Best 8,000 BTU
Kühl KCVS08B10B
8,700 BTU · saddle
- CEER
- 17.0
- Power draw
- 512 W
- Per year
- $69
Bedrooms and offices up to about 350 sq ft.
Specs, size and running costWindow air conditioners
All 145 window units certified by ENERGY STAR, ranked on their official efficiency ratings. Start with your room size: the best unit in each size is below, then the full list.
Top picks
Best 10,000 BTU
Midea MAH09B1AGR
9,500 BTU · saddle · heats too
- CEER
- 17.6
- Power draw
- 540 W
- Per year
- $73
Large bedrooms and small living rooms, about 400-450 sq ft.
Specs, size and running costBest 12,000 BTU
Kühl KCVS12B30B
12,700 BTU · saddle · 230 V
- CEER
- 16.8
- Power draw
- 756 W
- Per year
- $102
Living rooms of about 450-550 sq ft.
Specs, size and running costPick by room size
- 5,000-6,000 BTU 100-300 sq ft · 12 models
- 8,000 BTU 250-400 sq ft · 29 models
- 10,000 BTU 350-450 sq ft · 28 models
- 12,000 BTU 400-700 sq ft · 34 models
- 14,000-15,000 BTU 450-700 sq ft · 15 models
- 18,000 BTU 700-1200 sq ft · 10 models
- 24,000 BTU and up 1000-1500 sq ft · 17 models
Not sure? Work out the size for your room
Compare all 145 window air conditioners
Filter by size, brand or features
145 models, ranked by CEER (efficiency). Yearly cost at 750 hours and the U.S. average electricity price.
| # | Features | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Midea MAH09B1AGRalso sold as 6 other model numbers | 9,500 | $73 | 25" | Saddle, Heat | |
| 2 | Kühl KCVS08B10B | 8,700 | $69 | 25.9" | Saddle | |
| 3 | Gradient CCHP11 | 9,300 | $75 | 25.3" | U-shaped, Heat | |
| 4 | Kühl KCVS12B30B | 12,700 | $102 | 25.9" | Saddle, 230 V | |
| 5 | Kühl KCVS12B10B | 12,300 | $103 | 25.9" | Saddle | |
| 6 | Friedrich KCVM14B10B | 14,100 | $118 | 25.9" | Saddle | |
| 7 | GREE GJH09BW-A6DRNL1B | 9,300 | $78 | 26" | U-shaped, Heat | |
| 8 | Whirlpool WHAW151INV | 15,000 | $127 | 25.4" | U-shaped | |
| 9 | Friedrich KCVS08B10A | 8,700 | $74 | 25.9" | - | |
| 10 | Frigidaire Gallery GHWW125TF1 | 12,000 | $101 | 19.2" | - | |
| 11 | GE PWJV08W | 8,000 | $68 | 18.6" | - | |
| 12 | Midea 1010451315also sold as 5 other model numbers | 8,000 | $68 | 19.2" | U-shaped | |
| 13 | Midea MAW08V1WBKalso sold as 7 other model numbers | 8,000 | $68 | 19" | - | |
| 14 | Midea MAW12U1KWTalso sold as 2 other model numbers | 12,000 | $101 | 19.2" | U-shaped | |
| 15 | Midea MAW12U1KWT-Malso sold as 1 other model number | 12,000 | $101 | 19.2" | Saddle | |
| 16 | Midea MAW12V1WBKalso sold as 14 other model numbers | 12,000 | $101 | 21.7" | - | |
| 17 | Midea MWEUWA-08CRFN8-BCP0 | 8,000 | $68 | 19.2" | - | |
| 18 | Midea MWEUWA-12CRFN8-BCP0 | 12,000 | $101 | 19.1" | - | |
| 19 | Whirlpool WHAW081CXalso sold as 5 other model numbers | 8,000 | $68 | 18.6" | U-shaped | |
| 20 | Whirlpool WHAW081INV | 8,000 | $68 | 24.2" | U-shaped | |
| 21 | Whirlpool WHAW121CWXalso sold as 5 other model numbers | 12,000 | $101 | 19.8" | U-shaped | |
| 22 | Whirlpool WHAW121INV | 12,000 | $101 | 24.2" | U-shaped | |
| 23 | Kühl KCVS16B30B | 15,400 | $130 | 25.9" | Saddle, 230 V | |
| 24 | Midea MAW18RV1KWTalso sold as 7 other model numbers | 18,000 | $152 | 25.4" | 230 V | |
