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Looking to beat the heat? We meticulously researched dozens of window air conditioning units before selecting the top 10 for rigorous side-by-side testing. Using a lab-grade thermometer and high-quality instruments, we monitored their cooling efficiency and speed with our test room. We also assessed their energy consumption and noise levels. In addition to the testing of base functions and energy consumption, our team evaluated convenience features and even the ease of installation to create the most comprehensive data set possible.
We've tested a wide range of home and countertop best appliances, including the top-ranked humidifiers, best fans, and the best air purifiers to condition, circulate, moisten, and purify dry or low-quality air in your home. We've done all the research, testing, and product comparisons for you to determine the best overall window air conditioner unit for every application.
Editors Note: We tested and reviewed ten brand new AC units in this window air conditioner review, published on October 24th, 2023.
The Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT is a top choice in air conditioner units, fitting right into a sweet spot with 8000 BTU of cooling power. Not only does it offer good cooling performance, but it does so while consuming very little energy and producing very little noise. It is also one of the most tech-forward offerings we tested, with WiFi connectivity, a great app, and compatibility with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for those who have embraced IoT and home automation.
While our team was full of accolades for the unit, we did have a few criticisms that deserve a mention. Firstly, other 12K BTU models offer, as one might expect, greater cooling abilities, and second, this unit is a pain to install. Although many of our top AC units have very similar cooling performance, if you still want all the bells and whistles of a Midea with one of the top cooling scores, you may be interested in the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT. We even almost named it our best overall AC unit, but its premium price got in the way. However, if you can find it on sale, we would recommend it over its lower-BTU sister model.
The LG LW6017R is a 6,000 BTU air conditioner unit that is easy to install, energy-efficient, and a great option for cooling average sized spaces. It also offers similar convenience features to more expensive models, like a variety of fan settings and modes that include an 'eco' mode, as well as an easy to use remote. Most importantly, it has an approachable price tag and low operational costs, making it a great value among window air conditioner units up front and in the long term.
Unfortunately, the LG LW6017R isn't without shortcomings. It is a little noisier than more premium and expensive models tested, and the unit does not offer WiFi compatibility or a smart app. Aside from a few aforementioned grips and a couple of other minor criticisms, we feel that the balance of performance and features are hard to beat at this price point. However, if the LG LW6017R is still prohibitively expensive, take a look at the completely mechanical but very capable and even more affordable GE AHEC05AC.
The GE AHEC05AC is an economically priced but capable 5,000 BTU unit that offers efficient cooling with low energy consumption and an easy installation. Those factors help to make this unit our most budget-friendly option for those trying to beat the heat on the tightest of budgets.
You won't get the convenience features like a WiFi app or even a remote at such an economical price point. Instead, the unit has easy-to-operate knobs, which are also clearly marked. This unit also falls in the middle of the pack with regard to noise and produces as much sound as you would expect from a window AC unit. Unless you absolutely need a remote, you can't beat this fantastic unit for the price. However, if no remote is a deal breaker, you may want to consider the slightly more expensive but still very affordable LG LW6017R.
If you are in search of a high-performing 12,000 BTU window unit for cooling a larger space and prefer a quieter operation, then look no further than the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT, which proved to be a great pick in our comprehensive testing. This model offers exceptional cooling performance while remaining very quiet and efficient with inverter technology. It also offers some of the best convenience features we tested, like quick access options and settings, as well as scheduling and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT isn't without a couple of drawbacks. Specifically, it wasn't the 12,000 BTU model that offered the most cooling performance; it was the very close runner-up, and the installation can be a little finicky, compounded by its 56-pound weight. However, you won't find better cooling performance at this level of energy efficiency, quietness, and convenience anywhere else. Our testing showed the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 offered the greatest cooling performance of all the models we tested, but in a rather stark contrast to the Midea, it is very loud and an energy hog. If neither of those qualities matter to you, it may be worthwhile.
The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 stands out as the most effective window air conditioner unit we tested and is a great choice for cooling larger spaces like garages or workshops quickly. It also features great convenience features, such as good air direction adjustments and above-average temperature and display settings, as well as above-average remote features and a child lock.
Unfortunately, the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1's exceptional cooling capabilities are accompanied by significant noise and high energy consumption, and unlike many other top offerings, it has no WiFi app or controls. So if noise and energy efficiency or WiFi controls are your top concerns, consider another option, like the nearly as capable but much quieter, more energy efficient, and 12,000 BTU Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT. However, this model remains an impressive and top choice for cooling large spaces such as workshops or garages.
We recommend the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 to those who spend lots of time in a hot garage.
