1. Black+Decker BPACT08WT - Best Overall Portable AC

A portable 8,000 BTU air conditioner offers an ideal combo of strong cooling capacity and flexible unit placement. In this category, Black+Decker BPACT08WT performs better than most.

The cooling output of portable AC units generally falls short of their window counterparts, but this air conditioner impressed me. The B+D unit blows out a lot of cold air and can effectively cool down a 350-sq-ft room.

I wanted to see just what this unit is capable of and tried it out in larger spaces than it’s intended for. To my surprise, it kept even a 450-sq-ft tolerable.

The cooling effect slowed down significantly, but hey — I pushed the machine way past its limits, and it still did the job.

Operating this portable air conditioner is simple. The self-explanatory touch controls make it easy to swap between the AC, fan, and dehumidifier functions and to activate the 24h timer and sleep mode.

The remote control isn’t the most responsive I’ve seen, but it does have an LCD display which is missing from most other models.

There’s no such thing as a silent portable AC, but the B+D unit is reasonably quiet for what it is. You will hear it, but it’s not obnoxiously loud, and you can watch TV without increasing the volume.

Setting the B+D unit up was so easy that I didn’t even touch the instructions until I had it running.

I like the exhaust hose end caps that simply snap onto the window panel and AC. They completely eliminate the frustration of trying to screw in a fiddly hose.

The AC is easy to move, thanks to being reasonably sized and not weighing that much (about the same as the SereneLife unit). The short exhaust hose and power cord limit where you can place the unit, though.

The biggest drawback of the B+D is its subpar energy efficiency, with a 5.4 EER rating. That's relative, though — running this unit instead of your central AC can still lower your electricity bills.

In my books, though, the great cooling performance is worth the power consumption. For a strong portable AC that just works, this is your machine.

2. Midea U MAW08V1QWT - Best Overall Window AC

I'm not saying the 8,000 BTU Midea U is the best window air conditioner I've used, but after testing it, it might be my new personal favorite.

Midea U sets itself apart from its competition with two things. First, it has an inverter compressor. Second, it features a U-shaped design instead of the traditional box form factor.

The inverter compressor provides excellent, fast cooling while consuming very little electricity. Unlike a traditional unit that cycles on and off, this inverter AC runs constantly at varying speeds.

That avoids the energy-intensive wind-up and slow-down sequences, giving this Energy Star-rated AC a 15 EER rating — the best on my list. The unit draws only about 2A during regular operation.

Inverter compressors are also much quieter than regular ones. The U-shape also allows the window pane to slide between the compressor and the indoor unit, forming a natural sound barrier.

This incredibly quiet AC has a noise output of only 42 dB at full blast.

Wait, there's more! Midea U comes with a built-in Wi-Fi module that allows it to connect to your smartphone or a voice control unit, like Alexa or Google Assistant.

You can adjust the settings, including an energy saver mode, from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. Or you can use the responsive, backlit remote control.

Man, is there any downside to this machine?

Well, yes. The unit is big and needs a larger window than your average AC. It's also heavy, which, together with the unusual form factor, makes Midea U a challenge to install.

I definitely recommend having someone help you with the installation process. It's pretty easy once you figure out how the support brackets, the unit, and your window go together, but solving that puzzle isn't exactly intuitive.

I also noticed that my unit collected some water inside it. That’s intended as the AC recycles the water to cool itself, but mosquitoes love that puddle.

You can empty the unit with the bottom drain, but that makes it somewhat less energy-efficient.

Despite the quirky installation process, Midea U is one impressive machine. In comparison, other window ACs seem outdated to me now.

3. LG LW8016ER - Popular Window AC

An air conditioner’s value isn’t just about its cooling capacity — durability matters too. LG LW8016ER packs both factors into one high-value 8,000 BTU window AC.

The LG unit cools appropriately-sized rooms quickly and efficiently.

It chilled my 350-sq-ft testing space in around 20 minutes to a temperature where I was perfectly comfortable — and I later realized I'd forgotten the AC was on eco mode.

The bottom line is this window unit will keep you cool even if you have the soul of a polar bear.

