A bad air conditioner doesn't just leave you sweaty — it runs all night, drives up your electricity bill, and still can't keep the room at a comfortable temperature. We've all been there. The difference between a mediocre AC and a good one isn't just cooling power; it's how efficiently it gets there, how quietly it does it, and whether it actually fits your window or your life.
We researched over 25 window units, portable ACs, and smart models for this guide. We looked at BTU output versus real-world room coverage, measured noise levels, compared energy efficiency ratings, and dug into long-term reliability data. Whether you need the best air conditioner for bedroom use, a portable unit you can move between rooms, or a smart AC you can control from your phone, there's a pick here for you.
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#1 — LG LW8016ER
The LG LW8016ER is the window AC we'd recommend to most people without hesitation. At 8,000 BTU it covers up to 340 square feet — enough for a large bedroom, a studio apartment, or a home office — and it does it efficiently. LG's Energy Star certification isn't just a sticker; this unit draws noticeably less power than non-certified competitors at the same BTU rating, which adds up fast over a summer of daily use.
Three cooling speeds give you real control over comfort and noise. On low, it's quiet enough for sleeping — not silent, but the kind of steady white noise that most people find easy to tune out. The included remote means you don't have to get up at 2am to adjust the temperature, and the 24-hour timer lets you pre-cool the room before you get home. Installation is standard window-unit stuff: slide it in, extend the side panels, secure the sash, and you're done in about 20 minutes.
LG has been making window ACs for decades and the build quality shows. The chassis feels solid, the controls are intuitive, and the washable filter is easy to pull out and rinse. For a reliable, no-fuss window unit at a fair price, the LW8016ER is the benchmark everything else gets measured against.
Pros
- Energy Star certified — lower running costs
- 3 cooling speeds + 3 fan speeds
- Remote control included
- 24-hour on/off timer
- Covers up to 340 sq ft
- Washable, reusable filter
- Trusted LG reliability
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or app control
- Audible on high speed — not ideal for light sleepers
- Standard window installation required
Best for: Anyone who wants a reliable, efficient window AC for a bedroom or medium-sized room without paying a premium for smart features they don't need.
#2 — Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT
The Midea U-Shaped is genuinely clever. Its U-shaped design lets the window sash close down over the unit, which means your window stays mostly closed — no gap for bugs, drafts, or noise to sneak through. That alone makes it worth considering if you live somewhere with noisy streets or a bug problem. But the real headline is the noise level: 42 dB on low is among the quietest window ACs we've come across at any price. For context, that's roughly the sound level of a quiet library. If you're a light sleeper and a window unit is your only option, this is the one.
At 8,000 BTU it matches the LG on cooling power, and the inverter compressor means it modulates output rather than cycling on and off — more consistent temperatures, less energy waste, and less of that jarring compressor-kick noise. App control via the MSmartHome app works reliably, and it's compatible with Alexa and Google Home for voice control. The installation is a bit more involved than a standard window unit due to the U-bracket, but Midea includes clear instructions and most people manage it solo.
It costs $100 more than the LG, and that premium is entirely justified if quiet operation and smart control matter to you. If you just need something that cools a room and you sleep like a log, save the money and go with the LG.
Pros
- Ultra-quiet at 42 dB — one of the quietest window ACs available
- U-shape design lets window close fully — no gap for bugs or drafts
- Inverter compressor for consistent temps and lower energy use
- App control + Alexa/Google Home compatible
- 8,000 BTU covers up to 350 sq ft
- Energy Star certified
Cons
- More expensive than standard window units
- U-bracket installation slightly more complex
- Requires double-hung window
Best for: Light sleepers, apartment dwellers on noisy streets, and anyone who wants smart control and the quietest possible window AC experience.
#3 — BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT
Portable ACs get a bad reputation — and honestly, some of it is deserved. They're louder than window units, they're less efficient, and the exhaust hose is a nuisance. But they solve a real problem: if you rent, live in a building that prohibits window units, or need to cool different rooms on different days, a portable AC is your only practical option. The BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT is the best portable we tested for most people.
The 3-in-1 design handles air conditioning, fan-only mode, and dehumidification — useful in humid climates where the moisture is as uncomfortable as the heat. At 8,000 BTU it can handle rooms up to around 250 square feet effectively. The dual-hose setup is a meaningful upgrade over single-hose portables: it draws fresh air from outside for cooling the compressor rather than pulling from your already-cooled room, which makes it noticeably more efficient. Setup takes about 10 minutes — attach the hoses, fit the window kit, and you're running.
It's not silent. Portable ACs never are. But the noise is consistent and manageable, and the rolling casters make it easy to move between rooms. If you need flexibility and can't do a window install, this is the portable we'd pick.
Pros
- No permanent installation — rolls anywhere
- 3-in-1: AC, fan, and dehumidifier modes
- Dual-hose design for better efficiency
- 8,000 BTU covers up to ~250 sq ft
- Easy window kit setup (~10 minutes)
- Rolling casters for room-to-room mobility
Cons
- Louder than window units
- Less energy-efficient than window ACs at same BTU
- Exhaust hose limits placement flexibility
- Takes up floor space
Best for: Renters, people in buildings that prohibit window units, and anyone who needs to cool multiple rooms with a single unit they can move around.
