The best window air conditioners in 2023

Don’t go another sweltering summer without air conditioning. If you don’t have central AC or a fan, consider installing a window air conditioning unit. Window AC units are specifically designed to cool individual rooms or small spaces effectively. If your cooling bedding just isn’t cutting it, an AC unit can be especially helpful during hot summer nights when you’re trying to fall asleep. 

Plus, they can be easily removed and reinstalled, allowing you to use them in different rooms or even take them with you if you move.

Top products in this article:

LG 12,000 BTU window air conditioner, $372

LG 8,000 BTU Energy Star window air conditioner with remote, $324 (reduced from $380)

Midea EasyCool 5,000 BTU window air conditioner, $179

How do you pick a window AC unit? First, consider the air conditioner’s British thermal unit (BTU) rating. The greater the BTU rating, the more square feet the air conditioner is able to cool. According to experts, these are the BTU numbers you want to keep in mind when shopping for air conditioners:  

• 5,000 to 8,000 BTU: generally cools 150 to 350 square feet 
• 8,000 to 12,000 BTU: generally cools 350 to 550 square feet   
• 12,000 to 18,500 BTU: generally cools 550 to 1,050 square feet   

The shopping experts at CBS Essentials have rounded up the best window air conditioners from Amazon, Wayfair and Walmart to keep you cool this summer. These window AC units are all rated at least 4 stars (out of 5) on their respective sites. They work for a variety of room sizes and boast a range of features. Plus, many are on sale now.

Midea EasyCool 5,000 BTU window air conditioner

This 4.6-star-rated AC unit is ideal for small rooms. Choose from seven temperature settings, two cooling speeds and two fan-only speeds. This quiet, energy-efficient window air conditioner has a washable filter.

Midea EasyCool 5,000 BTU window air conditioner, $179

Soleus Air Exclusive 8,000 BTU air conditioner

Don’t want to block your outdoor view with a bulky air conditioning unit? We have the AC for you! This unit sits low on your window by sliding over your sill for installation without tools. This remote-controlled AC unit features a 24-hour timer, an energy saver mode and a sleep mode. It will automatically restart after a power interruption.

Fits windows 24 to 48-inches wide.

Soleus Air Exclusive 8,000 BTU air conditioner, $597 with coupon (regularly $630)

GE 5,000 BTU air conditioner

This affordable, quiet AC unit from GE has 10 temperature settings and two fan speeds. This 4.4-star-rated air conditioner is ideal for small spaces.

GE 5,000 BTU air conditioner, $160 (reduced from $189)

Commercial Cool 10,000 BTU window air conditioner

This Commercial Cool AC unit comes with a remote control. It has a sleep mode, energy-saver feature and a removable, washable filter. Rated 4.3 stars.

Commercial Cool 10,000 BTU window air conditioner, $320 (reduced from $400)

Frigidaire 5,000 BTU window-mounted room air conditioner

This window air conditioner has a washable filter and expandable side panels (to help you fit it in a window properly). It comes with an extra-long power cord. Choose from six BTU ratings. Rated 4.4 stars.

Frigidaire 5,000 BTU window-mounted room air conditioner, $160 (regularly $179)

LG 12,000 BTU window air conditioner

This 4.4-star-rated window air conditioner by LG has three cooling and fan speeds, plus a 24-hour timer (so you can create a cooling schedule). The unit controls humidity, and its filter is washable. Choose from seven BTU ratings.

LG 12,000 BTU window air conditioner, $372

LG 14,000 BTU dual inverter window air conditioner

This smart window AC unit by LG has four cooling and fan speeds. It has a 24-hour timer so you can create a cooling schedule, and it comes with a remote control. The unit controls air humidity; its air filter is washable. Choose from four BTU ratings. 

LG 14,000 BTU dual inverter window air conditioner, $550

Midea 12,000 BTU smart window air conditioner

This energy-efficient window AC unit promises to be ultra-quiet. It sports a U-shape design that allows you to keep your window open even while it’s sitting in it. It also has an anti-theft mechanism that locks your closed window. As a smart AC unit, it can be controlled with your phone or via voice assistant. Choose from three BTU ratings. 

Midea 12,000 BTU smart window air conditioner, $459 (reduced from $499)

Related content from CBS Essentials