The Quietest Window Air Conditioners Reviewed

Having a window air conditioner is a great way to beat the heat if you are in a space that doesn’t have central air. Unfortunately, these units can be hard to live with because of the noise level that they put out. If you are in the market for a good window air conditioner, it’s usually a good idea to look for one that’s going to be as quiet and low-noise as possible.

We’ve put together a list of the quietest window air conditioners on the market today, complete with reviews of their major features and links to where you can buy the products. If you are looking for a quiet air conditioner that’s going to help to keep your room cool while still letting you live your life in peace, you’re certain to find exactly what you need on this list. Whether you’re just starting your search or you already know the features you need, this list is a great place to find your ideal window air conditioner.

Quietest Window Air Conditioners In 2021

There’s no such thing as one air conditioner that’s going to work for every consumer, even if it’s the quietest model in town. Though you may already know that quiet operation is a key feature for your household, there are still plenty of other features that you’ll want to keep in mind. That’s why we’ve created this list of today’s quietest window air conditioners that are designed to satisfy different types of consumers looking for noise relief. 

MIDEA U Inverter Window Air Conditioner

Even when you’re looking for the quietest model, a good place to start when you’re searching for a window air conditioner is with energy efficiency. While everyone loves to get cooled down during the hottest months of the year, not everyone loves the energy bills that come along with comfort. Unfortunately, even the best window air conditioners have a sad tendency to really up a user’s energy bills. If you’re looking for something that’s going to help you to stay cool while remaining an energy saver to avoid raising your electricity bill as much as possible, you’ll definitely want to take a look at this window unit from MIDEA, which gets our recommendation for today’s quietest window air conditioner.

In addition to low noise, one of the real selling points of this window unit is that it’s Energy Star certified. While Energy Star certification is becoming more common across the board, this is one of the few AC units that really sells itself as being energy efficient. That means that you can keep using the unit without really having to worry about exactly how much it is costing you every time it is turned on. Perhaps even more importantly for some, it also means that the unit isn’t nearly as environmentally problematic as some of the others on the market. If you’re worried about your impact on the environment as well as noise, you’ll definitely want to get something that’s rated as high efficiency. 

In addition to its efficiency, this window unit also brings with it a rather pleasant user experience. Quieter than most traditional window air conditioners, it can be used without overwhelming the space in which you are using the device. It’s also wi-fi enabled, so you can control it from any part of your house – a great benefit for those who don’t want to have to physically interact with the unit every time they need to make a change. With an easy install process that leaves room for fresh air to come into your home, this unit can really improve a user’s quality of life.  For all of these reasons and more, we give the MIDEA our highest recommendation amongst today’s quietest window air conditioners.

Haier ESAQ406T 22″ Window Air Conditioner

Quiet, low-noise operation isn’t the only thing that matters in a good air conditioner. You also definitely want something that’s going to allow you to take control of your cooling experience. Whether this means getting to set the fan up exactly as you like or it means not having to worry about turning the fan on and off, you deserve a product that meets your needs. This is what makes this particular air conditioner from Haier so special to those who prefer to have more control over their quiet air conditioning units. 

The level of experience control that you get from this air conditioner is actually quite impressive. With four different fan functions available, an energy saving mode, and a sleep mode, you’ll be able to choose between several different experiences instead of just deciding whether or not you want the unit powered on. This might not seem like a big deal to those who are used to central air, but it is the kind of functionality that one does not always find in even the best window units. The energy saver mode can be quite useful for keeping operating costs down, and just being able to set the temperature a little more accurately can do wonders for the comfort levels of many users.

The unit also has two control options. If you’re near the unit, you can use the easy-to-read control panel to set the fan’s functionality. If you’re on the other side of the room, though, you can just use the remote to set the exact same functions. If you know that you’re going to keep the air conditioner running, in the same way, all day, though, you can just set the twenty-four-hour timer at the beginning of the day and let it go. This is one air conditioner that makes itself as easy to use as possible while maintaining low noise, which is why we recommend it as our runner-up amongst today’s quietest window air conditioners.

LG LW1216ER Window-Mounted Air Conditioner

One of the real downsides of using a window AC unit is that not all of these units are really meant for big spaces. While they can be great for those who are lucky enough to be near the window, they don’t do so much for those who are on the other side of the room. Fortunately, there are some very quiet window air conditioners that can handle larger spaces. If you know that you’re going to regularly have to keep a bigger room cool while maintaining a low noise level, you should take a look at this unit from LG – one of the quietest models available today.

