Do you have a small room or window and need the smallest air conditioner possible?
If so, this guide is for you.
You’ll find the most comprehensive list of the best smallest window air conditioners on the market for every need and budget.
In addition to these smallest window AC unit reviews, you’ll also discover the top features to look for in a good appliance as well as get answers to the most common questions people have about the smallest size window air conditioner models.
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to make the right choice on buying the best and smallest window unit for your home.
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Smallest Window Air Conditioners Reviewed in this Guide
Here’s a quick comparison chart showing the top smallest window air conditioners. We’ll cover each aspect of these units in the reviews section below, but this gives you an idea of what’s available and an easy way to compare them.
| Image | Air Conditioner Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | MIDEA MAW05M1BWT Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Frigidaire FFRS1022R1 Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Koldfront CAC8000W Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | LG LW6017R Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Frigidaire FFRA051WAE Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | MIDEA MAW06R1BWT Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | TCL 8W3ER1-A Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | hOmeLabs Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | MIDEA U Inverter Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
 | Frigidaire Cool Connect Window Air Conditioner
| Check Price |
Best Smallest Window Air Conditioner Reviews (Top 10 List)
1. Best Overall Smallest Window Air Conditioner: MIDEA MAW05M1BWT
Starting off our list is the MIDEA MAW05M1BWT, which is an incredibly popular window AC unit.
We consider it to be the overall best smallest window air conditioner on the market for several reasons.
First of all, the price is hard to beat. It’s very inexpensive for a window AC unit.
Second, this air conditioner has the smallest size that fits with standard windows. Measuring 13.19” (W) x 12.05” (H) x 15.98” (D) inches, this unit is suitable for windows that are 23 to 36 inches wide with a minimum height of 13 inches.
Third, the small size and 5,000 BTU output allows this unit to cover 150 square feet efficiently.
Fourth, you can take advantage of the seven temperature settings to dial in the most comfortable temperature. There are also two cooling speeds, two fan-only speeds, and a two-way air direction control vent to blow the air in the best direction.
And finally, the air filter is washable and reusable for the life of the unit. By cleaning it regularly, you can keep this window air conditioner running as efficiently as possible for many years to come.
2. Smallest Size Window Air Conditioner: Frigidaire FFRS1022R1
The Frigidaire FFRS1022R1 window unit has one of the smallest widths on our list.
But keep in mind that this small window air conditioner is designed for casement windows and sliding window installation. It won’t work in standard double hung windows that slide up and down.
Measuring 14.5” (W) x 20.25” (H) x 23.5” (D) inches and having an output of 10,000 BTU, this is the smallest size window air conditioner you can buy that can cool large rooms up to 450 square feet.
This AC unit can fit windows with a minimum width of 15.5 inches and a minimum height of 21.5 inches. It will not fit windows with a height more than 40 inches.
It has everything you need to stay comfortable and cool. Enjoy the 24-hour timer and fully functioning remote control, along with plenty of different cooling modes such as Sleep mode, Energy Saver mode, and 4-way air direction control.
3. Second Smallest Window Air Conditioner: Koldfront CAC8000W
This is the next smallest window AC unit reviewed on this page that’s also designed for casement and sliding windows.
The Koldfront CAC8000W measures 14.5” (W) x 20.88” (H) x 23.5” (D) inches, this AC unit fits windows 15.5 to 16.25 inches wide with a minimum height of 21.25 inches while using a window panel retainer. Without a window panel retainer, the minimum height would be 20 5/16 inches.
The cooling output is slightly lower than our #2 review at 8,000 BTU. This amount of power will allow this small window air conditioner to cover up to 350 square feet.
There are three fan speeds to choose from to get the right amount of airflow.
It also has a digital thermostat and display so you can choose the exact temperature you want the room to be. Plus you can put it in dehumidifier mode to remove excess moisture from the air as an alternate (and energy saving way) to cool down the room
A Sleep mode and Energy Saver mode are also available for additional comfort and savings.
4. Smallest Window AC Unit with Digital Controls: LG LW6017R
If you liked the idea of our #1 best smallest window air conditioner review, but want digital controls, then this is a good unit to consider.
Digital controls can be very convenient when it comes to AC units as they give you the opportunity to control the settings more precisely than rotary dials. And the LG LW6017R is the most popular choice that includes a small screen to display the chosen settings.
