TABU 12,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner Review
A newer cooling-only smart wall unit rated 12,000 BTU for spaces up to 550 sq ft, with app and voice control, Cooling, Dry and Fan modes and a 51 dB listed sound level.
By Daniel Brooks
Updated October 22, 2026
The TABU 12,000 BTU smart through-the-wall air conditioner is a newcomer that aims at the same buyers as TCL’s smart wall units: people who want app and voice control in a living room-sized wall unit without a high-voltage outlet. TABU rates it for spaces up to 550 square feet, lists 51 dB, and pairs a smartphone app with Alexa and Google Assistant support. It is one of the newest models in our cooling-only through-the-wall air conditioners category, with only 2 ratings so far.
Our Verdict
On paper, the TABU offers a lot: 12,000 BTU of cooling, smart control, a low listed sound level and a standard household plug. Cooling, Dry and Fan modes, programmable timers, sleep mode and automatic temperature adjustments cover everyday comfort, and the included remote handles quick changes from across the room.
The caution is how little is known. With only a couple of ratings, there is no track record yet, and the listing leaves out important details such as sleeve size, warranty terms and a believable weight. It is worth considering if you like being an early adopter, but confirm fit and support with the seller before ordering.
TABU 12,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air
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Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | TABU |
| Model | 44073 |
| Type | Smart cooling-only through-the-wall air conditioner |
| Cooling Capacity | 12,000 BTU |
| Room Size | Up to 550 sq ft |
| Power | 110 volts, 1140 watts |
| Noise Level | 51 dB (listed) |
| Modes | Cooling, Dry, Fan |
| Smart Control | Smartphone app, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Dimensions | 24.2 x 14.53 x 22.05 inches (W x H x D) |
| In the Box | Unit, remote |
Cooling Capacity and Room Size
TABU describes the unit as ideal for living rooms, primary bedrooms, home offices and apartments up to 550 square feet. That is the top of the 12,000 BTU band in the ENERGY STAR chart below, so the rating is realistic for an average room. For a very sunny room or one that holds several people in the evening, the chart’s adjustments may push you toward a larger unit.
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 |
Adjust for your room: 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.
Smart Control
The dedicated smartphone app lets you adjust the temperature, switch modes and turn the unit on or off from anywhere. Alexa and Google Assistant support adds voice commands, and a standard remote is included for quick adjustments without a phone. That combination puts the TABU in the same feature class as TCL’s smart wall units.
As with any smart appliance from a newer brand, it is worth checking the app’s reviews in your phone’s app store before buying, since the hardware is only as useful as the software that controls it.
Modes and Comfort
Three operating modes cover the basics. Cooling handles hot days, Dry removes excess humidity and helps prevent musty air, and Fan circulates air without cooling. TABU also lists programmable timers, a sleep mode and automatic temperature adjustments designed to reduce wasted energy. Dry mode is especially handy in humid summers, when a room can feel sticky even at a moderate temperature.
Noise
TABU lists 51 dB and describes the unit as quiet enough for undisturbed sleep or work. If that figure holds up, it is very low for a 12,000 BTU wall unit and would make the TABU a good candidate for a large bedroom. With so few owner reports so far, treat the figure as a manufacturer claim rather than a proven result.
Power
The listing gives 110 volts and 1140 watts, which means the unit plugs into a standard household outlet. A 1140 watt draw is moderate for 12,000 BTU, but still enough that you should avoid sharing the circuit with a microwave or space heater.
Installation and Listing Gaps
TABU lists dimensions of 24.2 inches wide, 14.53 inches tall and 22.05 inches deep. The listing does not give a compatible sleeve size, does not say whether a sleeve is included, and gives a weight of 20 pounds, which is far lighter than any 12,000 BTU wall unit we know of and is almost certainly an error.
Before you order, ask the seller for the sleeve specification and the actual shipping weight, and check that the depth suits your wall. A loose fit in an oversized sleeve lets in drafts and insects, and an undersized sleeve will not accept the chassis at all. Photos of the rear grille and side rails, if the seller can provide them, also help you compare it with your existing sleeve.
Warranty and Support
The listing does not spell out warranty terms. With a newer brand, it is worth confirming the warranty length, who handles claims and whether replacement parts such as remotes and filters are available before you buy.
How It Compares with TCL
The closest rival is TCL’s 12,000 BTU smart wall unit. Both cover up to 550 square feet on a standard outlet and both support Alexa and Google Assistant. TCL publishes a clearer spec sheet, including a compatible sleeve size, and it has more owner feedback, while TABU lists a lower sound level. If you value predictability, TCL is the safer choice today. If the lower noise figure is what you need and you can confirm the sleeve fit, the TABU is worth a look.
Who It Suits Best
The TABU suits early adopters who want a smart 12,000 BTU wall unit on a standard outlet and are willing to verify sleeve fit and warranty details themselves. It is less suited to buyers who want a proven track record, complete specs or a well-known service network.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 12,000 BTU for up to 550 sq ft | Only 2 ratings so far |
| App, Alexa and Google Assistant | Sleeve size not listed |
| 51 dB listed sound level | Listed weight looks wrong |
| Standard household outlet | Warranty terms not listed |
| Cooling, Dry and Fan modes | No heat mode |
Who Should Buy It
| Who Should Buy It? | Who Should Look Elsewhere? |
|---|---|
| Early adopters | Buyers who want a track record |
| Smart home users | Anyone unsure of sleeve fit |
| Homes with only standard outlets | Rooms that need heat |
| Large bedrooms if the noise figure holds | Buyers who want full specs |
For more options, see our picks for the best smart through-the-wall air conditioners and the budget through-the-wall air conditioners.
Final Verdict
The TABU 12,000 BTU smart through-the-wall air conditioner has an appealing spec sheet: smart control, 550 square feet of coverage, a standard plug and a low listed sound level. Until more owners report back, confirm sleeve fit and warranty before you buy. You can check the current price and details for the TABU 12,000 BTU Smart Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the TABU wall unit work with Alexa?
Yes. TABU lists Alexa and Google Assistant support, plus a smartphone app and a remote.
What size room does it cool?
TABU rates it for spaces up to 550 square feet.
Does it need a special outlet?
No. The listing gives 110 volts and 1140 watts.
How loud is it?
TABU lists 51 dB.
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.