5 Top-Tested Window Air Conditioners That Delivered the Fastest Cooling
Keep your cool with these powerful, easy-to-install units.
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Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab tested dozens of window ACs to find the ones that will keep you comfy through every heat wave. The best of the bunch, LG's 8,000-BTU Window Air Conditioner, cools down spaces quickly and accurately without driving up electric bills. And based on the brand's stellar reliability, this AC should still be going strong many summers from now.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: LG 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
- Best value: Frigidaire FFRA0511R1 Window-Mounted Air Conditioner
- Easiest to install: TCL 8K Window Air Conditioner
- Best looking: Windmill Air Conditioner
A handful of other ACs made our winners list for different reasons, like how easy they were to install (both in our Lab and in the homes of consumer testers) or for their ability to cool extra-large rooms. Find the AC that's right for you, and let the cooling begin!
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Pros
- Cools most rooms quickly and quietly (at lower fan speeds)
- Holds the temperature right where you want it
- Automatically turns back on after power outages
Cons
- Fan gets noisy on the highest speed
WHY WE LOVE IT: LG's 8,000 BTU window AC is the perfect size for most spaces, whether you're looking to cool a large family room or even a small studio apartment. Based on years of AC testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute, LG is also a highly reliable brand, so as long as you take good care of the AC, our experts say it should hold up well for a decade or more, without any pricey repairs.
PERFORMANCE: In our Lab, as well as in the homes of consumer testers, the AC cooled spaces quickly and accurately. That means if you like it chilly at 68° F during the day but prefer 72° F while you sleep, the AC will maintain those precise temperatures. It's relatively quiet at lower fan speeds, though the highest setting might start to compete with the TV or quiet conversations within earshot. Our experts also like the auto-restart feature, which turns the AC back on after a temporary power outage, so your home won't turn into a hot box if you're away during a blackout or brownout.
EASE OF USE: This AC comes with everything you need for installation, including side panels and foam insulation. The included remote control is nice for controlling the temperature and fan speed from the living room couch or your bed. The directional airflow vents let you change the airflow horizontally or vertically.
TESTER NOTES: "Very easy to maintain, thanks to the removable filter that you can wash at the sink with soap and water," said Alec Scherma, senior test engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute. The check filter signal on the LCD display is a helpful reminder, since a dirty filter will make the unit run less efficiently.
Features at a Glance
| Recommended cooling area | 350 sq ft |
| Cooling rating | 8,000 BTU |
| Window opening minimum width | 22 inches |
| Weight | 57 lbs |
| Noise level | 53 dB |
Pros
- Does a solid job cooling down bedrooms, home offices, and other smaller rooms
- Lightweight design and adjustable side panels make for easy installation
- The lowest-priced AC in recent tests
Cons
- Doesn't maintain precise temperatures
- Can't handle large spaces
WHY WE LOVE It: It’s tough to find a capable window AC for less than $200. This Frigidaire checks that box, making it a great choice if you need to buy multiple ACs for your home. Its design is definitely no-frills (see the manual controls, for example, instead of an LCD display), and its cooling power is less than that of the top-rated LG, but for smaller spaces this Frigidaire is a solid pick.
PERFORMANCE: While this 5,000 BTU unit isn't super powerful, it's suitable for a room around 150 square feet, like a bedroom or home office. With only high and low fan speeds, it’s harder to regulate air flow from the Frigidaire, though adjustable vents allowed testers to direct cool air in multiple directions.
EASE OF USE: The Frigidaire doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles—no Wi-Fi capability, for example, or even a remote control. Instead, its controls are completely manual. Because it's operated by hand, the AC defaults to the same settings each time it's turned off, and there's no timer to automatically shut it off after a set period of time.
TESTER NOTES: "The control dials don't tell you the exact temperature of the room," confirmed one tester. “Instead, they let you choose from a 1-to-7 temperature setting, which isn’t as helpful as digital displays where you can set a precise temperature."
| Recommended cooling area | 150 sq ft |
| Cooling rating | 5,000 BTUs |
| Window opening minimum width | 23 inches |
| Weight | 41 lbs |
| Noise level | 52 dB |
Pros
- Preassembled frame makes for simple installation
- Wi-Fi connectivity means you can control it from your phone
- Easy-to-clean filter
Cons
- LCD display is on the bright side (though it can be manually dimmed)
WHY WE LOVE IT: Between its lightweight design and preassembled frame, this 8,000 BTU window AC from TCL stood out in our tests for its easy installation. The mid-priced unit also delivers strong cooling performance, making it an excellent choice for medium- to large-sized areas of the home.
