7 Best 10000 BTU Air Conditioners (2023 Reviews)

1. Midea U MAW10V1QWT - Editor’s Choice (Window)

Midea U MAW10V1QWT really makes for an easy choice. If you want one of, if not the best 10000 BTU air conditioner currently on the market, pick this one.

Two things set the Midea U unit apart from other window air conditioners on my list — its inverter compressor and U-shaped design.

Unlike a regular AC compressor that powers on and off, Midea U's inverter unit runs continuously. As such, it avoids the power-hungry start and stop sequences.

Midea U is very energy-efficient, with an excellent 15 EER rating and Energy Star certification.

The inverter compressor is also powerful, resulting in a cooling capacity comparable to old 14,000 BTU AC units. Midea U cools 450 sq ft rooms quickly and effectively and does well in even bigger rooms.

Inverter compressors are also quiet, but Midea U doubles down on silence with its U-shaped design. This form factor allows the window pane to slide down between the AC and compressor compartments, acting as a sound barrier.

As a result, the Midea U’s noise level stays below 50 dB on average. It’s the quietest 10000 BTU air conditioner I’ve reviewed here.

Controlling the unit's AC, fan, and dehumidifier modes is easy with the front panel, or the included remote control (with an LCD display).

Midea U also features a sleep mode and energy saver mode — if you want it to consume even less power than normal.

Thanks to its Wi-Fi capabilities, you can also control the air conditioner with your smartphone. It also supports voice controls through Alexa or Google Assistant.

If there is a downside to the Midea U, the installation process is more involved than with traditional boxy air conditioners.

It's not exactly hard once everything clicks together both in your head and window frame but be prepared for some problem-solving.

Fortunately, this is the lightest window air conditioner on my list, so hoisting it up isn’t an insurmountable challenge.

Sadly, the unit doesn’t really allow you to open the window as advertised — unless you rip off all the insulation foam. At least you can still enjoy the view through the window.

These are small grumbles, though. Overall, Midea U is an exceptional 10,000 BTU air conditioner.

2. Black+Decker BPACT10WT - Editor’s Choice (Portable)

A good portable air conditioner joins convenience and cooling power in a happy marriage. In this category, Black+Decker BPACT10WT is the cream of the crop.

This B+D unit surprised me with its strong cooling capacity. On average, portable AC units tend to be less powerful than window ones, but this machine is right up there with the best window units.

Case in point: I ran out of testing space trying to push the B+D past its limits. Like Midea U, it does a good job even in a larger room than the rated 450 square feet.

Feature-wise, it offers the standard 3-in-1 functionality with a fan, dehumidifier, and cooling mode. You can also set the unit to go off on a timer, and it has a sleep mode for night-time energy savings.

As a unique feature, you can activate the MAX mode (all upper-case is appropriate) with the display-equipped remote control.

This mode sets the air conditioner to full blast and drops the temperature in a hot room within minutes.

This B+D unit really deserves to be called portable. Its compact design and low weight (lightest on my list) make it very easy to move around.

The only thing limiting portability is the fairly stiff exhaust hose that can’t bend too much. On the plus side, though, the hose has pre-assembled end caps.

I appreciate B+D saving my nerves by not making me screw the connectors onto the hose.

Thanks to its auto-evaporative functionality, the air conditioner recycles condensation water to cool itself. There’s rarely a need to drain it unless you live in an extremely humid area.

Even then, the box includes a handy drain hose. Combine that with the washable filter, and you have a portable air conditioner with very straightforward maintenance.

The only issue with B+D is its relatively low energy efficiency. With a mere 6.7 EER rating, you may see an uptick in your electricity bills.

In my books, though, that’s worth it. The Black+Decker is the best portable AC unit because it simply works.

3. LG ‎LW1016ER - Best Value Window AC

Whoever said you can't get a powerful, well-built 10,000 BTU window air conditioner at a decent price hasn't seen the LG LW1016ER, that's certain.

This window unit has shockingly good cooling power and construction quality, considering its price point.

The LG unit blows so much cool air that I had no problem keeping a 450-square-foot room chilled, even when running the air conditioner on the energy-saving mode.

At full blast, this machine shouldn’t have any issues cooling spaces well above its rating.

This air conditioner’s construction is so tight you can barely fit a paper sheet between the joints. You shouldn’t have to worry about rattling or vibration.

