A budget portable for a bedroom or small living room when price is the priority.
Amazon $289.99The Shinco SPF1-12C is the better air conditioner overall, rated 3.2 to 2.8. The Shinco SPF1-12C leads on value. The Shinco SPF1-12C costs $110 less ($289.99 vs $399.99).
A plain, well-supported 8,000 BTU SACC portable sold directly by Amazon, for people who don’t need app control.
Amazon $399.99Prices were last checked October 22, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Shinco SPF1-12C for value ($38.67 per 1,000 BTU (SACC) vs $50 per 1,000 BTU (SACC)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every portable air conditioner; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Shinco SPF1-12C | Amazon Basics 12,000 BTU Portable |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 86 $38.67 per 1,000 BTU (SACC) | 67 $50 per 1,000 BTU (SACC) |
| Efficiency 30% | 50 efficiency not certified (neutral score used) | 13 CEER 7.2 |
| Quiet 15% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
| Inverter & app 15% | 0 fixed-speed compressor, no app | 0 fixed-speed compressor, no app |
| Warranty 10% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Shinco SPF1-12C | Amazon Basics 12,000 BTU Portable | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Type | Portable, single hose | Portable, single hose |
| Certified capacity | 7,500 BTU | 8,000 BTU |
| ASHRAE rating (95 °F) | 12,000 BTU | 12,000 BTU |
| Room size (maker) | 450 sq ft | 550 sq ft |
| Inverter compressor | No | No |
| Heat | No | No |
| Efficiency and power | ||
| CEER | - | 7.2 Btu/Wh |
| Certified by | - | DOE |
| Controls and fit | ||
| Remote | Yes | Yes |
| Drain | self-evaporating | - |
| Dimensions | 32.7 x 17.4 x 13.4 in | - |
| Weight | 56.2 lb | 68.8 lb |
| Warranty | 1 years | - |
