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Whynter ARC-122DS Review | 44 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£420
  • Avg. price in US: ~$550
  • Cooling capacity: 12,000 BTU/h
  • Maximum room size: 37 m²
  • Maximum noise level: 52 dB
  • Heating function: no
  • Cooling Energy Efficiency Class: ?

Whynter ARC-122DS 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.

7.6

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%

7.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.6

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%

7.6

Performance

30.0%

7.3

Features

15.0%

8.5

Design

Very good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 10
    Bedroom use

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Maximum noise level

    25.0%

    10

    Night mode

    20.0%

    10

    Timer

    20.0%

    10

    Remote control

  • 7.8
    Large rooms

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Cooling capacity

    30.0%

    7.4

    Maximum room size

    20.0%

    4.2

    Airflow (high speed)

    10.0%

    7.0

    Airflow direction control

  • 5.7
    Year-round use

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Heating function

    30.0%

    7.0

    Dehumidification capacity

    20.0%

    ?

    Cooling energy efficiency class

    10.0%

    4.0

    Automatic fan speed

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £420

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Whynter ARC-122DS Elite is a dual-hose portable air conditioner delivering 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE) / 7,000 BTU (SACC) of cooling power to efficiently cover spaces up to 400 square feet. It features three operational modes—cool, fan, and an impressive 82-pint-per-day dehumidifier—along with full thermostatic control ranging from 61°F to 89°F, three fan speeds, an activated carbon filter, and a 24-hour programmable timer. Its main pros include an eco-friendly R32 refrigerant setup, a relatively quiet operating noise level below 52 dBA, and a patented auto-drain system that auto-evaporates collected condensate in most environments. However, notable cons include its hefty 68-pound weight, a digital display screen that is difficult to read from a distance, and the requirement for manual draining or an auxiliary bucket setup during periods of extreme ambient humidity.

Technical Specifications of portable air conditioner Whynter ARC-122DS

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%

?

Performance

30.0%

?

Features

15.0%

?

Design

7.6
Whynter ARC-122DS has a technical score of 7.64 points, which is higher than 80% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Whynter ARC-122DS has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 66.3% 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%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

6.8

Price

7.4
Whynter ARC-122DS has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is higher than 77.4% 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

12,000 BTU/h
Whynter ARC-122DS delivers 12000 BTU/h cooling capacity, which is higher than that of 71.3% of portable air conditioners and equal to that of 19.7% 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

1,200 W
Whynter ARC-122DS draws 1200 W, which is higher than the power draw of 73.2% of portable air conditioners.
Cooling-mode power draw.
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

?
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

?
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
Whynter ARC-122DS offers 3 fan speeds, which is more than 36.8% of portable air conditioners and equal to 61.1% of portable air conditioners.
Manual discrete fan-speed levels counted; automatic and continuous modes were excluded.
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
Whynter ARC-122DS 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

manual
Whynter ARC-122DS provides manual airflow direction control, which ranks lower than 53.2% of portable air conditioners and equal to 19.4% 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

yes
Whynter ARC-122DS includes 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
Whynter ARC-122DS 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
Whynter ARC-122DS 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.
Show more
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

grey
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
Whynter ARC-122DS 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
Whynter ARC-122DS 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
Whynter ARC-122DS includes built-in handles for easier carrying. 99.5% of portable air conditioners feature handles.
Show more

Whynter ARC-122DS vs the average portable air conditioner

  • 3000 BTU/h higher cooling capacity
    Whynter ARC-122DS delivers higher cooling capacity than the average portable air conditioner (12000 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

    Whynter ARC-122DS delivers higher cooling capacity than the average portable air conditioner (12000 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h).12000 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h
  • 12 dB quieter at maximum output
    Whynter ARC-122DS is quieter at maximum output than the average portable air conditioner (52 dB vs 64 dB).
    Highest stated operating noise.
    What it is: Maximum noise level is the loudest stated sound output, usually produced at full cooling or fan speed.
    When it matters: Lower maximum noise makes intensive cooling less disruptive during work, conversation, or sleep.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Up to 60 dB

