The 9 Best Window Air Conditioners of 2023

Three Window Air Conditioners — Real Simple / Alli Waataja

If you don’t have central air, window air conditioners are a great way to cool the most-used rooms in your home. The latest window ACs are energy-efficient, powerful, and loaded with user-friendly features so you can keep cool in the summer.

To come up with this list of the best window air conditioners, we thoroughly researched various models and evaluated them on cooling power, energy efficiency, noise level, and extra features. For expert tips and recommendations, we consulted Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe’s in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Matt Brown, former merchant of ACs and fans, air quality, and floorcare, and current senior merchant of vinyl flooring, at Home Depot.

“Window AC units are an easy-to-install, affordable option to cool a single room by essentially reducing the temperature and humidity of a room’s air and then recirculating the cool air with a fan,” says McCoy.

Whether you have a small apartment or just want to cool one room in your house, we found the best window air conditioners for every need.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Window Air Conditioner:

Midea Window Air Conditioner at Amazon

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Best Budget Window Air Conditioner:

Frigidaire Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner at Amazon

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Best Smart Window Air Conditioner:

Windmill Air Conditioner at Amazon

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Best Window Air Conditioner for Large Rooms:

LG 23,500 BTU Dual Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner at Amazon

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Best Window Air Conditioner for Small Rooms:

GE Air Conditioner at Amazon

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Best Quiet Window Air Conditioner:

GE Profile Smart Ultra-Quiet Window Air Conditioner at Amazon

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Best Window Air Conditioner for Easy Installation:

July Window Air Conditioner at July.ac

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Best Window Air Conditioner for Sliding Window:

Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window-Mounted Slider/Casement Air Conditioner at Home Depot

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Best Window Air Conditioner With Heat:

LG Air Conditioner at Amazon

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Midea U-Shaped Inverter Window Air Conditioner

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People who want an ultra-quiet air conditioner that can be controlled via app.

Who it isn’t for: People looking for a straightforward installation process.

We've been testing this Midea unit since last summer, and the U-shaped window air conditioner checks all of our boxes. It has one of the lowest noise ratings on our list, at just 42 decibels. During testing, we found that it usually ran so quietly that it was easily drowned out by the television or even phone speakers. Even when placed directly next to a TV, we didn't need to turn up the volume to hear what was going on unless we had the unit's fan on its highest setting.

Out of all the units on our list, it has the highest combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER) at 15 and it's Energy Star certified, which means it meets strict energy efficiency criteria from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This window AC takes it a step further by using nearly 38 percent less energy than the federal standard.

But what really makes it stand out is its innovative design: The U-shaped notch lets you open and close your window without uninstalling the air conditioner. Not only does this give you the freedom to let in fresh air whenever you please, but it also means the compressor (the loud part of an air conditioner) sits outside, with the window acting as a noise barrier. We tested this unit on a window facing a busy city street and left it in the window as cooler weather set in and found that neither sound nor cold air leakage were a problem, since the window pane continues to act as insulation, thanks to the U-shaped design.

The Midea U Smart model is available in three different sizes—8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 BTUs—that can cool rooms ranging from 350 to 550 square feet, depending on which you buy. The AC is an inverter air conditioner, meaning it can gradually increase or decrease the compressor speed depending on the room temperature, making it more energy-efficient compared to non-inverter models, which must either turn the unit all the way on or all the way off to regulate temperature.

This window air conditioner can even connect to Wi-Fi, so you can control it from your smartphone and use voice commands via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This is a particularly useful feature if you have pets because you can adjust the temperature for them even when you aren’t home.

In terms of maintenance, this air conditioner comes with a washable, removable filter and has an indicator light that reminds you to clean it. One downside is that we found the installation process can be a little more involved than many other window units because the model doesn't rest against the window the same way as other units. In addition to the instruction manual, you can refer to the brand’s helpful video tutorial to make the process easier. But we think this window air conditioner is well worth the effort because of its unique design, low noise level, and energy efficiency.

Price at time of publish: From $399

4.2

Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People who want an affordable and easy-to-install unit for a first apartment or temporary living space.

Who it isn’t for: People who are sensitive to noise might find this window AC too loud.

