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Until recently, those of us without central air had to choose between sweltering humidity and loud, cold-inducing frigidity every summer. But the latest window air conditioners are capable of cooling and dehumidifying an apartment nearly as quietly and efficiently as a built-in system.
When you set the temperature on a regular window AC to, say, 72 degrees Fahrenheit in an 80 degree room, the compressor runs at full tilt until it reaches about 71 degrees. At this point, it shuts off completely and suddenly, only to kick back on with a jarring, lights-flickering shudder when the temperature rises above 73 degrees. The fan may continue to blow in the interim, but there’s no dehumidification happening. By contrast, once an inverter-equipped AC reaches its target temperature, it will modulate its compressor to run at a lower setting, providing quiet and consistent dehumidification and temperature control, accompanied by a smooth and gentle buzz that your brain can easily tune out.
This new generation of window air conditioners is no longer significantly more expensive than its predecessor — and is often a better value. This is especially true when you factor in energy savings over time. According to Energy Star’s Energyguide estimates, a 12,000 BTU inverter AC costs $35 less per year to operate than a comparable conventional AC.
With that in mind, I focused on finding the best inverter-based ACs by sorting through the criteria below and cross-referencing Energy Star’s recommendations with the Strategist staff’s years of personal experience testing and living with various air conditioners to find the best for your home.
Updated on June 5, 2025
Midea issued a recall for the U-shaped air conditioner today due to pooled water possibly leading to mold growth. We removed it as our top pick and replaced it with the Hisense. If you own a Midea U unit, you should check whether your model number is on the list of recalled units, and if it is, you can follow the instructions on the recall page to repair or get a refund for your unit. I also wrote a more detailed explainer about the process for getting a refund for mine.
Our top picks
What we’re looking for
Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER)
Every air conditioner sold in America receives a CEER score ranging from 8 (least efficient) to 15 (most efficient). In 2023, the Department of Energy adopted stricter energy-efficiency standards requiring all window air conditioners sold in the U.S. starting in 2026 to achieve a CEER score of at least 12.8 for a 6,000 BTU unit (more powerful units need even higher scores). Wherever possible, I’ve recommended units with a CEER of 15 or close to it. The exceptions are due to budget and power requirements. Despite pausing these standards for centralized climate control units in February 2025, the current administration has yet to roll them back for window air conditioners.
Inverter
Marketed as having “variable speed compressor technology,” “Whispertech,” or similar terms, ACs equipped with inverters are quieter, more efficient, and generally easier to live with. Inverter ACs are softer to start, so they don’t “kick in” and cause your lights to dim every time they turn on. They aren’t yet available in the most budget-friendly models. Still, if you’re considering a new AC in 2025, barring any unforeseeable price fluctuations or availability issues, it should come equipped with an inverter.
Power levels
Most air conditioners are available in several power levels, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), and, as Energy Star explains, matching power level to room size helps the unit run more efficiently. An underpowered AC will struggle to cool a large space and may overheat itself in the process. Meanwhile, an overpowered AC will cycle so frequently that it may prematurely wear out the compressor and other sensitive electronic components — though this is less of an issue with inverter ACs, since they can modulate power downward to suit the space.
As a rule of thumb, assuming normal eight-foot ceiling height, a 5,000-to-6,000 BTU unit will work for most bedrooms smaller than 250 square feet, an 8,000-to-14,000 BTU unit is sufficient for rooms up to about 550 square feet, and larger 18,000-plus BTU units are required for bigger spaces — though these typically require a special high-voltage outlet, so make sure to check whether that’s the case with yours.
Noise level
According to the CDC, prolonged exposure to noise levels over 70 decibels (dB) — which is equivalent to a washing machine’s operating noise — can put some people at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. And some of the louder window AC units do indeed exceed 70 dB (roughly equivalent to the sound inside a car cruising down the highway at 60 mph), though improper installation or unfilled gaps around the units are often to blame. Many great window AC units operate at much quieter levels, especially at lower power settings. Some can run at below 50 dB, which is not much louder than the hum of a refrigerator, or even around 40 dB — comparable to the sound of a suburban library.
