If you're tired of waking up cranky and sweaty throughout the night, it's time to invest in an air conditioner for your bedroom. The best air conditioners for bedrooms provide enough cooling capacity for your bedroom's size, run quietly enough to avoid disturbing your sleep, and maintain a consistently cool, dry environment without making the room feel damp overnight. Since not all living situations allow for window units, we've included both window and portable options to help you find the best A/C for your needs.
We've tested over 25 air conditioners, and below are our recommendations for the best bedroom air conditioners across different budgets. We've included both window and portable models, since installation requirements can be just as important as cooling performance, noise, and efficiency when choosing an A/C for your bedroom.
- Cooling Capacity: A tested cooling capacity of around 5,000 BTU/hr is enough for bedrooms measuring 150 ft² or less, and 8,000 BTU/hr is sufficient for very large bedrooms measuring up to 350 ft². The right size is key; too small will struggle to cool your space, and too large can leave the room feeling cold and clammy.
- A/C Type: Window units cool more efficiently and quietly since the compressor sits outside. Portable units are easier to install but less efficient overall. Dual-hose models outperform single-hose designs and are the better choice if you need a portable model for regular overnight use.
- Compressor Type: Inverter compressors are quieter and maintain more stable temperatures. For bedrooms, quiet operation and good temperature consistency matter just as much as maximum cooling power.
For more details, check out our full buying guide below. If you're shopping for alternatives, see our recommendations for the best portable air conditioners, the best window air conditioners, and the best air conditioners.
Behind all of our air conditioner recommendations are our product reviews. We buy our own air conditioners directly from major retailers and have our team rigorously test them in our lab. The result? Robust data on features you care about, like cooling capacity and inside noise, which you can then compare across the over 20 models we've tested.
If this sounds cool to you, you'll definitely want to read more in our About Us.
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Best Bedroom Air Conditioner
Bedroom/Small Room8.0Inside Noise8.6Stability9.5TypeDual-Hose Portable A/CAdvertised Coverage550 ft² (51 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)10,000 BTU/hrCompressor TechnologyInverterSee all our test resultsEfficiency When Cooling7.4The Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL is the best air conditioner for bedroom use that we've tested. This powerful portable A/C has enough cooling capacity to handle even the largest bedrooms, including spacious primary suites. Its portable design also makes it much easier to install and position in your bedroom, since you don't have to mount the entire unit in your window. Despite its high cooling capacity, its inverter compressor can adjust its output once the room reaches your desired temperature, helping prevent smaller bedrooms from becoming unpleasantly cold or clammy. You can also operate the Midea from your bed via your smartphone or with voice commands made through Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. It's also amazingly quiet while in operation and is unlikely to wake you in the middle of the night, which is especially important if you're using it in a primary bedroom or other sleeping space. That said, you'll occasionally hear the faint chatter from the Midea's inverter compressor, which could be a distraction for light sleepers.
One of the main drawbacks of any portable A/C is efficiency. Since the hot compressor is located inside the same room it's cooling, the unit has to work harder to maintain your desired temperature, resulting in higher energy consumption and a bigger impact on your monthly utility bill. Its bulky footprint also occupies a lot of floor space, though at least it features a two-in-one hose design to facilitate installation.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Bedroom Air Conditioner
Bedroom/Small Room8.6Inside Noise9.3Stability9.7TypeWindow A/CAdvertised Coverage350 ft² (33 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)8,000 BTU/hrCompressor TechnologyInverterSee all our test resultsEfficiency When Cooling8.3If you can install a window A/C and don't mind giving up some cooling power and installation flexibility, the Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10A is an excellent choice for your bedroom. It's quieter and more energy-efficient than the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL, though its lower cooling capacity means it won't cool larger bedrooms quite as quickly. Unlike the portable Midea, it also requires a suitable window that can support the unit, which may not be an option in some apartments or rental properties. That said, its tested cooling capacity is still more than sufficient to cool the overwhelming majority of bedrooms. Its inverter compressor also helps keep your bedroom consistently cool and dry overnight while consuming less power than cheaper alternatives with fixed-speed compressors, since this model won't have to cycle its compressor on and off inefficiently to maintain your desired temperature.
