23-inch-wide by 17-inch-deep body takes up a fair bit of space, and while several other models were noisier, its 50- to 60-decibel output isn’t exactly unnoticeable. The Uthfy is also built for performance rather than being pretty, as it has a definite commercial aesthetic. And if you want to move it, it’s best to wait until you’ve used up some water, as a full tank makes it a bit hard to roll. Still, this pick features the best blend of power, coverage, and convenience of all the options we tested, even compared to pricier competitors. 

What our tester says: “I was surprised how much I liked the Uthfy. In terms of power, performance, and price, it was an easy top pick.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Uthfy evaporative air cooler at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

There’s no need to spend a lot to bring the power of evaporative cooling into a home. The Arctic Air Chill Zone XL is compact and budget-friendly, but it still delivers a welcome breeze. It’s not designed to cool an entire room, but it made a noticeable difference in how comfortable the room felt while it ran.

Instead of a built-in water tank or packs, this unit uses a removable filter pack that users soak in water and place in the freezer. Once ours had frozen, we slid it back into the unit, and it delivered deliciously chilled air a few feet in front of it. Unfortunately, we had to keep rewetting and freezing the filter every 30 minutes to achieve the best cooling effect. But if waiting for the filter to freeze is a problem, you can rewet and reinstall the filter without freezing. It will still produce some cool air—just not as crisp as when the filter is frozen. Another option is to purchase a few extra filters to keep in the freezer so there’s always one ready.

One of our favorite features was the nightlight at the bottom. Users can choose the color of that light from a variety of options, making the small evaporative cooler a welcome feature in a child’s room. It doesn’t come with a remote control, but it’s quiet, lightweight, and perfect for use in a home office, dorm room, or next to a crib. 

Get the Arctic Air evaporative air cooler at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Our Ratings

After testing the Portacool Apex 500, it’s easy to see why the brand is so popular in the evaporative cooling system​ market. With 800 CFM of airflow and coverage of up to 500 square feet, it combines solid cooling performance with a user-friendly design. Setup is straightforward, both the digital control and app are intuitive, and the output makes a noticeable difference in medium-sized indoor or semi-open spaces. It also runs at a reasonable 50 to 63 decibels across its five settings, and its 13-gallon tank is the largest of all the models we tested. Since it’s also the tallest but one of the narrowest, it takes up less floor space than most. 

At 70 pounds, however, it isn’t especially light, but the two large rear wheels, locking caster wheels, and long top handle make it easy to tip back and walk like you would a dolly (as long as it’s not full of water). It’s also clear that it’s built to last, with rotationally molded housing that’s backed by a lifetime warranty and a wick-drying cycle that reduces mold and mildew risk. The main downside of the Apex 500 is its price, which is high enough that you’ll want to be sure the better build and extra features are worth it.

Get the Portacool evaporative air cooler at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Portacool.

Our Ratings

Compared to standard evaporative swamp coolers, the Dreo 712S is practically dainty. Instead of a unit that’s almost as deep and wide as it is tall, this sleek model is only 12 inches in diameter and just under 4 feet high—making it look more like a typical tower fan than anything else. And on the inside, its “IceWind Cooling System” combines dynamic air ducts, a 35-blade turbine, and a large cooling pad to push an impressive 1,327 CFM of air across an 85-degree oscillation sweep. After testing it for 2 months in our bedroom, our tester uses it as a regular fan to keep air moving during the day, and at night, she simply adds the included reusable ice packs to the 6-liter tank to create a chilled, soothing breeze.

The Dreo’s upgraded aesthetics extend to its functionality as well. As a smart evaporative air conditioner, you can control it via the app (or even connect to Alexa or Google Home for voice commands), the remote, or the touch-sensitive panel. Through the app, you can see real-time room temperature and humidity, set schedules and timers, and even see when it’s time for a refill or cleaning. Five built-in caster wheels make it simple to move (unless it’s on thick carpet), and refilling is straightforward by either sliding out the tank or adding water directly to it. As an indoor evaporative cooler​, it also includes thoughtful features like an auto-dimming display, Sleep mode, a child safety lock, and a memory function that restores your settings if the power goes out.

Read our full review: Dreo 712S Evaporative Air Cooler

What our tester says: “This is an easy choice if you want an evaporative cooler for indoor use that won’t have everyone asking, ‘What is that?’ But it doesn’t just look good—it also works great. We’ve had ours in our bedroom for the last 2 months, and I expect it’ll still be there in 2 years.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Dreo evaporative air cooler at Amazon or Dreo.

Our Ratings

We tested this compact Hessaire evaporative air cooler in both indoor and outdoor settings to see how well it handles different spaces. With a 4.8-gallon water tank capacity and an airflow output of about 1,300 CFM, it brings a decent amount of power to the table. In our indoor test room, the Hessaire lowered the air temperature by 8 degrees Fahrenheit in 1 hour, though results will vary based on room size and humidity. However, we quickly ran into an indoor design flaw: it doesn’t have a removable tank. There’s just a small opening on the side for filling, and even though we were careful, we sloshed some water onto the floor.