Remote
A remote is not just convenient for controlling an AC: Some also serve as a portable thermostat, providing accurate temperature data based on where you’re spending your time instead of where the AC happens to be installed.
Window access
Some ACs come with mounting brackets or are otherwise installed in a way that preserves window access. This allows you to let in fresh air from outside if and when the temperature drops and means you can leave it in the window all year long if you want.
Wi-Fi
Units with Wi-Fi support can be set to run on a schedule, or integrated with other smart home devices. This often requires installing an app, but some ACs offer Matter support, which allows you to integrate with any existing smart-home ecosystem you already use (like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home) without needing a standalone app.
Best air conditioner overall
CEER: 15 | Inverter: Yes | Power levels (BTUs): 12K | Noise level: 37 dB | Remote: Yes | Window access: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes, Matter
The Hisense Ultra-Slim Smart Window AC is an excellent choice for larger rooms (450 to 550 square feet) that can use its 12,000 BTUs of cooling capacity. (There’s also an 8,000-BTU version for smaller rooms exclusive to Costco members.)
This Hisense is the first window AC I’ve encountered that even attempts to iterate on the Midea U’s groundbreaking design, and it does so quite successfully. Rather than a U, the Hisense is shaped like an L with its interior-facing control panel and blower about half the height of its exterior-facing compressor. This leaves a seven-inch-tall gap on either side of the unit, which is blocked by extendable louvers and cut foam from the last part of the installation process. This gap is half as tall as that of most ACs but about twice the height of the Midea U’s. It’s more compatible with blinds and shades, which can rest on top of the blower. And you can still use your window because it comes with a support bracket that you assemble and install before resting the AC on top. It’s not a complicated process, but it involves many steps that must be read carefully before beginning (there’s also an instructional video).
In practice, the Hisense is actually slightly quieter than the Midea U because its blower produces a more subtle fan noise. They sound comparable on high, but the Hisense’s tone is lower-pitched and less noticeable than the Midea’s. With “quiet” mode activated, the breeze rustling the freshly unfurled leaves on the tree outside my bedroom window was more audible than any noise from the AC. Setting it up to work with Apple Home via Matter was also impressively simple. The only major issues I found are its limited availability and the fact that it’s the first iteration of a brand-new design — although Hisense’s extended two-year-warranty period does somewhat ease concerns about its long-term reliability.
Best normal-shaped air conditioner
CEER: 15 | Inverter: Yes | Power levels (BTUs): 6K, 8K, 8.5K, 10K, 12K, 14K | Noise level: 58 dB | Remote: Yes | Window access: No | Wi-Fi: Yes
LG was the first to bring an inverter-equipped air conditioner to the U.S. back in 2019, and I have friends who have been happily using their ACs from that original run to this day. Owner of AC installation company SuperCoolNYC Jonathan Berkson trusts LG because the brand “has invested in research and development” and “the customer service is excellent.” It installs similarly to any other window AC with no support bracket to fuss with — although this does mean losing out on window access for as long as it’s in there.
“It’s my favorite thing in my apartment,” said staff writer Dominique Pariso in praise of the Energy Star–certified LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter Air Conditioner. Pariso has hers set up by her desk, “so it’s important that it isn’t super-loud,” which it isn’t. During testing, I found that the LG generates about 56 dB when running on high, which is louder than Midea’s and Hisense’s inverter ACs but less than a traditional AC. The noise is more of a steady hum and doesn’t interfere with conversations and music like the rattling whine of a regular AC might. It drops to a barely audible 44 dB in sleep mode.
While the LG lacks Matter support, it does have Wi-Fi for pairing with LG’s ThinQ app, which allows you to set it up to work with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Best backup normal-shaped air conditioner
CEER: 15 | Inverter: Yes | Power levels (BTUs): 8K, 10K, 12K | Noise level: 40 dB | Remote: Yes | Window access: No | Wi-Fi: Yes, Matter
After an unseasonably warm spring, “settle for whatever AC is available” season has come early. Luckily, the brand-new TCL H8W4KW just became available in the U.S., and it happens to be quite good — even if it can’t match the window-saving designs of our other top picks or the LG’s well-established track record. However, the TCL is very quiet (quieter than the LG and comparable to the Hisense Ultraslim and Midea U) and pretty simple to install. It’s also available in 10,000- and 12,000-BTU configurations if you plan to use it in a room larger than 350 square feet.
