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Electrolux EXP26U538HW Review | 44 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£430
  • Avg. price in US: ~$540
  • Cooling capacity: 10,335 BTU/h
  • Maximum room size: 30 m²
  • Maximum noise level: 64 dB
  • Heating function: yes
  • Cooling Energy Efficiency Class: A+

Electrolux EXP26U538HW review. Compare 44 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Air Conditioners category and whether it is worth buying.

7.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Air Conditioners category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.

Score components:

80.0%

7.1

Technical Score

20.0%

8.0

User score

Very good
7.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category across these key areas: Performance, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Air Conditioners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

55.0%

6.7

Performance

30.0%

7.4

Features

15.0%

8.2

Design

Very good
8.0

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

7.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(185)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Excellent
  • 5.9
    Bedroom use

    Score components:

    35.0%

    2.5

    Maximum noise level

    25.0%

    4.0

    Night mode

    20.0%

    10

    Timer

    20.0%

    10

    Remote control

  • 6.1
    Large rooms

    Score components:

    40.0%

    7.0

    Cooling capacity

    30.0%

    5.4

    Maximum room size

    20.0%

    3.6

    Airflow (high speed)

    10.0%

    10

    Airflow direction control

  • 9.2
    Year-round use

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Heating function

    30.0%

    8.2

    Dehumidification capacity

    20.0%

    8.7

    Cooling energy efficiency class

    10.0%

    10

    Automatic fan speed

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Electrolux EXP26U538HW is a versatile monobloc portable air conditioner and heat pump featuring a 10,335 BTU/h (2.6 kW) cooling capacity and a 2,300 W heating capacity. It is highly energy-efficient with an A+ rating for cooling (3.1 EER) and an A++ rating for heating (3.1 COP), while utilizing eco-friendly R290 refrigerant gas. Key pros include its multi-functional design supporting cooling, heating, dehumidifying (1.3 L/h), and ventilation modes, alongside convenient features like a programmable timer, LED display, antibacterial dust filter, and a dedicated silent mode that drops ventilation noise down to 37 dB. On the downside, the unit lacks modern Wi-Fi connectivity and smart app support, features a high peak operating noise level of 64 dB, and is physically heavy at approximately 33 kg.

Technical Specifications of portable air conditioner Electrolux EXP26U538HW

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category across these key areas: Performance, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Air Conditioners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

55.0%

6.7

Performance

30.0%

7.4

Features

15.0%

8.2

Design

7.1
Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a technical score of 7.15 points, which is higher than 66.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

7.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(185)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

8.0
Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a user score of 7.96 points, which is lower than 63.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Air Conditioners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
7.9
Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a popularity of 7.9 points, which is higher than 67.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Air Conditioners category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Air Conditioners category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.3

Overall score

40.0%

6.7

Price

7.1
Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is higher than 57.9% of products in this category.
Cooling capacity
What it is: Cooling capacity is the amount of heat the air conditioner can remove per hour, measured in BTU/h.
When it matters: Higher capacity cools larger or warmer rooms more effectively, provided the unit is sized correctly.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 12,000 BTU/h

10,335 BTU/h
Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers 10335 BTU/h cooling capacity, which is higher than that of 66.5% of portable air conditioners.
Rated input power
What it is: Rated input power is the electrical power the unit draws at its specified operating point, measured in watts.
When it matters: Lower rated input power reduces electrical demand, though cooling efficiency also depends on delivered capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Up to 1,200 W

?
Cooling Energy Efficiency Class
What it is: Cooling energy efficiency class summarizes the efficiency of the unit while cooling, from higher to lower letter grades.
When it matters: A higher cooling efficiency class indicates more cooling output for the electricity consumed.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: A or better

A+
Electrolux EXP26U538HW has cooling energy efficiency class A+, which ranks higher than 89.9% of portable air conditioners and equal to 8.9% of portable air conditioners.
Heating energy efficiency class
What it is: Heating energy efficiency class summarizes energy efficiency when the unit operates in heating mode.
When it matters: A higher heating efficiency class matters when the portable air conditioner will also provide regular space heating.

