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If you’re looking for a way to stay cool this summer without increasing your electric bill, a portable evaporative cooler could be the answer. Commonly known as swamp coolers, these appliances draw warm air through water-saturated pads, cooling it as it passes through.
We carefully researched more than 25 evaporative air coolers and then selected four for hands-on testing. And we found a clear favorite–Dreo’s Oscillating Evaporative Air Cooler takes the top spot on our lineup for its user-friendly features, including onboard or remote controls, a programmable timer, adjustable modes, and oscillation.
Keep reading to determine whether this type of budget-friendly cooler is right for you and to find out how the following models made our list of the best evaporative air coolers.
- BEST OVERALL: Dreo 43-Inch Oscillating Evaporative Air Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Arctic Air Chill Zone XL Portable Evaporative Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST INDOOR/OUTDOOR: Hessaire MC18M Evaporative Air Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL ROOMS: Censtech Evaporative Air Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST OSCILLATING: Coolech 42-Inch Oscillating Evaporative Air Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR PATIOS: Honeywell Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Air Cooler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: Big Ass Fans Cool-Space 400 Evaporative Cooler
↓ Jump to Review
Evaporative Air Coolers Comparison
| Product | Type | Cooling area | CFM | Tank capacity |
| Dreo 43-Inch Oscillating Evaporative Air Cooler | Evaporative | 25 ft/s | 1,327 | 6 liters |
| Arctic Air Chill Zone XL Portable Evaporative Cooler | Evaporative | 45 square feet | 76 | 24 ounces |
| Hessaire MC18M Evaporative Air Cooler | Evaporative | 500 square feet | 1,300 | 4.8 gallons |
| Censtech Evaporative Air Cooler | Evaporative | 300 square feet | 1,440 | 1 gallon |
| Coolech 42-Inch Oscillating Evaporative Air Cooler | Evaporative | 22 ft/s | 1,320 | 1 gallon |
| Honeywell Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Air Cooler | Evaporative | 320 square feet | 525 | 7.9 gallons |
| Big Ass Fans Cool-Space 400 Evaporative Cooler | Evaporative | 3,600 square feet | 10,000 | 46 gallons |
Our Top Picks
In our lineup, you’ll find detailed reviews of the four evaporative coolers we tested, plus three more that made our shortlist due to their features, price, and customer ratings.
Best Overall
Dreo 43-Inch Oscillating Evaporative Air Cooler
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Excellent cooling performance
- Powerful airflow felt across the room
- Smooth-rolling base for portability
- Portable evap cooler
What We Don’t Like
- Requires freezer packs to achieve maximum cooling
Product Specs
- Type: Evaporative
- Cooling area: 25 ft/s
- CFM: 1,327
- Tank capacity: 6 liters
Our Ratings
| Ease of Use | 5/5 | Performance | 4.5/5 | Noise | 5/5 | Value | 4.5/5 |
We’re huge Dreo fans, so we were expecting a lot from their portable swamp cooler, and it didn’t disappoint. In testing, the Dreo dropped the room temperature by a full 10 degrees Fahrenheit in just under an hour, the most significant temperature drop of all the models we tested.
When in fan mode, the Dreo puts out a brisk blast of air that would make anyone within a 15-foot radius feel more comfortable, but when the 6-liter tank is full of water, the real cooling begins.
Assembly was simple—all we had to do was snap the base onto the tower and it was ready to go. One of our favorite features was the rolling base, which made it easy to move the unit from room to room.
The Dreo delivers evaporative cooling at four speeds and in four modes. It provided good cooling with just the water tank full, but when we froze the included ice pack and added it to the unit, it felt even cooler. Thanks to the Dreo app, we were able to operate the Dreo in three ways: via touchscreen on the unit, a remote control, and via W-Fi.
Those looking for a trusty evaporative cooling fan that they can program and control remotely, should give the Dreo a serious look.
Get the Dreo evaporative air cooler at Amazon.
Best Bang For The Buck
Arctic Air Chill Zone XL Portable Evaporative Cooler
Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Walmart
What We Like
- Affordable personal cooling option
- Compact evaporative air cooler fan
- Freezable filter for enhanced cooling
- Ideal for small spaces
What We Don’t Like
- Cooling decreases as the filter thaws
Product Specs
- Type: Evaporative
- Cooling area: 45 square feet
- CFM: 76
- Tank capacity: 24 ounces
Our Ratings
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 | Performance | 3.7/5 | Noise | 4/5 | Value | 4.3/5 |
There’s no need to spend a lot to bring the power of evaporative cooling into a home. The Arctic Air Air Chill Zone XL is compact and budget-friendly, but it still delivers a welcome breeze, especially when we placed it on our desk or when we were sitting in one spot. 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 for the best cooling effect, but if waiting for the filter to freeze is a problem, rewet it and reinstall the filter without freezing. The unit 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 to keep someone cool and comfortable.