Along with this, you’ll receive a remote control so that you can alter the settings from wherever you are in the room.
As for the size, the LG LW6017R is the smallest window AC unit with digital controls. It measures 17.31” (W) x 11.13” (H) x 14.38” (D) inches and can fit in windows with a width of 21 to 35 inches. The minimum height for installation is 12 inches.
The output is 6,000 BTUs and can cover effectively rooms up to 260 square feet.
Another nice benefit of this smallest size window air conditioner is that the cool air is directed upwards into the room; not directly outward like most other small window units. This means you can sit right next to the AC unit without worrying about the fan blowing right at you.
5. Best Budget Small Window AC Unit: Frigidaire FFRA051WAE
If you’re looking for a small window AC unit that isn’t going to break the bank, then the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE could be the perfect option for you.
Frigidaire has been dominating the air conditioner market for years and this unit has always been a top-selling small budget window air conditioner.
It looks very similar to our #1 review with rotary dials for temperature control and fan speed settings. But the actual unit is around 3 inches wider.
Measuring 16” (W) x 12” (H) x 15.25” (D) inches, this model can fit in a window with a minimum height of 13 inches and a minimum width of 23 inches. This compares closely to the overall best smallest window air conditioner above, the MIDEA MAW05M1BWT. Although the physical width of this unit is larger, it can still fit in a 23 inch window because the side accordion panels can retract smaller.
The cooling output is equivalent to our #1 top pick at 5,000 BTUs to cover a maximum space of 150 square feet.
If you have a tough time deciding between the MIDEA MAW05M1BWT and Frigidaire FFRA051WAE, our best advice here would be to pick the one that’s cheaper. Both units work and cool the same way. So you won’t be missing much if you pick one over the other.
Or you can consider our next review which comes with some added advantages you may enjoy.
6. Best Selling Small Window Air Conditioner: MIDEA MAW06R1BWT
This window unit is a setup from our #1 review. And it’s the best selling small window air conditioner on the market right now for new buyers.
Measuring 18.54” (W) x 13.39” (H) x 16.02” (D) inches, it’s around 5 inches wider and 2 inches taller than our top pick. The minimum measurements for a window that this model can fit into are 23 to 36 inches in width and 15.5 inches in open height.
But with this slightly larger size comes some additional features that make it a good investment.
The MIDEA MAW06R1BWT can cover rooms up to 250 square feet thanks to the higher 6,000 BTU output.
It also has digital controls for operating every aspect of the unit. You can control the exact temperature, fan speed settings, timer, and various modes with the push of a button.
It also has an Energy Saver mode to reduce electricity costs while still maintaining the set degree for the room. A Sleep mode is also included for whisper quiet operation at night.
7. Smallest Window Unit for Medium Size Rooms: TCL 8W3ER1-A
We’ll now look at one of the best smallest window AC units for medium sized rooms that fit in standard type windows.
As you read in our #2 and #3 reviews, those small window units required casement or sliding windows to work effectively. This unit is not made for those types of windows, but for regular up and down sliding windows like double hung windows.
With a cooling output of 8,000 BTU, the TCL 8W3ER1-A is the smallest window for medium sized rooms up to 350 square feet.
It has an overall size of 18.58” (W) x 13.31” (H) x 15.59” (D) inches. The minimum size for the window that it can fit into is 14.5 inches in height and 23 to 36 inches in width.
The eight-way cooling feature is a nice benefit to have thanks to the four-way vents. This allows you to customize the direction of airflow better than other window units so that you can enjoy more evenly distributed air all throughout the room.
It runs at 53 decibels, which is not too loud. And is a pretty standard sound level for window air conditioners.
It’s also Energy Star certified for low electricity usage to help you save money on your monthly utility bill.
8. Also Good for Medium Size Rooms: hOmeLabs Window Air Conditioner
Another alternative for medium sized rooms is this hOmeLabs window air conditioner.
With almost the exact same measurements as our number #7 review, 18.6” (W) x 13.3” (H) x 15.6” (D) inches, the hOmeLabs AC unit is a top competitor for the TCL 8W3ER1-A. It also fits open windows with a minimum height of 14.5 inches.
The 8,000 BTU output and 350 square feet coverage is also identical to the TCL window air conditioner, making it ideal for a bedroom, living room, or other average size room in the home.
