Best Window Air Conditioner

Below we review our choices for the top 10 best window air conditioners. At the bottom of this article we also have a spec comparison chart for all the models on our list so you can easily compare one window ac unit versus another.

If you would rather have a portable air conditioner then check out our list of the best portable air conditioners.

The main factors to consider when shopping for the best window air conditioner is the size or area of the room you are trying to cool down and the cooling capacity of the air conditioner which is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. See the table below to see how much cooling capability is needed for each size of room.

Area To Cool
(square feet)
Capacity Needed
(BTUs per hour)
100 up to 150 5,000
150 up to 250 6,000
250 up to 300 7,000
300 up to 350 8,000
350 up to 400 9,000
400 up to 450 10,000
450 up to 550 12,000
550 up to 700 14,000
700 up to 1,000 18,000
1,000 up to 1,200 21,000
1,200 up to 1,400 23,000
1,400 up to 1,500 24,000
1,500 up to 2,000 30,000
2,000 up to 2,500 34,000

Another important attribute to look for is Energy Efficiency Rating, or EER, which measures how energy efficient a unit is (the higher the number the better).

No window air conditioner operates silently, but there are differences in how loud some of them are. If you are installing one in your bedroom are other space where you need some peace and quiet then you should strongly consider finding the quietest model you can. Buyers should be aware that we found differences in the noise levels from manufacturer provided decibels, independent testing, and differences between tests done by different websites so it can be hard to judge them accurately.


9.4
#1)

LG LW1517IVSM

BTU: 14000 | Room Size: 800 sq ft | EER: 14.7

The $549 LG LW1517IVSM is our pick for the best window air conditioner. What sets it apart from the competition is the use of a dual inverter which means it is the most energy efficient window air conditioner on our list with a 14.7 EER. That could result in 25% energy savings compared to an average air conditioner.

With 14,000 BTU, the LW1517IVSM can cool areas up to 800 square feet while also removing up to 4.5 pints of moisture per hour to control humidity. Other features include 4 speeds, 4 way air deflection, 24 hour timer, remote control, included installation kit, and Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi connection lets you control this unit remotely thanks to SmartThinQ app technology and it is also works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

One other important aspect of the LG LW1517IVSM is how quiet it is. Again thanks to the dual inverter, on the quietest setting it operates at just 44 decibels which makes it the quietest window air conditioner on our list as well.

Overall the LG LW1517IVSM is the perfect choice for large living spaces or rooms. The only read downside is the initial cost and it might not be the best choice for bedrooms since they are usually much less than 800 square feet.


9.2
#2)

LG LW1217ERSM

BTU: 12000 | Room Size: 550 sq ft | EER: 12

The LG LW1217ERSM is a step below our first choice, but also comes with a cheaper price of around $403. It received the highest score from the leading consumer magazine for window air conditioners.

At 12,000 BTU the LW1217ERSM can cool rooms up to around 550 square feet while also removing 3.3 pints of moisture per hour. It also can be controlled remotely via the LG SmartThinQ app or with voice control from Alexa or Google Assistant. Other features include 3 speeds, 24 hour timer, and washable air filter.

On the highest setting the noise level is 55 decibels, which is the quietest for any model on our list at its highest setting. However, the minimum decibels is a bit higher than some other models.

Overall the LG LW1217ERSM rates as the best 12000 BTU window air conditioner and is an excellent choice for large rooms up to 550 square feet.


9.2
#3)

LG LW8017ERSM

The LG LW8017ERSM might just be the best window air conditioner for most people thanks to its great value in terms of price versus performance. Selling for around $305, it is significantly cheaper than our top two models, while the 8000 BTUs is more suited to large bedrooms. It also is pretty energy efficient at a 12 EER and relatively quiet with a range of 52-58 decibels.

The LW8017ERSM also has a Wi-Fi connection and works with the LG SmartThinQ app, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Other features include 3 cooling and fan speeds, 24 hour timer, remote control, auto-restart, and washable air filter.

Overall we think the LG LW8017ERSM is a great choice for master bedroom window air conditioner or for any space around 340 square feet.

It is also available at Amazon.


9.1
#4)

Frigidaire FFRS1022RE

BTU: 10000 | Room Size: 450 sq ft | EER: 10.8

If you need an air conditioner for slider or casement windows then you might want to consider the Frigidaire FFRS1022RE which sells for around $570. It is also one of the highest rated models at Home Depot.

It is designed to cool rooms up to 450 square feet while also removing 3 pints of water from the air per hour. It is a bit noisier than the LG models, and is probably not the best choice for a bedroom.

The FFRS1022RE is not smart and has no Wi-Fi connection, but it has all the basic controls you want including 3 different fan speeds, 24 hour timer, thermostat, sleep mode, and remote control. It also has a washable air filter.

Thanks to its vertical design we recommend the Frigidaire FFRS1022RE for slider or casement windows.


9
#5)

Whirlpool WHAW101BW

BTU: 10000 | Room Size: 450 sq ft | EER: 12.1

The $350 Whirlpool WHAW101BW provides one of the best values in a 10,000 BTU window-mounted air conditioner. It is the cheapest 10,000 BTU model on our list and is quite energy efficient with an EER of 12.1. The biggest drawback is that it is also the loudest unit on our list.

The WHAW101BW lets you control it with its electronic control panel and digital display. There are 3 cooling speeds, 24 hour timer, eco mode, sleep mode, auto-restart, 8 way directional air louvers, and a washable air filter.

Overall the Whirlpool WHAW101BW is a decent option for anyone who wants an affordable 10,000 BTU model and does not care about smart app features.


