Best HVAC · 2026
Best Window Air Conditioners 2026
A window AC has one job: cool a single room without wasting power. That number is CEER — how much cooling you get per watt. We rank the certified field by CEER, then by cooling BTU, and show the room size each unit suits (from ENERGY STAR’s sizing chart). Here are the 329 that qualify, decided by the data.
Data current as of July 12, 2026 · 329 units · source ENERGY STAR + DOE
Our picks
Most efficient
The highest CEER (16) of the units here you can buy on Amazon today. The top of the full field, the Midea MAH09B1AGR at CEER 17.6, is not for sale there today.
16CEER
16CEER
10,000BTU
Cheapest to run
The lowest computed running cost ($56/yr at U.S. average electricity prices) of the units here you can buy on Amazon today. The TCL T05WV9M runs for $52/yr but is not for sale there today.
$56$/yr
15.1CEER
6,000BTU
Most cooling, still efficient
The most cooling (18,000 BTU, ~1,000 sq ft) among the more efficient units you can buy on Amazon today.
18,000BTU
15CEER
18,000BTU
Each pick is chosen by a single verifiable metric (stated above) — not an opinion score. Where we can, the pick is a unit you can buy on Amazon today (42 of the 329 here are); we say so when the top of the full field is not for sale. Match the BTU to your room with ENERGY STAR’s sizing chart (see the BTU calculator). Prefer a different priority? Re-sort the full field below. Units sold under several brand names appear once. Not sure a window unit is even the right type for your room? Take the 60-second wizard.
The full field — sortable
Click any column to re-sort. Every row links to that unit's full Verified Label with computed running cost.
| Model | CEER | Cooling BTU | Room ~sq ft | $/yr | H×W×D (in) | Type | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Midea MAH09B1AGRwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 17.6 | 9,500 | 450 | $76 | 21×25×41 | Window | — |
| Midea MAH09H1AGRwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 17.6 | 9,500 | 450 | $76 | 21×25×41 | Window | — |
| Midea MAH09N1AGRwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 17.6 | 9,500 | 450 | $76 | 21×25×41 | Window | — |
| Midea MAH09S1AGRwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 17.6 | 9,500 | 450 | $76 | 21×25×41 | Window | — |
| Midea MAH09W1AGRwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 17.6 | 9,500 | 450 | $76 | 21×25×41 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUPWHP-09HEFN8-BCL1window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 17.6 | 9,500 | 450 | $76 | 21×25×41 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUPWHP-09HEFN8-BCL1Nwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 17.6 | 9,500 | 450 | $76 | 21×25×41 | Window | — |
| Kühl KCVS08B10Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 17 | 8,700 | 400 | $72 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| Kühl KCVS12B30Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16.8 | 12,700 | 550 | $107 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| Gradient CCHP11window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16.8 | 9,300 | 400 | $78 | 24×25×37 | Window | — |
| Kühl KCVS12B10Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16.2 | 12,300 | 550 | $107 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW18S2KWT-Awindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $159 | 18×25×24 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUWH-18CRFN8-MCP0window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $159 | 18×25×24 | Window | — |
| Kühl KCVS16B30Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 15,400 | 700 | $136 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| GE PWJV14Wwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 14,000 | 700 | $124 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
| Midea MWEUWA-14CRFN8-BCP0window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 14,000 | 700 | $124 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
 | TCL T14WV9Swindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 14,000 | 700 | $124 | 15×20×22 | Window | $630 |
| TCL T14WV9SBwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 14,000 | 700 | $124 | 15×20×22 | Window | $630 |
| TCL W14WC72window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 14,000 | 700 | $124 | 15×20×22 | Window | — |
| TCL W14WC72-Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 14,000 | 700 | $124 | 15×20×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12V1WBKwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12V1WBK-Twindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12V1WWTwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12V1WWT-Twindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MWEUWA-12CRFN8-BCP0window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | — | Window | — |
| TCL T12WV4Swindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | 15×20×22 | Window | — |
 | TCL T12WV9Swindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | 15×20×22 | Window | $490 |
| TCL T12WV9SBwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | 15×20×22 | Window | $490 |
| TCL W12WC72window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | 15×20×22 | Window | — |
| TCL W12WC72-Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 12,000 | 550 | $106 | 15×20×22 | Window | — |
