Key Points
- The LG ThinQ LW1522IVSM is our choice for the #1 Best Overall smart air conditioner due to a combination of features and pricing.
- A smart air conditioner provides additional control through apps and voice assistants.
- Many smart air conditioners share a similar set of features.
- Consider the capacity, features, and design when shopping for smart air conditioners.
The best smart air conditioners can ensure your home is cool before you walk through the door. These intelligent devices can make life easy for homeowners, but only if you choose the right model. While the selection isn’t as vast as you’ll find with other smart appliances, we found five models that stand out in all the key areas:
- Best Overall: LG Dual Inverter Smart Air Conditioner
- Best Portable Option: Westinghouse 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
- Best Budget Window System: LG Smart Window Air Conditioner
- Most Stylish Choice: Windmill Smart Inverter Air Conditioner
- Best U-Shaped Option: Midea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Best Overall: LG Dual Inverter Smart Air Conditioner
- Dual-invertor technology
- 14,000 BTU
- Voice control
- 44dB on low
The #1 Best Overall smart air conditioner is the LG Dual Inverter Smart Air Conditioner. This brainy AC unit has a style on par with the company’s other premium tech products and is also one of the quietest models on our list.
This sleek air conditioner is designed for consumers looking for a smart, streamlined unit. At 14,000 BTU, it can cool areas up to 800 square feet and is incredibly efficient. The dual inverter system is 35% more efficient than the standard Energy Star requirements. The compressor also helps keep noise to a minimum at 44dB in Sleep Mode.
LG’s smart AC unit connects to home networks through Wi-Fi, allowing voice control through Alexa or Google. It comes with a remote, but there’s a full-featured app with access to features including speed, timer, and temperature as well. The control panel also provides access to anything you need from the front of the system. The LG LW1522IVSM is hefty at 85 pounds and suitable for windows from 27-39 inches wide and up to 16 inches high.
LG’s ThinQ line has proven popular with consumers, and this smart air conditioner is a fine addition to that collection. While we chose the 14,000 BTU model, the system is available in other capacities. Although we feel the price is competitive, this air conditioner does have a shorter warranty than comparable systems at one year.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It can cool large rooms quickly and efficiently. | The system only has a 1-year warranty. |
| It’s voice assistant compatible with Google and Alexa. | It’s heavy at close to 90 pounds. |
| It has a modern design. | |
| Sleep mode lives up to its name. |
Check out the LG Dual Inverter Smart Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Best Portable Option: Westinghouse 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
- Cools, dehumidifies and heats
- Voice and app control
- LCD remote
- 14,000 BTU
Air conditioners come in many form factors, and the best portable smart air conditioner is the Westinghouse 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner. It’s a connected system that can homeowners can move around with ease and is far more convenient than a window-based model.
Westinghouse’s portable air conditioner is a 3-in-1 system. The unit is rated at 14,000 BTUs and 700 square feet, but it can also dehumidify a 4,000-square-foot area. This smart air conditioner removes 90 pints of moisture per day in humid areas and it has a heating mode, making it a system homeowners can use throughout the year.
This air conditioner is versatile and easy to use. You can change settings using the onboard digital controls, the included remote, or the company’s smartphone app. Features of this portable AC unit include a timer, sleep mode, and a window vent kit. It’s lightweight at 56 pounds and quickly moves from one room to the next thanks to 360° wheels.
Consumers interested in an all-purpose system that’s easy to control with their voice or phone should have the WPAC14000H high on their list. Portable air conditioners are preferable to window units and this system is also suitable for all seasons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The system can cool, heat, and dehumidify homes. | It’s louder than other portable air conditioners. |
| It provides excellent coverage for its size at 700 sq. ft. | The price is a bit steep if you’re not interested in heat or dehumidification. |
| The system is compatible with Alexa and Google assistants. | |
| It comes with a solid two-year warranty. |
Check out the Westinghouse 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Best Budget Window System: LG Smart Window Air Conditioner
- Energy Star certified
- Compatible with Google and Alexa
- 8,000 BTU
- Multiple modes
Smart gadgets can be expensive, but the LG Smart Window Air Conditioner is the best smart air conditioner for smaller rooms and certainly won’t break the bank. While this system doesn’t have the same design as our top choice from the company, it’s just as smart.
