7 Best Conventional Window Air Conditioners Under $300 in 2026
We compared seven conventional window air conditioners under $300 on room coverage, noise, energy-saving modes, controls and window fit.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 15, 2026
Conventional window air conditioners under $300 hit the sweet spot for most bedrooms and small living rooms. At this price you can get a proven 8,000 BTU unit for rooms up to 350 sq ft, a 6,000 BTU model with sleep and eco modes, or even a 10,000 BTU smart unit. Our list of the best conventional window air conditioners under $300 compares seven of them on room coverage, noise, controls, window fit and warranty. For every size in this category, see our Conventional Window Air Conditioners page.
Every model here was listed under the $300 cap when we checked prices in October 2026. That price band buys you better controls than the budget tier: digital displays, remotes, 24-hour timers and, on three of the seven, app control. All seven use a standard on/off compressor, so the choice comes down to room size, features and fit.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Cooling Capacity | Room Size | Noise | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (LW8024RD) | Overall | 8,000 BTU | Up to 350 sq ft | As low as 53 dB | Auto Restart and 3 fan speeds |
| Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner | Energy-saving modes | 8,000 BTU | Up to 350 sq ft | 54 dBA | Eco and Sleep modes |
| Whirlpool 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner | Bedrooms | 6,000 BTU | Up to 250 sq ft | 55 dB | 1.6 pints per hour dehumidifying |
| Hisense 8,000 BTU Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner | App control | 8,000 BTU | Up to 350 sq ft | 49 dB | 2-year warranty |
| TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner | Most capacity | 10,000 BTU | Up to 450 sq ft | 54 dB | Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Windmill 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner | Easy installation | 6,000 BTU | Up to 250 sq ft | Not listed | Tool-free pre-assembled kit |
| Keystone 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner | Remote thermostat | 8,000 BTU | Up to 350 sq ft | Not listed | Remote that senses room temperature |
| Award | Product | WikiCooling Score About WikiCooling ScoreThe WikiCooling Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on the criteria described on our How We Review page. It reflects research, not laboratory measurement, and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
LG LW8024RD 8,000 BTU Window AC
|
8.3/10 | Buy | |
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
|
8.3/10 | Buy | |
| Best Budget |
Whirlpool 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
|
8.4/10 | Buy |
Hisense 8,000 BTU Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner
|
8.1/10 | Buy | |
| Best Value |
TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
|
8.4/10 | Buy |
Windmill 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
|
7.8/10 | Buy | |
| Best Overall |
Keystone 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
|
9.4/10 | Buy |
LG LW8024RD 8,000 BTU Window AC
For medium-sized rooms up to 350 square feet, this LG window air conditioner combines quiet operation with practical features. Its 4-way air deflection and three cooling speeds allow customized airflow, while the auto restart function ensures comfort after power outages. The included remote and washable filter add convenience, making it a solid choice for bedrooms or living areas.
Pros
- Quiet operation as low as 53 dB
- Auto restart after power outage
- Washable filter for easy maintenance
- Remote control included
- 4-way air deflection for targeted cooling
Cons
- No inverter technology (on/off compressor)
- Moderate energy efficiency (SEER 11.4)
- Heavy unit at 57 pounds
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
With 8,000 BTU of cooling power and coverage for up to 350 sq ft, this Frigidaire window AC suits small bedrooms and compact living spaces. It includes three fan speeds, 6-way airflow, Eco Mode, Sleep Mode, and a washable filter. The 55 db noise level and remote control make it a practical mid-range choice for everyday cooling.
Pros
- Covers rooms up to 350 sq ft
- Three fan speeds and 6-way airflow
- Eco Mode and Sleep Mode save energy
- Washable filter has cleaning reminders
- Remote control and 24-hour timer
Cons
- Washable filter requires periodic maintenance
Whirlpool 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Whirlpool's 6,000 BTU window air conditioner delivers reliable cooling for rooms up to 250 square feet, with built-in dehumidification and programmable timer for customized comfort. Three cooling speeds, Eco and Sleep modes, and a remote control make it versatile for bedrooms or small living spaces.
Pros
- Cools up to 250 sq. ft.
- Dehumidifier function included.
- Programmable 24-hour timer.
- Remote control included.
- Auto-restart after power failure.
Cons
- No inverter compressor (on/off cycling).
- No smart home compatibility.
- No heat mode (cooling only).
Hisense 8,000 BTU Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner
With Wi-Fi control via the ConnectLife app, this Hisense 8,000 BTU window unit lets you cool a room up to 350 square feet before you arrive. It also includes a remote and electronic touch controls, plus three modes including dehumidifier (21.6 pints/day) and 4-way air direction for even comfort. A 2-year warranty and washable filter add long-term value.
Pros
- Wi-Fi and app control
- Remote and touch controls
- Three modes including dehumidifier
- Even airflow with 4-way direction
- Washable filter and 2-year warranty
Cons
- No inverter compressor (on/off cycling)
- Heavy at 45.4 pounds for installation
TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
Combining cooling, fan, and dehumidifier functions, this window AC serves rooms up to 450 square feet. Smart connectivity via the TCL Home app and voice assistants makes it easy to adjust settings, while Sleep and Eco modes help manage energy use. It fits well for those who want a connected, multi-functional window unit with moderate noise levels.
Pros
- Powerful enough for medium rooms
- Three functions in one unit
- Smart app and voice controls
- Energy-saving Sleep and Eco modes
- Washable filter reduces maintenance
Cons
- Noise level of 54 dB may be audible
- Heavy at 48.5 pounds for installation
- Not an inverter model for variable speed
Windmill 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
Designed for small rooms up to 250 sq ft, this window AC features a unique 45° airflow angle for efficient cooling. It offers app and voice control, double-insulating panels for energy savings, and tool-free installation. Best for users who prioritize smart features and a sleek design.
Pros
- Sleek, modern design
- App and voice control
- Easy tool-free installation
- Energy-saving insulation
Cons
- Heavy at 58 pounds, may need two people
- No inverter compressor (on/off cycling)
- Eco mode may reduce cooling effectiveness
Keystone 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
This 8,000 BTU window air conditioner from Keystone is designed for rooms up to 350 square feet, making it a solid choice for apartments, dorm rooms, and small living spaces. It includes a built-in dehumidifier that removes up to 2.1 pints of moisture per hour, and its remote control features a follow-me thermostat for more accurate temperature sensing. Energy-saving modes like Sleep and Energy Saver help keep operating costs down.
Pros
- Cools rooms up to 350 sq. ft.
- Remote with follow-me thermostat
- Washable filter with alert
- Energy-saving modes
- Easy installation with included kit
Cons
- No inverter compressor
- Heavy at 51 pounds
- Dehumidifier function not standalone
Top 3 Conventional Window Air Conditioners Under $300 Reviewed
#1 LG LW8024RD 8,000 BTU Window AC: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
The LG LW8024RD combines the right size for most rooms with the biggest base of buyer feedback in this group, a 4.3 rating from 407 ratings. It is rated for rooms up to 350 sq ft (about 14 by 25 feet), which covers a large bedroom, a home office or a small living room. LG lists it as low as 53 dB on low mode.
The controls are straightforward and complete: electronic controls on the unit, a remote, three cooling and fan speeds and an Auto Cool mode. Auto Restart turns the unit back on after a power outage at the settings you left it on, which matters if you cool a room for a pet or while you are away. The washable filter has a reminder light, and the kit fits windows 22 to 36 inches wide with a 13 inch minimum opening.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 350 sq ft
- Noise Level: As low as 53 dB (low mode)
- Controls: Electronic panel and remote, 3 cooling and fan speeds
- Window Fit: 22″ to 36″ wide, 13″ minimum height
- Weight: 57 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
The listing gives 53 dB in the feature text and 54 dB in the specifications, so expect it around the middle of this group for noise. At 57 pounds it is one of the heavier units here, so plan on two people for the install. The listed SEER of 11.4 is typical for a non-inverter unit.
Best For
This unit is best for a bedroom or living room of 250 to 350 sq ft where you want a proven, simple air conditioner with a remote.
Check the current price and availability of the LG LW8024RD 8,000 BTU Window AC on Amazon.
Read our full LG LW8024RD 8,000 BTU Window AC review.
#2 Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner: Best for Energy-Saving Modes
Why We Picked It
The Frigidaire covers the same 350 sq ft as the LG and adds more ways to save power. Eco Mode holds a comfortable temperature with less energy, and Sleep Mode raises the set point gradually overnight, so the unit works less while you sleep. A 24-hour timer and a Dry Mode for humid days round out the controls. It has a 4.3 rating from 213 ratings.
It also gives you more control over airflow than most units here, with 6-way directional airflow and three fan speeds. Frigidaire lists it at 54 dBA, the remote is included, and Clean Filter alerts tell you when to wash the dust filter. The title lists Auto Restart as well.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 8,000 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 350 sq ft
- Noise Level: 54 dBA
- Modes: Cool, Eco, Sleep, Dry; 3 fan speeds
- Controls: Remote, 24-hour timer
- Airflow: 6-way directional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
The listing gives 54 dBA in the feature text and 55 dB in the specifications. The window fit range and weight are not listed on this product page, so check the manual for the opening size before you buy.
Best For
This unit is best for a bedroom or small living room up to 350 sq ft where you want sleep and eco modes to keep running costs down.
Check the current price and availability of the Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner review.
#3 Whirlpool 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner: Best for Bedrooms
Why We Picked It
The Whirlpool WHAW061CW is the pick for a bedroom of up to 250 sq ft. It has a 4.4 rating from 80 ratings, the best score here among units with more than a few dozen ratings, and a full set of bedroom features: Sleep Mode, Eco Mode, a programmable 24-hour on/off timer and a remote. The electronic panel has a digital display, and 8-way air louvers let you aim the air away from the bed.
It also removes up to 1.6 pints of moisture per hour, which helps on humid nights. Auto-Restart brings it back on after a power failure, and a Clean Alert reminds you to wash or replace the filter. The listing gives an EER of 12.2, the best efficiency figure among the units here.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 6,000 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 250 sq ft
- Noise Level: 55 dB
- Modes: Cool, Eco, Sleep; 3 cooling speeds
- Dehumidification: 1.6 pints per hour
- Window Fit: 23″ to 36″ wide, 14.5″ minimum height
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
The 14.5 inch minimum opening is taller than the LG’s 13 inches, so measure the raised sash. At 44.1 pounds it is easier to lift than the 8,000 BTU units here.
Best For
This unit is best for a bedroom up to 250 sq ft where you want sleep mode, a timer and dehumidifying in one unit.
Check the current price and availability of the Whirlpool 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full Whirlpool 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner review.
Other Models Worth Considering
Hisense 8,000 BTU Wi-Fi Window Air Conditioner (AAW08CW26). This is the quietest unit here on paper at 49 dB, and it has the ConnectLife app, a remote and a touch panel. It offers cooling, fan and dehumidifier modes with four-way air direction, and it carries a 2-year warranty, double the usual one year. It covers up to 350 sq ft but has only a small number of ratings so far.
TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner (H10W35W). It is the only 10,000 BTU unit under $300 in our data, rated for rooms up to 450 sq ft. It works with the TCL Home app, Alexa, Google Assistant and the included remote, and it has Sleep and Eco modes. The kit fits windows 26 to 36 inches wide with a 14.5 inch minimum opening. The listing shows no rating count yet, so there is little buyer feedback to judge it by.
Windmill 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (W1W12). Windmill’s install kit comes pre-assembled and needs no tools, and double-insulating side panels help keep cool air in and outside noise out. It has app and voice control, a washable mesh filter with an optional activated carbon filter, three cooling settings and three fan speeds. It has a 3.9 rating from 391 ratings, but it weighs 58 pounds, heavy for a 6,000 BTU unit.
Keystone 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner (KSTAW08DE). Its remote measures the temperature where you are and sends it to the unit every three minutes, so it cools to the spot you sit rather than the window. It covers 350 sq ft, removes up to 2.1 pints of moisture per hour and has Energy Saver and Sleep modes. Keystone covers parts and labor for one year and the sealed system for four more.
What to Expect from Conventional Window Air Conditioners Under $300
Near the top of this budget you mostly get 8,000 BTU units for rooms up to 350 sq ft, plus feature-rich 6,000 BTU models. Digital controls, remotes, timers and sleep modes are standard at this price, and some units add Wi-Fi. Inverter compressors are still uncommon here, and most inverter window units we track cost a little more.
Prices change often during the cooling season. All seven picks were at or under $300 when we checked, and the product cards show the current price. If you have a little more room in the budget, our guide to 8,000 BTU conventional window air conditioners covers the full size class at every price.
How to Choose a Conventional Window Air Conditioner Under $300
Size the Unit to the Room
Pick the capacity first. ENERGY STAR publishes this general guide for sizing a room air conditioner by floor area:
| Room Size (sq ft) | Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr) |
|---|---|
| 100 to 150 | 5,000 |
| 150 to 250 | 6,000 |
| 250 to 300 | 7,000 |
| 300 to 350 | 8,000 |
| 350 to 400 | 9,000 |
| 400 to 450 | 10,000 |
| 450 to 550 | 12,000 |
| 550 to 700 | 14,000 |
| 700 to 1,000 | 18,000 |
Reduce capacity by 10 percent for a heavily shaded room, increase it by 10 percent for a very sunny room, and add 600 BTU for each regular occupant beyond two. Source: ENERGY STAR.
Check the Window Opening and Weight
Kits in this group fit windows from 22 to 36 inches wide, but minimum opening heights run from 13 to 14.5 inches. The 8,000 BTU units weigh 45 to 57 pounds, so plan on help with the install and use a support bracket if your sill is shallow.
Pick Controls That Fit How You Use the Room
For a bedroom, a sleep mode and a timer do more than Wi-Fi. If you want to cool the room before you get home, the Hisense, TCL and Windmill units offer app control. A remote with a built-in temperature sensor, like the Keystone’s, helps when the unit is far from where you sit.
Look at Efficiency and Warranty
Listed efficiency ranges from a SEER of 10.9 to an EER of 12.2 in this group. Warranty terms also differ: most give one year, Hisense gives two, and Keystone adds four years on the sealed system.
How We Evaluate Conventional Window Air Conditioners
We rank conventional window air conditioners on manufacturer specifications, listing details and aggregated buyer ratings. For this list we kept only units listed at or under $300 and weighed room coverage and buyer feedback first, giving more weight to ratings backed by more buyers. We then compared noise, controls, energy features, window fit, weight and warranty. Where a listing gives two different figures for the same spec, we note both and use the more conservative one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8,000 BTU enough for a living room?
For a living room up to about 350 sq ft, yes. Larger or very sunny rooms need 10,000 BTU or more, which the TCL in this list offers for up to 450 sq ft.
Which unit under $300 is the quietest?
On paper, the Hisense 8,000 BTU at 49 dB. The LG lists 53 dB on low and the Frigidaire 54 dBA. Noise figures are measured by each maker, so treat small gaps with caution.
Do I need Wi-Fi on a window air conditioner?
No, but it is useful if you want to cool a room before you arrive or adjust it from bed. A remote and a 24-hour timer cover most daily needs.
Do these units plug into a normal outlet?
Yes. They are 115V units that plug into a standard household outlet. Use a wall outlet rather than an extension cord, and keep other large appliances off the same circuit.
Final Verdict
The LG LW8024RD 8,000 BTU Window AC is the best conventional window air conditioner under $300 for most rooms, with 350 sq ft of coverage, Auto Restart and the largest base of buyer ratings in the group. If you want to save on running costs, the Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner adds Eco and Sleep modes and 6-way airflow. For a bedroom up to 250 sq ft, the Whirlpool 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner has the best listed efficiency, a sleep mode and a timer. Measure the room and the window first, then pick the unit that matches both.
About the author
Daniel Brooks is a home cooling editor at WikiCooling, covering window, portable, through-the-wall and mini-split air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers. He researches cooling capacity, energy efficiency, noise levels, installation requirements, and buyer feedback to help homeowners choose the right unit for their room size, climate, and budget.