Find the coolest deals on the best window air conditioners before it gets too hot. We have picks for every budget and room size.
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6 Best Window Air Conditioners to Cool Every Room
Updated on Oct. 15, 2024
Summertime is filled with great outdoor events like barbecues, picnics, beach days and fireworks. But this season also brings hot temperatures that sometimes reach triple digits. And since nobody likes sweating to the point of sticking to the furniture, it could be time to beat the heat and invest in the best window air conditioners for your space.
We’ve rounded up air conditioners for small spaces, large spaces, vertical windows and budget-friendly options because everyone deserves to feel cool and comfortable during the hot summer months—even if it’s a dry heat.
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Best Overall Window Air Conditioner
Midea Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Super quiet, energy efficient, leak-resistant, easy to install and tech-compatible are just some of the words that describe the Midea Smart Inverter. We could keep talking about why it’s one of the best window air conditioners, but we’d be here a while.
The most important thing to know: This window air conditioner can be turned on and off with Amazon Alexa. Plus, it has the all-important Energy Star certification that meets the strictest energy standards while still keeping you cool all summer. The anti-theft mechanism locks your closed window giving your home an extra layer of security.
Pros
- More than 12,000 five-star Amazon ratings
- Great bang-for-your-buck
- Quieter than most air conditioners
- Energy-efficient
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
Cons
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iOS and Android apps are clunky
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Best Budget Window Air Conditioner
TCL 5WR1-A Home Series Window Air Conditioner
If you’re OK with a window air conditioner with mechanical control knobs, then the TCL Home Series is our recommendation. Setup is simple with the easy installation kit, and it is overall pretty energy-efficient, though it lacks an Energy Star certification.
This small but mighty air conditioner is backed by more than 1,500 perfect five-star Amazon ratings and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose (but the heat) by giving this affordable air conditioner a shot.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- 5,000 BTU
- Easy installation
- Eight-way cooling and four-way directional vents
Cons
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Only a 150-square-foot coverage area
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Most Customizable Window Air Conditioner
Windmill Window A/C Unit
The Windmill AC can be customized to match your room’s decor, and the exterior has an attractive-looking honeycomb design found on all size options. You can change the room’s temperature via the Windmill app, or connect it to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control.
The unit is easy to install and comes with filters that last up to three months, compared to the standard monthly life cycle of most window A/C units. Get an in-depth look at what it’s like to live with this smart AC unit by reading our Windmill Air Conditioner review.
Pros
- Customizable covers
- Honeycomb exterior
- Multiple size options
- App and voice control
Cons
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Only cools up to 250 square feet
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Best Vertical Window Air Conditioner
Koldfront Window Air Conditioner
If your home has casement windows, sometimes called vertical windows, that go left or right rather than up and down, then there’s no better option than the Koldfront Window Air Conditioner. This compact unit packs enough power to cool up to 450 square feet and comes with several energy-saving modes such as sleep and shut-off intervals.
Customer reviews say the installation is straightforward, and the front-facing filters are convenient when it comes time for monthly replacements. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but you won’t find a better air conditioner for casement windows.
Pros
- Fits most casement windows
- Compact
- Energy efficient
- Cools a large area
- Remote control
Cons
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On the pricier side
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Most Energy Efficient Window Air Conditioner
Whirlpool Window Air Conditioner
On top of having Energy Star certification, the Whirlpool Air Conditioner has a number of energy-saving modes to conserve power on cooler days or during times when you’re not around for a while. The eight-way directional air louvers, or the shutter-like slats on an air conditioner, help disperse the cool air throughout the entire room for a quicker cool-down period. For those in humid climates, this type of air conditioner is also effective at dehumidifying rooms up to 450 square feet.
Pros
- Energy Star certification
- Eco-mode uses less energy
- Programmable 24-hour on/off timer
- Quiet
- Three-speed fan for even air distribution
Cons
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Not app compatible
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Most Quiet Window Air Conditioner
Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner
Most window air conditioners emit around 50 decibels of noise, but the Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner only produces around 41 decibels. That might not seem like a big difference, but it definitely matters if your main priority is a good night’s sleep.
If you need more proof, take a peek at the customer reviews raving about this machine’s efficiency and whisper-quiet operation. Pair it with the Frigidaire app or Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for easy operation.
Pros
- 41-decibel unit is 20% quieter than most A/C units
- Energy Star certification
- Pairs with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Available in 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU options
- Easy-to-clean washable filter
Cons
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Some customers complain about filter issues
How many BTU do I need for window AC?Â
Most shopping and energy experts agree that 20 BTUs per square foot is a good rule of thumb.
What is the best BTU for a bedroom air conditioner?
A 300-square-foot room needs an air conditioner with at least 6,000 BTUs, though a more powerful unit with 8,000 BTUs is never a bad idea.
How big of a room will 8,000 BTU cool?
An air conditioner with 8,000 BTUs cools a room as large as 400 square feet, around the average size of a living room.