If you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable air conditioning unit, this window-mounted model is one of Frigidaire’s most popular for its straightforward design and ease of use. It’s available in six BTU options, but because each BTU model comes with slightly different features, we’ll focus on the 5,000 BTU model, which is the most affordable—and the model that we tested over a span of two years.

It has four modes and seven pre-set temperature settings, so although you can’t set it to a specific temperature, you still have plenty of control. In our testing, we found the highest setting to be extremely effective at cooling down a bedroom quickly, while the middle setting (4 and 5) worked well but at a slower pace. Plus, two of these modes are Fan modes, which act the same as window fans—they won’t change the temperature of your room, but will get air moving and help cool down your space.

With a noise level of 51.3 decibels on the low setting, this window AC isn't the quietest, but we found it was still suitable for sleeping as long as you don't mind white noise. The unit is also pretty easy to install because it comes with adjustable side panels so you can fit it to the width of your window. Overall, we were impressed by this unit's reliability and no-frills features. We think its low cost and easy installation make it an ideal choice for a first apartment or smaller space.

Price at time of publish: $181

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People who prefer a unit with a sleek appearance and smart features, like Wi-Fi compatibility.

Who it isn’t for: People who need to cool large rooms over 350 square feet.

This surprisingly sleek window air conditioner from Windmill was designed to blend into modern homes, both in terms of style and function. Other large appliances can be an eyesore, but we love that this window AC has curved edges and a minimalist look. It’s also an excellent option for anyone who wants a smart window air conditioner. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, so it can be controlled remotely from your phone or with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This is particularly useful for frequent travelers, pet owners, or those with limited mobility.

After almost two years of testing this air conditioner, we can confirm that it's worth the higher price point. Not only does this air conditioner look good, but it has extra features that really make stand out from other expensive air conditioners. You can set it to the specific temperature you want, and there's an eco mode that regularly monitors the room temperature to save energy. When the room temperature reaches the set temperature, it'll turn off—and then turn back on once the temperature changes. We were especially impressed with this feature during testing, and found the air conditioner to do a fantastic job of maintaining our desired temperature.

It also has an auto-dimming LED display that won’t bother you at night, and it shows the room’s temperature, current mode, and Wi-Fi status. Unlike most other units, this one is designed to blow air at a 45-degree angle (rather than at waist level), which can help cool the area around your bed, couch, or desk. The Wi-Fi compatibility worked very well throughout longterm testing, with the temperature and settings easy to control via the app. If you don't want to use the app, it also comes with a remote control.

In terms of installation, the double-insulated accordion panels and window frame come pre-assembled, so it’s ready to go straight out of the box. It uses a washable mesh filter, but you can also use an additional activated carbon filter to purify the air and remove odors. One activated carbon filter comes included with your purchase, but you have the option to subscribe to regular refills at checkout. One thing to note is that the Windmill AC is currently only available in either 6,000 or 8,300 BTUs, so it won’t have enough power to effectively cool spaces bigger than 350 square feet.

Price at time of publish: $390

LG 23,500 BTU Dual Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People who need to efficiently cool a large space or open floor plan.

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t have 230-volt outlets in their home.

This LG window air conditioner comes in 10 sizes, but we're focusing on the 23,500 BTU model here. It can cool up to 1,440 square feet, so it's ideal for large rooms and open floor plans that require plenty of cooling power. Just like our best overall pick, this window air conditioner uses inverter technology that continuously makes small adjustments to the temperature, as opposed to turning the compressor on or off to regulate the temperature (like most other models). But even with all that power, this window AC is still pretty quiet while operating—just 44 decibels while in sleep mode.

We appreciate that this LG window air conditioner will automatically restart at the set temperature in case there's a power outage. That means you won't wake up in (or come back to) a super hot room as long as the power turns back on. There's also a check filter light to remind you when it's time to wash the reusable filter, which is important to keep your air conditioner working properly.

Other notable features include a 24-hour programmable timer, LCD remote, and an adjustable vent that lets you move the airflow to where you want it. The window air conditioner also connects to Wi-Fi, so you can control the temperature and change settings with a voice-control device or the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone. Just keep in mind that the 23,500 BTU window air conditioner can't be used on standard wall outlets because it requires 230-volt outlets.

Price at time of publish: $699

GE 5,000 BTU Mechanical Window Air Conditioner

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People who want a basic air conditioner for cooling a small room or temporary living space.

