We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Looking to beat the heat? We meticulously researched dozens of window air conditioning units before selecting the top 12 for in-depth side-by-side testing. Using a lab-grade thermometer and high-quality instruments, we monitored their cooling efficiency and speed with our test room. We also assessed their energy consumption and noise levels. In addition to the testing of base functions and energy consumption, our team evaluated convenience features and even the ease of installation to create the most comprehensive data set possible.
After hundreds of hours of “chilling,” it was clear to see that the Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT offers the absolute best in terms of a price to performance ratio. If you're looking for a budget-friendly Window AC, the LG LW6017R put up some commendable numbers in most of our tests while costing significantly less than the top-tier models.
We've tested a wide range of home appliances, including the top-ranked humidifiers, fans, and the air purifiers to condition, circulate, moisten, and purify dry or low-quality air in your home. We've done all the research, testing, and product comparisons for you to determine the best overall window air conditioner unit for every application.
Editor's Note: We updated our window air conditioner review on October 29, 2024, to include additional models from Black+Decker, LG, and Windmill.
The Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT doesn't top the charts in cooling power, but our testing team still ranks it as one of the best window air conditioner units. Compared to the 8,000 BTU-rated Frigidaire FHWC084WB1, this model chilled our hot test room temperature by 8.6 ºF in one hour, which is just 78% of the Frigidaire's 11.0 ºF temperature drop our test team recorded. When our testing team measured the noise levels produced by each air conditioner, the Midea MAW08V1QWT produced a very quiet 49 decibels of sound vs the Frigidaire's 61 decibels. In-person, this is a big deal for anyone who's tired of listening to loud air conditioner fans all day. Our lead tester states, “It's great for anyone who wants to have normal conversations when it's running nearby.” The Midea is much more energy efficient with its Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER) of 15 compared to the Frigidaire's score of 12. From our calculations, the Frigidaire FHWC084WB1 will cost 31% more to run than the Midea MAW08V1QWT each summer, making the latter one of the more affordable window air conditioners to run year after year. We appreciate that it has some of the most tech-forward features we tested, including WiFi connectivity, a very good MideaAir smartphone app, and compatibility with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which is handy for those of us who have embraced IoT and home automation.
Despite all our praise, we have a few critiques of this model worth noting. Other units offer greater cooling abilities, particularly if you're willing to go up to larger 12K BTU options and don't mind louder noise production or less efficiency. If you want all the bells and whistles of a Midea with one of the top cooling scores, you might be interested in the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT, which earned a slightly higher overall score but is also a larger investment. If you can find it on sale, we would recommend it over its lower-BTU sister model because it shares the same U-shaped, noise-blocking window installation design for quiet operation and is also energy efficient. Alternately, you could stay in the 8,000 BTU range and similar cooling performance by considering the Black+Decker BD08WT6, which isn't as energy efficient but has a lower MSRP of $240, which is $160 less than the MAW08V1QWT's MSRP.
To reveal how the Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT will likely perform for you, we installed it in our controlled lab environment, then tested its cooling efficiency, noise levels, and controls.
The LG LW6017R is a 6,000 BTU air conditioner unit that is easy to install, energy-efficient, and a great option for cooling average-sized spaces. Compared to the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT, this LG window air conditioner costs $60 more, but its performance and usability features make it worth it. The LW6017R puts out 1,000 more BTUs than the 5,000 BTU Midea EasyCool, which helped it cool our heated test room down 9% more in our one-hour cooling performance test. That's enough of a performance differential to get our testers' attention, and it makes this 250-square-foot rated LG better for use near kitchens or slightly larger rooms than the 150-square-foot maximum recommended cooling area of the Midea model. Aside from competitive performance, our testing team was impressed that this budget model has similar convenience features typically found in more expensive models, like a variety of fan settings and modes that include an “eco” mode as well as an easy-to-use remote. In fact, it blew past the very basic Midea EasyCool controls, which makes it much more tunable to your specific room and cooling preferences. We also appreciate LG's low operational costs, which make it a great value among window air conditioner units up front and in the long term.
