Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
LG 12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner
Best for Large RoomsMidea U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window AC (8,000 BTU)
Best OverallPrice
$300–$450
$239–$380
Summary
Hushed, efficient cooling for larger spaces at a surprisingly competitive price. Reddit users consistently praise LG window units for quiet operation and reliability.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 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.
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 LG 12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner if you want for large rooms 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.
