Shopping for an attractive modern window air conditioner?
You’ve come to the right place.
Gone are the days when your only choices for a window unit were ugly, dull designs.
Today, you can easily find a nice-looking modern low-profile air conditioner that not only looks aesthetically pleasing and saves window space.
In this Guide, we review our favorite attractive window units and describe the options available today.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 8000 BTU with Wi-Fi
- Suitable for 375 square feet
- Compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Wi-Fi
- BTU rating of 12,000
- Height of 13.75 inches
- Coverage area of 550 sq. ft.
- Coverage area of 150 sq. ft.
- 2 cooling speeds & 2 fan speeds
- Features a 24-hour on and off timer
What’s In This Buying Guide
This is your complete guide to purchasing a nice-looking low-profile window air conditioner.
In this guide, we recommend and review the highest-quality units in detail and list the features available / to look for when shopping.
Table of Contents
Best Looking Window Air Conditioners
- Lowest Profile: Soleus Air Exclusive
- Most Energy Efficient: Midea U Inverter
- Best for Small Rooms: Frigidaire Mini-Compact Air Conditioner
- Best for the Environment: Windmill Air Conditioner
Soleus Air Exclusive
Lowest Profile
8000 BTU
375 sq. ft.
Height
3 inchesExtended Warranty
Midea U Inverter
Most Energy Efficient
12000 BTU
600 sq. ft.
Height
13 inches1 year Warranty
Frigidaire Mini-Compact Air Conditioner
Best for Small Rooms
5000 BTU
150 sq. ft.
Height
12 inches1-year full warranty 5 year sealed system warranty
Windmill Air Conditioner
Best for the Environment
8300 BTU
350 sq. ft.
Height
13.2 inches30 days return policy
The Soleus Air Exclusive is a 3-inch over-the-window air conditioner, which means that the part over the window sill is only 3 inches long. This is an incredible 80% reduction in profile compared to a standard 16-inch window air conditioner.
This low-profile unit serves as a silent air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fan with 3-speed settings and 3 modes.
PROS
- Smooth and silent operation
- Doesn’t require a window bracket
- Has a 12+ CEER rating
- Energy-star certified
- Also works as a dehumidifier
- Can be operated with your smartphone
CONS
- Heavier than conventional units
Features
- 8000 BTU with Wi-Fi
- Suitable for 375 square feet
- Compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Wi-Fi
- 3-in-1: Air conditioner, dehumidifier & fan
- Noise level of 38/49 dB
- Removes almost 34 pints of moisture per day
- 3 fan speeds
- Has an energy saver, sleep, and dry mode
- Up to 11 inches of window-sill clearance
Our Review
Most low-profile air conditioners have a height of about 12 to 16 inches. However, the Soleus Air Exclusive is designed a little differently.
While the actual height of the unit is 15 inches, the part of the AC that sits over the sill is only 3 inches. The bulk of the unit does not sit on top of the windowsill.
The unit also has a very quiet operation of 38/49 dB. This is almost 30% less than a conventional window air conditioner.
It is also Energy-Star rated and has a 12.1 EER rating. Its sleep mode, energy saver mode, and 24-hour timer help reduce your energy consumption by 30%!
The Soleus Air Exclusive has Soleus’ exclusive ‘My Temp Control’ feature. This feature allows the air conditioner to cool the room to the precise location of the remote control. You can place the remote control on your bed, and the cooling rays will primarily be directed towards your bed.
It also has an Auto Mode that allows you to sit back and relax while the AC does all the work for you. It assesses the needs of the room based on the current temperature and adjusts the controls accordingly.
If the current room temperature rises above 75 degrees, then it turns on the air conditioner, and if it goes below 75 degrees, it just turns on the fan. This allows you to save energy while also staying comfortable.
In the sleep mode, the fan runs on the lowest setting to make the least amount of noise so that you can sleep comfortably.
The temperature slowly rises to 2 degrees Fahrenheit more than the pre-set temperature for the first two hours. It also ensures that the unit maintains the same temperature until you turn the sleep mode off.
In the Dry Mode, the Soleus Air Exclusive works as a dehumidifier and eliminates approximately 30 pints of moisture per day from the room. This allows you to enjoy cool and comfortable air.
The Soleus Air Exclusive is WiFi-compatible, and you can control it even with your smartphone. Installing it is also pretty easy.
Midea U Inverter is an energy-efficient low-profile AC that ensures 35% energy saving. With an airflow of up to 20 feet, a 12,000 BTU rating, and a coverage area of 550 sq. ft., it can easily cool up a large room without making too much noise.