Like all the other contenders, the LG LW6017R isn't perfect. We measured a decibel output of 57.4 dBa on high, which makes it slightly noisier than the more premium and expensive models we tested, and the unit does not offer WiFi compatibility or a smart app. Still, we feel that the balance of performance and features are hard to beat at this price. Even though the LW6017R has 2,000 fewer BTUs than the 8,000-BTU Black+Decker BD08WT6, it out-cooled the Black+Decker in our one-hour cooling test by 0.4 ºF. If the price is still a bit out of your budget, check out the completely mechanical but very capable and even more affordable GE AHEC05AC, which retails for about $50 less.
The GE AHEC05AC is an economically priced but capable 5,000 BTU AC that offers efficient cooling with low energy consumption and an easy installation with its included EZ Mount installation kit. Those factors help to make this unit our most budget-friendly option for those trying to beat the heat on the tightest of budgets. Not only does the AHEC05AC have a relatively low list price of $189, we calculated its energy cost to run 12 hours a day for 90 days during the summer at just $72.92, assuming an average of 16.88¢ per kWh. Compared to another 5,000 BTU window unit we tested, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE, energy efficiency was very competitive — but this GE air conditioner is slightly quieter, producing 56.1 decibels vs 59 decibels in our noise test on high, giving it a slight edge over similar units we evaluated in this price and BTU range.
Compared to larger, more feature-rich window air conditioners we tested, you won't get the convenience features like a WiFi app or even a remote at such an economical price point. Instead, this unit has easy-to-operate knobs, which are also clearly marked. This model also falls in the middle of the pack with regard to noise, which means it produces as much sound as you would expect from a window AC unit. To put this in perspective, we could hold a conversation in our test room with the AC running, and we only had to raise our voices slightly to compensate for the noise. Unless you absolutely need a remote, you can't beat this little workhorse AC for the price. However, if no remote is a deal breaker, you may want to consider the slightly more expensive but still very affordable LG LW6017R.
If you are in search of a high-performing 12,000 BTU window unit for cooling a larger space and prefer a quieter operation, then look no further than the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT, which proved to be a high performer in our comprehensive testing. With its full DC inverter technology, it chilled the temperature in our hot test room by a whopping 12.4 ºF in one hour, which is the second-best cooling performance we recorded in our lab. It also has an extremely competitive 15 CEER rating, making it Energy Star-rated. Better yet, it's surprisingly quiet, partially due to its U-shaped design that incorporates your window in the middle of the machine body as a sound block. We measured 56.6 decibels on high and just 53 decibels on low. Midea says the low setting gets down to just 42dB, which we think might be possible with high-quality windows and a perfect installation. Either way, we didn't have to raise our voices for conversations or turn up the volume of music during our noise tests, though our testers did notice a slight hiss sound from the compressor, which may have affected our decibel meter more than we noticed it with our ears. Meanwhile, this Midea series, like its smaller 8K BTU sibling, also offers some of the best convenience features we tested, like quick access options and settings, as well as scheduling and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT isn't without a couple of drawbacks. Specifically, it wasn't the 12,000 BTU model that offered the most cooling performance in our tests; it was the very close runner-up, and the installation can be a little finicky, compounded by its 56-pound weight. However, you won't find better cooling performance at this level of energy efficiency, quietness, and convenience anywhere else. Our testing showed the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 offered the greatest cooling performance of all the models we tested, dropping our hot room from 82.625 ºF to 68.675 ºF in just one hour, but in rather stark contrast to the Midea, it is very loud and an energy hog. If neither of those qualities matters to you, the raw cooling performance power was impressive, making it a particularly good alternative for larger areas than our household room Midea pick.
The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 stands out as the most effective window air conditioner unit we tested and is a great choice for cooling larger spaces like garages or workshops quickly. In one hour, it reduced the average ambient temperature in our hot testing room by 14 ºF, outperforming more than a dozen other window air conditioners we tested under the same conditions. It also features great convenience features, such as good air direction adjustments and above-average temperature and display settings compared to the dozen AC units we tested, as well as above-average remote features and a child lock.
