An 8000 BTU window air conditioner is usually the best bet to cool a medium sized room when the summer heat is on and one does not want to spend a fortune.
Such units are meant to cool the spaces of approximately 300-350 square feet, which is perfect in bedrooms, living rooms, or small apartments.
However, which model is the best one? This is a complete guide where we have compared and researched the best 8,000 BTU window AC of 2025. The ranking factors in cooling performance, ease of installation, noise levels, energy efficiency, smart features, durability, and user satisfaction
| Air Conditioner | Room Size | Noise Level (dB) | Smart/Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile PHC08LY | Up to 350 sq. ft. | 40–63 | Yes |
| LG LW8017ERSM | Up to 340 sq. ft. | 53 | Yes |
| LG LW8024RSMX | Up to 350 sq. ft. | 44–55 | Yes |
| Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT | Up to 350 sq. ft. | 42–65 | Yes |
| Frigidaire FHWC084WB1 | Up to 350 sq. ft. | 56 | No |
| Windmill 8,000 BTU (WhisperTech) | Up to 350 sq. ft. | 43–58 | Yes |
#1 GE Profile PHC08LY – Ultra-Quiet Smart Cooling
The GE Profile PHC08LY deserves its place among the best overall 8,000 BTU window air conditioners due to its ability to be whisper-quiet and have smart features.
This Energy Star-rated unit has a capacity of rooms up to 350 sq. ft. and in the tests, it impressed the users with its strong cooling capabilities that reduce the temperature in the room very fast and with minimal noise.
GE sells this model under the name of Ultra Quiet and rightly so, on its lowest setting it runs at about 40 dB which is similar to a library.
It is also quieter than most of the competing units even when the fan speeds are set to higher levels, hence you can sleep or watch TV without any disturbance. In addition to its silent cooling, GE Profile PHC08LY has an in-built Wi-Fi connectivity. You can easily switch the AC on/off, program schedules or change the temperature remotely using GE SmartHQ app or voice control through Alexa/Google Assistant. This new connectivity brings in an element of convenience and energy savings (e.g. you can switch on the AC just before you reach home).
It is easy to install using the EZ Mount kit included and the unit is sleek and minimal in design.
It is equipped with a digital thermostat, remote control, and such functions as Eco Mode and a 24-hour programmable timer to strike the balance between comfort and efficiency. In general, the GE Profile PHC08LY is a quiet, smart, and powerful cooler, which is a great option to put in a bedroom or any other place where noise is a factor.
#2 LG LW8017ERSM – Affordable Smart Value
The LG LW8017ERSM is one of the best options in case you want a reliable 8,000 BTU window AC with smart features at a reasonable price.
This is a well-known LG model that offers powerful room cooling of up to approximately 340 sq. ft. and is characterized by the fast and efficient cooling process. It does not feature the ultra-quiet inverter technology of more expensive models, but at the given price, it performs quite well.
Most of the users claim that the LW8017ERSM is able to cool down a bedroom or a living room quickly, due to its powerful airflow and energy efficiency.
The noise is also acceptable, about the middle of the 50s dB at low settings, similar to normal conversation. Although you may notice a constant hum when the fans are set to a higher speed, it is usually comfortable white noise to most individuals.
The LG LW8017ERSM has one of the most significant strengths, which is the incorporation of smart technology, which is not common among the affordable models.
This AC also has the ThinQ Wi-Fi connection that allows you to adjust settings using a smartphone application or voice commands using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The temperature, fan speeds or a schedule can be adjusted without touching the unit, which is very convenient in modern homes
The unit also has a remote control and such features as a 24-hour on/off timer, Energy Saver mode, and a washable filter to minimize the operating costs. A window unit is installed as usual, and LG also gives clear instructions and foam insulation strips to fit snugly. In sum, the LG LW8017ERSM is a great deal that provides quality cooling, intelligent features, and energy efficiency (Energy Star rated) at a low price, which is why it is popular among cost-conscious consumers.
#3 LG LW8024RSMX – Affordable & Quiet
The LG LW8024RSMX 8,000 BTU window air conditioner is a good and easy to use choice of reliable, smart-enabled cooling system of small to medium areas.
This unit is designed to cool spaces of up to 350 square feet and has a consistent performance and modern convenience that can be used in bedrooms, home offices, or living rooms.
The LW8024RSMX is one of the most notable models of LG with the built-in LG ThinQ technology that enables the user to operate the AC remotely, practically anywhere with the help of a smartphone.
You can change temperature and settings when you are coming home after work or already in bed, or even use voice commands through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. It introduces an element of smart home connectivity that enhances everyday usage to be more natural and easy.
Realistically, it can help you save money on electricity bills during the summer and keep you cool at the same time.
It is also very silent in terms of cooling capacity. According to users, the LW8022IVSM operates at a smooth hum (low-to-mid 50 dB range) on most settings, and does not make the loud compressor cycling noises that older window ACs tend to make. You may just hear a little fan sound and this makes it perfect to use in bedrooms or in studies where silence is valued.
