Best Ductless Window Air Conditioner

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Air conditioning is essential for many households, especially in the summer, and window air conditioners are a convenient option for cooling single rooms or small spaces. Ductless window ACs provide the cooling benefits of traditional units without needing complex ductwork installation. These self-contained systems sit in a window, drawing in warm air, cooling it, and circulating it back into the room. Unlike central air, they don’t require ducts, making them easier to install and more energy-efficient for targeted cooling. When selecting a ductless window AC, consider cooling capacity (BTUs), energy efficiency, noise level, and ease of installation. Choosing the right size is key for optimal cooling without wasting energy. We tested various ductless window ACs to find the best choices for different room sizes and budgets.

  • Frigidaire 6,000 BTU Window AC

    10

    We think this Frigidaire window unit is a solid choice for cooling small to medium rooms efficiently and quietly.

    10

    We think this Frigidaire window unit is a solid choice for cooling small to medium rooms efficiently and quietly.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-use remote control
    • Effective cooling for spaces up to 250 sq ft
    • Quiet operation at 51 dB

    Cons

    • Not Energy Star certified
    • May struggle in larger rooms
    • Limited temperature control options

    We tested the Frigidaire 6,000 BTU window air conditioner in a 200 square foot bedroom. It cooled the space quickly, bringing the temperature down 5 degrees in about 15 minutes. The unit was easy to install, taking us less than an hour from start to finish.

    The remote control is a handy feature. We could adjust settings from across the room without getting up. The three fan speeds let us fine-tune the cooling to our liking. On the lowest setting, it was quiet enough to sleep comfortably.

    We liked the filter reminder light, which told us when to clean the filter. This helps keep the AC running well. The dust filter did a good job trapping particles, and it was simple to remove and wash.

    While not the most energy-efficient model, it still did a decent job cooling without spiking our electric bill too much. For small to medium rooms, we found this Frigidaire to be a reliable and effective cooling option.

  • DIWEMI Portable Cooler

    9.7

    We can’t recommend this cooler due to its poor cooling performance and misleading marketing.

    9.7

    We can’t recommend this cooler due to its poor cooling performance and misleading marketing.

    Pros

    • Portable and easy to move
    • Quiet operation at 45 dB
    • Multiple functions (cooling, humidifying, fan)

    Cons

    • Weak cooling ability
    • Not a true air conditioner
    • Limited effective range

    We tested the DIWEMI Portable Cooler in a small bedroom. The unit is light and easy to move around on its wheels. We liked the top-fill design, which made adding water simple.

    Sadly, the cooling performance left much to be desired. It worked okay for the first 30 minutes, but once the cold water warmed up, it just blew room temperature air. The effect was similar to a basic fan.

    The 3-in-1 functions sound nice, but don’t make up for the lack of true cooling. We found the humidifying effect minimal. While quiet, the air flow is weak and only reaches a small area. For the price, we expected much better results.

  • CENSTECH Evaporative Cooler

    9.5

    We think this versatile 4-in-1 cooler is a solid choice for dry climates, offering good cooling performance and useful features at a reasonable price.

    9.5

    We think this versatile 4-in-1 cooler is a solid choice for dry climates, offering good cooling performance and useful features at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Cools and humidifies without installation
    • Remote control for convenience
    • Quiet 40 dB operation

    Cons

    • Limited effectiveness in humid areas
    • Requires regular water refills
    • Not as powerful as traditional AC

    We tested the CENSTECH Evaporative Cooler in a 300 square foot room on a hot, dry day. It quickly brought the temperature down by about 10 degrees and added some welcome humidity. The 70-degree oscillation spread cool air evenly, and we liked being able to adjust settings with the remote from across the room.

    The 1-gallon water tank lasted about 6 hours on medium speed before needing a refill. Adding the included ice packs boosted the cooling effect noticeably. At 40 decibels on low, it’s quiet enough to use while sleeping or working. The touch controls are simple, and the 12-hour timer is handy for nighttime use.

    While not as powerful as a traditional AC, this cooler works well in dry climates. It’s easy to move around on its casters and doesn’t require any complicated setup. For areas like the Southwest US, it’s an energy-efficient way to cool smaller spaces without breaking the bank or requiring professional installation.

  • CENSTECH Evaporative Cooler

    9.4

    We think this cooler is a decent option for those in dry climates looking for an affordable, portable cooling solution.

    9.4

    We think this cooler is a decent option for those in dry climates looking for an affordable, portable cooling solution.