| 25 | Whirlpool WHAW182INValso sold as 1 other model number | 18,000 | $152 | 25.4" | U-shaped, 230 V | |
| 26 | Hisense AWUS1227TWalso sold as 1 other model number | 11,500 | $97 | 20.3" | U-shaped | |
| 27 | GE PWJV14W | 14,000 | $118 | 20.2" | - | |
| 28 | Midea MAW14RV1KWTalso sold as 9 other model numbers | 14,000 | $118 | 21.7" | - | |
| 29 | Whirlpool WHAW151CXalso sold as 4 other model numbers | 14,000 | $118 | 19.8" | U-shaped | |
| 30 | GREE GJC08BU-A6DRNJ2A | 8,300 | $70 | 21" | U-shaped | |
| 31 | Frigidaire Gallery GHWW105TF1 | 10,000 | $85 | 19.2" | - | |
| 32 | GE PWJV10W | 10,000 | $85 | 19" | - | |
| 33 | Midea 1010451479also sold as 8 other model numbers | 10,000 | $85 | 19.2" | U-shaped | |
| 34 | Midea MAW10V1WWTalso sold as 13 other model numbers | 10,000 | $85 | 19" | - | |
| 35 | TCL T10WV3Salso sold as 4 other model numbers | 10,000 | $85 | 19.8" | U-shaped | |
| 36 | Whirlpool WHAW101CX | 10,000 | $85 | 18.6" | U-shaped | |
| 37 | Whirlpool WHAW101INV | 10,000 | $85 | 24.2" | U-shaped | |
| 38 | Midea MAW06S1KWT-Aalso sold as 1 other model number | 6,000 | $51 | 16" | - | |
| 39 | Kühl+ KHVS12B33B | 12,600 | $108 | 25.9" | Saddle, Heat, 230 V | |
| 40 | GE Profile AHTR10ACH2 | 10,100 | $87 | 10.6" | - | |
| 41 | HOUSE KOBO KOBOGJC08BU | 8,100 | $71 | 21" | U-shaped | |
| 42 | LG LW6023IVSM | 6,000 | $52 | 19.6" | - | |
| 43 | LG LW8022IVSM | 8,000 | $70 | 19.6" | Saddle | |
| 44 | GE Profile AHTR12ACH2 | 12,200 | $107 | 10.6" | - | |
| 45 | Midea 1010451379also sold as 4 other model numbers | 12,000 | $107 | 19.2" | U-shaped | |
| 46 | TCL H12W4KWHalso sold as 2 other model numbers | 12,000 | $107 | 30" | U-shaped | |
| 47 | GREE GJH09BW-A6DRNL1Aalso sold as 1 other model number | 9,300 | $83 | 26" | U-shaped, Heat | |
| 48 | Midea MAW06U1QWT | 6,000 | $54 | 19.2" | U-shaped | |
| 49 | Midea MAW06V1QWBL-T | 6,000 | $54 | 19.2" | Saddle | |
| 50 | Midea MAW06V1QWTalso sold as 3 other model numbers | 6,000 | $54 | 19.2" | - | |
| 51 | Midea MAW08U1KWTalso sold as 3 other model numbers | 7,800 | $70 | 19.2" | U-shaped | |
| 52 | Midea MAW08V1KWT-Aalso sold as 2 other model numbers | 7,800 | $70 | 19.2" | - | |
| 53 | Midea MAW08HV1KWT-Aalso sold as 1 other model number | 8,000 | $72 | 19.4" | Heat | |
| 54 | Danby DAC120ECBIWDBalso sold as 1 other model number | 12,000 | $108 | 21.7" | - | |
| 55 | Friedrich CCV08A10Aalso sold as 4 other model numbers | 8,000 | $72 | 20.7" | - | |
| 56 | Friedrich CCV10A10Aalso sold as 4 other model numbers | 10,000 | $90 | 20.7" | - | |
| 57 | Friedrich CCV12A10Aalso sold as 5 other model numbers | 12,000 | $108 | 20.7" | - | |
| 58 | Friedrich KCVS12B10A | 12,500 | $113 | 25.9" | - | |
| 59 | Friedrich KCVS12B30A | 12,700 | $115 | 25.9" | 230 V | |
| 60 | GE Profile PWDV08Walso sold as 2 other model numbers | 8,000 | $72 | 18.5" | - | |
| 61 | GE Profile PWDV10Walso sold as 3 other model numbers | 10,000 | $90 | 18.5" | - | |
| 62 | GE Profile PWDV12Walso sold as 11 other model numbers | 12,000 | $108 | 19" | - | |
| 63 | GE Profile PWDV14Walso sold as 2 other model numbers | 14,000 | $126 | 19" | - | |
| 64 | Hisense AALW08TW26also sold as 1 other model number | 8,000 | $72 | 20.3" | U-shaped | |
| 65 | Hisense AW1823TW3W | 18,000 | $162 | 23.6" | 230 V | |