It won’t inflate your electricity bills while doing so, either. Although it doesn’t reach the (ridiculously high) bar of the Midea U, the LG unit still has a great 12 EER rating and sports an Energy Star certificate.

Feature-wise, you get the aforementioned eco mode on top of the traditional AC, dry, and fan functions. The dry mode is surprisingly efficient and sucks a lot of moisture out of the air.

Strangely, there’s no sleep mode — a rare omission in an air conditioner.

Controlling the unit is easy with the front panel and the remote. The remote is very basic, with no backlight or display, but it has a longer range than most others on my list.

In the noise department, the LG can’t compete with the Midea’s inverter compressor, but it’s no slouch. The running noise is fairly quiet — as long as you support the unit properly.

This LG is the heaviest window AC on my list, with only the enormous Koldfront being even heavier. You definitely need two people to lift it, but luckily installation is straightforward otherwise.

However, I strongly recommend that you install support brackets for the compressor housing. It will rattle loudly otherwise, as some components misalign under their own weight.

The unit’s heft demonstrates its heavy-duty construction, though. The LG brand isn't famous for no reason — give this unit basic maintenance, and it'll keep running for a long time.

That maintenance is easy, thanks to the front-loading washable filter and a filter condition indicator. That indicator is a bit overenthusiastic, though, since it lights up at the slightest sign of dust.

Overall, I'd call the LG a humble unit. It doesn't boast or complain; it just cools.

4. Frigidaire FFRE083WAE - Best Budget Window AC

Keeping your home cool doesn't have to set you back seven years financially. Frigidaire FFRE083WAE is an affordable but well-performing AC option in the 8,000 BTU class.

Frigidaire has a solid cooling capacity for its price that doesn’t pale in comparison to the LG machine.

I wouldn’t try pushing its limits in a larger space than the rated 350 sq ft, but I did have to chase away a family of penguins trying to settle in while testing the Frigidaire’s max output.

In addition to the generally affordable price point, the Frigidaire won’t have a big impact on your electricity bills.

It’s Energy Star-certified and has the same 12 EER rating you’d expect from modern air conditioners, like the LG and HomeLabs.

In some ways, the Frigidaire beats its pricier competitors. Unlike the LG, it has a sleep mode, in addition to the usual 3-in-1 functionality, eco mode, and 24h timer.

The remote control is nicely responsive, and it features a portable thermostat. Like the HomeLabs unit, the LG constantly monitors the temperature around the thermostat and adjusts its settings automatically.

Another comparison point with HomeLabs is the Frigidaire’s compact size.

It can fit smaller windows and is easy to install, thanks to its relatively low weight. I could see my mother (in her sixties) installing this air conditioner on her own.

The unit is also suitable for through-the-wall installation, like the Koldfront.

As is Frigidaire tradition, though, the mounting kit is a mystery. I got it with the unit, but the manual states the side panels and other parts are “optional.” Your box may or may not have the parts.

The low price of this air conditioner starts to show in its long-term reliability. Mine functioned well for the testing period, but I hear quite a few grumbles about machines that simply stop working for unexplained reasons.

The Frigidaire is louder than the LG, so you might want to keep it out of your bedroom. I also noticed bugs somehow managing to make their way in through the unit.

I can’t really complain too much about this unit, though. For its price, it does an excellent job.

5. SereneLife SLPAC8 - Most Energy-Efficient Portable AC

Portable air conditioners tend to be electricity hogs — it’s just the nature of the beast. In this gluttonous crowd, SereneLife SLPAC8 stands out with its decision to go on a diet.

The SereneLife boasts a 9.8 EER rating, which is very respectable for a portable AC unit. It actually beats the through-the-wall Koldfront air conditioner in energy efficiency, which is a bit of a shocker.

Combine the low power consumption with a reasonable price tag, and you have a portable air conditioning unit that provides a lot of value.

SereneLife also serves up plentiful cooling capacity that's not far behind the Black+Decker unit.

It blew enough cool air to bring my test room down to 60°F. I could see this air conditioner doing decently well, even when cooling larger rooms.

