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10 Best Room Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner, Cools Up to 250 Sq. Ft., Quiet Operation, Effortless Temperature Control, 2 Fan Speeds, Auto Restart, White

The Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is designed to cool rooms up to 250 square feet, making it a good option for small spaces like bedrooms or home offices. One of its notable strengths is its quiet operation, producing noise at just 52 decibels, which is suitable for creating a peaceful environment. Its cooling capacity of 5,000 BTUs is adequate for the specified room size, ensuring effective temperature control without overworking the unit.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,219
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Noise Level
Installation Type

Most important from
17152 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
The air conditioner is a great choice for small rooms, offering efficient cooling that turns a hot space into a comfortable one in no time.
Noise Level
Users appreciate its quiet operation, noting that it produces less noise than a pedestal fan, making it ideal for bedrooms.
Installation Type
Installation is straightforward, though the instructions could be clearer, but the unit's light weight makes it manageable.
#2
9.8 score

BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 350 Sq. with Remote Control, White

The BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is a solid choice for cooling smaller rooms up to around 300-350 square feet, making it suitable for bedrooms or small living areas. Its cooling power is effective for personal use, and the unit also offers fan and dehumidifier functions, which adds versatility during different weather conditions. The remote control with a 'Follow Me' feature is a handy addition, allowing the remote to act as a thermostat for more precise cooling, which many users will find convenient. Mobility is another strong point here; with side handles and wheels, it's easy to move the unit between rooms without strain.

Rating
9.8
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
49846 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Delivers powerful cooling that quickly lowers room temperature and maintains it efficiently, even in heat-intensive environments with multiple computers.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Energy usage appears reasonable as the unit cycles off after cooling rather than running continuously, potentially reducing electricity costs.
Noise Level
Operates much quieter than comparable units, allowing conversations and video calls nearby without disruption.
Installation Type
Features a robust, locking hose connection that prevents accidental disconnections, eliminating the need for duct tape and ensuring effective venting.
#3
9.6 score

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat, 14,000 BTU Cooling, 12,000 BTU Heating for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft., Follow Me Remote, BPACT14HWT, White

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat offers a versatile solution for year-round comfort. It boasts a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) and 10,000 BTU (DOE), which is suitable for rooms up to 700 sq. ft. This makes it a solid choice if you need to cool a large space. Additionally, it provides 12,000 BTU heating, making it useful in winter as well. The unit features a 6.2 SEER rating, which is not very high, meaning it is not the most energy-efficient option available.

Rating
9.6
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
49846 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
This unit EASILY cools the room in a few minutes and keeps it cool all day.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Love this machine, best of the other two I owned. More efficient than previous machines.
Noise Level
Much quieter than previous units I've owned. I can still talk on the phone 5 feet away without having to first shut the unit off.

Top 10 Best Room Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for Rooms up to 350 Sq. with Remote Control, White

Cooling Capacity (BTUs): 8000
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): 5.4
Noise Level: 54 dB
Installation Type: Portable, vented via window kit
Smart Features: Remote Controlled, 'Follow Me'
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Buying Guide for the Best Room Air Conditioners

Choosing the right room air conditioner can make a significant difference in your comfort and energy bills. The key is to find a unit that fits your specific needs and the size of the room you want to cool. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting a room air conditioner.
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), indicates how much heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. This is crucial because an air conditioner with too low a BTU rating will struggle to cool the room, while one with too high a BTU rating will cool the room too quickly without removing enough humidity, leading to a clammy feeling. To navigate this, consider the size of your room: for a small room (100-300 sq. ft.), 5,000-7,000 BTUs is usually sufficient; for a medium room (300-500 sq. ft.), 8,000-12,000 BTUs is appropriate; and for a large room (500-800 sq. ft.), 14,000-18,000 BTUs may be needed. Match the BTU rating to your room size for optimal comfort.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures how efficiently an air conditioner uses energy to cool a room. A higher EER means better energy efficiency, which can lead to lower electricity bills. EER is calculated by dividing the BTUs by the power consumption in watts. Look for units with an EER of 10 or higher for good efficiency. If you prioritize energy savings and environmental impact, choose a model with a higher EER.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if the air conditioner will be used in a bedroom or living area. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Units with a noise level of 50 dB or lower are considered quiet and are suitable for bedrooms. For living rooms or other areas where noise is less of a concern, units with noise levels up to 60 dB may be acceptable. Consider where you will place the air conditioner and choose a noise level that will not disrupt your activities or sleep.
Installation TypeRoom air conditioners come in different installation types, including window-mounted, wall-mounted, and portable units. Window-mounted units are the most common and are easy to install in a standard window frame. Wall-mounted units require a more permanent installation but do not obstruct the window. Portable units can be moved from room to room but require a venting kit to expel hot air. Choose the installation type that best fits your living situation and preferences.
Smart FeaturesMany modern air conditioners come with smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control, and programmable timers. These features allow you to control the unit remotely, set schedules, and optimize energy use. If you value convenience and want to integrate your air conditioner with other smart home devices, look for models with these advanced features. However, if you prefer simplicity, a basic model without smart features may be sufficient.
Filter TypeThe type of filter used in an air conditioner affects air quality and maintenance. Washable and reusable filters are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as they can be cleaned and reused multiple times. Disposable filters need to be replaced regularly but may offer better filtration for allergens and dust. If you have allergies or respiratory issues, consider a unit with a high-quality filter that can capture fine particles. Otherwise, a washable filter may be more convenient and economical.

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