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Though most window AC units basically look the same, performance can vary widely from one model to the next. That's something I’ve learned through two decades of air conditioner testing, including the last three years as the director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Besides choosing a top-performing AC, I always tell people that it's critical to select the right size unit for the space you’re looking to cool. An oversized window AC can leave a room cool and clammy, plus you’ll spend more than you need to on it, since price tends to go up with cooling capacity. If the AC is too small, it won’t be able to cool the room to a comfortable level.
Our team of engineers and product experts at the Institute test hundreds of different HVAC products, from portable air conditioners to humidifiers and dehumidifiers. This report pulls together the best window AC units from our latest tests, which combine rigorous Lab evaluations with assessments in real-world conditioners by consumer testers. Read on to find the perfect window AC for your cooling needs.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: LG 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
- Best Value: Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
- Easiest to Install: TCL 8K Window Air Conditioner
- Quietest: Midea U Inverter Window Air Conditioner
- Best for Large Spaces: Friedrich Kuhl Series 12,000 BTU Smart Air Conditioner
- Best for Small Spaces: Windmill Modern Air Conditioner with WhisperTech
- Best Smart Home: GE Energy Star Window Smart Room Air Conditioner
- Most Energy-Efficient: Frigidaire Inverter Air Conditioner
Pros
- Superb cooling power
- Fairly quiet operation
- Intuitive controls
Cons
- Not Energy Star-qualified
Exceptional cooling power at a competitive price made LG's 8,000 BTU window AC the top overall pick in our latest round-up. It's the model we recommend most for consumers who are looking to cool up to 350 square feet of living space, whether it's a large family room or a small studio apartment. For larger spaces up to 850 square, this model line from LG comes in a 15,000 BTU unit that we expect to perform similarly.
I like that the unit comes with everything you need for installation, including side panels and foam insulation. At 53 decibels, it's also fairly quiet. LG includes a remote with the unit, nice for controlling temperature and fan speed from the sofa or bed. If you prefer the LCD display, our testers found its interface to be clean and intuitive, which is not the case with all units we tested, causing frustration when you're struggling to get the setting you want.
"The LG is also easy to maintain, since it has a removable filter that you can wash at the sink with soap and water," said Alec Scherma, test engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where he evaluates a wide range of equipment related to home comfort. The check filter signal is a helpful reminder, one that will keep this top-rated AC running smoothly all summer long.
On the downside, this model does not carry the Energy Star label, a government-regulated program that helps consumers identify the most energy-efficient products on the market.
Recommended cooling area: 340 sq ft | BTU cooling rating (ASHRAE): 8,000 | Dimensions: 19.6" x 19.4" x 12.4" | Weight: 58 lbs | Noise level: 53 dB | Energy Star certification: No
Pros
- Great price
- Easy installation
- Best window AC for small rooms
Cons
- Not suited to large spaces
Homes without central air conditioning often require multiple window ACs, which can quickly add up. For the price of one premium-priced AC you can purchase a few units of this easy-to-install Frigidaire, without sacrificing much in the way of cooling power or performance.
It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles — no Wi-Fi capability, for example, or a remote control. Instead, its controls are completely manual. "The control dials don't tell you the exact temperature of the room," Scherma added. Instead, they let you choose from a 1-to-7 temperature setting. Because it's entirely manual, the AC defaults to the same settings each time it's turned off, and there's no timer to automatically shut it off after a set period of time.
While this 5,000 BTU unit isn't super powerful, it's suitable for a room around 150 square feet, like a bedroom or office. It's also available in strength up to 15,000 BTU if you need to cool a larger area. It comes with a washable filter and mounting brackets, so you can keep your air fresh and your AC securely in place.
Recommended cooling area: 150 sq ft | BTU cooling rating (ASHRAE): 5,000 | Dimensions: 16" x 15.25" x 12" | Weight: 41 lbs | Noise level: 52 dB | Energy Star certification: No
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Pros
- Pre-assembled frame makes for simple installatiom
- Wi-Fi-connectivity
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- LCD display is quite bright (though it can be manually dimmed)
Between its lightweight design and pre-assembled frame, this 8,000 BTU window AC from TCL stood out in our tests for its easy installation. "Super quick and easy," said one tester who added that the AC is "extremely quiet compared with any other window air conditioner I’ve ever had."