| 66 | Hisense AW2223TW3W | 22,000 | $198 | 23.6" | 230 V | |
| 67 | Hisense AWUS1026TW | 10,000 | $90 | 20.3" | U-shaped | |
| 68 | Hisense LWCT12W25Aalso sold as 4 other model numbers | 12,000 | $108 | 20.3" | U-shaped | |
| 69 | Kühl+ KHVS10B11B | 10,600 | $96 | 25.9" | Saddle, Heat | |
| 70 | LG LW1022FVSMalso sold as 1 other model number | 10,000 | $90 | 19.6" | Saddle | |
| 71 | LG LW1222IVSM | 12,000 | $108 | 23.6" | U-shaped | |
| 72 | LG LW1224IVSM | 12,000 | $108 | 23.6" | - | |
| 73 | LG LW8024IVSM | 8,500 | $77 | 23.6" | - | |
| 74 | Midea 1014634875also sold as 10 other model numbers | 10,000 | $90 | 18.6" | - | |
| 75 | Midea 1014634880also sold as 12 other model numbers | 14,000 | $126 | 21.7" | - | |
| 76 | Midea MAW08RV1CWTalso sold as 9 other model numbers | 8,000 | $72 | 18.6" | - | |
| 77 | Midea MAW08V1QWTalso sold as 13 other model numbers | 8,000 | $72 | 19.2" | U-shaped | |
| 78 | Midea MAW08V1UWTalso sold as 8 other model numbers | 8,000 | $72 | 19.2" | - | |
| 79 | Midea MAW10V1QWTalso sold as 9 other model numbers | 10,000 | $90 | 19.2" | U-shaped | |
| 80 | Midea MAW10V1UWTalso sold as 4 other model numbers | 10,000 | $90 | 19.2" | - | |
| 81 | Midea MAW12V1QWTalso sold as 12 other model numbers | 12,000 | $108 | 19.2" | U-shaped | |
| 82 | Midea MAW12V1UWTalso sold as 6 other model numbers | 12,000 | $108 | 19.2" | - | |
| 83 | Midea MAW18R2VWTalso sold as 6 other model numbers | 18,000 | $162 | 23.6" | 230 V | |
| 84 | Richmond RMV12A10A | 12,000 | $108 | 18.9" | - | |
| 85 | TCL H10W4MW | 10,000 | $90 | 23" | - | |
| 86 | TCL H12W4MW | 12,000 | $108 | 23" | - | |
| 87 | TCL H8W4MW | 8,000 | $72 | 23" | - | |
| 88 | TCL T08WQ2S | 8,000 | $72 | 20.7" | U-shaped | |
| 89 | TCL T10WQ2S | 10,000 | $90 | 20.7" | U-shaped | |
| 90 | TCL T12WQ2S | 12,000 | $108 | 20.7" | U-shaped | |
| 91 | Whirlpool WHAW-081INalso sold as 5 other model numbers | 8,000 | $72 | 24.2" | U-shaped | |
| 92 | Whirlpool WHAW-101INalso sold as 6 other model numbers | 10,000 | $90 | 24.2" | U-shaped | |
| 93 | Whirlpool WHAW-121INalso sold as 6 other model numbers | 12,000 | $108 | 24.2" | U-shaped | |
| 94 | Windmill 08W2Wi | 8,000 | $72 | 19.3" | - | |
| 95 | Windmill 10W2Wi | 10,000 | $90 | 19.3" | - | |
| 96 | GE Profile PHNT12CCH1 | 12,200 | $112 | 19.7" | Saddle | |
| 97 | GREE GJC12BU-A6DRNJ2Aalso sold as 1 other model number | 11,500 | $106 | 21" | U-shaped | |
| 98 | GE Profile PHNT10CCH1 | 10,300 | $95 | 19.7" | Saddle | |
| 99 | GREE GJC10BU-A6DRNJ2Aalso sold as 1 other model number | 10,000 | $92 | 21" | U-shaped | |
| 100 | LG LW1522FVSMalso sold as 1 other model number | 14,000 | $129 | 23.6" | Saddle | |
| 101 | Friedrich KCVM14B10A | 13,900 | $128 | 25.9" | - | |
| 102 | GE Profile AHTR14AC | 13,500 | $124 | 10.6" | - | |
| 103 | LG LW1822IVSM | 18,000 | $166 | 26" | 230 V | |
| 104 | Kühl KCVM18B30B | 20,900 | $194 | 25.9" | Saddle, 230 V | |
| 105 | LG LW2422IVSM | 23,500 | $219 | 26" | Saddle, 230 V | |
| 106 | Midea MAW08HV1CWT | 8,000 | $75 | 19.4" | Heat | |
| 107 | Midea MWAUQB-08HRFN8-BCL0also sold as 1 other model number | 8,000 | $75 | 19.4" | U-shaped, Heat | |
| 108 | Midea MAW05R1KWT-Balso sold as 10 other model numbers | 5,000 | $47 | 16" | - | |