I was surprised to see the internal air channel is hard plastic and metal instead of styrofoam, as common with affordable ACs. The non-porous surfaces help keep the air conditioner mold-free — I can appreciate that as an asthma patient.

Controls are simple and straightforward, and the remote feels responsive even though it has no display or backlit buttons. You get all the usual functionality — except sleep mode. I’m curious why LG left that one out.

Although the AC has three fan speed settings, I didn’t notice much difference between the fan speeds. That’s alright, though, because the noise levels are relatively low.

It can’t compete with the Midea U (few ACs can), but even at its loudest, I measured 57 dB of noise three feet away.

The LG has good energy efficiency, with a 12 EER and an Energy Star rating. Annually, it shouldn’t add more than around $75 to your power bill.

Finally, we have a nice installation kit, which features cut-to-size insulation panels, like the Koldfront.

Installation can be a bit complex. You have to pull the unit out of its chassis and fix that to the window frame first. Then again, that means the LG could also conceivably work as a through-the-wall air conditioner.

The biggest drawback is this unit's size — it's huge and heavy. I recommend carefully measuring your window before buying to ensure you have the necessary space. Also, buy a support bracket.

That heft only underlines the LG’s solid construction, though. Take good care of it, and this high-value AC will keep you cool for years.

4. Serene Life SLPAC10

Portable air conditioners tend to be power hogs, making them expensive to run. Serene Life SLPAC10 stands out by not piling zeroes at the end of your energy bill.

This portable air conditioner boasts an excellent 10.5 EER rating. That’s basically unheard of for a portable unit.

Although portable ACs aren’t eligible for Energy Star ratings, you can rely on this machine to keep your utility costs tolerable.

To drive home how energy-efficient Serene Life is, it beats the PerfectAire window AC. And it certainly consumes a lot less power than the Black+Decker.

If you’re worried that the low energy consumption comes at the expense of cooling power, I can tell you your fears are unfounded.

This unit does very well in rooms up to the rated 450 square feet, lowering the temperature almost as fast as the B+D.

During my tests, Serene Life also did okay in larger spaces — but only okay. That said, I can’t fault the machine for not doing more than it’s designed for.

In terms of functionality, the Serene Life unit provides everything any portable AC worth its salt should. It can run in AC, dehumidifier, or fan-only mode.

I enjoyed finding out that there's a noticeable difference between the three fan speed options.

The dehumidifier mode is surprisingly powerful and sucks a lot of moisture out of my indoor air. You'll have to rig up a continuous drainage solution to keep the AC from flooding, but that's just the nature of the beast.

Serene Life’s noise levels aren’t any higher than with any average portable air conditioner — it’s not quiet but not horrible, either. You may not want this machine in your bedroom, but I liked having the unit drown out outdoor sounds.

Size-wise, Serene Life is fairly big. It’s still not impossible to move, but it does weigh about 10 pounds more than the B+D unit and is quite a bit taller.

The window kit is otherwise fine, but the panel’s size is a bit awkward. It may need some cutting or a creative extension piece to fit your window.

With this unit’s low cost and energy savings, though, you can easily afford an extension piece.

5. GE AHY10LZ

Want to have your entire home connected to the internet? GE AHY10LZ is a capable 10,000 BTU window air conditioner that integrates into your smart home without a fuss.

This GE unit is reasonably affordable while still providing efficient cooling in rooms up to 450 sq ft that it's rated for. Like the LG AC, the GE was able to effectively cool my home even when running in the Eco mode.

Speaking of the Eco mode, the air conditioner also features a sleep mode and a simple-to-use 24h timer function.

It can run in AC or fan-only modes but doesn’t have a dedicated dehumidifier function, unlike all other machines on my list.

I didn’t miss the dehumidifier, though, since even in normal AC mode, it sucks around 2 pints/hour of moisture out of the air.

Still, that’s something to be aware of if you happen to live in a Florida swamp or another hyper-humid region.

Controlling the available modes is a cinch with the front control panel and the included full-function remote control.

The remote has no display or backlit buttons, but the Wi-Fi connectivity is what you’ll likely use with this unit anyway.

The GE app has had some functionality issues, but the latest versions have massively improved reliability.

The Apple version crashed on me a couple of times, but it was no worse than any other AC control app. On Android, I encountered no problems with phone or voice control.