| GE PWJV10Wwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 15×19×20 | Window | — |
| Midea 1010451479window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea 1014264129window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW10U2QWTwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW10V1WWTwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW10V1WWT-Twindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MWAUQB-10CRFN8-BCP0window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWEUWA-10CRFN8-BCP0window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MWFUQB-10CRFN8-BCP0window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| TCL T10WV3Swindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 15×20×22 | Window | — |
 | TCL T10WV9Swindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 15×20×22 | Window | $440 |
| TCL T10WV9SBwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 15×20×22 | Window | $440 |
| TCL W10WC72window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 15×20×22 | Window | — |
| TCL W10WC72-Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 10,000 | 450 | $88 | 15×20×22 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KCVS08B10Awindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,700 | 400 | $77 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| GREE GJC08BU-A6DRNJ2Awindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,300 | 350 | $73 | 13×21×18 | Window | — |
| GE PWJV08Wwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 13×19×15 | Window | — |
| Midea 1010451315window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea 1014242943window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08U2QWTwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08V1WBKwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08V1WBK-Twindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08V1WWTwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08V1WWT-Twindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MWAUQB-08CRFN8-BCP0window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWEUWA-08CRFN8-BCP0window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| TCL T08WV3Swindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| TCL T08WV9Swindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| TCL T08WV9SBwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| TCL W8WC72window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| TCL W8WC72-Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 16 | 8,000 | 350 | $71 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| Kühl+ KHVS12B33Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.8 | 12,600 | 550 | $113 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| GE Profile AHTR10ACH2window AC · inverter | 15.7 | 10,100 | 450 | $91 | 14×11×20 | Window | — |
| HOUSE KOBO KOBOGJC08BUwindow AC · inverter | 15.5 | 8,100 | 350 | $74 | 13×21×18 | Window | — |
| LG LW8022IVSMwindow AC · inverter | 15.5 | 8,000 | 350 | $73 | 12×20×25 | Window | — |
| LG LW6023IVSMwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.5 | 6,000 | 250 | $55 | 12×20×25 | Window | — |
| GE Profile AHTR12ACH2window AC · inverter | 15.4 | 12,200 | 550 | $112 | 14×11×20 | Window | — |
| Midea 1010451379window AC · inverter | 15.2 | 12,000 | 550 | $111 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea 1014278205window AC · inverter | 15.2 | 12,000 | 550 | $111 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12U2QWTwindow AC · inverter | 15.2 | 12,000 | 550 | $111 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWAUQB-12CRFN8-BCN12window AC · inverter | 15.2 | 12,000 | 550 | $111 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| TCL H12W4KWHwindow AC · inverter | 15.2 | 12,000 | 550 | $111 | 20×30×29 | Window | — |
| TCL H12W4KWH-CAwindow AC · inverter | 15.2 | 12,000 | 550 | $111 | 20×30×29 | Window | — |
| TCL KCR-35/YXRDBp(E1/6)(080002)window AC · inverter | 15.2 | 12,000 | 550 | $111 | 20×30×29 | Window | — |
| GREE GJH09BW-A6DRNL1Awindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 9,300 | 400 | $87 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| Kinghome KHWA09INwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 9,300 | 400 | $87 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08HV1KWT-Awindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCN11window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08V1KWT-Awindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 7,800 | 350 | $73 | 14×19×22 | Window | $260 |
| Midea MAW08V1KYWT-Swindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 7,800 | 350 | $73 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWFUQB-8CRFN8-BCN11window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 7,800 | 350 | $73 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW06U1QWTwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 6,000 | 250 | $56 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW06V1QWBL-Twindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 6,000 | 250 | $56 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW06V1QWTwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 6,000 | 250 | $56 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
 | Midea MAW06V1UBLwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 6,000 | 250 | $56 | 14×19×22 | Window | $315 |
