● Portable Air Conditioners · Comparison

Whynter ARC-14S 14 vs Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable

Both made our Best Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments Without Window Access shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.

✎ PickHonest Research Desk▦ Updated June 9, 2026◷ 6 min read

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.

Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air ConditionerWhynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air ConditionerView on Amazon VS
Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air ConditionerHoneywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air ConditionerView on Amazon

Quick verdict

Choose the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner if you want dual-hose design pulls air from outside instead of recirculating already-cooled room air, so it recovers temperature faster between compressor cycles. Choose the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner if you'd rather have dual filtration is more thorough than the single washable filter on most competitors. Overall we rank the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments Without Window Access list.

Winner overall: Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner vs Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner compared

Every difference that matters, in one table.

Keep researching

  • Best Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments Without Window Access
  • Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner review
  • Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner review
  • All portable air conditioners

Bottom line

Choose the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner if you want dual-hose design pulls air from outside instead of recirculating already-cooled room air, so it recovers temperature faster between compressor cycles. Choose the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner if you'd rather have dual filtration is more thorough than the single washable filter on most competitors. Overall we rank the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments Without Window Access list.

Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

Whynter

Dual-hose design pulls air from outside instead of recirculating already-cooled room air, so it recovers temperature faster between compressor cycles

  • 14,000 BTU ASHRAE / 9,500 BTU SACC dual-hose cooling
  • Cools rooms up to 500 sq ft
  • Built-in dehumidifier, up to 101 pints per day
  • Auto dra in with condensate self-evaporation
  • 24-hour programmable timer, thermostat range 61°F to 89°F

Pros

  • Dual filtration is more thorough than the single washable filter on most competitors
  • Dual motor design measurably quieter at high fan speed than single-motor units
  • Polished two-tone cabinet is a step up from typical plastic housings

Cons

  • Single-hose design, less efficient than dual-hose in very hot rooms
  • Fewer smart features than the BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT
  • Lower ratings volume than Whynter or BLACK+DECKER
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon
Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner

Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner

Honeywell

Dual filtration is more thorough than the single washable filter on most competitors

  • 14,000 BTU cooling, dehumidifier and fan modes, rated up to 550-700 sq ft
  • Dual filtration system: washable pre-filter plus activated carbon
  • Dual motor design rated at 49 to 52 dB at high fan speed
  • Full-function remote control
  • Included window venting kit

Pros

  • Dual filtration is more thorough than the single washable filter on most competitors
  • Dual motor design measurably quieter at high fan speed than single-motor units
  • Polished two-tone cabinet is a step up from typical plastic housings

Cons

  • Single-hose design, less efficient than dual-hose in very hot rooms
  • Fewer smart features than the BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT
  • Lower ratings volume than Whynter or BLACK+DECKER
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon

FAQ

Common questions

Which is better, the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner or the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner?

Choose the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner if you want dual-hose design pulls air from outside instead of recirculating already-cooled room air, so it recovers temperature faster between compressor cycles. Choose the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner if you'd rather have dual filtration is more thorough than the single washable filter on most competitors. Overall we rank the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Portable Air Conditioners for Apartments Without Window Access list.

What is the difference between the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner and the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner?

The Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner stands out because dual-hose design pulls air from outside instead of recirculating already-cooled room air, so it recovers temperature faster between compressor cycles, while the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner stands out because dual filtration is more thorough than the single washable filter on most competitors. The trade-offs differ too: the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner's ma in caveat is that needs two hose openings in the window kit, more setup than a single-hose unit, and the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner's is that single-hose design, less efficient than dual-hose in very hot rooms.

Is the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner worth it over the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner instead if needs two hose openings in the window kit, more setup than a single-hose unit is a deal-breaker for you.

Who should buy the Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner instead of the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner?

The Honeywell HL14CESWK Contempo Series Portable Air Conditioner suits apartments without window access, while the Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner is best for apartments without window access.

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