10 Best Quiet Air Conditioners 2026 in the United States

The Amazon Basics 5000-BTU Small Window Air Conditioner is a good choice for cooling small rooms up to 150 square feet, making it suitable for bedrooms or home offices. It offers two fan speeds and seven temperature settings, allowing you to adjust the cooling to your comfort. With a noise level of 56 decibels, it runs quietly enough to not disturb sleep or work, which is important for a quiet air conditioner. It also includes a washable filter that helps keep dust and allergens out of the air, supporting easier maintenance.

Its adjustable window kit fits standard windows, making installation straightforward, though basic tools are needed. On the downside, it lacks a programmable timer and remote control, which means you’ll have to adjust settings manually. The energy efficiency is decent with a SEER rating of 14, helping to keep electricity costs reasonable.

This model covers all the basics and provides efficient cooling for small spaces. However, if you need more advanced features like remote operation or a timer, you might want to consider other models.

The Dreo Portable Air Conditioner offers a solid blend of efficient cooling and quiet operation, making it a strong candidate for bedrooms or workspaces where low noise is important. With a 10,000 BTU cooling capacity, it can comfortably cool rooms up to around 200 square feet, which suits small to medium-sized bedrooms. Its noise level, at 45 dB, is impressively low for a portable AC, thanks to Dreo’s patented noise isolation system—this means it won’t disturb sleep or concentration.

Energy efficiency is decent with a SEER rating of 6.51, helping keep electricity costs reasonable for the cooling it delivers. The unit supports multiple fan speeds and modes (cool, fan, and dehumidifier), allowing customization depending on your needs. The 24-hour programmable timer and remote control—plus smart controls via app and voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home—add convenience, letting you set or adjust settings easily without getting up. One standout feature is its true drainage-free system, which automatically evaporates moisture, avoiding the hassle of emptying water tanks even in humid conditions. The unit is also designed for easy mobility with caster wheels and comes with flexible window mounting options.

On the downside, while 45 dB is quiet, it’s not completely silent, so light sleepers might still notice it. The SEER rating is average rather than high-end, so energy costs might be higher over prolonged use compared to top-tier models. Also, the cooling range tops at about 14 feet, so very large rooms may not cool evenly. Lastly, weighing over 57 pounds, it’s not the lightest portable AC but still manageable with wheels. This Dreo model suits those who want a quiet, smart, easy-to-use portable air conditioner primarily for smaller rooms. It balances cooling power, low noise, and handy features, though it’s less suited for large spaces or those seeking the absolute lowest energy consumption.

The Daikin 18,000 BTU Entra R32 Series mini split heat pump stands out for its excellent energy efficiency and strong cooling and heating capacity, making it a great choice for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. With a high SEER2 rating of 18 and an EER of 10.5, it promises lower energy bills compared to many standard units. Noise-wise, it operates quietly at 37 dB, which is comfortable for bedrooms, living rooms, or offices where you want minimal distraction.

It offers multiple fan modes including Dry, Fan, Auto, and Powerful Operation, plus features like ECO+ for extra energy savings and a sleep mode for nighttime comfort. A programmable timer and remote control add convenience, allowing you to set schedules and adjust settings easily. Installation is also simplified with the included Maxwell kit and mounting bracket.

While 37 dB is quiet, there are quieter models available if absolute silence is a priority. Also, the system's 230V requirement means it might need specific electrical setup. This Daikin mini split is well suited for homeowners or renovators looking for an efficient, quiet, and versatile air conditioner with heating capability, particularly in homes where ductwork isn’t practical.