An air conditioner is the best way to beat the heat this spring and summer. We especially like window air conditioners that you can install in most windows, or portable air conditioners that you can use in any room. Window air conditioners tend to be less expensive and don’t take up floor space, but portable air conditioners are easier to install and move from one room to another.
To help you find the best air conditioner for your home, we researched dozens of models, evaluating each for cooling capacity, energy efficiency, noise level, and additional features like multiple fan speeds, dehumidification modes, remote controls, and smart home connectivity.
Our favorite air conditioners include models from top manufacturers like LG, Windmill, GE, and Frigidaire, and we considered both window and portable air conditioners to suit the widest range of situations. We’ve identified the best options for large rooms, small rooms, and everything in between.
Our Top Picks
Best Value:
Best Design:
Best Window Air Conditioner:
Best for Small Rooms:
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What We Like
Customizable cooling options
Digital controls, LED display, and remote control
24-hour timer
Slide-out, washable filter
What We Don't Like
Noisier at higher settings
Installation can be tricky
The LG LW6017R Window Air Conditioner is an all-around solid choice for an effective cooling option at a reasonable price. It kicks 6,000 BTU, which can cool rooms up to 260 square feet. Though it lacks any of the smart features you’ll find on more expensive models, its control panel is extremely easy to use. A digital LED display and full-featured remote control further enhance its intuitive design, allowing you to adjust the settings from anywhere in the room.
This unit has three cooling speeds and three fan speeds, as well as a timer that can be set for up to 24 hours. The two louvers can be manually adjusted to direct the air wherever you need it most. In the event of a power outage, this unit will turn on automatically once power is restored. Not only is this model Energy Star certified, it has an energy-saving mode for efficient operation, too.
The LG LW6017R is relatively quiet, emitting 52 decibels at its lowest setting. However, it will be noisier when it’s cranked up to higher speeds. According to some reports, the lack of detailed instructions could make the installation a bit tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with window ACs. On a positive note, the filter is both removable and washable, which makes maintenance a breeze.
Dimensions: 17.31 x 14.38 x 11.13 inches | Cooling Area: 260 square feet | BTU: 6,000 BTU | Energy Star Certified: Yes
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What We Like
Ideal for smaller rooms
Simple, adjustable controls
10 temperature settings
What We Don't Like
No energy-saving features
No remote control
The GE Mechanical Air Conditioner delivers an impressive performance at an affordable price point. While it lacks some of the advanced features you’d find on more expensive window air conditioners, this compact unit cools well in rooms up to 150 square feet. It offers ten different temperature settings, allowing you to achieve your ideal comfort level.
This unit doesn’t have a remote control. Instead, it is controlled by two manual dials on the front. Although the design is fairly plain, it is easy to operate and equally easy to set up. A mount kit is included for easy installation and it installs nicely in a double-hung window. The washable filter is removable, making clean-up a breeze, too.
If energy efficiency is a top priority, this air conditioner isn’t the best option. Unlike most of our other picks, it lacks an energy-saving mode and is not Energy Star-certified. On the plus side, it’s a solid choice for cooling smaller rooms like bedrooms, guest rooms, and home offices.
Dimensions: 16.44 x 15 x 12.56 inches | Cooling Area: 150 square feet | BTU: 5,000 BTU | Energy Star Certified: No
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What We Like
Sleek, modern design with cosmetic side panels
Smart features and dual filters
Easy to install
What We Don't Like
On the pricier side
App is challenging for some
This Windmill Air Conditioner offers an array of smart features for nearly effortless operation with a sleek, modern look, which is why it's our favorite in terms of design. When using this model in our own home, we found the unobtrusive design to fit in much better than a typical blocky air conditioner, with cosmetic side panels to create a seamless aesthetic in any room. With 8,300 BTU of cooling power, this window unit is an ideal choice for rooms up to 350 square feet, including bedrooms thanks to very quiet operation.
This air conditioner includes some convenient design touches, like an antimicrobial air filter with an activated carbon insert that keeps your room fresh and odor-free. It's also equipped with smart home connectivity that allows you to control it through your smartphone or by voice command when connected to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Navigating the app isn't always the most intuitive process, but we have found it to be convenient for turning on the air conditioner remotely.