The TCL’s sliding steel window brackets and expanding plastic louvers are pre-installed at the factory, so all you have to do is adjust them to the correct width, plop the whole thing into an open window that is between 24 and 36 inches wide, close the sash on top, and screw in the included security hardware. It’s not quite the easiest AC to install, but it comes close. (I had to uninstall one of the plastic louvers to get it to fit in my 27-inch office window.) The metal side brackets are stronger than the plastic ones found on many window ACs, but there is still some play in them, and I wouldn’t trust them to hold the full weight of a 58.6-pound machine in place without an external bracket supporting it from below (not included).
The H8W4KW’s touch control panel is responsive, and the remote control works as you’d expect. Thanks to Matter support, I was also able to set it up with my Apple Home app without needing to download and install TCL’s own app — though I did need to consult the manual to figure out that I had to press the “display” button on the remote six times quickly to activate pairing mode.
Much like Hisense, TCL is better known for its TVs than its ACs, but this isn’t TCL’s first inverter AC. The H8W25WQ (which this unit is replacing) has been out for over a year now and has maintained a decent user-rating average on most sites. That said, given that they’re the same price where available, I would recommend getting the new one over the older one.
Best less-expensive air conditioner
CEER: 11.4 | Inverter: No | Power levels (BTUs): 8K | Noise level: 57 dB | Remote: Yes | Window access: No | Wi-Fi: Yes
If you really want to save a few bucks up front and are willing to deal with a slightly noisier and less-efficient AC, the Lowe’s-exclusive Hisense AW0823CW1W doesn’t have an inverter, but it is still very quiet and packs a lot of features into a sub-$300 AC. I picked one of these up at the height of summer 2024, and while the fan noise is more noticeable than that of the Midea, the sound of the compressor is very bass-y — like a didgeridoo — and easy to tune out. Hisense reports that it generates 57 dB on high (which is in line with non-U-shaped inverter ACs) and 49 dB on low (a bit louder than most inverter ACs). And the fact that it offers full Wi-Fi support and a remote control at this price makes it a fantastic value.
Hisense also offers a version of this unit called the AW0823TW1W that has an inverter, carries Energy Star certification, and achieves a CEER of 15. But it’s often around the same price, or even more expensive than the quieter Midea U-shaped or the better-constructed LG Dual Inverter. However, it is a good value if it happens to be on sale for less or if you need something quickly and locally from Lowe’s.
Hisense is better known in the U.S. for its TVs, but I have no complaints about this air conditioner after a year of service. Whatever doubts I initially had were assuaged by the extra-long two-year warranty — twice as long as most other AC warranties.
Best small air conditioner (that’s also less-expensive)
CEER: 11 | Inverter: No | Power levels (BTUs): 5K | Noise level: 52 dB | Remote: No | Window access: No | Wi-Fi: No
At about half the cost of the comparable LG inverter unit, the plucky Frigidaire FFRA051WAE is a good choice for people who don’t mind a bit of white noise and are willing to sacrifice some energy efficiency. It’s long been a favorite among Strategist staff for small rooms because it’s quiet for a non-inverter AC (52 dB) and is simple to install and operate. Measuring just 12 inches high by 16 inches wide by 13 inches deep and weighing 35 pounds, you can plop it on a supportive windowsill, expand the accordion covers, plug it in, and adjust the dials to a comfortable level. Senior writer Lauren Ro has had one in her third-floor guest room since May 2022, and her cousin reported that it was more than enough to keep the space cool during her stay from January to September 2024.
