The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2025, Tested by BHG

Quick Take: The 6 Best BHG-Tested Picks

• Best Overall: Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner (Gallery Series)
• Best Budget: GE 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
• Best Design: July Window Air Conditioner
• Most Efficient: Windmill Window Air Conditioner
• Best Smart: Midea Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
• Best Through-the-Wall: LG 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

Note: This BHG list focuses on room air conditioners (mostly window units, plus one through-the-wall option). If you’re shopping portable ACs, you’ll want different criteriaespecially around venting and efficiency.

How BHG Tested (and Why It Matters)

BHG’s approach was refreshingly real-life: not just “does it cool?” but “can a regular human install it without an incident report?” They weighed setup, day-to-day usability, noise level (including whether you can still hear your TV), and whether the unit felt worth its price. Testing took place in real homes and apartments, including hot, sun-facing spaces where window ACs earn their paycheck.

That real-world focus matters because air conditioners don’t live in a labthey live in your window frame, in your humidity, under your weirdly tall ceilings, next to your dog who is judging you for not buying the “silent” one.

The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2025 (BHG Tested)

1) Best Overall: Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner (Gallery Series)

If you want one AC that can cool hard, run efficiently, and not bully you with noise, this is the grown-up choice. BHG’s testers highlighted its ability to keep bedrooms comfortable over long-term usewithout turning sleep into a nightly “who can ignore the compressor?” competition.

• Best for: People who want a dependable, quiet-ish daily driver for a bedroom or main living space.
• Why it stands out: Strong efficiency (high CEER), Energy Star certification, and a design that feels modern.
• Specs at a glance: 8,000 / 10,000 / 12,000 BTU; ~350 / 450 / 550 sq ft coverage; CEER 15.

Practical perk: BHG noted thoughtful night-friendly touches like a dimming display and a remote that saves you from blasting your phone screen at 2 a.m. Like any “smart-ish” appliance, app setup can be a little finickyso treat Wi-Fi as a bonus, not your only control plan.

2) Best Budget: GE 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

Not everyone needs a Wi-Fi-connected climate computer. Sometimes you just want a small room to stop feeling like a sauna, and you want it for under $200. This GE model is the “two knobs, no drama” pick: simple controls, quick cooling for smaller spaces, and fewer features to break, misbehave, or demand a firmware update at the worst possible moment.

• Best for: Small bedrooms, home offices, dorm rooms, and other compact spaces.
• Why it stands out: Fast cooldown for small rooms; straightforward mechanical controls.
• Specs at a glance: 5,000 BTU; ~150 sq ft coverage; CEER 11.

Reality check: you’re trading convenience features (smart scheduling, advanced modes) for price. But if the goal is “cool, cheap, and reliable,” this is the vibe.

3) Best Design: July Window Air Conditioner

July’s superpower is that it doesn’t scream “appliance.” If you’re tired of window units that look like they were designed in a bunker, this one aims to blend inclean lines, minimal visual clutter, and optional front covers that can make it look more like decor than hardware.

• Best for: Design-conscious homes (or anyone who wants a nicer-looking window setup).
• Why it stands out: Minimalist look; patented install frame; optional upgraded filter add-ons.
• Specs at a glance: 6,000 / 8,000 BTU; ~250 / 350 sq ft coverage; CEER 11.

The “keep in mind” here is cost creep: premium cover options can add to the bill. Still, if your AC lives in a high-visibility room, paying for aesthetics can feel surprisingly rationallike buying a sofa that doesn’t offend you.

4) Most Efficient: Windmill Window Air Conditioner

Windmill is often recommended when people want modern styling plus legit energy efficiency. BHG’s testing notes leaned into two standout ideas: the air flow design (aimed upward at an angle for a more “central air” feel), and an app that actually helps you understand your energy use, not just flash a cute icon and call it “eco.”

• Best for: Anyone who cares about energy use and wants smarter scheduling without a steep learning curve.
• Why it stands out: Strong efficiency, detailed energy tracking, and grid “eco events” style features.
• Specs at a glance: 6,000 / 8,000 / 10,000 / 12,000 BTU; ~250–550 sq ft coverage; CEER 15.