Nearby neighbors who leave their own windows open at night might be unimpressed by the outdoor operating noise: the compressor outside your window produces a high-pitched chatter when the A/C enters a cooling cycle, which is typical for inverter units. This unit also features Wi-Fi connectivity and a remote control, so you can adjust the temperature to your desired setting without rolling out of bed. Installation can unfortunately be a bit of a challenge. At over 50 lbs, this unit weighs more than comparable models, so you'll likely find it helpful to enlist a friend to help lift it up and mount it in place.
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Best Mid-Range Bedroom Air Conditioner
Bedroom/Small Room8.4Inside Noise9.1Stability9.7TypeWindow A/CAdvertised Coverage250 ft² (23 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)6,000 BTU/hrCompressor TechnologyInverterSee all our test resultsEfficiency When Cooling8.0If you're looking to spend less than the Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10A without sacrificing much in performance, the LG LW6023IVSM is a great option for your bedroom. Despite its lower advertised cooling capacity, it performs similarly to the Friedrich, making it powerful enough for most bedrooms, including larger primary suites. Its inverter compressor does an excellent job of keeping temperature and humidity levels consistent throughout the night, so you won't wake up feeling too warm or unpleasantly clammy. It's also exceptionally quiet, even while actively cooling, which makes it a great fit for light sleepers. Like the Friedrich, it supports Wi-Fi connectivity and comes with a remote, so you can adjust the temperature or fan speed without getting out of bed.
The main drawback is its bulky design. It's actually larger and heavier than the pricier Friedrich, despite its lower advertised cooling capacity, which can make installation and seasonal removal especially challenging if you're doing it alone. It also uses slightly more energy than the Friedrich, though it's still very efficient overall.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Bedroom Air Conditioner
Bedroom/Small Room6.3Inside Noise4.4Stability7.8TypeSingle-Hose Portable A/CAdvertised Coverage215 ft² (20 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)4,000 BTU/hrCompressor TechnologyNon-InverterSee all our test resultsEfficiency When Cooling5.1If you need the flexibility of a portable A/C for your bedroom but the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL is out of your price range, consider the SereneLife SLPAC8. Like the Midea, it's easier to install and move around than a window-mounted unit, which makes it a good option if your building doesn't allow window A/Cs. It's also fairly feature-rich for a unit this basic, with a remote so you can adjust settings without getting out of bed, along with a dedicated dehumidification mode for humid days when you don't need full cooling.
However, its cooling capacity is far lower than the Midea Duo's, so it'll take much longer to cool an equivalently sized bedroom and is best suited to smaller spaces. It's also less efficient than most window A/Cs, like the Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10A and the LG LW6023IVSM, using a surprising amount of energy for its cooling output because of its single-hose design and fixed-speed compressor. It's rather noisy, too. The compressor cycling on and off can be disruptive, and it occasionally produces brief, loud bursts of noise that could wake lighter sleepers in the middle of the night. There's also no Wi-Fi or companion app, so you can't adjust its settings from your phone.
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Best Budget Bedroom Air Conditioner
Bedroom/Small Room7.8Inside Noise6.8Stability8.4TypeWindow A/CAdvertised Coverage150 ft² (14 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)5,000 BTU/hrCompressor TechnologyNon-InverterSee all our test resultsEfficiency When Cooling8.5If you only need to cool a small bedroom, the Midea MAW05M1BWT is a good budget-friendly option. It doesn't have the cooling power of the pricier LG LW6023IVSM, but it's still capable of keeping smaller bedrooms comfortably cool. Despite its basic non-inverter compressor, it does a very good job of maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels once your room has cooled down, so you shouldn't notice swings between feeling too warm and too cold while you sleep. Its compact, lightweight design also makes it much easier to fit into a smaller bedroom window and remove for storage when summer ends, especially compared to the much bulkier LG.