Modes include fan and cool, with three speeds for each. Low overall noise output, coupled with the adjustable fan speeds, and auto-dimming LED display make this air conditioner a good option if you're worried about having your sleep disturbed in the bedroom. It's also well-suited to small living rooms, since you can adjust the fan speed to avoid drowning out quiet conversations.
This air conditioner comes with the necessary hardware for installation, making the setup process a breeze. It is Energy Star certified to reduce its environmental impact and your utility bills.
Dimensions: 19.4 x 19.3 x 13.2 inches | Cooling Area: 350 square feet | BTU: 8,300 BTU | Energy Star Certified: Yes
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What We Like
Allows the window to be opened or locked
Very quiet
Has a remote control and smart features
What We Don't Like
Can only be installed in hung windows
Pricier than other window AC units
This AC eliminates the hassles associated with window units—particularly noise. The Midea Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is exceptionally quiet, running at a maximum of 42 decibels. Most of the unit sits outside, and the U-shaped design deflects noise coming from the compressor. Users have no trouble getting a good night’s sleep or watching television while it’s on. Another unique advantage is that your window can be opened while the unit is installed, providing fresh air whenever you need it. For added security, there is also a mechanism that locks the window.
This 8,000 BTU unit cools rooms up to 450 square feet. With an Energy Star certification and a CEER rating of 15, it’s one of the most efficient options in our roundup. In addition to a remote control, the Midea Window Air Conditioner also comes with smart features to make operation a breeze. It can be controlled via the Midea Air app, Google Assistant, or Alexa—even if you’re away from home. It’s important to note that this unit can only be installed in hung windows. It’s also significantly pricier than other window air conditioners, but it's ultra-quiet operation and smart technology are well worth the splurge.
Dimensions: 19.17 x 21.97 x 13.46 inches | Cooling Area: 350 square feet | BTU: 8,000 BTU |Energy Star Certified: Yes
Best Portable Air Conditioner
Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
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What We Like
Wheels for portability
Three operating modes (cool, fan, or dehumidifier)
Dual-hose design and auto-drain technology
What We Don't Like
Heavy
This portable air conditioner from Whynter utilizes a dual hose to efficiently cool rooms up to 500 square feet. Unlike a window or wall-mounted air conditioner, the Whynter ARC-14S allows for versatile placement within a room. Plus, it has an exhaust hose that extends up to 60 inches. This AC can also be used as a fan or dehumidifier to remove excess moisture on muggy days. The activated carbon filter eliminates chemical fumes, smoke, and other odors to keep air fresh.
Thanks to automatic draining technology that eliminates condensation and a washable pre-filter, this air conditioner is easy to maintain. Keeping noise under 56 decibels, it's also notably quiet for a portable unit. Other convenient features include easy setup, a protective cover, a window kit, and a remote control. At 73 pounds, this unit is quite heavy, but it has wheels for portability on smooth surfaces. However, it could be a challenge to move if you have carpeted floors.
Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 35.5 inches | Cooling Area: 500 square feet | BTU: 14,000 BTU | Energy Star Certified: Yes
Best for Small Rooms
Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner
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What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Easy to install
Extra-long power cord
What We Don't Like
No smart features
With a 5,000 BTU rating, the Frigidaire FFRE053WAE Window Air Conditioner is an excellent choice for small rooms up to 150 square feet. This unit is compact and weighs under 40 pounds, making it an easy-to-install air conditioner. Plus, there are adjustable side panels to ensure the best fit in your window. Maintenance is a breeze thanks to a washable filter, and you will receive an alert whenever the filter needs to be cleaned. The extra-long power cord eliminates the need for an extension cord and allows for more versatile placement options.
This air conditioner offers an array of useful features, including a remote control, programmable 24-hour timer, and digital control panel. However, you will have to leave behind any smart technology. In addition to traditional cooling, there are auto, dry, fan, and eco settings, though, giving you plenty of options to achieve the ideal temperature. To top it all off, this unit is Energy Star certified, so you can keep it running at peak efficiency. According to reports we read, the only major complaint is that it’s fairly noisy at 56 decibels, especially in a small space.
Dimensions: 16 x 13.19 x 12.06 inches | Cooling Area: 150 square feet | BTU: 5,000 BTU | Energy Star Certified: Yes
Final Verdict
The LG LW6017R 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner earns our best overall spot thanks to its customizable cooling options and relatively quiet operation. For added convenience, it comes with a remote control and has a programmable 24-hour timer. If you're looking to stick within a budget, we like the GE Mechanical Air Conditioner (best value), which has ten temperature settings and works especially well in smaller rooms.