 | Midea MAW06V1UWTwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 6,000 | 250 | $56 | 14×19×22 | Window | $315 |
| Midea MWAUQB-06CRFN8-BCN11window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15.1 | 6,000 | 250 | $56 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Hisense AW2223TW3Wwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15 | 22,000 | 1,200 | $207 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Frigidaire FHWW185WE2window AC · inverter | 15 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $169 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Hisense AW1823TW3Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $169 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Keplerx KBRC18RSVE2window AC · inverter | 15 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $169 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
 | Keystone KSTAW182WAwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $169 | 18×24×25 | Window | $657 |
| Midea MAW18R2VWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $169 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW18RV1CWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $169 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW18S2VWT-Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $169 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUWH-18CRFN8-MCN10window AC · inverter | 15 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $169 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Danby DAC140EBIBDBwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
 | ELEMENT EHWR14BEwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | $549 |
| Frigidaire FHWW145WE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| GE Profile PWDV14Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Hisense AW1422TW1Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×19×22 | Window | $549 |
| Keplerx KARC14RSVE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
 | Keystone KSTAW141WAwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | $550 |
| Midea 1014634880window AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW14R1VWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW14RV1CCWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW14RV1CWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
 | Midea MAW14S1VWT-Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | $558 |
| Midea MAW14S1VWWT-Twindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW14V1YWT-Swindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUWA-14CRFN8-BCN10window AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Vissani VAWA14V4HWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 14,000 | 700 | $132 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KCVS12B30Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,700 | 550 | $120 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KCVS12B10Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,500 | 550 | $118 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
 | BLACK+DECKER BD12NWESwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | $500 |
| Danby DAC120ECBIWDBwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| DELLA 048-TL-W12KIwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 13×21×19 | Window | — |
| ELEMENT EHWR12BEwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | $499 |
| Friedrich CCV12A10Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 13×21×19 | Window | — |
| Frigidaire FHWW125WE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Frigidaire Gallery GHWQ123WC1window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Frigidaire Gallery GHWW125TE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| GE Profile PWDV12Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Hisense 143-1306-8window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
 | Hisense AAW12TW26window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | $529 |
| Hisense AHLW1225TW1Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
| Hisense AWL1225TW1Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
| Hisense LWCT12W25Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
| Hisense WAWL1225TW1Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
| Hykolity ACB-2603window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Hykolity ACB-2623window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| Insignia NS-AC12WWH5-Cwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Keplerx KARC12RSVE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Keystone KSTAW121WAwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Keystone KSTAW12INVwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Ktaxon KXTIW-12CRD1window AC · inverter · also sold as Rovsun | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| LG LW1222IVSMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×24×29 | Window | — |
| LG LW1224IVSMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×24×29 | Window | $559 |
| Midea 1014634874window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12AV1UWT-Cwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12RV1CWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12S1VWT-Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12S1VWWT-Twindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12V1UWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12V1YWT-Swindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MW12MSWBA5RCMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MW12MSWBA6RCMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUWA-12CRFN8-BCN10window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | — | Window | — |