Best large air conditioner
CEER: 15 | Inverter: Yes | Power levels (BTUs): 14K, 18K, 22K, 24K | Noise level: 58 dB | Remote: Yes | Window access: No | Wi-Fi: Yes
If you need to cool a large area and have the correct plug for a 230V air conditioner (triple-check this!), then the LG is also available in a 23,500 BTU version that can quietly cool rooms as large as 1,400 square feet. At 112 pounds and measuring 30.25 inches wide, 17.17 inches tall, and 26 inches deep, it is almost twice the size and weight of the 10,000 BTU unit above and will require professional installation. But it’s much quieter than anything else of comparable cooling ability.
The most powerful unit you can get by with that uses a normal outlet is the 14,000 BTU version, which is enough for up to 700 square feet. Zachary Horvath, who evaluates public utilities’ energy-efficiency programs for a living, bought one of these when they first became available in 2019 and found it much better than non-inverter LG air conditioners he’s used in the past. It’s survived six New York summers and counting with no issues. The only downside, unique to these larger models, is that the case needs to be semipermanently installed before the AC unit itself is slid in. At 85 pounds, you’ll need at least two people to lift it into place, so I would again recommend having a professional do this.
Best backup large air conditioner
CEER: 9.8 | Inverter: no | Power levels (BTUs): 23.7k | Noise level: 60 dB | Remote: yes | Window access: no | Wi-Fi: yes
I bought this 24,000 BTU GE unit to cool a co-working space that I opened late last summer, long after the year’s inventory of LG dual inverter ACs was depleted. It rapidly brings the 1,400-square-foot loft with 11-foot ceilings down to a tolerable temperature and keeps it cool without constantly running the compressor, even during heat waves. That said, while I appreciate that the GE has a thermostat-equipped remote and WiFi support, it sounds like an old refrigerator every time it kicks on. While it is totally serviceable, I would pick the LG ten times out of ten if both are available.
Easiest to install air conditioner
CEER: 15 | Inverter: Yes | Power levels (BTUs): 8K, 10K, 12K | Noise level: 42 dB | Remote: Yes | Window access: Yes | Wi-Fi: Yes
The Windmill AC was the easiest to install out of any of the eight air conditioners I’ve mounted in my testing for this guide so far. And now that there’s an inverter-equipped option available (marketed as “WhisperTech”), it’s a great option for people who aren’t technically inclined. You simply apply the included insulating foam to the window sill, according to the instructions, before propping the unit on top, closing the sash over it, and pulling out the preinstalled expandable plastic louvers. You then screw in the sides and cut the foam side inserts to fit for a cleaner-looking façade with better insulation — there’s even an included pair of scissors in the box for this purpose. (The Windmill AC does not include a support bracket, so you cannot open the window once it’s installed.)
The Windmill is slightly quieter than the LG unit — likely because it uses a cylindrical blower fan instead of a round one (similar to the Midea and Hisense units). It also rattled less during the initial cooling period compared to comparable models from Friedrich. While Windmill’s app is nicely designed and can enable voice control with Alexa and Google Home, it lacks support for Apple Home and Siri. Windmill offers the most responsive customer service of all the ACs I considered. You can expect a response from its online support chat within minutes if anything goes wrong during business hours.
Best air conditioner with heater
CEER: 14.5 | Inverter: yes | Power levels (BTUs): 8k, 12k | Noise level: 45 dB | Remote: yes | Window access: no | Wi-Fi: yes, Matter
The Midea MAW08HV1CWT combines everything we love about inverter ACs and adds the ability to heat your home. As an AC, it’s comparable to the LG in terms of form factor and noise level and has all the same smart features as the U-Shaped Midea. Its CEER score of 14.5 is slightly less efficient than that of other inverter ACs but still better than what you get with all traditional units.
As a heater, it’s suitable for mild climates, but I wouldn’t recommend leaving it installed past autumn in any place that regularly approaches freezing temperatures. While a typical “all-weather” mini-split heat pump can operate in temperatures as low as minus-17 degrees Fahrenheit, the Midea model only works down to 41 degrees, though some user reviewers report success in the high 30s. Additionally, as this video review demonstrates, the lack of thorough internal air-sealing allows cold air to enter your home through the AC itself.
