Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 5,000 BTU Window AC
Best BudgetLG 12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
Best for Large RoomsPrice
$130–$180
$300–$450
Summary
RTINGS' pick for best budget window AC. No frills, no inverter, but it cools small rooms reliably without breaking the bank.
Hushed, efficient cooling for larger spaces at a surprisingly competitive price. Reddit users consistently praise LG window units for quiet operation and reliability.
Pros
- Low entry price makes it accessible for renters and small spaces
- Cools rooms up to ~150 sq ft efficiently
- Simple mechanical controls — nothing to break or configure
- Widely available at major retailers
- 12,000 BTU handles larger rooms (up to ~550 sq ft) effectively
- Notably quiet operation — The Spruce calls the 10,000 BTU variant 'nearly silent'
- Smart WiFi connectivity for remote control
- Strong community reputation on Reddit for reliability
Cons
- No inverter — compressor cycles on/off loudly
- No WiFi or smart home integration
- Not suitable for rooms larger than ~150 sq ft
- Less energy efficient than inverter models over a full season
- Requires 240V outlet for some higher-BTU models
- Larger physical footprint and heavier than smaller units
- RTINGS notes they haven't been able to test LG units directly yet
- Smart features require app setup which some users find cumbersome
Our take
If you just need to cool a bedroom or small office and don't want to spend $300+, this Frigidaire gets the job done. Don't overthink it for small spaces.
If your room is too big for the Midea 8K, this LG is the move. WIRED calls it 'hushed, efficient room cooling at a surprisingly low price' — and Reddit backs that up hard.
Buy
The verdict
Get the Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 5,000 BTU Window AC if you want budget performance. Get the LG 12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner if you value for large rooms more. Both are excellent choices in window ac units.
