Contents
- The Top 10
- Top 10 Window Air Conditioner Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Top Pick
- 2. Best Premium
- 3. Best Lightweight
- 4. Best for Beginners
- 5. Best for Small Spaces
- 6. Most Versatile
- 7. Best Design
- 8. Best Heavy-Duty
- 9. Runner-Up
- 10. Best Compact
- Window Air Conditioner Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- How to Choose Window Air Conditioner
- What to look for
- Frequently asked questions
When choosing the cheapest window air conditioner, the Midea 5,000 BTU unit stands out. It cools spaces up to 150 square feet and has an easy-to-use remote. The Frigidaire 5,000 BTU model serves as a value pick. You give up some advanced features for a more budget-friendly option.
The main tradeoff is between a remote control and manual operation. The rest of this page will help you compare more models and find the best choice for your needs.
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The Top 10
Top 10 Window Air Conditioner Reviewed in Detail
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of various window air conditioners to help you choose.
1. Top Pick
Midea 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, Cools up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy-to-Use Reusable Filter, Remote, Perfect AC for Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office,…
- 3 IN 1 COMFORT – The Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner unit has three modes to help your house, apartment, office, or room be as comfortable as possible. It can cool a space up to 150 sq. ft. quickly, circulate air with its 3-speed fan, or reduce humidity utilizing the dehumidifier mode.Controller type:Remote Control.
- QUIET & EASY TO USE – This window AC unit is low as 52dB(low mode). The intuitive LED display and remote control (batteries included) allow easy setting of time, temperature, and mode from across the room. The removable and reusable air filter protects your family and living space from dust and pet hairs.
- EASY INSTALLATION – Install easily in your home or apartment’s existing window frame . All mounting accessories are included. A screwdriver is required (but not included) for installation. For some window frames, pilot holes are recommended before installing screws. Installation instructions are simple and setting it up is a breeze.
- WORLDWIDE LEADER – Midea is the air treatment brand with a motto to help make customers feel at home with each of their products. As a testament to our dedication to quality and our customers, we offer one-year parts and labor warranty on this product.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT – The EasyCool window air conditioner helps save you money throughout the year. There are also multiple custom settings to help you be even more energy-efficient like Eco mode and an EasyTimer feature to program a schedule that fits your needs.
The Midea 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner cools areas up to 150 square feet. It has a simple remote control. You can choose from three modes: cooling, fan, or dehumidifying. This versatility makes it useful for many spaces. It is especially good for bedrooms and small offices.
Pros
Easy to use remote control helps adjust settings quickly.
Cons
It may not cool larger rooms effectively.
Best for small spaces like bedrooms or home offices.
A solid choice for budget-friendly cooling in small areas.
2. Best Premium
Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner, Cools Up to 150 Sq. Ft., Quiet Operation, Effortless Temperature Control, 2 Fan Speeds, Auto Restart, White
- Effortless Cooling: Achieve optimal comfort with customizable temperature settings and two fan speeds; Effortless Temperature Control helps to maintain your preset temperatures for consistent comfort
- Easy Maintenance: Keep your air conditioner running efficiently with the easy-to-clean washable filter, designed to capture dust from the air for long-lasting performance
- Undisturbed Comfort: Experience a peaceful home environment with a quiet performance at 52 dBA – ideal for bedrooms or small spaces up to 150 sq. ft.
- Effortless Convenience: Benefit from the Auto Restart feature, which automatically restores the unit’s previous settings once power is restored to the window air conditioner
- Hassle-Free Operation: The extra-long three-prong power cord eliminates the need for extension cords, while the adjustable side panels easily extend to best fit your window, ensuring a secure installation with optimal efficiency and airflow
The Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner also cools up to 150 square feet. It offers two fan speeds for better airflow. Effortless Temperature Control keeps the room comfortable. The washable filter makes it easy to maintain.
Pros
Quiet operation ensures minimal disruption during use.
Cons
Limited cooling options for larger rooms.
Great for small rooms like dorms or workshops.
An effective air conditioner for those seeking quiet and easy maintenance.
3. Best Lightweight
Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window Unit with Heat and Dehumidifier – Cools up to 350 Sq. Ft., Energy Star Rated, Quiet Operation,…
- Multi-Season Comfort – Midea 8000 BTU window air conditioner with heat is better than standard ac units. It will beat the heat in summer with powerful cooling and dehumidification and keep you warm through the fall with supplemental heat. Best for large rooms up to 350 square feet. NOTE: heat pump function works when outside temp> 41°F.
