6 Small Window ACs That Take Minutes to Install and Seconds to Start Cooling

Those who live in older homes without the comfort and convenience of central air conditioning understand just how essential small window air conditioners can be. While a fan may offer some relief, a small window air conditioner is a far more effective cooling solution. These diminutive appliances are compact enough to fit in narrow windows yet typically produce between 5,000 and 10,000 British thermal units (BTUs) of energy, which is enough to cool rooms between 150 and 450 square feet.

Small window air conditioners range from top-of-the-line models with LED displays, remote controls, and smart technology to budget-friendly options with basic analog controls. With so many choices available, it can be difficult to know which model will meet your needs. To help, we put nine popular units through hands-on testing during some of the hottest days of the year, evaluating how easy they are to install, how quickly they cool, and how quietly they run. Our top pick is the Toshiba 8,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner for its small size, easy installation, and efficient performance.This guide breaks down what to consider when choosing the best small window air conditioner and shares reviews of all the models we recommend. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Toshiba 8,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
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3. BEST FOR SMALL WINDOWS:GE 6,000 BTU Electronic Window Air Conditioner
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4. BEST FOR LARGER ROOMS: Midea 12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
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5. BEST QUIET: Windmill 8,000 BTU Smart Air Conditioner
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6. BEST PORTABLE: LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
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HWindow Air Conditioners Comparison

Our Top Picks

The list below consists of the best small window air conditioners on the market. It includes basic models mindful of budgets, advanced units with cutting-edge technology, and energy-efficient air conditioners that will cool your room without draining your bank account. The dimensions for each are listed so you can measure your window before you buy to make sure they’ll fit.

Best Overall

Toshiba 8,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner

Buy at The Home Depot

What We Like

• Easier to install than every other unit we tested
• Works via on-unit controls, remote, and the Toshiba app
• Filter is washable and reusable

What We Don’t Like

• Not as quiet as several other options
• No auto-swing airflow

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 18.5 inches wide by 16.14 inches deep by 13.39 inches high
• Room size: Up to 350 square feet
• CEER (combined energy efficiency rating): 11.4

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 4/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4/5

The Toshiba 8,000 BTU smart window AC won our top award because it delivers such a user-friendly combo of easy installation, convenient operation, and strong cooling power. It features a thoughtful design with side accordion panels that allow it to fit nicely into most standard windows, which is part of what made it the easiest air conditioner on our list to install. Its instructions are also incredibly easy to follow, and it comes with a full kit with all the hardware necessary for a quick setup.

This Toshiba is ideal for rooms up to 350 square feet and has a combined energy efficiency rating of 11.4, one of the highest on our list. Its sleek and contemporary design feels more like an appealing upgrade than an unsightly addition, and it’s also super simple to control via its digital control panel, remote, companion app, or voice integration. 

While it’s not as quiet as a U-shaped air conditioner, it quickly cooled our room to a chilly 62 degrees Fahrenheit on the highest setting without being disruptive. The one thing we wish were different is its fixed air vents, which don’t feature an auto-swing option, meaning you have to manually adjust airflow rather than having the machine automatically circulate air through the room.

What our tester says: “This Toshiba AC does a great job of balancing power, convenience, and design. It was easier to install than any other unit we tested, and it cooled our room incredibly quickly. Plus, it looks more like a subtle aesthetic upgrade than an eyesore, which is pretty rare for a window model.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Toshiba small window air conditioner at The Home Depot.

Best Bang For The Buck

Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Window Air Conditioner

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Compact and lightweight design
• Simple analog controls for easy adjustments
• Fits in smaller windows

What We Don’t Like

• Louvers don’t adjust up and down

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 15.98 inches wide by 13.19 inches deep by 12.05 inches high
• Room size: Up to 150 square feet
• CEER: 11

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Performance 3.5/5; Noise 3.5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4/5

Thanks to its budget-friendly price point, this Midea model is an excellent option for cost-conscious shoppers who still want effective cooling. In addition to its low initial price, its CEER of 11 means it won’t drive your bill up as much as less efficient models on the market. It also comes with a reusable filter that catches pollen, dust, and other contaminants, which is easy to remove for periodic cleaning. 

