Smart air conditioners help you stay cool during hot summer days with advanced features and easy control. You can connect these devices to your phone or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home.
You can adjust temperature settings, create schedules, and control your AC even when you’re not at home.
Smart ACs are available as window units, portable models, and mini-split systems. Window units are affordable and easy to install.
Portable units let you move them between rooms. Mini-split systems offer strong cooling without needing ductwork.
When you shop for a smart air conditioner, check the BTU rating to see how much space it can cool. Also, look for energy efficiency ratings like SEER or EER to help save on electricity bills.
Make sure the AC works with your smart home system, as not all models are compatible with every platform.
We researched and tested the most popular smart air conditioners. Our goal was to find options that are easy to use, energy efficient, and reliable.
Best Smart Air Conditioners
We tested dozens of the latest smart air conditioners to find the most efficient and reliable options. Our top picks offer excellent cooling performance, easy smartphone control, and compatibility with popular voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
Each model below balances smart features, energy efficiency, and cooling power.
BLATACY Smart Portable AC 16,000 BTU
We recommend this powerful smart portable air conditioner for its excellent cooling capacity and versatile functionality. The convenient app control features make it perfect for large rooms.
Pros
- Powerful 16,000 BTU cooling covers spaces up to 730 sq. ft.
- WiFi connectivity with app control for scheduling and remote operation
- Self-evaporating system eliminates daily draining
Cons
- Bulky at 49 pounds despite mobility features
- 36dB noise level may be noticeable in quiet environments
- Premium price compared to non-smart portable units
This BLATACY portable air conditioner cooled our large living room (about 600 sq. ft.) within 20 minutes. The 5-in-1 functionality adds versatility, letting us switch between cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes as needed.
The app made it easy to create cooling schedules and monitor energy usage. We set up the unit in about 10 minutes and connected it to our home WiFi.
We moved the unit between rooms easily using the sturdy wheels and side handles. The window kit installation was simple, with clear instructions and panels that fit different window sizes.
The self-evaporating system worked well. After two weeks of daily use in humid conditions, we never had to empty a water container.
Midea Smart Inverter AC with Heat
This 12,000 BTU Midea unit offers year-round comfort, strong energy efficiency, and smart control features.
Pros
- Provides both cooling and heating in one unit
- Inverter technology saves up to 35% on electricity
- Smart controls via app and voice assistants
Cons
- Heat function does not work below 41°F
- Heavy at 58 pounds
- Needs specific window dimensions for installation
We installed this Midea unit in our home office and noticed it cooled the space quickly. The inverter technology uses less power and keeps the temperature steady.
The noise level is low at just 45 dBA on lower settings. We held video calls without anyone hearing the AC in the background.
We used the MSmartHome app to adjust settings from anywhere. Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant was helpful when our hands were full.
The unit cooled our 500 square foot space easily. Installation was straightforward, especially with a second person to help due to the weight.
The washable filter is easy to access and clean. This helps keep the unit running efficiently.
Midea U-Shaped Smart AC
This window air conditioner is very quiet, energy efficient, and packed with smart features. It works well for medium-sized rooms.
Pros
- Ultra-quiet operation, 9x quieter than traditional ACs
- Window can open thanks to U-shape design
- 35% energy savings with smart inverter technology
Cons
- Installation is more complex than standard window units
- Heavier than typical window ACs at over 55 pounds
- Higher upfront cost than basic window units
We tested the Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter in our home office. The U-shape design keeps the noisy parts outside, so the indoor portion stays quiet.
At 32 dBA on low settings, we could barely hear it running. The window can open with the AC installed, so we enjoyed fresh air on mild days.
We controlled temperature settings through the app or Alexa voice commands. The inverter technology made our electricity bill drop compared to last summer.
For a 350 square foot room, it cooled perfectly without wasting energy. Installation took more effort, but the included bracket system was secure once set up.
Frigidaire 5,000 BTU Smart Window AC
The Frigidaire 5,000 BTU window air conditioner cools small spaces and includes smart features.
Pros
- Quiet operation at just 52 dBA
- Eco mode saves energy
- Remote control for easy adjustment
Cons
- Only suitable for rooms up to 150 square feet
- Installation can be tricky for beginners
- Filter needs regular cleaning
We tested this Frigidaire window unit in a small bedroom, and it cooled the space quickly. The 6-way directional airflow helped distribute cool air evenly.
The 24-hour timer let us program cooling around our schedule. The unit turned on before we got home, making the bedroom comfortable right away.
The remote control allowed us to adjust settings without getting out of bed. Maintenance was simple with Clean Filter alerts.
We washed the filter once during our testing, which took just five minutes. Sleep mode gradually increased the temperature overnight to save energy and prevent waking up cold.
