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The best cheap air conditioners you can buy
Keeping yourself cool and refreshed shouldn't break the bank. And while the weather has changed and the coldest months are upon us, air conditioners are a must during those awkward in-between days when the seasons are changing, or if you live in a place that remains warm throughout the winter.
If you want to stop waking up sweaty in the middle of the night and don't want to spend your whole paycheck on an A/C unit, there are plenty of cheap air conditioners you can buy. And if you are thinking ahead for the upcoming summer, you can find some great deals on top-performing air conditioners right now, since demand is low during the winter season.
Also: The best smart thermostats
ZDNET scoured the market and found the best cheap air conditioners under $500, so you can cool off for less. Our top pick is the Windmill Air Conditioner due to its smart home capabilities and features. However, if you prefer a simpler A/C, read on to find other budget-friendly options from Black and Decker, Whynter, and more.
The best cheap air conditioners of 2024
- Simple installation
- Useful app
- Smart home compatible
- Limited cooling area
- Not compatible with all systems
Windmill Air Conditioner features: Power: 8,000 BTU | Space size: Medium | Price: $389
The Windmill Air Conditioner may not be the cheapest on our list, but it is our top pick, given the fully loaded benefits this model provides. It is a smart air conditioner that goes right into your window and comes ready to go right out of the box so that you can save the time and headache of set-up with the help of an instructive guide included for easy installation.
The unit comes with 8,000 BTU power, giving a bit more than the average air conditioner, so it's enough to cool down a medium-sized space. That in itself offers far greater flexibility in where you can use it and still feel the cooling effects. It is also the quietest machine on our list, as soft as the evaCHILL, which is a fraction of its size.
It is also Wi-Fi-enabled and connects to a convenient app that easily works with your Android or iPhone device, allowing you the option to control the unit remotely. With an auto-dimming LED display, you can use Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa to control the unit by voice. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, the air conditioner comes with a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy.
- Built-in dehumidifier and fan
- Sleep mode and timer
- Washable filter
- Set up can be difficult
- Not ideal for larger spaces
Black and Decker Portable Air Conditioner features: Power: 8,000 BTU | Space size: up to 350 square feet | Price: $350
The Black and Decker Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control is a great pick for those smaller rooms, like your bedroom or office. The unit is designed for areas no larger than 350 square feet for maximum performance. It is a corded model, so it can only go so far away from your window, but there is a handy remote control that comes included to help you control the unit from across the room. Thanks to an unobtrusive design, it is a compact unit in white that seamlessly blends in with most home decor.
Still, this air conditioner packs in some extra features. It boasts a fan speed that you can easily adjust to your liking with a convenient LED display. The coolest setting will bring the room to a brisk 65°F, plus there is a 24-hour timer option that can help you save money on those monthly bills. While this is not one of the noisiest units out there, it is not the quietest, either, so users are sure to appreciate the option of a quiet fan mode at night. If you live in a humid city, the unit also features a built-in dehumidifier.
- Affordable
- Portable and stylish design
- Natural cartridge material
- Only operates up to eight hours at a time
Evapolar evaCHILL features: Power: 7.5 watts | Space size: 26 square feet | Price: $99
The Evapolar evaCHILL is one of the most popular models for the best compact air conditioner, and it is also one of the cheapest, making it our pick for the best budget air conditioner.
At just two pounds, this is a USB-powered unit that is super easy to transport wherever you like in just the palm of your hand. It is energy-efficient with a 5-star Energy Star rating, and its battery is enough to power for up to eight hours. Despite its diminutive size, this is a very capable unit, holding its own in rooms as large as 26 square feet.
Of course, it is not the pick you want when you are looking to cool bigger spaces, but it could be the perfect reprieve you need in your room, home office, or dorm. Simply touch to control the unit, and choose the feature you want for cooling and humidifying.
- Excellent portability
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Easy remote control
- Can be noisy
- Heavy
SereneLife Compact Portable Air Conditioner features: Power: 8,000 BTU | Space size: 350 square feet | Price: $298
The SereneLife Powerful Portable Room Air Conditioner packs some power with an 8,000 BTU unit and a built-in dehumidifier to combat humid nights. It can rest on the floor and has wheels attached for added convenience, but you will need to plug the unit in for use. The setup is made simple so you can start using the air conditioner's two different fan settings. Additionally, there's a timer that will automatically turn off after 24 hours.
Even with these rich features, this model is affordably priced at $298, making it a far more affordable and economical pick than many of the other options out there. It also is capable of cooling rooms much larger than other units can, giving a total coverage area of more than 350 square feet.