In terms of installation, the Midea EasyCool low-profile AC window unit was one of our favorites. It’s small and lightweight, and securing it in our window took just a few minutes. It cooled the room quickly without being intrusively loud, though once we had it set up, it wasn’t as easy to operate as more expensive models. Instead of digital controls or an app, this unit uses a rotating knob to adjust temperatures between 1 and 7 and has a second knob that lets you move between two fan-only speeds and two cooling speeds. Its manual louvers also only adjust side to side, not up and down. Still, this compact unit puts out an impressive 5,000 BTUS that allows it to cover up to 150 square feet, making it a great choice for bedrooms, dorm rooms, or small apartments where both space and budget matter.

Get the Midea 5,000 BTU small window air conditioner at  Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Midea.

Best For Small Windows

GE 6,000 BTU Electronic Window Air Conditioner

Buy at Amazon Buy at Best Buy

What We Like

• Powerful 6,000 BTU output
• Intuitive manual controls
• Several inches narrower than most units

What We Don’t Like

• Vent direction is fixed
• No smart features or digital display

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 16.36 inches wide by 13.38 inches deep by 12.59 inches high
• Room size: Up to 250 square feet
• CEEF: 11

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Performance 3.5/5; Noise 3.5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 3.7/5 

This GE 6,000 BTU model was one of the smallest units we tested, making it ideal for home offices and guest bedrooms. While most window air conditioners are around 21 to 23 inches wide, this compact unit has a width of just 16.36 inches, meaning it will fit into windows that are considered smaller than standard. 

During our testing, we were initially bummed that this pick doesn’t work via app, remote control, or even via a digital display. Like our best bang choice, it has two basic dials that control fan speed and temperature settings. We found it refreshingly easy to operate, perfect if you want to plug it in and start cooling right away. Noise levels aren’t as low as options with a U-shaped design or inverter motor technology, so you’ll definitely hear it, especially on high. However, given its compact footprint and affordable price point, we were quite impressed with its consistent cooling and energy-efficient operation. 

Get the GE small window air conditioner at Amazon or Best Buy.

Best For Larger Rooms

Midea 12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner

Buy at Amazon

What We Like

• U-shaped design; runs smoothly and quietly
• Included brackets make it very secure
• App is easy to use;Remote has digital screen

What We Don’t Like

• A bit heavy at 60 pounds

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 19.41 inches wide by 22.17 inches deep by 13.9 inches high
• Room size: Up to 550 square feet
• CEER: 13.3

Our Ratings: Installation 3/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4/5

Folks looking for a quiet air conditioner with the power to cool larger rooms will want to consider the Midea 12,000 BTU window air conditioner. This machine features a U-shaped design that separates the noisy parts from your home’s interior. This allows it to run noticeably quieter on the inside while still pumping out plenty of cool air (it’s rated for rooms up to 550 square feet). It boasts three modes: fan, cool, and dehumidifier. 

This pick comes with a bracket that adjusts to fit the window and the house, as well as all sorts of foam pieces of different densities for sealing out noise and the elements. However, because it weighs almost 60 pounds, we found it to be one of the hardest units to install. Once you have it in, though, its bracket and U-shaped design make it incredibly secure—you can even open your window without risking it falling out. In addition to its quiet operation, we also liked the easy-to-control app and the fact that the remote has a digital display screen. Overall, this Midea 12,000 BTU air conditioner is an excellent unit for larger rooms while still being on the relatively small side. 

Get the Midea 12,000 BTU small window air conditioner at Amazon.

