13 Best Window Air Conditioners In 2023 | Reviews + Guide

The heat of the summer months is approaching fast, and there are many options available in the market to help you stay cool. Window air conditioners are the best cost-effective solution to the intense summer heat.

But are you confused about which window air conditioner to go for? I’ve listed some of the best options in this list, so read till the end to make the right choice!

Best Window Air Conditioners Of 2023

Here is the list of the 13 best window air conditioners that you can use to keep yourself and your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.

1. Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window Air Conditioner - Best Value for Money

Frigidaire air conditioners are extremely popular, and the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE window air conditioner is one of the best window AC units available in the market. This window unit will give you the ability to control the temperature effortlessly with a handy remote control, giving you comfort at all times. 

The efficient airflow rating of 136 CFM, or cubic feet per meter, allows for effective circulation and faster cooling. That, coupled with a Cooling Power of 5000 BTUs, or British Thermal Units, provides effective and quick cooling in a room up to 150 square feet in size. 

Furthermore, the air conditioner unit is extremely easy to clean since the unit uses a washable pre-filter. It captures dust from the air and keeps the dehumidifier working efficiently, making the usage of the AC unit a hassle-free process! 

Does your area suffer from frequent power outages? Well, you need not worry about that. This window AC unit restarts automatically after a power outage. 

Additionally, you don’t need to worry about whether this window air conditioner will fit into your window or not. The adjustable side panels can adapt to any window space available, making the installation process very simple. More so, the power cord provided is of sufficient length, helping you avoid the clutter of extension cords. 

2. Midea Easy Cool Window Air Conditioner - Best for Efficient Air Flow

The Midea EasyCool window air conditioner is loaded with a ton of features, suitable to cool rooms up to 150 square feet in size. With 7 different temperature settings, 2 cooling (or fan-only) speeds, and two-directional airflow, this AC unit will give your room comfortable cooling. 

This AC unit has an airflow efficiency of 145 CFM, which allows for effective air circulation. It also works as a dehumidifier, having a dehumidifying capacity of 1.27 pints per hour. 

Additionally, the cooling power of 5000 BTUs can cool any small room very quickly. At the same time, the AC unit is extremely energy efficient, having the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, of 11.0. Thus, it will help you save costs on your energy bills all year long.

Even though this air conditioner does have comparatively high noise levels of about 57 dB, the easy-to-use features overshadow that. Using the mechanical features, you will be able to change the temperature, fan speeds, and modes with ease. Even the air filters are completely washable and reusable, making the cleaning process very simple. 

Furthermore, the installation process is also very easy. The window AC can be easily fitted into windows measuring 23 - 36 inches in width and having a minimum height of 13 inches. You will find all the required mounting tools right there in the product box. All you
will require a screwdriver and the instruction manual to start installing the window AC.

3. hOmeLabs Window Air Conditioner With Smart Control - Best For Smart Controls

The hOmeLabs window air conditioner is unique for its smart control features. This smart device is Wi-Fi enabled and hence can be paired to the hOmelabs app on your phone. This allows for convenient control of the cooling process. You can also pair it to your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and control the temperature and modes remotely!

Additionally, this window AC unit has 5-in-1 functionality, creating the perfect ambient environment for you to enjoy your time in. The five modes are namely the cooling mode, the drying mode, the fan mode, the eco mode, and the Follow Me mode. All five modes serve different functions and make your space more comfortable. 

The cooling mode helps cool your room efficiently, whereas the drying mode helps reduce humidity from the cold air. Also, the fan mode helps in the removal of stale air from your room, leaving it fresh and clean, while the Eco mode works on a higher energy-efficient level. Apart from these, the 24-hour programmable timer and the sleep mode also help save energy. 

Having a cooling power of 6000 BTUs, this AC unit can comfortably cool any room or space up to 250 square feet in size. It even has an Energy Star certification, meaning higher energy efficiency than other window ACs. 