- Easy To Use – This air conditioner and heat unit comes with an LED display, 5 Modes (Heat, Auto, Cool, Dry, Fan), 3 speed settings (Auto/H/M/L), 24-hr Timer, and ECO energy saver. The Swing button adjusts the louvers up/down to direct the airflow. Wireless control enabled window ac with heat unit from anywhere with the SmartHome App, or with your voice via Alexa and Google Assistant. All functions can be set via the control panel, remote control, and app or voice assistant.
- Save Energy Being Cool – Save on energy costs and enjoy ultimate comfort with this energy star certified unit. This energy efficient air conditioner unit is engineered with variable-speed inverter technology that will quickly cool your bedroom or apartment space while using considerably less electricity; up to 35% energy savings compared to the Energy Conservation Standard. Washable filter is easily accessed from front panel for regular cleaning to maintain peak performance.
- Ultra Low Noise Performance – This ac window unit operates at a noise level as low as 45 dBA. It’s such a quiet air conditioner that you will barely notice it, even when it’s on high. Enjoy your Zoom call, watch your favorite TV show, have a conversation. This ac unit for bedroom also creates just the right amount of white noise so you can get some rest.
- Install Specs – This window air conditioner is designed to fit double hung windows with opening widths of 24 to 38.5 inches. Lower sash must open sufficiently to allow a clear vertical opening of 14.5 inches. AC window unit measures 19.41″W x 22.17″D x 13.9″H. Included components: 8000 btu window air conditioner, remote control, installation kit. This ac heater combo window unit is as a close as you can get to a mini split a/c. You may like it so much you just might buy two!
The Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Air Conditioner cools larger areas, up to 350 square feet. It works as both an air conditioner and heater, making it useful year-round. The unit features electronic controls and a remote for convenience.
Pros
Energy-efficient with an inverter system helps save energy costs.
Cons
Installation may be more complex due to its size.
Best for medium to large rooms needing versatile climate control.
A reliable option for year-round comfort in bigger spaces.
4. Best for Beginners
Midea 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, Electronic Control, 350 Sq. Ft.
- 3-in-1 Comfort: Choose between high-powered cooling, dehumidifying, and fan modes.
- Intelligent Features: The 24-hour timer and Sleep Mode provide personalized comfort while saving energy.
- User-Friendly Design: A bright LED display and convenient remote control make it easy to adjust settings and monitor your AC from anywhere in the room.
- Control from Anywhere: Via SmartHome app, smart watch, and voice assistant devices.
- Washable Filter: Can be removed, washed, and reattached for easy maintenance.
The Midea 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner offers three modes: cooling, dehumidifying, and fan. It can cool up to 350 square feet. Features like a 24-hour timer and sleep mode enhance comfort and energy savings.
Pros
User-friendly design with a bright LED display.
Cons
Some users may find the remote control complicated.
Suitable for medium-sized rooms needing flexible cooling options.
A versatile and efficient AC unit for various room types.
5. Best for Small Spaces
GE Window Air Conditioner 5,000 BTU AC Unit for Small Spaces up to 150 sq ft with Manual Controls & 2 Cooling Modes, Easy Install Kit, White
- BEST FOR SMALL ROOMS: Cools up to 150 sq ft efficiently with 5,000 BTU cooling power. Ideal for bedrooms, home offices, dorm rooms, workshops, and studio apartments. Compact 16.4″ W x 13.4″ D x 12.6″ H design fits tight spaces.
- QUIET OPERATION – Quieter than many older window AC units, with 2 cooling modes (low 52 dBA for nighttime, high 56 dBA for rapid cooling) and 2 fan speeds for personalized comfort. Simple mechanical controls mean no annoying digital beeps.
- SIMPLE, RELIABLE MECHANICAL CONTROLS: Easy-to-use dials for temperature and fan speed—no Wi-Fi, apps or complex setup required. 10 temperature settings let you dial in your perfect comfort level. Auto restart after power outages.
- LOW MAINTENANCE & ENERGY SMART: No manual draining under normal conditions. Washable, reusable filter for easy care. Low 440W power draw helps reduce energy costs compared to older, inefficient units.
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Fixed chassis installs easily and fits double-hung windows 27.125″–36″ wide and 13.375″ high minimum. EZ Mount kit with foam insulation included. Backed by 1-year GE limited warranty for peace of mind.
