GE Profile ClearView

The GE Profile Clearview PHNT12CC is my top choice for quiet window air conditioner.

I originally installed this model for a client who was looking for a low-profile window AC that wouldn't block the view from his one window office.

When it’s installed, this GE saddle AC only takes up the bottom 6” of window viewing with this unique saddle style. (It does require 13" clearance though, during installation.)

Once installed, though, what really impressed me was how incredibly quiet it runs. On a low setting, it reaches just 40 dB. 

For well-insulated walls, though, I found that it registered even more quietly - around 37 dB. This is because the GE PHNT12CC has a saddle design (sometimes called a Reverse-U) that sits over the windowsill. 

The inverter compressor, which is already ultra-quiet, sits on the outside, with the wall creating a literal sound buffer. 

The EER of the GE PHNT12CC is 14.6, so it's much more efficient than the GE PHC06LY further on my list, which has an EER of 11.5 (and only covers about half the space). 

This GE model is a beast of a unit, weighing in at 80 lbs. So while it's easier to install than the Dreo or Tosot models, you definitely won't find me installing this one alone. 

With 12200 BTUs of cooling power, the GE Profile Clearview is made for larger spaces of up to 550 square feet. 

It's quite expensive at around $575. For those with a slightly smaller budget, I typically recommend the Frigidaire GHWQ123WC1. It's another 12000 BTU model with similar specs, but less money and only slightly louder at 42 dB. 

The last thing I'll say about this GE model is that every noise complaint I've been called in for regarding this model has been remedied by tightening the brace feet on the unit, so definitely check that before calling in a service professional. 

LG Dual Inverter 

When I think of the LG brand, I think of TVs, monitors, and gaming laptops—all high-end technology products.

I was excited to see their advanced tech specs on the LG Dual Inverter LW1022IVSM, and I chose this model for my Airbnb rental. 

Having full access to the appliance on my phone allows me to monitor things while offering my guests privacy, and ensures the space is the perfect welcoming temperature when they arrive. 

This 10000 BTU window AC originally caught my eye because it has a modern touch panel and isn’t an eyesore.

It looks similar to the Dreo model but has a lot more buttons and options.

The real reason I chose it for my rental, though, was the LoDecibel™ rating, a trademark that LG gives only their quietest appliances. 

On high speed, the LG window unit registers at about 58 dB, which is on par with what I’ve seen in window ACs. On “sleep mode,” though, it gets down to a chill 44 dB, which is actually about the same as my refrigerator and easy to tune out.

The product listing says that it can cover up to 450 square feet of space, but I think that might be a bit of a stretch. 

The space I have it in is an open living room and kitchen combo that is 300 square feet. On hot days I feel like it does a good job, but I wouldn’t want to tax it by putting it in a larger space. 

I also appreciate that it’s not only Energy Star rated, but its dual inverter makes it even 25% more energy efficient. The icing on cake is that this is a smart window AC as it comes with own app and can connect to WiFi.

So, even if my guests choose to make my space an icebox during their visit, I don’t have to worry about my energy bills too much. 

Dreo Arctic One DR-HAC002

The Dreo Arctic One is a close runner up to my top choices, and is my top pick for standard window AC design. 

Arctic One’s secret lies in its inverter compressor. Thanks to its constant operation, this unit avoids regular compressors’ noisy spin-up and shut-off steps.

As a result, Arctic One runs at a quiet 42 dB on it's lowest setting, losing only to the Soleus and GE models in the noise department. I’m sensitive to noise in my bedroom, but this one lets me sleep soundly all night.

The low noise doesn’t compromise cooling capacity. At 8,000 BTU, Arctic One has the chops to effectively cool a 350 square foot room — or bigger. This unit punches above its weight class and works well in an even bigger space.

An additional benefit of the inverter compressor is low energy consumption. This is the most energy-efficient window AC unit I've included on this list.

With a 15 EER, I barely noticed an increase in my energy bill.

Arctic One has five different user modes. I like that I can control the unit easily with either the front panel or remote. There’s no energy saver mode, but with this EER, I'm not sure it's needed.

This is a (relatively) hefty unit at just over 56 lbs. Unless you’re Macho Man, you will need two people to lift it, but installing Arctic One is easier than with many other window ACs.

Speaking of installation, this AC doesn’t need a separate support bracket. It screws directly into the window frame to stay sturdily in place. 

The installation kit also includes a safety bracket that locks the window panel to keep burglars out.