#4 — Frigidaire FFRE053WAE
Not every room needs 8,000 BTU. If you're cooling a small bedroom, a home office, or a studio under 150 square feet, a 5,000 BTU unit is the right call — and oversizing your AC is actually a problem. A unit that's too powerful for the space will cool the air quickly but won't run long enough to remove humidity, leaving you with a cold, clammy room. The Frigidaire FFRE053WAE is sized right for small spaces and priced right for anyone on a budget.
Frigidaire has been making window ACs since the 1950s and the FFRE053WAE reflects that experience. The controls are simple mechanical dials — no touchscreen, no app, no setup. You turn the knob, it cools. Two cooling speeds, two fan speeds, and a mechanical thermostat that just works. The installation is as straightforward as window ACs get, and the unit is light enough to handle solo.
At $180 it's the most affordable pick on this list, and the Frigidaire name means you're not gambling on an unknown brand. It won't win any awards for features, but for a small room that just needs to be cool, it does exactly what it promises.
Pros
- Most affordable pick on this list
- Right-sized 5,000 BTU for rooms up to 150 sq ft
- Simple mechanical controls — nothing to set up
- Lightweight and easy solo installation
- Trusted Frigidaire brand reliability
- Low energy draw — cheap to run
Cons
- No remote control
- No timer or smart features
- Only suitable for small rooms (up to 150 sq ft)
Best for: Small bedrooms, home offices, dorm rooms, and budget-conscious buyers who want reliable cooling without any frills.
#5 — GE Profile PHC08LY
The GE Profile PHC08LY is what you buy when you want your AC to be part of your smart home, not just a box in the window. Built-in Wi-Fi connects directly to the GE SmartHQ app without any additional hub or adapter — you get full remote control, scheduling, and energy monitoring from your phone. Alexa and Google Home integration works reliably, so "Alexa, set the bedroom to 70 degrees" actually does what you'd expect.
At 8,000 BTU it covers the same ground as the LG and Midea, and the ENERGY STAR certification means it's doing it efficiently. The inverter compressor — like the Midea — modulates cooling output rather than cycling on and off, which keeps temperatures more consistent and reduces energy spikes. The GE SmartHQ app is one of the better appliance apps we've used: clean interface, reliable connectivity, and genuinely useful features like geofencing (it can start cooling as you head home).
At $450 it's the most expensive window unit on this list. You're paying for the smart ecosystem and GE's premium build quality. If you're already invested in Alexa or Google Home and want seamless integration, the premium is worth it. If you just want to cool a room, the LG does it for $170 less.
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi — no adapter needed
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- GE SmartHQ app with geofencing and energy monitoring
- Inverter compressor for consistent temps and efficiency
- ENERGY STAR certified
- 8,000 BTU covers up to 350 sq ft
Cons
- Most expensive window unit on this list
- Smart features wasted if you don't use a smart home ecosystem
- Requires double-hung window
Best for: Smart home enthusiasts, Alexa/Google Home users, and anyone who wants full remote control and scheduling from their phone.
Air Conditioner Buying Guide
BTU Sizing: Match the Unit to the Room
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the measure of how much heat an AC can remove per hour. Bigger isn't always better — an oversized unit cools too fast, doesn't run long enough to dehumidify, and leaves the room feeling cold and clammy. Here's a practical sizing guide:
- Up to 150 sq ft: 5,000 BTU (e.g., Frigidaire FFRE053WAE)
- 150–250 sq ft: 6,000 BTU
- 250–350 sq ft: 8,000 BTU (e.g., LG LW8016ER, Midea U-Shaped, GE Profile PHC08LY)
- 350–450 sq ft: 10,000 BTU
- 450–550 sq ft: 12,000 BTU
Adjust upward if the room gets heavy direct sun, has high ceilings, or is a kitchen. Adjust downward slightly if the room is heavily shaded. For portable ACs, the effective BTU is typically 10–15% lower than the rated BTU due to heat from the unit itself — factor that in when sizing.
Window AC vs Portable AC vs Mini-Split
Window ACs are the most efficient and cost-effective option for single-room cooling. They vent heat directly outside, take up no floor space, and are significantly quieter than portables at the same BTU. The downside: they require a compatible window (usually double-hung) and some buildings prohibit them.
Portable ACs require no permanent installation and can move between rooms, which makes them the only option for renters in strict buildings or rooms without suitable windows. The trade-off is real: they're louder, less efficient, and the exhaust hose limits where you can place them. Dual-hose models like the BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT are meaningfully more efficient than single-hose units.
Mini-splits are the premium option for whole-home or multi-room cooling. They're the most efficient, the quietest, and the most expensive — installation typically runs $1,500–$4,000 per zone including labor. If you're cooling more than two rooms or want a permanent solution, they're worth the investment. For single-room cooling, a good window unit beats them on value every time.
