Best Smart Air Conditioner

Updated: Nov 14, 2023 9:57 PM
best smart air conditioner featured image that shows the top three best air conditioner models

With the summer months officially upon us and heatwaves bearing down Wi-Fi connected air conditioners are a new class of home appliances that make controlling the climate in your home or office easier than ever before with the help of smartphone apps and cutting-edge technology. When searching for the best WiFi smart air conditioner for your home, look for a unit that offers a high level of cooling power, an easy installation process, adjustable fan speeds, smart features, and helpful control panels that are easy to use.

We researched the top 25 smart air conditioners on the market today to find the most efficient option for your home air conditioner. Keeping the above features in mind, we are happy to say that the LG LW1019IVSM offers the best overall experience. With easy window installation, smart home compatibility and an efficient cooling capacity, this smart AC unit is one you shouldn’t miss. Read on to learn more about the LG and our other favorite picks to find the best air conditioners for your home or office.

Top 5 Smart Air Conditioners Compared

 #1  LG LW1019IVSM

Award: Top Pick

WHY WE LIKE IT: The LG LW1019IVSM is unquestionably a simple and easy unit to use. It doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles, but it makes overall operation so easy to use that we couldn’t ignore making it our top pick, especially when combined with its efficient cooling power.

Pros
  • Best smart window air conditioner
  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Efficient cooling power
Cons
  • Heavier than other models
  • Limited smart home integration
  • App could use some work

The LG LW1019IVSM window smart room air conditioner with SmartThinQ technology is quiet, efficient, and incredibly easy to use, all features that quickly propelled it to the top of our list. One of the things we enjoyed most about this LG Dual Inverter air conditioner with WiFi was how quietly it operated. Even the best window air conditioners tend to be loud since they’re also powerful, but this fine LG air conditioner eliminates this problem entirely. This is due to its dual-inverter compressor, which keeps noise to a minimum. You could say, it makes for the best inverter A/C. As for energy efficiency, you will not have to worry about wasting loads of energy with this Energy Star unit. For another energy-efficient unit, check out our Amana central air conditioner review.

The sleek, low-profile AC unit is also incredibly easy to use. This window unit features a handy control panel directly on the unit, but you can of course also control it through the smartphone app. We were a little unimpressed by the app, but it’s overall a decent offering. The LG Dual Inverter is also compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice commands, but the extent of smart home integration here is lacking. All in all, if you need a reliable WiFi-enabled Window AC unit, you can’t go wrong with the LG LW1019IVSM. These days, it can be tricky to buy heating and cooling products, but this one is a winner.

Related: Check out our best tower air conditioner buying guide if you need a bladeless or a bladed model.

 #2  Frigidaire FGRC1044T1

Award: Honorable Mention

WHY WE LIKE IT: The  Air Conditioner Frigidaire FGRC1044T1 offers killer power (10,000 BTUs), easy installation and setup, and sleek design aesthetics. This WiFi-capable air conditioner is perfect for anyone needing a stationary unit for their living space.

Pros
  • Best WiFi connectivity
  • 10,000 BTUs of power
  • Easy to install and set up
Cons
  • Operates loud
  • Stationary in the window
  • Built-in display hard to read at distance

This Frigidaire Cool Connect Smart window air conditioner boasts 10,000 BTUs of cooling capacity, which is enough power to cool a room up to 450 square feet. It also features built-in WiFi, allowing you to connect to the unit via your smartphone (Android or iOS) to change fan speed and temperature, control the AC’s modes, and turn it on/off remotely. And while operating remotely, the app will also show you the current temperature of your house so that you know what temperature you need to set the unit for. This particular Smart AC unit is also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, which allows you to control it with the command of your voice. In this realm of connectivity, the Cool Connect offers the most reliable connection; we hardly experienced any connectivity issues during our research. You can find similar options among the top-rated central air conditioners, too.

This AC unit is also Energy Star compliant and delivers an Energy Star rating of 12, making it one of the lowest cost to operate window units in its category; $75 a year to be exact (give or take depending on your energy utility’s costs). For those that are worried about air quality, you’ll take comfort in the easily removable mesh antibacterial filter, which easily pops off for cleaning thanks to a magnetic closure. And with this window air conditioner, you also get up-to-date alerts and key notifications such as clean filter indicators. Moreover, there is a built-in clean air ionizer allowing this unit to capture more dust in the air. Lastly, there is a sleep mode, battery-operated remote control (in case you like to go old school on the controls – and on the units), a built-in 3-foot cord, and a window kit with side panels that minimize leaks and keep the cold in. Since you are on your way to a smart home, we should mention that the best smart outlets are very versatile as well.