That said, it isn't particularly quiet. Its fan stays noticeable even at the lowest setting, and you'll hear the compressor cycling on and off, which could bother light sleepers. It's also a pretty basic unit in terms of features. Its mechanical thermostat doesn't let you choose an exact temperature, and there's no remote or app support, so you'll need to get out of bed to make adjustments during the night.
Notable Mentions
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Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT:
The Midea U-Shaped MAW12V1QWT is another high-end window A/C with an inverter compressor. Compared to the Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10A, it has a higher cooling capacity but is also louder and less efficient.
See our review -
Whynter NEX ARC-1230WN:
The Whynter NEX ARC-1230WN is a high-end dual-hose portable A/C. It's a rebranded, slightly modified variant of the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL with a higher capacity of 12,000 BTU/hr. It's a good alternative for large bedrooms, but it also does a worse job of maintaining consistently cool, dry conditions.
See our review -
Dreo Portable Air Conditioner 740S:
The Dreo Portable Air Conditioner 740S is a good alternative to the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL if you want a more powerful portable AC with a smaller footprint. That said, the Midea is quieter, more energy-efficient, and much cheaper.
See our review -
Hisense HLAW0825TW:
The Hisense HLAW0825TW is a quiet and efficient window A/C for bedrooms. However, the LG LW6023IVSM does a much better job of maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels overnight.
See our review -
EpiCooler:
The EpiCooler is a popular product marketed as an air conditioner, but it can't actually cool your bedroom. It works more like a small fan, so it's no substitute for a proper A/C on hot nights.
See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 19, 2026:
We restructured our recommendations and added the LG LW6023IVSM and Midea MAW05M1BWT as new picks, removed the discontinued Hisense Tower HIAP0825TWD, and updated our existing recommendations. We also added the Dreo Portable Air Conditioner 740S, Hisense HLAW0825TW, and EpiCooler to the Notable Mentions.
Sep 16, 2026:
We recategorized the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL as the 'Best Portable Bedroom Air Conditioner,' the Hisense Tower HIAP0825TWD as the 'Best Mid-Range Portable Bedroom Air Conditioner,' and the Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 as the 'Best Mid-Range Bedroom Air Conditioner' picks due to current product pricing. We've also added the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE as the new 'Best Budget Bedroom Air Conditioner' pick and the SereneLife SLPAC8 as the new 'Best Budget Portable Bedroom Air Conditioner' pick.
Aug 12, 2026:
We've made minor text adjustments to further clarify product details. We've also made sure all our main picks are still available.
Jun 22, 2026:
We expanded the buying guide with more bedroom-specific guidance and added the Hisense Tower HIAP0825TWD to the portable A/C section as an option for smaller bedrooms.
What To Consider When Choosing An A/C For Bedrooms
There are a few main factors to consider when shopping for a bedroom A/C. Beyond cooling power, you'll want a unit that runs quietly, uses energy efficiently, and keeps the room feeling cool and dry throughout the night.
Cooling Capacity
While these guidelines aren't set in stone, they can help you determine whether an A/C unit is appropriately sized for your bedroom:
| Cooling Capacity | Recommended Room Size |
|---|---|
| 5,000 BTU/hr | Generally suitable for bedrooms up to 150 ft² (13.9 m²) |
| 8,000 BTU/hr | Generally suitable for bedrooms up to 350 ft² (32.5 m²) |
| 10,000 BTU/hr | Generally suitable for bedrooms up to 450 ft² (41.8 m²) |
| 12,000 BTU/hr | Generally suitable for bedrooms up to 550 ft² (51.1 m²) |
Buying an A/C that's too small for your room will force it to run almost constantly, increasing wear and tear, and it will struggle to cool the space before bedtime. On the other hand, an oversized unit can raise your energy costs and may cool the room faster than it removes moisture, leaving your bedroom feeling cold and clammy instead of cool and dry.