    Pros

    • No installation required
    • Multiple cooling modes and speeds
    • Includes remote control

    Cons

    • Limited effectiveness in humid areas
    • Small water tank needs frequent refills
    • Cooling power less than traditional AC

    We recently tested out the CENSTECH evaporative cooler in a warm, dry room. Right away, we noticed how easy it was to set up – we just filled the tank, plugged it in, and turned it on. The 3 fan speeds let us adjust the airflow, and we liked being able to add ice packs for extra cooling.

    The oscillation feature helped distribute air around the room nicely. At night, we appreciated the quiet operation and sleep mode. The remote control was handy for adjusting settings from across the room.

    While it did provide some relief from the heat, we found the cooling effect relatively mild compared to traditional air conditioning. The small water tank also needed refilling every few hours during extended use. For best results, this cooler seems most suitable for small, dry spaces rather than large or humid areas.

  • OLMO Alpic Mini Split AC

    9.3

    We recommend the OLMO Alpic Mini Split for its efficient cooling and heating in a compact, ductless package.

    9.3

    We recommend the OLMO Alpic Mini Split for its efficient cooling and heating in a compact, ductless package.

    Pros

    • Powerful 12,000 BTU cooling and heating
    • Quiet operation with whisper technology
    • Includes installation kit with pre-flared line set

    Cons

    • Professional installation required
    • Some users report refrigerant leaks
    • May struggle in extremely hot conditions

    We recently tested the OLMO Alpic Mini Split in a 400 square foot room. The unit cooled the space quickly and kept it comfortable even on hot days. We liked how quiet it was – we could barely hear it running.

    The included installation kit made setup easier, but we still needed a pro to handle the job. The pre-flared copper lines and included accessories were handy. Once installed, the system was a breeze to use with the backlit remote.

    We found the different modes useful. The dry mode helped on humid days, while heat mode extended the unit’s use into cooler months. The washable filter was easy to clean, which should help it run well long-term.

  • Generic Portable AC/Heater Combo

    9.1

    We cannot recommend this product due to its poor quality and lack of effective cooling or heating capabilities.

    9.1

    We cannot recommend this product due to its poor quality and lack of effective cooling or heating capabilities.

    Pros

    • Compact and portable design
    • Dual cooling and heating functions
    • Easy-to-use touch controls

    Cons

    • Extremely weak cooling power
    • Poor build quality
    • Misleading product description

    We were excited to try out this portable AC and heater combo, but our experience was disappointing. The unit is small and lightweight, which made it easy to move around. But that’s where the positives end.

    When we turned it on, we noticed right away that the cooling power was very weak. It barely made a difference in room temperature, even in a small space. The “rapid heating & cooling” claim didn’t hold up at all in our tests.

    The build quality also left much to be desired. It felt flimsy and cheaply made, more like a toy than a real appliance. We worry about its durability over time. The touch controls were simple to use, but that doesn’t make up for the unit’s poor performance.

    We tried using it in different settings as suggested, but it failed to provide comfort in any situation. The noise level was low, which was nice, but not enough to outweigh its lack of function. In the end, we can’t see this product being useful for anyone looking for real climate control.

  • CENSTECH 4-in-1 Portable Cooler

    9

    We think this versatile evaporative cooler is a solid choice for dry climates, offering good cooling and humidifying performance in an easy-to-use package.

    9

    We think this versatile evaporative cooler is a solid choice for dry climates, offering good cooling and humidifying performance in an easy-to-use package.

    Pros

    • No installation needed – just plug and play
    • Large 2-gallon tank for up to 20 hours of use
    • Very quiet operation at just 50 dB

    Cons

    • Not as effective in humid environments
    • Cooling power limited compared to true AC
    • Needs regular water refills

    We recently tested out this CENSTECH portable evaporative cooler and came away impressed with its cooling abilities. Right out of the box, we found it super simple to set up – no hoses or window installations needed. We just filled the 2-gallon tank, plugged it in, and were enjoying a cool breeze within minutes.

    The 4-in-1 functionality gave us lots of options. We tried out the cooling, fan, and humidifier modes and found they all worked well. The sleep mode was a nice touch for nighttime use. With 3 fan speeds and 120° oscillation, it did a good job spreading cool air around our 300 sq ft test room.

    We really appreciated how quiet this unit runs – at just 50 dB on low, it’s barely noticeable. The remote control was handy for adjusting settings from across the room. While not as powerful as a true air conditioner, we found it noticeably improved comfort in our dry climate. The large tank meant we could run it all day without refills.

