I grew up with window air conditioning.
My house was an old farmhouse unequipped with central air.
I didn’t know anything different, and developed a preference for the breeze and white noise of window ACs and fans.
Growing up in this old house and vested with a frugal mindset, I’ve always appreciated window air conditioners.
They are a perfectly dependable way to cool down any type of home.
Perhaps their best trait aside from cooling is the affordability.
While window air conditioner prices range widely, up into the thousands, you can find a high-quality one for less than $200.
10 Best Cheap Window Air Conditioners Reviewed
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These window air conditioners are, first of all, cheap.
But I also made sure they are well-rated and a good value for their features.
Here, I have selected my top ten choices for high-quality cheap window air conditioning units that are a great combination of quality and value.
I did my best to order them from the lowest price to the highest price, but the prices of these products rapidly change.
Be sure to scroll all the way through in case there are any updates.
I don’t want you to miss out on any great deals, so click “view on Amazon” because the price does not always update accurately.
1. Midea 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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Midea is an up-and-coming brand that makes a range of home appliances, with a focus on different kinds of air conditioning units.
Their product line ranges from refrigerators, portable air conditioners, and window air conditioning units.
Their 5,000 BTU window air conditioner is one of the cheapest window air conditioners on the market and can easily cool a room as large as 150 square feet, making it an excellent option for those who live in smaller homes or apartments.
With 7 different temperature settings and a fan or cooling option, this air conditioner also has a 2-way air direction to help spread the cooling.
It is easy to install and comes with everything needed for installation.
The Midea window unit is incredibly energy efficient and provides powerful cooling without breaking the bank by way of utility bills.
It also has a washable and reusable filter to reduce odors and to improve indoor air quality.
Specifications:
- 5,000 BTU
- 450 Watts
- 57 dB
- 0 Combined Energy Efficiency Rate
Key Features:
- Suitable for rooms up to 150 square feet
- 7 temperature settings
- Cooling fan
- Installation kit included
- Energy efficient
- Washable and removable filter
2. Keystone 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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Their product line includes dehumidifiers, evaporative coolers, and window units.
Their 6,000 BTU unit is an excellent option for people in smaller homes or apartments.
This cheap window air conditioner is suitable for cooling spaces as large as 250 square feet.
Designed to fit most standard-sized windows, this product comes with everything needed for easy installation.
One feature I love about this air conditioner is the dehumidifier, which can run up to 1.5 pints of water per hour.
Running at a low 49 dB, it is designed for quiet operation.
Featuring an LED display for easy operation, this air conditioner also comes with a remote control, giving you the option to operate it from a distance.
With a three-speed fan and an energy-saving setting that helps keep your home comfortable, this unit won’t waste a ton of energy in the process.
The Keystone air conditioner also features a washable and reusable filter that comes with a check filter function to alert you as to when the filter needs to be cleaned.
Specifications:
- 6,000 BTU
- 46 pounds
- 536 watts
- 49 dB
Key Features:
- Suitable for spaces up to 250 square feet
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Quiet operation
- LED display
- Remote control operation
- Three-speed fan
- Energy-saving mode
- Washable and reusable filter
3. GE 5,050 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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GE is one of the most well-known companies and they are known for making a wide range of well-made, affordable appliances for the home.
Their product line ranges from cutting-edge lighting options to window air conditioners.
Their 5,050 BTU window air conditioning unit is an excellent option for people who live in apartments or small homes.
It is a cheap and high-quality window air conditioner that can easily keep spaces up to 150 square feet cool and comfortable.
The unit is designed to fit most standard-sized windows and comes with everything needed for installation.
It features two adjustable cooling speeds to allow you to get the optimal temperature.
The GE air conditioner is operated mechanically at the unit itself.
This powerful window air conditioner is UL certified and features enhanced safety features for peace of mind.
It also comes with a 1-year limited parts warranty. It also features quiet operation, so it will not disturb users.
Specifications:
- 5,050 BTU
- 41 pounds
- 115 Volts
Key Features:
- Suitable for spaces up to 150 square feet
- UL certified
- Adjustable temperature control
- Comes with installation kit
- Quiet operation
- 1-year limited warranty
4. TCL 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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They are known for making versatile and flexible products that are affordable and reliable.
The TCL 5,000 BTU window air conditioner is the cheapest window air conditioner I found.
It is perfectly suited for keeping smaller rooms, such as those in apartments, cool.
One thing that struck me about this unit is its quiet operation. It has adjustable vents for 8-way directional cooling.
This air conditioner is easy to install and comes with a window installation kit.
Its large knobs allow for easy temperature control.