Credit: Brian Walker
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Why You Should Trust Us
Since 2018, our test team at GearLab has tested a variety of air conditioner units, such as portable air conditioners, in addition to spending even more years testing the best appliances. That list includes the best humidifiers, best fans, and best air purifiers, and we have more recently added window air conditioner units to our long list of products we test.
Our testing of window air conditioners is divided into five metrics:
Cooling (30% weight of overall score)
Energy Consumption (25% weight)
Noise (20% weight)
Convenience (15% weight)
Installation (10% weight)
Our window air conditioner test team is led by Austin Palmer who has spent many months collecting data on both window and portable AC's, which is then put into words by our GearLab reviewer and tech-guru Ben Hickok. The two bring together a vast amount of knowledge and experience from testing dozens of home and kitchen appliances, tools, furniture, and other consumer electronics. They've captured hard data in this window air conditioner review and made clear sense of the important factors in buying a window AC.
We spent many hours installing and uninstalling all of our window ACs.
Credit: Brian Walker
Analysis and Test Results
To identify the best window air conditioner units on the market today. Our team did extensive research into the top models currently available. We then purchased the models that looked to be the most promising and conducted extensive side-by-side performance comparisons and feature evaluations before scoring them across five major metrics. The performances of top models, organized into sections from the most heavily weighted metric (cooling) to the most lightly weighted metric (installation), are highlighted in our review below.
Value
Many window units can be quite expensive to purchase and operate, even for just a few hot summer months of the year. Some exceptions include the LG LW6017R and the GE AHEC05AC, which also offer good levels of performance when compared to the most premium models. Both models scored well in our energy consumption tests, which could help lower your electricity bills, making them an even greater value in the long term.
Both units were on the noisier end of the spectrum, and the GE, at its incredibly approachable price point, doesn't offer much in the way of convenience features, while the more expensive but still budget-friendly LG offers quite a few. Both are quite compelling options that offer great value for their levels of performance and are great options for those on tight budgets in need of a window cooling option.
Cooling
Our cooling evaluation measured each model's ability to reduce the temperature in a controlled space within an hour. This metric holds substantial weight, accounting for 30 percent of the overall score for each window unit, and identifies the most capable models. While BTU ratings for the units tested ranged from 5,000 to 12,000, and the same environment was used for testing all models, a couple of lower BTU-rated models performed exceptionally well.
With a leg up on pure capability, it isn't too surprising that two 12,000 BTU models tested offered the greatest cooling performance. The Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 led the way with its ability to cool our test room significantly in one hour, followed by the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT which had fairly similar performance while producing far less noise.
Taking temperature measurements for the cooling power dataset of the most capable model we tested.
Credit: Brian Walker
An 8,000 BTU model was the final podium finisher for cooling performance — the Frigidaire FHWC084WB1. Although this model ranked high when it came down to cooling power, it comes at a tradeoff of noise generation and higher energy consumption. So it won't get high praise in our other metrics and didn't earn our recommendation as the best overall window AC.
Credit: Austin Palmer
While the average cooling power was based on a range of units from 5K to 12K BTU and the average temperature our test room dropped in one hour was 9.93 degrees Fahrenheit, a couple of 6K BTU-rated units stood out for their very respectable performance — the GE AHEE06AC and LG LW6017R.
When cooling power matters above all else, you can't beat the Frigidaire FHWC124WB1.
Credit: Brian Walker
Energy Consumption
Our test team measured the energy usage of each model in our evaluation of energy consumption, which contributed to 25 percent of the total score for each model. Our team used a watt meter to measure kilowatt-hours of energy consumed while running each unit at the highest power and fan speed settings for one hour. Our energy consumption data identified some really energy-efficient models as well as some energy hogs.
The 8,000 BTU Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT with its inverter technology outperformed all other models with regard to energy consumption. Its inverter technology allows the machine to run much more efficiently than units that simply cycle the compressor motors on and off and consume less energy than most similarly rated BTU models.
Measuring the energy consumption of one of the top models tested.
Credit: Brian Walker
Three 5K BTU units, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE, GE AHEC05AC8, and the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT, earned the same final scores, putting them in a three-way tie for second, with the LG LW6017R hot on their heels. All three second-place units consumed .4 kilowatts of energy in our hour-long duration test on the highest possible settings, while the slightly higher 6K BTU LG consumed .42 kilowatts.
While not the top finishers, two other units finished with above-average scores for the test group, the GE AHEE06AC (6K BTU) and the GE Profile ClearView AHTT06BC (6.1K BTU), by consuming only .46 kilowatts. If energy efficiency is a priority for you, there are a number of really exceptional models to choose from without breaking the bank or compromising on features.
Reading the energy consumption of units with a watt meter was our standard test procedure for every model.