With digital controls and remote control, this air conditioner comes along with as much convenience as it does good impressions.
Now, the one aspect where this unit does differ from the previous TCL review is that it runs slightly louder at 55 decibels on the lowest fan speed. That’s only 2 decibels louder, and quite insignificant, but it is worth highlighting if you’re looking for the quietest window air conditioner available.
9. Best Smallest Window Air Conditioner for Large Rooms: MIDEA U Inverter
If you have a large room in the home to cool, then the MIDEA U Inverter is the best choice for this space.
It’s the most innovative smallest window air conditioner on the market and is quickly becoming the top-selling unit online.
It has a cooling output of 12,000 BTU to cover up to 550 square feet comfortably.
Measuring 19.17” (W) x 13.46” (H) x 21.97” (D) inches, you can use this model in a window with a minimum height of 13.75 inches. The width should be between 22 and 36 inches.
Now, what makes the MIDEA U Inverter stand out from every other window air conditioner available is it’s unique design and features.
The U-shape design allows you to open your window while using the AC unit, bringing in the fresh air as well as cooling the existing air. Plus, this shape acts as a noise dampener to lower the overall sound of the unit.
In fact, it’s one of the quietest window AC units you’ll find as it produces only 42 decibels. This is about 9 times quieter than some traditional air conditioners.
It’s also a smart window air conditioner. Thanks for the Wi-Fi capabilities, you can control the unit from anywhere in the world, giving you much more flexibility than any other unit on our list.
The MideaAir app can be used on iOS or Android. Plus, you can also use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. Along with this is daily scheduling capabilities, where you can set up different temperature settings throughout the day and week to meet your comfort needs.
All-in-all, you won’t find a more advanced and powerful small window air conditioner for large rooms than the MIDEA U Inverter. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind appliance that is changing the future for window air conditioner technology.
10. Best Small Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner: Frigidaire Cool Connect
If you liked the idea of our previous review, but didn’t need something as powerful, then this is a good window unit to consider.
Like the MIDEA U inverter, the Frigidaire Cool Connect also has Wi-Fi capabilities. Being able to connect your AC unit to your Wi-Fi connection can be incredibly convenient as you can set the temperature and adjust the settings from anywhere, even when you’re away from home.
This model measures 19” (W) x 14.5” (H) x 19.75” (D) inches, so it’s about 1 inch taller but 2 inches less deep than our #9 review. The minimum window height is 15.5 inches and window width is 23 inches.
The BTU output is 10,000 and it can cover up to 450 square feet.
One stand out feature that this window unit does have that most other competitors do not is a clean air ionizer. This function will help to remove particles from the air so that it is cleaner to breathe.
The clean air ionizer can combat dust, pollen, allergens, mold spores, and other common indoor pollutants that contaminate your air.
Small Window Air Conditioner Buying Guide
What is Considered a Small Window Air Conditioner?
A small window air conditioner is one that is between 14 to 23 inches wide and 11 to 15 inches in height. The smallest window air conditioners are made to fit in casement windows, sliding windows, and double hung windows.
When considering a small window AC unit, you must also look at the BTU output. The lower the BTU output, the smaller the window air conditioner is. Small window units range between 5,000 to 12,000 BTU.
Any window air conditioner that produces more than 12,000 BTUs will likely be 24 inches or wider and therefore cannot be considered a small window air conditioner.
What is the Smallest Window Air Conditioner?
The smallest air conditioner is the MIDEA MAW05M1BWT, with an overall size of 13.19” (W) x 12.05” (H) x 15.98” (D) inches. Despite its compact size, this air conditioner is suitable for most standard windows measuring up to 23 to 36 inches wide and an open window height of 13 inches.
The MIDEA MAW05M1BWT is also one of the smallest air conditioners in terms of BTU output, with a cooling capacity of 5,000 BTUs to cover a room up to 15 square feet.
It is very popular among homeowners and renters who want a budget-friendly option that can effectively cool small rooms.
What are the Sizes of Small Window Air Conditioners?