Unfortunately, the FHWC124WB1's exceptional cooling capabilities are accompanied by significant noise and high energy consumption. Plus, at 69 lbs, it's a beast to get installed. “Most people are going to need another person to help install this one,” noted our lead tester. “It was a huge pain to get installed by myself, and I wouldn't want to do it again alone.” If you need a quieter workhorse window air conditioner and prefer an energy-efficient AC, consider the nearly as capable but much quieter and more energy efficient 12K BTU Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT. Despite the noise and energy draw, the Frigidaire remains an impressive performer for cooling large spaces such as workshops or garages where raw cooling power tends to be the most important performance consideration for these kinds of spaces.
We recommend the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 to those who spend lots of time in a hot garage.
Credit: Brian Walker
Compare Products
How We Test Window Air Conditioners
Since 2018, our test team at GearLab has tested dozens of portable and window AC units, and we've been testing household appliances, like the best humidifiers and best fans, even longer. To begin this review, we researched readily available window air conditioners and then tested them in our controlled lab environment. We put each unit through our comprehensive and rigorous side-by-side comparison testing process.
In our controlled lab testing room, we measured how quickly each air conditioner could chill a warm room in one hour, as well as measured noise output and energy consumption to help you decide which AC is right for your window and room.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We measured their energy consumption, evaluated how well they cooled our controlled test space, measured the noise level each unit produced, assessed their ease of installation, and evaluated the convenience of all the included features and functions. To help you find the right AC unit for you, we selected 12 AC options with multiple power levels and features that we could compare and contrast with details from our test results and in-person experiences. For more on our test process, see our full How We Test article.
Our testing of window air conditioners is divided into five metrics:
Cooling (30% weight of overall score)
Energy Consumption (25% weight)
Noise (20% weight)
Convenience (15% weight)
Installation (10% weight)
We independently purchase every product we test and do not accept ANY manufacturer freebies, so you can rest assured that our results and award winners are unbiased and based only our personal experiences with these air conditioners.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Why Trust GearLab
Our window air conditioner test team is led by Austin Palmer who has spent many months collecting data on both window and portable ACs, which is then put into words by our GearLab tech-guru reviewers Ben Hickok and Chris Maxcer. The three bring together years of in-the-trenches knowledge and experience using and testing home appliances, tools, furniture, and consumer electronics. They've captured hard data in this window air conditioner review to help us compare specific performance differences we found during testing to help you understand which features and specifications are important factors in buying a window AC for your own home or workspace.
After installing each AC, including the Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech shown in our test room in our lab, we spent hours testing performance, measuring cooling output, and evaluating controls.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Analysis and Test Results
To identify the best window air conditioner units on the market today, our team conducted extensive research into the top models currently available. We then purchased the models that looked promising and would likely have the performance and features you care about most when it's time to choose and install one in your own home.
What's the Best Value?
Many window units can be quite expensive to purchase and operate, even for just a few hot summer months of the year. Some exceptions include the LG LW6017R and the GE AHEC05AC, which also offer good levels of performance when compared to the most premium models. Both models scored well in our energy consumption tests, which could help lower your electricity bills, making them an even greater value in the long term. To illustrate the energy efficiency, we calculated the cost to run this 6,000 BTU LG for 12 hours a day for 90 straight days to cost $76.57, assuming a 16.88¢ per kWh electricity cost. The GE came in at $72.92.
By measuring energy consumption during our 1-hour cooling room test, we can calculate comparative energy usage costs among the different AC window units for longer periods of time, including a 3-month estimate to reflect typical usage patterns.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Both units were on the noisier end of the spectrum, and the GE AHEC05AC, at its incredibly approachable price point, doesn't offer much in the way of convenience features, while the more expensive but still budget-friendly LG LW6017R offers quite a few. Both are compelling models that offer great value for their levels of performance and are great options for those on tight budgets in need of a window-based AC. If you're looking for a great value on a powerful 12,000 BTU unit, the quiet and feature-rich Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT will cost nearly 26% less to run than the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1. While the Midea's list price is $60 more than the Frigidaire, you can likely make up that difference within a year or two in energy savings, depending on your cost of electricity and runtimes.