Energy Star Ratings
ENERGY STAR certified ACs meet efficiency standards set by the EPA — they use at least 10% less energy than the federal minimum. Over a summer of daily use, that difference adds up. The key metric to compare is EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio): BTU output divided by watts consumed. A higher EER means lower running costs. Most ENERGY STAR window units have an EER of 12 or higher. Non-certified budget units often sit at 9–10.
Noise Levels
AC noise is measured in decibels (dB). For bedroom use, you want the lowest speed to be under 50 dB — ideally under 45 dB. Here's a reference:
- 42 dB: Midea U-Shaped — quiet library level, barely noticeable
- 44–48 dB: Most quality window ACs on low (including LG LW8016ER)
- 52–58 dB: Typical portable AC — noticeable but livable
- 60+ dB: Budget window units on high — like a normal conversation
Inverter compressor models (Midea, GE Profile) are inherently quieter because they modulate speed rather than cycling on and off. That compressor kick when a standard AC restarts is often the most disruptive noise — inverter units eliminate it.
Smart Features Worth Having
Wi-Fi control and app scheduling are genuinely useful — being able to start cooling your bedroom 30 minutes before you go to sleep from your phone is a real quality-of-life improvement. Alexa and Google Home integration adds voice control. Geofencing (available on the GE Profile) can automatically start the AC as you head home. If you're already in a smart home ecosystem, these features integrate naturally. If you're not, they're nice-to-haves but not worth paying a large premium for.
Who Should Buy Which
Here's the short version based on what actually matters to you:
- Best overall / most people: LG LW8016ER — reliable, efficient, Energy Star certified, and $280. It cools a bedroom or medium room without fuss. This is the one we'd buy with our own money for everyday use.
- Light sleepers / noise-sensitive: Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT — 42 dB on low is genuinely impressive. The closed-window design is a bonus. Worth the extra $100 if quiet sleep matters to you.
- Renters / no window install: BLACK+DECKER BPACT08WT — the best portable we tested. Dual-hose efficiency, 3-in-1 modes, and it rolls wherever you need it.
- Small room / tight budget: Frigidaire FFRE053WAE — $180, 5,000 BTU, dead simple. If your room is under 150 sq ft and you don't need any extras, this is all you need.
- Smart home users: GE Profile PHC08LY — built-in Wi-Fi, Alexa/Google Home, geofencing, and ENERGY STAR. The premium is real but so is the integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many BTUs do I need for my room?
A general rule: 20 BTU per square foot of floor space. A 150 sq ft room needs about 5,000 BTU; a 350 sq ft room needs about 8,000 BTU. Adjust upward if the room gets heavy direct sunlight, has high ceilings, or is a kitchen. Don't oversize — a unit that's too powerful will cool the air quickly but won't run long enough to remove humidity, leaving the room feeling cold and damp.
Window AC vs portable AC — which is better?
Window ACs are better in almost every measurable way: more efficient, quieter, and they don't take up floor space. A portable AC at the same BTU rating will use more electricity and make more noise. That said, portable ACs solve a real problem — if you can't install a window unit (renting, wrong window type, building rules), a portable is your only option. Go window if you can; go portable if you must.
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?
An 8,000 BTU window AC typically draws around 700–900 watts. At the US average electricity rate of about $0.16/kWh, running it 8 hours a day costs roughly $0.90–$1.15 per day, or $27–$35 per month. An ENERGY STAR certified unit will sit at the lower end of that range. A portable AC at the same BTU rating typically costs 10–20% more to run due to lower efficiency. Mini-splits are the most efficient long-term but have high upfront installation costs.
Do air conditioners dehumidify?
Yes — all air conditioners remove moisture from the air as part of the cooling process. The evaporator coil gets cold, moisture in the air condenses on it, and drains away. This is one reason why oversizing your AC is a problem: a unit that's too big cools the room so fast it doesn't run long enough to pull meaningful humidity out. In very humid climates, you may still want a dedicated dehumidifier to supplement your AC.
Can I install a window AC myself?
Yes, for most standard double-hung windows. The process takes 15–30 minutes: slide the unit into the window opening, extend the accordion side panels to fill the gap, lower the sash onto the unit, and secure it with the provided hardware. Most window ACs weigh 40–60 lbs, so having a second person helps. The Midea U-Shaped requires a slightly different bracket installation but still doesn't need a professional. Casement or sliding windows require a special portable AC or a custom bracket — standard window units won't fit.
What is ENERGY STAR and does it matter?
ENERGY STAR is an EPA certification program. For air conditioners, it means the unit meets efficiency standards at least 10% above the federal minimum. In practical terms, an ENERGY STAR window AC will cost noticeably less to run over a summer than a non-certified unit at the same BTU rating. Over 3–5 years of use, the energy savings can easily offset a higher upfront price. All of our top picks except the BLACK+DECKER portable are ENERGY STAR certified — it's a meaningful spec to look for.