That's a factor of the inverter technology, which also makes the Energy Star-qualified TCL one of the most efficient models on the market (for good measure, the sleep and eco models cut down on energy consumption when it's not needed). Maintenance is made easy by the washable air filter and the Wi-Fi-connectivity allows for remote operation via the smart phone app. (That same intelligent design helped land TCL's Smart Series Portable Air Conditioner on our winner's list for portable air conditioners.)
The only complaint from our tester was that the LCD display is quite bright, though she was happy to discover that it can be dimmed. So like many innovative products that pass through the Institute for testing, the TCL takes some getting used to, but all the features are there for a convenient, user-friendly experience.
Recommended cooling area: 350 sq ft | BTU cooling rating (ASHRAE): 8,000 |Dimensions: 22.99" x 13.97" x 18.81" | Weight: 57.3 lbs | Noise level: 40 dB | Energy Star certification: Yes
Pros
- Extremely quiet
- Energy efficient
- Window can still open and close
Cons
- Unique installation is a little tricky
Inverter-powered ACs are one of the latest innovations in air conditioning, replacing conventional compressors. This 8,000 BTU Midea demonstrates the key upsides of the technology — precise temperature control, energy efficiency and quiet operation.
These benefits are due to the fact that the inverter controls how much power the AC uses to cool air, unlike a compressor-powered air conditioner that runs on full power the entire time. While this innovation increases the initial cost of the Midea, our experts say you'll get some of that money back in reduced energy costs.
Another smart feature of this window AC is its Wi-Fi-connectivity, which allows you to control it via the smart phone app, or even by voice commands through your Alexa or Google Assistant smart speaker.
One important note: The Midea installs differently from traditional window ACs, which can be a bit tricky to figure out. Instead of the window sash resting on top of the installed unit, the U-shaped window AC has a built-in cavity for the window, enabling you to close the window almost all the way. This is a big benefit over other window ACs because it reduces the amount of air that can leak through the side panels. It also lets you open the window to allow in fresh air on days when you don't want to run your AC. And it reduces the amount of noise coming from the interior of the unit.
Recommended cooling area: 300 sq ft | BTU cooling rating (ASHRAE): 8,000 | Dimensions: 19.17" x 21.97" x 13.46" | Weight: 55.6 lbs | Noise level: 42 dB | Energy Star certification: Yes
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5
Best for Large Spaces
Friedrich Kuhl Series 12,000 BTU Smart Air Conditioner
Pros
- Exceptional cooling power
- Easy-to-control airflow direction
- Smart controls
Cons
- Very heavy and bulky
Got a lot of house to cool? This 12,000-BTU unit from Friedrich is up to the task. The model line goes all the way up to 35,000 BTUs, though that’s geared for commercial use, a category that Friedrich has influenced since the company was founded in 1883. As our test results of this model show, the brand makes superb ACs for homes too.
Make no mistake, this is a massive unit, weighing a hefty 116 pounds, so you’ll definitely need a hand with the installation. At 26 inches wide, it’s also too big for some window frames. But if your window is adequate and you're looking to cool 500 square feet or more, the Friedrich will not disappoint. “It was able to cool our entire main floor in under 10 minutes,” one consumer tester said. (Note: We also tested the 10,000 Kuhl and were impressed by its ability to quickly cool rooms measuring up to 450 square feet.)
As for features, we like that the premium-priced AC has four fan speeds to choose from, as well as the ability to direct airflow to the right or left and up or down. “Since it is so powerful, it’s nice to be able to point the cool air in the other direction when we’re seated nearby,” added our tester. It's also Wi-Fi-connected, so you can control it via the smart phone app, maybe turning the unit on shortly before you return home, so it will be nice and cool when you arrive.
One thing to note: All that cooling power made this Friedrich one of the noisier units we tested, so it’s not a great fit for bedrooms or TV rooms.