As for the noise levels, this AC unit is one of the quietest window air conditioners on this list. It only makes noise within the range of 52 dB - 56 dB, providing effectively negligible disturbance in the background. 

Moreover, the installation process is extremely simple. There are no professionals required! You just need to follow the instructions given in the user manual, and you can enjoy the cool air in no more than 15 minutes. 

4. LG Mounted Window Air Conditioner - Best for Energy Efficiency

This LG mounted window AC unit has 3 cooling and fan speeds, allowing you to customize the cooling according to your needs. Additionally, the 8000 BTUs of cooling power will enable the unit to provide powerful cooling to areas up to 340 square feet.

Moreover, the window AC unit also has an Energy Star certification, helping you save money on your energy bills in the long run. It also has a SEER rating of 13, making it extremely eco-friendly. 

The AC also comes with a handy remote control, allowing you to control the modes and temperature from anywhere in the room. Besides, the auto restart mode enables the air conditioner to restart after any power outage. 

If functioning in the low mode, the AC unit produces noise as low as 54 dB, providing little to no disturbance to you. On top of that, the 24-hour programmable timer and the sleep mode also minimize hassle and lead to less disturbance. 

5. TOSOT Window Air Conditioner - Best for Adjustable Louvers

No products found.

The TOSOT window air conditioner efficiently cools your room with a cooling power of 8000 BTUs, effective for any area up to 350 square feet in size. With an improved drainage outlet, this window AC unit provides extremely low noise, up to 42 dB. Other features include a 24-hour programmable timer, filter reminders, and a sleep mode. 

This window air conditioner also comes with adjustable air vents. The slanted air louvers can be adjusted to blow cool air up to 20 feet in distance. If the heat rises, you can adjust the louvers so that the cool air blows above your head to cool up the entire room as quickly as possible. 

Enabled with an energy star rating, this air conditioner will help you save on your energy bills in the long run. It also has a SEER of 12.0, making this unit environment-friendly. 

Additionally, the installation process is extremely simple. All parts required for the installation of the unit are included in the product box itself, enabling you to install the AC yourself in a matter of 15 minutes. The AC unit is compatible with both single and double-hung windows. Keep in mind that the workable window length is 26 - 41 inches, and the window height is 19 inches. 

6. GE Electronic Window Air Conditioner - Best for Easy Installation

The GE window air conditioner is another good choice if you’re looking for an AC with east installation (like I usually do). With a cooling power of 6000 BTUs, this AC unit provides comfortable cooling for a small room, up to 250 square feet in size. The three cooling settings and fan speeds help you to select the perfect cooling temperature. 

The air conditioner also includes the cost-effective Eco mode, which senses when the room is cold enough and turns off the fan and compressor. This will definitely help you save significantly on your utility bills in the long run. 

Controlling the temperature and AC settings is pretty easy. The simple digital controls will help you program and adjust the air conditioner settings with ease. Apart from that, the LED display enhances the readability of the controls and makes managing the settings easier. You also get an easy-to-use remote along with the AC. 

Another feature that makes the usage of this AC very easy is the clean filter reminder, which will alert you whenever the filter needs to be cleaned. On top of that, the 24-hour On/Off timer will help you get the cooling experience you need.

Moreover, the product comes with an EZ Mount Kit, making the installation process extremely easy. You can easily install this AC unit in a double-hung window and start the cooling process immediately. The required window dimensions are 21 ⅞ - 36 inches in width and 13 ⅜ inches in height. 

7. Koldfront WAC12001W Window Air Conditioner - Best for Supplemental Heating

The Koldfront WAC12001W window air conditioner has a powerful cooling capacity of 12000 BTUs and can efficiently cool a big-size room, between 450 and 550 square feet in size. On top of that, you can control the air conditioner settings from anywhere in the room using the included remote control. 

Apart from the remote, the AC unit also has an easy-to-read control panel on the front, from which you can easily control the AC settings. Whether it’s the temperature, the fan speeds, or the 24-hour programmable timer, you can control it easily with just the touch of a button. 

