If you're tired of waking up cranky and sweaty in the warmer months, it's time to invest in an air conditioner. The best air conditioners for bedrooms provide enough cooling power, run quietly, and maintain a consistently cool, dry environment without making the room feel damp, clammy, or overly cold overnight.
We've tested over 20 air conditioners, and below are our recommendations for the best window and best portable air conditioners for bedrooms based on performance, noise, and efficiency. Using our lab testing and scoring, here's a quick guide to what matters most:
- 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 perform better than 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 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 Room8.6Inside Noise9.3Oversizing Tolerance9.1TypeWindow A/CAdvertised Coverage350 ft² (33 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)8,000 BTU/hrTested Capacity7,516 BTU/hr (2,204 W)See all our test resultsCompressor TechnologyInverterIf your living situation allows for a window-mounted A/C, the Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10A is the best air conditioner for bedroom use that we've tested. Its cooling capacity of more than 7,500 BTU/hr can quickly cool all but the largest primary bedrooms, making it a strong choice if you need reliable cooling before bed. The CCV08A10A has an inverter compressor. In practical terms, that means it'll 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 inefficiently cycle its compressor on and off to maintain your desired temperature. It's quiet too. When hearing it indoors, operating noise is exceptionally low; setting the fan speed to its lowest level produces an operating noise hardly any louder than a dishwasher, making it a stellar choice for sensitive sleepers.
This unit also features Wi-Fi connectivity and a remote control, so you can adjust your desired temperature without rolling out of bed. There are a few minor downsides, however. Nearby neighbors who leave their own windows open at night might be unimpressed with 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. Installation can also 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 Room7.7Inside Noise7.5Oversizing Tolerance7.6TypeWindow A/CAdvertised Coverage150 ft² (14 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)5,000 BTU/hrTested Capacity4,809 BTU/hr (1,410 W)See all our test resultsCompressor TechnologyNon-InverterIf you have a smaller bedroom to cool and don't want to spend quite as much, the Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 is worth a look. This unit has a cooling capacity of just below 5,000 BTU/hr, making it best suited for average home and apartment bedrooms rather than larger suites, especially if you only need to cool the room before bed or while you sleep. Compared to the Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10A, this Frigidaire takes roughly 30% longer to chill an equivalently sized room. The other main disadvantage it has over the pricier window unit is the Frigidaire unit's fixed-speed compressor: it'll actually have a slightly bigger impact on your monthly energy bill than the higher-powered, faster-cooling Friedrich. That simpler compressor also results in more distracting operating noise, as it constantly cycles on and off to maintain your desired temperature, though actual operating noise remains low enough to keep you from waking up overnight unless you're a particularly sensitive sleeper.
With all that said, the Frigidaire does a good job of keeping smaller bedrooms consistently cool through the night, but the compressor cycling on and off to maintain your desired temperature can make the air feel a smidge damp at times. Unlike the Friedrich, there's no Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can't run the appliance from your smartphone, but you can keep the included remote control on your nightstand to change settings without walking over to your window in the dead of night. This unit is also compatible with a MERV-14 filter to filter airborne particulates from the cold air being blown into your room, which can be useful if allergies tend to bother you while sleeping.
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Best Budget Bedroom Air Conditioner
Bedroom/Small Room7.3Inside Noise6.9Oversizing Tolerance7.2TypeWindow A/CAdvertised Coverage250 ft² (23 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)5,000 BTU/hrTested Capacity4,622 BTU/hr (1,355 W)See all our test resultsCompressor TechnologyNon-InverterIf you're still on a tighter budget, the Frigidaire FFRA051WAE is worth a look. It's actually very similar in performance to the Frigidaire FHWC054TE1, with both units having similar cooling capacity and thus being mainly suitable for smaller bedrooms or compact sleeping spaces. The main difference between them lies in the user experience. Unlike the pricier FHWC054TE1's snazzy (if hard to read) digital thermostat, which lets you set the desired temperature yourself, the FFRA051WAE uses a less precise mechanical thermostat with physical dials that only offer loosely defined temperature presets and fan speed settings. The FFRA051WAE also lacks a remote control, so you'll need to get out of bed and walk over to the appliance if those settings aren't quite to your liking during the night.
