6 Best Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners Under $500 in 2026
We compared six cooling-only through-the-wall air conditioners under $500 on cooling capacity, room size, power needs, noise and features.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 19, 2026
Through-the-wall air conditioners usually cost more than window units of the same size, but you can still find capable cooling-only wall units without stretching the budget. Our list of the best through-the-wall air conditioners under $500 compares six models, from small bedroom units to 14,000 BTU large-room units, including smart and sleeve-included options. To browse every model we cover, visit our Cooling-Only Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners page.
We compared these through-the-wall air conditioners under $500 on cooling capacity, room size, power needs, noise and features. Prices change often, so check the product cards for the current price of each unit.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Cooling Capacity | Room Size | Power | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner | Overall | 9,800 BTU | Up to 440 sq ft | 115V, 920 watts | EER 10.7 |
| LG 11,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner | Most cooling on 115V | 11,800 BTU | Up to 530 sq ft | 115V, 1110 watts | EER 10.6 |
| OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner | Sleeve included | 8,300 BTU/h | Small rooms | 115V | Sleeve and smart kit, 49.5 dB |
| LG 7,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner | Small bedrooms | 7,800 BTU | Up to 330 sq ft | 115V, 750 watts | Lowest power draw |
| OLMO 14,000 BTU 230V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner | Large rooms | 14,000 / 13,600 BTU/h | Large rooms | 230V | Smart kit, 49.5 dB |
| TABU 12,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner | Smart living rooms | 12,000 BTU | Up to 550 sq ft | 110V, 1140 watts | App, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| 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 Value |
LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
|
7.6/10 | Buy |
LG 11,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner
|
Buy | ||
| Best Budget |
OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner
|
9.2/10 | Buy |
LG 7,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner
|
7.6/10 | Buy | |
| Best Premium |
OLMO 14,000 BTU 230V Through-the-Wall Air
|
Buy | |
| Best Overall |
TABU 12,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air
|
9.4/10 | 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
LG 11,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner
For medium-sized rooms up to 530 square feet, this LG through-the-wall air conditioner provides 11,800 BTU of cooling with three fan and cooling speeds. Its energy saver mode and 24-hour timer help reduce electricity costs, and the remote control makes adjustments easy from across the room.
Pros
- Cools up to 530 square feet
- Three cooling speeds and three modes
- Washable filter with maintenance alert
- Remote control for convenient operation
- Energy saver mode saves electricity
Cons
- Wall sleeve sold separately
- No inverter for variable speed
- No heat mode for year-round use
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
LG 7,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner
This through-the-wall air conditioner from LG offers 7,800 BTU cooling for rooms up to 330 square feet. It features three cooling and fan speeds, a remote control, and an energy saver mode to reduce power consumption. Ideal for bedrooms or offices, it fits standard wall sleeves and includes a trim kit for a finished look.
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- Quiet 56 dB operation
- Auto restart after power outage
- Washable filter with alert
- Remote control included
Cons
- Non-inverter rotary compressor
- Wall sleeve sold separately
- Noise level may be noticeable
OLMO 14,000 BTU 230V Through-the-Wall Air
This through-the-wall air conditioner from OLMO delivers 14,000 BTU of cooling power for large rooms in residential or commercial spaces. Its built-in smart kit enables control via smartphone app, voice commands, or the included remote. The unit operates on 230V with R-32 refrigerant and includes features like sleep mode and a self-evaporating system.
Pros
- Powerful 14,000 BTU cooling
- Smart home compatible
- Self-evaporating system
- Multiple control options
Cons
- Wall sleeve sold separately
- No inverter compressor
- Requires 230V outlet
TABU 12,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air
Designed for permanent wall installation, this 12,000 BTU unit cools rooms up to 550 sq. ft. with smart app and voice control. Its three operating modes and energy-saving features provide year-round comfort and efficiency. Ideal for homeowners seeking a permanent, connected cooling solution.
Pros
- 12,000 BTU for rooms up to 550 sq. ft.
- Smart app and voice control
- Three modes including dehumidifier
- Energy-saving features
- Quiet 51 dB operation
Cons
- No heat mode for winter use
- Requires cutting a wall opening for installation
- Only one cooling capacity option
Top 3 Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners Under $500 Reviewed
#1 LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
The LG LT1016CER is the safest choice in this price range. It has a 3.9 average from 590 ratings, the most of any wall unit we cover, and it delivers 9,800 BTU for rooms up to 440 square feet on a standard 115 volt outlet. That covers most bedrooms, home offices and small living rooms.
It is also cheap to run. LG lists an EER of 10.7 with R-32 refrigerant and a 920 watt draw, and energy saver mode turns the compressor off once the room reaches your set temperature. Three cooling and fan speeds, dry mode, 4-way air deflection, a 24 hour timer, auto restart and a remote are included. 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
The Amazon title says 10,000 BTU, but LG’s specifications list 9,800 BTU. Budget for a sleeve if you do not already have one.
Best For
This unit is best for bedrooms, offices and studios up to 440 square feet where reliability matters most.