| OMNI MAX OWH121CV4Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Perfect aire 1PACV12000window AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| PHILODECO PIWC-12CRD1(ES)window AC · inverter · also sold as Ktaxon, Rovsun, Zokop | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| Richmond RMV12A10Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| TCL H12W4KWwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| TCL H12W4KW-CAwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| TCL H12W4MWwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 14×23×19 | Window | — |
| TCL T12WQ2Swindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | — | Window | — |
| Vissani VAWA12V4HWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×22×19 | Window | — |
| Vissani VWL1225Twindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
| Whirlpool WHAW-121INwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 12,000 | 550 | $113 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| Kühl+ KHVS10B11Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 15 | 10,600 | 450 | $100 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| BLACK+DECKER BD10NWESwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Danby DAC100B8IWDB-6window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| DELLA 048-TL-W10KIwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 13×21×19 | Window | — |
| ELEMENT EHWR10BEwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | $400 |
 | Friedrich CCV10A10Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 13×21×19 | Window | $588 |
| Frigidaire FHWW105WE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Frigidaire Gallery GHWQ103WC1window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Frigidaire Gallery GHWW105TE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| GE Profile PWDV10Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Hisense AW1023TW1Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 13×19×19 | Window | — |
| Hisense AWUS1026TWwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
| Hykolity ACB-2602window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Hykolity ACB-2622window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| Keplerx KARC10RSVE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Keystone KSTAW101WAwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | $430 |
| Keystone KSTAW10INVwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | $631 |
| Ktaxon KXTIW-10CRD1window AC · inverter · also sold as Rovsun | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
 | LG LW1022FVSMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 12×20×25 | Window | $499 |
| LG LW1022IVSMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 12×20×25 | Window | — |
| Midea 1014634875window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW10RV1CCWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW10RV1CWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW10S1VWT-Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW10S1VWWT-Twindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW10V1UWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | $400 |
| Midea MW10MSWBA5RCMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MW10MSWBA6RCMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWAUQB-10CRFN8-BCN10window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUWA-10CRFN8-BCN10window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Noma 043-8815-2window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Noma iQ 143-0088-2window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | — | Window | — |
| Perfect aire 1PACV10000window AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| PHILODECO PIWC-10CRD1(ES)window AC · inverter · also sold as Ktaxon, Rovsun, Zokop | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 16×24×21 | Window | $351 |
| Richmond RMV10A10Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 13×19×19 | Window | — |
| TCL H10W4KWwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| TCL H10W4KW-CAwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| TCL H10W4MWwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×23×19 | Window | — |
| TCL T10WQ2Swindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | — | Window | — |
| Vissani VAWA10V4HWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Whirlpool WHAW-101INwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| Windmill 10W2Wiwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 10,000 | 450 | $94 | 13×19×23 | Window | $399 |
| LG LW8024IVSMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,500 | 400 | $80 | 15×24×29 | Window | — |
| BLACK+DECKER BD08NWESwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | $350 |
| Danby DAC080B8IWDB-6window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Danby DAC080EBIBDBwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| DELLA 048-TL-W8KIwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 13×21×19 | Window | — |
| ELEMENT EHWR08BEwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | $399 |