The LG LW8017ERSM has a classic design with modern features. While the large grill and vents are a nod to older styles, this air conditioner uses the LG ThinQ system. You can control the AC unit with an app or your voice through Alexa and Google Assistant. As it’s an Energy Star system, you can also expect efficient performance.
This air conditioner has three standard speeds along with an auto mode. The filter is washable with a reminder system, and the unit can restart itself in case of a power outage. It has all the standard features of the company’s larger dual inverter AC unit but with a completely different vibe and a much cheaper price point.
LG’s affordable smart air conditioner is ideal for rooms up to 350 square feet. It’s available in seven sizes from 6,000 to 25,000 BTU, with or without smart controls. Consumers have had no complaints when it comes to performance, although this unit is louder than other systems on our list at 52dB on the lowest setting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has great smart features through LG ThinQ and voice assistants. | Some users felt it could be quieter. |
| This system has an affordable price tag. | It has an outdated design. |
| There are three speeds and an automatic restart feature. | |
| It’s available in a range of sizes. |
Check out the LG Smart Window Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Most Stylish Choice: Windmill Smart Inverter Air Conditioner
- Unique, easy to install design
- Discreet LCD display
- Pre-built installation kit
- Whisper Tech
Consumers searching for something different to sit on their windowsill will love the Windmill Smart Inverter Air Conditioner. This stylish system sets itself apart from a design standpoint and is designed from the ground up with ease of use in mind.
This AC unit is from the Windmill WhisperTech series, so it’s designed to keep the noise down regardless of the speed. At 42dB, it’s quieter than LG’s flagship system, although this model is only rated for rooms up to 350 square feet. While their advanced inverter keeps things quiet, the top-mounted vent provides even coverage with an efficient design.
The style of this smart air conditioner speaks for itself. There is a small row of buttons across the top with a discreet digital display on the front. It’s dimmable, so it won’t bother anyone sleeping in a room with the system. It also has dual-stage filtration with activated carbon and antimicrobial mesh. As a bonus, Windmill’s system comes with a pre-built installation kit, so it’s ready to go out of the box.
Windmill doesn’t have the name recognition of LG or Westinghouse, but their systems have proven popular with consumers and reviewers alike. It’s one of the best smart air conditioners for people tired of window units with a traditional style, although it is priced at a premium compared to its cooling capacity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a thoughtful, easy to use design. | It has a premium price tag. |
| You can control the system from home or remotely with the app or voice control. | The short one-year warranty from a lesser-known brand may be off-putting. |
| There is an LED display with auto-dimming. | |
| It’s effortless to install. |
Check out the Windmill Smart Inverter Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Best U-Shaped Option: Midea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
- Smart inverter technology
- Airflow up to 20 feet
- Award winning design
- 12,000 BTU
The best smart air conditioner in the U-Shaped class comes in the form of the Midea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner. The company’s system puts a new spin on a classic design and is also one of the safer air conditioners designed for windows.
U-shaped air conditioners are unique as the parts are housed in two halves connected by a short bridge. This allows homeowners to close their windows to a degree. The design provides more security while decreasing noise from the compressor outside the window. As it’s an inverter-based air conditioner, the Midea inverter is not only quiet, but it is extremely efficient.
Like the rest of the best smart air conditioners on our list, you can control this system in various ways. Timers and speeds are accessible through onboard controls, the included remote control, or a mobile app. It has an anti-theft mechanism for additional security, and this model is geared for rooms up to 550 square feet with a 12,000 BTU rating.
Midea’s smart air conditioner has a style comparable to another unique system on our list, but with more coverage and a better price tag. The U-shape design won’t be for everyone and can prove challenging in some homes, but that’s the only real negative with this high-tech system.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The U-shaped design is quiet and efficient. | The installation process could be tricky initially. |
| The advanced DC inverter saves energy. | The design isn’t suitable for certain windows. |
| It produces an airflow distance of up to 20 feet. | |
| It has smart control through voice assistants or the Midea app. |
Check out the Midea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Smart Air Conditioners: Step by Step
Choosing a smart air conditioner isn’t much different than selecting a traditional one. That means you must consider a handful of areas, including the design, capacity, features, and installation.