The ability to cool off a big room isn’t as common as one might hope. This unit, however, can cool off up to 550 square feet. Keep in mind that 550 sq ft is a room size big enough for all but the biggest living rooms and it can even cool off some entire studio apartments. It’s not a feature that everyone needs, of course, but it is one that’s going to be very important to certain buyers.

The cooling capacity isn’t the only good thing about this unit. Despite the power level, it’s still a very quiet AC. It also auto-restarts itself after power outages so that you’ll never wake up overheated when the power goes off at night. This is a great choice for those looking for the quietest model to cool big spaces and as well as for those who have big cooling capacity needs. 

Emerson Quiet Kool 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

Heat isn’t the only thing that can make a room unpleasant. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t love the feel of excess humidity. While keeping the air too dry can be a problem in and of itself, wet and sticky moisture makes it really hard to relax. Fortunately, there are some low-noise window air conditioners that do a really solid job of removing moisture from the air. One such window air conditioner is this unit from Emerson, which is not only quiet and reliable but that also does a fantastic job of helping your room in which it functions to stay comfortable. 

One of the best features of this quiet air conditioner is that it actually removes moisture from the air while it works. Though there are certainly those who might prefer a little bit of extra humidity during the dryer months of the year, those who have had to deal with humidity in the heat know that removing some of it can make a room much more comfortable. If you’re in such a position, you’ll absolutely love how this air conditioner works. 

The other big selling point of this low-noise unit is the fact that it comes from Emerson. Though a brand name really shouldn’t be enough to sell you on an AC unit, the fact that Emerson stands behind its products is great. This unit has a two-year warranty on parts and a five-year warranty on its compressor, so you know you’ll get more than one summer’s use out of the machine. If you want an air conditioner that will last, this might be the best choice for you. 

MIDEA EasyCool Window Air Conditioner

There are a number of different machines that people use to keep their rooms feeling absolutely perfect. One of the unfortunate necessities that tend to come with the changing of the seasons, though, is the necessity of moving these machines in and out of your room. If you don’t have a lot of storage space, though, you might be more limited in your options. The good news is that there is an all-in-one unit that will not only help you to keep your room cool, but that will function to keep your room feeling great throughout the year. 

The big selling point of this unit is that it’s a three-in-one device. The primary mode for which most will buy it is that of an air conditioner, and it does work incredibly well. This device can cool off fairly large spaces of up to 350 square feet quickly and does so efficiently. It also features a fan mode, which isn’t that uncommon. This is one of those nice extras that probably won’t make or break the buying experience for any buyers, but that will get a lot of use once the unit has actually been installed.

It’s the third feature that really tends to stand out. This unit also functions as a dehumidifier, a function that’s going to get a lot of use during the muggiest days of the summer. Many people already have to run dehumidifiers in their homes just to make up for the air movement of a window AC unit but this unit does it all at once. An incredibly useful secondary feature, the dehumidifier mode allows users to save space by having only one device in the room while still getting all the functionality that comes from having three great devices. 

TCL 5WR1-A 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

Sometimes it’s nice to have a window air conditioner that just works. While there are certainly a number of fantastic features out there that can allow window ACs to do more than the average unit, the truth is that many consumers really just want something that’s going to keep their rooms cool without making them do much extra work. If you find yourself agreeing with those sentiments, you might want something that’s a little simpler than the other window units on this list – something that’s a little more like this excellent (and quiet) window air conditioner. 

It’s hard to say that this unit really stands out in the world of quiet air conditioners, but that’s not a bad thing. If you’re looking for something that’s just going to work without requiring much out of you as an owner, this is exactly the kind of unit for which you are going to look. It’s a very simple window AC that is great for a room size of up to about 150 square feet and can be installed quickly even by a novice, giving you more time to actually enjoy the unit and requiring less work out of you at the same time. 

Simplicity doesn’t mean lesser, though. This unit works very well, though it doesn’t have quite as many options as some other units. It has two cooling speeds and two fan speeds, giving you a fair bit of control over the temperature and the speed at which the unit can cool down your room. It also has a washable and reusable air filter, which means that the unit will end up costing less to operate over the long run. This really is an ideal choice for anyone who wants a window air conditioner but who doesn’t necessarily need all of the bells and whistles. 

Frigidaire Energy Star 8,000 BTU Air Conditioner (115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact)

Most people who buy window ACs are looking for relief from the heat. The vast majority of window air conditioners certainly cool and circulate the air, valuable functions that do help quite a bit when it comes to comfort. What can help even more, though, is when a window AC can also remove humidity from the air. Though often the function of a dedicated dehumidifier, window air conditioners that can remove moisture from the air can be excellent all-in-one solutions for consumers who buy them. 

