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Our team of AC experts has found the best options to keep your home cool so you aren't caught off guard when summer temps roll around. While the cooling rate is a large portion of our overall scoring, we also measured energy efficiency, noise level, portability, and installation difficulty before making our recommendations.
The Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT is the best overall air conditioner for most households. This window unit offers efficient cooling while keeping energy usage down, plus it's quiet and has a powerful app for easy timers and setting changes. If you need a machine you can move from room to room depending on the day, the Whynter ARC-1230WN is our favorite portable AC option.
Over the years, we've tested plenty of home appliances. You can spread around the cool air with a top-notch fan. If you live in a dry climate, you might be interested in adding some moisture to the air with one of these humidifiers.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 2, 2025, to include new models of window air conditioners from Hisense and Midea.
Who It Is Best For: This versatile window AC unit is ideal for keeping small-to-medium spaces cool, particularly if you want a quiet option that won't make you shout to have a conversation. The inverter technology lets the unit self-manage its compressor, saving on energy costs while keeping rooms at your desired temperature. Because it has a built-in heater, which is rare for window ACs, it is particularly versatile for those who have Spring and Fall seasons that get cold at night but then get hot during the afternoon.
Why We Love It: In addition to the relatively quiet operation, we're big fans of the multiple control options. The front panel covers the basics, and the remote control makes it easy to control from the comfort of your couch or bed. Better yet, if you'd rather set timers and make adjustments via your phone, the Midea WiFi-based app is a game-changer. Seriously, so good.
Should You Buy It? Our team of testers found the Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT to be the best window air conditioner for most people. It is energy efficient, quiet, and app-compatible. Its advanced inverter tech and excellent controls make it easy for nearly everyone to use with whatever level of granularity they're interested in: You can turn it on and forget it, or you can set it up to adjust to your household schedule — even when you haven't yet arrived home.
Who It Is Best For: The Whynter ARC-1230WN is a stand-out portable AC for larger rooms. Its 12,000 BTU rating means that it can provide powerful cooling (it was able to chill our testing facility's room by nearly 12 degrees in just one hour), and its inverter technology helps the unit remain decently energy efficient. The window mount for the out-vent is a bit larger than average, so you'll just want to ensure your window is big enough. This was also among the quietest units we tried and came with an excellent child lock, so it's a great pick for those with small kiddos.
Why We Love It: In addition to its awesome inverter technology, we loved how full-featured the Whynter ARC-1230WN is. It comes equipped with multiple cooling modes, a child lock, a traditional remote, and a mobile app.
Should You Buy It? The Whynter ARC-1230WN is amazing at cooling big spaces quickly and efficiently. It's a bit heavy to tote around from room to room, but manageable enough if you're only storing it or moving around a few times each season. If you have high ceilings, an open-plan living room, or a large square footage that you need to stay chilly this summer, we highly recommend this machine.
Who It Is Best For: At just 6,000 BTU, the LG LW6017R window AC held its own against some of the most powerful 12,000 BTU machines. For spaces up to 260 square feet, it'll have no trouble keeping things cool, even though it doesn't have the inverter technology of pricier models. It produces more noise than many models we tested, but we feel that the energy efficiency, low price, and cooling power make it worth the trade-off. The LG LW6017R is the best pick for a window AC if you're on a budget.
Why We Love It: In addition to its powerful cooling performance on standard settings, this LG air conditioner has an 'eco' mode that works with a range of fan speeds. This straightforward and convenient unit can also be controlled manually or via remote control. A well-lit screen displays the temperature and fan speed. Last but not least, the LG manages to do all of this at a modest price point.
Should You Buy It? The LG LW6017R manages to hit that elusive sweet spot between cooling performance, ease of use, and wallet-friendly price point. Though it's a bit noisy when compared to several premium units we tested, we feel that it's the top choice if you're on a budget and seeking to cool a smaller-sized room.
Who It Is Best For: The SereneLife SLPAC10 is not only affordable but also one of the lightest portable air conditioners we tested. This makes it a top choice for people who might need to move it around on high-pile carpet or switch it from room to room, depending on the day. Set up only took our tester five minutes, and when it's ready to store for the winter, the SereneLife's window kit and hose disassemble quickly.