Noise Level
Noise is one of the most important considerations for a bedroom A/C, especially if you're a light sleeper. Even a powerful unit can be frustrating if it repeatedly wakes you at night.
- Window-mounted units are often quieter indoors because the compressor sits outside.
- Portable units keep the compressor inside the room, so they're generally more noticeable in operation.
- Inverter-equipped models are also worth considering, as they can adjust cooling output gradually rather than cycling on and off loudly overnight.
If you're particularly sensitive to noise, pay close attention to measured indoor operating noise rather than relying solely on manufacturer claims.
Energy Efficiency
Bedroom air conditioners are often used for long periods, especially overnight during the summer, so energy efficiency can have a meaningful impact on operating costs.
- Window units also tend to be more efficient than portable models because the hot compressor sits outside the room being cooled.
- Portable units are easier to install, but they generally use more energy since the compressor remains inside the room.
If you expect to run your A/C every night, investing in a more efficient model can help reduce electricity costs over time.
Temperature And Humidity Consistency
Cooling speed isn't the only factor that affects comfort while sleeping. A good bedroom A/C should also maintain stable temperatures and remove enough moisture from the air to keep the room comfortable throughout the night.
- Fixed-speed compressors can produce more noticeable temperature swings because they repeatedly cycle on and off.
- Oversized units may cool the room quickly but fail to remove enough moisture, leaving the space feeling damp or clammy.
A/C Design
We buy and test both window-mounted and portable units, which each have their own strengths and weaknesses. For bedroom use, the biggest differences usually come down to installation, efficiency, and indoor noise.
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Portable Units
- Can be moved and installed relatively easily.
- The hot compressor is inside the room that it's cooling, increasing energy consumption and reducing cooling performance.
- Single-hose models are less efficient and less effective than dual-hose models.
- Single-hose models suck in indoor air to cool the compressor, which then draws in warm air from outside, forcing the machine to work harder.
- Dual-hose models have a secondary intake hose for cooling the compressor that leads outside, allowing them to cool the compressor without generating this negative air pressure effect, resulting in faster, more power-efficient cooling.
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Window Units
- The hot compressor is outside the room that it's cooling, lowering energy consumption and improving performance even compared to higher-end dual-hose portable units.
- Seasonal installation and removal can be a hassle, especially for larger, heavier high-capacity units.
- Not permitted in all apartments and might not fit all windows.
Compressor Design
In most household air conditioners, you'll encounter one of two compressor styles: fixed-speed and inverter-controlled.
Fixed-Speed Compressors
- Typically found on cheaper units.
- Relatively inefficient, since this style of compressor cycles on and off to maintain your desired temperature.
- Can result in less consistent temperature and humidity levels.
- May be more noticeable overnight, as the compressor repeatedly starts and stops.
- Can leave your bedroom feeling cool but slightly damp or clammy, especially if the unit is oversized for the space.
Inverter Compressors
- Generally found on more expensive models.
- Can run consistently at a lower speed to maintain your desired temperature instead of cycling on and off.
- Consumes less power, produces less distracting operating noise, and keeps the air in your bedroom cool and dry rather than cold and damp.
- Usually a better fit for overnight use, since it maintains steadier temperature and humidity levels.
- Introduces a higher number of potential failure points.
All Reviews
The recommendations above are among the best air conditioning units for bedrooms for most people, including the best portable air conditioner for bedroom use. We factor in price, visitor feedback, and availability.
That said, there's no single best option that'll suit everybody; your needs will depend on your budget, the size of the space you're trying to cool, your tolerance for operating noise, and whether you like having a device with convenience features like Wi-Fi connectivity. If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our A/C reviews.