While the cool breeze that comes from a window air conditioner is an absolute must-have for most in the summer months, they do come with a downside. Window air conditioners tend to be noisy. Now, a certain level of noise can be expected from a window unit, but if your television volume is fighting with your air conditioner you might have a problem.
So what is the quietest window air conditioner? And which one would work best for your needs? There are many things to consider in a window unit, including the features it includes, it’s energy usage, and how much space it is able to cool. We’ve searched every corner of the internet and have come up with our three favorite options for the quietest window air conditioners. We’ve done the work for you, all you have to do is pick which one is right for you. Check out our picks below.
Comparison Chart for the Quietest Air Conditioners
| Picture | Unit Name | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
 | LG 18,000 BTU Dual Inverter Remote Control Window Air Conditioner | - 44 decibels - Can sync with your smartphone, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant - Can cool up to 1,000 square feet. | $$$ |
| Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner with Mechanical Controls | - Cools up to 150 square feet. - Can be used with a standard 150-volt outlet. - 59 decibels. | $ | |
 | LG LW1016ER 10,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted AIR Conditioner with Remote Control | - 52 decibels. - Can cool up to 450 square feet. - Energy Star compliant. | $$ |
| Picture | Unit Name | Features | Cost |
Quietest Window Air Conditioner Reviews
1.) LG 18,000 BTU Dual Inverter Remote Control Window Air Conditioner – Best Over All
Click for Price
It is one of the most high-tech options available in its class, making it a perfect fit for tech junkies who are on a budget.
The LG LW1016ER is our choice for anyone who wants a window unit with all the bells and whistles. The 18,000 BTU can cool up to 1,000 square feet, meaning it can cool several rooms or even a small house on its own. It is one of the most high-tech options available in its class, making it a perfect fit for tech junkies who are on a budget.
Pros:
The LGLW1016ER is great for those who want a quiet unit that can cool down a large amount of space. At 18,000 BTU, this unit can cool up to 1,000 square feet of space, and it goes down to as low as 44 decibels for very quiet operation.
The unit also comes with an easy installation kit so you can set it up on your own without having to hire a professional.
Our favorite thing about this model is that it provides modern technology with green sustainability.
This window unit comes with LG SmartThinQ technology and can sync with your smartphone, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa device. The 24-hour digital timer allows you to set your own cooling schedule, so you can save energy while you are not at home, but still have your house cool and ready for you when the day is through. You also have the ability to direct where you want your airflow to go since this unit allows for four-way air deflection (left, right, up, and down).
Our favorite thing about this model is that it provides modern technology with green sustainability. The dual inverter allows for up to 25% energy savings, and the air filter is both washable and reusable.
Cons:
Requires a 220-volt outlet to power the unit.
Some said the curved bottom of the unit made it harder to keep it level.
2.) Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E 5,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner with Mechanical Controls – Best On A Budget
Click for Price
The Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E is the perfect choice for those who want to cool a small space on a budget.
If you are looking to cool down a room without breaking the bank, you want to consider this unit.
With features such as a washable mesh filter and two cooling speeds; the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E is the perfect choice for those who want to cool a small space on a budget.
Pros:
The Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E uses a standard 115-volt outlet and can cool a room up to 150 square feet quickly on a hot summer day.
It also comes with a six-foot power cord, allowing you to use it in almost any window in your home. Buyers also reported it was lightweight and easy to install, so this unit is user-friendly all around.
The antibacterial washable mesh filter reduces bacteria, airborne particles, and room odors for a more comfortable environment that is healthier for you to breathe.
The unit also includes mechanical rotary controls and allows for 2-way air direction control. It comes with two cool speeds, as well as two fan settings.
It can also remove up to 1.1 pints of moisture from the air per hour.
The antibacterial washable mesh filter reduces bacteria, airborne particles, and room odors for a more comfortable environment that is healthier for you to breathe.
Cons:
Buyers said the unit held a lot of water and had trouble draining properly.
Manual controls mean it does not come with a remote control.
3.) LG LW1016ER 10,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted AIR Conditioner with Remote Control – Best On A Budget
Click for Price
If you are looking for an energy-saving model to cool a smaller space, this is the unit for you.
If you are looking for an energy-saving model to cool a smaller space, this is the unit for you. Not only is it energy star compliant, but it can also cool up to 450 square feet of space, and works a dehumidifier as well.
Pros:
You can cool up to 450 square feet and save energy with this window-mounted unit by LG. This unit comes with an easy installation kit and can be managed from anywhere in the room thanks to its full-function remote control. It can also be used in a standard 115-volt outlet, so there isn’t any need to put in new outlets.
We love that this unit is so powerful, while also saving you money.
This unit is fully Energy Star compliant, with a 12.1 energy efficiency ratio, and can remove up to 3 pints of moisture from the air each hour. We love that this unit is so powerful, while also saving you money.