Credit: Brian Walker
Noise
Adding a window air unit is supposed to make a space feel more pleasant, and a noisy fan or the loud cycling of a compressor motor can seriously detract from that newfound comfort. Our noise metric measured and evaluated the loudness of each model and identified the quietest models. It also identified some really loud models that may not be the best choice, even if their respective cooling performance is great.
Some of the most energy-efficient ACs were also the quietest units we tested. The Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT, GE Profile ClearView AHTT06BC, and the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT secured their spots in that respective order by offering quiet operation.
The majority of models produced sounds registering low to mid 60 decibels, but some also had more subjective types of sound, like a fan blade or compressor, that were more disruptive to the human ear than others.
Registering over 66 decibels, Frigidaire FHWC124WB1 is loud!
Credit: Brian Walker
Convenience
Our convenience metric evaluated a number of important convenience features and functions, from air direction adjustments to smart apps. We also weigh in on whether or not each unit includes an effective child lock for those with little ones.
Our testing identified three exceptional models with regard to convenience. The Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT and the Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT really outshined the rest of the ACs in the test lineup, tying for the top spot with the same features and functions between the two models as it is one of the few brands that includes smart capabilities with its units, allowing them to be controlled remotely.
Controlling the Midea U Shape with a well refined app.
Credit: Brian Walker
The GE Profile ClearView AHTT06BC was also notably above average when it came to convenience features. It features WiFi connectivity and an app, much like the top Midea models, although its app isn't quite as intuitive as the Midea's and includes annoying in-app ads. Like the Midea, GE also supports integration with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, making it a good choice for the tech-integrated homeowner or renter.
The smart app control of the interestingly designed GE Clearview.
Credit: Brian Walker
The design of the GE Profile ClearView AHTT06BC also allows one to maintain more of their view, and while not a convenience feature per se, it is a valuable feature. Beyond apps, another distinguishing convenience factor is that the GE Profile ClearView AHTT06BC lacks vertical air direction adjustments (ADD), whereas both Midea models have very robust ADDs.
Adjustable air direction on the Midea U-Shaped 8K BTU.
While we don't often point out the worst performers for a test metric, it is worth noting that most models offered a good number of convenience features and functions, like a remote and decent air direction adjustments, with the top models offering WiFi connectivity, smart apps, and compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, but the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE, GE AHEC05AC, and the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT are the most simple and feature lacking models we tested. They utilize simple knobs for changing fan speeds and temperatures, which may be great for older or less tech-savvy people seeking relief from the heat but not great across the rest of the convenience metric.
These models aside, you can expect an average balance of features and functions, including a remote but excluding a smart app, from any other models not mentioned.
Adjustable louvers are convenient for directing cool air to specific areas of a room.
Credit: Brian Walker
Installation
While it is unlikely you'll install a window unit more than once, or at most once a year, and plan to store it during cooler months, the ease of installation should still be a serious consideration. Some units are too heavy or cumbersome for a single person or the less mechanically inclined person to install alone. Many will require some additional help from a friend.
For this metric, we spend hours upon hours installing each unit individually. Sometimes we were able to do it on our own, but oftentimes we needed assistance. The easiest to install were the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT, GE AHEC05AC, and the GE AHEE06AC. The Midea installs with less than 10 steps and isn't too much more difficult than removing the unit from the box, installing the top bar, inserting the accordion style curtains through the tabs, inserting the rails of the frame for both sides, and then placing onto the window before securing the unit with some screw locks and brackets. The whole process takes between 20 and 30 minutes, and while the manufacturer may recommend help lifting the unit, we found it to be a task that many can achieve without assistance. Both GE units have nearly identical installation steps and were nearly as easy to install as the Midea EasyCool MAW05M1BWT.
Outside of the top models, you can plan to carve out 30 minutes of your life to install most models we tested, and installation will probably go smoother if you recruit a friend to lift the unit out of a box and into place.
On the bottom end of the spectrum are two models that are otherwise exceptional but also the most cumbersome models to install, the two Midea 'U-Shaped' models we tested. While we tend not to highlight the worst performers for a metric, these models were worth mentioning due to their great performances in most other regards so that a person who values ease of installation can weigh the trade-off for top-tier performance.
As home appliances become more and more advanced, like this smart GE window AC, we buy and test all of the latest products to help you find the best.
Credit: Brian Walker
Conclusion
We hope our extensive research, product selection, testing and evaluations of the top window air conditioner units available today, as well as our process for identifying award-winning models, will help you find the perfect unit for your needs. If you are interested in a guide on how to select a unit, then please take a look at our Buying Advice article. Or perhaps you aren't sold on a window unit and are looking at other cooling options. In that case, you may be interested in our comprehensive review of the best portable air conditioner units on the market today.
