It's when that old A/C kicks the bucket during a sweltering summer that we realize the difference cooling power makes to our space. it is then that we intimately become reacquainted with the importance of air conditioning. Whether you're looking to replace your old model or need to install an A/C unit in general to survive the summer, there's plenty of options to keep you cool. 

Also: The best window A/C unit

After talking to HVAC and air conditioner experts, along with A/C unit users, found that theMidea U MAW08V1QWT is the best air conditioner you can buy overall, based on factors like cooling capacity, size, and price. Read on for more information on all of our top picks. 

The best air conditioners of 2023

Midea U MAW08V1QWT window unit

Best air conditioner overall

Midea/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Smart home compatible
• Quiet, yet effective operation
• Simple installation
• One year warranty included

Cons

• Horizontal airflow only
• Not compatible with HomeKit

More Details

Midea U MAW08V1QWT specs: BTU:8,000CEER:15Voltage:115 voltsDecibels:42 decibelsWi-Fi:Yes

The Midea U MAW08V1QWT is a nice mid-range, Wi-Fi enabled unit that adds both effective cooling power at 8,000BTU along with app-controlled convenience. Plus, it only takes three steps to install, promising an easy set-up and power capable of pumping cold air up to 20 feet away-- which is nice especially for larger rooms.

The U-shaped design allows for a much quieter sound that reaches as low as 42dB -- the brand says that testing shows that nine of these units still fail to beat the sound of some traditional units. The unique shape also makes it possible for you to both open and close your windows, even with the unit installed, so you do not lose precious use of that single window you may have in your home or office. 

View now at Amazon

GE ?AHEC05AC

Best budget air conditioner

GE/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Multiple settings
• Removable filter
• One-year warranty

Cons

• Not suitable for large rooms
• Limited BTUs

More Details

GE ?AHEC05AC specs: BTU:5,000SEER:11Voltage:115 voltsDecibels:56 decibelsWi-Fi:No

The GE ?AHEC05AC is an affordable unit suitable for smaller spaces, using its 5,000 BTUs to cool rooms up to 150 square feet. It's a window-mounted unit with a fixed chassis and EZ Mount installation kit, which promotes easy installation.

Even with a small footprint, the unit still packs in 10 different temperature settings and dual cooling settings, which can be managed via an adjustable thermostat. And appropriate for small bedroom or dorm use, it also promotes quiet cooling.

When it comes time to clean, the filter is easy to remove and can be washed for repeated use. 

View now at Amazon

July Window Air Conditioner

Best stylish air conditioner

July/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Smart home and Wi-Fi capability
• Choice of design
• White-glove delivery

Cons

• Higher price tag
• Limited retailers

More Details

July Window Air Conditioner specs: BTU:8,000 SEER:11Voltage:115 voltsDecibels:52 decibelsWi-Fi:Yes

The July Window Air Conditioner is a sleek unit that promises easy instillation thanks to a special proprietary installation frame, but also offers white glove installation service from Handy if you prefer a no-fuss approach. Once installed, the system is Wi-Fi-enabled, working with both iOS and Android apps for convenient control. You can also use voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Home. 

"This A/C is a game-changer in terms of aesthetics," says Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and owner of Air Conditioner Lab "It's not just functional; when I installed it in a client's studio apartment, it blended right into the contemporary decor, unlike traditional A/C units that can stand out."

To add more style and flair, you can choose from multiple customization options for your unit: you have the ability to personalize your July Window Air Conditioner with a number of custom items, like advanced filters and upgraded side panels. 

To get started, there is a 30-day trial and a one-year warranty with purchase. It's a purchase you can feel good about, too, with two-thirds fewer emissions and 10% less energy used compared to other similarly-sized traditional window air conditioners.

View now at Amazon

LG LP1419IVSM

Best portable air conditioner

LG/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Big power
• Built-in timer
• Covers larger spaces
• One-year warranty on parts and labor

Cons

• Expensive
• Extensive set-up

More Details

LG LP1419IVSM specs: BTU:10,000SEER:10.14Voltage:115 voltsDecibels:52 decibelsWi-Fi:Yes

With 10,000 BTUs, a cooling capacity accommodating up to 500 square feet, and three different fan settings, the LG LP1419IVSM air conditioner may be portable, but it is still effective at cooling medium to larger areas. Additionally, a 24-hour timer that is easily programmable to on and off modes, reverting to "Sleep Mode" when the unit doesn't need to actively cool an area (which can save you some extra money).  

"The LG LP1419IVSM is a portable air conditioner that you can move around based on your cooling needs," says  Maria Opre, a tech expert at Earth Web. "Its dual inverter technology ensures efficient cooling, while keeping energy consumption low."

The included LCD remote controls the unit for greater convenience and is Wi-Fi-capable with SmartThinQ technology to work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. 

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Windmill Air Conditioner Smart Home 8300 BTU AC

Best air conditioner for smart homes

Windmill/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Powerful performance
• Alexa- and Google-enabled
• Simple installation with a 30-day return policy.

Cons

• Not the cheapest
• Only best for smart homes

More Details

Windmill Air Conditioner Smart Home 8300 BTU AC specs: BTU:8,300SEER:6.2Voltage:115 voltsDecibels:50 decibelsWi-Fi:Yes

The Windmill Air Conditioner Smart Home 8300 BTU AC is a popular pick when you want an air conditioner for your smart home. A clean, auto-dimming LED display makes for a streamlined look. You can easily control the unit through the included remote, or you can use your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. When you use the app, you have the ability to control your A/C from anywhere without the need to be right at the unit. 

"Most ACs I've tried struggled to maintain a steady temperature across the room," says Kelly Indah, a huge fan (pun intended) of using this unit in her home. 