Ease of use and maintenance is also a feature of this model.
It has a slide-out washable filter that traps dust and assists the unit to perform well- just rinse it out once a month and everything will be fine. You will never forget to clean because a convenient check filter alert reminds you when it is time to do it. The supplied EZ Mount installation kit ensures that installation is easy on standard double-hung windows and the fixed chassis design ensures greater stability when in use.
Although it is not as quiet as the dual inverter series of LG, the LW8024RSMX has an acceptable ratio of performance and noise.
It has several cooling options (cool, fan-only, dehumidify), variable fan speeds, and a convenient remote control to make adjustments in a few seconds across the room. This unit is also more sustainable as it contains eco-friendly R32 refrigerant.
At a fair price, decent energy efficiency, and smart control features, the LG LW8024RSMX is a great deal to anyone in need of a reliable summer cooling solution with modern features.
It is an excellent choice to anyone who likes a connected and easy-to-service air conditioner that can do its job without the extra pomp.
#4 Midea U-Shaped MAW08V1QWT – Innovative Quiet Design
The Midea U-Shaped Inverter MAW08V1QWT has transformed the design of window air conditioners and deserves to be in the top list due to its ultra-quiet operation and the unusual window-friendly shape.
Compared to the traditional window ACs which cover your window, the Midea U is designed in such a way that your window is left open most of the time between the inside and outside units.
This architecture significantly eliminates noise through the window glass to muffle the compressor sound.
It also allows you to open the window to get some fresh air when the AC is not on and there is less space around the unit so your cold air does not escape and noise outside does not come in.
Actually, the Midea U is among the quietest 8,000 BTU units available in the market- running as low as the low-40 dB range on its quiet mode.
Most owners rave that they hardly feel it is on except the room is cold. Cooling is great; with the inverter technology, the Midea U can cool a 300+ sq. ft. room fast and then adjust to keep the room cool. It has an energy-saving rating of more than 35 percent compared to a non-inverter AC, which is not hard on the electricity bill (Energy Star qualified).
Installation of the Midea U-shaped AC is a little more work than a regular one, but it is worth it.
The unit is accompanied by a special support bracket which you fix on the windowsill to support the weight of the AC and then the unit is slid into the position. The provided video guide to the installation is useful in the smooth process.
After installation, it is easy to use in everyday life: the MAW08V1QWT is connected to Wi-Fi and can be controlled through the mobile application of Midea, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
#5 Frigidaire FHWC084WB1 – Powerful Cooling Performance
Frigidaire is a well-established brand in the cooling department, and the Frigidaire FHWC084WB1 does not disappoint in this regard, as it has powerful cooling capabilities.
This 8,000 BTU window air conditioner is hailed as a cooling workhorse – in tests it even beat some of the larger 10,000 BTU units in the speed with which it can cool the room.
In case you have an area of up to 350 sq. ft. which is quite hot, this Frigidaire can offer you quick relief.
It blows a lot of air (with the help of its 6-way adjustable louvers that allow you to blow air where it is required) and does not struggle to keep you cool on those hot days. Users observe that even in the rooms next to each other you can sense the cool air, which is indicative of its power.
Although this is a very strong performance, the FHWC084WB1 is not too loud to most people, approximately in the mid-50 dB range on low/medium.
When it is working hard it will sound and it is more of a constant fan sound than any rattling or whining. To most people, the compromise of slightly increased sound in exchange of much cooler temperatures is a very good deal, more so, when you live in a very hot climate or on the top floor of an apartment.
Although this model lacks Wi-Fi smart controls, it addresses the basics rather well.
It has electronic controls that include a digital thermostat, full-function remote control, programmable timer and sleep mode settings to adjust your comfort to perfection. The Sleep mode slowly adjusts the temperature and fan speed to save energy during the night, thus you will remain comfortable until the morning.
#6 Windmill 8,000 BTU (WhisperTech) – Modern Quiet Comfort
The Windmill 8,000 BTU Window AC with WhisperTech is a newer model that has a modern design and efficient quiet cooling.
The units of Windmill have become popular because of their sleek design and easy to use features- a welcome change to the utilitarian look of the window ACs.
However, it is not only the appearance: the new Windmill model is equipped with WhisperTech inverter technology, which makes it one of the quietest 8,000 BTU air conditioners in the market.
When turned up to full volume, you may have to turn your voice or TV up a little (it is in the upper-40 to low-50 dB range at full volume), but at lower settings it is just a muffled hum like a fan.
The inverter system also ramps the cooling up or down in a smooth way instead of the jerky on-off compressor cycles that make noise in conventional ACs.
Windmill is a breeze to install and set up, especially to the consumer.
The installation kit that comes with the unit is also very simple to use and no additional assembly is necessary other than sliding out the extendable side panels and locking the AC in the window using a support bracket. Windmill has clear instructions (and even an instructional video) so that you can have it installed in a few minutes with an assistant.
Buying Guide:
Having read the reviews, you may have a question as to which 8,000 BTU window air conditioner suits your case.