Importance: LOW

Good value: A or better

A++
Electrolux EXP26U538HW has heating energy efficiency class A++, which ranks higher than 91.7% of portable air conditioners and equal to 4.2% of portable air conditioners.
Number of speeds
What it is: The number of selectable fan speeds determines how finely airflow and noise can be adjusted.
When it matters: More speed settings make it easier to balance cooling intensity, sound, and comfort.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 3 speeds

3
Electrolux EXP26U538HW offers 3 fan speeds, which is more than 36.8% of portable air conditioners and equal to 61.1% of portable air conditioners.
Show more
Fan-only mode
What it is: Fan-only mode circulates room air without running the refrigeration cycle.
When it matters: This mode provides lower-power airflow when cooling is unnecessary.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Electrolux EXP26U538HW includes a fan-only mode. 99.5% of portable air conditioners support this mode.
Airflow direction control
What it is: Airflow direction control describes whether outlet air can be aimed automatically, manually, or not at all.
When it matters: Better directional control spreads conditioned air more evenly without repositioning the unit.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: automatic

automatic
Electrolux EXP26U538HW provides automatic airflow direction control, which ranks higher than 47.3% of portable air conditioners and equal to 52.7% of portable air conditioners.
Night mode
What it is: Night mode adjusts operation for sleeping hours, typically reducing sound, light, or abrupt temperature changes.
When it matters: Night mode is useful when the unit runs in a bedroom or other light- and noise-sensitive space.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Electrolux EXP26U538HW does not include a dedicated night mode. 74.3% of portable air conditioners offer night mode.
Timer
What it is: A timer lets the unit start, stop, or change operation after a scheduled interval.
When it matters: Timer control helps cool a room before use and avoids running the unit longer than necessary.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Electrolux EXP26U538HW includes a built-in timer. 99.5% of portable air conditioners feature a timer.
Maximum timer duration
What it is: Maximum timer duration is the longest interval that can be scheduled before automatic operation changes.
When it matters: A longer timer window offers more flexibility for overnight use and advance scheduling.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 24 hours

24 hours
Electrolux EXP26U538HW supports a timer of up to 24 hours, which is longer than that of 7.4% of portable air conditioners and equal to that of 92.6% of portable air conditioners.
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Color
What it is: Color describes the main exterior finish of the portable air conditioner.
When it matters: Finish color matters when the unit will remain visible and should suit the room decor.

Importance: LOW

white
Display
What it is: A display shows settings such as target temperature, operating mode, or timer status on the unit.
When it matters: A display makes current settings easier to check without opening an app or using the remote.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Electrolux EXP26U538HW includes an integrated display. 99.5% of portable air conditioners feature a display.
Control type
What it is: Control type identifies whether settings are entered through touch controls, physical buttons, or both.
When it matters: The interface style affects tactile feedback, cleaning, accessibility, and ease of use.

Importance: LOW

touch
Remote control
What it is: A remote control operates core functions from across the room without touching the unit.
When it matters: Remote access is convenient when the air conditioner is beside a window, across the room, or used from bed.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Electrolux EXP26U538HW comes with a remote control. 99% of portable air conditioners include a remote.
Handles
What it is: Integrated handles provide secure grip points for moving or repositioning the unit.
When it matters: Handles reduce awkward lifting when the air conditioner is moved between rooms or stored.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Electrolux EXP26U538HW includes built-in handles for easier carrying. 99.5% of portable air conditioners feature handles.
Show more

Electrolux EXP26U538HW vs the average portable air conditioner

  • Higher cooling energy efficiency class
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a better cooling energy efficiency class than the average portable air conditioner (A+ vs A).
    What it is: Cooling energy efficiency class summarizes the efficiency of the unit while cooling, from higher to lower letter grades.
    When it matters: A higher cooling efficiency class indicates more cooling output for the electricity consumed.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: A or better

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a better cooling energy efficiency class than the average portable air conditioner (A+ vs A).A+ vs A
  • 1335 BTU/h higher cooling capacity
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers higher cooling capacity than the average portable air conditioner (10335 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h).
    What it is: Cooling capacity is the amount of heat the air conditioner can remove per hour, measured in BTU/h.
    When it matters: Higher capacity cools larger or warmer rooms more effectively, provided the unit is sized correctly.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 12,000 BTU/h