Who it isn’t for: People who want to be able to set their AC to a specific temperature.

If you just need to cool small rooms under 150 square feet (like a guest room or home office), this no-frills window air conditioner is a great choice. It’s also suitable for temporary living spaces, such as a trailer or RV. Plus, installation is pretty straightforward because it’s so compact and comes with a mounting kit. This window air conditioner has two cooling speeds and two fans speeds that you can change by turning the dial, and its noise level is 56 decibels on the lowest setting. This is a bit louder than some of the other models on this list, but you should still be able to hear the TV or listen to music while it’s on.

Because it has a mechanical control system, this window air conditioner can’t be set to an exact temperature. Instead, you’re limited to selecting from a temperature range. This unit has six different settings to choose from, ranging from minimum to maximum cool. Despite this lack of customization, the cooling power of this window AC is pretty impressive for the size and price—but people who want to have complete control over the temperature should probably choose another model.

The GE window air conditioner also lacks some of the other features that higher-priced units have, like a remote, programmable timer, sleep mode, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s not certified by Energy Star, either. But if you’re determined to find a simple window air conditioner for small spaces, this model will definitely get the job done.

Price at time of publish: $189

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People who want a quiet air conditioner with many smart features.

Who it isn’t for: People who want an inverter AC unit.

The GE Profile Smart Ultra-Quiet Window Air Conditioner is second only to our best overall pick when it comes to noise output: On its lowest setting, it registers just 43 decibels. This is especially impressive given that this is a non-inverter unit, meaning it doesn’t have a variable-speed compressor. Plus, it comes Energy Star certified with a CEER rating of 11.4.

But aside from its quiet, energy-efficient operation, this window air conditioner also stands out for its sleek, futuristic design and its many smart features to match. It’s Wi-Fi-enabled and allows you to monitor your energy consumption and settings from anywhere using the accompanying app. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for full smart home integration. And it’s one of the few models out there to use location services to automatically adjust the air conditioner settings based on whether or not you’re home.

For non-remote control, you can use the touch-sensitive controls and LED display on the unit itself (the latter dims after one minute of inactivity so you aren’t disturbed by the light as you sleep). It also comes with a filter change light that indicates when it’s time to clean the filter, an eco mode that turns off the fan and the compressor once the room is cool, and a dry mode to dehumidify for added comfort. While not quite as quiet and energy-efficient as our best overall pick, this model makes up for it with its many smart features.

Price at time of publish: $439

July

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Who it’s for: People who have difficulty assembling appliances and people who want a customizable window air conditioner.

Who it isn’t for: People who want an Energy Star-certified air conditioner.

Before you rush to hire a professional, consider this easy-to-install air conditioner from July. It comes with an installation frame that you install into the window first, and then the AC unit itself simply slides in and locks into place (but should you still feel more comfortable having a professional install, July offers a white-glove installation service nationwide for an additional $95). Not to mention this is one of the more sleek, unobtrusive units on our list. Plus, it’s the only model on our list to come in a variety of color options. Unsurprisingly, this modern-looking air conditioning unit can be controlled using an app, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.

In addition to the standard window unit, this air conditioner will soon be available in versions for slider windows and thru-the-wall installation. You can also add on an air purifying filter for an additional fee, which filters more than the standard AC filter, including pollen, pet dander, smoke, and other pollutants. Just keep in mind that this model is not Energy Star certified, and it doesn’t come in a size larger than 8,000 BTUs, so it’s best for rooms no larger than 350 square feet.

Price at time of publish: From $399

Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window-Mounted Slider/Casement Air Conditioner

The Home Depot

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Who it’s for: People who need a vertical unit for sliding or casement windows.

Who it isn’t for: People who would rather use a portable air conditioner than install a vertical window air conditioner.

If you have sliding or casement windows, most traditional window AC units aren’t going to fit. You can opt for a portable air conditioner, or, if you don’t want to give up the floorspace, you can look for a vertical window air conditioner that will fill the width of your opening and the space above. Options for casement-window ACs are limited, but the Frigidaire Window-Mounted Slider/Casement Air Conditioner is one of the most reliable on the market. This unit spans 14.2 inches wide, but comes with adjustable side panels so you can further extend it to fit your window’s width.