Cooling
Nearly all window air conditioner units have manufacturer recommended cooling area sizes, which is a square footage estimation of how large a room an AC unit will be able to cool effectively. It's a great starting point when trying to figure out how well an air conditioner is likely to cool your space.
To create a more measurable comparison of performance, our cooling evaluation lab tested and recorded each model's ability to reduce the heat in a temperature-isolated 10' x 14' test room within an hour. Our 140 square foot lab room closely mimics a home living space, but we should note that our ceiling is 12 feet tall, so performance will vary in rooms with lower ceilings or different shapes.
We installed each air conditioner in the same test window in the same room for each test.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
To make sure we tested each air conditioner in very similar conditions, the “outside” of our test room is inside one of our large open climate-controlled lab spaces.
The BTU ratings for the units tested ranged from 5,000 to 12,000. Interestingly, some units with lower BTUs performed better than or nearly as well as higher BTU units. For example, the 6K BTU GE AHEE06AC cooled our test room down by 9 ºF in one hour compared to the Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech, which reduced our test room temp by 8.6 ºF.
We test and record temperature of the air coming immediately out of each air conditioning unit as part of our cooling test scoring system.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
As expected, the two largest 12,000 BTU options from Frigidaire and Midea handily outperformed the smaller models. Interestingly, in this test, even our most effective 12K unit, the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1, didn't cool the room down twice as much as even our least effective 6K unit, the GE AHEE06AC — 14.0 vs 9.0 ºF. Furthermore, the Frigidaire is rated to cool rooms up to 550 square feet, while the GE is rated at 250 square feet. Even when an AC unit is rated with twice the BTUs and more than twice the recommended cooling area, it might not perform twice as well in your home — at least when it comes to cooling down a warm room quickly.
In our 1 hour cooling test, we record the starting temperature in our controlled test room, then run each air conditioner on high to see how much each unit is able to drop the ambient temperature.
Credit: Austin Palmer
As expressed in our cooling rdatings scores, we were particularly impressed by the 8,000 BTU Frigidaire FHWC084WB1, which outperformed the 10,000 BTU LG Smart LW1022FVSM. Two 8,000 BTU “quiet” models also underperformed in our 1-hour cooling test: The Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT and Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech both came in with low 5.6 Cooling Rating scores. With these two AC units, we believe you will be trading a bit of cooling speed in favor of a quieter experience.
When cooling power matters above all else, you can't beat the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1.
Credit: Brian Walker
While the average cooling power was based on a range of units from 5K to 12K BTU and the average temperature our test room dropped in one hour was 9.93 degrees Fahrenheit, a couple of 6K BTU-rated units stood out for their very respectable performance — the GE AHEE06AC and LG LW6017R.
Energy Consumption
Our test team measured the energy usage of each model in our evaluation of energy consumption, which can contribute significantly to your overall cost. The manufacturer's reported BTU rating gives you a general indicator of likely energy consumption — higher BTU output needs greater levels of energy to deliver, meaning they'll be more powerful but cost more to run compared to lower BTU options.
When our team used a watt meter to measure kilowatt-hours of energy consumed, it revealed that some AC units are more energy efficient than others, even when they're in the same BTU range. For this test, we ran each unit at the highest power and fan speed settings for one hour and collected the usage data. Our energy consumption data identified some really energy-efficient models as well as some energy hogs.
As expected, the 12,000 BTU Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 used the most energy, gobbling up 0.80 kWh. The 12,000 BTU Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT, however, only used 0.59 kWh. This is an impressive feat, particularly when we consider that this model only trailed this Frigidaire by 1.6 ºF in our 1-hour cooling test.
In our energy usage test, this BLACK+DECKER BD08WT6 consumed 0.70 kWh of energy in one hour.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Our energy testing revealed another stark difference: Despite two units being rated at the same 8,000 BTU level, the Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech slurped 0.72kWh in our 1-hour energy consumption test while the Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT only consumed 0.45 kWh. Each of these reduced the temperature in our test room by 8.6 ºF, but the Midea's MSRP is $50 less than the Windmill's, making it a more cost-effective buy.