The GE Window Air Conditioner has 5,000 BTUs of cooling power. It is compact and fits small spaces like bedrooms and studios. Two cooling modes allow you to adjust the temperature easily.
Pros
Quiet operation makes it a good choice for nighttime use.
Cons
Limited features compared to other models.
Ideal for small rooms or apartments.
A basic, reliable AC for those who need minimal cooling features.
6. Most Versatile
Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner – Cool up to 150 Sq. Ft. with Easy-to-Use Mechanical Controls and Reusable Filter, Perfect for Small…
- PERFECT FOR SMALLER ROOMS – Midea’s Affordable Window AC unit is perfect to help your room be as comfortable as possible. It can cool 150 sq. ft. with 7 temperature settings, 2 cooling/2 fan-only speeds, and 2-way air direction to give you the perfect amount of cooling every time.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT- Midea’s 5,000 BTU window air conditioner has a Combined Energy Efficiency Rate (CEER) of 11.0 which helps reduce the energy costs to save you money throughout the year.
- QUIET & EASY TO USE – This window AC unit is quieter than a household refrigerator. It also features easy-to-use mechanical controls to quickly set the time, temperature, and mode and has a removable & reusable air filter.
- EASY INSTALLATION – Easily install in your home or apartment’s existing window frame. Suitable for windows 23”-36” wide and minimum 13” high. All mounting accessories are included. A screwdriver is required (but not included) for installation. For some window frames, pilot holes are recommended before installing screws. Please see included instruction manual for further detail.
- WARRANTY: 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty comes with each Midea product to ensure the quality of our brand to our customers. Our team is happy to help if any questions or issues arise and make sure to register your product on our website for even faster support in the future.
Midea’s 5,000 BTU EasyCool Air Conditioner is designed for small spaces. It can cool up to 150 square feet and has multiple temperature settings. The mechanical controls are straightforward to use.
Pros
Energy-efficient design helps to lower electricity bills.
Cons
May struggle in high-heat conditions.
Best for small bedrooms or offices.
A budget option for those needing basic cooling.
7. Best Design
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control, Cools Up to 350 Sq. Ft., Quiet Operation, Eco Mode, 3 Fan Speeds, Auto Restart, White
- Customizable Cooling: Achieve optimal comfort with custom temperature settings, 6-way directional airflow, and three different fan speeds
- Easy Maintenance: Effortlessly adjust settings with the remote control and keep your AC unit working efficiently with Clean Filter alerts that notify you when it’s time to clean the washable dust filter
- Energy-Efficient Performance: Save energy with Eco Mode while maintaining a comfortable temperature and reduce energy consumption with Sleep Mode, which gradually increases the temperature overnight
- Consistent Comfort: This window air conditioner operates at just 54 dBA, providing quiet cooling that makes it ideal for bedrooms or small living rooms up to 350 sq. ft.
- Effortless Convenience: Set the 24-hour on/off timer to match your schedule and enable Dry Mode to remove excess moisture from the air, creating a more comfortable environment
The Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner cools up to 350 square feet. It has customizable cooling options and a remote for easy adjustments. This model also features three fan speeds for personalized comfort.
Pros
Clean Filter alerts make maintenance easy.
Cons
Some users may find it noisy at higher speeds.
Great for family rooms or larger bedrooms.
A versatile air conditioner with good cooling capabilities.
8. Best Heavy-Duty
Midea 10,000 BTU U Shaped Window Air Conditioner, Cools up to 450 Sq Ft
- ULTRA QUIET – The U-shape design of Midea U Smart Inverter AC uses your window to block noise outside. The highly-efficient inverter system warrants ultra-low noise and vibration, 9x quieter than traditional units with operation as low as 32 dBA.
- MORE THAN 37% ENERGY SAVINGS – With the advanced DC Inverter technology, Midea U window air conditioner achieves over 37% energy savings compared to other traditional units. It is the first window AC to obtain the ENERGY STAR Certification.
- SMART CONTROL – Midea U Smart Inverter air conditioner is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled from anywhere using the SmartHome app on iOS or Android. You can also use voice commands throughout your house, office, or apartment using Alexa or Google Assistant devices.
- FLEXIBLE WINDOW OPENING – The U-shaped design allows your window to open, bringing fresh air into your home and maintaining more of your view when the window air conditioner is installed. When the window is closed, the Anti-Theft Mechanism locks the window for added safety.
- ROBUST INSTALLATION – Install the included quick-snap bracket, set the air conditioner on the bracket, and secure the sidearms. Then you are all done and ready to enjoy. Available for single-hung or double-hung windows with width 22″-36″, minimal height at 13.75″.
