1. LG LW1516ER (Editor’s Choice)

There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to air conditioning.

That said, the LG LW1516ER is at the top of my list for a reason — its ultra-strong cooling is enough for almost any large home.

This powerful unit punches way above the 800-square-foot rooms it’s rated for.

Even in a large combined kitchen/dining/living room of 1,400 square feet, it kept the temperatures tolerable.

According to my infrared thermometer, the air blows out of the four-way-adjustable vent at 50°F.

The cooling capacity was enough to drop the temperature by 20°F within 30 minutes.

That airflow isn't just cold but strong, too. I had to start using a paperweight to avoid constantly picking up papers and receipts off the floor.

All that power comes at a manageable cost, too.

This unit sets the power consumption standard for its class with an 11.8 EER and Energy Star certification.

You can keep your home cool without your electricity bill rising to high heavens.

The usability is intuitive, and you can easily swap between the AC, fan, and eco mode using the front panel or the remote control.

The remote control is very basic, but it works nicely and is simple to understand.

LG has included a drain plug on the back of the unit — a feature missing from most modern ACs.

Draining the unit will reduce energy efficiency but can keep the chassis from flooding in high-humidity regions.

Speaking of the chassis, this air conditioner is the slide-out type that can be installed in a window or through the wall.

You’ll want a second or even third pair of hands for installing this unit, though, since it’s very large and heavy.

It may not fit in small windows, and I recommend using an outside support to prop it up.

This unit is also pretty loud, but I appreciate that LG doesn't even try to market it as "SUPER QUIET."

It's not obnoxious, but with the noise and the lack of sleep mode, you probably want to avoid this machine in your bedroom.

Then again, this super-strong LG window air conditioner is tailor-made for cooling spaces way above its rating.

2. Frigidaire FFRE153WAE (Budget Window Air Conditioner)

15000 BTU air conditioners tend to be pricey, but they don't have to drain your entire bank account.

For this cohort, Frigidaire FFRE153WAE is an affordable machine with plenty of kick.

Frigidaire definitely hasn’t cut corners in cooling power.

Even in the medium setting, this 15000 BTU window air conditioner can cool its rated 800-square-foot room in roughly 15 minutes.

On high, my place quickly turned into a walk-in freezer!

Although this model isn't quite as overpowered as the LG, it still performs well in areas bigger than it's designed for.

During my tests, it chilled in a loft apartment of 1,000 square feet without breaking a sweat.

This unit ties the LG (and most others on my list) in energy consumption.

It’s Energy Star-certified and sports an 11.8 EER rating, which goes a long way to keeping your bills low.

That’s just another thing adding to this model’s budget-friendly nature.

The front panel is straightforward to use.

The touch controls work well, allowing you to adjust fan speeds and activate different user modes, including eco and sleep modes.

That said, the remote control is a mixed bag.

On the one hand, it has a portable thermostat that allows the AC to automatically adjust to the ambient temperature around the remote.

On the other hand, this is an infrared remote control, so the AC needs to be able to “see” it. It’s a finicky but welcome feature.

In terms of noise, this model is one of the quieter ones on my list. It shouldn’t disturb you even at night, discounting particularly light sleepers.

The installation process isn't any more difficult than with any 15000 BTU window air conditioner.

Thanks to the pull-out chassis, you could also rig this unit through a wall.

As a side note, my machine came with side panels even though Frigidaire says they're sold separately.

What can make installing this unit difficult is the manual. It's poorly written, with pictures so blurry and small you need a microscope to decipher them.

Some people have even received installation instructions for the wrong model.

I’m glad they saved on the manual rather than the machine, though. For its price point, this Frigidaire is a very solid AC.

3. Friedrich Chill Premier CCW15B10A (Premium Window Air Conditioner)

Looking for perfect high-end window air conditioners can be just as challenging as trying to find budget ones.

Friedrich Chill Premier CCW15B10A makes the choice easy by offering everything from the features to the looks.

In terms of power, you can expect a strong performance from the Friedrich — it would hardly count as a premium machine otherwise.

As soon as you turn it on, freezing cold air starts blowing through the vents.

You can aim that powerful breeze quite freely, too. Like the Emerson and TCL units, this window model has eight-way airflow adjustment, allowing you to direct the coolness toward the areas that need it the most.

In an 800-square-foot room, the Friedrich drops the temperature within minutes.