Get the Arctic Air evaporative air cooler at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Indoor/Outdoor
Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Air Cooler
Buy at Amazon Buy at Ace Hardware Buy at Northern Tool + Equipment
What We Like
- Indoor/outdoor evaporation cooler
- Built-in handle plus caster wheels
- Handy hose attachment
- 4.8-gallon water tank
What We Didn’t Like
- No GFCI plug
- Tank door is small
- Water tank is not removable
Product Specs
- Type: Evaporative
- Cooling area: 500 square feet
- CFM: 1,300
- Tank capacity: 4.8 gallons
Our Ratings
| Ease of Use | 4.8/5 | Performance | 4.4/5 | Noise | 4.5/5 | Value | 4.3/5 |
This compact Hessaire evaporative air cooler has a water tank capacity of 4.8 gallons and an airflow output of about 1,300 CFM. It’s designed for indoor or outdoor use, and we tested it both ways.
In our test room, the Hessaire lowered the air temperature by 8 degrees Fahrenheit in 1 hour, but keep in mind that results can vary based on things like room size and humidity.
We actually preferred using this one as an outdoor evaporative cooler for several reasons. It doesn’t have a removable tank for filling–there’s just a small opening on the side where we could pour in the water, but even though we were careful, we sloshed some on the floor.
Filling the tank from a garden hose is simpler, but the hose can only be used outdoors. In our patio tests, the unit did a good job of cooling the area 4 to 5 feet in front of it. While that’s not a large space, it would be refreshing for a couple of people sitting directly in front.
If we had our way, we would add a GFCI plug since this unit is capable of connecting to a garden hose. When using it outdoors, be sure to plug it into a GFCI outlet.
Plus, we’d prefer a removable water tank. While we only tested the unit over a 3-week period, that was long enough for the tank to start smelling a bit moldy. We cleaned it by filling it with water, adding about 1 cup of bleach, and then letting it drain through.
We think this model would be well-suited for providing a cool spot at an outdoor gathering.
Get the Hessaire MC18M evaporative air cooler at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best For Small Rooms
Censtech Evaporative Air Cooler
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Remote control included
- Quiet while running
- Several modes and a timer
- Mobile evaporative cooler
What We Don’t Like
- Frequent block refreezing is required
Product Specs
- Type: Evaporative
- Cooling area: 300 square feet
- CFM: 1,440
- Tank capacity: 1 gallon
Our Ratings
| Ease of Use | 4.8/5 | Performance | 3.5/5 | Noise | 4/5 | Value | 4/5 |
For individuals looking for some much-needed relief from the heat, the Censtech evaporative cooler might be just the thing. This mid-sized model only lowered the temperature in our test room by 2 degrees Fahrenheit in an hour, but sitting directly in front of it felt great.
The trick to using this one is to insert two of the six included freezer bricks into the water tank of the unit, and then replace them with new bricks as soon as they thaw. Thawing took place in a warm room in about 25 minutes, so we frequently rotated new frozen bricks into the tank.
We liked the ability to operate the Censtech by using the remote to select a mode and set a timer. This model also features another useful feature: an interior wave that oscillates the air from side to side if more than one person is sitting in front of it.
We wouldn’t purchase this unit expecting it to cool down a large room, but for those who need a little relief from the heat and who don’t mind refreezing the ice bricks, it delivers a cooling breeze a few feet in front of the machine.
Get the Censtech evaporation air cooler at Amazon.
More Great Options
We didn’t personally test the next three portable evaporative coolers, but we included them in our lineup to give readers a well-rounded idea of what’s out there. If you haven’t decided on a model yet, check these out.
Best Oscillating
Coolech 42-Inch Oscillating Evaporative Air Cooler
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Compact design for table or desk use
- Oscillating airflow
- Multiple fan speeds
- 6-hour programmable timer
What We Don’t Like
- Requires freezer access
- Not meant for large rooms
Product Specs
- Type: Evaporative
- Cooling area: 22 ft/s
- CFM: 1,320
- Tank capacity: 1 gallon
We selected the Coolech evaporative air cooler for our lineup because it combines a compact design with surprisingly full-featured functionality. It offers oscillation, multiple airflow modes and fan speeds, and a 6-hour timer that’s especially convenient for overnight use.