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers higher cooling capacity than the average portable air conditioner (10335 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h).10335 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h
  • 6 dB quieter minimum operation
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is quieter at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (45 dB vs 51 dB).
    Lowest stated operating noise.
    What it is: Minimum noise level is the quietest stated sound output, normally reached at a reduced fan setting.
    When it matters: Lower minimum noise is valuable in bedrooms, home offices, and other quiet spaces.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 50 dB

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is quieter at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (45 dB vs 51 dB).45 dB vs 51 dB
  • Provides heating
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW provides heating, the average portable air conditioner does not.
    What it is: A heating function reverses or supplements normal operation to warm the room.
    When it matters: Heating extends seasonal usefulness and can replace a separate spot heater in mild weather.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW provides heating, the average portable air conditioner does not.
  • 10.8 l/24 h higher dehumidification capacity
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW offers higher moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (43.2 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h).
    What it is: Dehumidification capacity is the maximum volume of moisture the unit can remove from the air in 24 hours.
    When it matters: Higher capacity is more effective in large, persistently humid, or moisture-prone rooms.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 24 l/24 h

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW offers higher moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (43.2 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h).43.2 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h
  • 80 m³/h higher low-speed airflow
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers higher low-speed airflow than the average portable air conditioner (330 m³/h vs 250 m³/h).
    What it is: Low-speed airflow is the volume of air moved per hour at the quietest or lowest fan setting.
    When it matters: Higher low-speed airflow maintains stronger circulation when reduced noise is preferred.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least 250 m³/h

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers higher low-speed airflow than the average portable air conditioner (330 m³/h vs 250 m³/h).330 m³/h vs 250 m³/h
  • 3 °C higher maximum temperature
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW can be set to a higher temperature than the average portable air conditioner (35 °C vs 32 °C).
    What it is: Maximum set temperature is the highest thermostat target available in the unit controls.
    When it matters: A higher maximum setting provides a broader adjustment range, especially on models with heating.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: At least 30 °C

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW can be set to a higher temperature than the average portable air conditioner (35 °C vs 32 °C).35 °C vs 32 °C
  • Higher heating energy efficiency class
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a better heating energy efficiency class than the average portable air conditioner (A++ vs A+).
    What it is: Heating energy efficiency class summarizes energy efficiency when the unit operates in heating mode.
    When it matters: A higher heating efficiency class matters when the portable air conditioner will also provide regular space heating.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: A or better

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a better heating energy efficiency class than the average portable air conditioner (A++ vs A+).A++ vs A+
  • Higher cooling energy efficiency class
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a better cooling energy efficiency class than the average portable air conditioner (A+ vs A).
  • 1335 BTU/h higher cooling capacity
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers higher cooling capacity than the average portable air conditioner (10335 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h).
  • 6 dB quieter minimum operation
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is quieter at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (45 dB vs 51 dB).
  • 80 m³/h higher low-speed airflow
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers higher low-speed airflow than the average portable air conditioner (330 m³/h vs 250 m³/h).
  • 3 °C higher maximum temperature
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW can be set to a higher temperature than the average portable air conditioner (35 °C vs 32 °C).
  • Higher heating energy efficiency class
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a better heating energy efficiency class than the average portable air conditioner (A++ vs A+).
  • Provides heating
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW provides heating, the average portable air conditioner does not.
  • 10.8 l/24 h higher dehumidification capacity
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW offers higher moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (43.2 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h).

Total
Overall
Performance
Features
  • 30 m³/h lower high-speed airflow
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers lower high-speed airflow than the average portable air conditioner (320 m³/h vs 350 m³/h).
  • No night mode
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW does not include a night mode, while the average portable air conditioner does.
  • 29.4% higher weight
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (33 kg vs 25.5 kg).
  • 9.6 cm wider cabinet
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is wider than the average portable air conditioner (47.6 cm vs 38 cm).
  • 3 cm deeper cabinet
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (38.5 cm vs 35.5 cm).
  • 26.8% larger external volume
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a larger external volume than the average portable air conditioner (130114.6 cm³ vs 102623.407656 cm³).
  • No night mode
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW does not include a night mode, while the average portable air conditioner does.
    What it is: Night mode adjusts operation for sleeping hours, typically reducing sound, light, or abrupt temperature changes.
    When it matters: Night mode is useful when the unit runs in a bedroom or other light- and noise-sensitive space.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW does not include a night mode, while the average portable air conditioner does.
  • 29.4% higher weight
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (33 kg vs 25.5 kg).
    What it is: Weight is the mass of the portable air conditioner before installation accessories are attached.
    When it matters: A lighter unit is easier to carry, reposition, and move between floors.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 25 kg