 #3  RolliCool COOL100H-19

Award: Best Value

WHY WE LIKE IT: The RolliCool COOL100H-19 can cool and heat at a rapid rate, even for a large room, thanks to its 14,000 BTUs of power. Set up is also a cinch and doesn’t require any kind of mounting in a window.

Pros
  • Best heating and cooling combination
  • Powerful 14,000 BTUs of cooling
  • Washable filters
Cons
  • App needs work
  • Not as durable as other options
  • Draining water can get difficult

The RolliCool COOL100H-19 is one of the most innovative portable smart WiFi air conditioners on our list because it can cool and heat your living spaces with ease. It’s also one of the most powerful units on our list, with a whopping 14,000 BTUs of heating and cooling power. We loved how portable it is, even when fully loaded with water, due to its durable caster wheels. If your home has multiple rooms, consider the best mini split too.

As with all the units on our list, you can control the RolliCool with a proprietary smartphone app, but this was the one area where we were most displeased. The app isn’t the best and definitely needs some work. However, this is an easy aspect to overlook, especially when you consider the fact that you can control the unit via voice command with Amazon Alexa. It is also good to know that the app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The smart AC is also eco-friendly with R410A refrigerant and reusable, washable filters. Pair this great portable air conditioner with one of the best large space heaters, and you’ll be ready for anything.

 #4  De’Longhi Pinguino 4-in-1

Award: Best Portable

WHY WE LIKE IT: The De’Longhi Pinguino 4-in-1 portable smart air conditioner has enough power to cool down any size home, along with a dehumidifier and wheels for easy rearrangement. If you need portable power, you can’t go wrong with the Pinguino.

Pros
  • Most portable design
  • Cools up to 500 square feet
  • Easy to install and use
Cons
  • No thermometer
  • Can be loud when compressor is running
  • App set up is a little confusing

For many, a smaller window-mounted smart air conditioner is more than enough to cool down their bedroom or home office, but what do you do if you need more power and more portability? The De’Longhi Pinguino 4-in-1 can help, as it’s a nice windowless air conditioner. It has smart features, a dehumidifier, a fan, and a heater for the most comprehensive cooling or heating solution your money can buy.

This A/C unit is a big, burly monster of a cooling system that easily rolls to any corner of your home, and it’s capable of keeping spaces upwards of 500 square feet tolerable during even the hottest of heatwaves. And with the included heating element, it can keep cold rooms tolerable even in the most frigid of freezes. The DeLonghi can be loud at times, especially when the compressor is running, but the cool air is more than worth the noise. Using the De’Longhi PAC smart app, you can easily control your air conditioner from wherever you are in or out of your home. Unfortunately, the app can be a little difficult to set up, but once you’re up and running, it’s easy to use.

 #5  JHS A016-10KR/B1

Award: Best Budget

WHY WE LIKE IT: The JHS A016-10KR/B1 portable smart air conditioner is powerful with 10,000 BTUs of cooling force that can quickly cool any mid-sized room. It also features our favorite smartphone app, which makes the experience much better.

Pros
  • Best smartphone app
  • Mild white noise
  • Includes a dehumidifier
Cons
  • Needs to be installed by a window
  • The thermometer isn’t very accurate
  • Large water hose gets in the way

The JHS A016-10KR/B1 offers one of our favorite smartphone apps of all the units on our list, which was more than enough to earn a spot on our top picks. Because what’s the point of a smart A/C if you don’t have a good app to use alongside it? The app was easy to install, easy to learn, and easy to use when controlling the AC unit.

We were of course very pleased with the overall functionality of the JHS A016-10KR/B1 itself, as well. With 10,000 BTUs of efficient cooling power, this unit is great for small and mid-sized rooms. Unfortunately, it absolutely needs to be installed near a window for the water hose but can be easily moved to a better location if needed. The JHS unit doesn’t operate too loud and even includes a dehumidifier and fan for even more functionality.

Consider Your Room Size

It almost goes without saying, but make sure to measure your room size. For BTU cooling, a general rule of thumb is for every 20 BTUs you can cover a square foot. But use your best judgment and also account for the age of your house or apartment. The less insulation, or the older it is, the more power you might need, like the power you can get with the best dual hose portable air conditioner.

Turning Your Classic AC Into A Smart One

If you do not have a smart air conditioner, i.e you have the classic design, you can always buy a smart air conditioner controller to enable you to control your classic AC using your smartphone. These controllers come with all the options that smart air conditioners come with. Some of the best controllers are the Cielo Breez Eco Smart AC Controller, the Cielo Breez Plus Smart AC Controller, and the Sensibo Sky smart AC controller, which you can read about on our Sensibo Sky smart air conditioner controller review page. Although, compare the Sensibo vs Cielo to see which one is better.

