【AI前沿】Best Window Air Conditioners of 2026: Midea, Zafro, GE

Matthew KorfhageLisa Wood ShapiroGearMay 21, 2026 4:17 PMThe Best Window Air Conditioners and Portable ACs to Create a Cool RefugeThese are the AC units we’ve trusted to cool our homes for months, if not years.CommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest Overall Window Air ConditionerMidea U-Shaped Air ConditionerRead more$510Amazon (12,000 BTU)Best Portable Air ConditionerZafro Smart Inverter Portable Air ConditionerRead more$580$520(10% off)Amazon (16,000 BTUs)Best Budget Window Air ConditionerGE Window Air Conditioner (AHEE06AC)Read more$219Amazon (6,000 BTU)Best Window Air Conditioner Under $200GE Window Air Conditioner Unit, 5,000 BTURead more$164$156(5% off)AmazonThe world isgetting warmer.And the weather is getting weirder. Air conditioning isn’t the answer, but it does help: Extreme heat is exhausting, and itages you faster than smoking or drinking. The best window air conditioners—like our top pick,Midea’s 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner ($400)—offer sweet relief. This Midea model also has a smart design that still lets you open your window.Like our other favorite window and portable cooling units, the Midea is among the most energy-efficient on the market, and uses newfangled coolants that don’t deplete the ozone like the more damaging ones of yore. Heat pumpsare even more efficient, and minisplits like theDella Optima Series 12,000 BTU 23 SEER2 ($970)are becoming increasingly accessible although they require expensive installation.We’ve also included the best models for those on a tight budget, sucha surprisingly quiet small-room 5,000 BTU air conditioner from GE for a mere $164. But note that budget models generally aren’t as efficient, so saving on upfront cost can lead to higher energy bills over time.Be sure to check out our other air quality guides, includingBest Air Purifiers,Best Indoor Air Quality Monitors, andBest Fans.Updated May 2026: We’ve added the Della Optima Series 12,000 BTU 23 SEER2 as a heat pump option, and the newly updated Zafro dual-hose portable smart inverter. We’ve also removed discontinued models and brands such as July, streamlined our top picks, and updated links and pricing throughout.Jump to SectionOther Models We TestedFAQsBest Overall Window Air ConditionerCourtesy of MideaSave to wishlistSave to wishlistMideaU-Shaped Air Conditioner$510Amazon (12,000 BTU)$400Amazon (8,000 BTU)Surprise: A window air conditioner that actually lets you open the window. Midea’s U-shaped AC comes with a bracket that balances the unit’s weight by leaning against the exterior wall of your home, so you can open the window without worrying your AC will fall out. The big notch between the front and back also lets you pull down your window deep into the unit, leading to less of an air gap and better efficiency. (It’s also nice for soundproofing, noted WIRED senior editor Julian Chokkattu.) Foam padding is included to help seal off the small remaining gap.This U-shaped AC remains WIRED’s favorite after substantial fixes following a voluntary recall last year over worries about mold formation in the fan—largely due to less than ideal installation. The 2026 version includes a redesigned drain plug and seals, easier cleaning access, and bubble levels to ensure the unit is tilted appropriately to drain. I’ve received the newest model with the fixes, and am keeping an eye out for any condensation. I’m also testing the Midea’s newestInverter Plusline.For now, no other unit matches this unit’s mix of convenience, performance, quietude, and energy-efficiency. Because most of the AC’s components are housed outside the window, this AC is among the quietest we’ve tested. It cools quickly, and is among the most energy efficient on the market. The AC connects toGoogle Assistant and Amazon Alexa, meaning you can turn it on remotely before you get home, and has an app that tells you when to replace the filter. It also performs exceptionally well with minimal maintenance, according to reviewer Lisa Wood Shapiro’s long-term testing. Just note thatthis video from the companyis more helpful than the printed instructions when it comes to installation.Comes in 8,000, 10,000,and12,000 BTUSmart appYesRemoteYesBatteryNoNoise on high42 dBHeatNoWarranty1 yearWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIREDAmong the most energy-efficient and quiet we’ve testedStill lets you open your windowInnovative design means smaller air gaps to manageTIREDNew fixes to device drainage are still untestedBest Portable Air ConditionerPhotograph: Martin CizmarPhotograph: Martin CizmarChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistZafroSmart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner$580$520(10% off)Amazon (16,000 BTUs)$470$423(10% off)Amazon (12,000 BTUs)Even though my home has central air, it’s a large, ancient house insulated with horsehair and tissue paper—with massive, oddly shaped single-pane windows that are about as thick as cardboard. I also hav