If you don’t have central air conditioning, a window unit is a must—especially if you live somewhere warm, and especially in the summertime. While choosing an A/C unit isn’t the sexiest of interior topics, it’s truly a practical one, and one that should be given quite a bit of thought. Large space or small space? Can you handle noise? Would you like to control it from your phone? (Yes, this is the future.) Here, we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best for every budget.
LOW-PRICED A/C UNITS
Whirlpool 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner, $140 from Home Depot
This economical option is a straightforward model with mechanical controls (nothing fancy here) that can cool a room up to 150 square feet.
Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner, $159 from Amazon
It’s the number one seller on Amazon for a reason. With easy installation, this one quickly cools a room up to 150 square feet. A no-fuss option for when you just need the job done. Did we mention it has a 4/5 star rating with more than 2,700 reviews?
Emerson Quiet Kool 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control, $195 from Amazon
Digital controls? Check. Remote control? Check. Quiet operation? Check. Programmable timer? Check. Auto restart? Check. Under $200? CHECK.
MID-PRICED A/C UNITS
Whirlpool Energy Star 6,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner with Remote Control, $214 from Home Depot
This model cools a room up to 250 square feet, features a remote control and digital display, and has all the bells and whistles you truly need.
LG Energy Star 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, $244
This streamlined unit features an energy-saver function, three speeds, and cools up to 260 square feet. It’s a top-seller with more than 1,600 reviews.
GE 8,000 BTU Energy Star Smart Air Conditioner with WiFi and Remote, $289 from Home Depot
This sucker is voice activated. (Let me say it louder for my fellow lazy people in the back—THIS ONE IS VOICE ACTIVATED.) It also can be controlled from your phone. It also has a remote. Basically, it’s a dream.
HIGH-PRICED A/C UNITS
LG Energy Star 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, $390 from Walmart
This one is known for being great for large spaces. (And with it being the same model as above but with 12,000 BTU power, it’s easy to know why.) If you have a space larger than 260 square feet, this is definitely an option for you.
Frigidaire 10,000 BTU Cool Connect Smart Window Air Conditioner with WiFi Control, $385
This smart model can be controlled by your phone, or synced up with Alexa. It will cool up to 450 square feet, plus is energy-efficient and air purifying. Plus, it just looks chic.
Friedrich Commercial Kuhl Window 5,800 BTU Air Conditioner, $818 at Amazon
Looking to upgrade your life? This commercial-grade unit is here for you—it’s incredibly quiet (perfect for light sleepers) and can cool a room up to 250 square feet in no time at all. It’ll last you a long time, as well.