The best window air conditioners

GE Window Air Conditioner — Getty Images

Have you gone one too many hot summers without air conditioning? If you don't have central AC, consider installing a window air-conditioner unit.

Top products in this article:

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

$459 at Amazon

LG 12,000 BTU window air conditioner, $450

$450 at Walmart

LG 8,000 BTU Energy Star window air conditioner with remote, $310 (reduced from $380)

$310 at Wayfair

How do you pick a window AC unit? First, consider the air conditioner's British thermal unit (BTU) rating. The greater the BTU, the more square feet the air conditioner is supposed to be able to cool. According to a guide published by Lowe's, 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

Below are 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. Some are even on sale!

Midea 12,000 BTU smart window air conditioner: $459

Midea 12,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner — Amazon

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)

$459 at Amazon

GE 5,000 BTU air conditioner: $167

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

GE 5,000 BTU air conditioner, $167 (reduced from $189)

$167 at Amazon

Midea EasyCool 5,000 BTU window air conditioner: $160

This 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, $160 (reduced from $179)

$160 at Wayfair

Frigidaire 5,000 BTU window-mounted room air conditioner: $163

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.

Frigidaire 5,000 BTU window-mounted room air conditioner, $163 (reduced from $179)

$163 at Amazon

LG 12,000 BTU window air conditioner

This 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, $450

$450 at Walmart

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, $671

$671 at Walmart