The 3 Best Window Air Conditioners Under $200
We looked at window air conditioners under $200 using manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. Each pick lists what it does well and where it falls short, so you can match it to how you'll use it.
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Quick picks
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. LG 5,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner LW5016 Top pick | |
| 2. Amazon Basics 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner | |
| 3. Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner |
Key specs: 5,000 BTU cooling capacity, Cools rooms up to 150 sq ft, 2 cooling and fan speeds.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 5,000 BTU cooling capacity
- Cools rooms up to 150 sq ft
- 2 cooling and fan speeds
- Mechanical dial controls
- 2-way air deflection
- Washable filter
Strengths
- Mechanical dial has nothing to pair or lose Wi-Fi connection to
- Correctly sized for a true small bedroom or home office rather than an oversized 8,000 BTU unit
- LG's build quality and compressor reliability carry over from its pricier models
Limitations
- 150 sq ft ceiling means it won't handle a larger bedroom or a living room
- Only 2 fan speeds, versus 3 on the brand's 8,000 BTU models
- No digital display or app control
Key specs: 6,000 BTU cooling capacity, Cools rooms up to 250 sq ft, Mechanical dial with 7 temperature settings.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 6,000 BTU cooling capacity
- Cools rooms up to 250 sq ft
- Mechanical dial with 7 temperature settings
- Adjustable window installation kit
- Washable filter
Strengths
- 250 sq ft coverage at 6,000 BTU stretches further than the 5,000 BTU units in this price range
- Included adjustable window kit fits most standard 23 to 34 inch wide window openings
- Consistently one of the better-reviewed budget window units on Amazon
Limitations
- No digital thermostat, just a mechanical dial with numbered settings
- 2 fan and cooling speeds only
- Amazon's house brand has less of a long-term repair and parts track record than LG or Frigidaire
Key specs: 5,000 BTU cooling capacity, Cools rooms up to 150 sq ft, Mechanical controls.
Key Specifications & Features:
- 5,000 BTU cooling capacity
- Cools rooms up to 150 sq ft
- Mechanical controls
- 2 cooling and fan speeds
- Compact housing for shorter windows
Strengths
- Compact 14-inch housing fits narrower and shorter window openings than most competitors
- One of the higher review-volume budget units, suggesting a large, established buyer base
- Frigidaire's compressor reliability at this tier is comparable to its pricier inverter models
Limitations
- 150 sq ft ceiling, same limitation as the LG LW5016
- Mechanical controls only, no digital readout
- Basic 2-way airflow with no directional adjustment
How we chose
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own testing.
- We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.