We Tested the Best Window ACs for Every Room, Budget, and Heat Wave

A window air conditioner is an essential solution for cooling homes without central air, especially during the peak of summer. We tested eight popular models to evaluate how well they performed in real-world conditions, from cooling speed and energy use to installation and noise levels. One model rose to the top: the Hisense Ultraslim Window Air Conditioner, which impressed us with its sleek interior profile and whisper-quiet operation.

Shoppers have more options than ever, with units offering smart features, high energy efficiency, and cooling capacities suited for everything from small bedrooms to open-concept living spaces. But navigating the specs—and knowing which ones actually make a difference—can be a challenge.

To make your decision easier, we’ve broken down the key features to consider, including sizing, noise ratings, and efficiency. Ahead, you’ll find our top-tested picks and tips for choosing the best window air conditioner for your space.

1. BEST OVERALL: Hisense Ultraslim Window Air Conditioner
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
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3. BEST SMALL: GE 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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4. BEST LARGE: LG 14,000 BTU Dual Inverter Smart Air Conditioner
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5. BEST SMART: Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Air Conditioner With Wi-Fi
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6. BEST QUIET: Windmill WhisperTech 8,000 BTU Air Conditioner
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7. BEST INSTALLATION: Toshiba Smart 8,000 BTU Air Conditioner
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Window Air Conditioners Comparison Chart 

Our Top Picks

The following list highlights some of the best window air conditioners available today. Many of these models feature smart capabilities, allowing you to adjust settings from your phone or other connected devices. Whether you’re looking for powerful cooling, quiet operation, or an easy installation process, there’s an option here to suit a variety of spaces and needs.

Best Overall

Hisense Ultraslim Window Air Conditioner

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What We Like

• Quiet even on the highest fan setting
• Slim interior profile saves space
• Easy bracket-style installation
• App and remote control support

What We Don’t Like

• No directional vent adjustment
• Limited on-unit controls

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Specs 

• Room size 350 square feet
• Dimensions 14.6 by 20.3 by 20.5 inches
• Energy efficiency rating 15 CEER

Our Ratings

This slim window air conditioner from Hisense is a standout option for cooling smaller rooms (up to 350 square feet) with quiet efficiency and a sleek profile. We were especially impressed by how simple this unit was to install. It mounts to a sturdy bracket on the outside of the window, which relegates the bulk of the machinery (and the noise) outdoors. Inside, only a slim panel delivers cool air, helping the unit blend into the room without the bulk of a traditional window AC.

Despite its slim design, the Hisense delivers powerful cooling down to 61 degrees. Even at the highest fan setting, it runs with minimal noise—none of the rattling or compressor grunts that often come with compact units. It’s one of the quietest window air conditioners we tested in this size range.

The controls are refreshingly simple, with just three buttons: on/off and temperature up and down. For more precise adjustments, you can use the remote (batteries included) or control the unit via a smartphone app. The remote includes modes like “Quiet” and “Super,” allowing users to quickly optimize for silence or stronger airflow.

What our tester says: “This was by far the most impressive window AC unit I tested this year. Not only does it look great, it also gives you a blast of really cold air—and does it silently.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Hisense window air conditioner at Costco.

Best Bang for the Buck

Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner

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What We Like

• Compact and lightweight design 
• Simple analog controls for easy adjustments
• Fits in smaller windows

What We Don’t Like

• Louvers don’t adjust up and down

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Specs 

• Room size 150 square feet
• Dimensions 12.1 by 16 by 13.2 inches
• Energy efficiency rating 11 CEER

Our Ratings

If you’re looking for a dependable window air conditioner that won’t break the bank, the Midea EasyCool delivers solid performance at a wallet-friendly price. Measuring just over 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide, its compact dimensions make it a smart pick for rooms with narrower window openings, and its 5,000 BTU output is just right for cooling spaces up to 150 square feet.

This unit may be basic, but it’s thoughtfully designed. Two simple dials control the temperature and mode, with options for cooling and fan-only operation at two speeds. It lacks digital features, but the simplicity makes it easy to use right out of the box. It’s also energy efficient, with a solid 11 CEER rating that helps keep electric bills in check.

We found installation to be especially quick, thanks to the unit’s lightweight and compact size. It cooled our test space faster than expected and didn’t produce the rattling or humming we’ve experienced with other budget-friendly models. 

Just note: the louvers only move side to side, limiting how you direct the airflow.