Best Quiet

Windmill 8,000 BTU Smart Air Conditioner

Buy at Lowe's Buy at the Home Depot Buy at Windmill Air

What We Like

• Incredibly quiet on the low setting
• Ample foam and insulated foam side panels
• Rear grill protects cooling fins from damage

What We Don’t Like

• Can rattle when the compressor kicks in

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 19.3 inches wide by 19.4 inches deep by 13.2 inches high
• Room size: Up to 342 square feet
• CEER: 11.3

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 4/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4/5

Anyone shopping for an air conditioner that can cool a medium-sized room without making much noise will want to consider the Windmill smart air conditioner. This ductless window air conditioner features an 8,000 BTU output and can cool rooms up to 350 square feet while producing as little as 42 decibels of sound. This made the unit quieter than the other sounds in the house, which measured at around 50 decibels. To help maintain these low noise levels, the Windmill comes with several pieces of foam as well as customizable foam panels that insulate both sound and airflow while improving the overall look.

Beyond its quiet operation, the Windmill offers impressive smart connectivity options. In addition to working via a remote with an easy-to-read digital display, this unit is also compatible with an app that lets you adjust it with your phone, as well as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control. We also appreciated the protective cover over the rear cooling fins, which helps prevent damage during installation or storage. Overall, this is a very quiet window air conditioner​, but it does rattle a bit when the compressor kicks in.

Get the Windmill small window air conditioner at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Windmill Air.

Best Portable

LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Portable Air Conditioner

Buy at Lowe's Buy at The Home Depot Buy at LG

What We Like

• Easy to roll from storage to a window
• App and remote are easy to use
• It runs quietly for a large, powerful machine

What We Don’t Like

• Draining the condensation water is difficult

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Product Specs

• Dimensions: 19.41 inches wide by 18.11 inches deep by 30.43 inches high
• Room size: Up to 450 square feet
• CEER: 7.9

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Performance 5/5; Noise 4.5/5; Ease of Cleaning 3/5; Value 4.5/5

Heavy window air conditioners are a hassle to install, so once they’re in, folks are often reluctant to move them. That’s not an issue with this LG portable air conditioner, which has wheels and is technically defined as a room unit, as it doesn’t sit in the window. Instead, you simply roll it from storage to the window and vent hot air out via an adjustable window panel and flexible hose. It can cool rooms up to 500 square feet and has a built-in condensation trap that catches water. 

This pick’s easy installation made it a great horizontal window air conditioner​. We simply inserted the adjustable window panel, snap-in vent, and collapsible hose, plugged it in, and turned it on. It was easy to use via onboard controls, remote, the LG ThinQ app, or Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, and it only makes about 60 decibels of sound on high, which is very quiet for such a large and powerful (10,000 BTU) machine. The only real downside to this model is that it’s tough to drain the condensation it traps onto anything other than a shallow cookie sheet. We ended up putting it up on a set of 2x4s to empty it, which was as often as twice a day when it was humid.

What our tester says: “This LG unit was super simple to set up and move. It cooled our space fast, ran surprisingly quietly, and the app controls made it easy to adjust from across the room.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the LG small window air conditioner at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or LG.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Small Window Air Conditioners

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of window air conditioners on the market, so we started by researching the best air conditioner brands and whittling their most popular models down to 9 to test. After our selection arrived, we grouped them by BTU output since comparing units with vastly different cooling capacities wouldn’t be fair. Then, over the course of 2 weeks, we put each model through hands-on testing during some of the highest temperatures we’d had all summer.

During testing, we evaluated how easy it was to install each window AC, its cooling performance during the first hour of operation, noise levels at various fan speeds, and features like smart connectivity and energy efficiency. While direct cooling comparisons proved challenging due to the different BTU outputs, our system still allowed us to identify each model’s strengths and weaknesses. Based on our findings, we awarded worthy options recognition in categories where they excelled while noting any limitations potential buyers should consider.