The air conditioner also offers a heating mode, with a heating power of 11000 BTUs. Hence, you can avail of both heating and cooling modes with this air conditioner. You can even choose between 3 fan speeds, helping you create the perfect temperature setting.

Moreover, all the installation hardware and weather seals are included in the product box, making the installation process simpler. The air conditioner does not require a window sleeve for installation. With its 4-way air directional louvers, you can get started with effective cooling in no time. 

However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The optimum window width required for installation is between 26 ⅞ and 36 inches, while the minimum window height is 16 inches. Also note that a special 230V electrical outlet will be required to plug in the AC, as the unit will not work with a standard 115V outlet. 

8. Midea U-Shaped Window Air Conditioner - Best for Wi-Fi Connectivity

The Midea U-shaped Smart Inverter window air conditioner has a unique U-shape design that uses your window to block noise and is a lot quieter than traditional air conditioners. On top of that, the Smart Inverter uses an efficient system to reduce noise and vibrations. As a result, this is one of the quietest air conditioners on this list, with a noise level as low as 42 dB. 

The U-shape design also allows for your windows to be opened, bringing in fresh air and enhancing ventilation. In fact, you won’t lose your window view, even with the unit installed. The unit also includes an Anti Theft Mechanism, which locks the window to ensure safety and security. 

Additionally, the air conditioner is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled from anywhere apart from the included remote control. You just need to download the MideaAir app, which is available on both iOS and Android. You can also use your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and use voice commands to control the temperature settings from anywhere in your room. 

Moreover, the AC unit uses advanced inverter technology to the fullest, helping you achieve over 35% savings in utility bills. It also has an Energy Star certification, which ensures energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the long run. However, you will find this air conditioner to be costlier compared to other window AC units on this list.

As for the installation, the included quick-snap bracket makes the installation process very simple for you. You can attach this window AC onto both single-hung or double-hung windows. Keep in mind the optimum window size, which is 22 - 36 inches in width, and a minimum window height of 13.75 inches. 

9. Black+Decker Window Air Conditioner - Best Environment-Friendly

The Black + Decker window air conditioner unit works on a powerful cooling capacity of 14500 BTUs, effectively cooling any room up to 700 square feet in size. The window unit AC works on 4 different levels, namely auto, low, medium, and high. This helps ensure your desired cooling experience. 

Controlling the modes and the temperature settings is pretty simple as well. The included remote control and the digital control panel make controlling the adjustable thermostat very easy, providing a temperature range of 62°F - 86°F. 

Additionally, the AC unit also includes sleep, dry, and fan modes, along with a 24-hour programmable timer. Obviously, all these features make the usage of this AC extremely easy. Even the cleaning process is made simple with the inclusion of removable and washable air filters. There also exists a filter alert to remind you when the filter needs cleaning. 

On top of all that, this air conditioner is also very energy efficient. The unit uses the R32 refrigerant, which has little to no impact on the ozone layer compared to other refrigerants. The refrigerant also helps increase the unit’s life, making it last longer compared to other window air conditioners. 

Installation of this window air conditioner unit is extremely simple. You just need a screwdriver and need to follow the instructions provided, and the cooling process can get started in no time. 

10.  Dreo Inverter Window Air Conditioner - Best for Low Noise Level

The Dreo Inverter window air conditioner will help you save a lot of money on your energy bills in the long run, as it has an Energy Star certification. It also has a SEER rating of 15.0, providing high-level energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

It can efficiently cool any room up to 350 square feet in size with its cooling power of 8000 BTUs. On top of that, the multi-directional air louvers blow cold air in all directions, cooling your room quickly. 

5-in-1 functionality provides you with the five operational modes of cooling, dehumidifying, circulation, automatic and sleep mode. Modify all these settings using the remote control as needed to get your desired temperature setting.  

The noise levels are no issue either. Dreo’s noise cancellation technology keeps the noise level as low as 42 dB, providing minimal to zero disturbance in the background. This is the quietest air conditioner on this list. Besides, sleep mode also helps you sleep peacefully and avoid overcooling. 