Recommended cooling area: 550 sq ft | BTU cooling rating (ASHRAE): 12,000 | Dimensions: 15 15/16" x 25 15/16" x 29" | Weight: 116 lbs | Noise level: Not listed | Energy Star certification: Yes
Pros
- Quiet, efficient operation
- Sleek design
Cons
- Not suited to larger spaces
The Windmill is another inverter-powered window AC that boasts all the same benefits of the technology — quiet operation, energy efficiency and pinpoint control. It's also incredibly easy to install (which we couldn't say about the Midea). "It took maybe 15 to 20 minutes to remove the old AC and install this one," noted one consumer tester. Credit the built-in frame that makes it a cinch to attach the Windmill securely to your window.
Not for nothing, the Windmill is also easy on the eyes, with a sleek front panel and discrete control panel that minimizes any flashing lights or other visual noise. That's another reason why we like the Windmill for small spaces. As our tester put it, "It’s the perfect AC for our small living room – not only is it sleek and simple in design, but it’s also so much quieter than our old model, which means we don’t have to blare the volume to watch TV or yell at each other when we have something to say."
Recommended cooling area: 350 sq ft | BTU cooling rating (ASHRAE): 8,000 | Dimensions: 19.3"D x 19.4"W x 13.2"H | Weight: 55.6 lbs | Noise level: 42 dB | Energy Star certification: Yes
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Pros
- Smart home integration
- Big cooling power
Cons
- Doesn't go lower than 64º F
For a powerful AC with Wi-Fi capability, look no further than this GE. This Energy Star-certified window AC cranks out 8,000 BTU, meaning it can quickly cool a room of up to 350 square feet.
Its flat display screen has a modern LED design, and since it's smart, you can control it via app. Though the unit is very intelligent, we loved its simple controls, with three cooling modes and four fan speeds. It also has a sleep mode, that will lessen the sound even more to help prevent extra noise.
The GE comes with a traditional install kit (side panels, insulation and screws) and at 35 pounds, it could likely be installed by one person. Several Amazon reviewers wished this unit reached temperatures below 64ºF, something to keep in mind if you like your room extra cold.
Recommended cooling area: 400 sq ft | BTU cooling rating (ASHRAE): 8,000 | Dimensions: 23.6" x 15.9" x 22.6" | Weight: 51 lbs | Noise level: 52 dB | Energy Star certification: Yes
Pros
- Smart apps with Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Inverter technology
Cons
- Display can be a little tough to see
This 8,000 BTU unit is both smart and energy efficient, thanks to its inverter. The technology also makes for quiet operation — all the way down to 41 decibels in quiet mode, which our experts say is just a tad louder than a quiet library.
The Frigidaire also has many usability features that we look for, including the ability to control it by remote or via the app on your smart phone. That's handy, since a few reviewers noted that it can be frustrating to see the front display at certain times of the day due to the light.
The AC can crank out 12,000 BTUs of cooling power, which is ideal for a living room or larger bedroom. Based on our engineer's analysis of the installation instructions, the unit should fit most windows.
Recommended cooling area: 350 sq ft | BTU cooling rating (ASHRAE): 8,000 | Dimensions: 23" x 19.45" x 13.9" | Weight: 55 lbs | Noise level: 50 dB | Energy Star certification: Yes
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How we test window AC units
To test window air conditioners, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute start by surveying the marketplace to target the window air conditioners that consumers are most likely to find on store shelves and online, focusing on brands that have performed best through our years of testing.
For the latest round of testing, our engineers and product testers reviewed hundreds of technical and performance data points via hands-on testing in our Lab as well as our homes, enabling us to evaluate the equipment in real-world conditions.
Since performance matters most with consumers, our experts measured how quickly the window ACs were able to cool a space and also how consistently they maintained target temperatures using a temperature sensor. We used a sound meter to determine the loudness at different power levels and fan speeds, and an anenometer to determine the speed and power of each unit's air flow.
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We also evaluated ease of use, grading how easy it was to install and set up each AC, how they fit in various windows and how easy it was to remove, clean and re-install the filter. We also considered useful features, including any Wi-Fi capabilities or remote control.