That said, if you rent your home, you might want a different unit. Your landlord may not want screw holes in window frames.

As a cherry on top of this sundae, the Arctic One looks good. I wouldn’t call it (or any AC) beautiful, but it has a sleeker look than 99% of other quiet window air conditioners.

It's not perfect, though, and there have been some reliability issues with the compressor by other users. Fortunately, Dreo's customer service is pretty dang good and offers a great 30-month warranty. 

I do wish they could install a backlight into the remote, too — it's impossible to see what you're doing in a dark bedroom.

Still, thanks to the great balance between power, price, and energy efficiency, I personally rate this unit as one of the top products available.

Related article: Best 8000 BTU window air conditioners

Tosot Tranquility

The Tosot Tranquility 8,000 BTU is a quiet window air conditioner with a strong cooling output — and a reasonable price tag. I'm including it because it offers customers the most bang for their buck. 

This Tosot window AC is in the same league as the Dreo Arctic units. With an 8,000 BTU rating, this AC is good for medium-sized spaces and possibly even larger ones. I have it set up in an open floorplan living space.

In terms of features, Tosot has three fan speeds, a 24-hour timer, a dehumidifier function, and a sleep mode.

In sleep mode, it produces only 42 dB of noise. Even at the high setting, the decibel levels stay at a reasonable 49 dB. This is much quieter than the portable AC I was previously using in this space, which averaged about 65 dB.

As a nice extra treat, it features an iFeel remote thermostat integrated into the remote control that really helps me manage temperature consistency across the room.

The iFeel functions like Soleus’ MyTemp thermostats — it monitors the temperature in the remote’s location and sends it back to the AC unit to automatically adjust its output.

That’s the best thing I can say about the remote, though. It doesn’t have a backlight, makes an irritating beep with every button push, and has to be aimed precisely right for the window AC to register it.

Fortunately, the buttons on the unit itself are very easy to use.

The Tosot unit has a 12 EER energy efficiency rating, which isn't quite as good as my top few choices, but still pretty good for a window AC.

Tosot has improved on the Tranquility 8000 BTUs' previous version. It now includes a bottom drain to empty the unit of water if too much condensation builds up. 

This is the second heaviest unit on my list, weighing in at a whopping 62 pounds. You will need some serious muscle to hoist this behemoth into its place. Thankfully my brother was around to help me.

One bizarre quirk of this machine is that turning off the unit’s LED display light seems to lower its efficiency. I have no idea who or how it happens, but take that into account. If you need strong cooling, keep the light on.

The Tosot cuts a few corners in its design and construction but is overall still a good value package for medium-sized rooms.

Frigidaire Quiet Temp GHWQ123WC1

I recently set up this Frigidaire model for a customer who was looking to cool a large 450-square-foot bonus room above their three-stall garage.

The customer’s primary request was for me to make the room “less stuffy” because the combination of being on the top floor of the home and above the garage was making the air feel not only hot but stagnant. 

I chose the Frigidaire GHWQ123WC1 first for its auto-swing louvers.

With this model, you set the desired room temperature (60-90F) and let it get to work, ensuring airflow to every corner of the room. 

What I wasn’t expecting was how quiet this unit was. On sleep mode, I registered 42 dB, which actually matches the Dreo model I mentioned. 

My customers use part of this bonus room as their home office and have had nothing but good things to say about how quiet it is, especially since they both are on the phone most of the day. 

The additional features are the icing on the cake.

Since this model is used in a home office, I was able to program the unit to turn on one hour before their workday and turn off at 5 pm.

And any time I want to make a change, the unit is also compatible via app connection, Alexa, and Hey Google. 

My only complaint is that for a standard window unit, this Frigidaire is quite pricy, almost twice as much as the TOSOT Tranquility. 

That said, Frigidaire is a reliable brand that I find has readily available replacement parts, and I appreciate that their one-year warranty includes labor in addition to replacement. 

Soleus Air WS3-06E-201

What good is a quiet air conditioner if it’s not actually quiet? The Soleus Air WS3-06E-201 stands out even in this low-noise crowd by being the quietest unit.

On the lowest setting, this machine produces only 38 dB of noise, making it the quietest window AC unit on my list. 

To give you a reference, that’s approaching the noise level of a whisper. It beats even the inverter compressor-equipped Dreo units.

This isn't an inverter unit, so the noise level increases as you crank up the power. Still, even at the highest setting, it stays at around 49 dB, which I found to be really impressive.