Additionally, the installation process can be completed within a matter of minutes. Since the product comes in a pre-assembled design, you save a lot of time on installation. Even more, the AC unit also becomes burglar-proof after securing it with screws. 

11. Keystone Window Air Conditioner - Best for Large Spaces

The Keystone window air conditioner is one of the most powerful on this list, working with a cooling power of 18500 BTUs. This cooling capacity efficiently cools any room up to 1000 square feet in size. It also has the option of supplemental heating, which works with a heating power of 16000 BTUs. 

This window air conditioner has 3 cooling speeds, 3 variable fan speeds, and 1 heat speed. This means you can use this AC unit all year long. On top of that, the unit can also be used as a dehumidifier and has a dehumidifying capacity of 3.8 pints per hour. 

With adjustable louvers, this AC unit can blow air in all 4 directions, cooling your room in no time. The air conditioner is also easy to install. 

However, one thing I didn’t like is that this window air conditioner will not operate with the standard 115V electrical outlet. Instead, you will require a 230V/25A electrical outlet to make it function. 

12. Emerson Quiet Kool Earc15rse1 Window Air Conditioner - Best for Multi-Directional Air Flow

The Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RSE1 window air conditioner unit is another powerful air conditioner on this list, with a cooling capacity of 15000 BTUs. It can efficiently cool any room up to 700 square feet in size. For its capacity, this unit is reasonably quiet, with a noise level as low as 52 dB.

This window air conditioner is also Wi-Fi enabled, meaning you can easily pair it to your Alexa or Google Assistant and control it through voice commands. Apart from that, this smart device can also be controlled through its mobile app, giving you access from anywhere. 

Additionally, the AC consists of split air exhaust vents. This, combined with the 3 fan speeds, allows for 8-way directional airflow, blowing cold air in whichever direction you want.  

It also has an integrated 24-hour programmable timer and a sleep mode, both of which help you save energy and money in the long run. You can control all these features through the app or through the included remote control. 

13. TCL 8W9ER1-A  Window Air Conditioner - Best for Airflow Control

Similar to other models on this list, the TCL 8W9ER1-A window air conditioner operates on a cooling capacity of 8000 BTUs, suitable for areas up to 350 square feet in size. 

Being a smart device, this AC unit can be controlled by means other than the remote control. You can either download the smart app or control the AC using voice commands through Google Assistant or Alexa. Either way, controlling this window air conditioner is pretty easy.

Additionally, the AC unit also helps you save energy and money. The Energy Star certification and the Sleep mode both help to ensure cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. 

It also consists of two 4-way directional vents, providing effective airflow in all 8 directions and 3 variable fan speeds. 

The installation is also made simpler with the inclusion of the window installation kit. Keep in mind the window size requirements, which are: 23 - 36 inches in width and a minimum window height of 14.5 inches. 

Quick Comparisons Of Best Window ACs

Buying Guide For The Best Window Air Conditioners In 2023

Here are some important factors to keep in mind before you settle on the perfect air conditioner for your needs. 

ECO Mode

Most window air conditioners on the list had an Eco mode, which essentially means that the AC runs at a slower rate and helps improve energy efficiency. While running on the Eco mode, the air conditioners use much less power compared to the normal mode. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps in saving money on your energy bills. 

Additionally, air conditioners running on Eco mode make significantly less noise compared to the Normal mode. So, the Eco mode would ensure a good night’s sleep if you’re planning on using it at night. 

Smart Features

Wi-Fi compatibility is another thing you need to keep in mind if you like all of your devices to be linked to the Internet. This means you can control your AC settings through a mobile app or through voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant. 

Hence, Wi-Fi connectivity ensures a lot of comfort. Whether you need to change the fan speed, put the AC on sleep mode, or set the 24-hour programmable timer, you will have to make next to zero effort to do so! Just ask your home assistant to do it. 