The Midea 10,000 BTU U Shaped Window Air Conditioner is perfect for larger spaces up to 450 square feet. Its unique design minimizes outside noise. The inverter technology helps reduce energy usage.
Pros
Ultra-quiet operation is a standout feature.
Cons
Installation may be tricky due to its shape.
Best for larger living areas or home offices.
A smart investment for quiet, efficient cooling in big rooms.
9. Runner-Up
Midea 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Heat, 550 Sq Ft
- Multi-Season Comfort – This Midea 12000 BTU air conditioner is more versatile than standard AC units, offering powerful cooling and dehumidification in the summer and reliable supplemental heat in the fall. Best for large rooms up to 550 square feet. Note: Heat pump function will not operate if outside temperature is below 41°F.
- Easy To Use – This air conditioner and heat unit is well-equipped with a digital LED display, 5 Modes, 3 speed settings, 24-hr Timer, and ECO energy saver. The Swing button adjusts the louvers up/down to direct the airflow. Wireless enabled, control your comfort from your smartphone and your smartwatch using the Midea SmartHome app or your voice via Alexa and Google Assistant. All functions can be set via the control panel, remote control, and app or voice assistant.
- Save on Energy Without Sacrificing Comfort – This UL Listed, Energy Star certified air conditioner uses inverter technology to quickly cool your bedroom or apartment while providing up to 35% energy savings compared to the Energy Conservation Standard. With 12,000 BTUs, a CEER of 13.3, and 115V operation, this ac unit is loaded with features like auto shutoff, defrost control, and a washable front filter to maintain peak performance.
- Ultra Low Noise Performance – This ac window unit operates at a noise level as low as 45 dBA. It’s such a quiet air conditioner that you will barely notice it, even when it’s on high. Enjoy your Zoom call, watch your favorite TV show, have a conversation. This ac unit for bedroom also creates just the right amount of white noise so you can get some rest.
- Install Specs – This window air conditioner is designed to fit double hung windows with opening widths of 24 to 38.5 inches. Lower sash must open sufficiently to allow a clear vertical opening of 14.5 inches. AC window unit measures 19.41″W x 22.17″D x 13.9″H. Included components: 12000 btu window air conditioner, remote control, installation kit. This ac heater combo window unit is as a close as you can get to a mini split a/c. You may like it so much you just might buy two!
The Midea 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner has powerful cooling capabilities for rooms up to 550 square feet. It also provides supplemental heating. This unit is suitable for multi-season use.
Pros
Versatile unit with both heating and cooling functions.
Cons
May be overkill for smaller spaces.
Ideal for larger homes needing both heating and cooling.
A strong choice for year-round comfort in big rooms.
10. Best Compact
Frigidaire 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control, Cools Up to 250 Sq. Ft., Quiet Operation, Eco Mode, 3 Fan Speeds, Auto Restart, White
- Customizable Cooling: Achieve optimal comfort with custom temperature settings, 6-way directional airflow, and three different fan speeds
- Easy Maintenance: Effortlessly adjust settings with the remote control and keep your AC unit working efficiently with Clean Filter alerts that notify you when it’s time to clean the washable dust filter
- Energy-Efficient Performance: Save energy with Eco Mode while maintaining a comfortable temperature and reduce energy consumption with Sleep Mode, which gradually increases the temperature overnight
- Consistent Comfort: This window air conditioner operates at just 52 dBA, providing quiet cooling that makes it ideal for bedrooms or small spaces up to 250 sq. ft.
- Effortless Convenience: Set the 24-hour on/off timer to match your schedule and enable Dry Mode to remove excess moisture from the air, creating a more comfortable environment
Frigidaire’s 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner cools rooms up to 250 square feet. It has remote control and three fan speeds for effective cooling. Eco Mode helps save energy.
Pros
Customizable settings enhance user comfort.
Cons
Might not be powerful enough for very large areas.
Suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
A solid mid-range option for efficient cooling.
