What Is the Best Air Conditioner?

July 22, 2025

What Is the Best Air Conditioner?

When temperatures rise, a reliable air conditioner can make all the difference in your comfort. But with so many types, sizes, and features to choose from, how do you know which one is best?

In this guide, we break down how to find the best air conditioner by exploring:

The different types of AC units
How to choose the right air conditioner based on your space and budget
Key features to look for when comparing models

While there’s no single option that works for everyone, the best air conditioner is the one that meets your needs, fits your space, and suits your lifestyle. Let’s help you find your perfect match.

Types of Air Conditioners

The most important job of an air conditioner is keeping you cool when temperatures rise. A fan might get you by during mildly warm weather, but once the thermostat hits 80 degrees, you’ll want something more powerful.

Here are the main types of air conditioning units to consider:

Central AC: Built into your home’s ductwork and typically connected to your heating system
Ductless Mini Splits: Wall-mounted units that provide both heating and cooling (like what you’d find in a hotel)
Window Units: Boxy units installed in a window for the duration of the warm season
Portable Air Conditioners: Freestanding units that vent through a window and can be moved between rooms
Evaporative Coolers (aka Swamp Coolers): While not technically AC units, these work by passing air over water-soaked pads to provide cooling through evaporation. They’re best for arid environments like the Southwest.

So, which one delivers the best results? Each option offers cooling power, but the right fit depends on a few key factors:

The temperature and humidity where you live
The size of the unit and the BTUs it puts out
How your home is laid out and where the unit will be used
How energy-efficient the unit is (and how it affects your utility bills)
The built-in features and conveniences that come with your chosen model

Air Conditioner Product Image

Featured SKU: AC-08000

Next, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each type to help you find the one that works best for your space and budget.

Choosing an Air Conditioner Based on Your Space and Budget

Central Air Conditioning

If you’re looking to cool an entire single-family home, central AC might be the best long-term solution, especially if you already have a forced-air heating system. In many cases, an HVAC professional can retrofit central AC by installing an outdoor condenser unit and upgrading your thermostat.

That said, central AC isn’t cheap. It often starts around $2,000, and the cost increases with the size and layout of your home.

One major perk is the ability to use a programmable thermostat, which helps you set target temperatures and schedule when your system runs—potentially reducing energy use. Even so, central AC can still add a noticeable bump to your monthly energy bills.

Despite the cost, central AC is a smart investment for many homeowners. It offers powerful, consistent cooling throughout the home and may even boost your property value by 5–7%.

Ductless Mini Splits

Ductless mini splits cost more upfront than portable or window units, but significantly less than installing central air. These systems consist of an indoor wall-mounted unit connected to an outdoor condenser on the exterior wall.

Benefits of ductless mini splits include:

Easier installation compared to central AC
Energy-efficient performance and quiet operation
Dual heating and cooling capabilities
The ability to link several units for zoned climate control

Some mini split systems let you zone units on the same chain, so you can have different temperatures between one room and another. They’re great for additions, garages, and spaces without ductwork.

But mini splits have some drawbacks, too:

Not ideal for renters—these are permanent installations
Must be installed by a certified HVAC technician
May require a permit, depending on local building codes
Need regular maintenance
The units remain visible on the wall
May be less effective in extreme heat and are best for moderate climates

Window AC Units

Before central air and ductless systems became common, window AC units were the go-to option, and they’re still popular today, especially for renters. You’ve likely seen (or used) one before: a boxy unit installed in a window, with most of the appliance extending outside the building. They’re an effective and affordable choice for cooling individual rooms.

What to watch out for:

These units can be heavy and bulky. The larger the area you need to cool, the bigger the unit, and installation may require more than one person.
The window must be able to support the unit’s weight. If not, you’ll need to add exterior brackets or a shelf for extra stability.
Window units can block a significant portion of your view. If you need more than one in your apartment, they may noticeably reduce natural light.
They’re not ideal for unconventional windows. Most models require a standard double-hung window that opens vertically to install properly.
Since they’re fixed in place, the power outlet needs to be close to the window, which isn’t always convenient.
While higher-end models offer thermostats, many still use basic high-medium-low settings, making it harder to control temperature precisely.

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners offer similar cooling power to window units, but with added flexibility and ease of use. They’re often more affordable for the amount of space they cool, making them a great value option.

These freestanding units vent warm air outside through a lightweight exhaust hose connected to a window kit. While they still need to be placed near a window and power outlet, they offer more flexibility in placement than traditional window units, which require both to be in close proximity.

One of the biggest advantages of portable air conditioning units is right in the name: portability. You can easily roll the unit to a new location or disconnect it for storage when not in use to maximize space. It’s a great choice for apartments, small spaces, guest rooms, and other areas where a permanent solution isn’t practical.

Other benefits of portable AC units compared to window air conditioners include:

Easy to unpack and install without heavy lifting
Compact design (even high-output units stay relatively manageable)
No need for a permit or professional installation
Window kits allow for light to pass through, preserving your view
Exhaust hoses can be adapted to fit a wide range of window designs

Because the window kits are so versatile, portable AC units are especially useful in garages, workshops, or sheds where standard double-hung windows may not be available.

Key Features to Consider When Buying an Air Conditioner

We’ve covered the types of air conditioners and how to choose the right one for your space. Now let’s look at the features that can make one unit stand out from another, especially when it comes to comfort, convenience, and budget.

Here are a few features worth looking for:

Built-In Thermostats: Allows for more precise temperature control and better energy efficiency
Wheels and Handles: Make it easier to move portable units from room to room
Programmable Timers: Let you schedule cooling times to match your routine
Quiet Operation: Great for bedrooms, nurseries, and home offices
Multi-Function Modes: Some units offer air conditioning, dehumidifying, and fan settings in one unit
Quick Setup: Portable ACs can be up and running in minutes for instant heat relief
Budget: Some portable air conditioners offer dual functionality as both a cooler and a heater, helping you get more value out of a single appliance.

For example, this Newair model provides 14,000 BTUs of cooling power in the summer and efficient heating in the winter, so you can stay comfortable year-round without buying separate units. Dual-use models are a great choice if you’re looking to save space and money while covering multiple climate needs with one product.

Newair AC-14100H

Featured SKU: AC-14100H

With so many options on the market, the best air conditioner isn’t about finding the most expensive or powerful unit. It’s about choosing the one that matches your space and lifestyle.

Shop Newair for the Best Portable Air Conditioner

Looking for an AC unit that checks all the boxes? Newair portable air conditioners are packed with the features that matter most. Shop online to find the model that’s right for you. And while you’re at it, don’t miss our other summer sales, like outdoor misting fans and portable ice makers.

Before you plug in your portable AC, be sure to register your product to take full advantage of Newair’s warranty coverage and outstanding customer support.

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