However, keep in mind that these smart features do hike up the price of window air conditioners, making them quite expensive. But it seems like a good investment in terms of convenience and unique features. 

Cooling Power and Room Size

Obviously, your room size is something you should definitely keep in mind before purchasing your desired window air conditioner. The more the cooling power, the more efficiently it can cool a room. If you don’t get an AC unit with the appropriate cooling capacity, that would obviously offer insufficient cooling. 

Noise Level

The noise level is something you should definitely think about before buying window air conditioners. This primarily depends on where and when you’re going to use your AC. For instance, an AC that is supposed to go into your bedroom should have a low noise level. If you’re a light sleeper, this becomes even more important. After all, no one likes to be woken up by an annoying air conditioner in the middle of the night. 

On the other hand, you can probably make do with a high noise level if the AC is going to go into the living room. Note that generally, a low noise level is connected to a low cooling capacity. 

Remote Control or Digital Controls

Everyone likes to make a big fuss about Wi-Fi-enabled features or advanced technology. However, if you are not very tech-savvy and prefer remote controls or digital controls, then that’s great too. You can just get a standard window air conditioner with digital controls. 

One advantage that you get is that these window air conditioners are generally less expensive than Wi-Fi-enabled ones. 

Window AC FAQs

How do window air conditioners work?

Window air conditioners are a popular indoor cooling method that doesn’t require any ductwork. They are also different from evaporative coolers, which cool air by the process of evaporation. The system uses the force of a blower and fans to push cool air into the room and push warm air outside.

This is accomplished by pumping the refrigerant through a system of tubing. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the warm air passing over this tubing and changes into a quick-moving vapor. At the compressor, the vapor is compressed and brought to the condenser coil. Heat is expelled outdoors after being removed. The refrigerant returns to the tube once it has cooled to further remove heat from the indoor air.

Are window air conditioners better than portable AC units?

As long as you’re able to physically install the AC into your room, the window air conditioner is definitely more efficient than a portable AC unit. They have lower noise levels and are most energy efficient compared to portable units. 

However, if you prefer a portable AC unit solely because of its compactness and mobility, then that’s up to your choice entirely. There are other best air conditioners that you can check out. 

Are window AC units energy efficient?

Compared to portable AC units, window air conditioners are quite energy efficient. All you need to do is check the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating before you purchase the unit. The higher the rating, the higher would be your energy savings. 

Talking about energy efficiency, I’m sure you would love to check out some battery-powered AC units as well. 

How do I select the best window air conditioner for my room size?

Selecting the correct window air conditioner for your room is very important because if you get an AC that’s too powerful, that will only hike up your energy bills. On the other hand, air conditioners, which are of lesser power, will never be able to efficiently cool your room. You can keep in mind these general specifications to make the right choice: 

• 5000 – 7000 BTUs for 100 – 200 square feet
• 7000 – 9000 BTUs for 200 – 400 square feet
• 9000 – 15000 BTUs for 400 – 600 square feet

Note that there are many other factors that will affect the air conditioner’s cooling, like the height of the ceiling, how much sunlight the room gets, etc. 

How do I install a window air conditioner in my room?

Most window air conditioners come with a window installation kit as well as a user manual that will easily help you install the AC in your room. Apart from that, there are multiple YouTube videos that will surely help you out with any other assistance you might need. 

If this installation process sounds like a bit much for you, you can take a look at the best ventless portable ACs in the market. 

Conclusion

Since we’ve come to the very end of this article, it is time to lay down the verdict. The Frigidaire FFRA051WAE window air conditioner stands out in this list because of its value for money and brand trust. The efficient airflow and automatic restart make it an excellent option for the price range.

If you want a Wi-Fi-enabled AC, you can get the hOmelabs Window Air Conditioner, which has extremely easy-to-use smart controls and is also quite energy efficient. If you want an AC with a higher cooling capacity than these two, you can go for the trusted LG Mounted Window Air Conditioner.

I hope this list helped you make an informed decision. However, if you are still confused, go through the buyer’s guide again to help you make the right call.