Portacool APEX 700
For a garage, service bay or patio where a quiet, wall hugging cooler with app control is worth paying extra for.
Amazon $1,499$1,499
The Portacool APEX 700 rates 3.7 among under 2,000 CFM evaporative coolers; the Hessaire MC26 rates 2.6 among 2,000 CFM and up ones. The Hessaire MC26 costs $1,181.21 less ($317.79 vs $1,499).
Hessaire MC26
#13 in 2,000 CFM and upFull review
A mid size cooler for a living room, patio or small shop in a dry climate, with oscillation the smaller Hessaires lack.
Amazon $317.79$317.79
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different airflow classes (under 2,000 CFM and 2,000 CFM and up), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own airflow peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Portacool APEX 700 | Hessaire MC26 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 2 $936.88 per 1,000 CFM ($1,499, 1,600 CFM) | 67 $151.33 per 1,000 CFM ($317.79, 2,100 CFM) |
| Airflow 25% | 87 1,600 CFM | 0 2,100 CFM |
| Tank 10% | 100 22 gal tank | 0 7.3 gal tank |
| Features 15% | 75 rigid cooling pads, oscillation, hose hookup | 75 rigid cooling pads, oscillation, hose hookup |
| Warranty 20% | 100 3-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Portacool APEX 700 | Hessaire MC26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Airflow | 1,600 CFM | 2,100 CFM |
| Cooling area | 1,350 sq ft | 700 sq ft |
| Cooling pads | Rigid cellulose | Rigid cellulose |
| Tank | 22 gal | 7.3 gal |
| Hose hookup | Yes | Yes |
| Controls and build | ||
| Fan speeds | 5 | - |
| Oscillation | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | No | - |
| Power draw | - | 120 W |
| Weight | 88 lb | 32 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
| Released | 2023-10 | - |