PROS
- Saves 35% energy and is Energy Star rated
- Can cool a large room of up to 550 square feet
- Runs very silently, creating a peaceful environment
- You can control it with your smartphone or any other Android or iOS gadget
- U-shaped design allows you to still open your window
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Has an easy and robust installation
CONS
- The high-tech DC inverter compressor makes the unit quite heavy
- The beep sound that the AC makes whenever you change a setting is loud and irritating
Features
- BTU rating of 12,000
- Height of 13.75 inches
- Coverage area of 550 sq. ft.
- WiFi-enabled
- Quiet operation of 42 dbA
- Airflow up to 20 feet
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Our Review
The Midea U Inverter is the first window air conditioner to get the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020 Certification.
While most window air conditioners have a CEER rating of 10, the Midea U Inverter can get a rating of 15 and ensure 35% energy savings with the help of its latest DC Inverter technology.
The smart design of the Midea U Inverter makes it 9 times quieter than other conventional window air conditioners.
The U shape of the unit blocks any noise coming from your cooling system with the help of your window. Its noise levels are astonishingly low at 42 dbA – that’s almost as quiet as a library, so you can enjoy a peaceful evening without being disturbed.
The same U-shaped design also allows you to keep your window open in case you want some fresh air in the room.
The Midea U Inverter is Wi-Fi-enabled and compatible with Google Assistant. Once you install the Midea app on your Android or iOS device, you can control the AC remotely through the cloud from your smartphone. It also allows you to use voice commands if you find that more convenient.
The cooling capability of this unit is also quite impressive. With an airflow of up to 20 feet, it can keep the room cool and comfortable. It also comes with a one-year warranty for parts and labor.
The Midea U Inverter comes with an installation bracket that makes the installation more secure. You can use this air conditioner on a single hung or a double-hung window.
The Frigidaire Mini-Compact Air Conditioner has a coverage area of 150 sq. ft., making it ideal for small spaces, but its airflow of 140 CFM means it cools incredibly well. It has various controls like adjustable fan and cooling settings, along with 3 different modes (Eco, Sleep, and Dry mode).
PROS
- Energy Star certification
- Can remember and restore your pre-set settings
- Has a fully functional remote control
- Features a sleep mode, dry mode, and an eco-mode
- The filters are easy to take out and clean
- Has a robust construction
CONS
- The coverage area is a little small
- Creates noticeable noise on high setting
Features
- Coverage area of 150 sq. ft.
- 2 cooling speeds & 2 fan speeds
- Features a 24-hour on and off timer
- 1-year full warranty
- 5-year sealed system warranty
- Rated at 5000 BTUs
Our Review
This mini-compact AC is a rather straightforward and simple low-profile window air conditioner from Frigidaire. This is more of a traditional system that doesn’t have many fancy features but is built solidly and does an impeccable job of cooling a room.
It has a very compact design and can fit on windows measuring 23” W x 13” H.
A set of SpaceWise adjustable side panels make the installation process secure by creating a tightly wound seal around the product.
The mesh filter inside is also easy to take out due to a tilting panel and can be washed easily to enhance performance.
Despite the small size, the Frigidaire Mini AC delivers an airflow of 140 CFM on high settings. It has 2 speed and fan options and has electronic controls that are just a touch away on a digital panel on the front of the unit. You can also control it with a remote control.
It also has an auto-restart feature, which means if the system shuts down due to an unexpected power outage, it will remember and restore your preset settings and resume its functions once it gets power again.
The Windmill Air Conditioner is a stylish 8300 BTU unit perfect for a 350 square feet room. It uses the more environment-friendly R32 refrigerant and has 3 fan and cooling settings. It also comes with a 30-day return policy.
PROS
- You can control it remotely through its smartphone app or via voice commands
- Environment-friendly
- Efficient cooling with a 45-degree angle airflow
- Very quiet operation
- Features a trendy and minimalist design
CONS
- Not Energy Star rated
Features
- 8300 BTU rating
- Coverage area of 350 sq. ft.
- Remote control and Wi-Fi-enabled
- Auto-dimming LED display
- Uses R32 refrigerant that has 68% less global warming potential
- 30-day no-questions-asked return policy
- 3 fan speeds and 3 cool settings
Our Review
The Windmill has a contemporary look with an auto-dimming LED display, clean lines, and curved edges and can easily complement modern and minimalist furniture.
It’s not just good-looking, but also practical. The top vents blow air upwards into the room at a 45-degree angle for better cooling.
You can control the Windmill air conditioner in 3 ways: remote control, voice commands through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, and your smartphone since it is WiFi-enabled. All you need to do is install the Windmill app, and then you can turn your AC on and off from anywhere.
The Windmill AC has a cooling capacity of 8300 BTU and is ideal for spaces up to 350 square feet. It can fit windows with a 14-inch vertical opening and a width of 23-37 inches.