The unit has all the basic features of portable ACs, including three fan speeds, AC/fan/dry modes, and a timer. The remote works well, but with no backlight or display, it's a bit difficult to use at night.

Like with the B+D unit, installation is super easy. If you need guidance, the installation manual is well-detailed — a bit too detailed, considering how simple portable ACs are to set up.

I like the extra-long 7-foot power cord that gives you a lot of flexibility in placing the unit.

SereneLife is pretty average in size and weight, on par with the B+D unit. Moving the unit is effortless and doesn’t feel like hitting the gym.

Looks don’t make the machine, but they are a consideration with portable AC units. The SereneLife is fairly inoffensive and looks like a generic modern appliance. You decide if that’s good or not.

This unit is auto-evaporative and recycles condensation to cool its components, which results in infrequent drainage. That’s a good thing, too, because the supplied drain hose on my unit didn’t actually fit the outlet.

Apart from that, the only drawback is the loud-ish running noise. Yet, this unit is about on par with the HomeLabs window AC, so it’s not that bad.

Frankly, reviewing the SereneLife was boring. For a portable unit, it’s a powerful air conditioner that does exactly what it promises at a good value.

6. Shinco SPF1-08C - Most Reliable Option

Are you scared after reading all those horror stories online about portable air conditioners that break after a few weeks? Shinco SPF1-08C can put your mind at rest.

The Shinco is a sturdy, solidly built unit. Although the casing is plastic, this portable AC unit isn’t shaky or flimsy. It just feels good to handle.

The cooling output is a good fit for 350-sq-ft and smaller spaces. In an appropriately sized room, Shinco reaches the target temperature quickly.

Shinco isn't quite as powerful as the Black+Decker or SereneLife, but those two punch above their weight anyway.

Speaking of weight, you get a lot of air conditioner for your money with the Shinco unit — literally.

This is the heaviest portable AC on my list, which can make it a bit hard to move around. The weight does highlight the unit’s rugged construction, though.

Shinco doesn't have auto-evaporation like SereneLife, but in my medium-humidity region, I only had to drain the Shinco once a week in AC mode.

In terms of functionality, Shinco is identical to its competitors with its three fan speed settings, AC/dry/fan modes, and a timer and sleep mode. The remote works fine, as do the manual controls.

Shinco makes around 55dB of noise, comparable to SereneLife in the noise department. It's far from being whisper quiet, but it's not overwhelming either.

You need to maintain Shinco to keep it happy, but fortunately, maintenance is straightforward. The washable filter slides out conveniently without unscrewing anything.

Since it's not auto-evaporative, I recommend running the AC in fan mode a few hours a week to dry it out.

The window kit is this unit’s weak spot. The hose connectors are pretty flimsy, so make sure not to manhandle them. Remember to check your hose before turning the unit on, since it may have a styrofoam plug in it.

Additionally, the standard window panel fits window frames between 37-50”. That’s wider than any window in my home. Be prepared to cut the panel to length.

Despite the sub-standard window kit, the Shinco air conditioner itself functions very well. Take good care of it; in return, Shinco can reward you with years of faithful service.

7. Koldfront WTC8001W - Best Through-The-Wall AC Unit

A through-the-wall air conditioner can be convenient for spaces without windows, or if you don't want to give up your view. If you want an 8,000 BTU air conditioner on your wall, Koldfront WTC8001W is my recommended option.

The Koldfront has plenty of cooling power for medium-sized rooms. Like the Frigidaire and LG units, it can quickly and efficiently cool a 350-sq-ft room.

However, this unit has an ace up its sleeve that other air conditioners on my list don't — it comes with a 4,200 BTU heating function.

I wouldn’t use this unit as your sole heater, but it does a decent job of helping keep the autumn chill out of your garage.

The heater cuts into the Koldfront's energy efficiency a bit, causing it to lag behind the window units. Still, with a 9.6 EER rating, it’s not exactly an energy hog.

The Koldfront functions identically to the window ACs, with the same AC/fan/dry modes and adjustable fan speeds. It sports both a sleep and eco mode, and you can set it to run on a timer.

As a through-the-wall unit, the Koldfront is bigger than its window counterparts. It’s also the heaviest unit on my list. Installing it is definitely a two-person job.

