5 Best Evaporative Coolers, According to Experts
These easy-to-use swamp coolers will chill the air when it's hot and stuffy.
Reviewed by Dan DiClericoHome Improvement & Outdoor Director
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When summer heat kicks in and your space can’t accommodate a bulky window AC, an evaporative cooler (also known as a swamp cooler) can be a smart, budget-friendly solution. These devices offer a refreshing alternative for homes where traditional air conditioners aren’t an option, using the natural cooling power of water and airflow to take the edge off rising temps.
Unlike portable air conditioners that rely on a compressor and venting system, evaporative coolers draw in warm air, pass it over water-soaked pads (or ice in some models), and release cooler, more humid air back into the room. They're especially effective in dry climates and require far less energy than standard ACs. While they may not cool a room as dramatically as an AC, they're easy to use, more eco-friendly, and a solid option for beating the heat without overloading your power bill.
To choose the best evaporative coolers, we consulted Good Housekeeping's Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab Director Dan DiClerico and combed through in-depth customer reviews to keep your apartments, homes and offices chiller than ever this summer.
HESSAIRE MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler
Pros
- Over 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon
- Budget-friendly and easy-to-assemble
- Customers like its simple and sleek design
Cons
- Continuous water source hookup may leak a bit
Weighing only 16 pounds and able to cool up to 500 square feet of space according to the brand, this sleek and stylish model from Hessaire is a great portable option. And it has over 2,500 five-star reviews on Amazon to back it up.
DiClerico said this is best suited to cooling small to medium-sized spaces. Place it in a studio apartment, a single room in your home, a garage, a workspace or even a small patio. The small dial on the front of the cooler allows you to select one of five settings so you can adjust the airflow to your liking.
Online reviewers not only liked that it was affordable and easy to put together but also that you can manually refill the water reservoir with each use or hook it up to a hose for continuous water flow (no refilling required!). If you do use the continuous option, just be aware that some reviews said the hookup may drip a bit.
| Size | 20" x 10" x 28" |
| Air flow capacity | 1300 cubic feet per minute |
| Cooling area | 500 square feet |
| Weight | 16 pounds |
Honeywell 300 CFM Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler
Pros
- Compact design
- Easy maintenance
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Limited cooling area
Though the Honeywell doesn’t pack as much cooling power as our top-rated evaporative cooler from Hessaire, it will bring relief to smaller spaces, like a bedroom, workshop or home gym. “Honeywell is a reputable brand in the category, with a solid track record for performance and reliability, so the unit should deliver years of service,” said DiClerico.
Due to its compact design and size, it saves plenty of space, making it optimal for small spaces. With three speed operations, this cooler is great for cooling with a gentle, fan-only breeze during warm days and for use as a humidifier to keep air hydrated during the colder, winter months. Additionally, this helps to regulate cooling output and noise. When it's time to clean, the washable carbon filter makes for easy maintenance. We also appreciate the 2.6-gallon water tank capacity, which should keep the unit going for most of the day. Our biggest reservation is the limited cooling area, especially if you are looking for a product for a large space.
| Size | 31.5" x 15.7" x 13.5" |
| Air flow capacity | 300 cubic feet per minute |
| Cooling area | 175 square feet |
| Weight | 18.5 pounds |
HESSAIRE MC26A Evaporative Cooler
Pros
- Covers up to 700 square feet of space
- Top lid compartment can fit two ice packs for an added chill
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Heavier than other picks
- Assembly required
Whether you have a large garage or want a cool boost in the living room, this quiet cooler is pretty powerful. It's capable of covering up to 700 square feet, according to the brand, and it has three different fan speeds and an oscillating mode to better spread the cool air. A continuous water flow option lets it run uninterrupted, and the ice packs that come with it can be inserted to add an extra chill to the air.
Other features include a timer, humidity sensor, remote control and wheels on the bottom, making it convenient to use and move. Although evaporative coolers are less effective if humidity levels are higher than 50%, some reviewers said that this specific machine worked quite well in areas with greater humidity. "This evaporative cooler does a great job blowing a lot of air while being very quiet," one reviewer said, sharing they often use it on their porch in Texas.
Take note: the unit is quite heavy, and some online reviewers had trouble with the assembly. “It will be overkill in a typical bedroom, but it will bring cooling relief to a large porch or patio,” said DiClerico.
| Size | 24" x 16" x 38" |
| Air flow capacity | 2100 cubic feet per minute |
| Cooling area | 700 square feet |
| Weight | 25 pounds |
Pros
- Affordable
- Plugs into most power sources with a USB cable
- Easy to take anywhere
Cons
- Airflow is limited to within 5 feet of the unit
When you want something that can go anywhere with you, the Evapolar personal air cooler is your best friend. In addition to being affordable, it easily plugs into a power source with a USB cable, weighs less than 2 pounds and has a built-in handle.