When we estimate the cost differences to run each air conditioner, we also calculated the estimated summer cost to run each unit for 12 hours per day over the course of 90 days, which is fairly typical summertime use for window air conditioners.
Measuring the energy consumption of one of the top models tested.
Credit: Brian Walker
The smallest BTU-rated air conditioners were clearly the least costly to run, with our three 5K options costing an estimated $72.92 for 3 months of predicted heavy summertime usage. Our two U-shaped Midea AC units both outperformed the rest of the pack compared to similar BTU competition.
Reading the energy consumption of units with a watt meter was our standard test procedure for every model.
Credit: Brian Walker
Our Energy Consumption chart takes into account both our test performance as well as differences in how inverter and non-inverter AC systems work. In general, an AC unit that has an inverter has a variable speed compressor, which reduces energy consumption as it moves into temperature-maintaining modes. Our 1-hour cooling test attempts to create a situation where air conditioners with inverters work at 100% full compressor capacity for the entire hour. Inverter technology allows a machine to run much more efficiently than units that simply cycle the compressor motors on and off and consume less energy than most similarly rated BTU models when run for many hours at a time.
The 8,000 BTU Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT with its inverter technology outperformed all other models with regard to energy consumption.
Three 5K BTU units, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE, GE AHEC05AC8, and the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT, earned the same final scores, putting them in a three-way tie for second, with the LG LW6017R hot on their heels. If you're looking for the most affordable window air conditioners for relatively small rooms, including ongoing operating costs, these four options offer a compelling value.
Noise
Adding a window air unit is supposed to make a space feel more pleasant, and a noisy fan or the loud cycling of a compressor motor can seriously detract from that newfound comfort. Our noise metric measures and evaluates the loudness of each model and identifies the quietest models. It also identifies some really loud models that may not be the best choice, even if their respective cooling performance is great.
Some of the most energy-efficient ACs were also the quietest units we tested — but that is also not always the case. For instance, the Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT and the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT combine a quiet operation with excellent energy efficiency, but the Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech, which was our second quietest model tested, consumed above average energy during our 1-hour cooling test.
We measured average sound pressure with the fan on high, medium, and low from 4 feet away, making sure the air flow did not move over the mic. The Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech, shown in our testing lab here, registered as one of the quietest window air conditioners we've ever tested.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The majority of models produced sounds registering in the low-to-mid 60 decibels, but some also had more subjective types of sound, like a fan blade or compressor, that were more disruptive to the human ear than others. In our test room, we could usually talk at normal levels and comfortably enjoy music from a test laptop at around 58 dBa measurements and below.
Our decibel meter measures physical pressure changes in the air to indicate sound loudness, but human perception of different sound frequencies can vary. Subjectively, our testers sometimes noted that certain air conditioners seemed slightly louder or quieter than the measurement.
Credit: Brian Walker
Because some people experience the sound of a fan or the sound of a compressor a bit differently, our Noise Rating scores take into account the impressions of our testing crew, letting us nudge this score slightly in the direction of how each AC subjectively sounds to use compared to the others in our test room. How you experience an AC unit's noise in your own home will depend on its installation and the acoustics of your room, but our ratings here should give you some relative noise levels in a consistent environment. In the chart below, the higher the rating, the quieter the air conditioner seemed to our testing crew.
The clear takeaway from our noise test is that the Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT is very quiet. If you're sensitive to noise or simply want to cool a room while watching a show, participating in a home office teleconference, or listening to a podcast, this Midea is the best we tested. We also appreciated the LG Smart LW1022FVSM, which is rated for 150 more square feet than the 8K BTU Midea (450 vs 350 square feet). While the noise technically measured slightly louder at 53.9 dBa on high, the LG's LoDecibel quiet operation seemed to work well. We could even lower the music volume from our test laptop and still enjoy it.
With a tested dBa of 61.1, this Black+Decker BD08WT6 sounds about average for a window air conditioner. It's a bit loud on high to enjoy a normal conversation, but it's also not egregious, either.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Convenience
Our convenience metric evaluates a number of important convenience features and functions, from air direction adjustments to smart apps. We also weigh in on whether or not each unit includes an effective child lock for those with little ones.