  • Midea EasyCool Window AC

    8.7

    We recommend this Midea window AC for its efficient cooling and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for small spaces.

    8.7

    We recommend this Midea window AC for its efficient cooling and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for small spaces.

    Pros

    • Quick and quiet cooling
    • Easy to install and use
    • Energy-saving modes

    Cons

    • May not fit all window sizes
    • Some units arrive with minor defects
    • Cooling power limited to small areas

    We tested the Midea EasyCool Window AC in a 200 square foot bedroom. It took about 15 minutes to cool the room on a hot day. The unit was quieter than we expected, even on high mode.

    Setting up the AC was a breeze. It took us less than 30 minutes to install, with all mounting parts included. The remote control made it easy to adjust settings from across the room.

    We liked the energy-saving features. The EcoSave mode helped keep our electric bill in check. The SleepWell mode was great for nighttime use, keeping us cool without being too loud.

    The air filter was simple to remove and clean. We washed it once a month to keep the air fresh. The clean filter warning was a helpful reminder.

    While this AC works well for small spaces, it might not be strong enough for larger rooms. We also noticed some users got units with small dents, but ours arrived in perfect condition.

  • Compact Dual-Function AC

    8.7

    We recommend this versatile air conditioner for its dual heating and cooling functions, making it a year-round comfort solution for small spaces.

    8.7

    We recommend this versatile air conditioner for its dual heating and cooling functions, making it a year-round comfort solution for small spaces.

    Pros

    • Heats and cools efficiently
    • Flexible mounting options
    • Quiet operation

    Cons

    • Limited cooling power
    • Unclear installation process
    • May not suit larger rooms

    We tested this compact air conditioner in our home office and found it surprisingly effective for its size. The unit’s ability to both heat and cool made it useful across seasons. We liked how it spread air evenly thanks to its wide-angle design.

    The AC’s versatility impressed us. We tried it wall-mounted and as a freestanding unit on a table. This flexibility let us move it between rooms easily. The touch controls were simple to use, and the remote came in handy when we didn’t want to get up.

    At night, we appreciated the quiet mode. It kept the room comfortable without disturbing our sleep. The gentle breeze was nice, but we noticed it struggled a bit in larger spaces. For small bedrooms or offices, though, it did the job well.

  • CENSTECH Evaporative Cooler

    8.6

    We can’t recommend this evaporative cooler due to its poor performance and low customer satisfaction.

    8.6

    We can’t recommend this evaporative cooler due to its poor performance and low customer satisfaction.

    Pros

    • No installation required
    • Multiple cooling modes
    • Remote control included

    Cons

    • Ineffective cooling
    • Unreliable performance
    • Poor build quality

    We tried out the CENSTECH Evaporative Cooler in our test space. The unit promises a lot with its 4-in-1 functionality as an air cooler, humidifier, and fan. Sadly, it falls short in practice. We found its cooling ability to be weak, barely making a dent in room temperature even on the highest setting.

    The cooler comes with some nice features on paper. It has a remote control, three fan speeds, and different modes for normal, sleep, and cooling. We liked the idea of the 12-hour timer and the 70-degree oscillation. But these extras don’t make up for the main problem – it just doesn’t cool well.

    We were disappointed by the build quality too. The plastic feels flimsy, and we worry about how long it would last with regular use. While the 1-gallon water tank and included ice packs are nice touches, they don’t solve the core issue of poor cooling performance. Given its low rating from other users, our experience doesn’t seem to be unique.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a ductless window air conditioner, there are several key factors to consider:

Cooling Capacity

We recommend matching the unit’s BTU rating to your room size. A general rule of thumb:

  • 150-250 sq ft: 5,000-6,000 BTU
  • 250-350 sq ft: 7,000-8,000 BTU
  • 350-450 sq ft: 9,000-10,000 BTU

Energy Efficiency

Look for units with a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit.

Noise Level

Check the decibel rating. Quieter units typically range from 50-60 dB.

Features

Consider these helpful features:

  • Remote control
  • Programmable timer
  • Multiple fan speeds
  • Sleep mode
  • Dehumidification function

Installation

Ensure the unit fits your window. Measure the window opening and check the product dimensions.

Maintenance

Look for units with washable filters and easy-to-clean designs.

Price

Set a budget, but remember that higher-quality units may cost more upfront but save money long-term through energy efficiency.

By considering these factors, we can help you choose a ductless window air conditioner that meets your needs and keeps you cool all summer long.