    Whynter ARC-122DS is quieter at maximum output than the average portable air conditioner (52 dB vs 64 dB).52 dB vs 64 dB
  • 7 m² larger room coverage
    Whynter ARC-122DS covers a larger room area than the average portable air conditioner (37 m² vs 30 m²).
    What it is: Maximum room size is the largest floor area the manufacturer recommends the unit should cool.
    When it matters: A larger rated area is important when cooling open-plan spaces or larger rooms.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 30 m²

    Whynter ARC-122DS covers a larger room area than the average portable air conditioner (37 m² vs 30 m²).37 m² vs 30 m²
  • 4 dB quieter minimum operation
    Whynter ARC-122DS is quieter at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (47 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

    Whynter ARC-122DS is quieter at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (47 dB vs 51 dB).47 dB vs 51 dB
  • 6.4 l/24 h higher dehumidification capacity
    Whynter ARC-122DS offers higher moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (38.8 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

    Whynter ARC-122DS offers higher moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (38.8 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h).38.8 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h
  • 0.03 m longer power cord
    Whynter ARC-122DS has a longer power cord than the average portable air conditioner (1.8 m vs 1.8 m).
    What it is: Power cord length is the distance the unit can reach from a wall outlet without an extension lead.
    When it matters: A longer cord makes safe placement easier when suitable outlets are limited.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: At least 1.8 m

    Whynter ARC-122DS has a longer power cord than the average portable air conditioner (1.8 m vs 1.8 m).1.83 m vs 1.8 m
  • 5.1% better value for money
    Whynter ARC-122DS offers better value for money than the average portable air conditioner (7.38 vs 7.026).
    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.
    Whynter ARC-122DS offers better value for money than the average portable air conditioner (7.38 vs 7.026).7.38 vs 7.03
  • 3000 BTU/h higher cooling capacity
    Whynter ARC-122DS delivers higher cooling capacity than the average portable air conditioner (12000 BTU/h vs 9000 BTU/h).
  • 12 dB quieter at maximum output
    Whynter ARC-122DS is quieter at maximum output than the average portable air conditioner (52 dB vs 64 dB).
  • 7 m² larger room coverage
    Whynter ARC-122DS covers a larger room area than the average portable air conditioner (37 m² vs 30 m²).
  • 4 dB quieter minimum operation
    Whynter ARC-122DS is quieter at minimum output than the average portable air conditioner (47 dB vs 51 dB).
  • 6.4 l/24 h higher dehumidification capacity
    Whynter ARC-122DS offers higher moisture removal than the average portable air conditioner (38.8 l/24 h vs 32.4 l/24 h).
  • 0.03 m longer power cord
    Whynter ARC-122DS has a longer power cord than the average portable air conditioner (1.8 m vs 1.8 m).

Total
Overall
Performance
Features
Design
  • 200 W higher rated power draw
    Whynter ARC-122DS draws more power than the average portable air conditioner (1200 W vs 1000 W).
    Cooling-mode power draw.
  • No automatic fan-speed control
    Whynter ARC-122DS does not adjust fan speed automatically, while the average portable air conditioner does.
  • 20 m³/h lower high-speed airflow
    Whynter ARC-122DS delivers lower high-speed airflow than the average portable air conditioner (330 m³/h vs 350 m³/h).
  • More limited airflow control
    Whynter ARC-122DS provides manual airflow direction control, while the average portable air conditioner offers automatic.
  • 15.5 cm deeper cabinet
    Whynter ARC-122DS is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (51 cm vs 35.5 cm).
  • 4 cm taller cabinet
    Whynter ARC-122DS is taller than the average portable air conditioner (75 cm vs 71 cm).
  • 5 cm wider cabinet
    Whynter ARC-122DS is wider than the average portable air conditioner (43 cm vs 38 cm).
  • 6.7% higher weight
    Whynter ARC-122DS is heavier than the average portable air conditioner (27.2 kg vs 25.5 kg).
  • 60.3% larger external volume
    Whynter ARC-122DS has a larger external volume than the average portable air conditioner (164475 cm³ vs 102623.407656 cm³).
  • 200 W higher rated power draw
    Whynter ARC-122DS draws more power than the average portable air conditioner (1200 W vs 1000 W).
    Cooling-mode power draw.
    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

