Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 5,000 BTU Window AC
Best BudgetMidea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window AC (8,000 BTU)
Best OverallPrice
$130–$180
$239–$380
Summary
RTINGS' pick for best budget window AC. No frills, no inverter, but it cools small rooms reliably without breaking the bank.
The undisputed community and expert favorite since 2020. Inverter compressor means near-silent operation, low energy draw, and no startup surge — a rare combo at this price.
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
- Inverter compressor runs near-silently and modulates between 2,000–8,000 BTU based on need
- Extremely low power draw — as low as 111W at partial load, max ~680W
- No startup surge makes it ideal for generator use during outages
- U-shaped design lets you open/close the window while installed
- WiFi smart home integration included
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
- Reports of units being removed from sale or availability issues in 2025–2026
- Some Reddit users report units never adequately cooled their space despite working quietly
- 8,000 BTU may be insufficient for larger rooms without upgrading to 10,000+ BTU model
- Higher upfront cost than basic non-inverter window units
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.
This is the one. Wirecutter has picked it for 6 years running, Reddit loves it, and the inverter tech makes it genuinely different from every cheap box AC on the shelf. Buy this first.
Buy
The verdict
Get the Frigidaire FHWC054TE1 5,000 BTU Window AC if you want budget performance. Get the Midea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window AC (8,000 BTU) if you value overall more. Both are excellent choices in window ac units.