Why We Love It: Going on specs alone, a 10,000 BTU rating is pretty great for a budget-friendly AC. In addition to not breaking the bank, the SereneLife includes a convenient remote that gives control over the fan speed, temperature settings, vent swing, and adjustable timers. Though the unit is on the louder side, it isn't horribly distracting and can easily be shrugged off as white noise.
Should You Buy It? Of all the portable AC units we've tested, the SereneLife SLPAC10 is the easiest to set up. Its 10,000 BTUs of cooling prowess make it a great machine for chilling small- to medium-sized rooms, and it isn't overly loud. It might not work for a massive space, or a room with high ceilings, but otherwise we feel that this is the best portable air conditioner for those on a budget.
BTU: 10,000 | Hose Configuration: Single | App: No
Who It Is Best For: The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 is awesome for anyone who needs to cool large rooms, like garages and open living spaces, quickly. However, on full power, it's pretty loud, so forget trying to watch a comedy on your TV because you won't hear the jokes. That said, you can always turn it down to reduce noise, and because it's so powerful, it still cools relatively quickly at lower settings. If you need raw cooling power, it's hard to go wrong with this one.
Why We Love It: What this model lacks in refined features, it more than makes up for in cooling performance. It dropped our test room temperature by 14°F in just one hour, easily besting other 12,000 BTU models we've tested in this same room. The independent adjustable louvres allow you to direct cool air streams in different directions, and we appreciated that it runs quieter in lower modes for nighttime use, even shutting off its lights to avoid disturbing your sleep.
Should You Buy It? If you have high ceilings or a large studio apartment with only one useful window — or even an open-plan household that needs powerful cooling when a hot sun cooks your home — the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 is a great answer as long as you're not trying to use it in a home office space. Yes, it's a little heavy and cumbersome to install due to its size, but if it fits your window, you'll love having it when the outside temperatures hit +100°F.
The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 is bulkier than many window air conditioners, but its ability to cool larger rooms quickly makes it worth the extra effort to install it. Credit: Brian Walker
Who It Is Best For: The Hisense WC05R25A is perfect for anyone who has a small space to cool and wants an affordable modern digital interface instead of the clumsy knobs that many inexpensive AC units use. Its lower 5K BTU output is well-suited to cooling bedrooms or small office spaces at a reasonable price.
Why We Love It: Priced at less than $200, this little model simply does its job without trouble or complaint. We also appreciate the modernized grill with round holes rather than typical slats. When paired with the digital controls, the vibe isn't exactly fancy, but it's more refined — and tunable — than most models in this price range.
Should You Buy It? While it doesn't cool significantly better than other good 5K BTU options, the Hisense WC05R25A's ability to set your temperature specifically makes it more comfortable for bedroom use. As for everything else, it's an efficient cooler and easy to install — and take down and store for winter.
If you want an affordable small window air conditioner that doesn't look and function like it came from the 1990s, the Hisense WC05R25A is for you. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Who It Is Best For: If you're noise-sensitive, work from home, or have frequently napping little ones in your space, the LG LP1022FVSM is a super quiet unit that might catch your attention. This was also one of the easiest models to move from room to room, thanks to its onboard storage for the hose and window kit, making it great for anyone who needs to move their AC often.
Why We Love It: Our SPL meter measured only 56 decibels of sound coming from this unit, making it the quietest we tried by far. The nearly silent 14,000 BTU machine is more than adequate for keeping most average- and large-sized rooms cold when it's scorching outside. The LG also includes a wireless remote and can be controlled through its accompanying mobile app. Within the app, you'll be able to monitor your energy use, air filter status, and run smart diagnostics remotely.
Should You Buy It? If you need a powerful air conditioner that's nearly silent, even if you're standing a scant four feet from its fan, the LG is our top pick. It's a premium-quality AC that packs in 14,000 BTUs of cooling power, and it is easy to adjust, via remote or smartphone app. It's also got handy onboard storage for its hose and window kit, so packing it up to store at the end of the season is a cinch.
BTU: 14,000 | Hose Configuration: Single | App: Yes
Our testers loved the quiet cooling of the LG LP1022FVSM. Credit: Brian Walker
Why Trust GearLab
Austin Palmer: Austin is our air conditioner expert, and has been leading our home appliance testing for over a decade. As a Texas native, Austin is no stranger to the hottest summer days and knows the importance of a solid air conditioner. His analytical eye and vast experience in testing appliances bring great knowledge to this review.