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (33 kg vs 25.5 kg).33 kg vs 25.5 kg
  • 30 m³/h lower high-speed airflow
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers lower high-speed airflow than the average portable air conditioner (320 m³/h vs 350 m³/h).
    What it is: High-speed airflow is the maximum volume of air the fan can move per hour.
    When it matters: Higher maximum airflow circulates cooled air through the room more quickly.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 350 m³/h

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW delivers lower high-speed airflow than the average portable air conditioner (320 m³/h vs 350 m³/h).320 m³/h vs 350 m³/h
  • 9.6 cm wider cabinet
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is wider than the average portable air conditioner (47.6 cm vs 38 cm).
    What it is: Width is the side-to-side cabinet dimension of the portable air conditioner.
    When it matters: A narrower unit occupies less wall and floor space beside a window.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Up to 35 cm

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is wider than the average portable air conditioner (47.6 cm vs 38 cm).47.6 cm vs 38 cm
  • 3 cm deeper cabinet
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (38.5 cm vs 35.5 cm).
    What it is: Depth is the front-to-back cabinet dimension of the portable air conditioner.
    When it matters: A shallower unit protrudes less into the room and leaves more usable floor space.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Up to 35 cm

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (38.5 cm vs 35.5 cm).38.5 cm vs 35.5 cm
  • 22.9% more expensive
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is more expensive than the average portable air conditioner (£430 vs £350).
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW is more expensive than the average portable air conditioner (£430 vs £350).£430 vs £350
  • 0.5% lower user score
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a lower user score than the average portable air conditioner (7.96 vs 8).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Air Conditioners category.
    When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Air Conditioners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a lower user score than the average portable air conditioner (7.96 vs 8).7.96 vs 8
  • 26.8% larger external volume
    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a larger external volume than the average portable air conditioner (130114.6 cm³ vs 102623.407656 cm³).
    What it is: The exterior physical volume (bulk footprint) occupied by the portable air conditioner chassis, calculated from its height, width, and depth.
    When it matters: Crucial for assessing room floor intrusion and determining whether the appliance can be stored away easily in closets or under stairs off-season.

    Importance: LOW

    Electrolux EXP26U538HW has a larger external volume than the average portable air conditioner (130114.6 cm³ vs 102623.407656 cm³).130114.6 cm³ vs 102623.407656 cm³
Total
Overall
Performance
Features
Design

Graphic comparison of Electrolux EXP26U538HW and other products in the Portable Air Conditioners category

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
185 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Electrolux EXP26U538HW?

  • Dual functionality providing both cooling and heating options
  • Highly efficient performance with lower energy consumption
  • Strong cooling capability that quickly lowers room temperature
  • Eco-friendly operation utilizing sustainable R290 refrigerant gas
  • Convenient user features including a functional remote control and smart app integration
  • Good build quality and sturdy portable design with rolling castor wheels

What customers dislike about Electrolux EXP26U538HW?

  • High operating noise levels that do not significantly decrease at lower fan speeds
  • Lack of an effective ultra-low noise or dedicated quiet sleep mode
  • Exhaust hose can be too short depending on room layout and window placement
  • Bulky physical footprint and heavy unit weight making it difficult to carry up stairs
  • Occasional connectivity issues or downtime with the smartphone companion application

Expert reviews

F
fnac.com
17/09/2026
Summary of the review
ELECTROLUX EXP26U538HW Portable Air Conditioner - Fnac
(Translated)Show original
Q
qualescegliere.it
12/02/2019
Summary of the review
Electrolux EXP26U538HW Chillflex Pro 10 Review
(Translated)Show original

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