Because of that messiness, we actually preferred using this model as an outdoor evaporative cooler. Filling the tank from a garden hose is much simpler, though it obviously limits you to the yard or patio. In our patio tests, the unit did a good job of cooling the area 4 to 5 feet directly in front of it. While that’s not a large footprint, it provides a refreshing breeze for a couple of people sitting nearby, making it well-suited for providing a cool spot at an outdoor gathering.

If you do use it outside, just keep a couple of maintenance and safety details in mind. Because the unit is capable of connecting to a garden hose, we wish it came with a built-in GFCI plug—since it doesn’t, be sure to plug it into a GFCI outlet. Additionally, without a removable water tank, regular cleaning is essential. Our 3-week test period was long enough for the standing water to start smelling a bit moldy, but we easily cleaned it by filling the tank with water, adding about 1 cup of bleach, and letting it drain completely.

Get the Hessaire MC18M evaporative air cooler at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, or Best Buy.

Our Ratings

If you need serious evaporative cooling for a garage, workshop, patio, or other semi-open space, the Hessaire MC37M is an excellent choice. With 3,100 CFM of airflow and three-sided cooling pads, it has plenty of power to make a noticeable difference in hot, dry conditions, and the 10.3-gallon tank keeps it running longer between refills (it has a hose hookup as well). Setup is simple, the controls are easy to understand, and although it’s a relatively large evaporative cooler, the four caster wheels (two locking) make it incredibly easy to move. 

What our tester liked best about this Hessaire model is that it delivers a ton of cooling power without being overcomplicated or overpriced. Yes, the dials are manual, and there’s noticeable fan noise on the highest of its three settings, but those are reasonable trade-offs for a unit that moves this much air. If you want a dependable, high-output cooler that comes at a reasonable price, the MC37M is an easy recommendation.

Get the Hessaire MC37M evaporative air cooler at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

ALSO TESTED

After spending 2 months testing the Soleey Personal Evaporative Cooler, we had a really hard time deciding whether to include it in this guide. While we scored this small evaporative cooling fan a 4.1 out of 5, finding its direct breeze well suited to working at a standing desk while walking on a treadmill or sitting on a nightstand next to you while you sleep, we noticed its Amazon rating fell from an average of more than 4 stars when we first ordered it to just 1.9 at the time of publication. In that time, the product link also changed, which happens from time to time, but seems odd given the drastic ratings drop. For those reasons, we feel better recommending the Arctic Air Chill Zone XL portable evap cooler to anyone looking for a desk option. 

How We Tested the Best Evaporative Air Coolers 

After researching more than 25 residential evaporative coolers, we selected nine for hands-on testing, choosing a range of models to meet different cooling needs and budgets. Once they arrived, we evaluated each unit in spaces where the humidity was below 50 percent (evaporative coolers rely on dry air to function effectively) and in rooms that matched each manufacturer’s stated coverage area. 

For each model, we evaluated the setup process, measured the temperature and humidity after 1 hour of runtime, and recorded how long it took to drop the room’s temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. We also noted noise levels on both high and low settings, rated general portability, and assessed any extra features. We then used a rubric to tally each model’s points and assigned our top picks relevant awards.

Our Testing Scores

What to Consider When Choosing an Evaporative Air Cooler

Using an evaporative cooling system is an energy-efficient way to cool down in the summer, serving as an alternative to more expensive air conditioning. When choosing an evaporative air cooler, we recommend users consider their climate and the space that needs cooling, as well as the tank capacity and features such as wheels, a timer, and an air swing delivery system.

Your Climate

Because evaporative coolers work best in hot, dry conditions, the first thing to consider is the climate where you live. In generally humid areas, their cooling effect will be weaker, and the spaces they’re used in can start to feel muggy. In those environments, a traditional air conditioner would be a better choice.

Types of Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative air coolers consume less energy than traditional AC because they rely mainly on a fan and water evaporation rather than a compressor. They work by moving water to a cooling pad, usually from an internal tank that must be refilled when the water level gets too low to continue cooling effectively.  

Available types include portable air coolers, window evaporative coolers, and whole-house swamp coolers. All the models we tested were portable.

• Portable evaporative air coolers are the most popular choice for homes. As a mobile evaporative cooler, this type of unit usually has wheels and top or side handles, making it easy to move from room to room. Most models use side-discharge airflow, which pushes cool air horizontally for spot cooling and makes them easier to set up and maintain.
• Window evaporative air coolers are designed to sit in an open window, similar to a window AC unit, and draw in hot, dry outside air and cool it as it comes in. Like a portable unit, a window evaporative cooler will typically use side-discharge airflow, but it will likely be more effective because it’s positioned to draw in outside air directly. It will also likely be more expensive and harder to install. 
• Whole-house evaporative air coolers are usually mounted on the roof, where they blow cooled air through ductwork to cool the entire home. These systems can be highly effective, but they require proper installation and sealing to avoid roof leaks and water damage.

