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Tired of using loud and unsightly window air conditioners to cool down your home in the summer? Even if you don’t have the means to install a fully ducted HVAC system in your home, you can still upgrade to a more powerful cooling system with a ductless air conditioner.
These systems, also called mini-split air conditioners, include one or more indoor, wall-mounted units powered by a relatively small outdoor compressor. They offer more power and control than window air conditioners—and most double as heaters, too—yet they’re not as complicated or expensive to install as ducted systems. Still, most ductless air conditioners require professional installation (though some DIY models are available). Consider this expense and ensure your electrician or contractor is comfortable working with your chosen unit.
Investing in a ductless air conditioner can not only enhance comfort throughout your home, but also offers energy savings and can improve indoor air quality. Read on for our expert picks, as well as tips to help you while you shop.
Looking for more cooling options? Check out our guides to the best window unit air conditioners and portable air conditioners.
The Best Ductless Air Conditioners
- Best Overall: Senville LETO Series Mini-Split Air Conditioner
- Best Budget: Della Mini-Split Ductless Air Conditioner
- Quietest: Bosch Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner
- Best for DIY Installation: Mr. Cool DIY Mini-Split Ductless Air Conditioner
- Best for Small Spaces: Pioneer WYS009A-20 Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+
What to Consider
Number of Units
First, decide how many indoor units you need and where they’ll be placed. Unlike window units, mini-split systems are permanent fixtures, so carefully consider where they’ll be most efficient within your home. Generally, a single ductless air conditioner can handle cooling a targeted area or a single room. If you’re cooling down multiple rooms, consider a multi-zone system so that you get even temperatures throughout your home.
Power
It’s also essential to select a unit that’s powerful enough for the room it’s in—too small and it may not cool your space. The cooling capacity of air conditioners is typically measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs, per hour. As a general rule of thumb, choose a unit that delivers 20 BTUs per square foot of living space. So, a 200-square-foot room needs at least a 4,000-BTU air conditioner. Those sensitive to noise should consider units with a quiet mode feature.
Noise Level
Quieter units are more desirable for bedrooms, living rooms, and nurseries, where a peaceful environment is essential. Look for ductless air conditioners with noise levels between 19 and 30 decibels, since this range can be compared to the sound of leaves rustling or a soft whisper. Units with levels between 30 to 40 decibels are still suitable for other areas of the home, since this range is comparable to background noise or casual conversation.
SEER
While shopping for your ductless air conditioner, you may see “SEER” with a number next to it. SEER stands for seasonal energy efficient ratio, which measures how much energy your air conditioner uses during the annual cooling season. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy your unit uses to cool your home.
Energy Star Certification
A product with an Energy Star certification has been rigorously tested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for its energy efficiency. EPA-recognized laboratories test products to Energy Star specifications to ensure manufacturers produce energy-saving products. Although testing guidelines change per product category, all items must prove they consume less energy than standard models without compromising performance.
How We Selected
To ensure that our list of ductless air conditioners caters to a wide range of needs, we looked at units from well-respected brands like Pioneer and Senville and selected models of various sizes at different prices. Many are equipped with features like programmability, dehumidification settings, and, in a few instances, smartphone functionality. We leaned on our own experience with different types of cooling units and heavily vetted specs during our research. Our final list represents the best in each category, including best budget and best for DIY installation.
1
Best Overall
Senville LETO Series Mini-Split Air Conditioner
Pros
Variety of sizes available- Quiet operation
Cons
- DIY installation voids warranty
This highly-rated AC unit from Senville comes in a number of sizes, ranging from 9,000 BTUs all the way up to 24,000 BTUs, and it comes in 120- and 230-volt models. It has 4-in-1 functionality, working as an air conditioner, heater, dehumidifier, and fan, and it operates at just 34 decibels, making it a tranquil option for a bedroom or nursery.
You can control all of its settings via the included remote. The air conditioner comes with a 16-foot installation kit, including a communication cable and copper lines, but it’s important to note the brand requires professional installation for the unit’s five-year warranty to be valid.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 18,000 BTUs |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 1,500 sq. ft |
| SEER | 19 |
| Noise Level | 34 dB |
Pros
- Extremely quiet operation
- Simple install
- Impressive temperature range
Cons
- Wi-Fi remote control sold separately
This ductless air conditioner is perfect for small rooms and spaces, with a coverage that can handle areas between 200 and 350 square feet. Great for climate control storage and small bedrooms, the WYS009A-20 is an Energy Star-certified machine that’ll help you save money year-round. It cools as low as -13°F and heats up to 122°F.