It'll do a fantastic job of keeping smaller bedrooms consistently cool while you sleep, but you may find your bedroom to feel uncomfortably clammy every now and then as its fixed-speed compressor cycles on and off. This unit is also a little more distracting than other models on this list in use, with a fan that produces an audible 'whoosh' that can be distracting for more sensitive sleepers.
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Best Portable Air Conditioner For Larger Bedrooms
Bedroom/Small Room7.8Inside Noise8.6Oversizing Tolerance8.4TypeDual-Hose Portable A/CAdvertised Coverage550 ft² (51 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)10,000 BTU/hrTested Capacity7,533 BTU/hr (2,209 W)See all our test resultsCompressor TechnologyInverterIf your home or apartment doesn't allow for a window-mounted cooling solution and you need to cool a larger sleeping space, the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL is the best portable air conditioner for bedroom use that we've tested. On paper, this unit's advertised 10,000 BTU/hr output outguns the 8,000 BTU/hr Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10A, but in the real world, the two units have near-identical cooling performance; they'll both chill the air in the same bedroom in virtually the same amount of time. That's entirely a consequence of the Midea unit's portable design: with a portable A/C, the hot compressor is located inside the same room it's cooling. This slows its cooling rate and forces the unit to work harder to offset this bump in temperature, and you'll notice the difference in your monthly energy bill when running the unit overnight during warmer months.
Of course, while the Midea is less efficient than the Friedrich, it's still a very effective option for large bedrooms where a window unit isn't practical or permitted. Its inverter compressor also helps keep the air consistently cool and dry, so you won't wake up feeling unpleasantly clammy and damp. 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, unlike the window-mounted Friedrich that isolates you from compressor noise, you'll occasionally hear the faint chatter from the Midea's inverter compressor, which is likely to be a distraction for light sleepers.
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Best Portable Air Conditioner For Smaller Bedrooms
Bedroom/Small Room7.4Inside Noise8.8Oversizing Tolerance7.5TypeDual-Hose Portable A/CAdvertised Coverage350 ft² (33 m²)Advertised Capacity (DOE)8,000 BTU/hrTested Capacity6,675 BTU/hr (1,958 W)See all our test resultsCompressor TechnologyInverterIf you need a portable A/C for a smaller bedroom, the Hisense Tower HIAP0825TWD is also worth considering. Its biggest advantage is its slim tower-style design, which makes it easier to place beside a bed, dresser, or window without taking up as much floor space as many boxier portable models. It's also very quiet for a portable A/C, and its inverter compressor helps maintain steady temperature and humidity levels, so your bedroom is less likely to feel cold and clammy while you sleep. You can also adjust settings from bed using the included remote or companion smartphone app.
There are some trade-offs. The Hisense has a lower tested cooling capacity than the Midea Duo MAP12S1TBL, so it isn't the better choice for large primary bedrooms or users who want the strongest portable cooling performance. Like most portable A/Cs, it's also less efficient than a comparable window unit, and its energy use remains fairly high during extended operation. It also isn't meaningfully cheaper than the Midea, despite being the less powerful option.
Notable Mentions
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Midea MAW12HV1CWT:
The Midea MAW12HV1CWT is a high-end window A/C with an inverter compressor. It can cool an equivalently sized space faster than the Friedrich Chill Premier Inverter CCV08A10A due to its higher cooling capacity, but it also consumes more power and makes more noise.
See our review -
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, though it's also louder and less efficient. It delivers near-identical performance to the Midea MAW12HV1CWT, but with a U-shaped body that allows you to open your bedroom window with it installed.
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 12,000 BTU/hr capacity. It's a good alternative for large bedrooms, but it also does a worse job of maintaining consistently cool, dry conditions.
See our review
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 while struggling 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 become frustrating if it repeatedly wakes you during the 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 instead of loudly cycling on and off 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. 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.