Cooling Area and CFM

Considering each unit’s cooling area is essential when selecting the best swamp cooler for your house. When it comes to air output and cooling power, more isn’t always better—instead seek a unit that best fits the space you intend to cool.

Manufacturers measure cooling capacity in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Smaller rooms typically call for lighter-duty models, while larger units can often cool spaces spanning thousands of square feet. 

Water Tank Size and Runtime

Evaporative air coolers operate by pulling hot, dry air through a wet media pad. The hot air causes the top layer of moisture on the pad to evaporate, which can lower the air temperature within the cooler by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This cool air is then pushed out by a fan to cool the room. However, without a water source to keep the media pad wet, evaporative air coolers are essentially just bulky fans.

The water for these machines is held in an internal tank, which ranges in size from less than a liter to more than 10 gallons. The larger the tank, the longer the cooler can operate.

Air Swing Delivery System

Air swing delivery systems are the oscillation feature present in some evaporative air coolers and most fans. Oscillation louvers in the cooler control the airflow range, typically set from a fixed position (0 degrees) up to an arc of up to 120 degrees. 

Adjustable vents are another convenient control feature we love. Changing the angle of the vent will alter the direction of the cool air flowing from the unit. This allows users to direct air to the ground, up into the air, or to the left or right, offering a little more control over which direction the cool air blows.

Timer

Timer functions allow users to set the cooler to operate for a chosen amount of time, which can help ensure that the unit shuts off before the tank runs dry. Timers can often be set for up to 15 hours of continuous runtime, and some models include 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, and 4-hour settings for quick adjustment. When the time runs out, the unit shuts off automatically, which is especially convenient at night.

Additional Features

Evaporative air coolers may have several additional features for improved quality and versatility that we love. Some of our favorites include the following:

• Wheels make evaporative air coolers easier to move from room to room. Most portable models have four wheels attached to the base, and some include two locking wheels to keep the cooler stationary once it’s in place. 
• Garden-hose adapters can connect directly to a garden hose, providing a constant water supply. With this connection, the evaporative air cooler can run continuously without stopping to refill the water tank, but it should only be used outdoors. 
• Water-level indicators help ensure the tank has the appropriate amount of water for cooling the room. If the level gets too low, an audible alarm and an indicator light will alert the user to add water.
• Fan-speed control is a common feature that usually includes low, medium, and high fan-speed settings.
• Air filtration can prevent allergens, such as pollen and dust, from being pulled into the home. These coolers draw air through a filter before it reaches the media pads, removing airborne irritants. Some products also offer activated carbon filters and odor-blocking filters.

FAQs

Evaporative air coolers can keep your home cool in warm weather while using less energy than even energy-efficient air conditioners. If you’d like more info on how to shop for, use, and maintain these machines, read on for answers to commonly asked questions.

Q. Do I live in the right climate for an evaporative air cooler?

Evaporative air coolers work best in hot, dry climates like those in the American Southwest, including Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, the California desert, and parts of Texas and Colorado. These coolers can function outside of these regions, but the higher the ambient humidity, the less the cooling effect.

Q. How often do I need to change the media pads for an evaporative air cooler? 

Typically, the more often the cooler is used, the more frequently the media pads will need to be replaced. However, some media pads can be removed, washed with mild detergent, and reinstalled. 

Q. Do I need to close all doors and windows when using an evaporative air cooler?

No. Evaporative air coolers benefit from access to outdoor air because they require warm, dry air to produce cool, moist air. It’s advised to have a nearby window or door open to provide a constant source of warm, dry air to flow through the cooler.

Q. How do I maintain my evaporative air cooler?

Evaporative cooler maintenance is typically pretty simple: During frequent-use periods like the summer, replace the water regularly and clean the media pad with water and a mild detergent to help avoid mold growth. When the temperatures get colder, drain the water tank and water line, then run the fan-only feature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to dry out the machine and the pads. 

Q. What is the disadvantage of an evaporative air cooler?

They’re less effective in humid climates and will raise indoor humidity levels, which can result in muggy conditions. In humid regions, a portable air conditioner may be a better choice. 

Q. Do evaporative coolers really work?

Yes, they work well in dry climates and can cool the air noticeably through water evaporation. In those environments, they’re an excellent extreme heat hack because they cool the air without using as much electricity as traditional air conditioning.

Q. Where is the best place to put an evaporative cooler?

The best place for an evaporative air cooler is near a window where it can draw in dry air.

Q. What is evaporative cooling​?

Evaporative cooling is a natural process in which warm, dry air passes through water-saturated material; as the water evaporates, it lowers the air temperature. 

Meet the Testers

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Having spent the last 20-some years living in the mountains of Utah and Colorado, she’s no stranger to hot, dry summers—or the appliances necessary to keep her home cool in those climates. 

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Timothy Dale.

 

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