Window air conditioners come in a variety of sizes. But to be considered a small window air conditioner, the unit must meet one of these size requirements:
- 14” (W) x 20” (H)
- 15” (W) x 23” (H)
- 15” (W) x 12” (H)
- 16” (W) x 12” (H)
- 16” (W) x 11” (H)
- 17” (W) x 11” (H)
- 19” (W) x 12” (H)
- 19” (W) x 13” (H)
- 19” (W) x 14” (H)
- 21” (W) x 15” (H)
- 23” (W) x 15” (H)
How to Choose the Right Size Window Air Conditioner?
There are two main considerations when choosing the best size of window air conditioner for your needs: the size of the window that it’s going to be placed in and the BTU capacity for total square footage coverage.
Here’s how to figure out those two metrics:
Measure the Window Size
To get a good fit with your air conditioning unit, you need to take some accurate measurements of the window you’re going to fit the AC unit in.
The most important measurements are the height and width of the window in order to get the best fit.
To measure a double hung or casement window correctly, take a measurement between the two inner edges of the casing near the sill plate to get the width. Not all windows are perfectly square, so measuring near the window sill will be the most accurate for your purposes.
If the window is particularly small, then height measurement will also be important. Take this measurement with the window fully open.
To measure a sliding window, take a measurement with the window open between the sash edge and the casing.
Pick the Correct BTU Capacity
The BTU output and size of the AC unit go hand in hand. BTU output will also determine how many square feet the air conditioner can effectively cover.
Choosing the incorrect BTU output can leave you with the wrong size unit, which will then cause you to use an over or undersized air conditioner.
An oversized window air conditioner will cost more to purchase and use more energy than necessary to run. It will also do a poor job of dehumidification because the unit won’t be able to operate long enough to remove moisture effectively.
On the other hand, an undersized window air conditioner won’t be able to cool your space efficiently. This means that the AC unit will continue to run at maximum capacity without much effect and waste energy.
To get the right size window air conditioner for a room, measure the width and length of the space. Then, multiply those two numbers together.
For example, a 10’ x 15’ room would equal 150 square feet.
When shopping for a new small window air conditioner, you’ll want to pick one with a BTU capacity that’s as close to the total square footage number as possible. In this example, it would be a 5,000 BTU air conditioner.
Below is a good BTU reference chart.
| Room Area To Be Cooled | BTU Capacity Needed |
| up to 150 square feet | 5,000 BTU |
| 250 to 350 square feet | 8,000 BTU |
| 350 to 450 square feet | 10,000 BTU |
| 450 to 550 square feet | 12,000 BTU |
Smallest Window Air Conditioner Types
There are two types of small window air conditioners: standard and casement/sliding window units.
Here is how they compare:
Standard Window AC Units
Standard window AC units are used for horizontal windows that either open by sliding upwards or tilt inwards or outwards from the bottom.
The common word for windows that slide upward is double hung.
Slider or Casement Window AC Units
Slider or casement window AC units are for vertical windows that either open outwards or inwards from the side, called casement windows, or slide across a track, called sliding windows.
If you’re looking for this type of window air conditioner, consider our guide on the best casement and sliding window air conditioners here. It includes the top picks for these kinds of windows.
Features to Look for in the Smallest Window Air Conditioners
Below are some of the most important features to look for when comparing small window air conditioning units.
Digital Controls
Digital controls can be very beneficial when it comes to the accuracy of your air conditioner. For example, setting the precise temperature for a room.
These controls also come with an LCD or LED screen to display the current settings, so you always know exactly what your AC unit is doing at any given time.
While digital controls might increase the initial cost of your unit, you will save both time and money by being able to program your unit accurately so that it is working to the exact settings that you desire.
Wi-Fi
More AC units are beginning to emerge onto the market with Wi-Fi capabilities. These are considered smart air conditioners and can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network to be controlled with your smartphone or tablet.
Wi-Fi capabilities often give you the freedom to control your AC unit away from home, ensuring that you can turn it on and off whenever you want without being in range of the air conditioner.
Some Wi-Fi window air conditioners also give you the ability to connect the unit to a smart home device like Amazon Alexa or Google Home to control it with voice commands.
Dehumidifier
Some small window AC units come with a dehumidifier setting that you can use to remove moisture from your space rather than just cooling the air.
If you live in an extremely humid area, then this could become invaluable to you.
Instead of drawing air in to cool it around cooling coils, the dehumidifier setting draws air in from the room to evaporate the water outdoors. The dehumidifier setting allows the air to become cooler as well as less humid.