Simple models without WiFi access were the easiest and fastest to set up. Smarter models, like the Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech and LG Smart LW1022FVSM took us 40-45 minutes to get setup with WiFi and an app, and some, like the feature-rich Midea U-Shaped models, took even longer.
A mobile app can make controlling your air conditioner a breeze.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Our testing identified three exceptional models with regard to convenience. The Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QW, Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT, and LG Smart LW1022FVSM really outshine the rest of the ACs in the test lineup, offering powerful features, easy mode changes, and smart capabilities which allow them to be controlled remotely.
While it took about an hour to fully set up, once completed, we found the Midea U-Shaped air conditioners easy to control with Midea's well-designed app.
Credit: Brian Walker
While apps can help with convenience, other factors are important, too. Four other models that do no have WiFi scored very well with our convenience raters in our lab due to their above average mode selections, effective airflow adjustments, and easy-to-use remote controls.
This Black+Decker AC lacks a WiFi app but makes up for it with effective controls, mode options, and a remote control.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The LG LW6017R doesn't let you split the airflow horizontally like some models, but its modes, remote, and timer options all ranked above average, making it surprisingly usable for a relatively small, 6,000 BTU model. Most of the smaller AC units we test tend to reduce features as the price points come down.
Our testers found the LG LW6017R controls easy to understand and use.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The Frigidaire FHWC084WB1 and FHWC124WB1 both have very good air direction adjustments and mode options but a mediocre timer system. However, our lead tester was pleased to see the very good child lock systems for these models, which easily stops curious children from being able to change settings.
Remote controls are great for bedrooms or any location where window access isn't easy or convenient.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Black+Decker BD08WT6 impressed us with its ability to let you set timers with the remote when the AC unit is turned off. We were surprised at how much we appreciated being able to manipulate the settings from the remote and see what mode the air conditioner would be in when it was scheduled to turn on. For not having a WiFi app, the functionality is a bit more powerful than comparably priced AC models with remotes.
While most apps let you change temperatures, modes, and set schedules, the Midea app includes advanced diagnostic features, and the system lets you connect to voice-enabled services like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Credit: Brian Walker
After testing dozens of air conditioners, we discovered a feature we didn't realize we would come to love: The 12K BTU Midea's WiFi app lets you turn the sound off so you can avoid annoying beeps. If you're looking for a quiet air conditioner without mode-changing beeps, this is the unit for you.
While we usually associate many feature options with convenience, that's not always the case if you only have basic needs. If you're looking for super simple AC functions that just do the job of blowing cool air, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE, GE AHEC05AC, and the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT are the simplest models we tested. They may be great for less tech-savvy people seeking relief from the heat.
Sometimes all you really need are easy-to-use and understand knobs to control a basic air conditioner, like the GE AHEC05AC shown here.
Credit: Brian Walker
Installation
While it is unlikely you'll install a window unit more than once, or at most once a year, and plan to store it during cooler months, the ease of installation should still be a serious consideration.
We spent many hours installing and testing air conditioners in our lab, including the Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech, which came with a pre-built install kit and double-insulating side panels.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Some units are too heavy or cumbersome for a single person or the less mechanically inclined person to install alone. Many will require some additional help from a friend.
For this metric, we spend hours upon hours installing each unit individually. Sometimes, we were able to do it on our own, but oftentimes, we needed assistance.
Smaller, lighter air conditioners are usually the easiest to lift into place and install in most windows, letting our lead tester install them without assistance in our test window.
Credit: Brian Walker
The easiest to install were the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT, GE AHEC05AC, and the GE AHEE06AC. The Midea installs with less than ten steps and isn't too much more difficult than removing the unit from the box, installing the top bar, inserting the accordion-style curtains through the tabs, inserting the rails of the frame for both sides, and then placing it onto the window before securing the unit with some screw locks and brackets.
This 8K BTU Black+Decker BD08WT6 was a pretty straightforward, typical install for our lead tester.
