7 durable air conditioners to invest in this summer, per experts and reviews

Nothing ruins summer quite like discovering your apartment has successfully transitioned into a full-time sauna. When the atmosphere gets sticky, we naturally turn to—and turn on—the best air conditioners on the market. It is a cold, calculated move.

Consider it a practical luxury you cannot afford to ignore when your weather app starts threatening you with consecutive sun emojis. 

As El Niño gears up to make outside entirely unlivable, these units are a worthwhile investment. In fact, you should probably acquire one ASAP, alongside our curated lists of fans and dehumidifiers, before the climate gets any more passive-aggressive.

To help you keep your cool while the city throws a literal temper tantrum, we consulted experts and thoroughly tested AC units. Here is how to choose the right one before you completely lose your composure.

“Air conditioners help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during the warmer months by keeping the heat out and the cool air in,” Brian Shaunfield, store manager at Charlotte area Lowe’s, told the New York Post. “Shoppers should consider other features important to them, ranging from aesthetics, smart capabilities, price and more.”

Shaunfield hand-picked the best air conditioners to make life easy-breezy for you, while we listed other top-rated options for you to choose from. Plus, Shaunfield details his expertise in our in-depth FAQ section to provide an overview of every type of air conditioner.

Best Overall Window Unit: Midea 8,000 BTU Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner

Amazon

Designed for rooms up to 350 square feet, this 8,000 BTU smart inverter window air conditioner delivers fast, energy-efficient cooling with ultra-quiet operation. It best fits smaller spaces like bedrooms, offices or apartments. However, you can upgrade to a 24,000 BTU option if you have a larger space. With built-in Wi-Fi, you can control it from anywhere using the SmartHome app, Alexa, or Google Assistant, while the inverter technology cuts energy use by over 35% compared to standard models.

Customers are saying: “I replaced a twelve-year-old LG that I realized just wasn’t blowing very cold. Wow, what a difference! Much quieter too! I installed it in a 22 1/4″ wide opening, smaller than the listed minimum. Just do not use the expansion frame on one side. Takes a bit of jury rigging, but you can make it work.”

Dimensions: 18.54″D x 18.98″W x 13.58″H | Btu Rating Options: 8,000 to 24,000 options | Cooling Area: 350 square feet | Weight: n/a | Energy Efficiency Ratings: n/a

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Costway Blast Pro 12,000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heater

If you’re looking for efficient, smart-home climate control that doesn’t carry a premium price tag, this is the option for you. Costway’s Blast Pro series focuses on functional value, combining powerful performance with practical everyday features. According to the brand, the system is engineered to handle extreme weather, utilizing chassis electrical heating to keep you warm when outdoor temperatures drop to -4 degrees Fahrenheit and cools when outdoor heat spikes up to 127 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features seamless Wi-Fi connectivity for easy climate adjustments using the smartphone app or hands-free voice control, a 24-hour timer for personalized scheduling and a built-in child lock so you can sleep peacefully knowing your settings are secure (though the ultra-quiet sleep mode helps, too).

If you purchase it during Costway’s Cooling Week promotion, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to score an additional cooling product completely free.

Dimensions: Indoor Unit: 31.93 inches D x 7.48 inches W x 12.05”H | Outdoor Unit: 31.89 inches D x 12.01 inches W x 21.61 inches H | Btu Rating Options: 12000 BTU | Cooling Area: 600 square feet | Weight: Indoor Unit: 19.8 lbs | Outdoor Unit: 55.1 lbs | Energy Efficiency Ratings: 20 SEER2

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Best Overall Through-the-Wall Unit: LG 7,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner

Amazon

The LG 9,800 BTU through-the-wall air conditioner efficiently cools spaces up to 440 square feet. It features three cooling and fan speeds, plus a 4-way air deflection system to direct airflow precisely where needed. Designed for economy and convenience, the unit includes a 24-hour timer, energy-saver mode, and auto-restart function for power outages. It also comes with a remote control, visual trim kit, and a washable filter with a handy check-filter alert.