 | Friedrich CCV08A10Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 13×21×19 | Window | $519 |
| Frigidaire FHWW085WE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | $399 |
| Frigidaire Gallery GHWQ083WC1window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Frigidaire Gallery GHWW085TE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| GE Profile PWDV08Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×19 | Window | — |
| Hisense AALW08TW26window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
| Hisense AHW0823TW1Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 13×19×19 | Window | — |
| Hisense AWL0826TW1Wwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 15×20×21 | Window | — |
| Hisense HLAW0825TWwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 15×20×21 | Window | $290 |
| Honeywell HAC-8Iwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Hykolity ACB-2601window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Hykolity ACB-2621window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| Keplerx KARC8RSVE1window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Keystone KSTAW081WAwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Keystone KSTAW08INVwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | $570 |
| Ktaxon KXTIW-08CRD1window AC · inverter · also sold as Rovsun | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| Ktaxon TIWC-08CRD1window AC · inverter · also sold as Rovsun, Zokop | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 13×21×19 | Window | $323 |
| Midea MAW08RV1CWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08S1VWT-Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08S1VWWT-Twindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08V1UWTwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | $400 |
| Midea MAW08V1YWT-Swindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW08W1QWT-Twindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MW08MSWBA1RCMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MW08MSWBA5RCMwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWAUQB-08CRFN8-BCN10window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUWA-08CRFN8-BCN10window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×20 | Window | — |
| Noma 043-8814-4window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 15×19×22 | Window | — |
| Noma iQ 143-0087-4window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | — | Window | — |
| Perfect aire 1PACV8000window AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Richmond RMV08A10Awindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 13×19×19 | Window | — |
| TCL H8W4KWwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 16×24×21 | Window | $260 |
| TCL H8W4KW-CAwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 16×24×21 | Window | $260 |
| TCL H8W4MWwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 14×23×19 | Window | — |
| TCL T08WQ2Swindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | — | Window | — |
| Whirlpool WHAW-081INwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 16×24×21 | Window | — |
| Windmill 08W2Wiwindow AC · inverter | 15 | 8,000 | 350 | $75 | 13×19×23 | Window | $359 |
| LG LW1822IVSMwindow AC · inverter | 14.7 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $173 | 18×26×31 | Window | — |
| LG LW1522FVSMwindow AC · inverter | 14.7 | 14,000 | 700 | $135 | 15×24×29 | Window | — |
| LG LW1522IVSMwindow AC · inverter | 14.7 | 14,000 | 700 | $135 | 15×24×29 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KCVM14B10Awindow AC · inverter | 14.7 | 13,900 | 700 | $134 | 18×26×29 | Window | — |
| GE Profile AHTR14ACwindow AC · inverter | 14.7 | 13,500 | 700 | $130 | 14×11×20 | Window | — |
| GE Profile PHNT12CCH1window AC · inverter | 14.7 | 12,200 | 550 | $117 | 13×20×28 | Window | — |
| GREE GJC12BU-A6DRNJ2Awindow AC · inverter | 14.7 | 11,500 | 550 | $110 | 13×21×18 | Window | — |
| HOUSE KOBO KOBOGJC12BUwindow AC · inverter | 14.7 | 11,500 | 550 | $110 | 13×21×18 | Window | — |
| GE Profile PHNT10CCH1window AC · inverter | 14.7 | 10,300 | 450 | $99 | 13×20×28 | Window | — |
| GREE GJC10BU-A6DRNJ2Awindow AC · inverter | 14.7 | 10,000 | 450 | $96 | 13×21×18 | Window | — |
| HOUSE KOBO KOBOGJC10BUwindow AC · inverter | 14.7 | 10,000 | 450 | $96 | 13×21×18 | Window | — |
| Kühl KCVM18B30Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 14.6 | 20,900 | 1,200 | $202 | 18×26×29 | Window | — |
| LG LW2422IVSM(208V)window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 14.5 | 23,500 | 1,500 | $229 | 18×26×31 | Window | — |
| LG LW2422IVSM(230V)window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 14.5 | 23,500 | 1,500 | $229 | 18×26×31 | Window | — |
| Keystone KSTAW08INV-HCwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 14.5 | 8,000 | 350 | $78 | 14×19×22 | Window | $570 |
| Midea MAW08HV1CWTwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 14.5 | 8,000 | 350 | $78 | 14×19×22 | Window | $340 |
| Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 14.5 | 8,000 | 350 | $78 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KCVM18B30Awindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 19,100 | 1,000 | $187 | 18×26×29 | Window | — |
 | Friedrich CCV18A30Awindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $177 | 15×26×28 | Window | $850 |