The Cielo Breez Eco works with windows, mini-split, and portable smart ACs that use an infrared remote control. Your AC will connect to the WiFi router and you can control your AC with a smartphone, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa. This Cielo Breez even comes with a free table stand. The Cielo Breez also has humidity and temperature settings to ensure the perfect atmosphere in your room, as well as live air filter status to provide you with a healthy environment. The Sensibo Sky smart AC controller can monitor room humidity and temperature. Sensibo Sky is compatible with iOS, Alexa, Android, Google Home, Bixby, or your laptop. Plus, Sensibo Sky can save you up to 40% on energy consumption from your AC.

How We Reviewed the AC Units

1. Available Features
While all of the Wi-Fi air conditioner units we could find carry a basic set of features including Wi-Fi controls, temperature readouts, and timer setups, that’s not all they can do. Keep an eye out for added energy-saving features and scheduling apps that will run your A/C for you in the background, even when you’re not home or able to get to your phone to tell the unit what to do without you around. The best smart air conditioners will be compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Nest (previously named Google Home) and can be accessed by your smartphone from anywhere.

2. App Compatibility
All of the Wi-Fi air conditioners on this list use various smartphone apps to connect you to the unit remotely. Some apps are more streamlined than others, while some (like the LG Smart AC app) haven’t seen a visual update since iOS 6.0.

3. Ease of Use
One of the main reasons you would want to choose a Wi-Fi-enabled air conditioner over a classic design is the ease of use. Smart ACs offer a range of additional features. Whether you’re a hundred miles away or a few feet away on the couch, Wi-Fi air conditioners offer a convenient way to change temperatures and monitor the temperature stats of your room all from the comfort of a mobile device.

4. Power Saving Options
If you decide to go with either the Frigidaire smart air conditioner or the LG, know ahead of time that the only power-saving options you’ll have will need to be activated manually. That said, if the lights dim whenever the air conditioner comes on means there could be power connectivity issues. The Aros on the other hand automatically tracks your usage stats and gives you a rough estimate of how much power you’re using or money you’re saving by only activating the air conditioner during certain times of the day or year. Sudden spikes in your energy bills can be a sign that something’s wrong with the AC unit, but sometimes a hard reset on the unit can quickly resolve these issues, so be sure to learn how to reset the air conditioner.

5. Cost
Unlike dozens of other “smart home” devices that have come out in the past few years, Wi-Fi-connected air conditioners don’t cost much more than their offline counterparts just for the added wireless functionality. on average, you should expect to pay around $300 for a reliable 8,000 BTU window-mounted unit, or a little over $500 for a portable 14,000 BTU unit. If you’re skeptical on a portable AC unit effectively operating, you can read up on how portable air conditioners work.

Resident Expert Consultant/Why Trust Us

Chris has been reviewing consumer tech for almost 10 years. He brings extensive knowledge concerning home connectivity and most importantly WiFi AC units, reviewing more than 50 of these throughout his career. He also has the unfortunate side effect of living in Portland, Oregon where the summers are balmy and beyond humid. So he jumped at the chance to take on this research…to say the least. – Chris Stobing | Smart Home Expert

Mistakes to Avoid

Measure Twice, Cut Once
The last thing you want to deal with after ordering a brand new window-mounted or portable smart air conditioner unit is finding out that it doesn’t fit in the space where you’re trying to put it. Window-mounted units need at least a foot of vertical clearance and two feet of clearance on either side, and portable smart units need a window or sliding door that you can stick the ventilation tube out of while still keeping a tight seal between your home and the outside world. Without a proper seal, all that cold air will simply leak out of your home before it cools anything down, so be sure to take a tape measure to your window frame before placing an order. Another size mistake is getting an air conditioner that is too large for your small room, which will mean that it will chill the room too fast, before it has removed the humidity, and this will leave you feeling cold and damp. Make sure your unit is capable of doing what you need it to do, like having a carbon and mesh filter to prevent dust particles from being scattered around your home like what we discuss in our Whynter ARC-12SD review.

Replacing A Brand New Offline Unit
If you just bought a new regular air conditioner and don’t feel like returning it for a Wi-Fi model, there are alternative options available. By purchasing a third-party AirPatrol or Sensibo Sky. Like we have written under ‘turning your classic AC into a smart one’ above. These devices make your regular air conditioner smart by sending it infrared commands that you control using a smartphone app.

Setting Your AC Unit To Too Low Of A Temperature
Air conditioning units have their own limitations as too how low their thermostats can be set to. If you’re now asking yourself, “So what is the coldest temperature for an air conditioner?” then we have a guide to explain what it is and why this is important.

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