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 LG 11,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner: Most Cooling on a Standard Outlet
Why We Picked It
The LG LT12124CNR gives you the most cooling in this guide that still runs on a standard outlet. LG rates it at 11,800 BTU for rooms up to 530 square feet, enough for a medium living room, a large primary bedroom or a studio, and it draws 1110 watts.
It uses the same universal 24 inch chassis as the 9,800 BTU LG, so it can replace a smaller LG wall unit in the same sleeve. LG lists an EER of 10.6 with R-32 refrigerant, and the controls match: three cooling and fan speeds, energy saver and dry modes, 4-way air deflection, a 24 hour timer, a check filter alert and a remote. For a new opening, LG lists a wall cutout of 25.88 by 15.53 inches.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 11,800 BTU
- Room Size: Up to 530 sq ft
- Power: 115 volts, 1110 watts
- Efficiency: EER 10.6
- Noise Level: 60 dB
- Weight: 76 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
It is louder than the smaller LG, so it suits living rooms better than small bedrooms. Give it a circuit without other heavy appliances.
Best For
This unit is best for living rooms and large bedrooms up to 530 square feet with only a standard outlet at the sleeve.
Check the current price and availability of the LG 11,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full LG 11,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner review.
#3 OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner: Best with Sleeve Included
Why We Picked It
The OLMO 8,000 BTU wall unit is the only pick here that includes the wall sleeve, which is often a separate purchase that pushes the total cost of a wall unit well up. It delivers 8,300 BTU/h on a standard 115 volt outlet, and it has a 4.9 average from 15 ratings.
It also has features you rarely find at this price. OLMO lists 49.5 dB, among the lowest figures we have seen for a wall unit, and a built-in smart kit allows smartphone and voice control alongside the push button panel and remote. Sleep mode, a timer, auto restart and a self-evaporating system are included, and it uses R-32 refrigerant.
Key Specifications
- Cooling Capacity: 8,300 BTU/h
- Power: 115V, 1 phase, 60Hz
- Noise Level: 49.5 dB
- Smart Control: Built-in smart kit
- In the Box: Unit, wall sleeve, remote
- Weight: 80 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
OLMO does not list a room size. Use the sizing chart below, where the 8,000 BTU row suits a typical bedroom.
Best For
This unit is best for bedrooms and small offices, especially new openings or replacements that need a new sleeve.
Check the current price and availability of the OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner on Amazon.
Read our full OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner review.
Other Models Worth Considering
LG 7,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner (LT0816CER). LG’s smallest wall unit, rated for rooms up to 330 square feet, with a 750 watt draw and an EER of 10.7. It has a 3.9 average from 410 ratings and needs a sleeve from 24.5 to 27 inches wide.
OLMO 14,000 BTU 230V Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner (OW-P14AC230WF). The large-room option here, rated 14,000 / 13,600 BTU/h with a built-in smart kit and a listed 49.5 dB. It needs a 230 volt receptacle, and the sleeve is sold separately.
TABU 12,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner. A newer 12,000 BTU smart unit for spaces up to 550 sq. ft. with app, Alexa and Google Assistant control, Cooling, Dry and Fan modes, and a listed 51 dB. It draws 1140 watts. With only a couple of ratings, its track record is still building.
What to Expect from Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners Under $500
In this price range you can expect a conventional compressor, a remote, a timer and an energy saving mode. Most units do not include a sleeve, so factor that in if you need one. Smart control and low listed noise are available, but mainly from newer brands with shorter track records, while LG offers the longest record of ownership.
For more choices, see our guides to through-the-wall air conditioners for slightly bigger budgets and 115V through-the-wall air conditioners. The product cards show the current price for each unit.
How to Choose a Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner Under $500
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.
Count the Total Cost
If you do not have a usable sleeve, add its cost to the unit price. A sleeve-included unit like the OLMO can work out cheaper overall than a bare unit plus a separate sleeve.
Check the Outlet
Five of the six picks run on a standard outlet. The OLMO 14,000 BTU unit needs a 230 volt receptacle.
Weigh Track Record Against Features
LG’s units have hundreds of ratings each. The OLMO and TABU units offer smart control and low listed noise, but fewer owners have reported on them so far.
How We Evaluate Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners Under $500
We rank wall air conditioners on manufacturer specifications, listing details and aggregated buyer ratings. For this list we kept only cooling-only through-the-wall units priced under $500 when we compared them. We weighed cooling capacity against room size, power needs and buyer feedback first, giving more weight to ratings from larger numbers of buyers, then compared efficiency, noise, sleeve fit and controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best through-the-wall air conditioner under $500?
The LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner, for its efficiency, sleeve compatibility and long track record.
Which one includes a sleeve?
The OLMO 8,000 BTU unit includes a wall sleeve.
Which one cools the largest room?
The OLMO 14,000 BTU 230V unit has the most capacity. On a standard outlet, the LG 11,800 BTU unit covers up to 530 sq ft.
Are there smart wall units under $500?
Yes. The OLMO and TABU units offer app and voice control.
Final Verdict
The LG 9,800 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner is the best through-the-wall air conditioner under $500 for most rooms, with efficient cooling for 440 square feet and a proven record. For more cooling on a standard outlet, choose the LG 11,800 BTU Through the Wall Air Conditioner. If you also need a sleeve, the OLMO 8,000 BTU Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner comes with one.
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.