What to Consider When Choosing a Small Window Air Conditioner

Selecting the right size, cooling capacity, and type of air conditioner is essential to ensure you get a unit that meets your needs. However, other features are also important, including energy efficiency, temperature controls, and the number of operating modes. 

Size/Cooling Capacity

Size is perhaps the most critical factor when shopping for a vertical window AC unit​. If it’s too small, the air conditioner won’t be able to cool the space to the desired temperature. If it’s too large, the air conditioner will waste energy. 

An air conditioner’s cooling capacity is indicated by BTUs, which is a measure of energy output. Window air conditioners range from 5,000 BTUs to over 20,000 BTUs. To determine what size is right for a particular room, match the BTU output to the square footage of the room. A 5,000 BTU air conditioner unit can handle up to 150 square feet, while an 18,000 BTU unit will cover up to 1,000 square feet. Most small window air conditioners range between 5,000 and 10,000 BTUs. 

When selecting an air conditioning unit, it’s essential to make sure it can fit the window opening. Most small air conditioners can fit window openings from 22 inches to 34 inches wide (and some even smaller), and a low-profile window air conditioner​ will fit a minimum vertical opening of about 14 inches. 

Temperature Settings and Display

Window-mount air conditioners have different types of controls for temperature settings. More affordable models have analog controls with temperature settings that range from 1 to 7, with 7 being the coldest.

Higher-end models have a digital or LCD display with precise controls that allow you to set the air conditioner to specific temperatures, typically ranging from the low 60s to the mid-80s (in degrees Fahrenheit). These window air conditioners have thermostats built into the main unit that read the temperature in the air and then use the results to regulate when the air conditioner turns on and off. Some models have thermostats in a remote control, which allows the unit to read the temperature in other parts of the room to more evenly cool a space. 

Filter and Vents

Window air conditioners have filters that fit behind the slatted air intake on the front of the unit. These filters not only remove impurities that could harm the inner mechanical pieces in the air conditioner but also filter out air impurities, such as pollen, dust, and even some viruses, making the air in the room cleaner. These filters should be cleaned periodically by removing them and rinsing them under a faucet to remove the collected dust and dirt. 

After the air in an air conditioner passes through the filter and is cooled in the condenser, a blower sends the chilled air back into the room through the vents at the top of the unit’s face. These vents are generally adjustable, allowing users to direct airflow to evenly cool the room. 

Dehumidifier

All air conditioners remove humidity by cooling warm, humid air via the compressor. A dehumidifier or evaporative cooler uses the compressor just enough to remove moisture from the air by cycling the compressor on and off. While this mode won’t lower the temperature in the room, it does make the air drier and thus more comfortable. And since the compressor isn’t running full-time as it does in cooling mode, the dehumidifier mode uses less energy, making it a more economical way to make a room more comfortable.

Energy Efficiency

Air conditioners use a significant amount of energy to operate the condenser that cools the air that passes through it. Depending on its size, a window AC unit uses between 500 and 1,500 watts of electricity. If a small 500-watt air conditioner for a window​ runs for 8 hours a day, that translates to 120 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month. Considering the national average cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity is 12 cents, that translates to about $15 a month to cool a single room. Larger AC units cost more to operate. 

Some window air conditioners are more efficient than others. The best way to compare models is by their Combined Energy Efficiency Rating (CEER). The higher the number, the more energy efficient the air conditioner is. An energy-efficient air conditioner must have a 9 or above, while Energy Star–certified units need at least 12. 

Additional Features

The best window air conditioners include extra operating modes and features that make them versatile, more energy efficient, and easier to use. 

• Timers: Many units feature 24-hour timers that automatically turn them on or off after a certain amount of time has passed. This allows you to set the AC unit to turn off while not in use, saving energy and money, or to turn it on to make sure the space is cool when it’s time for bed.
• Modes: Many air conditioners include various modes that allow you to fine-tune their operation. These include energy-saver modes that cycle the compressor off and on to save energy, sleep modes that slowly increase the temperature a few degrees through the night to account for the natural decline in body temperature during sleep, and turbo modes for quickly cooling a hot space. 
• Smart: High-end smart air conditioners can connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing the air conditioner’s temperature and modes to be controlled remotely via a smart device or digital assistant. 