Honest note: “whisper quiet” marketing can be optimistic. Windmill can be louder on startup and in certain modes, but many users find the airflow direction and efficiency tradeoff worth itespecially for rooms where you don’t want cold air blasting you in the face.

5) Best Smart: Midea Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner

If you’re the type who wants your AC to behave like a smart thermostatschedules, mode tweaks, alerts for filter cleaning, and remote control from anywherethis is BHG’s “best smart” pick. The app offers granular control, including precise fan settings, and it’s built around inverter tech that tends to be smoother and more efficient than old-school on/off compressors.

• Best for: People who love scheduling, phone control, and “set it and forget it” automation.
• Why it stands out: Deep app controls; filter-clean reminders; strong cooling in real apartments.
• Specs at a glance: 8,000 / 12,000 BTU; ~350 / 550 sq ft coverage; CEER 13.3.

Heads-up: this model isn’t Midea’s famous U-shaped unit (the one that preserves the view and can be extra quiet). Also, BHG noted the unit can beep loudly when you change settings on the touchscreengreat for confirmation, less great for stealthy midnight tweaks.

6) Best Through-the-Wall: LG 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner

If you have a dedicated wall sleeve (common in some apartments, older buildings, and certain renovations), a through-the-wall unit can be the cleanest long-term setup: no seasonal window wrestling, and you keep your windows usable. BHG recommends this LG for replacementsespecially if you already have a sleeve or can match one properly.

• Best for: Replacing an existing wall unit; rooms where you want windows free and clear.
• Why it stands out: Strong cooling performance in testing; remote is easy to use; quiet enough for conversation.
• Specs at a glance: 8,000 BTU; ~350 sq ft coverage; CEER 10.6.

The big “keep in mind” is installation: you may need a separate wall sleeve, and at ~66 pounds it’s safer as a two-person lift. Once it’s seated and sealed correctly, it’s a satisfying set-and-forget cooling solution.

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner (So You Don’t Regret It in July)

1) Size it correctly (BTU is not a bragging contest)

Buying the wrong size is the most common mistake. Too small, and your unit runs nonstop, struggles to dehumidify, and still leaves you sweating. Too large, and it may cool the room quickly but cycle in a way that can leave humidity behindaka that clammy “why do my walls feel weird?” feeling.

A quick rule of thumb you’ll see (including in BHG’s guidance) is to estimate cooling needs by room size and then choose a BTU rating that matches. For example, a 140–150 sq ft bedroom typically lands around 5,000 BTU, while 250–350 sq ft often sits in the 7,000–8,000 BTU range. If you have tall ceilings, heavy sun exposure, or a heat-generating hobby (gaming PC, kitchen-adjacent room), size up thoughtfully.

2) Prioritize efficiency (CEER, ENERGY STAR, and inverter tech)

For room air conditioners, efficiency labels matter because you’ll feel them every month. CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) is one of the key metrics used for window units. In general: higher CEER = more efficient cooling for the electricity used.

Many top-rated modern window units now use inverter technology, which can ramp the compressor up and down instead of blasting on/off like older models. The result is typically steadier temperatures, better efficiency, and less “revving” noise.

3) Don’t ignore noise (especially for bedrooms)

If this is going in a bedroom, noise is not a minor detailit’s the difference between restful sleep and becoming a late-night audiobook addict because you’re awake anyway. Look for lower decibel ratings, and favor inverter-style models when possible.

4) Decide how “smart” you really want to be

Smart features are genuinely useful when they solve real problems: scheduling around peak heat, controlling the unit from bed, or getting filter-clean reminders. But if you hate appsor your Wi-Fi is held together by hope and one router from 2014choose a unit with great physical controls and a solid remote.

5) Installation reality check

1. Measure twice: window width, sash height, and clearance.
2. Plan a safe lift: anything 50–75 lbs is a two-person job.
3. Seal the gaps: foam and weather stripping matter more than you think.
4. Support the unit: follow the bracket instructions; don’t rely on vibes.
5. Check drainage tilt: slight outward tilt helps condensation drain properly.