GE’s EZ Mount install kit lives up to its name. Together with the AC’s relatively compact design and low weight, mounting it to the window is effortless.

I was impressed with the package's three different kinds of insulation foam that help you plug gaps.

Although it doesn't quite match the LG, this Energy Star-certified AC is an energy-efficient unit with an 11.4 EER rating. You won’t have to worry about your bills getting out of control.

The only warning I have about this air conditioner is the noise level. This is the loudest unit I've reviewed, so I wouldn't recommend having it in your bedroom.

Noise aside, though, GE is a solid Wi-Fi-enabled AC that performs as it promises.

6. PerfectAire 3PASC10000 - Best AC for Casement Windows

Most window AC units are designed for conventional vertically-sliding double-hung windows — which can be an issue in some homes. PerfectAir 3PASC10000 can fit a narrow or even a casement window with its vertical design.

Unlike any other window AC unit on my list, the PerfectAir is taller than it is wide. With a 14.75” width and a 23.5” height, it can be a great fit for both very old and new houses with unconventional window sizes.

The vertical shape doesn’t affect the unit’s performance. It has a strong cooling capacity that quickly chills a 450-square-foot room. Like the Midea U and LG units, this one can help you stay cool (if not cold) in even a bit larger rooms.

This unit actually has a stronger airflow than most other air conditioners on my list. In fan mode, it’s a great way to circulate air through your home.

On the topic of modes, PerfectAire has loaded this vertical unit with 3-in-1 operating modes (AC/fan/dehumidifier), a sleep and Eco mode, a programmable timer, and multi-speed fan settings.

The unique shape doesn’t compromise this AC’s features.

The remote controls are possibly the best that I tested. The remote itself is responsive, and it has both a digital display and backlit buttons for easy usability in the dark.

It also has a portable Follow Me thermostat that monitors the temperature around the remote and adjusts the air conditioning unit accordingly.

The PerfectAire is a heavyweight unit, both in terms of build quality and heft. At 77 pounds, this is the heaviest unit on my list.

I recommend having an additional pair of hands to install this AC. Fortunately, apart from lifting the unit, the installation process is simple. The mounting kit even includes a welcome support bracket.

The Achilles' heel of this unit is the cost. It's quite pricey, and with a 9.5 EER rating, the energy efficiency is fairly sub-par in comparison.

That’s the story with all vertical window AC units, though. If your home has narrow or casement windows, this PerfectAir unit is well worth its price.

7. Koldfront WAC10003WCO

When your home needs cooling, the last thing you want is to spend hours trying to mount your AC to the window in sweltering heat. With Koldfront WAC10003WCO, you can forget about that headache.

This 10,000 BTU window air conditioner is quick and easy to install for a couple of reasons.

First, it’s the second lightest window unit on my list, losing only slightly to the Midea U. Even if you’re working alone, lifting this machine up to the window won’t require spending a year at the gym in preparation.

Second, Koldfront’s installation kit is better than most. The side panels feel somewhat sturdier than average, and you get a lot of foam for plugging gaps.

Like the LG unit, you get cut-to-shape insulation panels to fit over the side curtains.

Koldfront has a great cooling capacity in its class — it wouldn’t be on my list otherwise! Blowing cold air with respectable gusto, it made my 450-sq-ft test space feel a lot cooler within minutes.

In fact, I ended up running this unit only on the lowest fan speed. The strong airflow made me feel a bit too chilly if cranked higher.

Using the low power only added to this unit’s good energy efficiency. It has a solid 12 EER rating — and it’s Energy Star-certified. I’m not sure why Koldfront doesn’t advertise the fact. [1]

The Koldfront features multiple operating modes (AC/fan/dehumidifier) alongside a timer, a sleep mode, and an energy-saver mode. With the latter, saving energy is easy with this unit.

The controls are self-explanatory. You won't find a display or lit buttons on the remote control, but at least it works fine with reasonably wide-use angles.

Koldfront’s noise level is decidedly average. It doesn’t offer exactly quiet operation, but it’s also not any louder than most air conditioners. Unless you’re particularly noise-sensitive, this unit shouldn’t bother you.

Although I didn’t run into issues, I have heard that the Koldfront has some problems with long-term durability. It works well until it doesn’t. Fortunately, the front-loading washable filter makes maintaining the unit easy.

In a nutshell, Koldfront is a well-performing basic window AC unit that makes installation a breeze.