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We put 15 of the top window air conditioners to the test, installing them and recording ease of use and room-cooling power to help you choose the right model for your space
Credit: Brian Walker
By Austin Palmer ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ Updated December 2, 2025
Looking to beat the heat and cool down your home? The right window air conditioner can chill a bedroom at night, letting you sleep more soundly, while more powerful models can help cool living rooms and larger spaces, making hot summer afternoons more tolerable.
We selected the top 15 window air conditioners for side-by-side testing to see which models function as well as their manufacturers' claims. Using a lab-grade thermometer, we monitored cooling efficiency in our test room and assessed overall energy consumption. Additionally, our team evaluated noise levels, convenience features, and ease of installation to give well-rounded recommendations.
After hundreds of hours “chilling” with these window AC units, the Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT is one of our favorites. It is powerful enough to cool medium-to-large rooms and versatile enough to save energy, making it the best do-it-all air conditioner for most people. If you want a bedroom-ready option, the smaller LG LW6017R is the best simple budget air conditioner for most people. Larger spaces like garages need big power, and the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 has the raw BTUs to quickly add a pleasant chill to the air in big rooms.
Don't have a good window for mounting? We also tested portable air conditioners, and you can see how they compare to window-based options in our overall air conditioner review. If you need to move air around your home, our guide to the best fans will help you chill with a plan on the hottest of days.
Editor's Note: We updated our review on December 2, 2025, with four newly tested products from Midea, GE, Frigidaire, and Hisense, two of which won awards.
The Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT is the best window air conditioner for most people. With an 8K cooling output, it's not the largest or most powerful option, but it's plenty capable of cooling reasonably sized rooms in most homes (it's rated for up to 350 square feet). It chilled our hot test room by 10.9°F in one hour, which is a strong indicator that it will be able to meet Midea's 350 square feet rating. “This one doesn't have the raw power of a larger model, but it could hang with the best in my tests,” noted Austin Palmer, our lead tester. “I would feel good using it for its rated room sizes, and maybe even a bit larger in special cases. I think it could be effective in a living room or kitchen/dining area,” he added. As for noise, it's one of the quietest models we tested, letting us comfortably hold conversations while it ran with the fan on high. Better yet, if you live in an area that faces extreme daily temperature swings in the spring and fall, for example, shifting from cold mornings to hot afternoons, this model is also a heater. However, it's not meant for extreme winter use.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Average Degrees the Test Room Cooled Down
10.9 ºF
Manufacturer Recommended Cooling Area
350 sq ft
Measured Average Power Consumed in 1 Hour
0.67 kWh
Measured Weight
56.1 lb
Manufacturer Listed BTU Rating
8000 BTU
The Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT uses inverter technology to manage power consumption to the unit's compressor, potentially saving you money by running at lower speeds when you don't need full power. However, this feature only makes a real difference if you keep the unit on auto. It doesn't work if you manually blast it at full power all day long. In addition, we noticed some mildly annoying sounds coming from the fan at its low speeds. This wasn't a performance issue, just a bit annoying. If you expect your AC to run on low more often and you're sensitive to noise, consider the super quiet Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech as an alternative. Still, the smart Midea is one of the most versatile window air conditioners available today, and the Midea WiFi app is excellent. “I could set the fan speed from 1-100 percent, easily adjust modes at any time, set schedules, and even customize the sleep curve before it turns off at night,” Austin reported. “I could even share the controls with another person, so it's not limited to just one phone.”
With 8K BTUs of cooling power, as well as a built-in heater, the versatile Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT lets you fine-tune settings and schedules with its functional remote and awesome WiFi app.
Credit: GearLab Staff
Midea issued a recall on many of their U-Shaped units, some of which we previously reviewed. These units can allow water to pool without draining quickly enough, potentially leading to mold growth. Standard box-shaped models aren't affected in the same way, and Midea fixed the drainage for all U-shaped models sold at major retailers after June 18, 2025. Anyone who purchased one previously can reach out to Midea for a repair or replacement.