    Whynter ARC-122DS draws more power than the average portable air conditioner (1200 W vs 1000 W).1200 W vs 1000 W
  • No automatic fan-speed control
    Whynter ARC-122DS does not adjust fan speed automatically, while the average portable air conditioner does.
    What it is: Automatic fan speed lets the unit adjust airflow without manual speed changes.
    When it matters: Automatic adjustment improves convenience and can maintain a steadier room temperature.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Whynter ARC-122DS does not adjust fan speed automatically, while the average portable air conditioner does.
  • More limited airflow control
    Whynter ARC-122DS provides manual airflow direction control, while the average portable air conditioner offers automatic.
    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

    Whynter ARC-122DS provides manual airflow direction control, while the average portable air conditioner offers automatic.manual vs automatic
  • 15.5 cm deeper cabinet
    Whynter ARC-122DS is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (51 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

    Whynter ARC-122DS is deeper than the average portable air conditioner (51 cm vs 35.5 cm).51 cm vs 35.5 cm
  • 20 m³/h lower high-speed airflow
    Whynter ARC-122DS delivers lower high-speed airflow than the average portable air conditioner (330 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

    Whynter ARC-122DS delivers lower high-speed airflow than the average portable air conditioner (330 m³/h vs 350 m³/h).330 m³/h vs 350 m³/h
  • 4 cm taller cabinet
    Whynter ARC-122DS is taller than the average portable air conditioner (75 cm vs 71 cm).
    What it is: Height is the vertical dimension of the portable air conditioner.
    When it matters: A shorter cabinet fits more easily below windows, shelves, and other height restrictions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Up to 70 cm

    Whynter ARC-122DS is taller than the average portable air conditioner (75 cm vs 71 cm).75 cm vs 71 cm
  • 5 cm wider cabinet
    Whynter ARC-122DS is wider than the average portable air conditioner (43 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

    Whynter ARC-122DS is wider than the average portable air conditioner (43 cm vs 38 cm).43 cm vs 38 cm
  • 6.01x less popular
    Whynter ARC-122DS is less popular than the average portable air conditioner (1 vs 6.005).
    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.
    Whynter ARC-122DS is less popular than the average portable air conditioner (1 vs 6.005).1 vs 6.01
Total
Overall
Performance
Features
Design

Graphic comparison of Whynter ARC-122DS and other products in the Portable Air Conditioners category

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Whynter ARC-122DS?

  • Dual hose design provides more efficient cooling compared to single hose units
  • Effective at cooling small- to medium-sized rooms
  • Self-evaporating technology reduces the need for manual water draining
  • Dual hose setup creates better negative pressure, reducing warm air infiltration
  • Quiet operation on lower fan settings
  • Relatively easy and quick setup of window kit

What customers dislike about Whynter ARC-122DS?

  • Bulky unit that takes up significant floor space
  • Window kit may require modification for proper sealing on some windows
  • The dual hose installation can be cumbersome to manage
  • The unit can be loud on the highest fan setting
  • The display lights are very bright, which can be disruptive at night
  • Some users reported reliability issues over long-term use

Expert reviews

R
rtings.com
06/06/2025
Summary of the review
Whynter Elite ARC-122DS Air Conditioner Review
T
techgearlab.com
21/04/2022
Summary of the review
Whynter ARC-122DS Elite Review - TechGearLab
E
engadget.com
08/06/2018
Summary of the review
The best portable air conditioner - Engadget
Y
yourbestdigs.com
15/07/2020
Summary of the review
Whynter Portable AC Review (ARC-14S & ARC122DS)
R
rtings.com
06/06/2025
Summary of the review
Whynter Elite ARC-122DS Air Conditioner Review
(Translated)Show original
T
techgearlab.com
21/04/2022
Summary of the review
Whynter ARC-122DS Elite Review
(Translated)Show original
Y
yourbestdigs.com
15/07/2020
Summary of the review
Whynter Portable AC Review (ARC-14S & ARC122DS)
(Translated)Show original
E
engadget.com
08/06/2018
Summary of the review
The best portable air conditioner
(Translated)Show original
R
rtings.com
06/06/2025
Summary of the review
Whynter Elite ARC-122DS Air Conditioner Review
(Translated)Show original
T
techgearlab.com
21/04/2022
Summary of the review
Whynter ARC-122DS Elite Review - TechGearLab
(Translated)Show original
Y
yourbestdigs.com
15/07/2020
Summary of the review
Whynter Portable AC Review (ARC-14S & ARC122DS)
(Translated)Show original

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