It has a permanent washable air filter and a remote control for easy operation—though you have to buy an additional remote to use Wi-Fi capabilities. It also operates at only 23 decibels, making it one of the quietest machines on this list, and it has four modes: cooling, heating, dehumidification, and ventilation. After installation, Pioneer provides free tech support and five-year coverage on replacement parts and the compressor.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 9,000 BTUs |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 350 sq. ft |
| SEER | 21.5 |
| Noise Level | 23 dB |
3
Best for DIY Installation
Mr. Cool DIY Mini-Split Ductless Air Conditioner
Pros
- Designed for DIY installation
- Good energy efficiency
Cons
- More expensive than comparable units
The newest version of this ductless, high-efficiency mini-split system is specifically designed for DIY installation—and no special tools are required. It's compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, and features an auto restart if there's a power outage, leakage detection, and sleep mode on the remote to adjust the temperature automatically during the night.
The unit heats and cools, with 24,000 BTUs of power and a SEER rating of 20. Operation is also relatively quiet. Overall, it's a great package, albeit a pricey one.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 24,000 BTUs |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 1,000 sq. ft |
| SEER | 20.5 |
| Noise Level | Not specified |
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This model from Della is a great value, and it still delivers 24,000 BTUs/hour, making it suitable for rooms up to 1,500 square feet. In addition to cooling, this unit has settings for heating, dehumidification, and ventilation, and it has a variety of useful features, including a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, energy-saving mode, and multiple fan speeds, all of which can be adjusted using the included remote control.
It comes with a full installation kit, including a 10-foot line set, and it operates between 30 and 41 decibels, depending on the settings.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 24,000 BTUs |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 1,500 sq. ft |
| SEER | 17 |
| Noise Level | 30 to 41 dB |
Pros
- Smart functionality
- Large capacity
- Comes with multiple remotes
Cons
- Smart functionality may not warrant the cost for some
Suppose you want the ability to adjust your air conditioning from your smartphone. In that case, this model from Senville includes built-in wifi connectivity, allowing it to be operated remotely from an Android or iOS device. It’s suitable for large spaces, thanks to its four-zone setup and 36,000-BTU output, plus it also has heating, dehumidification, and fan settings.
The unit has Turbo and Quiet modes for even more versatility, and it can automatically switch from cooling to heating based on the ambient temperature. The Senville air conditioner has a 16-foot installation kit, but professional installation is recommended.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 36,000 BTUs |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 1,800 sq. ft |
| SEER | 22.5 |
| Noise Level | 23.5 dB |
6
Best with Ceiling Cassette
Cooper & Hunter Ceiling Cassette Ductless Air Conditioner
Pros
- Ceiling cassette better conceals unit
- Lengthy 7 year warranty
Cons
- Small capacity
The large, rectangular indoor units that come with most ductless air conditioners can be a bit cumbersome on your wall, and if you prefer a more streamlined appearance, this unit uses a ceiling cassette instead.
The 9,000-BTU system can be used for heating and cooling in spaces up to 450 square feet, and it comes with a 16-foot line set and all necessary installation equipment. The system has a 24-hour timer, sleep mode, turbo function, and 12 indoor fan speeds, and it operates as low as 25 decibels, making it ideal for bedrooms.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 9,000 BTUs |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 450 sq. ft |
| SEER | 20 |
| Noise Level | 53 dB |
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Pros
- 36,000 BTUs of power
- Comes with comprehensive installation kit
Cons
- Wi-Fi adapter sold separately
If you plan to install your ductless air conditioner in a large room, this model delivers 36,000 BTUs per hour, making it powerful enough to efficiently cool spaces over 1,000 square feet. It can be used for heating and cooling, operating in ambient temperatures between 5 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and it comes with a comprehensive installation kit.
You’ll get an insulated and pre-flared 25-foot line set, communication wires, a drainage extension, and remote control. The unit can even be equipped with wifi if you purchase the brand’s USB adapter (sold separately).
Key Specs
| Capacity | 36,000 BTUs |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 2,000 sq. ft |
| SEER | 16 |
| Noise Level | Not specified |
Kevin Cortez
Commerce Editor
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
Camryn Rabideau
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