This Frigidaire unit doesn’t just do a good job of cooling the air, though it does do an impressive job of that. Instead, it also helps to keep rooms comfortable by pulling moisture out of the air. This, in tandem with the motion of the air, helps to make a room far more comfortable than the world outside. It’s honestly very impressive that a window air conditioner can do this much to change the character of a room, but this unit does so with relative ease.

In addition to being a great dehumidifier, this unit also does a good job of allowing users to customize their experience. It is very quiet and it has three fan speeds, giving users a chance to decide on their own levels of comfort. This is a great all-around window AC that really can change the character of the room in which it is installed. 

GE Profile PHC08LY 22″ Window Air Conditioner

It’s always a good idea to make sure that the air conditioner you choose is actually an air conditioner that you want to use. One of the quickest ways to turn your window AC into a very expensive piece of decoration in your home is to stop using it, but many do abandon the device as soon as they realize that operating the machine isn’t worth the trouble. If you want a good air conditioner, then, it’s a good idea to take a look at something that’s so easy to control that using it won’t cause you any extra stress.

This particular AC excels because it gives users options in terms of how it can be operated. If you’re a more traditional user, you can use the remote control or even the controls on the control panel to set the speed and temperature. If you’d rather control the unit from elsewhere in the house, though, you can use the free app to control the window AC via wi-fi. While this might seem like a small convenience to some, it’s honestly a game-changer for those who hate having to walk into a different room in order to reset the air conditioner. 

In addition to solid controls, this unit also has solid functionality. It is Energy Star rated to be highly efficient and it really does work quite quietly. If you’re in the market for something that’s going to be easy to use and that works well, this might be the window air conditioner for you. 

FRIGIDAIRE White FFRA051ZA1 17″ Window Air Conditioner

Frigidaire is one of those companies that’s incredibly easy to trust because it has been around for so long. That’s not to say that it hasn’t had some misfires in the past, but Frigidaire has always been fairly solid in the space of window air conditioners. If you’re on the hunt for a reliable window air conditioner, then, it makes sense that you would take a look for something from the company. Luckily, this particular unit does a very good job of helping keep Frigidaire’s reputation intact. 

There’s a certain level of reliability that one expects when buying from this sort of brand and this unit absolutely delivers. This is a fairly easy-to-install unit that’s just going to work from the moment you plug it in, requiring very little input on your behalf and little maintenance to keep running at peak energy efficiency. It runs quiet and it runs cold, helping to keep your space cool without annoying everyone in the room. It even has quick heating and quick cooling functionality, ensuring that you’re going to be able to get your room to a comfortable temperature as quickly as possible.

The unit also has washable, reusable filters, which makes it easier on the environment and on your bank account. Every piece of this unit really seems engineered to stand up to real-world use, leaving consumers with an excellent product. If you want something from a brand you can trust, it’s still a good idea to look at Frigidaire. 

Soleus Air Over The Sill Air Conditioner

It’s not very often that you see obvious innovation in the AC space. It’s not that window air conditioners don’t change over time, or even that they don’t change radically. The truth is, though, is that most consumers just aren’t going to be able to look at an window AC and suddenly understand what sets it apart from all of the other models on the market. This unit from Soleus, however, is different enough that it automatically stands out. If you’re looking for something that has a very unique installation process, this is going to be a perfect fit for you.

Soleus’s window AC installs over the sill of your window rather than sitting on it. It attaches to a saddle that goes over the sill, hanging the unit inside your house and below the window. From a practical standpoint, that means that you get all of the functionality of a window AC without having to block your window. It also means that you’ll be able to install the unit without having to deal with any hardware. This is honestly one of the simplest-to-install air conditioners that you are ever going to find. 

The installation process would be a huge selling point by itself, but the unit has some other fun features. The MyTemp sensor keeps the room cool through the use of sensor monitoring and the air conditioner itself is very quiet. This is an ideal choice for those who are really looking for something new in this space. 

TOSOT 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner

One thing that’s true across the board about window ACs is that they aren’t exactly designed with aesthetics in mind. They tend to follow a very utilitarian design scheme, from the way that the grills look to the color that they are painted. That’s not a big deal to everyone, of course, but it’s something that stands out in a home that is otherwise very intentionally designed. If you are looking for something that’s going to work well and that is also going to fit your décor, you may want to take a look at this excellent window AC from TOSOT.

It’s interesting to think about whether looks should matter when you’re talking about something like a window AC. It’s certainly true that looks shouldn’t be the most important thing and that’s certainly not the case here. This is actually a very nice three-in-one unit that works just as well whether it’s acting as an AC unit, dehumidifier, or fan. It is quiet, efficient, and very easy to use, all features that pretty much anyone who is in the market for the quietest window AC is going to want. Even if you just care about function, this is a solid window AC.

If you do care about aesthetics, though, you’re going to be happy with this air conditioner. It looks a lot less industrial than most of its peers, which helps it fit into more modern rooms easily. If you’re looking for something that works well and that looks good, this is going to be a perfect fit. 

Friedrich Chill Series CP10G10B Window Air Conditioner

It’s often hard to make a case for getting a more complicated window AC unit. Though there are many different units on this list that have all of the bells and whistles one could want, there are definitely users out there who just want something that works without any extras. If you find yourself feeling that way, there are definitely window ACs out there for you. One such quiet unit is this one from Friedrich, an air conditioner that simply ensures that your room will stay cool without subjecting you to too high of a noise level.

Consistent airflow is the name of the game for this unit. It’s going to keep the air moving in your room as long as it is on, allowing you to not only feel cooler but giving you a chance to feel like the air in your room is less stagnant. This is impressive, especially considering the unit is rated to work in spaces of up to 450 square feet. This is an ideal choice for those who have larger spaces and who want to make sure that they can quietly keep the atmosphere exactly as they like.

There aren’t a lot of extras here, though. In fact, the only other unusual factor you’ll find in this unit is that you can choose the side from which the cord hangs down. This is actually a feature that makes installation a little easier, but it’s not something that complicates the functions of the air conditioner. 

Haier QHQ06LZ 6,000 BTU 115-Volt Window Air Conditioner

Adding a few extra features can go a long way towards making an average air conditioner look a lot more special. Though there’s certainly something to be said for keeping things simple, there are automatic functions that really can improve your quality of life. If you are in the market for a quiet window air conditioner, for example, you might want to look for something that also works to keep moisture out of the air in your home like this unit from Haier. 

Haier’s 6,000 BTU window air conditioner really just hits the high notes when it comes to how it functions. With this BTU rating there is enough cooling power to cool up to 250 square feet, making it a good fit for bedrooms or for smaller offices (250 sq ft is a reasonable amount of space). It is very easy to install, allowing even those with minimal experience to start enjoying the unit quickly. It’s even designed to be highly efficient so that users won’t notice their electric bills going up just because they’re trying to cool down their homes.

The dehumidifier feature is one of those little extras that can end up playing a huge role. It removes a little over a liter and a half of moisture from the cold air every hour, making it easier to relax in the room even if it cools off. If you are the kind of person who struggles to feel comfortable when it’s too muggy, you’ll love this air conditioner. 

Frigidaire FFRS1022R Window Air Conditioner

If you’ve got a bigger room to keep cool, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for some of the bigger air conditioners you can find these days. It should be noted that bigger air conditioners do tend to be a little bit louder, though, so you will have to go out of your way to ensure that you get a unit that’s actually engineered to be quiet. If your goal is to find a great, quiet air conditioner that can deal with bigger spaces this air conditioner may be the unit for you.

Frigidaire’s AC is rated for spaces of up to 450 sq ft. Though this isn’t exactly going to be enough to deal with a whole house, it’s a great choice for living rooms or even for master suites. This big air conditioner not only cools off rooms efficiently, but it also does a great job of reducing moisture in the air. The dehumidifier feature actually takes out about 3.4 pints of water from the cold air every hour, giving owners the chance to feel a lot more comfortable inside their own homes. 

The unit is also very user-friendly, even compared to some of the other great air conditioners on the market. It can be easily controlled via remote control or even set on a 24-hour timer, allowing users to get the most of the unit without ever having to approach the device. This is a great choice for those who need something that’s a little bigger than average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many decibels is a quiet air conditioner?

If an air conditioner is specifically marketed as being quiet, it is probably going to run somewhere between 25 and 50 decibels when turned on. It should be noted that the lower number is usually only achievable in those units that have a specific quiet-running mode, which generally turns down the fan speed of the unit in question. It’s not uncommon to find quiet window air conditioners that tend to operate in the range of 30-40 decibels as well, though even these might not be operating at full capacity. 

How can I make my window air conditioner quieter?

The easiest steps to take to keep your window mounted air conditioner quiet are also steps that you’ll probably want to take in order to keep it working properly. Make sure that all of the internal components are in good shape, that you’ve dusted and cleaned the unit regularly, and that it is properly installed in your window. You’ll also want to use some kind of weather seal to make sure that it doesn’t rattle up against the window frame. 

