The Midea PortaSplit sells out within hours of a heatwave, so "what else can I buy" is one of the most useful questions in cooling. The good news: there are solid alternatives at every price point. Here's how to choose the right one.
1. Another split-style portable
If what you loved about the PortaSplit was the quiet, look for another split-style portable air conditioner. It's the closest match in experience — calmer and more efficient than a monoblock — though these premium units also sell out quickly. If you find one in stock, it's the most like-for-like swap.
2. A Comfee or KGM monoblock (value pick)
For most people, the practical alternative is a cheaper single-hose monoblock from Comfee (Midea's value brand) or KGM. You give up some quiet and efficiency, but you get the same single-room cooling for less money — and these restock more often, so they're far easier to actually buy. Compare current options on the mobile air conditioner page.
3. An evaporative air cooler (dry heat)
If your heat is dry, an evaporative air cooler is a low-cost, no-hose alternative that drops the air temperature a few degrees. It won't match an AC in a sealed room or on humid days, but it's cheaper to buy and run, needs no window venting, and is more available. See air coolers in stock.
4. A fan (fast stop-gap)
A fan won't cool the air, but it makes you feel several degrees cooler by moving air over your skin — and it's the cheapest, most available option by far. As a stop-gap while you wait for a PortaSplit restock, a tower or pedestal fan keeps you comfortable for very little. See fans in stock.
How to choose your backup
Match the alternative to what you cared about:
| You want | Best alternative |
|---|---|
| Quiet, like the PortaSplit | Another split-style portable |
| Value and availability | Comfee / KGM monoblock |
| Cheap, no hose, dry heat | Evaporative air cooler |
| Cheapest, fastest fix | Fan |
Don't give up on the PortaSplit
A backup doesn't mean abandoning the unit you wanted. Set a restock alert so you're emailed the moment the PortaSplit returns near you, buy a cheap fan or cooler to bridge the gap, and reserve the PortaSplit the instant it's back. Check in-stock alternatives near you now and stay comfortable while you wait.