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10 Best Air Conditioners 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

3 Ton Goodman 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Air Conditioner Only Split System (GLXS4BA3610 AMST36CU1300)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,162
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Additional Features

Most important from
72 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers consistent cooling to a comfortable temperature even during the hottest days.
Noise Level
Operates super quietly, a significant improvement over noisy previous units.
Additional Features
Installation is straightforward and hassle-free, making setup easy.

The Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 air conditioner paired with the multi-positional air handler offers solid cooling performance suitable for homes around 2100 square feet. With a cooling capacity of 36,000 BTUs (3 tons), it can comfortably cool medium to larger rooms. The SEER rating of 14.5 means it is reasonably energy efficient, although not the highest available on the market, so expect moderate electricity use. At 67 decibels, the noise level is about average — you’ll hear it running, but it shouldn’t be overly disruptive.

This split system uses the newer, eco-friendlier R-32 refrigerant and comes with a 10-year parts warranty when professionally installed and registered, adding peace of mind. The included air handler is versatile, supporting different installation positions (upflow, horizontal right or left), which is helpful if your home’s ductwork is tricky. However, this system only cools and does not provide heating, so if you want heat, you’ll need extra equipment like a heat pump or a separate heat kit. Also, accessories like thermostats and outdoor sensors are sold separately.

It is a dependable choice if you want straightforward, efficient cooling and are okay with adding heating solutions on your own. While not the quietest or the most energy-saving model, it delivers reliable performance backed by a good warranty.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,162
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Noise Level
Additional Features

Most important from
72 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Delivers consistent cooling to a comfortable temperature even during the hottest days.
Noise Level
Operates super quietly, a significant improvement over noisy previous units.
Additional Features
Installation is straightforward and hassle-free, making setup easy.
#2

Senville LETO Series Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump, 12000 BTU 110/120V, Inverter, Works with Alexa, SEER2 20.8, 1 Ton, White

Rating
10.0
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
7984 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The Senville Mini Split is a great, high-quality product that functions exceptionally well, with impressive cooling and heating capabilities.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The Senville Mini Split offers a cost-effective alternative to central air conditioning, especially for cooling single rooms, significantly reducing electricity bills.
Noise Level
The unit is extremely quiet, making it perfect for home offices or bedrooms where noise can be disruptive.
Additional Features
With Alexa integration, controlling the air conditioner is convenient and seamless, fitting well into a smart home setup.

The Senville LETO Series Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump offers a substantial cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, making it suitable for cooling medium-sized rooms. One of its standout features is the high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 20.8, which indicates it operates efficiently and could help reduce electricity bills. The inclusion of a DC Inverter further enhances its energy efficiency and performance consistency.

This model supports voice control through Alexa, allowing for convenient adjustments via app or voice commands from anywhere, which could be appealing to tech-savvy users or those who enjoy smart home integration. Additionally, it serves multiple roles as an air conditioner, heat pump, dehumidifier, and fan, making it versatile for year-round use. The unit operates relatively quietly, which is ideal for bedrooms and living areas where noise can be disruptive.

It does require professional installation, which might add to the initial cost. Although it comes with a comprehensive 5-year warranty on parts and the compressor, labor costs for installation are not covered. The product does not meet Energy Star compliance, which might be a consideration for eco-conscious buyers. Its compact and stylish design allows it to blend into both residential and commercial settings without compromising aesthetics. The package includes necessary installation components, making it convenient, but the pre-loaded refrigerant accommodates only up to 25 ft, which could limit installation flexibility in larger spaces.

Rating
10.0
Cooling Capacity (BTU)
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Noise Level

Most important from
7984 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The Senville Mini Split is a great, high-quality product that functions exceptionally well, with impressive cooling and heating capabilities.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
The Senville Mini Split offers a cost-effective alternative to central air conditioning, especially for cooling single rooms, significantly reducing electricity bills.
Noise Level
The unit is extremely quiet, making it perfect for home offices or bedrooms where noise can be disruptive.
Additional Features
With Alexa integration, controlling the air conditioner is convenient and seamless, fitting well into a smart home setup.
#3

Goodman 3.5 Ton 15.2 SEER2 Heat Pump System with Multi-positional Air Handler R32 GLZS4BA4210 AMST42CU1300. Free Thermostat included.