If you look closely at the latest Energy Star–certified ACs, you’ll find that Midea and a startup called Gradient are working on bringing all-weather heat-pump technology to window units in America, but they’re prohibitively expensive and difficult to purchase at this time. We look forward to testing this technology when it’s more widely available.
Best air conditioner to preserve the view
CEER: 15 | Inverter: yes | Power levels (BTUs): 10.3k, 12.2k | Noise level: 40 dB | Remote: yes | Window access: yes | Wi-Fi: yes
The GE Profile ClearView is like the inverted version of the Midea U-Shaped AC, and yes, it does have an inverter in its 10,000 and 12,000 BTU configurations. Whereas the Midea only preserves your ability to use the window, the ClearView blocks almost none of the glass by hanging down. While double-paned window glass is an effective sound insulator, up to 13.75 inches of window ledge is even better. It is a self-supporting design that doesn’t require an additional bracket, but at 76 pounds, it does take at least two people and about 45 minutes to install. Unlike most ACs that require clearance above the windowsill, this thing requires clearance beneath it and the ability to rest directly and flatly against the exterior wall. So it’s unlikely to be suitable for your home if the building has an ornate exterior or if the window you plan to mount it to has a deep ledge.
While I haven’t personally tested this unit, reviews are generally positive — it maintains a rating of four stars or higher across hundreds of reviews on both Amazon and Home Depot. Those who like it love how quiet it is. Even people who bought the non-inverter version are impressed by the noise level. Most of the negative reviews come from people who received damaged or non-functional units, so be sure to check the box for damage before opening it and return it if it’s not to your satisfaction. Others complain about its inconsistent Wi-Fi connection and lackluster app — which are nice to have, but not totally necessary. Some report that water can accumulate in the unit, leading to algae or mildew growth, but one Amazon reviewer suggests a helpful solution if you’re noticing issues: “With a Phillips-head screwdriver you can remove the rear cover, feed the flexible condensate eject tube through the slots in that cover, and replace the cover.”
Other ACs I tried that are pretty good
If you need an AC and all the picks from above are out of stock or have shot up in price, here are a few ACs I’ve tested that are worth considering if they’re available at a much lower price. I will update this section with more options as I test new units.
The retro PC-like design of this elephant-hued unit and its quiet operation once running at full speed make it a nice unit overall, but I noticed that despite having an inverter, it vibrates and rattles quite a lot when it cycles its compressor — which early Amazon reviewers also note in their critical feedback. It’s also usually about $100 more expensive than other inverter-equipped picks of comparable cooling capacity and doesn’t include a support bracket at that price.
The ACs I’ll be testing next
I am currently testing as many ACs as I can get my hands on, but owing to recent political developments, I anticipate this summer will be a particularly challenging time to buy an air conditioner. With that in mind, I wanted to list a few more inverter-equipped units that meet Energy Star’s highest standards. They aren’t as heavily vetted as my other recommendations but could be helpful if you’re in a time of need with few available options.
The following air conditioners come from well-known appliance brands with a reputation for producing high-quality air conditioners or appliances:
• Midea MAW08S1VWT-A: This should be similar to the other Midea inverter ACs we recommend but with a normal shape.
• GE Profile AHTR10AC: People like this thing when it works, but many have had bad experiences with customer support when it doesn’t.
• Whirlpool WHAW-101IN: Nice-looking unit from a trusted appliance brand that comes with a remote. But despite a lack of Wi-Fi, it’s slightly more expensive than others we recommend.
Finally, I encountered a handful of Energy Star–certified ACs from brands I had never heard of. They are probably okay, but I would only consider them if all other options are out of stock or have risen dramatically in price:
• Hykolity
• Keystone
• Vissani
• Tosot Tranquility
Our experts
• Jonathan Berkson, owner of the AC-installation company SuperCoolNYC
• Zachary Horvath, energy-efficiency-program evaluation specialist
• Dominique Pariso, Strategist writer
• Lauren Ro, Strategist writer
• Winnie Yang, Strategist senior editor
Additional reporting by Steven John
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