Please note the required wall sleeve for installation is sold separately. It delivers customizable, high-performance climate control for your home.

Customers are saying: “This is much heavier than the device it replaces. It also makes more cold air. A bit of a challenge to install in the sleeve, but we got it done and my office is a better place for it. It is moderately quiet too. I’m using it on low and getting what I need.”

Dimensions: 24″ L x 20.1″ W x 14.4″ H | Noise Level: 60 db | Weight: n/a | Energy Efficiency Ratings: n/a

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Best Mini Air Conditioner: LG LW6024RSMX Window Air Conditioner

Amazon

New York Post Review: “I love this window air conditioner for my apartment because it perfectly suits my window, especially given the small window that makes fitting an AC unit in New York a challenge.”

“The remote control feature makes adjusting settings super convenient from anywhere in the room, and I have it set up to my Google device for voice activation, making it even easier to turn on from bed when I’m feeling lazy.”

“The built-in dehumidifier is a huge bonus for keeping my apartment comfortable and preventing that sticky, humid feeling that’s so common during NYC summers. If you have a larger apartment, you may need more than one unit, as it may not produce enough cooling power to adequately cool a large space on its own. Overall, though, this AC is a match for my apartment’s unique setup, and I’m just grateful to have cooler air.” – Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce reporter

Dimensions: 12.83″D x 17.32″W x 11.14″H | Btu Rating Options: 6,000 | Cooling Area: 250 square feet | Weight: 37 pounds | Energy Efficiency Ratings: 11

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Best Portable Air Conditioner: Dreo Portable Air Conditioners

Amazon

New York Post Review: “What initially attracted me to The DREO Portable Air Conditioner was that it was — wait for it — portable. Since I live alone (and in a fifth-floor walkup, no less), there was no way I was getting a traditional air conditioner, and I liked that this didn’t require me to fit it through a window.”

“It’s only 55 pounds, so it actually wasn’t hard to carry up the stairs while in its box. Putting it together wasn’t the easiest thing, but thanks to the instruction manual and YouTube, I was able to connect its air tube through my kitchen window, which was the hardest part.”

“It has three different modes: Cool, Dry, and Fan, and each can be controlled through the magnetic remote, which fits neatly on top of the machine. There’s also a dehumidifier built in, so it’s a two-in-one type of machine. While it doesn’t cool my entire apartment, it keeps my kitchen/living room from turning into an inferno.” – Holly J Coley, commerce updates editor

Other AC brands to consider for portable conditioners are Black + Decker, which can double as a heater and an air conditioner, or Hisense, specifically designed for small rooms.

Dimensions: 15.16″D x 13.98″W x 24.8″H | Btu Rating Options: 5,000-10,000 options | Cooling Area: Up to 14 feet | Weight: 55 pounds | Energy Efficiency Ratings: 6.1

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Best Ductless Air Conditioner: MRCOOL DIY 12k BTU 22 SEER Ductless Mini Split AC & Heat Pump

Ideal for spaces up to 500 square feet, this highly efficient single-zone heat pump system delivers both heating and cooling with a standout 22 SEER rating and Energy Star certification. Built for true do-it-yourself installation, it includes a pre-charged 25-foot line set with quick-connect fittings; no special tools or professional assistance is needed.

Customers are saying: “Very easy to install. Great instructional videos from the QR code on the installation manual. Everything works as advertised and is definitely keeping our space as cool as we like.”

If you have a great ductless system that’s broken and needs a part, consider browsing Toshiba for replacement components before investing in a whole new AC unit. Toshiba is known for offering parts that can make repairing your existing system significantly more affordable.