While it’s not the most technologically advanced model on our list, this AC unit does come with some helpful features, such as a sleep mode that gradually increases the temperature a few degrees overnight to save energy, a programmable 24-hour timer, a remote control, and an auto-restart in the case of a power outage. It also includes an easy-to-clean washable filter to trap dust and debris, as well as and a clean filter alert. The electronic controls allow you to set the unit to a specific temperature, while the three fan speeds give you added flexibility.

Price at time of publish: $547

LG Window Cooling & Heating Air Conditioner

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People who want a two-in-one appliance that can cool and heat a room.

Who it isn’t for: People who already have a space heater that they like to use in the colder months.

Even if you have a heating system in your home, there might still be a room or floor that it just doesn’t reach. People often purchase a space heater to remedy this, but a window air conditioner—like this multitasking option from LG—can solve your heating and cooling problems all in one appliance. This unit can heat a room with almost the same intensity that it cools, so it provides a similar effect as a portable space heater. And for heating a single room, it’s more efficient than running central heating throughout your entire home.

This LG window air conditioner is only available in 18,000 BTUs, so it’s powerful enough for large rooms up to 1,000 square feet—but it requires a 230-volt outlet. It has two cooling/heating speeds, two fan speeds, and a 24-hour programmable timer. Other features worth mentioning include automatic restart after outages, a remote, a washable filter, and a check filter alert.

The air conditioner has a noise level of 61 decibels, making it one of the loudest models on our list. (For reference, this is comparable to the volume of a normal conversation or a business office.) At 126 pounds, this window AC unit is also the heaviest, so be sure to have someone else available to help you during installation.

Price at time of publish: $790

Final Verdict

Our top pick, the Midea U-Shaped Inverter Window Air Conditioner, stands above the rest for its cooling power, energy efficiency, and innovative design that allows you to open and close the window without uninstalling the air conditioner. This setup means the compressor portion of the air conditioner is on the outside, which helps keep noise levels low.

How to Shop for Window Air Conditioners Like a Pro

Room Size and BTUs

The first thing to consider when shopping for a window air conditioner unit is the square footage of the space you intend to cool. You can determine any room's square footage by multiplying its length by its width.

Once you know the square footage of your space, choose a unit with the appropriate cooling capacity. The cooling capacity of a window air conditioner is rated in British thermal units (BTU). The higher the number, the larger the space it can cool. "Choosing the right size AC unit for the room is very important to ensure it will completely cool the room and remove humidity," says Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe’s in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Ceiling height, room insulation, and sun exposure can also play a role in which size window air conditioner you choose. When deciding on BTUs, Matt Brown, former merchant of ACs and fans, air quality, and floorcare at Home Depot, suggests making the following adjustments based on your room's conditions:

For rooms with excessive sunlight: "Select room air conditioners with 10 percent more BTUs than what is required by the size of the room."
For the kitchen: "Select a unit with an additional 4,000 BTUs than what is required by the room size."
For rooms that regularly contain more than two people: "Add an additional 600 BTUs per person."

A window air conditioner with significantly more BTUs than necessary will be inefficient and leave you with excessive electricity bills. But on the other hand, an underpowered AC will run constantly and still struggle to cool the room. Most window air conditioners range between 5,000 and 15,000 BTUs. To help you determine the right option for your space, here are McCoy's guidelines:

Room Size	BTUs
150–350 square feet	5,000–8,000
350–550 square feet	8,000–12,000
550–1,050 square feet	12,000–18,500
1,050–1,600 square feet	18,500–25,000

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient air conditioners can be more expensive, but they'll save you money in the long run by cutting down on electricity bills. "The energy efficiency of an AC unit depends on several factors—everything from ensuring the correct size and installation of the unit to certain features that make them more energy efficient and even your own habits as a household," McCoy says.

To find the energy efficiency of a unit, refer to its combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER)—the number is usually between eight and 15. The higher the CEER, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner is. You can also look for models with sleep modes that adjust the temperature throughout the night for improved comfort and efficiency. Another way to check energy efficiency is by seeing if an air conditioner is Energy Star Certified, which means it uses at least 10 percent less energy than the U.S. federal standard.