It comes with three cooling settings as well as fan settings, and be adjusted to blow air in four different directions to suit your needs.
At 52 decibels this unit will not keep you up at night, instead, you can bask in the glory of a cool room while you catch your beauty sleep.
Cons:
Some said the instructions were difficult to understand and hard to read.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to picking out a window air conditioner for your home. You need to think about how large the air conditioner is, how much space it can cool, and the voltage required to let it run. We’ve looked high and low, and have selected our top three favorite quiet window air conditioners. Which one is right for you?
The LG 18,000 BTU Dual Inverter Remote Control Window Air Conditioner is great for someone who wants to cool down a larger space and is willing to pay a higher price for all the bells and whistles. This unit has everything a high-tech junkie could ask for, and you don’t have to sacrifice energy savings to get them.
If you are trying to save your money, and are only needing to cool a small space, the Frigidaire FFRA0511R1E 5, 000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner might be the best option for you. It doesn’t have any of the extra bells and whistles, but this unit is solid and does its job without any extra hassle. It is also lightweight and easy to install, so you don’t have to bother your friends by begging them for help.
The LG LW1016ER 10,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is the best of both worlds when it comes to being budget conscience while still affording you some high-tech luxuries. While it doesn’t allow you to connect it with your smartphone as the other model does, it still comes with a remote control which allows you to manage it from anywhere in the room. It can cool a room up to 450 square feet and is Energy Star compliant to give you the best energy savings.
We’ve done the research and weighed all of the important factors. When it comes down to it the LG 18,000 BTU Dual Inverter takes home the prize as the quietest air conditioner and our top choice for a quiet window air conditioner. The 44 dB is hard to beat when it comes to quiet workmanship and the high-tech abilities of this unit make it an easy winner in our eyes.
What To Consider When Choosing The Quietest Window Air Conditioner- A Buying Guide
You’ve read about our top three quiet window air conditioners, but don’t stop there. Read below to find out what else should you consider before picking our your window air conditioner.
Know Your Needs
Before you go and spend your money on a window air conditioner, even if it is a cheaper model, you need to sit down and figure out exactly what you need. The last thing you want to do is purchase an air conditioner, only to get home and find out that it won’t cool the space you need it to, or it’s the wrong voltage for your outlet. Before purchasing your unit, ask yourself questions such as:
- How much space do you need to cool?
- What technologies do you want in an air conditioner?
- Are you looking for a model that is energy efficient?
- What dimensions does your air conditioner need to be to fit in your window?
- How much voltage can my outlets handle?
- How far away is my window from the nearest outlet?
Figuring out all of these things before you purchase your air conditioner can save you both time and money in the long run. Not to mention your sanity.
The last thing you want to do is purchase an air conditioner, only to get home and find out that it won’t cool the space you need it to, or it’s the wrong voltage for your outlet.
Think About Your Budget
Chances are, the quieter the unit is, the more money it will cost you. If a quiet unit it is important to you, then you need to be prepared to up your budget. The good news is that with a larger budget also comes other benefits. These include a larger BTU, meaning you can cool a larger space. A more expensive unit also tends to last longer and come with more features. Trust me, when it comes to beating the summer heat, a good window air conditioner is not something you want to skimp on.
A more expensive unit also tends to last longer and come with more features.
Consider Installation
Are you going to have a friend come and help you install your unit? Do you plan to hire a professional? Or are you brave enough to tackle it alone? The answer to this can play a big factor in the unit you choose.
A heavier unit will be harder for you to install by yourself, but it might be sturdier and last you longer in the end. A lighter unit can be installed by yourself, but might not last as long. You also want to make sure that you have additional items you might need to install your unit. You need to check to see if it comes with a support bracket and if you need to purchase sliders to go on the sides of your unit as well.
A lighter unit can be installed by yourself, but might not last as long.
Pay Attention To The Decibel Levels
‘Quiet’ seems to be a word that is thrown around pretty loosely in the air conditioning world. It makes sense, everyone wants a quiet unit! In the end, it’s up to you to do your research and make sure you are picking the model that will be the quietest.
The way to do that is to check the decibel ratings. The lower the decibels, the quieter the unit. In our reviews, for example, the units range from 44 decibels up to 59. The 44 decibels unit will be considerably quieter than it’s 59 decibels counterpart.
In the end, it’s up to you to do your research and make sure you are picking the model that will be the quietest.
What’s Next
Do you want to learn more about the units recommended in this article? You can do so by clicking on the links in our reviews. That is the easiest way to see the current prices of the units, as well as check the specifications such as size and warranty information. Make sure to read our main buying guide. There you can see the best types of air conditioners, as well as read all of our helpful recommendations and reviews. The buying guide is the best place to go for all of your air conditioner questions and needs.