PERFORMANCE: Its use of inverter technology means the TCL delivers precise temperature control, and its Energy Star label makes it one of the more efficient models on the market (for good measure, the sleep and eco models cut down on energy consumption when it's not needed).
EASE OF USE: Maintenance is made easy by the washable air filter, and the Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote operation via the smartphone app. (That same intelligent design helped land TCL's Smart Series Portable Air Conditioner on our winner's list for portable air conditioners.)
The only complaint from one of our testers was that the LCD display is quite bright, though she was happy to discover that it can be dimmed. So, like many innovative products that pass through the Institute for testing, the TCL takes some getting used to, but all the features are there for a convenient, user-friendly experience.
TESTER NOTES: "Super quick and easy to install," confirmed one tester, adding that the AC is "extremely quiet compared with any other window air conditioner I’ve ever had."
| Recommended cooling area | 350 sq ft |
| Cooling rating: | 8,000 BTU |
| Window opening minimum width | 26 inches |
| Weight | 57.3 lbs |
| Noise level | 40 dB |
Pros
- Much sleeker design than most ACs
- Quiet motor is good for bedrooms
- Uses less energy to keep electricity costs down
Cons
- Not suited to larger spaces
WHY WE LOVE IT: Most window ACs have the same ho-hum industrial look. Windmill is shaking things up. Its AC has been dubbed the “iPhone of air conditioners,” thanks to its sleek front panel and discreet control panel that minimizes any flashing lights or other visual noise.
PERFORMANCE: More than just a pretty face, the Windmill also cooled our test rooms quickly, quietly, and efficiently. It earned near-perfect marks for cooling performance with our trio of expert testers, who evaluated the AC over the course of an entire summer. The 6,000-BTU maxes out at around 350 square feet of living space; higher-BTU units are available if you're looking to cool a bigger area.
Our engineers credit the Windmill’s excellent performance and efficiency to its inverter technology, which moderates the AC's power draw to cool air, unlike a compressor-powered air conditioner that runs at full power the entire time.
EASE OF USE: The Windmill was very easy to install, thanks to the built-in frame that makes it a cinch to attach the unit securely to your window. Another smart feature of this window AC is its Wi-Fi connectivity, which lets you control it via the smartphone app or by voice with your Alexa or Google Assistant smart speaker.
TESTER NOTES: “I am seriously obsessed with this AC!” said one tester. “It has made such a difference this summer as my room is truly a cool oasis.” Another called the Windmill "the perfect AC for our small living room. It’s so much quieter than our old model, which means we don’t have to blare the volume to watch TV or yell at each other when we have something to say."
Features at a Glance
| Recommended cooling area | 350 sq ft |
| Cooling rating | 8,000 BTU |
| Window opening minimum width | 18 inches |
| Weight | 55.6 lbs |
| Noise level | 42 dB |
Pros
- Maasive cooling power
- Easy-to-control airflow direction
- Can be controlled remotely through the app
Cons
- Very heavy and bulky
- Doesn't fit some windows
WHY WE LOVE IT: If you have a lot of house to cool, this 12,000-BTU unit from Friedrich is up to the task. Our tests found that it can easily handle up to 500 square feet, which is about the size of a great room in a typical open-plan home. No other AC in our tests came close to that kind of cooling power.
PERFORMANCE: With its 12,000 BTUs, the Friedrich cooled more quickly than all other ACs. We also tested the 10,000 Kuhl and were impressed by its ability to quickly cool rooms measuring up to 450 square feet. All that cooling power made this Friedrich one of the noisier units we tested, so it’s not a great fit for bedrooms or TV rooms.
EASE OF USE: Make no mistake, this is a massive unit, weighing a hefty 116 pounds, so you will definitely need a hand with the installation. At 26 inches wide, it’s also too big for some window frames. We like that the AC has four fan speeds to choose from, as well as the ability to direct airflow to the right or left and up or down. It's also Wi-Fi connected, so you can control it via the smartphone app and turn the unit on shortly before you return home. That way, it will be nice and cool when you arrive.
TESTER NOTES: “It was able to cool our entire main floor in under 10 minutes,” one consumer tester said. “Since it is so powerful, it’s nice to be able to point the cool air in the other direction when we’re seated nearby,” added another tester.
| Recommended cooling area | 550 sq ft |
| Cooling rating | 12,000 BTUs |
| Window opening minimum width | 27 3/8 inches |
| Weight | 116 lbs |
| Noise level | Not listed |
How we test window AC units
Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab selected popular window ACs sold at major retailers and online and evaluated them for cooling power, noise, energy efficiency, and ease of use.
