10 Best Air Conditioners Air Conditioners 2026 in the United States

The Daikin 18,000 BTU Multi-Zone Mini Split is designed to cool and heat two separate rooms independently, making it a great choice if you want personalized comfort in different areas of your home. Its cooling capacity of 18,000 BTU (split as 9,000 BTU per zone) is suitable for spaces around 800 square feet, which fits well for medium-sized rooms or combined smaller rooms. The unit stands out with high energy efficiency, boasting a 21 SEER2 rating and using the eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant, which helps save on electricity while being better for the environment. Noise level is impressively low at just 24 decibels, so it operates quietly without disturbing your daily activities or sleep.

This system uses an inverter compressor, which adjusts power smoothly for both cooling and heating, improving comfort and efficiency throughout the year. Additional features like Wi-Fi control via an app or voice commands, air purification with a titanium filter, and automatic functions for humidity and diagnostics make it convenient and user-friendly. Installation kits and wall brackets are included for easier setup.

A notable point is that it is not Energy Star rated, so some other models might offer higher official energy certifications. Also, being a split system, professional installation is required, which can add to the cost. While it covers moderate cooling and heating needs well, very large homes or multiple bigger rooms might require a more powerful or additional unit. If you want a quiet, efficient, and flexible air conditioner that provides year-round comfort for two rooms without ductwork, this Daikin mini split is a solid option.

The Dreo Portable Air Conditioner is a strong choice for cooling small rooms up to around 200 square feet, thanks to its 10,000 BTU cooling capacity (ASHRAE rating) which translates to about 6000 BTU useful cooling (SACC). It’s designed to be quiet, operating at 45 decibels, which is gentle enough for bedrooms or office spaces where noise is a concern. One of its standout features is the patented drainage-free system that evaporates excess water automatically, so you don’t have to worry about manual drainage in most humid conditions.

The unit is also smart home friendly, controllable via app, voice commands (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant), or remote, allowing customized temperature and humidity settings plus a sleep mode for added comfort. Its 3-in-1 functionality covers cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes, making it versatile for different needs. Mobility is easy with caster wheels and a window mount kit that fits various window sizes.

On the downside, its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 6.51 is modest, meaning it may use more electricity compared to more efficient models, which could impact your energy bills over time. Also, as a portable unit weighing about 57 pounds and with a height near 25 inches, it requires some space and effort to move or store. This AC is suitable for users looking for a flexible, quiet, and smart portable cooling solution for small rooms, especially where simple drainage and remote control add convenience. However, if energy savings is a top priority or you need to cool larger spaces, there may be better options.

The Midea 12,000 BTU U Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner is well-suited for cooling medium-sized rooms up to 550 square feet. Its cooling power is strong enough for typical living spaces, while the 15 SEER rating and ENERGY STAR certification reflect its energy efficiency, which promises more than 35% savings compared to older models. One standout feature is its ultra-quiet operation at just 32 decibels, thanks to the unique U-shaped design that fits into the window and blocks outside noise. This makes it great for bedrooms or offices where low noise is important. The smart inverter technology also helps keep electricity use in check. The unit offers smart controls via Wi-Fi and voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy to adjust settings remotely. Another nice touch is the U-shaped design that allows you to keep your window open for fresh air and natural light while the AC runs, an uncommon feature in window air conditioners.

Setup is straightforward with the included mounting bracket compatible with most single or double-hung windows. On the downside, this model weighs close to 59 pounds, which might require some help during installation. It uses R-32 refrigerant, a more eco-friendly option, but the noise level, although low, may still be noticeable if you are extremely sensitive to sound. Additionally, while it covers a good-sized area, it might be less ideal for very large rooms or whole-house cooling. This unit represents a solid choice for those seeking an energy-efficient, quiet, smart-controlled window AC with flexible window use and good cooling capacity for rooms around 500 square feet.