The 1-gallon water tank is larger than average for a unit this size, allowing for longer cooling sessions between refills. Like most evaporative swamp coolers, it comes with four reusable ice packs—just freeze and drop them into the tank for an extra chill.
We also appreciate its sleek, modern look and the option to control it either directly from the unit or with the included remote control. For anyone looking for effective evaporative cooling in a space-saving package, this model hits the mark.
Get the Coolech evaporation cooler at Amazon.
Best For Patios
Honeywell Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Air Cooler
Buy at Amazon Buy at Honeywell
What We Like
- Large 7.9-gallon water tank
- Versatile indoor/outdoor use
- Remote control and digital panel
What We Don’t Like
- Bulkier than some models
Product Specs
- Type: Evaporative
- Cooling area: 320 square feet
- CFM: 525
- Tank capacity: 7.9 gallons
Looking to cool a patio, event tent, or even a large indoor space? We think this Honeywell evaporative air cooler might be a good pick. It combines large-capacity performance with a sleek, modern design that works equally well indoors or outdoors.
Its 7.9-gallon water tank provides extended cooling without frequent refills, and the 525 CFM airflow is well-suited for cooling medium-sized areas like patios, sunrooms, or living rooms.
This Honeywell features smooth-glide casters and an easy-grip handle to make rolling the machine easy, even with a full water tank. It has both a digital control panel and a remote control.
Bonus features include an ice compartment for extra cooling, a programmable timer, and humidity control, all of which enhance comfort and customization.
Get the Honeywell evaporative air cooler at Amazon or Honeywell.
Best Portable
Big Ass Fans Cool-Space 400 Evaporative Cooler
Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Tractor Supply Co. Buy at Zero
What We Like
- Impressive 9,700 CFM
- Large evaporative cooling fan
- 11 different output options
- 46-gallon water-tank
What We Didn’t Like
- Heavy at 220 pounds
Product Specs
- Type: Evaporative
- Cooling area: 3,600 square feet
- CFM: 10,000
- Tank capacity: 46 gallons
At 220 pounds, this weighty appliance is one we wouldn’t recommend trying to lift, but it’s still highly mobile across flat surfaces thanks to its durable set of swiveling caster wheels.
The 46-gallon water tank allows the unit to function for up to 10 hours without refilling; plus, we discovered that this portable cooler easily connects to a garden hose for a continuous water supply.
This evaporative air cooler fan can reportedly lower the temperature in spaces up to 3,600 square feet in size with the output airflow volume of 9,700 CFM. Users can also adjust the airflow output with the variable-speed dial to select the optimal fan speed for the current environment.
For the best results, use this fan in a dry or arid environment.
Get the Big Ass Fans evaporative air cooler at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Zoro.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Evaporative Air Coolers
| Products tested | 4 |
| Time spent testing | 3 weeks |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $50 to $3,700 |
We carefully researched over 25 evaporative air coolers and selected four for hands-on testing. To round out our lineup, we selected three additional models that we liked but didn’t test. We were looking for a variety of models to suit different cooling needs and budgets.
Among other differences, evaporative air coolers do not cool air in the same way that traditional air conditioners do. Air conditioners pull humidity out of the air, while evaporative air coolers require air that is dry enough for the cool water to evaporate into the air to cool it. Because of this, we needed to test them in a relatively dry environment. Our test room was 14 feet by 16 feet, and we used a dehumidifier to lower the humidity in the room to 40 percent before we tested each evaporative air cooler. We then measured the temperature in the room and ran the air coolers, one at a time, for 1 hour, and then measured the room’s temperature again.
We then tried the air coolers in different rooms and situations to see how well they cooled overall.
We noted how easy each unit was to operate and whether any were especially loud or annoying. We awarded points based on a rubric. The better an air cooler did on a test or assessment, the higher the points. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our best overall pick and to categorize the others.
| Product | Ease of Use | Performance | Noise | Value | |
| Dreo 43-Inch Oscillating Evaporative Air Cooler | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | |
| Arctic Air Chill Zone XL Portable Evaporative Cooler | 4.5/5 | 3.7/5 | 4/5 | 4.3/5 | |
| Hessaire MC18M Evaporative Air Cooler | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | |
| Censtech Evaporative Air Cooler | 4.8/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
What to Consider When Choosing an Evaporative Air Cooler
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 for the home, we recommend that users consider the various types available as well as the space that needs cooling, the tank capacity, and features such as wheels, a timer, and an air swing delivery system.
Keep in mind that an evaporative air cooler will work best in arid or semi-arid environments. Those living in regions with high humidity may get poor results.
Types of Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative air coolers consume less energy than traditional air conditioners because they only operate a fan.