What to Look for in an Air Conditioner
Consider the Style and Installation Requirements
The most common types of air conditioners for occasional use are portable air conditioners and window air conditioners. These options are fairly inexpensive and don't require professional installation, but they’re typically only powerful enough to cool one room at a time, which means you’ll need multiple units if you want air conditioning throughout your home. Other air conditioners are more expensive, cover more area, and are best for climates where air conditioning is required throughout a lot of the year.
- Window air conditioners: This type is installed in an open window. Window ACs can be temporarily installed, explains Chris Roth, CEO and owner of National Technical Institute and a licensed HVAC technician. If you are renting, this may be a good choice as you can take the unit with you when you move. You will, however, need a frame to secure the unit in a window which could require hiring some outside help. The Midea Window Air Conditioner (our best window pick) has a unique design that helps reduce noise.
- Portable air conditioners: This type is freestanding, so they're very easy to use, but you need to consider where the exhaust will go. A portable unit can be on wheels and rolled from room to room and includes a tube to exhaust heat out of a window or through an opening in a wall, says Roth. It is usually easy to store and is very versatile. It will, however, take up floor space and the exhaust tube must be re-positioned every time it is moved. The Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner (our best portable pick) has big casters that make it easy to move around.
- Through-wall air conditioners: These air conditioners are similar to window units, but they're installed into a sleeve in an exterior wall of your home. This is ideal if your room doesn’t have an acceptable window. However, as you may have guessed, this style requires a more complex initial installation, since you’ll need professional help to cut an appropriate-sized hole in the wall. This is also a semi-permanent type of air conditioner installation, since you need to leave the unit in place throughout the year due to the hole in your wall. We don't recommend any through-wall models, but you can vent our best portable pick, the Whynter Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner, through a wall with two wall adapters and external vents.
- Ductless mini-split: For more comprehensive air conditioning, you may want to consider a ductless mini-split system. This style of air conditioner has gained popularity lately, as it’s a good permanent alternative for homes without central HVAC. As its name implies, there are no ducts required, and these units are typically more powerful than window units. We don't recommend any of these systems because they're so expensive and complicated to install, but they can be a good alternative to central air conditioning if your house doesn't have existing ductwork.
- Central air conditioning: Central air systems are large units that provide cold air throughout your entire home. Distributing the cool air requires ductwork throughout your home, but the same ductwork can also transport warm air in the winter. These are typically installed in newly constructed homes, because installing ductwork in a house that doesn't already have it is prohibitively expensive.
Measure Your Unit's Size
If you’re installing a window air conditioner, you can take some simple measurements to ensure it fits into the window opening. Once you’ve opened the bottom window, measure the height from the bottom of the window to the top of the window ledge. Then measure the width of the window by the innermost part of each side.
Most manufacturers display the opening size requirements for a particular model on the side of the box and under the product specifications. Our best for small rooms pick, the Frigidaire FFRE053WAE Window Air Conditioner, has adjustable side panels to fit the width of your window.
The specific dimensions of an air conditioner will vary from one manufacturer to the next based on designs, but here's a general approximation of the window size you'll need for various output ranges:
- 5,000 to 8,000 BTU: 23 - 36 inches wide by 14.5 inches tall.
- 10,000 to 12,000 BTU: 26 - 36 inches wide by 16 inches tall.
- 15,000 to 18,000 BTU: 28 - 41 inches wide by 19 inches tall.
- 22,000 to 24,000 BTU: 30 to 41 inches wide by 19.5 inches tall.
