The 5 Best Swamp Coolers to Stay Cool Without the Cost

The Honeywell CS10XE is my pick for the best evaporative air cooler for small rooms and apartments. It combines a fan, an air cooler, and a humidifier packed into one energy-saving system that functions best when humidity levels are at 60% or less.

In fact, its 300 CFM maximum airflow can efficiently cool a 175-square-foot space with minimum energy consumption.

The sleek design and size of the Honeywell CS10XE are also a plus. I like that the swamp cooler can be easily placed on small corners of the room. It also boasts thermal overload protection and heat-safe internal casing for additional user safety.

The water tank capacity of 2.6 Gallons is both a good and a bad thing for the Honeywell swamp cooler. Having this much water capacity means it can run for longer hours without frequent refills. But, given that the unit’s weight is already almost 20 lbs when in full tank capacity, it can be a little heavy to move around, even with the help of its moveable wheels.

Also, I’ve seen users bothered by the loud noise from the Honeywell swamp cooler when used in the highest settings. But even for the standard swamp coolers, both of these issues are not very uncommon.

Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 3 Gallons | Working Time: 6-8 Hours | Equipment Size:  16 x 14 x 32 inches | Weight: 19 lbs | Coverage Area: 175 Sq. Ft.

In my opinion, the Hessaire MC18M is also one of the best evaporative coolers out there, as it’s designed for rooms up to 500 square feet.

With an airflow rating of 1,300 CFM, the Hessaire MC18M has no problem cooling up a garage, a workshop, or a patio.

Besides, it includes a high-density grid media pad with higher evaporation efficiency than a regular-density media pad, plus a longer lifespan.

The Hessaire MC18M 4.8-gallon water tank can even cool large rooms for extended hours, so it doesn’t need a refill very often. It also has a float valve that can hook to a garden hose to keep it running, making it more convenient.

One problem for the Hessaire MC18M cooler is the loud noise when used at high-speed settings, which could be bothersome, especially at night.

It’s also important to mention that the Hessaire MC18M will take up too much space inside a small room, and it can be hard to look for a spot to place the unit for maximum effect.

Thankfully, the Hessaire MC18M cooler has a plastic build, making it quite light for its size. It also has heavy-duty caster wheels for easy mobility, and it can be locked in place so it won’t just roll around.

Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 4.8 Gallons | Working Time: 6-8 Hours | Equipment Size:  20 x 10 x 28 inches | Weight: 16 lbs | Coverage Area: 500 Sq. Ft

When it comes to the best evaporative air coolers, it’s also important to consider the OEMTOOLS 23976 model.

Powered by 1/5 HP, the OEMTOOLS 23976 with 3,100 CFM maximum airflow can easily cool down a 950-square-feet of space. It is perfect for decks, outdoor workspaces, and large shops.

Additionally, the OEMTOOLS 23976 is energy efficient and quiet even for its large size due to its patented axial propellers. The 10.3-gallon water tank capacity makes it suitable for more prolonged use. Plus, refills can be avoided by the direct-connect-to-hose feature that enables constant water supply.

In my opinion, the only real downside of the OEMTOOLS 23976 is its size and weight. When the 10.3 gallons in full capacity is combined with the 40-lb unit weight, the swamp cooler can be heavy – especially when moving around. But of course, it is expected for a piece of heavy-duty equipment to be heavy and large, too. Luckily, the OEMTOOLS 23976 has large casters for easy mobility and transport.

Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 10.3 Gallons | Working Time: Not Specified | Equipment Size:  37 x 17 x 25 inches | Weight: 40 lbs | Coverage Area: 950 Sq. Ft.

The GREATSSLY Mini Personal Evaporative Air Cooler is one of the best portable swamp coolers with the least expensive cost but still offers great cooling power for small spaces.

Because of its small size, it is easier to move around than most portable coolers. However, the smaller size means a lower water tank capacity and frequent water refills. So, the GREATSSLY Mini Personal Evaporative Air Cooler is only recommended for small rooms.

With a working time of 3-5 hours, the GREATSSLY Mini Personal Evaporative Air Cooler is not ideal for long summer days. However, it has an easy-to-refill water tank. Just pour in enough water at the back. You can even add ice for a more significant cooling effect!

Other convenient features of the GREATSSLY Portable AC Fan include having three wind speed options and being able to function as a humidifier and air purifier while running on a very low noise level.

The GREATSSLY Mini Personal Evaporative Air Cooler also offers a 7-color LED light, which can be used as a bedside lamp. It can be remotely controlled and has a timer, which is great for turning it off after you have fallen asleep.

Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 400 ml | Working Time: 3-5 Hours | Equipment Size: 8.9-inch height | Weight: 1.85 lbs | Coverage Area: Not Specified

If you’re looking for a cooler to just put on top of your desk, I recommend the OneIsAll USB Desktop Cooler Fan. Its compact size (only 9.5 inches in height and 5.7 inches in width) makes it portable to carry and put on your nightstand for a cool sleep.

Meanwhile, its 420-ml water tank capacity is just enough to last you a good 4-6 hours of use. You can even add some of your essential oils to the water tank, as the OneIsAll USB Desktop Cooler Fan also functions as a humidifier.

It has a three-wind-speed setting, and the fan blades can be adjusted up and down at 120 degrees, just like some air conditioning units.

Keep in mind that the OneIsAll USB Desktop Cooler Fan is very limited to personal use, though. Unlike other compact coolers, which can substantially decrease a room’s temperature, the swamp cooler is designed for when you are at home alone and in a small space.

I usually advise staying close to the OneIsAll USB Desktop Cooler Fan to feel its effect immediately.

Note: Its short power cord can also limit the spot where you can put the OneIsAll USB Desktop Cooler Fan in your room.

Fan/Wind speeds: 3 | Water Tank Capacity: 420 ml | Working Time: 4-6 Hours | Equipment Size:  5.7 * 9.5 * 3.9 inch | Weight: 1.70 lbs | Coverage Area: Not Specified