They work by delivering water to the pad through an internal tank that must be refilled when the level gets too low to cool the air.
Manufacturers measure the cooling ability of these devices in cubic feet per minute (CFM). For cooling small rooms, we recommend light-duty models, while more powerful units are capable of cooling spaces that measure thousands of square feet. Evaporative cooler models differ based on size, mounting location, and the angle at which the cool air is released.
Available types include portable air coolers, window evaporative coolers, down-discharge, and side-discharge, and swamp coolers. All the models we tested were portable.
- Portable evaporative air coolers are the most popular option for cooling homes. These mobile evaporative coolers are equipped with wheels and typically feature top and side handles, making them easy to move around.
- Window evaporative air coolers are designed to sit in an open window, similar to a window AC unit. They pull hot, dry air directly from the outside, rapidly cooling the inside of the home. Though these coolers are more effective than portable ones, they are pricier and less popular.
- Down-discharge evaporative air coolers are usually mounted on the roof, with air being blown down to cool the entire house. These units can make the home susceptible to roof leaks if they aren’t properly installed and sealed.
- Side-discharge evaporative air coolers are the most common type (for both portable and window coolers) that push air out horizontally. While they aren’t as effective as a whole-home solution, side-discharge coolers are easier to access and maintain and can prevent water damage from leaks that might go unnoticed with down-discharge models.
- Swamp cooler is a term often used interchangeably with evaporative air cooler. However, some manufacturers specifically reference large, whole-home units as swamp coolers, while smaller units are more commonly called evaporative air coolers.
Cooling Area and CFM
Considering each unit’s cooling area is essential when selecting the best evaporative air cooler for the home. When it comes to air output and cooling power, more isn’t always better—instead seek a unit that best fits the space it’s intended to cool.
Typically, the cooling area of an indoor evaporative cooler is measured in CFM. Calculate the necessary CFM for the target room by multiplying the length, width, and height of the room to find the volume, and then dividing the total by two: CFM=L×W ×H)÷2.
Water-Tank Capacity
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 as little as a 0.1-gallon water tank for small personal air coolers to more than 10 gallons for whole-home models. The larger the tank, the longer the cooler can operate, so we recommend that users opt for a product with at least a 5-gallon tank to run the cooler overnight.
Air Swing Delivery System
An air swing delivery system is 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. Other common oscillation settings include 40 degrees and 70 degrees, allowing users to set the ideal range of motion for the cooler.
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.
Wheels
Wheels make an evaporative air cooler easy to move from room to room, and they also reduce the risk of water in the tank shifting and spilling. Typically, these models have four wheels attached to the base and may have two locking wheels to keep the cooler stationary once it’s in place. However, even with a set of wheels, the water in the tank can still spill if the cooler is quickly jerked or pushed across the floor.
Timer
Timer functions allow users to set the cooler to operate according to their personal preference and the water level in the tank. The unit can stay on until the appointed time without the risk of running out of water.
Typically, timers can be set for up to 15 hours of continuous runtime. Use 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, and 4-hour switches to quickly set the cooler for the indicated duration instead of having to adjust a dial or select a custom amount of time. When time runs out, the unit shuts off automatically—an especially efficient function at night when household members are sleeping. The cooler will operate for a few hours and then stop after the scheduled time has elapsed.
Other Features
Evaporative air coolers may have several additional features for improved quality and versatility that we love. Some of our favorites include the following:
- 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 that 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 the home cool in warm weather while using less energy than a standard air conditioner. If you’d like more info on how to shop for, use, and maintain these machines, read on for some of our answers to commonly asked questions.
Evaporative air coolers pull dry, warm air through a wet media pad. As the water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the air, resulting in cooler air being blown out. In ideal conditions, this process can lower the air temperature by about 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
This process of evaporative cooling works best in hot, dry climates common 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.
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.
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.
Evaporative air coolers are generally low-maintenance units. During operation throughout the hotter months, regularly replace the water and clean the media pad with water and a mild detergent to help avoid mold growth. Also, wipe down the outer housing of the cooler to remove dust and dirt.
When the temperatures get colder, drain the water tank and water line, and then run the fan-only feature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to dry out the machine and the pads. Then store the cooler in a protected place, like a garage, shed, or basement.
They’re less effective in humid climates, and they will raise indoor humidity levels, which can result in muggy conditions. In humid regions, an energy-efficient air conditioner may be a better choice.
Yes, they do work well in dry climates and can cool the air to a noticeable degree via water evaporation.
Place it near a window where it can draw in dry air, which will boost its effectiveness.
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 Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and 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.