Noise Level

Unlike central AC units, which have their noisy compressors outside the home and air handlers tucked away in the attic space, window units have both pieces in a box that rests in a window. This means the noise of the unit is not muffled by walls. 

A standard window air conditioner can produce up to 60 decibels of noise, which is about the same volume as a normal conversation or an electric shaver. Some AC units have quiet options capable of dropping their noise output close to 50 decibels or even less. Innovative U-shaped and inverter models can muffle the sound of the condenser even more, potentially reducing noise output to as low as 40 decibels. 

Installation

Window air conditioners are easier to install than all other types, including central, through-the-wall, and ductless air conditioners. They don’t require cutting holes in a wall, complicated wiring, or brazing copper pipe fittings. Installation typically involves placing the unit into a window using a mounting kit that includes brackets for attaching the air conditioner to the window sash and jamb.

Since window units don’t take up the entire width of the window opening, they include adjustable plastic panels that fill the voids in the window on either side of the unit. Weatherstripping installed between the sash, sill, jambs, and air conditioning unit helps prevent air from escaping around the unit.

FAQs

If you still have questions about how to install a window air conditioner or maintain one, the following answers to commonly asked questions should help.

Q. Is a window AC the same as a room AC?

Window and room air conditioners differ in the way they vent hot air. Portable room air conditioners are freestanding appliances, often resting on wheels and requiring a hose that attaches to a window to vent hot air outside. A window air conditioner mounts inside the window, allowing it to vent hot air directly through the window. 

Q. Is a small air conditioner energy efficient?

Many small air conditioners are very energy efficient, with energy-efficiency ratings that are 11 or above. The most efficient small air conditioners have an Energy Star certification, which means they have a CEER of at least 12. 

Q. How do I make my window air conditioner airtight?

While there are many options for sealing the space around an air conditioner, the best way is to use adhesive-backed weatherstripping to cover the spaces around the air conditioner and the window. You can also use rope caulk, which is similar in consistency to clay, to fill small gaps.

Q. How do you clean window air conditioners?

Take the following steps to clean a window air conditioner:
1. Begin by unplugging it. 
2. Remove the case using a screwdriver. 
3. Clean the drainpipe pan with soapy water to prevent mold from growing on it. 
4. Use a vacuum to remove any dust or dirt that has collected inside the unit. 
5. Spray the inside of the unit with a mild water-and-dish-detergent solution, and wipe with a clean cloth. 
6. Open the case that covers the exterior side of the air conditioner and spray and wipe the condenser coils clean. 
7. Reassemble the air conditioner; then remove and clean the reusable filter. 

Q. How long can you run a small window air conditioner?

You can generally run a small air conditioner for 8 to 12 hours at a time. Many modern units are designed to handle longer periods, but giving them an occasional break can help extend their lifespan.

Q. What is the lifespan of a window air conditioner?

A window air conditioner will typically last 8 to 10 years with regular use and proper maintenance. Some high-quality and well-maintained units can reach up to 15 years, but most start to lose efficiency after about a decade. Factors like frequency of use, climate, and how well you clean it can all impact its lifespan. 

Q. Is it OK to leave a window AC on all day?

Yes, it is generally okay to leave a window AC on all day, as most models are designed to handle 8 to 12 hours of continuous operation. However, running your AC constantly may increase energy costs and wear and tear, so it’s a good idea to turn it off for 15 to 30 minutes (or even longer) when you can to help it last longer and improve energy efficiency.

Meet the Tester

Tom Scalisi is a full-time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry, including BobVila.com, This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes. He also owns and operates a pest control blog, RiddaBugs.com. He spent years working in the trades and industrial building maintenance.

Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.

 

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