At just under 7 inches, it's a great go-to when you have limited space, and it can sit on a desk or dresser and serve as a personal cooling device. The machine both cools and humidifies air, offering four different fan speeds at the press of a button. Its compact size does limit its airflow to within 5 feet of the unit, so if you're looking to cool off a large space, better to look elsewhere. But its portability is a huge boon for a camping trip, college dorm, the office or any place that needs a little extra cooling oomph.
| Size | 6.7" x 6.7" x 6.7" |
| Air flow capacity | 50 cubic feet per minute |
| Cooling area | 26 square feet |
| Weight | 1.7 pounds |
Arctic Air Pure Chill 2.0 Evaporative Air Cooler by Ontel
Pros
- Compact, portable and lightweight
- Built-in LED nightlight
Cons
- Better used as a personal cooling device, not a room cooling device
Weighing less than 2 pounds, this compact cooler, which can run via USB cord, uses dual cooling jets to cool and humidify air. It has four different settings and can for run up to 10 hours on one tank of water. Multi-directional air vents allow you to adjust the direction of the airflow too. There's even a built-in LED nightlight with seven different color options, which makes it fun for kids who don't like to sleep in the dark.
That being said, our experts say this cooler is better used as a personal cooling device rather than a room cooling device. "It's affordable, lightweight and portable enough that you can take it with you anywhere," said DiClerico.
| Size | 6.3" x 7.48" x 9.76" |
| Air flow capacity | N/A |
| Cooling area | N/A |
| Weight | 1.89 pounds |
What's the difference between an evaporative cooler and a portable air conditioner?
Although the two phrases are occasionally used interchangeably, evaporative coolers and portable air conditioners are actually two different appliances. Evaporative coolers use cold water and ice to cool the air and return it to the space using a fan.
A portable air conditioner pulls in hot air, cools it using a motor and then reintroduces that cooled air into the room. Because portable air conditioners use a motor, they have an exhaust that must be ventilated through a hose and out the window — which makes them less versatile and less portable but great for small homes with few people.
Because evaporative coolers rely on water or ice instead of a motor, they are simpler to maintain, use and move around, but they don't produce as much cold air as a portable AC does. Some can be hooked up directly to a hose or water source for continuous use, while others have a tank that must be manually refilled. They're a great solution for dorm rooms, outdoor areas like porches or sunrooms, garages and other smaller spaces.
In comparison to a window air conditioning unit, neither portable ACs nor evaporative coolers can produce the same amount of cooling power.
How does an evaporative cooler work?
Evaporative coolers, also called swamp coolers, rely on water or ice to cool air. With the help of a water reservoir, which soaks pads inside the cooler, air is taken into the machine and passed over the pads, evaporating the water and cooling the air. The cooled air is then distributed back out of the cooler using a fan.
How do I know if an evaporative cooler is right for me?
"Evaporative coolers are ideal in hot, dry climates where the relative humidity stays well below 50%," said DiClerico. They are less effective when humidity levels are high.
Evaporative coolers are better suited for areas where it's warm but not consistently hitting hot temperatures because they don't have nearly the same cooling capacity as a traditional air conditioner (or a portable air conditioner).
That said, if you live in muggy, warm and wet areas you would be better off opting for an AC window unit or portable air conditioner. DiClerico added, "The cooling power of an evaporative cooler is closer to that of a fan than a traditional room air conditioner, but they can improve comfort in the right conditions."
Do evaporative coolers need to be vented out of a window?
Although evaporative coolers should have at least two speeds and a "vent-only" option, they don't typically need to be vented with a hose — something that strongly distinguishes them from portable ACs. Because the hot air needs somewhere to go, it is suggested that they be placed near an open door or window so that the warm air can cycle out and so that the evaporative cooler can operate at its highest efficiency.
What to consider when shopping for an evaporative cooler
✔️ Geographical location: As mentioned above, evaporative coolers work better in certain climates, and it's important to know if one will work effectively where you live. Evaporative coolers work best in dry climates where the humidity stays well below 50%, like in the western and southernmost states. Those who live in other weather conditions, especially the Midwest or anywhere east of Kansas should consider a portable AC or window unit.
✔️ Location in the home: Although evaporative coolers don't need exhaust ventilation the way a portable AC does, they should ideally be used in certain areas of the home. "They’re often called swamp coolers because they can end up smelling like one, which is why we recommend using them in well-ventilated areas of the home, or even outdoors, like on a patio or porch," said DiClerico. "It’s also important to clean the coolers regularly to minimize the musty smell."
✔️ Cooling capacity: A larger area will require a larger cooler to cool it, and vice versa. Know the square footage of the room or area you want to cool and purchase a unit with a cooling capacity to match. Pay close attention to the physical size of the unit before purchasing too. You'll want to have an idea of where and how you'll fit your evaporative cooler before you bring one home. Smaller units can also be stored away in closets between uses.
✔️ Water connection: Evaporative coolers use a water tank to cool hot air. A safe, sanitary water supply is essential, regardless of whether you have a tank you need to manually fill or one that can be connected to a water supply for continuous use. If you opt for a cooler with a continuous-fill tank, you'll need to connect it to a waterline in your home. You may want to consult an HVAC professional to make sure your water cooler is properly set up.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This guide was last updated by Timothy Dahl, a contributing writer for Good Housekeeping who has spent the past two decades reviewing home comfort products, including evaporative coolers, dehumidifiers and air purifiers, as well as power tools and other household essentials.
The article was first written by Annie O'Sullivan, a former Assistant Editor at Good Housekeeping, who has written about gifts, holidays, home and more.
Dan DiClerico, the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, provided expert review. Dan has 25 years of experience writing product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations.
Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years. With a deep background in hands-on testing and reporting, he has reviewed and worked with hundreds of tools, products, and home innovations. Timothy's work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, and Popular Mechanics, and he's the founder of Charles & Hudson. He specializes in making complex projects accessible and is passionate about empowering homeowners with clear, actionable guidance.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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