What our tester says: “When it comes to ease of installation, the Midea EasyCool was one of my favorites. It’s lightweight and compact, so popping it into a window took just a few seconds. It also cooled the room relatively quickly without being intrusively loud like some of the other small window units.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Midea window air conditioner at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Best Small

GE 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

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What We Like

• Ultra-compact design fits small windows
• Simple, intuitive manual controls
• Budget-friendly price point
• Good for small rooms or offices

What We Don’t Like

• Louder than U-shaped or inverter models
• No smart features or digital display
• Fixed vent direction only

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Specs 

• Room size 250 square feet
• Dimensions 13.4 by 16.4 by 12.6 inches
• Energy efficiency rating 11 CEER

Our Ratings

The GE 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner turned out to be one of the most compact units we tested, and it’s a great fit for small spaces like a home office or guest room. It didn’t take up much window real estate, and we liked how quickly we were able to get it up and running.

This model is as no-frills as it gets—just two simple dials to control fan speed and temperature. There’s no app, no remote, no digital display—and actually, that was part of the appeal. It’s easy to use, especially if you just want to plug it in and cool down a room without fussing over smart features.

It’s not the most quiet window air conditioner. Since it doesn’t have a U-shaped design or an inverter motor, you can hear it working, especially when the fan is on high. But for the price, and considering its small size, we felt like the performance was totally fair. It cooled the room down reliably and didn’t cost much to run.

If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly air conditioner for a small space, this one is hard to beat.

Get the GE window air conditioner at Amazon or Best Buy.

Best Large

LG 14,000 BTU Dual Inverter Smart Air Conditioner

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What We Like

• Powerful cooling for large rooms
• Surprisingly quiet for its size
• Easy front panel installation
• Smart features with app and voice control

What We Don’t Like

• Very large and heavy
• No auto swing function
• Requires ample window space for fit

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Specs 

• Room size 700 square feet
• Dimensions 28.8 by 23.6 by 15 inches
• Energy efficiency rating 14.7 CEER

Our Ratings

If you’re cooling a large space and want serious power without sacrificing peace and quiet, the LG Dual Inverter 14,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner delivers. Designed to cool rooms up to 700 square feet, this unit is a beast—both in terms of size and performance. It’s one of the largest models we tested, but also one of the most impressively quiet. Even when blasting cold air down to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the noise level remained remarkably low, making it a strong choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and open-concept areas.

Installation is fairly straightforward for a unit this size. The only assembly required is snapping on the front panel after plugging in a single connector. Once set up, the AC gets to work fast, pushing out a strong, steady stream of cold air that cooled our test space quickly and evenly.

That said, we were surprised to find it lacks an auto swing function, as this limits the user’s ability to control how the airflow is distributed across the room. For a high-end unit like this, that omission stood out. Still, it includes all the core features you’d expect: multiple fan and cooling modes, energy saver and sleep functions, and smart connectivity for app or voice control.

If you need heavy-duty cooling with whisper-quiet operation, this large window air conditioner is a top contender—just make sure you’ve got the window space to handle it.

Get the LG window air conditioner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Best Buy. 

Best Smart

Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Air Conditioner With Wi-Fi

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What We Like

• Quiet operation for a traditional box unit
• Strong, steady cooling down to 60 degrees Fahrenheit
• Includes reusable dust and PureAir filters
• Sleek remote with included batteries

What We Don’t Like

• No auto swing feature
• Manual vent adjustment only

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Specs 

• Room size 350 square feet
• Dimensions 14.5 by 19 by 22 inches
• Energy efficiency rating 10.9 CEER

Our Ratings

The Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner is a reliable, well-rounded unit that delivers consistent cooling with just enough extra features to stand out. Designed to cool rooms up to 350 square feet, this traditional box-style model surprised us with its relatively quiet performance, even when running at high fan speed and its lowest setting of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

In testing, we found that it produced a strong, pleasant stream of cool air that quickly brought down the temperature of our test room. While it doesn’t have auto-swing functionality, the vents can be manually adjusted to direct airflow where it’s needed most. It includes multiple modes—Cool, Fan, Dry, and Eco—offering flexibility depending on your comfort or energy-saving needs.

One feature that stood out was its dual-filter system: a standard dust filter and a PureAir filter designed to improve air quality. Both are easy to access and clean, thanks to a front-facing panel that snaps off with minimal effort. The filters are reusable, which adds to the long-term value of the unit.

Frigidaire also scores points for its sleek remote, which comes with batteries included and provides full control over the unit’s settings. Overall, the Frigidaire is a solid pick for shoppers looking for reliable performance, quiet cooling, and easy maintenance in a mid-size room.