It has 3 fan speeds: Low (1), Medium (2), and High (3), and 3 cool settings: cool, eco, and fan. It also works very silently.
The Windmill AC is also quite environmentally friendly. It uses the R32 refrigerant instead of the more commonly used 410a and has a 68% less global warming potential than 410a.
The installation kit of the Windmill Air Conditioner also comes pre-assembled. You only need to take it out of the box and follow the given instructions to fix it in place.
Plus, the AC comes with a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy. Just make sure that the unit isn’t damaged.
the unit, and adjust the mist output with the dial.
Although this HoMedics Personal Travel Humidifier is incredibly small, it might still leak. This can be because of a design flaw or user error. It’s also advisable to use a high-quality water bottle, as it can be a bit tricky to secure cheaper bottles to the humidifier firmly.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Great-Looking Window Air Conditioner
Features to Look For
The most important feature to look for in an air conditioner is the performance.
An air conditioner that can perform well in intense heat is worth the cost.
But it would be even better if an air conditioner adds to the room’s aesthetics while ensuring efficient cooling.
Some other features you should look for include:
Low vs. Normal Profile
Window air conditioners with a 16+ inch profile are considered normal profile ACs. An AC with a height below 16 inches is regarded as a low-profile unit.
They are easy to maintain, look aesthetically better than regular cooling units, and don’t limit or restrict the natural light.
Normal profile units have higher cooling capacities and cover a larger area, but they look clunky and are harder to maintain.
Window Size and Space
Typically, the body of the window AC sits partially outside and partially inside the window pane, with some kind of brace or bracket that holds the unit in place.
There’s no universal standard for the window size, so it’s important that you measure your window dimensions.
Once you have that measurement, you can compare that with the specifications of the AC you have in mind. This way, you can avoid nasty surprises at the time of installation.
Energy Star Rating
The energy star rating of an appliance is an indicator of how energy efficient it is.
Generally, an Energy Star rated unit is 15% more energy efficient than a non-rated counterpart. Lower energy consumption means a lower electricity bill.
Noise Level
Three main factors contribute to the noise that a window AC makes: the compressor, the airflow, and the unit’s vibration.
Anything below 60 dB counts as a quiet AC. For instance, the Soleus Air Exclusive is one of the most silent air conditioners in the market and makes only 38/49 dB of noise.
Room Size/Cooling Capacity
BTU rating or British Thermal Unit indicates how much heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. The higher the rating, the better the cooling capability. And the bigger the room, the higher BTUs you need.
Low-profile window air conditioners have a BTU rating between 6000 and 12000, which means they are suitable for 300 to 500 square feet.
Make sure you check the manufacturer’s specifications to find the right size.
Warranty
A warranty gives you a rough estimate of the time the product will work without fault.
At the very least, make sure your AC has a 1-year warranty.
Price
Low-profile, aesthetically pleasing air conditioners cost between $300 and $700.
More expensive units are more powerful and come with additional features like Wi-Fi and voice assistant compatibility.
So, set a budget first so that you can easily narrow down your options.
Durability
You can judge the durability of an AC by looking at the manufacturer and the warranty. If you buy from a renowned name with top-selling products, such as Frigidaire or LG, you can expect the air conditioner to work for a while.
Similarly, a warranty means that the manufacturer trusts its product to last a long time.
Thermostat
A thermostat adjusts the cooling temperature of an air conditioner and allows you to maintain the desired temperature in your living space.
Most window AC come with a programmable thermostat that helps pre-set heating and cooling schedules.
A programmable thermostat also shuts off the AC when it reaches the pre-set temperature, which helps save money.
Low Maintenance
Low-profile air conditioners are easy to maintain, and you don’t need any technical expertise for them. The most you need to do is to wipe the AC to prevent dust accumulation.
What is a Low-Profile Air Conditioner?
A low-profile air conditioner is one that is less than 16 inches in height.
Despite being more compact than regular units, low-profile air conditioners cool small living spaces effectively without making too much noise.
They also work just like regular air conditioners do; the only difference is just that they occupy less space on the window.
Are Low-Profile Window AC Units Energy-Efficient?
Most low-profile units in the market are Energy Star-rated and have a CEER rating below 10. Some models, like the Midea U Inverter, have a higher CEER rating, making it comparatively more energy-efficient.
Final Verdict: What Is The Most Attractive Window Air Conditioner Sold Today?
There are many attractive window air conditioners sold in the market today, making it hard to choose the best one.
However, one unit that really stands out among its competitors is the Soleus Air Exclusive.
It has an unbelievably low profile of a mere three inches and a high-energy efficiency rate. It has a BTU rating of 8000 and is suitable for areas up to 375 square feet.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
