10 Best Air Conditioners Air Conditioners 2026 in the United States

The LG 18,000 BTU Heat and Cool Window Air Conditioner is designed for medium to large rooms up to 1,000 square feet, making it a solid choice if you need effective cooling and heating in a single unit. With an 18,000 BTU cooling capacity, it can handle fairly large spaces, which is convenient if you want to avoid buying separate devices for different rooms. It also includes a supplemental heating option, so it can keep you comfortable year-round, not just during hot months.

The unit is WiFi-enabled and works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing easy remote control via your phone or voice commands — a handy feature if you like smart home devices. Its energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is 11.1, which is decent but not the highest available, so expect moderate energy consumption. Noise level is around 57 decibels, which is noticeable but typical for a powerful window AC; it won’t be completely silent but shouldn’t be too disruptive either.

Additional conveniences include a filter light reminder, a 24-hour timer for scheduling, and an auto restart function that turns the unit back on after power outages, so you don’t have to reset settings. The unit is relatively large and heavy at 126.5 pounds, which might make installation a bit challenging without help. It also comes with only a 1-year warranty, which is standard but something to keep in mind if you're looking for long-term coverage. This LG window air conditioner is well-suited for users seeking a versatile cooling and heating solution for bigger rooms who appreciate smart controls and can tolerate moderate noise and energy use.

The Daikin 24,000 BTU Dual Zone Mini Split Air Conditioner is a strong choice if you need efficient cooling and heating across two separate rooms or zones. It offers a solid cooling capacity of about 23,000 BTU with a high energy efficiency rating (SEER 21), meaning it uses power smartly to keep energy bills down. The system uses the eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant and provides reliable heating even in cold conditions, giving you all-season comfort. Noise-wise, it’s impressively quiet at just 24 dB, so it won’t disturb your peace at home. Being a ductless mini split, it’s ideal for spaces where installing traditional ductwork is difficult, such as sunrooms or basements.

The unit includes two indoor fan coils with independent controls, allowing personalized temperature settings for each zone, which is great for families or multi-room setups. Additional features include Wi-Fi control through an app, voice command support with Alexa and Google, and air cleaning with a Titanium filter, enhancing convenience and air quality. On the downside, while the system is energy efficient, it is not Energy Star certified, which some users look for as a sign of top-tier efficiency. Also, installation requires professional setup and comes with included kits, so it’s not a simple DIY project.

The price point might be higher than window units or single-zone systems, reflecting its advanced features and multi-zone capabilities. If you want a quiet, energy-efficient solution that offers flexible control and heating/cooling throughout multiple areas, this Daikin mini split is an excellent choice.

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.