| 109 | Friedrich CCV18A30Aalso sold as 3 other model numbers | 18,000 | $169 | 26" | U-shaped, 230 V | |
| 110 | Midea MAW12HV1KWT-Aalso sold as 2 other model numbers | 12,000 | $113 | 19.4" | Heat | |
| 111 | TCL T18WQ2S | 18,000 | $169 | 25.4" | U-shaped, 230 V | |
| 112 | Whirlpool WHAW-181IN | 18,000 | $169 | 30" | U-shaped, 230 V | |
| 113 | Friedrich KCVM18B30A | 19,100 | $179 | 25.9" | 230 V | |
| 114 | Friedrich KCVS16B30A | 16,200 | $152 | 25.9" | 230 V | |
| 115 | Friedrich CCV15A10Aalso sold as 2 other model numbers | 15,000 | $141 | 26" | U-shaped | |
| 116 | TCL T15WQ2S | 15,000 | $141 | 25.4" | U-shaped | |
| 117 | Whirlpool WHAW-151IN | 15,000 | $141 | 30" | U-shaped | |
| 118 | Friedrich KHVS12B33A | 12,600 | $118 | 25.9" | Heat, 230 V | |
| 119 | Kühl+ KHVL28B35B | 28,300 | $270 | 28" | Saddle, Heat, 230 V | |
| 120 | Friedrich WCVT10B30B | 10,000 | $95 | 26.5" | - | |
| 121 | Friedrich KHVS10B11A | 10,200 | $99 | 25.9" | Heat | |
| 122 | Kühl KCVM24B30B | 23,100 | $225 | 25.9" | Saddle, 230 V | |
| 123 | Midea MAW24RV1KWTalso sold as 6 other model numbers | 24,000 | $235 | 25.4" | 230 V | |
| 124 | Whirlpool WHAW242INValso sold as 1 other model number | 24,000 | $235 | 25.4" | U-shaped, 230 V | |
| 125 | Kühl KCVL28B30B | 28,900 | $283 | 28" | Saddle, 230 V | |
| 126 | TCL W5WC72also sold as 7 other model numbers | 5,000 | $49 | 16" | U-shaped | |
| 127 | Midea MAW08S1KWT-Aalso sold as 9 other model numbers | 7,800 | $77 | 16" | - | |
| 128 | Midea MAW06S1VWBL-Talso sold as 9 other model numbers | 6,000 | $59 | 16" | - | |
| 129 | TCL H6W4KWalso sold as 3 other model numbers | 6,000 | $59 | 20.7" | U-shaped | |
| 130 | TCL W6WC72also sold as 3 other model numbers | 6,000 | $59 | 18.6" | U-shaped | |
| 131 | Whirlpool WHAW061CX | 6,000 | $59 | 16" | U-shaped | |
| 132 | Kühl KCVL36B30B | 33,000 | $333 | 28" | Saddle, 230 V | |
| 133 | Midea MAW12HV1CWTalso sold as 4 other model numbers | 12,000 | $122 | 19.4" | U-shaped, Heat | |
| 134 | Midea MAW24R2VWTalso sold as 11 other model numbers | 24,000 | $244 | 23.6" | 230 V | |
| 135 | GE Appliances AWGP08W | 8,000 | $82 | 19" | Heat | |
| 136 | Friedrich KCVL28B30A | 28,900 | $296 | 28" | 230 V | |
| 137 | GE Appliances AWGP12W | 11,000 | $113 | 19" | Heat | |
| 138 | Whirlpool WHAW050EX | 5,000 | $52 | 16" | U-shaped | |
| 139 | Friedrich KCVM24B30A | 23,200 | $241 | 25.9" | 230 V | |
| 140 | Friedrich CCV24A30Aalso sold as 2 other model numbers | 24,000 | $256 | 26" | U-shaped, 230 V | |
| 141 | TCL T24WQ2S | 24,000 | $256 | 25.4" | U-shaped, 230 V | |
| 142 | Whirlpool WHAW-241IN | 24,000 | $256 | 30" | U-shaped, 230 V | |
| 143 | Friedrich KHVM24B34A | 22,900 | $246 | 25.9" | Heat, 230 V | |
| 144 | Friedrich KHVL28B35A | 28,200 | $303 | 28" | Heat, 230 V | |
| 145 | Friedrich KCVL36B30A | 34,100 | $378 | 28" | 230 V |
Choosing a window unit
Best for your room or need
- Best window air conditioner for a bedroom
- Best window air conditioner for a small room
- Best window air conditioner for a large room
- Best window air conditioner for a garage
- Best window air conditioner for an apartment
- Best window air conditioner with heat (heater combo)
- Best U-shaped window air conditioners
- Through-the-wall air conditioners (15)
U-shaped, saddle or standard?
- U-shaped: the window closes into a slot in the unit55 models
- Saddle: hangs over the sill, bulk below the window21 models
- Standard box: sits in the opening, side panels fill the gap69 models
U-shaped and saddle designs keep the compressor outside the glass and block less of the window. Standard boxes are usually cheaper and fit more window types.
Units that also heat
18 certified window units run in reverse as a heat pump in cool weather. See them ranked.
Questions
- What is the best window air conditioner?
- It depends on the room size. On certified efficiency the leaders are the Kühl KCVS08B10B (8,000 BTU, 17.0 CEER), Midea MAH09B1AGR (10,000 BTU, 17.6 CEER), Kühl KCVS12B30B (12,000 BTU, 16.8 CEER). Pick the size for your room first, then the most efficient unit in that size that fits your window.
- Are inverter window air conditioners worth it?
- For ENERGY STAR units it is no longer a choice: 145 of the 145 certified window models have a variable-speed (inverter) compressor. Inverter units slow down instead of switching on and off, which keeps the room steadier and quieter and uses less electricity than older single-speed units.
- What does CEER mean?
- Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio: BTU of cooling per watt-hour of electricity, including standby power. Higher is better. A 12 CEER unit uses about 25% more electricity than a 15 CEER unit of the same size.
- How much does it cost to run a window air conditioner?
- A typical certified unit (8,500 BTU, 15.0 CEER) draws about 567 watts and costs about $77 a year at 750 hours and the U.S. average electricity price. Use the running cost calculator for your state and hours.
- Is a window air conditioner better than a portable one?
- Usually, on efficiency. A portable unit sits inside the room and pushes hot air out through a hose, which also pulls warm air back in through gaps, while a window unit keeps its compressor and exhaust outside. ENERGY STAR certifies room window and through-the-wall units but does not certify portables, which is why only window and wall units are ranked here. A portable unit is the choice only when no window or wall will take a window unit.
- What types of window air conditioner are there?
- Three shapes of window unit: 69 standard boxes that sit in the opening, 55 U-shaped units that the window closes into, and 21 saddle units that hang over the sill. Through-the-wall units slide into a wall sleeve instead. Some units also heat (18 certified).
- Do window air conditioners need a special outlet?
- Most do not: 112 of 145 plug into a standard 115 V outlet. The other 33, mostly 18,000 BTU and larger, need a 230 V outlet on its own circuit.
Tools
- What size window air conditioner do I need?
- Window AC running cost calculator
- Window AC vs. mini-split
- Which window types fit (sliding, casement)
- Installation guide
- Window AC brands, ranked
Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioners (U.S. EPA), updated October 13, 2026. Model numbers with identical ratings and dimensions are shown as one unit; the others are listed on its page.