9
#6)

GE AEC08LY

BTU: 8000 | Room Size: 350 sq ft | EER: 11.5

The cheapest 8000 BTU window air conditioner on our list is the $289 GE AEC08LY. This unit can cool rooms up to 350 square feet with an EER of 11.4. It is a bit louder than some of the other models on this list, especially on the highest setting.

The AEC08LY has Wi-Fi so you can control it via your smart phone. It is also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit, and IFTTT. Other features include 3 cooling and fan speeds, 4-way air direction, energy saver mode, washable air filter, and remote control.

Overall the GE AEC08LY is not quite as good as the LG LW8017ERSM, but it is still a very solid air conditioner that we would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.


9
#7)

Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1

BTU: 8000 | Room Size: 350 sq ft | EER: 12.1

The $290 Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1 is another good choice for an 8000 BTU window ac unit. It does not have Wi-Fi like the GE AEC08LY or the LG LW8017ERSM, but it is slightly more efficient than both of them and most people think it is easier to install. As far as just cooling a room, the performance of all 3 is very close.

Some features of the FFRE083ZA1 include digital temp setting, 3 speed fan, 24 hour timer, sleep mode, eco mode, and remote control.

Overall we would not hesitate to recommend the Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1 for anyone who wants to cool a 350 square feet space and does not need to control it from their phone.


8.9
#8)

LG LW6017R

BTU: 6000 | Room Size: 260 sq ft | EER: 11.3

Priced at just $219 the LG LW6017R provides a great value for rooms up to 260 square feet. It is also on the quiet side so it makes a good choice for bedrooms.

This unit comes with an installation kit and remote control which makes it easy to use. Other features include 3 speeds, 2-way air deflection, 24 hour timer, washable air filter, and auto-restart.

Overall the LG LW6017R is an outstanding 6000 BTU window air conditioner that we recommend for any room around 250 square feet.


8.7
#9)

Frigidaire FFRA051WAE

BTU: 5000 | Room Size: 150 sq ft | EER: 11.1

The $173 Frigidaire FFRA051WAE is perhaps the best window air conditioner under $200 and we can see why it is also one of the best selling window air conditioners. It is cheap and quietly and quickly cools small bedrooms or other rooms up to 150 square feet.

Some features of the the FFRA051WAE include mechanical rotary controls, 2 fan speeds, 2-way directional control, washable air filter, and auto-restart.

At just 51.3 decibels in the lowest setting, we think the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE is the perfect choice for small bedrooms. However, it will not work well for larger spaces.


8.5
#10)

GE AEL05LX

BTU: 5000 | Room Size: 150 sq ft | EER: 11.2

The cheapest window air conditioner to make our list is the GE AEL05LX with a price of just $149. This 5000 BTU model will work in rooms up to 150 square feet. It is a bit noisy with the noise level ranging from 55-59 decibels.

Some features of the AEL05LX include 2 cooling and 2 fan speeds, mechanical thermostat, drain in back of unit, and included installation kit.

Overall we recommend GE AEL05LX if price is your biggest concern and you need the most affordable window air conditioner for a small room.

Last time we checked the GE AEL05LX was not in stock. So as an alternative you might also consider the Toshiba RAC-WK0512CMRU which has comparable specs and sells for the same price.


Best Window Air Conditioner Comparison Chart

Rank Window Air Conditioner Rating Best Price BTU/HR AC Coverage
Area (Sq Ft)
EER Min Noise
(Decibels)
Max Noise
(Decibels)
Min Window
Opening
Width (in)
Max Window
Opening
Width (in)
Min Window
Opening
Height (in)
Max Window
Opening
Height (in)
Remote
Control
Timer Smart
App
Weight
(lbs)
HxWxD
(Inches)
1 LG LW1517IVSM 9.4 $549.00 14000 800 14.7 44 58 27 39 16 22 Yes Yes Alexa, Google, SmartThinQ 91 14.96 x 23.62 x 24.8
2 LG LW1217ERSM 9.2 $402.90 12000 550 12 53 55 27 39 16 16 Yes Yes Alexa, Google, SmartThinQ 81 15 x 23.63 x 21.19
3 LG LW8017ERSM 9.2 $305.53 8000 340 12 52 58 22 36 13 36 Yes Yes Alexa, Google, SmartThinQ 58 12.38 x 19.56 x 19.39
4 Frigidaire FFRS1022RE 9.1 $569.99 10000 450 10.8 56 61 15.5 15.5 15.5 21.5 Yes Yes No 68 20.25 x 14.2 x 23.5
5 Whirlpool WHAW101BW 9.0 $349.99 10000 450 12.1 59 66 26 36 16 16 Yes Yes No 63.9 14.7 x 21.5 x 19.8
6 GE AEC08LY 9.0 $289.00 8000 350 11.5 55 63 22.5 38.125 13.5 13.5 Yes Yes Alexa, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, Google Assistant 51 12.75 x 18.59 x 15.72
7 Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1 9.0 $290.00 8000 350 12.1 55 59 22 36 13.125 13.125 Yes Yes No 60 12.75 x 18.59 x 15.72
8 LG LW6017R 8.9 $219.00 6000 260 11.3 52 57 22 36 13 36 Yes Yes No 40 11.14 x 17.32 x 14.37
9 Frigidaire FFRA051WAE 8.7 $172.94 5000 150 11.1 51.3 56.5 23 36 13 13 No No No 35.3 12 x 16 x 15.25
10 GE AEL05LX 8.5 $149.00 5000 150 11.2 55 59 23 38 12.5 12.5 No No No 43 11.88 x 16.06 x 16.22


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