In reality, all the maintenance in the world is only going to help you keep your window AC so quiet. While some people like white noise for sleeping, if you are particularly worried about the white noise that your air conditioner makes you’ll be better off investing in something that is designed with a low noise level in mind. 

What do 52 decibels sound like?

52 decibels might sound like it’s a lot of noise, but it’s actually not really all that loud. 52 decibels is roughly the same amount of noise that your refrigerator makes when it is running. It’s also about the same noise level that you would hear on a quiet street. 52 decibels may, however, sound like a lot if you are in a very small room. The farther away you are, the quieter the noise will be. A hairdryer also puts out about 52 decibels, with the noise being far easier to deal with when you’re farther away from the unit than when you are right next to it. 

Why is my window AC so noisy?

There are a few different reasons why your air conditioning unit might be so noisy. The first is that it’s dirty – dirty air conditioner units tend to run a lot louder than their cleaner counterparts, and a little bit of maintenance can change things for the better. The unit might also be too loud because it hasn’t been properly installed and it is rattling up against the side of the window.

It’s also possible that your unit is just loud because older window units tend to be louder. More modern units tend to operate a bit more efficiently and quietly, so going from a newer unit to an older unit can be a bit of a shock. If you are looking for a quieter operation even after you’ve cleaned out your air conditioner, it might be time to look for something that was specifically designed to be quiet. 

Buying Guide: Choosing the Quietest Window Air Conditioner For Your Home

When you’re looking for the quietest window AC, it’s important that you don’t just look for the first unit with good reviews. Instead, you really need to focus on units that have all the features that you need. If you’ve never bought an AC, though, you might not know which features and important and which are just nice extras. Our buyer’s guide discusses a few things to look for when you’re trying to find a quiet window air conditioning unit for your home or office.

Size

Size is important on two different levels. The first is the physical size of the unit. Are you going to be able to fit it in your window? Most AC units are made for average-sized windows, so having something that’s either bigger or larger is going to require a lot more work than you might imagine. If you’re trying to get your quietest air conditioner into an unusually-sized window, you might have to look for extra products that can help you to make the most of the room that you have, or perhaps even a portable air conditioner instead.

Size also matters in terms of the size of the room that an air conditioner can effectively cool. The average window unit is going to be rated for a room between one hundred and three hundred square feet, with bigger units handling spaces of up to five hundred square feet. Getting a unit that’s rated for too small of a room is going to put too much pressure on the moving parts and make the unit unlikely to perform well while getting something too big is going to be overwhelming for the room in which you live and work. 

Noise

If you’re in the market for a quiet window air conditioner, the noise is definitely going to be something that you want to look at. Some people like white noise for sleeping, and even so you’re looking for something that runs somewhere between twenty-five and fifty-five decibels at its quietest. Finding something that runs any lower is very unlikely, so be careful if you see numbers below twenty-five decibels.

Remember, though, that quiet operation comes at a cost. Most window units that run this low tend to have a ‘quiet’ mode that exchanges performance for reduced noise. This is usually fine for those who really don’t like the noise of a window-based air conditioner, but it can be a problem for those who are expecting their rooms to be kept chilly even while they enjoy the fact that their air conditioners are nearly silent. 

Control Methods

Control methods aren’t always a big feature, but they do matter. If you are in a larger room, try to find a unit that has a remote control as well as a typical control panel. This will help you to make sure that you can get the most out of the unit without having to be nearby. If you’re a little more technologically inclined, you may also want to take a look at those units that have Wi-Fi connectivity. They are still fairly rare at this point, but these units allow users to adjust the temperature and fan speed from anywhere that is on the local network. Both of these features do raise the price of the air conditioner, but most users find the added functionality to be worth the extra price. 

Installation

Finally, try to figure out how easy the unit is going to be to install. Though most air conditioning units don’t really take all that much effort to set up, a properly installed unit is usually going to be more effective and quieter than one that’s been haphazardly put in a window. If you’ve never installed one of these units before, it may be wise to look for something that’s specifically advertised as easy to install.

If you have a little more experience installing these units, you might want to look for something with a specific installation profile. Make sure that it’s going to work for the kind of windows you have in your home or business and that it’s going to allow for the airflow that you need. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you are comfortable with the installation process in general before you make a purchase.

Thanks for visiting. While you’re here, why not peruse our list of today’s best through-the-wall air conditioners as an alternative to a window unit?