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10 Best Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat, 14,000 BTU (10,200 BTU SACC) Cooling, 12,000 BTU Heating for Rooms up to 700 Sq. Ft., Follow Me Remote, BPACT14HWT, White

The BLACK+DECKER Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Heat offers a solid cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU ASHRAE (10,000 BTU DOE), which is suitable for rooms up to 700 sq. ft. This makes it a good fit for medium to large-sized rooms. Additionally, it has a 12,000 BTU heating capacity, allowing it to be used year-round. The unit functions as a dehumidifier and fan, adding to its versatility.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,341
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
43818 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The BLACK+DECKER unit easily cools a room in a few minutes and maintains a comfortable temperature all day.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
This machine is more efficient than previous models owned, providing good cooling in summer and heating in winter.
Noise Level
This air conditioner is much quieter than previous units owned, making it possible to have phone conversations without needing to turn it off.
#2
10.0 score

Dreo Portable Air Conditioners, 12000 BTU ASHRAE (8000 BTU DOE) Smart AC Unit for Room with Drainage-free Cooling, APP/Voice/Remote, Fan & Dehumidifier, Quiet Standing AC for Bedroom, AC515S New

The Dreo Portable Air Conditioner (12000 BTU ASHRAE / 8000 BTU DOE) is a solid choice for cooling rooms up to around 300 square feet. Its cooling power is suitable for bedrooms or small living spaces, and it offers a versatile 3-in-1 design with cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes to adapt to different needs. One standout feature is its drainage-free system, which means you don't have to worry about emptying water tanks, even in high humidity, making it convenient for busy users.

Rating
10.0
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Additional Features

Most important from
238 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
This air conditioner delivers powerful, rapid cooling that can chill large rooms in just minutes, making it perfect for high-heat, high-humidity spaces.
Noise Level
Despite its strength, the unit operates quietly enough to be unobtrusive during daily activities, even quieter than many central AC systems.
Additional Features
The smart controls and large, bright display make adjusting settings effortless, whether through the remote or app.
#3
8.5 score

BLACK+DECKER Portable Air Conditioner, 9,000 BTU (5,300 BTU SACC) for Rooms up to 400 Sq. Ft., Portable AC with Follow Me Remote Control and Window Kit, BPACT08WT, White

The BLACK+DECKER 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is designed to cool rooms up to about 350 square feet, making it suitable for medium-sized bedrooms or personal spaces. Its cooling power is solid for its size, though some models may offer higher efficiency. The unit has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 5.4 and does not have an Energy Star rating, which may result in higher electricity use compared to some other air conditioners.

Rating
8.5
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
43818 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The unit cools rooms quickly and maintains a comfortable temperature without running constantly, which suggests better energy efficiency compared to previous models.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The unit cools rooms quickly and maintains a comfortable temperature without running constantly, which suggests better energy efficiency compared to previous models.
Noise Level
It operates much quieter than other portable ACs, allowing conversations and video calls nearby without interference.
Type of Air Conditioner
The hose attachment design is exceptionally secure and locks firmly in place, eliminating the common issue of hoses detaching during use.
Additional Features
The included remote control lacks backlighting, making it difficult to read in low light conditions.

Top 10 Best Air Conditioners 2025 in the United States

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Buying Guide for the Best Air Conditioners

Choosing the right air conditioner can significantly impact your comfort and energy bills. The key is to understand your needs and match them with the right specifications. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting an air conditioner.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), indicates how much heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. This is crucial because an air conditioner with too low a BTU rating won't cool the room effectively, while one with too high a rating will cool the room too quickly without removing humidity, leading to a clammy feeling. To choose the right BTU, consider the size of the room: small rooms (up to 150 sq. ft.) need around 5,000-6,000 BTU, medium rooms (150-300 sq. ft.) need 7,000-8,000 BTU, and large rooms (300-450 sq. ft.) need 10,000-12,000 BTU. For very large spaces, you may need 14,000 BTU or more.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures how efficiently an air conditioner uses energy to cool a room. A higher EER means better energy efficiency, which can lead to lower electricity bills. EER is calculated by dividing the BTU rating by the unit's wattage. Look for air conditioners with an EER of 10 or higher for good efficiency. If you prioritize energy savings and environmental impact, aim for the highest EER you can find within your desired cooling capacity.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the air conditioner will be when operating. This is important for maintaining a comfortable and quiet environment, especially in bedrooms or living rooms. Air conditioners typically range from 40 dB (quiet) to 60 dB (moderate noise). If you are sensitive to noise or plan to use the unit in a quiet space, look for models with a noise level of 50 dB or lower.
Type of Air ConditionerThere are several types of air conditioners, including window units, portable units, split systems, and central air conditioning. Window units are easy to install and suitable for single rooms. Portable units offer flexibility and can be moved between rooms but may be less efficient. Split systems provide efficient cooling for multiple rooms and are quieter but require professional installation. Central air conditioning is ideal for cooling an entire home but involves higher installation costs. Choose the type based on your cooling needs, installation preferences, and whether you need to cool one room or multiple areas.
Additional FeaturesModern air conditioners come with various additional features that can enhance convenience and comfort. These may include programmable timers, remote controls, sleep modes, energy-saving modes, and smart connectivity for control via smartphone apps. Consider which features are important to you. For example, a programmable timer can help you save energy by cooling the room only when needed, while smart connectivity allows for remote operation and monitoring.

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