| HEMA DS-2W1822CIwindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $177 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| TCL H18W4KWwindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $177 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| TCL H18W4KW-CAwindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $177 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| TCL T18WQ2Swindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $177 | — | Window | — |
| Whirlpool WHAW-181INwindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 18,000 | 1,000 | $177 | 21×30×29 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KCVS16B30Awindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 16,200 | 700 | $159 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| Friedrich CCV15A10Awindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 15,000 | 700 | $147 | 15×26×28 | Window | $749 |
| TCL H15W4KWwindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 15,000 | 700 | $147 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| TCL H15W4KW-CAwindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 15,000 | 700 | $147 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| TCL T15WQ2Swindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 15,000 | 700 | $147 | — | Window | — |
| Whirlpool WHAW-151INwindow AC · inverter | 14.4 | 15,000 | 700 | $147 | 21×30×29 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KHVS12B33Awindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 14.4 | 12,600 | 550 | $124 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| Kühl+ KHVL28B35Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 14.2 | 28,300 | 1,500 | $281 | 20×28×36 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KHVS10B11Awindow AC · inverter | 14 | 10,200 | 450 | $103 | 16×26×29 | Window | — |
| Kühl KCVM24B30Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 13.9 | 23,100 | 1,400 | $235 | 18×26×29 | Window | — |
| Kühl KCVL28B30Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 13.8 | 28,900 | 1,500 | $296 | 20×28×36 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW24S2KWT-Awindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 13.8 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $246 | 18×25×24 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW24V2KYWT-Swindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 13.8 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $246 | 18×25×24 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUWH-24CRFN8-MCM8window AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 13.8 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $246 | 18×25×24 | Window | — |
| Hisense WCT06W25Awindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 12×16×14 | Window | — |
| Midea MWEUWA-06CRFN8-BCM7window AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 12×16×13 | Window | — |
| TCL H6W4KWwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 13×21×19 | Window | — |
| TCL T06WQ2Swindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 13×21×19 | Window | — |
| TCL T06WV9Rwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| TCL T06WV9RBwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| TCL W6WC72window AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| TCL W6WC72-Bwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| TCL W6WC72-BIwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 13×21×19 | Window | — |
| TCL W6WC72-Iwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 6,000 | 250 | $62 | 13×21×19 | Window | — |
| TCL T05WV9Mwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 5,000 | 150 | $52 | 13×16×16 | Window | — |
| TCL T05WV9MBwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 5,000 | 150 | $52 | 13×16×16 | Window | — |
| TCL T05WV9Rwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 5,000 | 150 | $52 | 13×16×16 | Window | — |
| TCL T05WV9RBwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 5,000 | 150 | $52 | 13×16×16 | Window | — |
| TCL W5WC72window AC · inverter | 13.7 | 5,000 | 150 | $52 | 13×16×16 | Window | — |
| TCL W5WC72-Bwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 5,000 | 150 | $52 | 13×16×16 | Window | — |
| TCL W5WC72Mwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 5,000 | 150 | $52 | 13×16×16 | Window | — |
| TCL W5WC72M-Bwindow AC · inverter | 13.7 | 5,000 | 150 | $52 | 13×16×16 | Window | — |
| Kühl KCVL36B30Bwindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 13.4 | 33,000 | 2,000 | $348 | 20×28×36 | Window | — |
| Comfort Aire RADS-253R03window AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Frigidaire FHWW245WE2window AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Keplerx KBRC24RSVE2window AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Keystone KSTAW242WAwindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW24R2VWTwindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW24RV1CWTwindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW24S2VWT-Awindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW24S2YWT-Swindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW25R2VWTwindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Midea MWCUWH-24CRFN8-MCM3window AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Perfect aire 1PACV25000Ewindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | $964 |
| Sea Breeze WA324ZREBwindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $255 | 18×24×25 | Window | — |
| Keystone KSTAW12INV-HCwindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 12,000 | 550 | $127 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12HV1CWTwindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 12,000 | 550 | $127 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MAW12HV1CWT-Awindow AC · inverter | 13.3 | 12,000 | 550 | $127 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Midea MWAUQB-12HRFN8-BCL0window AC · inverter · also sold as Lubeck | 13.3 | 12,000 | 550 | $127 | 14×19×22 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KCVL28B30Awindow AC · Most Efficient · inverter | 13.2 | 28,900 | 1,500 | $309 | 20×28×36 | Window | — |
| GE Appliances AWGP12Wwindow AC · inverter | 13.2 | 11,000 | 450 | $118 | 15×19×21 | Window | — |
| GE Appliances AWGP08Wwindow AC · inverter | 13.2 | 8,000 | 350 | $86 | 13×19×18 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KCVM24B30Awindow AC · inverter | 13 | 23,200 | 1,400 | $252 | 18×26×29 | Window | — |
| Friedrich CCV24A30Awindow AC · inverter | 12.7 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $267 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| TCL H24W4KWwindow AC · inverter | 12.7 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $267 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| TCL H24W4KW-CAwindow AC · inverter | 12.7 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $267 | 15×26×28 | Window | — |
| TCL T24WQ2Swindow AC · inverter | 12.7 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $267 | — | Window | — |
| Whirlpool WHAW-241INwindow AC · inverter | 12.7 | 24,000 | 1,500 | $267 | 21×30×29 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KHVL28B35Awindow AC · inverter | 12.6 | 28,200 | 1,500 | $316 | 20×28×36 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KHVM24B34Awindow AC · inverter | 12.6 | 22,900 | 1,400 | $257 | 18×26×29 | Window | — |
| Friedrich KCVL36B30Awindow AC · inverter | 12.2 | 34,100 | 2,500 | $395 | 20×28×36 | Window | — |
How the ranking works. We rank room air conditioners on CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio — the DOE test number), then cooling BTU. CEER is a certified metric, not a marketing term. Certification and specs come from ENERGY STAR and the DOE compliance database; running cost and suggested room size are computed by us from published ratings and EIA U.S. average electricity prices. Suggested room size comes from ENERGY STAR’s room AC sizing chart — sunny rooms, kitchens and rooms with more than two regular users need more. Identical units sold under several brand names are collapsed to one row. No star ratings, no paid placement. These are self-install units; the Buy column links Amazon only where the unit's own listing (its model number, or a rebadge's) was in stock on our last check, so some rows have none. Prices in that column are the live Amazon price on that check; they change. See methodology.
Why we don't rank by noise
AHRI, ENERGY STAR and the DOE certify CEER (efficiency) for room air conditioners — none of them certify a sound rating, so there's no verified per-model dB figure in the corpus to sort by. Publishing one anyway would mean guessing, which we don't do. What we can tell you is the honest type-level range: standard window units typically run about 50–65 dB at the sill, and the quietest design — U-shaped units, which put the compressor outside the room on the far side of the sill — get down to around 32 dB. Before you buy, check the manufacturer-published dB rating on the specific listing; if a listing doesn't state one, that itself is worth asking about.
Common questions
Why don’t you rank window ACs by noise?
Because nobody certifies it. AHRI, ENERGY STAR and the DOE certify CEER (efficiency) for room air conditioners, but none of them certify a sound rating, so there’s no verified per-model dB figure in our corpus to sort by — and we don’t publish numbers we can’t source. As a type-level range: standard window units typically run about 50–65 dB, and the quietest U-shaped design gets down to around 32 dB. Check the manufacturer-published dB rating on the specific listing before you buy.
What CEER is good for a window AC?
In the certified field we track here, CEER runs from about 12 to 17.6 — the higher the number, the less electricity for the same cooling. Anything at or above the low-to-mid teens is solidly efficient; our top picks above are the highest-CEER units that also carry real cooling capacity.
How many BTU do I need for my room?
Use ENERGY STAR’s sizing chart: 150 to 250 sq ft needs 6,000 BTU, 300 to 350 sq ft needs 8,000, 400 to 450 sq ft needs 10,000 and 450 to 550 sq ft needs 12,000. Add 10% for a very sunny room, 600 BTU for each regular user over two, and 4,000 BTU in a kitchen. Bigger is not better: an oversized unit cools the room before it removes the humidity, so the room feels damp. Our BTU calculator does the math for your room.
Will a window AC fit a crank-out (casement) window?
Usually not — standard window units are built for an up-down (double-hung) window. If your window cranks out, your realistic options are a casement-specific unit, a through-the-wall sleeve unit, or a portable AC. Our window-AC-vs-mini-split decision wizard (linked in Tools) walks through this exact fork.