Emily Pennington: Emily owns a condo in the Colorado Front Range without central AC. She relies heavily on the power of window and portable air conditioners to keep her cool on the warmest summer days. She offers her unique perspective as a first-time homeowner and tech enthusiast to this review.
Ben Hickok, David Wise, and Becca Glades join the team in building this AC review. These three have been tinkering with electronics for many years. Becca and Ben are both well-versed in software development and working with technical interfaces. David is a mechanical engineer who has worked professionally building robotic systems. Together, this team of testers and reviewers was able to determine the best air conditioners on the market.
Our team of AC experts tested these models in practical ways to see how effective they were at cooling rooms, offices, and large spaces.
How We Tested
We've searched high and low to find the best air conditioners out there to keep you cool all summer long. With each update, our search starts with an in-depth look at the market. We then purchase the most promising models and evaluate them back-to-back in a controlled space under standardized trials to determine which ACs could cool off our hot, summer-simulated testing rooms the best. During this period, we measure the air conditioner's energy efficiency and note any additional features it has to reduce consumption. We also rate how easy it is to install and uninstall each unit, and test for noise and portability as well. With all this in mind, we are able to find the best products on the market to present to you. For more information, see our articles on how we tested portable AC units and how we tested window AC units.
Portable ACs can be stored for the cooler seasons, so we noted how hard it was to carry them upstairs. Credit: Brian Walker
How to Pick the Best Air Conditioner
With temperatures hitting record highs every year, the need to stay cool is becoming more and more prevalent. While central AC might be common in houses in warmer areas, this hasn't been the standard for colder climates until recently. Installing central AC isn't always practical or economical, and the need for a quick fix for those sweltering summer days is crucial. This is where options like window units and portable ACs come in handy. These units are comparatively inexpensive and easy to self-install.
We've tested over 30 air conditioners since 2018 to help you find the best. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Window Air Conditioners
As the name suggests, window units sit in the window. They are designed to fit in both horizontally and vertically sliding windows, and they use a thick material that accordions out across the gap to keep the room insulated. Often, they require some sort of exterior bracket to hold them in place. Although it takes a bit of effort, installation isn't too much of a headache and can be done with one or two people.
REASONS TO BUY
No floor space taken
Typically quieter because the compressor is outside
Tends to be cheaper
REASONS TO AVOID
Requires installation
Less mobile - typically stays in place
Obstructs window view and sunlight
Depending on where you live, you might choose to keep your window AC installed year-round, but for climates with cold winter months, we recommend removing the unit and storing it to keep your room better insulated. That said, installing and uninstalling a window unit every year isn't as quick and painless as installing a portable AC. Additionally, you essentially lose the function of that window during the summer months when the window AC is in place. The chart below summarizes the overall performance scores from our window air conditioner review.
Key Metrics of Portable Air Conditioners
Product
Cooling
Energy Use
Noise
Convenience
Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT
5.6
9.3
9.5
9.5
Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT
7.8
7.6
8.5
9.5
GE Profile ClearView AHTT06BC
5.7
8.2
9.0
8.7
LG LW6017R
6.1
8.7
5.0
8.2
Frigidaire FHWC084WB1
7.0
6.6
5.0
8.0
GE AHEE06AC
5.8
8.2
5.0
7.5
Frigidaire FHWC124WB1
8.7
4.0
4.5
8.0
Black+Decker BD08WT6
5.8
5.2
6.0
8.0
GE AHEC05AC
5.7
8.9
6.0
3.8
Frigidaire FFRA051WAE
5.7
8.9
5.5
3.5
Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT
5.6
8.9
5.0
3.6
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are freestanding units that can be rolled around from room to room. These units funnel out warm air via a hose that is attached to a window bracket. Installation is generally a breeze, with the most complicated step being the initial bracket setup. However, once that is done, you don't have to repeat it each year, which makes winter storage quite simple. Some units use foam to help them seal properly in the window space, while others simply clip into the window pane. Unlike a window AC, the window remains functional while the AC is installed, and you won't have a bulky box sitting on the exterior of your home. While they are less conspicuous from the outside, they do take up interior floor space.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to install
Renter friendly
Can be moved from room to room
REASONS TO AVOID
Takes up floor space
Compressor located inside the room, so it's noisier
Still requires a window to vent hot air out
Portable air conditioners vary in weight, ranging from 45 to 80 pounds. If you choose a unit on the heavier side, it can make transporting them from space to space challenging. Most units have wheels on the bottom that roll smoothly on hard surfaces, but don't help much if stairs or high-pile carpets are involved. Our testing team made sure to find the ideal portable air conditioners through hands-on testing. The chart below represents the overall performance comparison from our evaluation.