Soleus’ secret lies partially in the U-saddle design that curves downward and fits over your windowsill. That places the compressor behind your wall instead of the window frame, which reduces noise significantly.

It also means the window unit doesn't block my view much at all, and you I can still open the window. I like that Soleus lets me use the window as intended.

Power-wise, Soleus is in the same class as the GE model with a 6,000 BTU rating. I wouldn’t buy it for a big living room, but it’s suitable for a bedroom or an office.

The Soleus window AC unit has adjustable fan speed, a dehumidifier, sleep or quiet mode, energy saver, and auto modes — all things I expect from a decent air conditioner. 

The remote has a nice digital LED display and features a MyTemp remote thermostat. It works like the Tosot thermostats, adjusting the AC based on the remote's location.

In my opinion, Soleus' unique downward U-shape makes it somewhat safer to install. Since the unit hangs on your windowsill, you don't need an external support bracket, and it practically can't fall off.

The unit is really heavy, though — almost as heavy as the Tosot. Lifting it isn’t the easiest job, but at least the weight will lodge it firmly in place.

You may not be able to mount this unit on every window space, though.

If you have a particularly thick window sill or a radiator under your window, you simply can’t install this AC. Measure your window well before wasting your money.

Speaking of money, Soleus is the most expensive AC on my list. You’d expect a top-tier machine for that price, but I can really only credit the price to its unique design.

Still, if you have deep pockets and want the most silent window air conditioner money to buy, Soleus is for you.

GE Profile Ultra Quiet ‎PHC06LY

I recently had a customer with mobility issues who was looking for a quiet small window AC that could be controlled via voice control, and for him we ended up choosing the GE Profile Ultra Quiet PHC06LY.

This AC unit connects to your smartphone, tablet, or voice controls like Alexa or Nest with the GE SmartHQ app, which I find to be really user friendly.

I love that my client can control every feature of this unit, including the four user modes, from anywhere within Wi-Fi reach. It even knows how to set the temperature based on your phone’s location.

Just say, “Alexa, cool my home,” and feel the breeze. All that said, though, the GE Profile is still simple to use with the capacitive front panel or traditional remote control.

In terms of noise, this is one of the quietest window air conditioners I’ve seen when set into the unique Ultra Quiet mode. 

I didn’t figure out what it does exactly, but it does shut the machine up.

This AC doesn't have an inverter compressor like the Dreo or LG models, but the Ultra Quiet mode still registers at only 40 dB, three feet away from the unit. It gets louder in higher settings but doesn't start blaring like basic air conditioners.

I do hear a small rumble when the compressor kicks in, but this is still one of the quietest models on my list.

The GE is rated (weirdly specifically) at 6,150 BTU. Although it beats the Soleus marginally in numbers, in practice it has the same 250 square foot coverage.

I recommend using this one for a bedroom or den — it doesn’t have the power for huge halls.

With the GE AC, you get a 3-in-1 package of AC, fan, and dehumidifier functionality.

I have said that I wouldn’t call any AC beautiful, but this unit makes me consider breaking that rule.

As far as air conditioners go, I’ve rarely seen a nicer-looking model. GE’s designers have done a good job.

For the price, I wish it came with an installation kit, but please note that it's sold separately. Still, I think GE Profile is a great addition to a small home full of smart devices.

Can you get silent window air conditioners?

No window air conditioners offer completely silent operation, but many features can contribute to quieter operation. Units equipped with an inverter compressor or a saddle design, for example, are generally the quietest window air conditioners.

Are quiet window air conditioners reliable?

Quiet window air conditioners are just as reliable as regular units. In fact, those with inverter technology tend to operate more reliably for a longer time than a basic air conditioner.

What noise level is considered quiet for a window AC?

Generally, an air conditioner with a noise range below 60 dB is considered “quiet.” However, this is still as loud as a normal conversation, and you can easily find a quieter unit with decibel levels between 40-50.

How long will a quiet window air conditioner last?

Quiet window air conditioners tend to last 5-10 years on average. Maintain and clean your window AC regularly, and you can get even two decades out of the machine.

Can you get heating and cooling with a low-noise window AC?

There are quiet window air conditioners that can both heat and cool your home. However, these units tend to be expensive, and the window installation may allow cool air to leak in during winter, making them less efficient.

Related article: Window heat pumps for year-round heating and cooling