I kept even a nearly 1,000-square-foot open-plan kitchen and living room cool while the afternoon sun blazed in through the west-facing windows.

As a high-end unit should, the Friedrich comes with Wi-Fi connectivity.

The FriedrichGo app can connect to your smartphone or a voice control module like Alexa.

I noticed the Wi-Fi setup might fail if you follow the instructions on the app.

Don’t worry, though — the user manual walks you through everything to hook the AC up to your smart home.

If you’d rather use more old-fashioned control methods, the front panel and remote control work just as well.

Complementing the Energy Star-certified, 11.8 EER performance is an energy-saver mode and sleep mode.

No matter what setting you use, this is the quietest 15000 BTU air conditioner on my list.

Friedrich has somehow managed to keep this unit’s weight at an impressive 75 pounds.

Thanks to the low weight, it’s easy to install in a window or wall — your choice.

As a nice touch, this model’s sleek, modern aesthetic looks much better than the usual appliance-white boxes.

There’s only one clear issue I can highlight with this machine.

The chassis has vents on the top, which can allow rainwater to get inside it. You really should set up an awning for it.

Of course, the premium features come at a premium price. The top-notch features and looks of this AC are well worth it, though.

4. Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RSE1 (Window Unit with Best Value)

Did you like the sound of all those advanced features on the Friedrich unit but can’t quite stomach the price?

Then you should consider the high-value package that is the Emerson Quiet Kool EARC15RSE1.

This Emerson model boasts is in the run-up for the most efficient cooling performance on my list, rivaling the LG.

A room with 800 square feet will quickly become way too cold if you set this beast running at maximum.

At full blast, this 15000 BTU window air conditioner brought my around 1,000-square-foot combined kitchen and living room to 58°F.

Even the next room, separated by a doorway, was at 66°F — much too cold for my liking.

That cooling power won’t strain your wallet too much, either.

Like the Friedrich, LG, and other powerful units on my list, it has an 11.8 EER rating and an Energy Star label.

Like the Friedrich, this 15000 BTU window AC unit boasts full Wi-Fi capabilities.

You can connect it to your smartphone or Alexa or Google Assistant if you'd like to be able to say, "Emerson, cool me, please."

The app isn't as intuitive as Friedrich's, in my opinion, but it works.

If you start encountering frequently dropping connections, make sure your Wi-Fi router is set to 2.4 GHz.

You also get a remote control with the unit, which has a very limited range and use angles. You've paid for the Wi-Fi, so use that.

This model comes with a comprehensive 1-2-5 warranty.

The manufacturer guarantees the labor for a year, parts for two years, and the compressor for five.

This unit has a slide-out chassis like all other window air conditioners on my list. You can mount it to windows or through walls.

It’s good that you can take the chassis off because this is the single heaviest machine on my list.

It’s so much easier to fix the cabinet to your window opening and then slide the AC in. Remember to get a support bracket.

This unit is also somewhat louder than average. Light sleepers, keep it away from your bed.

Overall, however, the Emerson provides great value for your money. Frankly, it could sell for a lot more — but I’m glad it doesn’t.

5. Cooper&Hunter CH-PTHE15HP (Best Through-the-Wall AC)

It can be a hassle to mount and remove window AC units with the changing seasons.

Cooper&Hunter CH-PTHE15HP lets you furnish your home with a permanent unit that keeps you comfortable in winter and summer.

Although all other air conditioners on my list can be installed into walls, the C&H is a dedicated through-the-wall unit.

It’s essentially like the air conditioners you see in hotel rooms.

This model performs very well in rooms up to 800 square feet. During my tests, it had no problem bringing the temperature down to 61°F.

You can embrace your inner penguin if you so wish.

Unlike with some other models, I wouldn't try pushing the C&H's limits in a much larger area. It works best in rooms it’s rated for, so keep it there.

On top of cooling, this device offers a 13,500 BTU heat pump and an 11,000 BTU electric heater.

The heating works well and keeps an appropriately sized room toasty even when the outdoor temperature dips into the negatives.

Part of that performance is thanks to the excellent thermostat.

This unit monitors the temperature more accurately than others I tested, so you can rely on getting the temperature you want.

The energy performance is technically the lowest on my list.

The C&H has “only” a 10.6 EER rating, but that’s still quite good. Just make sure you have a 230V outlet available.

This air conditioner is surprisingly quiet. You might expect the big unit to be very noisy, but it’s comparable to the TCL. Not silent but not disturbing, either.