Dimensions: 20.55″D x 63.07″W x 33.5″H | Btu Rating Options: 22 | Cooling Area: 500 Square Foot | Weight: 109 pounds | Energy Efficiency Ratings: 22

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Best Budget Air Conditioner: Arctic Air Pure Chill 2.0 Evaporative Air Cooler by Ontel

Amazon

If you’re on a budget and are desperate for anything to keep you cool, Ontel’s Arctic Air Pure Chill 2.0 is a pretty nifty buy and super quiet. It has more than 18,000 pleasant reviews and is fit for your nightstand, dorm room or small space that needs a bit more breeze. Plus, over 8,000 units were sold last month and counting, thanks to this excellent price point.

Customers are saying: “Love this little machine so much I bought two of them. I live on the coast, so we don’t have air conditioning. It is great for the kitchen, where it becomes hotter than normal. This is a must-have for places that you need instant air conditioning.”

Dimensions: n/a | Btu Rating Options: n/a| Cooling Area: 0.02 Cubic Feet Per Minute | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Energy Efficiency Ratings: n/a

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Best-Selling Portable Air Conditioner: Black+Decker Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control

Amazon

With the most overall reviews on Amazon, we’re not at all surprised Black+Decker’s Portable Air Conditioner is the star of the show. With a remote control, an adjustable fan, and a win-win situation for being easy to clean and easy to install, we’re just about ready to pick this one up.

Customers are saying: “This is a dependable, quiet, and effective unit that I trust enough to use in my toddler’s bedroom. It cools her space evenly and keeps it comfortable for sleep, play, and everything in between. If you’re looking for a portable air conditioner that delivers real peace of mind — especially for a child’s room — this is the one to get. Highly recommended!”

Dimensions: 14″ D x 15.3″ W x 24.8″ H | Btu Rating Options: 8,000 to 14,000 | Cooling Area: n/a | Weight: n/a | Energy Efficiency Ratings: 6.2

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How we tested

We tested each AC unit by evaluating its cooling performance in a controlled room, measuring how quickly it lowered the temperature and humidity. We monitored energy efficiency using a power consumption meter and assessed noise levels with a decibel meter at various settings.

Installation and ease of use were judged based on setup time and interface usability, including remote and smart features. We also examined build quality, design, and extra functions like timers and eco modes. Each unit was run for at least 50 hours to assess short-term reliability, and we considered user reviews to evaluate long-term performance.

An FAQ on Air Conditioners

Ahead, Shaunfield gives us the 411 on what you need to know about air conditioners before purchasing one for the season — including an overview of different types.

What to look for in an air conditioner, according to an expert

Before shopping for a newly minted air conditioner, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before adding one to your cart. Above all else, shoppers need to consider what size room or house the air conditioner will be used for. 

“An easy way you can determine this is to check the square footage recommended for each appliance,” Shaunfield told The Post. “A ‘small’ square footage will be less than 250 sq ft., while rooms considered medium or large will range from 250-1,000 sq ft.”

Another way to measure appropriate size, per Shaunfield, is considering the BTU of each unit – or British Thermal Unit – which measures how much energy your air conditioner is using to cool your room or home within an hour. “As the square footage of your room or home increases, so will the BTU needed to cool,” he added.

The different types of air conditioners, explained by an expert

Below, Shaunfield explains each type of air conditioner you’ll find on the market so you can find the one that best suits your space. The main types of air conditioners you will find include wall-mounted and window conditioners, portable conditioners, ductless mini-splits and central air conditioners. 

• Wall-mounted air conditioners & window air conditioners: These are permanent cooling solutions, in addition to central air. These are great options if you have areas of your home that aren’t connected to the central A/C system. 
• Portable air conditioners: These work best in small spaces and provide you with the mobility to bring cool air where you need it most. 
• Ductless mini splits: These are a good choice for apartments or older buildings that require a retrofitted heating or cooling system, or any building whose construction doesn’t have room for more traditional duct work.
• Central air conditioning systems: These work to cool, heat and ventilate your entire home, while central air units merely cool your home. It’s important to know that distinction and your preference may vary depending on where you live in the U.S.

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