On the topic of installation, be prepared for a big project, especially if you don't already have a space on your wall for an air conditioner.

To begin with, you must buy the wall sleeve (which holds the unit in place) separately — a fairly incomprehensible decision on the manufacturer's part.

Mounting the air conditioner in the sleeve isn’t that hard, but that is also a strange undertaking. There’s not a single screw holding it in place. Instead, friction from the cushioning pads is supposed to keep the AC inside the sleeve.

Once you do finally get the Koldfront up on the wall, though, it performs well. That cool air will feel twice as nice after the sweaty job is over.

8. Zafro ‎A4210-8K - Affordable Option

When the outdoor temperature rises, you need to stay cool — but you can’t always afford to spend a fortune on an AC. Zafro A4210-8K is an affordable yet capable portable AC unit that can keep you cool on a budget.

Zafro is a good, efficient air conditioner with a cooling capacity at the same level as Shinco's. It works well in rooms up to the rated 350 sq-ft. I could also see this machine keeping several rooms cooled in a small apartment.

The unit works as well as any other portable air conditioner — no complaints here.

Zafro offers all the features its more expensive competitors do. You can change between AC, fan, and dry modes and three fan speeds, and there’s a sleep mode and a timer.

The control panel is simple and easy to learn. However, it — and the remote sensors — are placed on top of the unit. That makes the basic remote control fairly unresponsive.

This unit beats the Black+Decker and Shinco in energy efficiency. Its 6.1 EER rating isn’t mindblowing, but it will save you a few bucks a year in comparison.

Like most models in the portable category, I can’t call Zafro particularly quiet. Yet, its roughly 54 dB noise output didn’t bother me.

Zafro works very well for its price, but you can start to see the low cost with the window kit. The window panel suffers from the same issue as Shinco — it’s too large to fit a standard window without cutting.

The exhaust hose is also very thin and bleeds a lot of warm air back into the room. I would buy an insulation sleeve to keep the heat transfer in check.

I should also warn you that this air conditioner produces a lot of condensation. Fortunately, it comes with a flexible and surprisingly sturdy drain hose.

I recommend placing the unit on a steady pedestal and draining it continuously into a bucket or jug.

Zafro admittedly has a couple of issues stemming from its low cost. Personally, I can overlook them, thanks to its solid performance.

9. HomeLabs HME030525N - Best for Smaller Windows 

It can be tough to find an air conditioner that fits narrow window frames. With its compact design and smart features, HomeLabs HME030525N can be your small-windowed home’s ticket to cool indoor air.

This HomeLabs unit measures 18.5” in width and 13.4” in height. It’s almost four inches narrower than the Midea U, for example. It’ll slot right into almost any double-hung window.

You won’t have to compromise cooling power for the compact form factor. HomeLabs has built a powerful unit, and I’d say it beat the Frigidaire in cooling performance.

This device can effortlessly cool 350 sq-ft and probably even slightly larger rooms.

Installation is fairly straightforward, partially due to the 50-pound weight. This unit is a bit heavier than the Frigidaire, but that one is admittedly unusually light. HomeLabs has built one of the lightest window AC units on my list.

HomeLabs doesn’t lose to the other window models in energy efficiency. As an Energy Star-certified unit with a 12 EER rating, it won’t result in a big bump on your bills.

This air conditioning unit offers full 3-in-1 functionality, and controlling it with both the front panel and remote is simple.

Like the Frigidaire, the remote has a portable thermostat that can automatically adjust the unit based on your location.

Like Midea U, HomeLabs also has Wi-Fi capabilities. It can pair with your phone or Alexa, allowing you to control it from anywhere.

The connection app is temperamental, though, and will keep dropping the connection unless it’s connected to a 2.4 GHz network. I resolved my connection problems with a Wi-Fi extender set to that frequency.

In the noise department, this unit isn’t particularly special. At full blast, my sound meter detected 58 dB of noise, which is admittedly fairly loud.

These are small complaints in the grand scheme of things, though. This HomeLabs air conditioner is a good basic unit with some nice smart features. It's undoubtedly a great choice for your small windows.