The unit covers a decent area of 350 square feet, blowing air at a 45-degree angle for better coverage. It is also incredibly energy-efficient, thanks to its use of improved R32 refrigerant. 

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LG Dual Inverter Smart Wi-Fi Air Conditioner

Best smart air conditioner

LG/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Smart home-compatible
• Inverter technology
• Quiet operation
• 450 square foot cooling capacity

Cons

• On the heavier side
• App isn't the most user friendly

More Details

LG Dual Inverter Smart Wi-Fi Air Conditioner specs: BTU:9,500SEER:13.8Voltage:115 voltsDecibels:58 decibelsWi-Fi:Yes

The LG Dual Inverter Smart Wi-Fi Air Conditioner is a 9,500-BTU powerhouse, combined with smart technology to make this the best smart air conditioner to buy. Plus, it doesn't compromise performance for style. 

"[The LG dual inverter air conditioner] provides a pleasant and cozy ambiance in my room due to its excellent cooling performance," Daniel Ufland, the co-founder of Flitch and an interior styling expert, told . "The modern design easily matches the aesthetic of my space, and the air-purifying function maintains a clean, fresh atmosphere."

Users can choose from four different cooling and fan speeds with Auto Cool working as your own custom control. The energy efficiency is an added bonus, earning you up to 15% in energy savings with its Energy Star raring. LG's DUAL Inverter technology means your A/C unit can dip as low as 44 decibels when resting and 58 decibels when running. 

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What is the best air conditioner?

The Midea U MAW08V1QWT is our pick for the best air conditioner, and it is easy to see why. It is an affordable unit that works for larger spaces up to 20 square feet. It does not restrict use of the window, plus it is ultra-quiet to spare those unnecessary headaches.

Here is a side-by-side snapshot of the best air conditioners for your space. 

Air Conditioner	Cost	Type	BTUs
Midea U MAW08V1QWT	$399	Window	8,000
GE ?AHEC05AC	$167	Window	5,000
July Window Air Conditioner	$459	Window	8,000
LG LP1419IVSM	$650	Portable	10,000
Windmill Air Conditioner Smart Home 8300 BTU AC	$369	Portable	8,300
LG Dual Inverter Smart Wi-Fi Air Conditioner	$429	Window	9,500

Which is the right air conditioner for you?

After a while, air conditioning units can begin to blend together and easily become confusing. To help you find the best air conditioner for your needs, consider these expert suggestions. 

Choose this product...	If you want...
Midea U MAW08V1QWT	A leading market choice with a budget-friendly price tag and smart home compatibility.
GE ?AHEC05AC	Quality at an affordable price for those smaller spaces.
July Window Air Conditioner	A chic unit that doesn't sacrifice performance or smart home capability.
LG LP1419IVSM	A high-performing portable unit that can accommodate up to 500 square feet.
Windmill Air Conditioner Smart Home 8300 BTU AC	An energy-efficient air conditioner for your smart home.
LG Dual Inverter Smart Wi-Fi Air Conditioner	An ultra-quiet smart air conditioner with big power.

How did we choose the best air conditioners?

There are several ways to find the best air conditioner. We considered these factors and more, and employed the help of Air Conditioner Lab's Josh Mitchell for further expert insight. 

• BTU: The amount of British thermal units, or BTUs, indicates how powerful a machine is and how large of a room an air conditioner can cool. "Choose a model that is suitable for the size of your room," says Michell. "Too small, and it won't cool effectively. Too large, and you may face issues with humidity."
• Sound level: The number of decibels shows how loud a machine will be, with the lowest possible decibels typically advertised for each air conditioner.
  
• Wi-Fi: Smart home capability is becoming increasingly important to homeowners, so Wi-Fi compatibility is a must if you are looking to add to your smart home.
  
• Installation:Installing a window A/C unit is not always the easiest task. "Some models are easier to install and maintain than others," Mitchell warns. "Consider the complexity of installation and the availability of parts for maintenance."
• Energy Efficiency:The best air conditioners today come with an ENERGY STAR rating to signify more energy-efficient operations. "Look for models with a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) to save on electricity bills," advises Mitchell.  
• Budget:Budget is always important, so we choose a range of products to suit a variety of budgets.

When selecting the best air conditioner for you, consider which factors are most important to you, so you can find the right fit.

How much does an air conditioner cost?

An air conditioner can range in cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the features you choose. Our picks for the best air conditioner range from under$200 to about$450. 

What types of air conditioners are there?

Today, there are several types of air conditioners that you can buy for your home or office. 

"As I have seen in my experience, there are a few basic types of air conditioners," says McShane of Skills Training Group. "These include window units, wall-mounted split systems, portable models, and ductless mini-splits." 

"Window units are the most common and least expensive air conditioners, as they reside in a single window or through a wall unit," he explains. "Wall-mounted split systems are more efficient and come with high-tech features, like being able to be controlled by a smartphone app."

Before you begin shopping, consider which type of air conditioner will work best for your space.

Are there alternative air conditioners worth considering?

During our search, we found these great options that just almost made our list:

The best compact air conditioner

Black & Decker BPACT14H

This air conditioner is best for smaller spaces up to 700 square feet with an easy portable design.

View at Amazon

The best 6,000 BTU window unit alternative

Friedrich Chill Premier 6,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner

The Friedrich Chill Premier 6,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner offers easy WiFi control for rooms up to 150 square feet. 

View at Amazon

The best windowsill alternative

Soleus Air Exclusive Over The Sill Air Conditioner 6,000 BTU

Choose the Soleus Air Exclusive Over The Sill Air Conditioner 6,000 BTU when you want the best air conditioner for your windowsill with an easy saddle design and LCD remote for easy use. 

View at Amazon

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