Window Air Conditioner Compared Side by Side
The table below shows key features of the cheapest window air conditioners. It includes their cooling capacity, special features, and size. This information is useful for anyone comparing options.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Midea 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner | Top Pick | Midea | $157.99 | Check |
| 2 | Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner | Best Premium | Frigidaire | $169 | Check |
| 3 | Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Air Conditioner Window… | Best Lightweight | Midea | $305.99 | Check |
| 4 | Midea 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner | Best for Beginners | Midea | $199.99 | Check |
| 5 | GE Window Air Conditioner 5,000 BTU AC Unit for Small… | Best for Small Spaces | GE Appliances | $149.95 | Check |
| 6 | Midea 5,000 BTU EasyCool Small Window Air Conditioner | Most Versatile | Midea | $153.89 | Check |
| 7 | Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Remote… | Best Design | Frigidaire | $229 | Check |
| 8 | Midea 10,000 BTU U Shaped Window Air Conditioner | Best Heavy-Duty | Midea | $404.99 | Check |
| 9 | Midea 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Heat | Runner-Up | Midea | $422.99 | Check |
| 10 | Frigidaire 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Remote… | Best Compact | Frigidaire | $209.99 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
Our data comes from manufacturer specifications, user reviews, and trusted retail websites. We looked at over 20 different window air conditioner models. This helped us gather a wide perspective on available options.
How we built this shortlist
We focused on models that fit the category of ‘cheapest window air conditioner’. From the initial 20, we narrowed down to 10 based on cooling power, features, and user ratings. Only those with high efficiency and positive reviews made the final list.
What we ruled out and why
We ruled out models that had low ratings or poor energy efficiency. Any unit that did not meet a minimum of 5,000 BTU cooling capacity was also removed. This ensured we only presented reliable options.
What we did not do
None of the air conditioners were tested by hand or measured in a lab. We did not create any scores or ratings from personal experience. All information comes from research and publicly available data.
How often this page is updated
This page is updated quarterly to reflect new models and changes in availability. We review the latest products regularly to ensure the information remains accurate. Updates may occur sooner if significant changes happen in the market.
How to Choose Window Air Conditioner
Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity is measured in BTUs. For small rooms, look for at least 5,000 BTUs. This will effectively cool spaces up to 150 square feet. Rooms larger than this need more BTUs.
Noise Levels
Consider the noise level measured in dBA. Look for units below 60 dBA for quiet operation. Higher levels can be disruptive, especially in bedrooms or offices. Aim for as low as possible.
Energy Efficiency
Check for the Energy Star rating. This indicates that the unit uses less energy while providing cooling. Energy-efficient models can save you money on your electric bill in the long run.
Special Features
Look for features like remote control and programmable timers. These can improve convenience and comfort. Some models also offer modes for dehumidifying, which can be helpful in humid climates.
Size and Installation
Measure your window and check the unit’s dimensions before purchasing. Ensure it will fit the space you have. Some units are easier to install than others, so choose one that suits your skill level.
What to look for
Cooling Power
Effective cooling power is essential for any air conditioner. The higher the BTU rating, the larger the area it can cool. For small rooms, aim for at least 5,000 BTUs, while larger spaces may need 8,000 BTUs or more.
Energy Consumption
Energy consumption can greatly affect your utility bills. Look for units with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 11 or higher. This means the unit uses less electricity to produce cooling.
Control Options
Air conditioners can come with various control options. Remote controls add convenience. Some models also offer smart features that allow you to control them via apps on your smartphone.
Maintenance Needs
Regular maintenance is important for air conditioners. Look for models with washable filters, which are easier to clean. Some units also have alert systems to notify you when cleaning is necessary.
Design and Size
The design and size of the unit should fit your space. Consider units that are compact if you have limited window space. A well-designed unit can be less obtrusive and blend more effectively into your room.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest window air conditioner to buy?
The cheapest window air conditioner varies by brand and model. Common affordable options include the Midea 5,000 BTU and Frigidaire 5,000 BTU units. They offer good cooling power for small rooms.
How do I know what size air conditioner I need?
To determine the size you need, measure your room in square feet. A unit with 5,000 BTUs is good for up to 150 square feet. Larger rooms will need more cooling power.
Are window air conditioners easy to install?
Most window air conditioners come with installation kits and instructions. Generally, they are easy to install. However, you might need basic tools and some assistance to lift the unit.
Can I leave my window air conditioner on all day?
Yes, you can leave your window air conditioner on all day. Make sure it is energy-efficient to save on electricity costs. Using timers can also help manage usage.
How often should I clean my air conditioner?
You should clean your air conditioner filters every month during peak use. This keeps the unit working efficiently. If you see dirt build-up, it’s time for a cleaning.
Shopping around? We have 18 more window air conditioner guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- EPA guide to home air cleaners U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA radon guidance U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
About the author
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