Noise Level

If you're shopping for a window air conditioner for your bedroom or a nursery, you'll want to pay special attention to the noise level. This is measured in decibels (you might see it abbreviated as "dB"), but the number can vary based on what cooling output your air conditioner is set to. Anything below 60 decibels is considered a quiet window air conditioner, but the quietest models can get as low as 42 decibels.

Window Size

Before purchasing a window air conditioner, always measure the dimensions inside your window frame and compare them to the minimum and maximum dimensions of the unit to make sure it'll fit. But it's okay if your air conditioner doesn't extend the entire width of your window—most units come with an installation kit that includes accordion panels to seal off extra space.

Electrical Requirements

Window air conditioners are more powerful than other household appliances, which means you'll need to make sure your outlets meet the electrical requirements of your unit. Air conditioners with a lower BTU rating (under 15,000) tend to operate on 115-volt circuits, while large units operate on 230-volt circuits.

Features

There are many different features to choose from when it comes to window air conditioners, depending on your needs and budget. Here are just a few to consider while shopping:

Mechanical vs. Electronic Controls: Lower-priced window AC units often have mechanical controls, which allow you to manually adjust the fan speed and cooling levels within a certain range. Electronic (or digital) controls allow you to set the unit to your exact desired temperature. Most window air conditioners also come with a remote so you can adjust temperature settings or switch the unit on or off from across the room.
Programmable Timers: This feature allows you to set your air conditioner to turn on or off within a number of hours, which helps reduce energy consumption (and your electricity bill). For example, you can set your air conditioner to turn on an hour before you get home so it's nice and cool when you arrive, without wasting energy while you're away.
Smart Features: Many modern AC units are Wi-Fi enabled, so you can connect them to your phone or smart device and control them remotely. "If you have pets at home, having an AC unit that is Wi-Fi enabled means that you can adjust the temperature for your pet no matter where you are," says Brown. These smart appliances are also more accessible because consumers don't have to actually be in the room to adjust the temperature.
Filter Sensors: It's important to regularly clean and change the filter on your air conditioner to keep it working efficiently. Consider choosing an air conditioner with a sensor or indicator light that will let you know when the filter needs to be cleaned.
Additional Functions: Some air conditioners also have a dehumidifier/dry mode, which helps absorb moisture in the air without additional cooling. Others even have a heating mode that can warm the room in the winter.

Questions You Might Ask

How do window air conditioners work?

According to Brown, window air conditioners typically perform three basic functions: cooling, removing air moisture, and filtering the air. "[Window air conditioners] use an internal thermostat to monitor the temperature in the room it's situated in," Brown says. "When the temperature rises in the room, the thermostat triggers the unit to turn on. The air from the room is then pulled into the unit, cooled as it moves over the refrigerant coils, and blown back into the room, circulating cooler air."

Are window air conditioners better than portable air conditioners?

It all comes down to what your needs are. Generally speaking, window air conditioners are more energy efficient than portable options and don't take up any precious floor space. But if you're unable to install a window unit, a portable air conditioner is a good alternative.

"Both can cool a room, but advantages to a portable AC unit is that it is relatively easy to install (an exhaust hose goes through a window) and can be moved room to room," says McCoy. "It can also supplement larger systems and help cool apartments or rentals where you're unable to install a permanent unit."

How do you install a window air conditioner?

Because every model is different, you'll need to pay close attention to the manufacturer's instructions when installing your window air conditioner. Keep in mind that window AC units are heavier than they appear, so it's best to have a second person available to help.

Start by sliding the accordion panels on either side of the air conditioner and place it inside the open window. You may need to purchase a separate support bracket if you have a particularly heavy unit. Then you'll need to follow your unit's specific instructions for securing it in place—just don't forget to fill any gaps with the foam seal.

How do you care for and maintain window air conditioners and filters?

All air conditioners have a filter to trap dust and keep it from getting into the unit, so regular cleaning is a must. Some models have reusable filters that you can wash, while others have filters that need to be replaced regularly. To keep your AC unit functioning efficiently, make sure you clean or replace the filter once a month.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, she spent hours researching window air conditioners evaluating them on cooling power, energy efficiency, noise level, and extra features. For expert recommendations and tips, she consulted Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe’s in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Matt Brown, former merchant of ACs and fans, air quality, and floorcare, and current senior merchant of vinyl flooring, at Home Depot.