What to look for when shopping for the best window AC unit
While you're shopping for the best window AC, keep these points top of mind:
✔️ Room size and BTUs: It's important to purchase the right sized room AC for your space. Getting too powerful a unit can mean you'll end up with excessive electricity bills on your hands. Meanwhile, a unit that is undersized will be inefficient. Most models list their cooling capacity on the box or website. It's measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), which correspond to the square footage of a room. Window air conditioners for residential use generally range from 5,000 to 15,000 BTUs. In general, the larger the room, the more BTUs you will need. A quick guide:
- 5,000 to 7,000 BTUs can cool 100 to 200 square feet
- 7,000 to 9,000 BTUs are suited to 200 to 400 square feet
- 9,000 to 15,000 BTUs can cover 400 to 600 square feet or more
Keep in mind that other factors beyond square footage might force you to size up a bit, for example high ceilings, location (you'll want a bigger unit in the kitchen where it can get warmer) and how sunny the room gets. For more details, see this AC size guide from Trane, one of the biggest and most used HVAC manufacturers out there.
You'll see a lot of BTU's rated by ASHRAE in our product specifications for each product. ASHRAE stands for the "American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers." They created a standard on how to evaluate BTU's for window AC's, which is the most widely used standard for determining the cooling capacity of the AC.
✔️ Noise: Our tests found a wide range in volume of operation, from whisper quiet to so noisy it could be difficult to fall asleep. If the unit will be installed in a bedroom, look for a quiet model, like the recommended Midea that operates at 42 decibels. Some window ACs also have quiet settings that get as low as 40 decibels. The National Institute of Health says that sounds below 70 decibels are generally safe sound level, while those over 85 decibels can lead to hearing loss.
✔️ Features: Our experts like to see the following: a “check filter” indicator, which visually reminds you to clean or change the filter; directional vents to help move the unit's air flow from side to side for more efficient room cooling; remotes, great for adjusting the temp without having to move; and smart controls, which allow you to operate the unit from your phone.
✔️ Window size: It's important to measure the height and width of the window opening to ensure that the unit can be properly mounted inside it. Measure twice, buy once.
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Are window air conditioners better than portable ACs?
Window air conditioner units are the better pick for most situations, assuming you're able to install one in your window. Unlike even the best portable air conditioners, window ACs won't take up floor space or require you to vent a long hose from the device to the outside. They also tend to be quieter and cost less money for comparable capacity.
One of the biggest differences is in the name: While they both need windows, window ACs tend to stay in one location, while portable ACs are mobile and can be wheeled from room to room. However, some window sizes and shapes don't allow for window ACs, and in those cases, a portable AC is best.
Are window AC units energy efficient?
Compared to portable ACs, definitely, but some are more efficient than others. Here's what to look for to ensure energy savings:
✔️ Check its energy efficiency rating (EER), which is derived by dividing BTUs by power consumption in watt-hours. The higher the efficiency rating, the less you’ll spend on home electricity bills. Usually you can find this rating on the packaging itself, or on the official website of the device.
✔️ Check EnergyStar.gov, which is run by the EPA and DOE in order to help promote energy efficiency using standardized methods. Input the model number of the AC you're considering for information on its energy use.
✔️ Look for an energy-saver switch. This setting ensures that the fans don’t operate continuously. Likewise, some units have sleep modes that will raise the room temperature at night for improved efficiency.
✔️ Get an AC with inverter tech. Inverters work by modulating the compressor motor within the system, adjusting how much power the unit draws rather than operating at full strength all the time (which is what ACs without inverters do). That means an AC with an inverter is capable of controlling how much power it uses instead of utilizing full power at all times. This makes inverters great for reducing overall costs as well as helping to provide better energy efficiency.
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More guides to help you keep cool
- Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy a New Air Conditioner
- The Best Portable Air Conditioners
- The Best Evaporative Coolers
- The Best Fans
- The Best Ceiling Fans
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
I've been testing and writing about air conditioners for close to 25 years. As Director of Home Improvement and Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, I oversaw the latest round of window AC testing in our Labs, as well as the continuous in-home, survey-based consumer testing that allows us to evaluate the equipment in real-world conditions.
For this report, I worked closely with Alec Scherma, a test engineer at the Institute. Scherma's background in mechanical engineering and HVAC consulting provide valuable testing expertise and knowledge on the different types of HVAC equipment available to consumers.
Dan DiClerico
Home Improvement & Outdoor Director
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.