Maintenance and Mold Prevention (Unsexy, but Life-Changing)

Want your AC to cool better, last longer, and cost less to run? Clean or replace the filter regularly. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forces the system to work harder, and can lead to grime buildup where it doesn’t belong.

Also: moisture management matters. Room ACs remove humidity, which means water has to go somewhere. Proper installation tilt and routine cleaning reduce the odds of funky smells, reduced performance, and (worst case) mold growth.

Important 2025 reminder: there was a major U.S. recall involving certain Midea U and U+ window air conditioners due to mold exposure risk. If you own a U-shaped Midea (or a rebranded version), it’s worth checking whether your unit is affected and following the official guidance.

FAQ

Is a window AC better than a portable AC?

In many cases, yeswindow units tend to be more efficient because they exhaust heat directly outside with fewer losses. Portables can be great for rooms where window installation isn’t possible, but they often require careful venting and can be noisier.

Should I oversize my AC “just in case”?

Usually no. Oversizing can cool fast but may not remove humidity as comfortably, leaving the room chilly-and-sticky. It’s better to size appropriately and prioritize efficiency and airflow control.

What’s the single best feature to pay for?

If you can only splurge once, splurge on efficiency (high CEER / ENERGY STAR) and an inverter-style compressor. You’ll notice it in comfort, noise, and operating cost.

500+ Words of Real-Life Experience Notes (So You Know What You’re Signing Up For)

Here’s what “living with” a modern 2025 window AC tends to feel likebased on patterns from test notes, consumer guidance, and the kinds of problems people consistently run into once the honeymoon phase ends and it’s day 11 of a heat wave.

First-day installation is 80% planning and 20% screws. The most common emotional arc is: confidence → confusion → triumph. The units in BHG’s list skew toward models that are manageable for regular people, but weight is still real. Anything in that 55–75 lb range is best handled with a second person, not because you can’t lift it, but because you shouldn’t be balancing a metal box over a windowsill while also trying to interpret diagram-only instructions.

The quiet you notice most is the quiet at night. In a living room, you can tolerate a lotTV volume goes up, life continues. In a bedroom, noise becomes personal. That’s why the “overall” picks that BHG and other testers like tend to be the ones that feel more like steady white noise instead of a stop-and-go engine. Inverter-based cooling often helps here because the system can maintain temperature smoothly rather than blasting on/off in dramatic cycles.

Smart features are either life-changing or completely ignored. If you’re the kind of person who already schedules lights or uses a smart thermostat, a smart AC is legitimately useful. You’ll set a routine, lower the temperature before bed, and stop waking up at 3 a.m. to argue with the remote. If you’re not that person, you’ll use the remote forever and the app will quietly retire to a folder called “Home Stuff (Maybe).” The good news: the best smart units still work like normal ACs when you ignore the “smart” part.

The energy bill surprise is usually tied to habits, not just the unit. Efficient models help, but the real wins often come from (1) sizing correctly, (2) using scheduling so it’s not running full blast when you’re gone, and (3) sealing gaps so you’re not air-conditioning the neighborhood. A high-efficiency unit in a poorly sealed window can still waste moneylike wearing a winter coat with the zipper open.

Maintenance is the difference between “fresh air” and “mystery sock drawer.” Many people only learn about filters when the unit smells weird, airflow weakens, or allergy season gets spicy. A quick monthly filter check during heavy use is one of the simplest ways to keep performance stable. Add a seasonal wipe-down and you’ll reduce dust buildup and keep airflow where it belongs.

Moisture management is not optional. Window units dehumidify as they cool, which means condensation. Proper installation angle (slight outward tilt) and periodic cleaning reduce the chance of water pooling. And because 2025 saw a major recall tied to mold risk in certain U-shaped units, it’s a smart habit to periodically inspect for trapped water, odors, or visible growthespecially if your unit design is known for retaining moisture.

Bottom line: the “best” air conditioner isn’t just the one with the fanciest featuresit’s the one you can install safely, run comfortably, and maintain without turning it into a part-time job. Pick the right size, prioritize efficiency and noise, and your summer self will thank you repeatedly. Possibly in the form of sleeping through the night like a person who isn’t being roasted.