The best window A/C units of 2024: Expert recommended (2024)

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Windmill Air Conditioner specs: Room size: Up to 350 square feet | BTU: 8,000 BTU | Voltage: 120 volts | Dimensions: 19.4 x 19.3 x 13.2 inches

Also one of the best best cheap air conditioners that you can buy, the Windmill's budget-friendly tag coupled with its smart home technology makes for high recommendations from users and HVAC experts.

With nearly a 20 liter capacity, it has 8000 BTU cooling power and a 6.2 Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER). There are three speeds to choose from, so you can always get the right temperature for your home. Simply control the unit via the auto-dimming LED display. It's quiet, too, so you don't have to worry about your window A/C unit competing with conversation. Installation is a breeze because the unit comes already assembled.

"The Windmill is a remarkable blend of quiet operation and powerful performance, but most importantly, it looks fantastic," says Josh Mitchell, the owner ofAir Conditioner Lab, who has extensive A/C window unit testing experience and has personally gone hands-on with the Windmill Air Conditioner. "The versatility of controlling it via the app, its remote, or directly on the A/C unit is another feature I absolutely adore," he says.

Friedrich Chill Premier Smart Window Air Conditioner specs: Room size: Up to 150 square feet | BTU: 6,000 BTUs | Voltage: 115 volts | Dimensions: 15.62 x 18.62 x 13.38 inches

The Friedrich Chill Premier Smart Wi-Fi Controlled Air Conditioner combines smart technology with energy efficiency to make for an efficient, but quiet operation. It is powered by the sound of your voice, offering integrated Wi-Fi for a seamless experience. Download the app to have even greater control.

It has a 6000-BTU cooling capacity with a 12 SEER rating, making it suitable for rooms up to 150 square feet in size. Enjoy eight-way airflow control with three individual speeds you can choose from so you can get the temperature just right. You can also choose from cooling or simply fan-only options.

"This model combines powerful cooling performance with smart functionality and is designed to deliver precise temperature control and enhanced energy efficiency," says Ryan Collier, an HVAC expert and Director ofHeat Pump Source.

Moreover, Collier adds that this unit's quiet operation ensures a comfortable environment without disturbing noise levels.

GE Window Air Conditioner specs: Room size: Up to 150 square feet | BTU: 5,100 BTU | Voltage: 115 volts | Dimensions: 15 x 16.44 x 12.56 inches

The GE Window Air Conditioner is the best affordable window A/C unit, offering efficient cooling for spaces up to 150 square feet. Additionally, it promises a simple form factor and straightforward use, just turning the knob to adjust up to ten different temperature settings.

It comes with a 2.6 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating and promises quiet performance at a 56 decibel output. You will have to install the unit, but an EZ Mount installation kit comes included, which based on Amazon reviews, is fairly intuitive and easy to set up.

"This unit performs precisely as described, offering a solid 5,000 BTU cooling capacity, ideal for small spaces," Mitchell told ZDNET. "I would particularly recommend it if you're looking to cool a small bedroom."

July Window Air Conditioner specs: Room size: Up to 350 square feet | BTU: 8,000 BTU | Voltage: 115 volts | Dimensions: 17.75 x 19.75 x 14.75 inches

Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant to adjust and control temperature combined with a remote control and a variety of panel designs to choose from, the July Window Air Conditioner is small but has endless possibilities for customization.

"The July Air Conditioner's 8,000 BTU model fared better than other models with comparable BTU ratings, and it was on par with a 15,000 BTU unit in our tests for cooling efficiency," says Joshua Bartlett, founder and owner of DIY site,I'll Just Fix It Myself.

"Its powerful cooling ability guarantees that the space will cool down rapidly and efficiently."

It's a capable unit that can cover more space, cooling up to 350 square feet with an 11 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating. Even more impressively, it is Wi-Fi-enabled. This means that you can use Alexa and Google Assistant to adjust the temperature and control the unit. A remote control also comes included. To better personalize your unit, choose from a variety of colors.

Windmill Air Conditioner specs: Room size: Up to 550 square feet | BTU: 12,000 BTU | Voltage: 115 volts | Dimensions: 19.17 x 21.97 x 13.46 inches

The Midea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is the best window A/C unit for smart technology. Both Alexa and Google Assistant are compatible with this unit, and a remote control also comes included.

It has 12,000 BTUs of cooling power, which can cool spaces up to 550 square feet. Given its larger form factor, the unit still manages to remain on the quieter side, reaching only up to 42 decibels. Additionally, Midea claims that you can save up to 35% in energy costs with its 15 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating.

Collier has also tested this window A/C unit extensively. "The innovative design allows for easier installation, better airflow, and reduced noise levels compared to traditional window units," he told ZDNET. "Additionally, the Midea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner boasts excellent energy efficiency and smart functionality, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice."