10 Best Window Air Conditioning Units 2025 in the United States

The Midea MAW10V1QWT is a 10,000 BTU window air conditioner designed to cool spaces up to about 450 square feet, making it suitable for medium-sized rooms. It stands out with its unique U-shaped design, allowing you to keep your window slightly open for fresh air and a better outside view, which is uncommon in most window AC units. This design also helps reduce noise by using your window as a sound barrier, resulting in an impressively quiet operation at just 32 decibels—about as quiet as a whisper. The unit uses an energy-efficient inverter system and R32 refrigerant, delivering over 35% energy savings compared to traditional models, supported by its ENERGY STAR certification. This means lower electricity bills while staying eco-friendly. Installation is straightforward with a quick-snap bracket that fits windows 22 to 36 inches wide, and it includes a remote control for easy temperature adjustments. Additional features like a dust filter, fast cooling, and a built-in dehumidifier add comfort and air quality benefits.

The AC is also Wi-Fi enabled, letting you control it remotely via an app or voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant, which is great for smart homes. A potential downside is that the unit weighs nearly 57 pounds, which might be challenging to install alone. Also, while the U-shape design is innovative, it may not fit all window types, so checking your window size and style is important before purchase. Some users may find the upfront cost higher than basic window ACs, but the energy savings and quiet operation can justify this over time. This Midea model is well suited for those seeking a quiet, energy-efficient air conditioner with smart controls and flexible window installation.

The Frigidaire 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner is designed to cool rooms up to 450 square feet, making it a good choice for medium-sized living spaces. Its cooling power is solid for this size, providing customizable comfort with 3 fan speeds and 6-way directional airflow, so you can direct cool air exactly where you want it. The unit operates quietly at around 53-54 decibels, which is low enough to avoid disturbing conversations or sleep. Energy efficiency is decent, featuring an Eco Mode and Sleep Mode to help reduce electricity use, although it does not have the Energy Star certification, which might matter if you’re looking for the most cost-effective long-term option. Installation is typical for window units, and its size (about 21 x 19 x 15 inches) should fit most standard windows with the included window kit.

Additional user-friendly features include a remote control for convenience, a filter cleaning alert to remind you when maintenance is needed, a 24-hour timer, and a Dry Mode that helps reduce humidity in the room. The unit has a one-year manufacturer warranty and has generally positive customer feedback. While it’s not the quietest model available and lacks Energy Star certification—potentially leading to higher electricity costs compared to more efficient models—it remains a reliable, easy-to-use AC unit well-suited for those needing effective cooling with handy features in an average-sized room.

The Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner is designed to cool spaces up to 550 sq. ft., making it suitable for larger rooms or small apartments. It boasts customizable cooling with a 6-way directional airflow and three fan speeds, allowing users to achieve their desired comfort level. The unit operates relatively quietly at 57 dB, which is beneficial for bedrooms or living spaces where noise is a concern.

Energy efficiency is a positive aspect of this unit, with features like Eco Mode and Sleep Mode designed to optimize power consumption. However, it does not have an Energy Star certification, which might be a consideration for those prioritizing energy savings. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 10.9 reflects moderate efficiency.

Installation is straightforward with a window kit included, and the unit's size at 21.4 x 18.9 x 14.6 inches should fit most standard window spaces, though at 63.5 pounds, it may require two people to install safely. The remote control and filter light reminder add convenience, and the washable dust filter ensures easy maintenance. Potential buyers should be aware that it requires a 115-volt outlet and consumes 1100 watts. Additional features like a 24-hour timer and Dry Mode to reduce humidity are practical for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. However, for those looking for a unit with advanced smart features or a higher SEER rating, this model might not fully meet their expectations.