Hands-on testing focused on the following factors:
✔️ Cooling power: Our experts measured how quickly each unit lowered room temperatures and also how consistently they maintained target temperatures.
✔️ Energy efficiency: To assess how much power each AC consumes, we review each unit's Energy Guide label, which includes an estimated yearly energy cost. For good measure, we also use a Kill-a-Watt electricity usage monitor to see how much energy the units draw at different power levels.
✔️ Ease of use: We evaluated how easy each AC was to install, fit into different window types and maintain, including filter removal and cleaning. We also considered convenience features like Wi-Fi connectivity and remote controls.
✔️ Noise: Engineers in the Lab used a sound meter to measure noise levels at multiple fan speeds and power settings to identify models that run quietly during everyday use.
What to look for when shopping for the best window AC unit
While you're shopping for the best window AC, keep these points top of mind:
✔️ Room size and BTUs: It’s important to purchase the right-sized room AC for your space. Getting a unit that’s too powerful can lead to excessive electricity bills. Meanwhile, an undersized unit will be inefficient. Most models list their cooling capacity on the box or website. It’s measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), which correspond to the square footage of a room. Window air conditioners for residential use generally range from 5,000 to 15,000 BTUs. In general, the larger the room, the more BTUs you will need. A quick guide:
- 5,000 to 7,000 BTUs can cool 100 to 200 square feet
- 7,000 to 9,000 BTUs are suited to 200 to 400 square feet
- 9,000 to 15,000 BTUs can cover 400 to 600 square feet or more
Keep in mind that factors beyond square footage might force you to size up a bit, such as high ceilings, location (you'll want a bigger unit in the kitchen where it can get warmer), and how sunny the room gets.
✔️ Noise: Our tests found a wide range in volume of operation, from whisper quiet to so noisy it could be difficult to fall asleep. If the unit will be installed in a bedroom, look for a quiet model, such as the recommended Windmill, which operates at 42 decibels. Some window ACs also have quiet settings that get as low as 40 decibels.
✔️ Features: Our experts like to see the following: a “check filter” indicator, which visually reminds you to clean or change the filter; directional vents to help move the unit's air flow from side to side for more efficient room cooling; remotes, great for adjusting the temp without having to move; and smart controls, which allow you to operate the unit from your phone.
✔️ Window size: It's important to measure the height and width of the window opening to ensure that the unit can be properly mounted inside it. Measure twice, buy once.
Are window air conditioners better than portable ACs?
Window air conditioner units are the better choice for most situations, assuming you can install one in your window. Window ACs won't take up floor space or require you to vent a long hose from the device to the outside. They also tend to be quieter and cost less money for comparable capacity.
One of the biggest differences is in the name: While they both need windows, window ACs tend to stay in one location, while portable ACs are mobile and can be wheeled from room to room. However, some window sizes and shapes don't allow for window ACs, and in those cases, a portable AC is best.
Are window AC units energy efficient?
Compared to portable ACs, definitely, but some are more efficient than others. Here's what to look for to ensure energy savings:
✔️ Check its energy efficiency rating (EER), which is derived by dividing BTUs by power consumption in watt-hours. The higher the efficiency rating, the lower your home electricity bills will be. Usually, you can find this rating on the packaging or on the device's official website.
✔️ Check EnergyStar.gov, which is run by the EPA and DOE, to help promote energy efficiency using standardized methods. Input the model number of the AC you’re considering for information on its energy use.
✔️ Look for an energy-saver switch. This setting ensures that the fans don’t operate continuously. Likewise, some units have sleep modes that raise the room temperature at night to improve efficiency.
✔️ Get an AC with inverter tech. Inverters work by modulating the compressor motor within the system, adjusting how much power the unit draws rather than operating at full strength all the time (which is what ACs without inverters do). That means an AC with an inverter can control how much power it uses, rather than running at full power at all times. This makes inverters great for reducing overall costs and improving energy efficiency.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Dan DiClerico has been testing and writing about air conditioners for more than 25 years. As director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, he oversaw the latest round of window AC testing in our Labs, as well as the in-home consumer testing that allows us to evaluate the equipment in real-world conditions.
For this report, Dan worked closely with Alec Scherma, a senior test engineer at the Institute. Scherma's background in mechanical engineering and HVAC consulting provides valuable testing expertise and knowledge on the different types of HVAC equipment available to consumers.
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