The full database

Every AC we track — 58 units, verified specs

Real, currently-sold US models across window, portable, mini-split, and through-wall. Specs come from manufacturer data and independent testing; efficiency is shown with its true metric (CEER, EER, SEER, or SEER2) so you can compare honestly. Not sure where to start? Size your room first or jump to the sortable comparison table.

26 units

Window air conditioners

The default for most rooms — efficient, affordable, and DIY-installable.

Compare specs
windmill_ac
Best design
WindowENERGY STAR

Windmill AC

4.4(1,920 retailer ratings)
Cooling
8,300 BTU
Covers
350 ft²
Efficiency
15 CEER
Noise
50 dB
$415 est.
typical retail price
product shot
Bestseller
Window

Frigidaire FFRA051WAE

4.5(48,000 retailer ratings)
Cooling
5,000 BTU
Covers
150 ft²
Efficiency
11 CEER
Noise
56 dB
$169 est.
typical retail price
LG_LW6017R
Window

LG LW6017R

4.5(4,900 retailer ratings)
Cooling
6,000 BTU
Covers
260 ft²
Efficiency
11.3 CEER
Noise
52 dB
$249 est.
typical retail price
Amana_AMAP061CW
WindowENERGY STAR

Amana AMAP061CW

4.3(450 retailer ratings)
Cooling
6,000 BTU
Covers
250 ft²
Efficiency
12.1 CEER
Noise
53 dB
$229 est.
typical retail price
Keystone_KSTAW12CE
WindowENERGY STAR

Keystone KSTAW12CE

4.3(1,800 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
550 ft²
Efficiency
12 CEER
Noise
58 dB
$360 est.
typical retail price
Midea 8,000 BTU U Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner.
WindowENERGY STAR

Midea U MAW08V1QWT

4.5(16,000 retailer ratings)
Cooling
8,000 BTU
Covers
350 ft²
Efficiency
15 CEER
Noise
42 dB
$300 est.
typical retail price
GE_AWCS06BWF AC
WindowENERGY STAR

Midea U MAW12V1QWT

4.5(15,000 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
550 ft²
Efficiency
15 CEER
Noise
42 dB
$419 est.
typical retail price
13 units

Portable air conditioners

No window mount needed. Best when installs are off-limits or you move it room to room.

Compare specs
Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL
Best portable
Portable

Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL-A

4.0(79 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
450 ft²
Efficiency
14.7 CEER
Noise
42 dB
$579 est.
typical retail price
Whynter_ARC-1230WN
Portable

Whynter ARC-1230WN

4.3(880 retailer ratings)
Cooling
14,000 BTU
Covers
600 ft²
Efficiency
12.3 CEER
Noise
58 dB
$629 est.
typical retail price
BLACK+DECKER_BPACT14WT
Best budget
Portable

BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT

4.3(6,520 retailer ratings)
Cooling
14,000 BTU
Covers
350 ft²
Efficiency
6.1 CEER
Noise
59 dB
$399 est.
typical retail price
SereneLife_SLPAC10
Portable

SereneLife SLPAC10

4.2(10,000 retailer ratings)
Cooling
10,000 BTU
Covers
450 ft²
Efficiency
8.7 EER
Noise
52 dB
$300 est.
typical retail price
13 units

Mini-split air conditioners

The efficiency leaders. Quietest, cheapest to run — pro or DIY install.

Compare specs
mrcoolac
Best efficiency
Mini-splitENERGY STAR

MRCOOL DIY 4th Gen 12K

4.6(1,510 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
500 ft²
Efficiency
22 SEER2
Noise
32 dB
$1099 est.
typical retail price
Senville_LETO_SENL-12CD
Mini-splitENERGY STAR

Senville LETO SENL-12CD

4.4(2,090 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
550 ft²
Efficiency
21.2 SEER2
Noise
28 dB
$799 est.
typical retail price
Mitsubishi_MZ-GS12NA
Premium pick
Mini-splitENERGY STAR

Mitsubishi MZ-GS12NA

4.8(60 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
550 ft²
Efficiency
25.6 SEER2
Noise
19 dB
$1972 est.
typical retail price
Bosch_Climate_5000_12K
Mini-splitENERGY STAR

Bosch Climate 5000 12K

4.3(150 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
600 ft²
Efficiency
22 SEER
Noise
20 dB
$1299 est.
typical retail price
GREE_Livo_Gen4_12K
Mini-split

GREE Livo Gen4 12K

4.2(170 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
600 ft²
Efficiency
17.5 SEER2
Noise
27 dB
$1049 est.
typical retail price
LG_ART_COOL
Mini-splitENERGY STAR

LG Art Cool LA120HSV5

4.5(45 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
550 ft²
Efficiency
22 SEER2
Noise
19 dB
$2099 est.
typical retail price
senville_ac
Mini-splitENERGY STAR

Senville AURA 12K

4.4(1,200 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
600 ft²
Efficiency
25.4 SEER2
Noise
24 dB
$1149 est.
typical retail price
Cooper_&_Hunter_MIA_12K
Mini-splitENERGY STAR

Cooper & Hunter MIA 12K

4.3(700 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
550 ft²
Efficiency
21.3 SEER2
Noise
23 dB
$899 est.
typical retail price
Della_QC_Series_12K
Mini-split

Della QC Series 12K

4.4(520 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
550 ft²
Efficiency
21 SEER2
Noise
25 dB
$749 est.
typical retail price
Klimaire_KSIV_12K
Mini-split

Klimaire KSIV 12K

4.4(450 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
550 ft²
Efficiency
20.8 SEER2
Noise
28 dB
$849 est.
typical retail price
6 units

Through-wall air conditioners

Permanent sleeve installs that free up your windows.

Compare specs
Frigidaire_WallFit_12K
Through-wallENERGY STAR

Frigidaire WallFit 12K

4.3(250 retailer ratings)
Cooling
12,000 BTU
Covers
550 ft²
Efficiency
10.5 CEER
Noise
59 dB
$570 est.
typical retail price

AC database FAQs

How many AC units does CoolVerdict track?

58 current US models across window, portable, mini-split, and through-wall types, each with verified specs and per-climate running-cost estimates.

What’s the difference between CEER, EER, SEER, and SEER2?

They are efficiency ratings for different AC types — CEER and EER for window and portable units, SEER2 for mini-splits and central systems. Higher is more efficient, and we show each unit’s true metric so comparisons stay honest.

Which type of AC is most efficient?

Mini-splits generally lead on efficiency (the highest SEER2) and run the quietest, but cost more upfront and usually need professional installation. Window and portable units are cheaper and DIY-friendly — the right pick depends on your room and budget.

Prices are typical street prices and may vary. “Check Price” links go to retailer listings. See how we evaluate.