Get the Frigidaire window air conditioner at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.

Best Quiet

Windmill WhisperTech 8,000 BTU Air Conditioner

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What We Like

• Quiet operation as low as 42 dB
• Clean, modern design with foam panels
• Works with Alexa, Google, and Windmill’s proprietary app

What We Don’t Like

• Less efficient than some inverter models

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Specs 

• Room size 350 square feet
• Dimensions 13.3 by 19.3 by 22.5 inches
• Energy efficiency rating 15 CEER

Our Ratings

The Windmill 8,000 BTU Smart Air Conditioner stands out for its sleek design and impressively quiet performance. Ideal for those who want their cooling appliance to blend in rather than stand out, this unit ditches the traditional bulky look in favor of soft, rounded edges and streamlined foam side panels that create a more finished appearance in the window.

This model isn’t just about looks—it’s also a solid performer. Thanks to its inverter-powered motor and thoughtful airflow direction (angled upward rather than straight out), the Windmill keeps rooms comfortable while maintaining a low noise profile, producing as little as 42 decibels of sound on its quietest setting. That made it one of the quietest units we tested in this size range.

Controls are simple and flexible. You can use the included remote, the clean front-facing panel, or connect to the Windmill app. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free operation. While it’s not the most energy-efficient air conditioner on the market, it still delivers solid performance without a major hit to your electric bill.

In testing, we appreciated not only the quiet output but also the premium look and feel. The foam side panels added a polished touch, and the upward airflow helped circulate cool air more effectively throughout the room.

Get the Windmill air conditioner at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Wayfair. 

Best Installation

Toshiba Smart 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

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What We Like

• Easiest installation of any unit tested
• Modern design with compact footprint
• Smart app and voice control compatibility
• Cools down to 62 degrees Fahrenheit quickly

What We Don’t Like

• No auto-swing airflow
• Louder on high fan settings
• Manual vent adjustment only

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Specs 

• Room size 350 square feet
• Dimensions 13.4 by 18.5 by 16.1 inches
• Energy efficiency rating 11.4 CEER

Our Ratings

This pick from Toshiba offers an enticing mix: convenience, impressive cooling power, and a sleek design. It’s an especially attractive option for those who dread the hassle of installation. This model easily slots into most standard windows, thanks to well-designed accordion side panels that make setup fast and frustration-free. It’s rated for spaces up to 350 square feet and cools efficiently down to 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

During testing, the Toshiba unit impressed with its clean, modern appearance that felt more like a subtle upgrade than an eyesore. It’s also smart-enabled, allowing for remote control and monitoring via app or voice assistant. The digital controls are straightforward, and the physical buttons are easy to access if you prefer manual operation.

While not as whisper-quiet as U-shaped models, it still performs respectably on higher fan settings, and the noise never felt intrusive. Our main gripe? The air vents are fixed in place with no auto-swing mode—so if you want to direct airflow, you’ll have to do it manually.

Still, with its user-friendly design, strong cooling performance, and modern looks, the Toshiba is a great pick for renters, first-time buyers, or anyone who wants an easy install with smart functionality.

Get the Toshiba window air conditioner at The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Window Air Conditioners

We considered over a dozen of the best air conditioners for windows from leading brands, later narrowing our list to eight top models based on factors like price, cooling capacity, energy efficiency, noise level, smart features, ease of installation, and overall design. To evaluate performance, we installed each unit in real homes and tested them in rooms suited to their BTU rating. We used thermometers to track how quickly each AC cooled a room by 5 degrees Fahrenheit, measured noise levels at different fan speeds, and evaluated airflow strength and coverage. We also assessed how easy each unit was to install, including the clarity of instructions, weight, bracket systems, and panel fit. In day-to-day use, we rated how intuitive the controls were—whether on the unit, via remote, or through a smart app—and looked at features like auto swing, eco mode, and air filtration. Each product was scored across these categories to determine our top picks.

What to Consider When Choosing a Window Air Conditioner

It’s crucial to select an air conditioner that’s properly sized for the room in question, but other factors are also vital to consider, including energy efficiency, noise level, and smart-home compatibility. 

Window and Room Size 

Selecting the right size of AC unit for an area is vital when shopping for window air conditioner units. Choose a unit that’s too small and it will struggle to cool the space. If it’s too large, the air conditioner will waste electricity and strain the motor with frequent short cycles. An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is listed in BTUs. Models range from small window air conditioners that produce 5,000 BTUs up to large window AC units that can produce 18,000 BTUs or more. 