- Solid performance
- High power
- Large coverage area
- Can be difficult to install
Whynter Elite Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner features: Power: 12,000 BTU | Space size: Up to 400 square feet | Price: $500
When you have a large area to cool, the Whynter Elite Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner can be a great choice, thanks to its coverage of up to 400 square feet. At almost $400, its price tag belies its power with a maximum of 12,000 BTU coverage, the largest of any unit on our list. Despite a conveniently portable size, this unit features a dual-hose system that allows for cold air to spread more evenly and quickly throughout your space. It easily works in conjunction with your home or building's A/C unit to better facilitate the movement of cold air, so you can better enjoy the effects of your area's built-in air conditioning.
This unit is one that is easily portable and offers a simplified setup process to get you started. Whynter claims the built-in dehumidifier can remove 76 pints of excess moisture each day. To help save money, use the 24-hour programmable timer so your unit only runs when you need it the most.
What is the best cheap air conditioner?
The best cheap air conditioner is the Windmill Air Conditioner, which offers an impressive coverage area and smart home compatibility. It has good power and is far quieter than many other machines. However, the other cheap air conditioners on our list are worth a second look before you buy.
Cheap air conditioner | Price | Power |
Windmill Air Conditioner | $389 | 8,000 BTU |
Black and Decker Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control | $350 | 8,000 BTU |
Evapolar evaCHILL | $99 | 7.5 watts |
SereneLife Compact Portable Air Conditioner | $299 | 8,000 BTU |
Whynter Elite Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner | $449 | 12,000 BTU |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Which cheap air conditioner is right for you?
With so many A/C units out there, it can be difficult to determine exactly which cheap air conditioner is right for your space. Our expert recommendations can help.
Choose this cheap air conditioner... | If you want... |
Windmill Air Conditioner | The best overall option. It also has smart home capabilities like voice control. |
Black and Decker Portable Air Conditioner | An air conditioner for small rooms. It still has great power at 8,000 BTUs. |
Evapolar evaCHILL | A cheap air conditioner for $79 built for desktop use. It can operate for up to eight hours at a time. |
SereneLife Powerful Portable Room Air Conditioner | A portable air conditioner built for medium-sized rooms. It even has a built-in dehumidifier. |
Whynter Elite Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner | A powerful cheap air conditioner that has 12,000 BTUs. It is also built for larger spaces, up to 400 square feet. |
How did we choose these cheap air conditioners?
In our search for the best cheap air conditioners, we consider several factors and compare different models to find the best units for your family. These are a few of the criteria we recommend you consider during your search.
- Coverage area: The best cheap A/C units can vary significantly in their cooling capability. While some are better suited for smaller areas, there are other larger units that can tackle much larger spaces. We include air conditioners with a range of coverage so you can choose the most appropriate solution for your situation.
- BTU rating: BTU, or British Thermal Units, also helps determine the air conditioner you need. The rating is based upon square footage, letting you know which unit is appropriate for your space.
- Noise level: Air conditioners can be quite noisy, so it is critical you consider how loud each unit will be in your designated area. Even a quieter machine can seem loud when it is next to you, so be sure to watch out for noise issues. Air conditioners use decibels to measure sound, so the lower the dB rating, the quieter the unit will be.
- Price: Cost is always a concern, so we look for cheap air conditioners that suit a variety of different needs and budgets. Our top picks for the best cheap air conditioners range in price from less than $100 to over $400 per unit.
- Convenience: Things like built-in timers and remote controls can be an enormous help when you are not within arm's reach of your air conditioner. Consider what extras may accompany your machine to simplify your life and get the most use out of your cheap air conditioner.
Do cheap air conditioners work?
You do not have to spend a fortune to find a quality air conditioner. Cheap air conditioners can come in a variety of different sizes, so they each may work differently based on room size requirements and cooling methods.
Be sure to consider your specific needs and room requirements before choosing the best cheap air conditioner for your space.
How much do the best cheap air conditioners cost?
The best cheap air conditioners can vary significantly in cost, depending on the model you choose. Our top picks for the best cheap air conditioners range from under $100 to almost $500 to suit a full range of budgets and needs.
Are cheap air conditioners worth it?
While they're not the most energy-efficient, they supply some much-needed comfort. And considering the lower cost relative to central A/C units, it makes cheap air conditioners worth it for cozier spaces.
Are there alternative air conditioners worth considering?
In our search for the best cheap air conditioners, we considered many different models. Here are other air conditioners worth considering that didn't make our list: