6 Best Cooling-Only Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners of 2026
We compared six cooling-only through-the-wall air conditioners on cooling capacity, room size, power needs, noise, sleeve fit and controls.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 18, 2026
A cooling-only through-the-wall air conditioner is the simplest way to cool a room permanently without giving up a window. It slides into a sleeve in an exterior wall, vents heat out the back, and skips the electric heat strip that combination units carry, which keeps the price and the power draw down. Our list of the best cooling-only through-the-wall air conditioners compares six of them on cooling capacity, room size, power needs, noise, sleeve fit and controls. To browse every model we cover, visit our Cooling-Only Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners page.
Every pick here is a true wall chassis rather than a window unit, so the side vents stay inside the sleeve. The list covers standard 115 volt units for bedrooms and offices as well as a 230 volt model for large living rooms, with smart and sleeve-included options in between.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Cooling Capacity | Room Size | Noise | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner | Overall | 9,800 BTU | Up to 440 sq ft | 56 dB | EER 10.7, 115V |
| TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner | Smart control | 10,000 BTU | Up to 450 sq ft | 51 dB | App, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted Air Conditioner | Large rooms | 14,000 BTU | Up to 700 sq ft | 61.5 dB | Remote reads room temperature |
| Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner | Quiet bedrooms | 10,000 BTU | Up to 450 sq ft | 54 dB | 8-way louvers, 2 year warranty |
| OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner | New openings | 8,300 BTU/h | Small rooms | 49.5 dB | Wall sleeve included, smart kit |
| Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner | 12,000 BTU on 115V | 12,000 BTU | Medium to large rooms | 59 dB | Air ionizer |
| 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 › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Budget |
LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
|
7.6/10 | Buy |
TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air
|
7.2/10 | Buy | |
| Best Premium |
Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted Air Conditioner
|
Buy | |
| Best Value |
Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner
|
7.8/10 | Buy |
| Best Overall |
OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
|
9.2/10 | Buy |
Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner
|
Buy |
LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
This LG through-the-wall air conditioner delivers 9,800 BTUs of cooling for rooms up to 440 square feet. It offers three cooling and fan speeds, a 4-way air deflection system, and an energy saver mode that cycles the compressor off when the set temperature is reached. A remote control, washable filter, and 24-hour timer add convenience, making it a solid choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and apartments.
Pros
- Three cooling and fan speeds
- 4-way air deflection
- Energy Saver mode
- Washable filter with alert
- Remote control included
Cons
- Wall sleeve not included
- No inverter compressor
- Heavy at 77 pounds
TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air
This through-the-wall air conditioner from TCL delivers 10,000 BTU of cooling for rooms up to 450 sq. ft., making it a solid choice for medium-sized living spaces. It includes smart home compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, plus a remote and app control for convenient temperature adjustments. The unit also features a dehumidifier mode and washable filter, though the sleeve must be purchased separately.
Pros
- Smart voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Dehumidifier mode for humidity control
- Washable and reusable filter
- Multiple fan speeds and airflow directions
- Energy-saving Sleep and Eco modes
Cons
- Wall sleeve not included
- No inverter technology for variable speed
- Noise level of 51 dB may be noticeable
Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted Air Conditioner
A 14,000 BTU wall-mounted unit that cools rooms up to 700 square feet, with a built-in dehumidifier that removes 2.5 pints of moisture per hour. The remote control includes a thermostat that detects the user's position for personalized comfort. Suitable for large apartments, living rooms, or garages where a through-the-wall installation is preferred.
Pros
- Powerful cooling for large spaces
- Built-in dehumidifier
- Smart remote with position-sensing thermostat
- Energy-saving modes
- Washable filter with alert
Cons
- Noise level of 61.5 dB may be noticeable
- Heavy at 78.3 pounds, requires two-person installation
- Some reports of compressor failure after one year
Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner
Designed for standard wall sleeves, this Whirlpool unit delivers 10,000 BTUs of cooling for spaces up to 450 square feet. It also dehumidifies up to 1.2 pints per hour and includes Eco and Sleep modes for energy savings. Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms where a permanent cooling solution is desired.
Pros
- Cools rooms up to 450 sq ft
- Dehumidifies 1.2 pints per hour
- Programmable 24-hour timer
- Remote control for convenient operation
- Washable, easy-clean filter
Cons
- No inverter technology (on/off cycling)
- 54 dB noise level
- Heavy (64.2 lbs) for installation
OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
Offering 8,000 BTU of cooling for medium-sized rooms, this through-the-wall unit includes a wall sleeve and supports smart control via app, remote, or voice. Its self-evaporating system reduces maintenance, and at 49.5 dB it runs quietly. Ideal for apartments, bedrooms, or offices needing a permanent cooling solution.
Pros
- Includes wall sleeve
- Smart app, remote, and voice control
- Self-evaporating system
- Quiet operation at 49.5 dB
- Multiple fan speeds
Cons
- Cooling only, no heat mode
- Non-inverter compressor
- Heavy at 80 pounds
Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner
This through-the-wall air conditioner delivers 12,000 BTU of cooling for rooms up to 550 square feet, making it suitable for living rooms and primary bedrooms. It includes a dehumidifier, remote control, and a washable filter, but requires a separate outdoor unit for installation. Best for those who need a wall-mounted cooling solution with basic convenience features.
Pros
- 12,000 BTU for 550 sq ft rooms
- Includes dehumidifier function
- Remote control included
- Washable filter with alert
- 24-hour timer and sleep mode
Cons
- Requires separate outdoor unit
- No inverter compressor
- Heavy at 75 pounds
Top 3 Cooling-Only Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners Reviewed
#1 LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
The LG LT1016CER has the most ratings of any unit in this guide, a 3.9 average from 590 ratings, and it earns its place with a balanced spec sheet rather than one headline feature. LG rates it at 9,800 BTU for rooms up to 440 square feet, which covers most bedrooms, home offices and small living rooms. It runs on a standard 115 volt outlet and draws 920 watts, so it works in apartments that have no high-voltage receptacle by the sleeve.
Efficiency is a strength. LG lists an EER of 10.7 and uses R-32 refrigerant, and energy saver mode keeps the fan moving but turns the compressor off once the room reaches the set temperature. Three cooling and fan speeds, 4-way air deflection, dry mode, a 24 hour timer, auto restart, a filter reminder and a remote cover everyday use. The 24 inch chassis is designed to fit most universal sleeves, and the box includes a trim kit, a rear mesh grille and insulation foam.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 9,800 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 440 sq ft
- Power: 115 volts, 920 watts
- Efficiency: EER 10.7
- Noise Level: 56 dB
- Weight: 77 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Size your room against the 9,800 BTU figure in LG’s specifications, not the rounded number in the listing title. At 77 pounds, it is a two-person lift into the sleeve.
Best For
This unit is best for renters and owners replacing an older wall unit in a bedroom, office or studio with a normal outlet.
Check the current price and availability of the LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner review.
#2 TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner: Best Smart Pick
Why We Picked It
The TCL H10T9E1-A is the easiest way to add app and voice control to a wall sleeve. It works with the TCL Home app, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can start cooling on the way home, set a schedule or change the temperature from bed. TCL rates it at 10,000 BTU for spaces up to 450 square feet, and it runs on a standard 115 volt outlet with a 980 watt draw.
It is also one of the quieter units here at a listed 51 dB, which makes it a good bedroom choice. Dry, Sleep and Eco modes, low, medium, high and auto fan speeds, 4-way ventilation and a washable filter round out the feature list, and R-32 refrigerant is standard. The one thing to check is the sleeve: TCL lists a compatible sleeve of 26 by 20 by 15.75 inches, which points to the wider 26 inch sleeve class, and no sleeve is included.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 10,000 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 450 sq ft
- Power: 115 volts, 980 watts
- Noise Level: 51 dB
- Smart Control: TCL Home app, Alexa, Google Assistant
- Weight: 65 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Measure your sleeve before ordering. If you have a 24 inch universal sleeve, check TCL’s fit guidance or choose a unit built for that size.
Best For
This unit is best for smart home users who want to schedule or voice-control a bedroom or office wall unit.
Check the current price and availability of the TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner review.
#3 Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted Air Conditioner: Best for Large Rooms
Why We Picked It
The Keystone KSTAT14-2D is the large-room pick, rated at 14,000 BTU for rooms up to 700 square feet. That suits living rooms with a dining area, open-plan apartments, finished basements and garages. It runs on 230 volts and draws 1515 watts, so it needs the matching receptacle, which many apartment sleeves already have.
Its standout feature is the remote. It measures the temperature where you are, shows it on an LCD screen and sends it to the unit every 3 minutes, so the air conditioner cools to the conditions at your seat rather than next to the warm outside wall. The unit also dehumidifies while it cools, and adds energy saver mode, sleep mode, a 24 hour timer and a check filter alert. Keystone backs the sealed system for 4 more years on top of 1 year parts and labor.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 14,000 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 700 sq ft
- Power: 230 volts, 1515 watts
- Noise Level: 61.5 dB
- Dehumidifying: Up to 2.9 pints per hour (feature list)
- Weight: 78.3 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Confirm the outlet beside your sleeve before ordering. This is a living room unit rather than a bedroom unit, because of its size and sound level.
Best For
This unit is best for large living rooms, open-plan apartments and basements with an existing sleeve and a 230 volt outlet.
Check the current price and availability of the Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted Air Conditioner review.
Other Models Worth Considering
Whirlpool 10,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner (WHAT101-1BW). A 115 volt unit for spaces up to 450 square feet with a listed 54 dB, 8-way directional louvers, Eco and Sleep functions and a quick-access filter. It fits sleeves from 24.5 to 27 inches wide, includes a trim kit and rear grille, and carries a 2 year limited warranty. It has a 4.0 rating from 35 ratings.
OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner (OW-A08AC115WF). The only pick here with the wall sleeve in the box, which makes it a complete kit for a new opening. It delivers 8,300 BTU/h on a standard outlet, has a built-in smart kit for app and voice control, and OLMO lists 49.5 dB. It weighs 80 pounds.
Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Wall Air Conditioner (FHTC123WB1). A 12,000 BTU unit that runs on a 115 volt outlet and draws 1220 watts, with a built-in air ionizer, three fan speeds, sleep mode and a 24 hour timer. Frigidaire lists 59 dB. The listing gives few details on sleeve fit, so confirm compatibility before ordering.
What to Expect from Cooling-Only Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners
A wall unit is a permanent fixture. Once it is in, you do not lift it in and out each season, it does not block a window, and it is harder to remove from the outside than a window unit. Cooling-only models skip the heat strip, so they cost less and draw less power than combination units with the same cooling capacity. They suit homes that already have central heat, baseboard heat or a separate heater for winter.
For specific needs, see our guides to 115V through-the-wall air conditioners and smart through-the-wall air conditioners. The product cards show the current price for each unit.
How to Choose a Cooling-Only Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
Size the Unit to the Room
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, add 600 BTU for each regular occupant beyond two, and add 4,000 BTU if the unit cools a kitchen. Source: ENERGY STAR.
Match the Sleeve
Sleeve fit is the most common source of trouble. LG, Keystone, Whirlpool and OLMO build around a chassis about 24 inches wide, and Whirlpool states a fit range of 24.5 to 27 inches. TCL specifies a 26 inch class sleeve. Measure the inside of your existing sleeve, and if the old one is rusted or bent, consider a unit that comes with a new sleeve.
Check the Outlet
Units up to about 12,000 BTU often run on a standard 115 volt outlet. The largest units, like the Keystone here, need a 230 volt receptacle with a matching plug. Look at the outlet by the sleeve before you choose a capacity.
Noise and Controls
For bedrooms, compare the listed sound levels. The OLMO, TCL and Whirlpool list the lowest figures in this guide. If you want to schedule cooling or use voice commands, choose a unit with built-in Wi-Fi such as the TCL or OLMO.
How We Evaluate Cooling-Only Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners
We rank wall air conditioners on manufacturer specifications, listing details and aggregated buyer ratings. For this list we kept only cooling-only units with a through-the-wall chassis, and excluded heat models, window units and bare sleeves. We weighed cooling capacity against room size, power requirements and buyer feedback first, giving more weight to ratings from larger numbers of buyers, then compared efficiency, noise, sleeve fit, controls and warranty. Where a listing gives conflicting figures, we note both and use the more conservative one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a through-the-wall air conditioner in a window?
Usually not. LG, for example, says its wall units are not properly vented for a standard window installation, because they are designed to vent only through the rear.
Do through-the-wall air conditioners include a sleeve?
Most do not. In this guide, only the OLMO 8,000 BTU unit includes a wall sleeve.
Which one cools the largest room?
The Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted Air Conditioner, rated for rooms up to 700 sq ft.
Which one has Wi-Fi?
The TCL 10,000 BTU unit works with the TCL Home app, Alexa and Google Assistant, and the OLMO has a built-in smart kit.
Final Verdict
The LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner is the best cooling-only through-the-wall air conditioner for most homes, with efficient cooling for 440 square feet on a normal outlet and a chassis that fits most sleeves. For app and voice control, choose the TCL 10,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner. For big living rooms with a 230 volt outlet, the Keystone 14,000 BTU Wall Mounted Air Conditioner is the large-room pick.
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.