Don't Forget Room Size and Location
Next, you’ll want to consider where you plan to put the air conditioner and how much square footage it needs to cool. The right-sized unit for your home will allow you to relax in comfort and efficiency, while a model that is too big or too small can leave you with insufficient climate control or excessive electric bills, says Traci Fournier, Vice President of Operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
The amount of heat an air conditioner can remove from a room is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units—larger rooms require a unit with a higher BTU. We have a chart on BTUs and room size, and there’s also a general breakdown of recommended room size and BTU from Energy Star:
- 100-300 square feet: 5,000-7,000 BTU per hour
- 300-450 square feet: 8,000-10,000 BTU
- 450-550 square feet: 10,000-12,000 BTU
- 550-700 square feet: 13,000-14,000 BTU
- 700-1,000 square feet: 18,000 BTU
- 1,000+ square feet: 21,000 BTU and up
You’ll also want to consider the location of the room as you decide what BTU is best. For instance, a room that has several large windows and gets direct sunlight for several hours a day will likely be hotter, and therefore need a more powerful air conditioner. In this situation, experts recommend increasing the BTU by at least 10 percent. Similarly, if your air conditioner will be in the kitchen—and, as a result, will have to combat the heat from the stove—you’ll want to bump up the capacity by about 4,000 BTU.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your air conditioner in tip-top condition, you should clean and replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Another key maintenance tip is to monitor the water pan inside the unit and wipe it dry with a rag or sponge. This will help ensure proper drainage of any condensation and prevent mold growth.
Standout Features
Energy Star Certifications
An air conditioner that earns the Energy Star certification saves energy and money simultaneously. Certified models provide superior sealing and insulation, preventing air from escaping and energy from being wasted. According to Energy Star, an Energy Star-certified room air conditioner uses 10 percent less energy than a standard model and costs about $70 per year to run (on average).
A Low Noise Level
A noisy air conditioner can be bothersome, especially when you’re trying to sleep at night. An air conditioner’s noise level is measured in decibels, with most units typically operating between 40 and 60 decibels. To help put this in perspective, background music typically emits 60 decibels of sound, while the average office noise falls around 70 decibels, according to the Hearing Health Foundation. Some air conditioners offer a quiet mode, which can be particularly helpful in a bedroom, office, or other living space. Our best window air conditioner pick, the Midea Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner, is the quietest option on our list, operating at only 42 decibels.
Remote Control
Look for an air conditioner that includes a remote control if you want the option to adjust the settings without walking across the room every time. This isn’t an absolutely necessary feature, but you’ll likely find that the selected temperature ends up being a little too cold, or a little too warm, and a remote control makes it easy to fine tune the settings and achieve your precise comfort level.
Some air conditioners come with basic remotes that allow you to adjust the temperature. Other useful features include built-in temperature sensors, LCD displays, mode selection, and timers. The Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Air Conditioner (our pick for best window air conditioner) has a remote that includes all of those features, and you can also control it through a smartphone app.
FAQ
Do air conditioners control humidity?
According to Fournier, most air conditioner units don’t directly control the humidity in your home. However, through the cooling process an air conditioner will remove some moisture from the indoor air. Fournier says that properly sized and designed systems will do a good job of controlling the temperature and humidity in a space. If dehumidifying is your goal, consider snagging one of the best dehumidifiers on the market or an air conditioner model that features a specific dehumidifier setting, like the Whynter ARC-14S Portable Air Conditioner, our best portable air conditioner pick.
How much does an air conditioner cost?
The cost of an air conditioner varies by type and functionality—you can spend anywhere from $150 to several thousand dollars. Window models start at around $150, but can cost upward of $1,000 if you need one with advanced features and a high BTU capacity. Portable air conditioners tend to be slightly more expensive, typically costing between $300 and $500. Wall-mounted air conditioners generally cost $500 or more, and mini-split options start at around $800, plus the cost of installation.
The Checkout Counter
If you're shopping for an air conditioner, you may also want to consider these other products designed to keep you cool.
- Personal Fan: One of our favorite portable fans of the year, this lightweight and convenient fan can be powered by USB or AA batteries, and works as a table or hand fan.
- Silicone Ice Cube Trays: Ice cold drinks aren't hard to come by when your freezer is stocked with trays. We like silicone ones in particular since they're easier to bend and twist than plastic.
- Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler SJI-OMS20: Who can resist a sprinkler on a hot day? This classic design will water your grass and give you that satisfying arch of spray that kids and pets love, too.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a freelance writer who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, she considered dozens of air conditioners, carefully evaluating their size, efficiency, cooling area, features, and performance.
Our Experts:
- Traci Fournier, vice president of operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
- Chris Roth, owner of National Technical Institute and a licensed HVAC technician
- Dena Ogden, associate editor at The Spruce
- Jeremy Laukkonen, updates writer at The Spruce
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