Determining the right size window AC unit for a room involves making a simple calculation. Multiply the length of the room by the width, and multiply that number by 25. For example, a 20-foot-long by 12-foot-wide room would require a 6,000 BTU air conditioner, while a large 20-foot-long by 20-foot-wide room would require a 10,000 BTU unit. 

In addition to room size, it’s also important to take into account the window size to ensure the air conditioning unit will fit. A window must be wider than the air conditioning unit and also must open wider than the height of the air conditioner. 

Energy Efficiency

The condenser that produces the cool air that air conditioners pump out uses a considerable amount of power. In fact, depending on the size of the AC unit and the outdoor temperature, a window AC unit typically adds between $15 and $47 per month to the electric bill. 

One way of bringing that number down is by purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner. The efficiency of a window unit is determined by its CEER, which is calculated by dividing the air conditioning unit’s BTU output by its wattage, plus the measured standby power consumption in watts. The higher the CEER, the more efficient the air conditioning unit. An Energy Star-certified air conditioner has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as energy efficient. 

Noise Level

Since a window AC unit has both its blower and compressor in the window of the room, it can produce a significant amount of noise. In fact, the average window AC unit produces about 60 decibels, which is similar to an electric shaver. Some AC units are quieter than others, with decibel levels in the 40s, which is the equivalent to the sound of light traffic. 

An air conditioner is loudest when it’s working at maximum capacity. Some units have quiet sleep modes that operate the air conditioner at lower speeds to reduce noise levels. Keep in mind that the condenser won’t produce as much cool air on sleep mode, forcing it to run longer to maintain the internal air temperature. 

Smart-Home Compatibility

As with most household electronics these days, many window air conditioning units can connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network. Once connected, a smart air conditioner can be controlled on a smart device via an app or even by voice when paired with a virtual assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. These smart capabilities allow the user to adjust the temperature and turn the air conditioner on and off from virtually any location. 

Other Features

Air conditioning units come with other features that make them easier to operate and maintain. Check-filter lights let the operator know when it’s time to clean or change the filter. Many AC units come with remote controls that allow the user to operate the air conditioner from the comfort of their bed or sofa. Some remotes also double as remote thermostats, helping to ensure more even cooling throughout the room. 

Installation

Per their name, all window air conditioner units mount inside a window between the sash and the sill. Most air conditioners include plastic slides that extend from either side of the AC unit to cover the gaps in the width of the window. An air conditioner should also include the brackets and hardware necessary to attach the window unit to the window, ensuring it doesn’t shift or fall out during operation. 

FAQs

Ahead, learn why window air conditioners are almost always a better choice than portable units and why it’s OK to leave a window air conditioner running all day. 

Q. Is a window air conditioner or a portable AC unit better?

In general, a window air conditioning unit is more efficient, more effective, and more affordable than a portable air conditioner. The primary reason one might consider a portable air conditioner is because they don’t have windows that are compatible with a window air conditioner. 

Q. Can I leave a window air conditioner on all day?

It is safe to keep an air conditioner running all day. There are no parts that will overheat, and the AC unit has a thermostat that will turn it on and off based on the set temperature. In fact, keeping a window AC on all day at a slightly higher temperature is often more efficient than shutting it off and later forcing it to cool a hot and humid space. 

Q. Do I have to add water to a window air conditioner?

Modern window air conditioners do not use water. Instead, they compress air, which creates condensation that drains out of the AC unit to the home’s exterior. 

Q. Should I cover my window AC unit after the summer?

While it’s dangerous to cover an AC unit while it’s in use, you will want to cover the exterior portion when summer ends to prevent snow, ice, and leaves from collecting on it, which could damage the coils or restrict the airflow out of the unit. 

Q. How cold can a window air conditioner get?

Window air conditioners are not designed to create temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Most window air conditioners work best when the thermostat is set no lower than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Q. How long do window air conditioners last on average?

The average window air conditioner lasts about 10 years. Signs that you need to replace the window AC unit are odd noises and higher utility bills. 

Meet the Testers

Based in Florida, Paul Rankin has tested more than 20 portable, U-shaped, and traditional window air conditioners in 2025 alone—ideal conditions for pushing cooling power to the limit. With a background in DIY and home product reviews, he focuses on real-world performance, ease of use, and value to help readers find products that truly work for their space and budget.

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer and has been involved in the trades for over 15 years as both a contractor and a commercial building mechanic. As a lover of all things tools, construction, and DIY, he’s always looking for new tools and techniques while also sharing his knowledge with the DIY world. 

 

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