The C&H is big, though. The machine is twice the width of other ACs I reviewed and weighs a lot, too (although surprisingly not quite as much as the Emerson).

The size and through-the-wall installation process make mounting it challenging, so I recommend hiring a professional.

You should also note that this air conditioner doesn’t have a dedicated dehumidifier function, in case you live in a very humid region.

Also, it's very expensive, and you get to pay even more for the separately sold wall sleeve.

That’s well worth it for the strong and reliable year-round performance, though.

6. Keystone KSTAW15CE (Most Energy-Efficient Window Air Conditioner)

The downside of 15000 BTU air conditioners is that they are very thirsty in terms of energy. Keystone KSTAW15CE can help protect your wallet from sky-high electricity bills.

This model has the lowest energy consumption out of all the ones I reviewed.

You might not believe that looking at Amazon and other online storefronts, though, as they list the EER score as identical to the LG, Friedrich, and others.

If you check the actual Energy Star website, though, you’ll see that the Keystone has a 12.1 EER Rating and is Energy Star-certified.[1]

That makes it the most energy-efficient machine here. It's not a massive difference, but with air conditioners this powerful, every little bit counts.

The Keystone certainly has power. This unit cools a hot space of 800 square feet to a comfortable temperature within five minutes.

Even in a 1,000-square-foot area, it worked with gusto on par with the Frigidaire.

Another thing comparable to Frigidaire is the remote control with a portable thermostat.

I found it more functional, and the air conditioner did a good job adjusting the temperature automatically.

A clear display and backlit buttons make this a very nice remote control.

The Keystone does a good job in the noise department, too.

The noise level is on the lower side of average, so even light sleepers should be able to catch some Z’s with this unit running.

Installation is practically identical to all the other window units.

The pull-out chassis makes things much easier since you don't have to try screwing the entire unit to your window. It also enables through-the-wall installation if you need it.

The installation kit is this unit’s Achilles heel, though.

Although mine had all the listed parts, I’ve seen people complain that the screws in their kit were too small to work with the air conditioner.

I recommend checking all the screws before you start working.

In case you do have the wrong screws, a quick trip to the hardware store will fix the issue — although it’s a nuisance.

Despite the mounting kit issues, the air conditioner itself works great.

If you’re conscious about your electric bills or the environment, the Keystone will be your favorite 15000 BTU window air conditioner.

7. TCL 15W3E1-A (Most Reliable Window Air Conditioner)

Fancy toys can be fun, but simplicity has a beauty entirely of its own.

TCL 15W3E1-A is the air conditioner equivalent of your grandpa’s car — it doesn’t have the latest features and gadgets, but you know it’ll do its job.

The TCL’s cooling capacity is on par with the Frigidaire and Keystone.

It will quickly cool 800 square feet, lowering the temperature noticeably within minutes.

Yet, this machine punches above its (rather significant) weight.

It had no issues helping a 1,000-square-foot open-plan kitchen and living room stay cool on a summer afternoon.

In energy consumption, the tale I'm about to tell you will also sound familiar. The TCL rocks a respectable 11.8 EER rating and an Energy Star label. It will keep multiple rooms cooled and not blow your bills out of proportion.

The TCL is a very basic unit in terms of functionality.

That’s not a knock on this air conditioner, though — it offers everything you need to stay comfortable in your home.

This model has the same 3-in-1 functionality as the high-end Friedrich.

You can set it to run in cooling, fan-only, and dehumidifier modes, and it offers three fan speed levels.

You also get a timer function, and energy-saver and sleep modes.

I noticed that the unit likes to start up in the eco mode, which cycles the compressor on and off.

That’s good for your power bills, but keep it in mind if you need quick, continuous cooling during hot weather.

Usability is simple, with clear buttons on the front control panel. The remote control has no special functions, but it works well.

This model even has eight-way-adjustable louvers, like the Friedrich and Emerson units.

If the Keystone’s noise levels were on the lower side of average, this TCL is on the louder side of that same point.

That said, it’s not as loud as, say, the LG. There’s no need to turn up the TV volume.

Finally, like all other window air conditioners I’ve listed, this one features a slide-out chassis.

So, if you want it in a through-the-wall installation, that’s possible.

In the end, I found this unit to be boring in the best possible way. It doesn’t boast, it doesn’t whine — it just keeps pumping out cool air.