While we couldn’t be more excited for upcoming beach and pool days, backyard BBQs and fun getaways, warm weather is only enjoyable if you have a place to cool off at the end of a long and sweaty day. Whether your house or apartment doesn’t have central air conditioning or your current one just isn’t cutting it, installing a window air conditioning unit can make all the difference.
Getting that blast of coolness isn’t cheap; air conditioners can cost upwards of $300. Summer shopping holidays like Memorial Day weekend and Amazon Prime Day provide the perfect opportunity to save big on these otherwise splurgy items.
From well-known brands like LE, Midea, GE and Windmill, we found all the best deals on window air conditioners. Our picks include air conditioners ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 BTUs (the measurement of how much energy an air conditioner uses to remove heat from indoor air), so you can be sure to pick an AC that’s right for your space. For reference, smaller rooms can use 5,000-6,000 while larger spaces may need upwards of 8,000 and beyond.
Ahead, the best air conditioners and cooling fans you can shop right now.
Air conditioners and fans on saleDreo Tower Fan Nomad One
One of our editors described this fan as futuristic, super powerful and incredibly quiet —helping it earn the title of best overall cooling fan.
Size: 36" | Special features: Remote control, on/off timer| Water tank? : No| Power source: Cord electric| Voltage: 120 volts
This cooling fan earned the title of best overall, according to associate editor Allie Wise, who put six different brands and models to the test during a surprisingly sweltering NYC spring.
"Not only is it super powerful and soothing, but it is also incredibly quiet, so it’s perfect for sleepy time to help wind down. Also, its sleek design makes it a great accent to any living room or bedroom," she says.
Gymax Portable Air Conditioner
Move this portable air conditioner from room to room, using it where you need it most —the bedroom during those extra warm nights or the living room while hosting.
Colors: 1| BTU: 8,000| Speeds: 3| Wind modes: 4| Size: 22"
Simply add water to this 3-in-1 air conditioner to utilize the dehumidifier setting, otherwise, the water tank can be used to store ice packs in an attempt to decrease the temperature of airflow.
Costway Portable Cooler
This portable cooling unit has an eight liter water tank that you can also store ice packs in for a colder airflow.
Colors: 1| Temperature settings: 3; low, medium and high| Size: 29" | Water tank size: 8.46 quarts
While this isn't a traditional air conditioning unit or fan, it will work just as hard to cool down any space this summer.
Midea 5,000 BTU 150 Sq ft Mechanical Window Air Conditioner
Save $20 on this air conditioning unit that snugly fits in windowsills.
Colors: 2| BTU: 5,000| Weight: 35.27 lbs.
You’ll stay cool all summer long with this trusty Midea air conditioner. Coming in at under $150, this unit includes 7 different temperature settings for you to choose from for personalized comfort. It also comes with a clean filter indicator button that lights up when it’s time to remove and clean it.
Ktaxon Compact Window Air Conditioner
This unit comes complete with a filter that you can wash after each season and reuse time and time again.
Colors: 1| BTU: 5,000
This traditional air conditioning unit has seven different temperature modes and two options —cooling or fan options to cool down any space.
Frigidaire Window Room Air Conditioner
Save $80 on this air conditioning unit for a more chilled summer — making it less than $200.
Colors: 1| BTU: 6,000| Fan speeds: 3
Going on vacation? Don't rack up an expensive energy bill —instead, program this unit on a schedule that will leave both you and your wallet happy.
It also has a filter that can be washed during the off season, so you aren't blowing dust after turning it on again.
TCL Smart Window Air Conditioner Fan and Dehumidifier
This 3-in-1 air conditioner not only cools down spaces, but also has dehumidifier settings, making it a device you can use year-round.
Colors: 1| BTU: 8,000| Features: Has a remote control and an LED screen to manage settings
Compatible with the TCL app, Alexa, Google and Apple home smart devices, this unit has three different modes to enjoy — traditional cooling, a fan setting as well as a dehumidifier option.
The Windmill AC
This modern-day air conditioning unit can be controlled via your voice an app on your smartphone, or a remote.
Colors: 1| BTU: 6,000| Fan speeds: 3| Cooling settings: 3
Production associate Audrey Ekman loves her Windmill air conditioner and believes it’s truly worth every penny. She went on to say, “Last summer, this AC unit steadily cooled my apartment with no problems, but it came in handy the most during a string of New York days that pushed 100 degrees. Thankfully, these blistering heat waves were no match for this machine, which has adjustable temperature controls, four fan speeds and three cooling modes: “fan,” “cool” and “eco.” In about 30 minutes, my bedroom — which is about 200 square feet in size — drops an impressive 10 degrees.”
July Air Conditioner
This is another aesthetic air conditioning unit that our editors adore, and fits in three different types of windowsills.
Colors: 5| Window types: Fits in a standard window, slider window, through-the-wall| BTU: 8,000
For an air conditioner that doesn't look as bulky or technical as others, opt for this sleek one from July that includes a cover over the grates in an attempt to conceal them — without compromising on the amount of cool air coming into the room.
Plus, it connects to your WiFi and can be controlled via Alexa or other smart home devices.
Dreo Portable Air Conditioners
This portable air conditioner provides "arctic-level cooling," according to the brand.
Colors: 1| BTU: 8,000| Features: Can filter air through windows vertically and horizontally; controlled via app| Size: 24.8"
If you dislike the noise that comes with turning on an air conditioner, you're in luck. This portable one emits air at 45 decibels, which equates to a soft whisper.
Similar to other models in this roundup, this unit can be set up to activate via voice command or an app, thanks to compatibility with Alexa and Google Home.
How we choseThe Shop TODAY editors and writers searched Amazon to find the best products. We comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