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, our lead tester said, “This LG window air conditioner costs a bit more, but I believe its performance and usability features make it worth it.” The LW6017R puts out 1,000 more BTUs than the 5,000 BTU Midea EasyCool. In practice, this extra power cooled our heated test room down 9% more in our one-hour cooling performance test. That's enough of a differential to get our testers' attention, and it makes this 250-square-foot rated LG better for use in rooms larger than the 150-square-foot maximum recommended cooling area of the Midea model. Alternatively, one tester points out, “I would use it for areas in the house that tend to accumulate more heat, like kitchens, for example.” Aside from its competitive performance, our testing team was impressed that this budget model offers similar convenience features typically found in more expensive models, such as a variety of fan settings and modes that include an “eco” option, 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, both upfront and in the long term.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Average Degrees the Test Room Cooled Down
9.4 ºF
Manufacturer Recommended Cooling Area
260 sq ft
Measured Average Power Consumed in 1 Hour
0.42 kWh
Measured Weight
40.5 lb
Manufacturer Listed BTU Rating
6000 BTU
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 models we tested, and the unit does not offer WiFi compatibility or a smart app. For that, you may want to check out the LG Smart LW1022FVSM. Still, our team states, “If you're not bothered by the lack of smart features, we feel that the balance of performance and features is 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°F.
The Hisense WC05R25A is the best small room air conditioner for anyone on a tight budget who doesn' want to use a throwback analog Ac unit. While most sub-$200 window air conditioners use knobs and manual controls that lack finesse and functionality, the digital interface of the Hisense makes it easy to see and set temperature controls. Plus, the included remote lets you set timers, which is handy if you want to turn your machine off automatically when you leave for work or while you're sleeping in the middle of the night. “Installation was super easy,” noted Austin. “I particularly like the slide-in side panels that don't require any screws.” At 5,000 BTUs, you're not going to create a winter wonderland in your home, but this model was able to cool our test room by 8.0°F in just one hour, which is very competitive compared to other 5K models we've tested.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Average Degrees the Test Room Cooled Down
8 ºF
Manufacturer Recommended Cooling Area
150 sq ft
Measured Average Power Consumed in 1 Hour
0.45 kWh
Measured Weight
35.6 lb
Manufacturer Listed BTU Rating
5000 BTU
The biggest drawback to this budget model is that the Hisense WC05R25A is a bit loud compared to larger, more feature-rich models. You can also sometimes run larger models on lower, quieter settings that cool as much as a smaller budget model on high. That said, the 58.8 dBa noise level we recorded isn't significantly louder than many models. “While this unit is a bit loud, I don't mind the noise at this affordable price point — it sounds like a typical air conditioner,” Austin says. “I could have an in-person conversation with a slightly raised voice, but you're not going to want to sit near this one while having a video conference call with work colleagues.” To achieve a truly quiet experience, the price will jump significantly, such as with the Midea MAW08HV1CWT. Still, if you're OK with a window air conditioner making typical noise, the digital functionality makes this little option a winner.
The Hisense WC05R25A cools as well as most 5K models, but we like the modern style and digital interface far more than competitive options that have old-school knobs.
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°F, 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Average Degrees the Test Room Cooled Down
14.0 ºF
Manufacturer Recommended Cooling Area
550 sq ft
Measured Average Power Consumed in 1 Hour
0.8 kWh
Measured Weight
69 lb
Manufacturer Listed BTU Rating
12000 BTU
Unfortunately, the FHWC124WB1's exceptional cooling capabilities are accompanied by significant noise and high energy consumption. And, 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 alone again.” 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 is the most important performance consideration.
We recommend the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 to those who spend lots of time in a hot garage.
Credit: Brian Walker
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How We Tested
Since we started testing AC units in 2018, our test team at GearLab has tested dozens of portable and window ACs, and we've been testing household appliances, like the best humidifiers and 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. Our full How We Test article details more info.
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 translated into readable results 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.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Many window units can be quite expensive to purchase and operate, even if you're only using them for a few hot months of the year. One exception includes the LG LW6017R, which offers good levels of performance when compared to the most premium models. It 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 days is $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
The unit is on the noisier end of the spectrum, but LG LW6017R offers quite a few features. It is a compelling model that offers great value for its levels of performance and is a great option for those on tight budgets in need of a window-based AC. If you're looking for a great value, versatile, full-featured unit, the quiet Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT will give you a feature-rich experience if you don't need a ton of raw cooling power. It is a bit more expensive, but it is rated to cool larger spaces, and we think it is a great choice for anyone who needs something more powerful than a 5k unit.
The Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT cools slightly better than other units of it's size and power level
Cooling
Nearly all window air conditioner units have manufacturer-recommended cooling area sizes, labeled as a square footage estimate of how large a room an AC unit can effectively cool. It's a great starting point for figuring 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 one hour. Our 140-square-foot lab room closely mimics a small 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.
The BTU ratings for the units tested ranged from 5,000 to 12,000. Normally, BTU is directly correlated to cooling ability. 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°F in one hour compared to the Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech, which reduced our test room temp by 8.6°F.
We installed each air conditioner in the same test window.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Two new 5K BTU units cooled remarkably well for their size, too: Both the Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 and Hisense WC05R25A dropped the temperature in our test room by 8.0°F in one hour, proving that they're more than capable of cooling bedrooms or small office spaces.
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 largest 12,000 BTU options outperformed the smaller models by a significant margin. However, even our most effective 12K unit, the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1, wasn't able to cool the room down twice as much as our least effective 6K unit, the GE AHEE06AC (14.0°F vs 9.0°F). The Frigidaire is rated to cool rooms up to 550 square feet, while the GE is rated at 250 square feet. All this goes to show that you get diminishing returns on your BTUs, but the cost definitely goes up. Consider this when deciding on the right model.
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 many degrees each unit is able to drop the ambient temperature.
Credit: Austin Palmer
We were particularly impressed by the 8,000 BTU Frigidaire FHWC084WB1, which outperformed the 10,000 BTU LG Smart LW1022FVSM. One 8,000 BTU “quiet” model underperformed in our 1-hour cooling test: The Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech came in with low cooling scores. With these two AC units, we believe you will be trading a bit of cooling speed for a quieter experience and longer run times to maintain your desired temperature.
When cooling power matters above all else, you can't beat the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1.
Credit: Brian Walker
The average cooling power was based on a range of units from 5K to 12K BTU, and the average temperature of our test room dropped in one hour was 9.93°F. A couple of 6K BTU-rated units stood out for their very respectable performance — the GE AHEE06AC and LG LW6017R.
5k BTU models like the Hisense WC05R25A naturally use less energy than more powerful units, and may be a good choice if you have a smaller space to cool.
Energy Consumption
Our test team measured the energy usage of each model in our evaluation of energy consumption, which can significantly contribute to your overall cost. The manufacturer's reported BTU rating provides a general indication of energy consumption. Higher BTU output requires greater levels of energy, meaning they'll be more powerful but cost more to run.
When our team used a watt meter to measure the 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 its highest power and fan speed settings for one hour and collected the usage data. Our energy consumption data identified both energy-efficient models and some energy hogs.
As expected, the 12,000 BTU Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 used the most energy, gobbling up 0.80 kWh. In the case of air conditioners, bigger units usually pull more electricity, but sometimes we reveal surprising differences among models of the same size rating.
For instance, despite both 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 Frigidaire FHWC084WB1 only consumed 0.59 kWh. Meanwhile, the louder and less feature-rich Frigidaire reduced the temperature in our test room by 11.0°F compared to the Windmill's 8.6°F. With a $140 purchase price difference, the FHWC084WB1 is by far a more cost-effective buy if your priority is simply to make the air cooler.
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 in many homes.
Reading the energy consumption of units with a watt meter was our standard test procedure for every model.
Credit: Brian Walker
Unsurprisingly, the smallest BTU-rated air conditioners are the least costly to run, with our three 5K options costing an estimated $72.92 for 3 months of predicted heavy summertime usage.
Our Energy Consumption chart takes into account both our test performance and the differences in how inverter and non-inverter AC systems operate. Generally, an AC unit with an inverter features a variable-speed compressor, which reduces energy consumption as it transitions 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 simply cycling the compressor motor on and off. They generally consume less energy than similarly rated BTU models when run for hours on end.
Three 5K BTU units, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE, 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.
The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 consumed just 0.47 kWh of energy while running on its highest setting.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Noise
Adding a window air unit is supposed to make a space feel more pleasant, but a noisy fan or a compressor motor cycling on and off can seriously kill a vibe. Our noise metric measures and evaluates the loudness of each model, identifying the quietest models. We also point out some really loud models that may not be the best choice, even if their respective cooling performance is great.