Credit: Austin Palmer
A typical installation process takes between 20 and 30 minutes, and while the manufacturer may recommend help to lift the unit, we found it to be a task that many can achieve without assistance. Both GE units have nearly identical installation steps and were nearly as easy to install as the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT.
Outside of the top models, you can plan to carve out 30 minutes of your life to install most models we tested, and installation will probably go smoother if you recruit a friend to lift the unit out of the box and into place.
It took our experienced lead tester about 30 minutes to install the LG Smart LW1022FVSM, but he recommends you read the instructions carefully on this one before doing the install, primarily to make a decision around using or not using some adhesive foam insulation, which you may not want to use if you plan on storing your AC elsewhere part of each year.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The most tedious window air conditioners we installed were the two U-Shaped Midea models. While these models performed very well in terms of energy efficiency, cooling power, noise, and convenience, you'll likely need a second person to help you install them. The key component of their design that makes them more difficult to install than most window AC units is their U-shaped area for the window to fit into. While the fit isn't that difficult, the Midea requires a separate mounting bracket that you have to adjust to your window and install.
The U-Shaped Midea models require you to set up a mounting bracket.
Credit: Brian Walker
How to Choose a Window Air Conditioner
Finding the right window air conditioner for your needs is easier when you keep a few key factors in mind.
If you only need to cool a small space for a few short months each summer, you can likely get by with a basic, inexpensive option like the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT, which was also simple to install in our test window.
Credit: Brian Walker
Start with Room Size
Calculating the square footage of the room you want to cool is the most important step. If you have a large, open living area that's 450 square feet with open halls, a small air conditioner rated for 250 square feet is simply underpowered for the job. In some cases, it might pay off to go with a slightly larger air conditioner that you run less often or operate at lower modes, essentially letting you tap extra power on only the hottest days. Of course, you'll also need to measure your window opening to ensure that it is large enough to fit the AC you choose.
Most 8,000 BTU models are manufacturer rated to cool 350 square feet areas effectively. This Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech is extra quiet, plus it has a modern look that might go better with your decor than traditional window air conditioners.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Evaluate Energy Costs
Smaller air conditioners and more feature-rich modern air conditioners with inverters and variable-speed compressors tend to consume less electricity. Sometimes, you can spend a bit more for a more energy-efficient model that will pay off over time through reduced electricity usage. This calculation could be particularly important if you live in an area that has high electricity utility costs.
We timed and measured energy consumption so you don't have to. Just remember that your actual costs will vary due to the the price of electricity in your location, so our calculations are best used for comparison shopping vs budgeting when choosing a window air conditioner.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Consider Your Tolerance for Noise
While we'd much rather be comfortably cool than sweaty and hot, sometimes listening to a loud air conditioner gets really annoying after multiple hours. In addition, if your air conditioner is near your TV or any relaxation space, a loud fan or compressor can make it hard to hear all the things you care about. If your budget allows it and you prefer quiet spaces, choose a quieter air conditioner — and you'll likely appreciate it.
If you prefer a quieter air conditioner, our lab-tested noise measurements will help you narrow the field.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Convenience for Your Location
The convenience factor will depend very much on the location of your window. If it's in a place that is difficult to reach because furniture is in the way, definitely get a model with a remote control. The same advice goes for any AC in a bedroom window — you'll like the ability to kick it on or turn it off in the middle of the night from your bed. Sleep is important, and if you can get back to sleep faster, it could be a game changer for you. If your schedule isn't easily predictable week-to-week, WiFi-enabled air conditioners let you turn them on before you arrive home or turn them off when you realize you'll be staying out longer than expected.
In our experience, most WiFi apps were only slightly more convenient than most remote controls. The key convenience feature is the ability to start, stop, adjust or schedule your air conditioner when you're not home.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
We hope our extensive research, product selection, testing, and evaluations of the top window air conditioner units available today, as well as our process for identifying award-winning models, will help you find the perfect unit for your needs. If you are interested in a guide on how to select a unit, then please take a look at our Buying Advice article. Or perhaps you aren't sold on a window unit and are looking at other cooling options. In that case, you may be interested in our comprehensive review of the best portable air conditioner units on the market today.