Rating
9.1
Cooling Capacity (BTU)

Most important from
60 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The system cools the home efficiently and performs exactly as advertised.

The Goodman 3.5 Ton 15.2 SEER2 Heat Pump System is designed as a solid choice for homeowners needing reliable heating and cooling with moderate energy efficiency. With a cooling capacity of 42,000 BTU (3.5 tons), it can comfortably manage the temperature in a medium to large-sized home. The SEER rating of 15.2 means it meets current efficiency standards and should help keep energy bills reasonable, although there are more efficient models available if maximum savings are a priority. The system uses R-32 refrigerant, which is better for the environment compared to older types. Noise level is around 72 decibels—noticeable but not overly disruptive, similar to the sound of a loud conversation.

This is a split system, combining a heat pump and a multi-positional air handler, meaning it can be installed in different configurations to fit various home layouts. The air handler’s corrosion-resistant design and 9-speed blower motor support reliable and flexible operation. Additional perks include an air purification filter to improve indoor air quality and a 10-year parts warranty when professionally installed and registered, providing peace of mind.

If you live in a colder climate, it's important to note that a heat kit must be purchased separately for effective heating. Installation might require extra accessories depending on your setup, such as a downflow kit. While this Goodman system is not the quietest or most energy-efficient option on the market, it delivers solid performance with a good balance of features, making it a practical option for many homeowners seeking dependable year-round comfort.

Rating
9.1
Cooling Capacity (BTU)

Most important from
60 reviews

Cooling Capacity (BTU)
The system cools the home efficiently and performs exactly as advertised.

Buying Guide for the Best Air Conditioners

Choosing the right air conditioner can significantly impact your comfort and energy bills. The key is to understand your needs and match them with the right specifications. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting an air conditioner.
Cooling Capacity (BTU)Cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), indicates how much heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. This is crucial because an air conditioner with too low a BTU rating won't cool the room effectively, while one with too high a rating will cool the room too quickly without removing humidity, leading to a clammy feeling. To choose the right BTU, consider the size of the room: small rooms (up to 150 sq. ft.) need around 5,000-6,000 BTU, medium rooms (150-300 sq. ft.) need 7,000-8,000 BTU, and large rooms (300-450 sq. ft.) need 10,000-12,000 BTU. For very large spaces, you may need 14,000 BTU or more.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures how efficiently an air conditioner uses energy to cool a room. A higher EER means better energy efficiency, which can lead to lower electricity bills. EER is calculated by dividing the BTU rating by the unit's wattage. Look for air conditioners with an EER of 10 or higher for good efficiency. If you prioritize energy savings and environmental impact, aim for the highest EER you can find within your desired cooling capacity.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the air conditioner will be when operating. This is important for maintaining a comfortable and quiet environment, especially in bedrooms or living rooms. Air conditioners typically range from 40 dB (quiet) to 60 dB (moderate noise). If you are sensitive to noise or plan to use the unit in a quiet space, look for models with a noise level of 50 dB or lower.
Type of Air ConditionerThere are several types of air conditioners, including window units, portable units, split systems, and central air conditioning. Window units are easy to install and suitable for single rooms. Portable units offer flexibility and can be moved between rooms but may be less efficient. Split systems provide efficient cooling for multiple rooms and are quieter but require professional installation. Central air conditioning is ideal for cooling an entire home but involves higher installation costs. Choose the type based on your cooling needs, installation preferences, and whether you need to cool one room or multiple areas.
Additional FeaturesModern air conditioners come with various additional features that can enhance convenience and comfort. These may include programmable timers, remote controls, sleep modes, energy-saving modes, and smart connectivity for control via smartphone apps. Consider which features are important to you. For example, a programmable timer can help you save energy by cooling the room only when needed, while smart connectivity allows for remote operation and monitoring.

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