Best air conditioners
Summer is around the corner, and for many, that means trying to stay cool during long days of high temperatures. While some buildings are already equipped with central air conditioning, there are many apartments or homes that rely on either a portable or window AC unit.
With typical use, new units should have a lifespan of about 10 years, but excessive use could lower that timeline in regions with extreme temperatures. If your home is overheating, it might be time to replace your old air conditioner unit or add more AC options to your home.
How to choose an air conditioner
Before making a purchase, there are several factors to consider, such as cost, energy efficiency, BTU output, and special features. It’s also important to find the right type of unit for your home, whether it’s a studio, single-family apartment, or a house.
For smaller spaces, window units and portable ACs are both popular options, while larger spaces and older buildings call for the wall-mounted or through-the-wall variety. Many AC units come with special features like a dehumidifier function, which may be the best fit for special situations.
One of the most important factors is finding a unit that adequately cools any given space without overheating or shutting down, which could require expensive repairs or complete unit replacement. Most heavy-duty ACs need higher-than-standard power (230-volt), which means upgraded electrical outlets and professional installation.
No matter what, there’s an option for every scenario and budget. Here’s a look at some of the best choices for your air conditioner needs.
Best window air conditioners
Best of the best window air conditioner
Midea U Inverter 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner: available at Amazon
Our take: Advanced inverter technology gives this unit a 2020 Energy Star Certified Most Efficient rating, providing more than 35% energy savings while keeping the room cool.
What we like: U-shape design provides ultra-quiet operation and flexible window opening for easy access to fresh air. Google and Alexa-compatible.
What we dislike: Some installation issues reported. Minor features only accessible via app.
Best bang for your buck window air conditioner
LG 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner: available at Wayfair and Home Depot
Our take: LG is a reliable brand, and although this model comes without the bells and whistles, it’s a good choice for a small room or budget.
What we like: Quite affordable. Comes from a trusted brand. Ideal for minimalists.
What we dislike: Noisy. Low energy efficiency rating.
Honorable mention window air conditioner
Frigidaire 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner: available at Wayfair
Our take: Affordable and fairly energy-efficient, this model is a good middle ground.
What we like: Small and lightweight. Good in exceptionally hot climates.
What we dislike: Installation kit is lacking. Reports of excessive noise.
Best portable air conditioners
Best of the best portable air conditioner
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner: available at Amazon
Our take: For a bit more than standard portable ACs, this award-winning model is eco-friendly and energy-efficient, suitable for a 500 square foot room.
What we like: Dual hose system cools rooms faster. Activated carbon filter, CFC-free coolant.
What we dislike: Reports of remote failure. No smart features.
Best bang for your buck portable air conditioner
COSTWAY 8,000 BTU Portable 3-in-1 Air Conditioner: available at Amazon
Our take: With cool, fan and dehumidifier modes, this all-around best bet keeps small and medium rooms cool.
What we like: Sleep function with quieter output. Wide coverage.
What we dislike: Low energy efficiency rating. Loud during normal operation.
Honorable mention portable air conditioner
BLACK+DECKER 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: available at Amazon
Our take: Quiet, powerful and easy to store, plus a good energy efficiency rating.
What we like: Solid dehumidifying function. Environmentally-safe coolant.
What we dislike: Reports of exhaust heat leaks.
Best wall air conditioner
Best of the best wall air conditioner
LG 11,500 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner: available at Wayfair
Our take: For a more long-term solution, this wall-through unit features a patented external gold fin anti-corrosion coating, protecting the condenser coils from the elements.
What we like: High energy efficiency rating, three preprogrammed modes and cooling speeds.
What we dislike: Reports of excessive noise. Potential leaking issues.
Best bang for your buck wall air conditioner
Keystone 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner: available at Amazon
Our take: Small enough to save money yet powerful enough to cool most medium-size rooms, this is a fine replacement for older electricity-hogging models.
What we like: Front-access filter, energy-saver mode. Only requires standard 110-volt electricity outlet.
What we dislike: Noisy. Some reports of fan failure or LED errors.
Honorable mention wall air conditioner
Koldfront 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner with Heat: available at Amazon
Our take: The added feature of heating makes this a solid wall unit for small and medium spaces.
What we like: Eco-friendly refrigerant. Three fan speeds and four operation modes. No wall sleeve required.
What we dislike: Filter is difficult to clean. Heat function is adequate at best.
Best air conditioner for large rooms
Best of the best air conditioner for large rooms
LG 24,500 BTU Energy Star Window Air Conditioner: available at Home Depot
Our take: A highly powerful window unit, this AC covers up to 1,500 square feet while maintaining a high energy efficiency rating.
What we like: User-friendly digital control panel and remote. Sleek and stylish design.
What we dislike: Requires a 230-volt electrical outlet.
Best bang for your buck air conditioner for large rooms
Amazon Basics 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner: available at Amazon
Our take: If your budget is smaller than your room, this Amazon AC covers 550 square feet.
What we like: Powerful for a basic unit. Three cooling settings and fan speeds.
What we dislike: Reported problems with exhaust hose.
Best air conditioner on a budget
Best of the best air conditioner on a budget
GE 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner: available at Amazon
Our take: Highly energy efficient for a simple and reliable unit and suitable for small to medium rooms.
What we like: Clean filter indicator. Energy-saver mode.
What we dislike: Loud. May not hold up to extreme temperatures.
Best bang for your buck air conditioner on a budget
Midea 5,000 Window Air Conditioner: available at Home Depot
Our take: Small, affordable and effective, this bare-bones unit also has a high energy efficiency rating.
What we like: Seven temperature settings for simplicity. Easy installation.
What we dislike: No dehumidifier function. Only suitable for small spaces.
Honorable mention air conditioner on a budget
Leisurelife Portable Air Cooler: available at Amazon
Our take: While this unit is small and inexpensive, it’s a solid budget option for small bedrooms or office spaces.
What we like: Cold air humidification. Modern and sleek design.
What we dislike: Not suitable for extreme temperatures.
Matt Fleming is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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