For a garage, service bay or patio where a quiet, wall hugging cooler with app control is worth paying extra for.
Amazon $1,499The Portacool APEX 700 and the Portacool APEX 500 are evenly matched, rated 3.7 and 3.7. The Portacool APEX 700 leads on airflow. The Portacool APEX 500 costs $402.63 less ($1,096.37 vs $1,499).
For a small shop, garage bay or patio where floor space and noise matter and you want app control and a long warranty.
Amazon $1,096.37Prices 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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Portacool APEX 700 for airflow (1,600 CFM vs 1,400 CFM).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 2,000 CFM evaporative cooler; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Portacool APEX 700 | Portacool APEX 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 2 $936.88 per 1,000 CFM ($1,499, 1,600 CFM) | 9 $783.12 per 1,000 CFM ($1,096.37, 1,400 CFM) |
| Airflow 25% | 87 1,600 CFM | 73 1,400 CFM |
| Tank 10% | 100 22 gal tank | 100 13 gal tank |
| Features 15% | 75 rigid cooling pads, oscillation, hose hookup | 75 rigid cooling pads, oscillation, hose hookup |
| Warranty 20% | 100 3-year warranty | 100 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| Portacool APEX 700 | Portacool APEX 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | ||
| Airflow | 1,600 CFM | 1,400 CFM |
| Cooling area | 1,350 sq ft | 1,000 sq ft |
| Cooling pads | Rigid cellulose | Rigid cellulose |
| Tank | 22 gal | 13 gal |
| Hose hookup | Yes | Yes |
| Controls and build | ||
| Fan speeds | 5 | 5 |
| Oscillation | Yes | Yes |
| Remote | No | No |
| Weight | 88 lb | 70 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2023-10 | 2023-10 |