These are the main aspects you should take into consideration:
Cooling Area and BTU Rating
The most common size of air conditioner is 8,000 BTU and this is suitable to cool a room of about 300 to 350 square feet (approximately 15×20 to 18×20 feet).
To get the best out of the AC, it is worth matching the BTU rating of the AC to the size of your room.
When the unit is not powerful enough (low BTU) to cool the space, it will not be able to cool the space and will run constantly.
In the event that it is too strong in a small room, it can cool down too fast without the dehumidification process and this will result in a cold and clammy feeling.
The models that have been reviewed are all 8,000 BTU and can be used in medium-sized rooms.
It is important to consider such factors as the height of the ceiling, exposure to sunlight and appliances that generate heat, which may influence cooling requirements. In the case of your room being very sunny or hot (such as a top-floor room with large windows), you should go with a slightly higher capacity or a unit that is reputed to have a powerful cooling ability (such as the Frigidaire on our list). On the other hand, 8k BTU is a comfortable margin of power without being excessive in a smaller room or a well-shaded room.
Energy Efficiency (EER/CEER & Energy Star)
The energy efficiency of a window AC is shown by its EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) or the new CEER (Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio) which considers standby energy consumption.
The higher the number the more the unit cools per watt of electricity – which saves you money in the long run. Seek models which are Energy Star certified, which is a high efficiency standard.
The LG Dual Inverter (LW8022IVSM) and Midea U-shaped unit are very efficient (CEER in the 15+ range) in our list.
Even the most common models such as GE Profile and LG LW8017ERSM have decent efficiency of 11-12 CEER that is usually Energy Star compliant.
Efficient units are not only cheaper to operate, but they usually control temperature better (as they can vary cooling) and in some cases run quieter.
A large advantage, when efficiency is the main concern, is the inverter technology, which enables the compressor to operate at variable speeds rather than simply switching on and off, wasting energy and maintaining a constant temperature. Although inverter ACs may be more expensive to purchase, they may be cost-effective in terms of energy savings (and better comfort) in the long-term.
Noise Level
Noise may be a very important factor of decision, particularly when the AC is to be used in a bedroom, nursery or home office.
Mechanical components are found in window air conditioners and they will produce some noise but the level is very variable.
As a rule, the inverter models (such as LG dual inverter or Midea U) are less noisy, as the compressor does not turn on and off with full force.
The traditional units can vary between approximately 55 60 dB on low to 60+ dB on high, which is approximately the sound level of a normal conversation or TV in the background. The most silent ones can operate at the lowest level of about 40 dB, which is very low.
In our tests, the GE Profile and Windmill models are described as being quiet, whereas the Frigidaire (which is not loud) is more about brute cooling capacity.
Take into account your sensitivity to noise: are you a light sleeper or do you intend to run the air conditioner during work? In that case, you should give preference to the model that is advertised as quiet or has a low decibel rating. Also, installation can influence the noise level, ensure that the unit is firmly installed and sealed, rattling panels or openings can increase the sound level without any reason.
Smart Features and Controls
Most of the best window ACs in the market today are smart and can simplify your life.
Wi-Fi enabled models can be controlled remotely using smartphone applications, you can turn the AC on before you even get home, change settings on the couch, or keep track of energy consumption. Newer models also tend to be integrated with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (LG, GE, Midea, Windmill all have this).
Wi-Fi model is an obvious choice in case you are a fan of smart home technology.
You can save a few dollars by going with a model that only has a manual remote and onboard digital controls (such as the Frigidaire) in case you are not interested in those features.
Besides connectivity, what control options does it offer: is there a readable digital display and thermostat?
Does it have more than one fan speed and setting (cool, fan-only, dehumidify)? Does it have a 24-hour timer or a special Sleep mode? These characteristics make it convenient and give you the opportunity to adjust the operation to your time and comfort requirements. An example is that a timer can make your room cool when you wake up and a sleep mode can make your room cool at night to save energy and still make you comfortable.
Ease of Installation and Window Compatibility
A window air conditioner is usually a one-time job at the beginning of summer, however, a simple installation will save you a lot of headache.
The typical weight of the 8,000 BTU units is 45-60 pounds, and it is always better to have a second pair of hands to help with the safety. Each of the units we have mentioned is supplied with installation kits (side accordion panels, mounting brackets or rails, and foam seals to fill gaps), yet some of the designs are more convenient to use. As an example, Windmill AC is commended by its simple install kit and instructions.
The Midea U-shaped AC needs a little more assembly with its bracket but it offers a very secure mount.
Make sure that your window type is compatible: these units are designed to fit double-hung windows that open up.
You will require adequate width of the window (usually 22-36 inches) and minimum height of the window opening that should be approximately 13-15 inches.
The unit should also be supported and sealed properly – the brackets/sash locks and foam insulation should be used to avoid drafts or water leakage.
The performance and safety will be enhanced by taking time to put everything in place. In case you are renting or cannot drill into the window frame, you may want to look at a special support bracket that does not require screws to be attached to provide the AC with additional support.