Key Metrics of Portable Air Conditioners
Product
Cooling
Install/Portability
Noise
Energy Use
Whynter ARC-1230WN
8.8
8.2
8.0
6.1
LG LP1022FVSM
6.8
7.5
9.0
6.7
Midea Duo Smart Inverter MAP12S1TBL
7.0
6.8
8.0
6.2
Black+Decker BPACT08WT
6.6
8.3
5.5
6.7
SereneLife SLPAC10 - 10000 BTU
6.2
8.8
5.5
6.3
Costway ‎22783
5.6
7.9
6.0
6.9
Midea MAP08R1CWT
5.8
8.6
4.5
7.2
Black+Decker BPACT14WT
7.2
7.3
6.5
5.0
SereneLife SLPAC8 - 8000 BTU
5.6
8.5
4.0
7.4
Whynter ARC-14SH
7.1
6.4
7.0
4.9
Frigidaire FHPH142AC1
6.8
4.8
6.0
4.4
How Many BTUs Do You Need?
BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit, is a standard unit used to measure heat energy. In the context of AC units, it indicates the amount of hot air an AC unit can remove from a space in one hour. To put it simply, a larger BTU rating is needed for larger rooms. Likewise, smaller rooms can get away with an AC with a lower BTU. Most manufacturers indicate the square footage of a room best suited for the specific air conditioner, though we found this to be only approximately true throughout our testing.
BTU Ranges for Room Size
Room Size
Recommended BTUs
Up to 200 sq. ft.
6,000-8,000 BTUs
200-300 sq. ft.
8,000-10,000 BTUs
300-500 sq. ft.
10,000-14,000 BTUs
500+ sq. ft.
14,000+ BTUs
As a general guideline, 6,000-8,000 BTU machines work best in rooms up to 200 square feet, while 10,000 BTU machines are suited for rooms up to 300 square feet, and anything over a 12,000 BTU unit will be best for 300 square feet and above. In addition to the size, consider other environmental factors in the room, like if it has sunny south-facing windows, which may warrant selecting a higher BTU.
Consider Energy Efficiency
We measure each unit's energy consumption with two main concerns in mind: your wallet and the environment. Some of the most efficient models are more expensive upfront, but the cost to run them each month is lower because they use less electricity. With enough time, the lower energy bill will offset the original price of the unit, sometimes dramatically. Plus, these efficient models are kinder to the environment, so you can comfortably leave the AC on throughout the hottest summer days without worrying as much about how it'll impact your wallet or the climate.
According to our watt meter, Black+Decker BPACT08WT is one of the most efficient portable ACs around. Credit: Brian Walker
Window units tend to be more energy-efficient than portable models. This is because they house their hot compressors outside the building rather than pumping out hot air through a hose. If you are looking for the most efficient models, consider ACs with inverter technology. This adjusts the speed of the motor based on the ambient temperature. Non-inverter models cycle through powering the motor fully on and off, which can be far more energy-consuming.
Window units house the heat-producing mechanical parts on the outside of the house. Credit: Brian Walker
Extra Features to Consider
Most appliances today offer “smart” capabilities, and air conditioner manufacturers are certainly hopping on this trend. Many of the portable and window models we tested have accompanying mobile apps that allow you to set timers, access child locks, and more, depending on the machine. The range of features often seen on modern ACs include:
Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and more
If you aren't into smart tech, most traditional models come with a physical remote and basic programmable options.
Not into turning your space into a smart home? No worries, most come with traditional remotes. Credit: Austin Palmer
Conclusion
Being uncomfortably warm in your own home is a problem that no one wants to have, and not all houses have central air conditioning. Most people aren't looking to start a major renovation to install central AC either, so it's important to have an affordable and headache-free alternative. This review of the best window and portable air conditioners should do the trick to keep you cool all summer long. Many sites out there provide you with seemingly complicated ratings, and we understand how overwhelming it can be to select an AC. That's why we did all the testing for you, putting it together in this expert-backed, easy to read article. We hope this review helps you find the perfect AC for your space.
—Austin Palmer, Emily Pennington, Becca Glades, Ben Hickok, and David Wise