- Form Factor
- Cooling Capacity
- Installation
- Features
Form Factor
The term air conditioner can refer to several different types of systems. The first step to finding the best smart air conditioner for your home is to figure out what kind of unit you need. Are you looking for something portable, a seasonal solution, or a system that can do everything?
That basically comes down to a portable or window air conditioner for most homeowners. Portable systems take up floor space, but wheels make moving them around your home easy. They usually come with window kits and are easy to use and set up. They can also have just as much power as their window-based counterparts.
Window air conditioners sit in a window and provide homeowners with ample cooling power. They are affordable and come in a wide range of sizes, but they can be tricky to install depending on the window. Larger units can weigh close to 100 pounds, and they will partially obstruct the view of the window where they’re used.
Cooling Capacity
When shopping for a smart air conditioner, cooling capacity is the first thing to look for once you settle on a style. It’s a metric measure in BTUs or British Thermal Units. The higher the number, the more powerful the air conditioning system.
While buying a 25,000 BTU air conditioner may seem like a no-brainer, putting it in a 400-square-foot room is a bad idea. It’s a waste of money, although it will keep you chilly compared to an undersized unit struggling to keep a large room cool.
Every reputable manufacturer will provide consumers with BTU and square footing specifications. Choosing the right sized system for a room is critical but easy to figure out. To calculate the size of the area you need to cool, multiply the room’s length by the width.
A 15 x 20-foot room would need a system suited for an area of up to 300 square feet. With that in mind, you also have to consider things like tall ceilings and compensate accordingly. If torn between two sizes, go with the larger smart air conditioner.
Installation
Many homeowners think a portable air conditioner is easier to install than one that sits on a window. Well, that’s not always the case considering they require ventilation. That’s why it’s important to consider the size of the unit along with the style, plus how you plan to vent the system.
Window air conditioners are something most homeowners can install on their own. Ventilation is taken care of once you sit them in the window, but you still need to ensure there’s a good seal in place. Window kits make that relatively simple, although the weight can make installation a hassle.
Portable air conditioners are easier to install in many homes if you can access a window nearby. Placement near a window and power cord can be a big concern, along with condensation. Most units have tanks homeowners can dump, but you still need easy access to a window or you’ll need to make a permanent vent.
©Parilov/Shutterstock.com
Features
All smart air conditioners have similar features, including the ones found on regular systems. Speed and modes are common, although it’s rare to find portable or window-based units with more than three speeds. It’s also important to note that some include “auto” as a speed, along with high, medium, and low.
Filters are also common, and most models have a sleep or low-power mode. With portable systems, some models have a heat or humidifying feature. That’s a huge bonus for many homeowners and something rare on window air conditioners. There are more similarities than differences when it comes to intelligent features.
We found that 90% of “smart” air conditioners are compatible with voice assistants from Amazon and Google. The ability to tell Alexa to turn down the air is nice but common in this class, as are mobile apps. Finding a smart air conditioner that works with Apple’s Home Kit is a bit more challenging, however.
What to Know Before Buying a Smart Air Conditioner
Our guide covers the most important aspect of buying a smart conditioner, but there are a few more things to consider if you’re used to homes with central heating and air. Noise will be the biggest surprise to homeowners making the switch, especially if you’re in the room with the unit running.
You may never hear an outdoor HVAC system inside, but portable and window air conditioners can sometimes be quite loud. The best smart AC units won’t sound like a vacuum, but they are noticeable at higher speeds.
We also recommend checking into the installation kit included with these types of air conditioners. That will save a trip to the hardware store, and it’s a good idea to look at pricing and availability for replacement filters. Most are washable, but they don’t last forever.
Using a Smart Air Conditioner: What It’s Like
The experience of using a smart air conditioner should be pleasant for every homeowner. You can control the system in several ways once the unit is properly installed and set up.
You’ll never have to get off the couch to adjust the temperature. Have a home assistant? If so, you can tell Alexa or Google to set the air conditioner to sleep mode during the night. These brainy devices always come with mobile apps, and the best models are designed with ease of use in mind.
Summary Table
| Rank | Smart Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | LG ThinQ LW1522IVSM |
| Best Portable Option | Westinghouse WPAC14000H |
| Best on a Budget | LG LW8017ERSM |
| Most Stylish Choice | Windmill Smart Inverter Air Conditioner |
| Best U-Shaped Option | Midea Smart Inverter |