Sometimes you can effectively cool down a room just by removing the excess moisture. Humidity makes a room feel hotter, so less water vapor in the air will make it more comfortable to be in without necessarily running the cooling function.
Timer
A timer allows you to leave the AC unit without worrying about having to turn it off.
While timers are not necessary, they are a very popular option to have when regulating a schedule with your AC unit. This allows you to use it without wasting too much energy on running costs.
Remote
A remote will allow you to control the settings of the air conditioner from wherever you are in your space without having to touch the AC unit.
Some manufacturers offer more impressive remotes than others, so make sure that you consider how much you want your remote to be able to do.
While some can change every setting on your air conditioner, others might only be able to turn it on and off.
Common Questions About Small Window Air Conditioners
What happens if a window air conditioner is too small?
If a window air conditioner is too small, it will struggle to keep a room at a comfortable temperature. Conversely, a window air conditioner that’s too big will cool a room too quickly without removing enough humidity from the air. This can make the area feel cold and clammy.
If the BTU output is too low for the square footage of the room, then the window unit will not effectively cool down the room. It will also run too much and increase your energy costs. This can also cause the unit to deteriorate more quickly because it’s operating too often.
Can you put an AC sideways in a window?
You cannot put an AC sideways in a window. Air conditioners should never be installed and run on their sides. The dehumidifier system inside of the air conditioner requires gravity to take water away from the unit and drain it from the bottom of the air conditioner’s case.
How many watts is a small window air conditioner?
A small window air conditioner uses around 500 watts to power the unit. Small window air conditioners use the least amount of watts for operation. Medium window AC units average around 900 watts and large units use about 1440 watts.
Is 8,000 BTU enough for a bedroom?
8,000 BTU is enough for a standard bedroom. An 8,000 BTU air conditioner can cool up to 350 square feet which is roughly a 15’ x 23’ bedroom.
The average size of a bedroom in an apartment is 132 square feet while the average size of a bedroom in a house is 219 square feet. So an 8,000 BTU air conditioner can cool most bedrooms effectively.
If you have an extremely large bedroom, then you’ll want to consider a 10,000 BTU for 450 square feet or an 12,000 BTU air conditioner for 550 square feet.
How many BTUs do I need for a 12×12 room?
A 12×12 room needs 5,000 BTUs to cool it effectively. A 12×12 room measures 144 square feet and a 5,000 BTU air conditioner can cover up to 150 square feet.
How long do window AC units last?
Window air conditioners last around eight to 10 year. But if you maintain the unit properly, then it can last for many more years before it needs a replacement.
How to Install a Small Window Air Conditioner
Every window air conditioner will come with its own installation guide but here are the basic steps that apply to most units for standard windows:
- Attach the accordion-like extensions on the left and right of the unit.
- Raise the window’s lower sash so that it’s open and center the AC unit onto the windowsill. Keep a hold of the unit so that it doesn’t fall out of the window.
- Pull the window’s lower sash back down so that it is resting on top of the AC unit, behind the metal flange on top of the air conditioner. Again, keep a hold of the lower sash so that the unit doesn’t pull itself out of the window.
- Take one of the L-shaped brackets and place it on top of the lower sash at the far left. Use a drill to secure it to the upper sash and the inner casing.
- Install the second L-shaped bracket on the far right side of the lower sash just like you did in the previous step.
- The AC unit is now secured and can be let go of without worrying about it falling out of the window.
- Now pull out the accordion extensions so that the spaces between the unit and the window frame are filled.
- Screw the vertical flange of both extensions to the window jambs.
- Fill the gaps along the top edge of the lower sash with the included foam weather stripping.
Those are the basic instructions on how to install your AC unit. When properly installed, the unit should tip slightly outside to allow condensation to drip out the back of the unit.
Enjoy Your New Smallest Window Air Conditioner
We hope you enjoyed this detailed guide on how to choose the best smallest window air conditioner.
As you learned, the smallest window AC unit models come in various shapes, sizes, and types. An the top smallest size window air conditioner for your needs will depend on your specific needs and budget.
We’ll continue to update this smallest window unit reviews and buying guide as new appliances come out. So you can feel confident that you’re getting the best choices and deals.