The unit comes with a washable air filter to improve indoor air quality.
Specifications:
- 5,000 BTU
- 7 pounds
- Remote control
- 24-hour self-timer
Key Features:
- quiet operation
- powerful 5,000 BTU
- installation kit included
- Washable air filter
5. GE 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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This high-quality 6,000 BTU window air conditioner is one of the cheapest window air conditioners, and comes in two larger sizes for larger rooms.
This GE air conditioner can quickly cool a room up to 250 square feet.
It comes with a dehumidifier that removes up to 1.6 pints per hour.
Like the others on this list, this air conditioner has digital and remote control.
The GE window unit also features three cooling and three fan speeds so you can easily adjust the temperature.
This 6,000 BTU air conditioner has energy saver mode.
That means it turns off when the room is cool enough, which saves you more money in the long run.
Specifications:
- 10,000 BTU
- 93 pounds
- 115 Volts
Key Features:
- Suitable for rooms up to 550 square feet
- Comes with installation kit
- Digital display
- Timer and clock function
- Automatic shutoff or start
- Three cooling and fan speeds
- Quiet operation
- Remote control operation
- Washable and reusable filter
6. Amana 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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Their 8,000 BTU window air conditioner is inexpensive and well-suited for people who live in small- or medium-sized homes and apartments.
This unit is a cheap but well-made window air conditioner that comes with everything needed to easily install it in most standard-sized windows.
It features three cooling speeds, an auto option, as well as a fan function.
This allows for easy temperature control.
There is even a digital display feature for easy viewing. It comes with a remote control option.
Like the Keystone air conditioner, the Amana air conditioner has a dehumidifying capability but is even more powerful, circulating 1.76 pints of water per hour.
It also has a programmable timer to allow you to preset the unit to come on or turn off.
Like the other air conditioners on this list, this one also comes with a washable and reusable air filter that helps improve the indoor air quality while also keeping the room cool.
Specifications:
- 8,000 BTU
- 115 Volts
- 71 pounds
Key Features:
- Suitable for cooling up to 350 square feet
- Comes with installation kit
- Multiple temperatures and fan settings
- Dehumidifier included
- Programmable timer
- Comes with remote
- Digital display
- Washable and reusable air filter
7. Haier 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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Their 10,000 BTU window air conditioning unit is an excellent value.
The unit features a powerful 10,000 BTUs, making it well suited for those who live in larger spaces or homes.
It is highly efficient and Energy Star certified, giving you peace of mind that it is an environmentally-friendly cooling option.
The Haier air conditioner comes with an installation kit, giving you everything you need to install it in most standard-sized windows.
This is a high-tech air conditioner that has WiFi connect, allowing you to control it through Alexa or Google Assistant.
It also has a dehumidifier that can circulate up to 2.7 pints of water per hour.
It features a digital display for easy operation and comes with a remote control, giving you the option to operate from a distance.
With three cooling speeds and three fan speeds, the Haier air conditioner also offers 2-way air direction so you can easily direct the air to where you want it.
The unit also comes with washable and reusable air filters to help improve indoor air quality.
Compared to some other units, this is a great bonus.
You will keep costs down since you don’t need to buy more filters.
Specifications:
- 10,000 BTU
- 115 Volt
Key Features:
- Suitable for spaces up to 550 square feet
- Energy Star Certified
- Comes with installation kit
- Wifi connect
- Comes with remote
- Digital display
- 3 cool and fan speeds
- 2-way air direction
- Washable and reusable air filter
8. hOmeLabs 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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Their 10,000 BTU window air conditioner is an incredibly powerful and affordable air conditioner that is well suited for larger rooms of up to 450 square feet.
Everything you need to install this air conditioner comes included. It has multiple cooling functions and a digital display for easy operation.
Like the Haier and Keystone air conditioners, hOmeLabs offers a remote control option. Using the built-in timer, you can even preset when you want the air conditioner to come on or turn off.
It also features quiet operation that ranges from 54-59 dB.
The hOmeLabs air conditioner has an Energy Star certification for its efficiency. The 4-way airflow makes it easy to control where the cool air goes. The unit also comes with a washable and reusable filter for improved indoor air quality.
Specifications:
- 10,000 BTU
- 93 pounds
- 115 Volts
- 826 Watts
- 54-59 dB
Key Features:
- Suitable for rooms of up to 450 square feet
- Installation kit included
- Timer and preset function
- Quiet operation
- Digital display
- Comes with a remote
- Energy Star certified
- Washable and reusable filter
9. Frigidaire 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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They have long been known for their cutting-edge appliances that are well-made and stand the test of time.
Their product line ranges from kitchen appliances to window air conditioning units.
Their 10,000 BTU window air conditioner is a powerful and inexpensive window air conditioner that is perfectly suited for larger rooms.
It can effectively and efficiently cool rooms as large as 450 square feet.
This air conditioner is easy to install and fits most standard-sized windows.
It comes with everything needed for installation.
With the Frigidaire 10,000 air conditioner you get a multi-speed fan as well as an energy saver mode for improved efficiency.
There is a sleep mode, as well as a programmable on/off 24-hour timer.
The unit can be optionally be operated via the remote control that comes included.
Designed for space-saving, the55 dB operation is quiet.
The air conditioner features a digital display so you can easily check the temperature and settings.
Specifications:
- 10,000 BTU
- 1 kilograms
- 115 Volts
- 55 dB
Key Features:
- Suitable for rooms up to 450 square feet
- 3-speed fan control
- Remote control included
- Quiet operation
10. Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
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Their 12,000 BTU window air conditioner is an excellent value and is a great option for those who are looking to cool larger rooms or homes.
This is a cheap but high-quality window air conditioner that is well suited for cooling up to 550 square feet.
It is a mighty system that will fit in most standard windows and comes with everything you need to install it.
The Frigidaire 12,000 air conditioner has three different fan speeds, so you can adjust it depending on the temperature and your preferences.
The unit also has a built-in timer that will allow you to preset the unit to turn on and off.
With an Energy Star certification, this Frigidaire has enhanced safety features for added peace of mind.
Its 6-way comfort control allows you to easily direct cool air where you want it.
The unit comes with remote control and can be operated from a distance if you want.
It also comes with a washable and reusable filter to help keep your indoor air quality as good as possible.
Specifications:
- 12,000 BTU
- 70 pounds
- 1,000 Watts
Key Features:
- Suitable for rooms up to 550 square feet
- Installation kit included
- 3 fan speeds
- Built-in preset timer
- 6-way comfort control
- Energy Star certified
- Remote control operation
- Washable and reusable filter
Window Air Conditioners Benefits
A window air conditioner is a powerful, semi-portable unit that is installed in a window.
They are space-saving and efficient and allow you to keep your home cool and comfortable, even in the hottest months.
The benefit of window air conditioners is that they are far more affordable than central air conditioning.
These units are powerful and can keep even large rooms comfortable during the hottest months of the year.
They are easy to install and can be removed during the colder months if desired.
Window units are powerful and efficient, so they won’t send your energy bills through the roof either.
Window Air Conditioner Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best window air conditioner to meet your specific needs, there are a number of elements that you should consider.
Essentials to keep in mind are the price of the unit, the ease of installation, and the BTUs or amount of power the air conditioner puts out.
I’ll briefly look at each in turn.
Price
If you’re like me, you don’t have unlimited funds and when it comes to buying a good window air conditioner.
The more expensive option isn’t necessarily the best option.
The cheapest window air conditioners are often the best, accompanied by high ratings and quality manufacturing.
You can definitely keep your home cool without having to break the bank in the process.
Ease of Installation
Most window units are pretty easy to install and don’t require a ton of tools or know-how to properly setup.
However, some are easier to install than others and some require other materials to make the unit fit properly in the window.
When looking at potential window air conditioners for your home, keep installation in mind.
Look for one that has reviews for ease of installation or that is clear about the tools and the materials you will need.
BTUs
BTUs are British Thermal Units or the amount of power that the unit puts off.
If you are seeking to cool a larger area or you live in a particularly hot area, you will want a unit that has more BTUs as it will be more able to keep up with your cooling needs.
If you live in a mild area and have a smaller room to cool, 5,000 BTU units are powerful enough to keep up with it.
If you are trying to cool a large room, you will want to look for units that are 10,000 BTUs or above.
Of course, the cheapest air conditioners have lower BTUs in the 5,000 range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are window air conditioners good?
Yes, they are a great way to cool your home!
A window air conditioner is an affordable and efficient way to keep your home cool without breaking the bank in the process.
They are powerful, far less expensive than central air conditioning, and allow you to add cooling power without the need for intense HVAC renovations.
Unlike portable air conditioners, window air conditioners save floor space by using the window.
What is the most important factor in choosing a window air conditioner?
There are many important factors to consider when choosing the best window air conditioner for you.
For most though, the price of the unit is going to be the most crucial factor in determining the ultimate model you end up choosing.
Luckily, cheap and high-quality often go hand-in-hand.
There are many window air conditioning units that are powerful and efficient but are also budget-friendly.