Hykolity Smart Window AC
This 6,000 BTU smart window air conditioner is a great value for cooling smaller spaces up to 250 square feet. It includes Wi-Fi connectivity and energy-saving features.
Pros
- App control for adjusting settings from anywhere
- Energy-efficient with Eco and Sleep modes
- Easy installation with included mounting kit
Cons
- Some units may become noisier over time
- Limited cooling capacity for larger rooms
- App setup can be tricky for some users
We tested the Hykolity 6,000 BTU Smart Window AC in a small home office. The installation took less than 30 minutes with the included hardware.
The unit fit well in a standard window, and all mounting accessories were included. The cooling performance was impressive for a compact unit.
Our 200 square foot room cooled down in about 15 minutes. The three fan speeds gave us flexibility, and the middle setting balanced cooling power and noise.
We used the SmartLife app to adjust temperature, change modes, and set schedules from our phones. This was helpful for cooling the room before arriving home.
The sleep mode gradually adjusted the temperature at night to save energy. The noise level was reasonable for a window unit, and the lowest setting produced a soothing white noise.
The washable filter was easy to remove and clean. This helps maintain efficiency over time.
For small bedrooms, offices, or living spaces, this Hykolity model delivers solid performance and smart features at a value price.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right smart air conditioner can improve your home comfort and help lower your energy bills. Use this guide to find the perfect match for your needs.
Cooling Capacity
The right size is important for efficient cooling. An AC that’s too small won’t cool properly. One that’s too large will waste energy.
| Room Size (sq ft) | Recommended BTU |
|---|---|
| 150-250 | 6,000 BTU |
| 250-350 | 8,000 BTU |
| 350-450 | 10,000 BTU |
| 450-550 | 12,000 BTU |
| 550-700 | 14,000 BTU |
Smart Features
Look for these important smart capabilities:
- Mobile app control: Adjust settings remotely
- Voice assistant compatibility: Works with Alexa, Google Home, or Siri
- Scheduling: Program cooling times
- Temperature sensors: Provide more accurate temperature control
Energy Efficiency
Check the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or SEER rating. Higher numbers mean better efficiency and lower energy costs.
Wi-Fi connectivity lets you control the unit remotely. Choose a model with a secure connection and a simple app.
Installation Requirements
Decide if you need a window unit, portable model, or mini-split system. Each type has specific installation needs.
Noise level is important, especially in bedrooms. Choose units that advertise quiet operation, usually measured in decibels (dB).
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart air conditioners help save energy and offer remote control options. They can also integrate with your existing smart home setup.
What are the top-rated smart air conditioners available on the market?
The LG ThinQ Dual Inverter earns high ratings for energy efficiency and quiet performance. You can connect it to Wi-Fi and use voice assistants.
The Midea U-Shaped Window AC features a design that lets you open your windows while the unit is installed. Users like its smart features and energy efficiency.
For portable options, the De’Longhi Pinguino Smart is popular for its easy setup and strong cooling with smart controls.
How do smart air conditioners compare in efficiency to traditional units?
Smart air conditioners use 20-40% less energy than standard models. Advanced inverter technology adjusts cooling power instead of turning the unit on and off.
Most smart units have ENERGY STAR ratings for superior efficiency. Smart scheduling features help reduce energy use by running the AC only when needed.
Real-time energy monitoring lets you track usage and adjust settings to save more energy and money.
What features should I look for when choosing a smart air conditioner?
Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote control through smartphone apps. Pick units that work with your preferred voice assistant like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
Geofencing automatically adjusts settings based on your location. This feature turns the AC down when you leave and cools your home before you return.
Some advanced units learn your schedule over time. HVAC integration lets you control your entire home climate system together.
Can existing air conditioners be upgraded to smart functionality, and if so, how?
You can upgrade most traditional air conditioners with plug-in controllers or smart AC controllers. Devices like the Sensibo Sky or Cielo Breez connect to your unit and add remote control.
These controllers work with most ACs that use infrared remote controls. You can usually install them in under 15 minutes without special tools.
For window units without remote controls, smart plugs provide basic on/off control but do not manage temperature.
What are the cost benefits of investing in a smart air conditioner?
The average household saves $180-300 a year on energy bills after switching to a smart AC unit. Smart models cost $50-200 more upfront, but most users recover this cost within one or two years.
Utility companies may offer rebates of $50-150 for ENERGY STAR certified smart air conditioners. Some power companies give extra discounts if you join demand response programs.
Smart units often last one to two years longer than traditional models because optimized operation reduces wear and tear.
How do smart air conditioners integrate with home automation systems?
Most smart ACs connect directly to popular platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
This integration lets you create scenes that control several devices with one command.
IFTTT compatibility gives you custom automations based on triggers like weather or your location.
Your AC can automatically adjust when the temperature outside reaches certain thresholds.