The quietest air conditioners sometimes trade a bit of raw cooling power in favor of a more pleasant experience. For instance, the Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech, which is one of the quietest models we've ever tested, did not cool our test room as quickly as the much louder Frigidaire FHWC084WB1. However, the Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT was just as quiet as the Windmill but maintained quick cooling capabilities.
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 disruptive types of sound, like a fan blade or compressor, that were more annoying than others. For reference, we can usually speak at normal levels and comfortably enjoy music from a laptop with background noise around 58 dBa 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: Austin Palmer
Because some people experience the sound of a fan or the sound of a compressor a bit differently, our scores take into account the impressions of different members of our testing crew, letting us nudge this score slightly in the direction of how each AC subjectively sounds compared to the others in our test room. 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 Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech and Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT are both 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, these two models are outstanding. We also appreciated the LG Smart LW1022FVSM, which is rated for 150 more square feet than the 8K BTU Midea. While the noise 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 distinguish the lyrics.
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 several key features and functions, from air direction adjustments to smart apps. We also weigh in on whether 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, such as the Windmill AC 8K BTU with Whisper Tech and LG Smart LW1022FVSM, took us 40-45 minutes to set up with WiFi and an app.
A mobile app can make controlling your air conditioner a breeze.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Our testing identified two exceptional models: the Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT and LG Smart LW1022FVSM really outshine the rest of the ACs in the test lineup, offering powerful features, easy mode changes, and smart capabilities that allow them to be controlled remotely.
The simple remote with large buttons for the GE AWCS05BWA is easy to use, making it a particularly user-friendly choice for aging adults.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
While apps can offer convenience, other factors are also important. Four other models that do not 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 stop curious children from changing 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 Midea's WiFi app lets you turn off the annoying beeps when changing modes. If you're looking for an air conditioner that quiets more than just fan noise, this is the unit for you.
While we usually associate many feature options with convenience, that's not always the case. If you don't use all the extra features, they can be more of a pain than help. If you're looking for super simple AC functions that just do the job of blowing cool air, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE, GE AWCS05BWA, and the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT are the simplest models we tested. They may be great for those who don't want to deal with techy controls when seeking relief from the heat.
Sometimes all you really need are easy-to-use and understand knobs to control a basic air conditioner, though the knob settings shown here don't tell you what temperature you're trying to achieve.
Credit: Brian Walker
Installation
While it is unlikely you'll install a window unit more than once a year when taking it out of storage in preparation for summer 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
A few units are too heavy or cumbersome for a single person to install alone; however, for the most part, our lead tester was able to install the units on his own. However, for most of them, the process will be much easier if you can enlist a friend to help.
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, and the GE AHEE06AC. The Midea installs with fewer 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. 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. Installation will probably go smoother if you recruit a friend to help 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 part of installing most window air conditioners is ensuring that all gaps are sealed. As much as we appreciate the Midea Smart MAW08HV1CWT, it has some noticeable gaps near the side curtains. The Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 might not sit right in all windows because it has a pop-out section of metal on the bottom, which will require shims or additional foam for sealing.
The Hisense WC05R25A weighed in at a super light 35.6 pounds. Plus, the side panels were easy to slide in and install, too.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Choose a Window Air Conditioner
Finding the right window air conditioner depends on factors like your climate, home size, and what a comfortable temperature is to you. Selecting the right one for your needs is easier when you keep a few key factors in mind.
Calculating the square footage of the room you want to cool is the first 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 will simply not provide enough power for the job. In this case, it would be beneficial to opt for a slightly larger air conditioner that you run less often or operate at lower modes, essentially allowing you to tap into extra power only on 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. If you only need to cool your bedroom or office, then a smaller AC will work just fine.
Smaller air conditioners and more feature-rich modern air conditioners with timers, inverters and variable-speed compressors tend to consume less electricity. If your schedule isn't easily predictable from 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. Sometimes, you can spend a bit more for a more energy-efficient model that will pay off economically and ecologically over time through reduced electricity usage. This calculation could be particularly important if you live in an area that has high electricity utility costs.
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. Ideally, this isn't a tradeoff you have to make, but with higher-powered units (or budget models), you can expect to have a louder motor and fan noise. If your budget allows it and you prefer quiet spaces, choose a quieter air conditioner — and you'll likely appreciate it.
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 appreciate the ability to kick it on or 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.
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.
