Air conditioning is essential in the summer, but cooling your home can jack up your energy bill. Smart air conditioners can potentially save you money in the long run due to their efficiency and support for features like scheduling. We've tested and reviewed many excellent ACs for your smart home over the last decade. The GE 11,000 BTU Smart Heat/Cool is our top pick for its versatile combination of heating and cooling, but it isn't the only AC we highly recommend. If you're looking for a window unit or a portable model, our list has options for every need and budget to help you find the best smart air conditioner for your home.
Overview
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![GE 11,000 BTU Smart Heat/Cool With Heat Pump Electronic Window Air Conditioner (AWGP12)]()
Best OverallGE 11,000 BTU Smart Heat/Cool With Heat Pump Electronic Window Air Conditioner (AWGP12)
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![Dreo Portable Smart Air Conditioner AC516S]()
Best Portable Smart Air ConditionerDreo Portable Smart Air Conditioner AC516S
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![GE Profile Clearview PHNT10 Smart Air Conditioner]()
Best Low-Profile DesignGE Profile Clearview PHNT10 Smart Air Conditioner
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![Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner]()
Best for Quiet AirflowMidea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
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![Hisense 10000-BTU Window AC Inverter WiFi (AW1023TW1W)]()
Best Efficiency and ReportsHisense 10000-BTU Window AC Inverter WiFi (AW1023TW1W)
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![Windmill AC]()
Most Stylish DesignWindmill AC
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![Zafro Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner]()
Most Powerful Portable ACZafro Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
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![Friedrich Kuhl Series 12,500 BTU Smart Air Conditioner]()
Fastest CoolingFriedrich Kuhl Series 12,500 BTU Smart Air Conditioner
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![GE 11,000 BTU Smart Heat/Cool With Heat Pump Electronic Window Air Conditioner (AWGP12)]()
Best OverallGE 11,000 BTU Smart Heat/Cool With Heat Pump Electronic Window Air Conditioner (AWGP12)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
GE's Smart Heat/Cool air conditioner doesn't just pump out cold air in the summer. It also works as a heater, warming up the air in your space (up to 550 square feet with 11,000 BTUs) in the winter. It's a bit pricey, but it's packed with smart features beyond its dual-purpose heating and cooling, like voice control with Alexa and Gemini, IFTTT support, and even energy consumption reports.
Who It's For
Anyone in temperate zones: Being able to both heat and cool the air makes this a window unit you can keep in place year-round, through the extremes of all seasons.
Energy conservationists: Being able to monitor how much power this AC uses is a boon for anyone who wants to lower their electric bills.
Specs & Configurations
BTUs 11,000 Energy Star Certified Style Window Unit Voice Control Amazon Alexa Voice Control Google Assistant -
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![Dreo Portable Smart Air Conditioner AC516S]()
Best Portable Smart Air ConditionerDreo Portable Smart Air Conditioner AC516S
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The standalone Dreo AC516S air conditioner is designed to cool up to 450 square feet with little hassle. If your space has less than 90% humidity, you don't have to worry about drainage at all, thanks to its unique design. If it is really humid and you don't want it to be, you can also use the AC516S as a dehumidifier. It also supports voice control with Alexa and Gemini, but it doesn't work with HomeKit or IFTTT.
Who It's For
Temporary spaces: You still have to run an exhaust hose to use it, but since the AC516S doesn't need drainage in most spaces, moving it from place to place as needed is much quicker than with most other portable air conditioners.
Humid environments: If your room is very humid and you don't mind running a drain hose, this air conditioner doubles as a dehumidifier.
Specs & Configurations
BTUs 14,000 (ASHRAE), 10,000 (DOE/SACC) Style Portable Voice Control Amazon Alexa Voice Control Google Assistant Voice Control Proprietary -
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![GE Profile Clearview PHNT10 Smart Air Conditioner]()
Best Low-Profile DesignGE Profile Clearview PHNT10 Smart Air Conditioner
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
GE's ClearView air conditioner is a rare window unit that won't actually block your view. Most of its body sits below the window, so you can see clearly even as its 10,300 BTUs cool up to 450 square feet. You can also control it with your voice through Alexa and Gemini, and get energy usage reports via a mobile app.
Who It's For
Anyone with a nice view: Window units work very well, but they almost always block the view. This air conditioner keeps most of the window unobstructed while maintaining performance.
Specs & Configurations
BTUs 10,300 Energy Star Certified Style Window Unit Voice Control Amazon Alexa Voice Control Google Assistant -
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![Midea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner]()
Best for Quiet AirflowMidea Duo Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Midea Duo is especially quiet for a portable air conditioner, running at as low as 42dB. Its 10,000 BTUs (DOE/SACC) can efficiently cool up to 450 square feet, thanks in part to its large two-directional air hose. It can also dehumidify and supports Alexa and Gemini voice commands.
Who It's For
Quiet spaces: If you don't want a lot of noise and don't need to run your AC at full blast, the Midea Duo can keep you comfortable with hardly a whine.
Specs & Configurations
BTUs 12,000 (ASHRAE), 10,000 (DOE/SACC) Style Portable Voice Control Amazon Alexa Voice Control Google Assistant -
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![Hisense 10000-BTU Window AC Inverter WiFi (AW1023TW1W)]()
Best Efficiency and ReportsHisense 10000-BTU Window AC Inverter WiFi (AW1023TW1W)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Hisense's modest, medium-sized window air conditioner uses inverter technology to cool up to 450 square feet with 10,000 BTUs while consuming relatively little energy. And if you're not sure about that, you can check for yourself with its power usage reports. It supports scheduling and Alexa and Gemini voice control as well, though HomeKit, IFTTT, and Matter are absent
Who It's For
Energy savers: As an inverter-equipped window unit, the Hisense AW1023TW1W is a particularly efficient way to keep your space nice and cool.
Specs & Configurations
BTUs 10,000 Energy Star Certified Style Window Unit Voice Control Amazon Alexa Voice Control Google Assistant -
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![Windmill AC]()
Most Stylish DesignWindmill AC
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Windmill AC might be one of the older models on this list, but it doesn't look like it. It's especially sleek and stylish for a window unit, can cool up to 350 square feet with 8,300 BTUs, and supports Alexa and Gemini voice control.
Who It's For
Design-conscious spaces: With a simple white face free of big, ugly vent slats, the Windmill AC is almost Apple-like in its attractive design, and looks much nicer than most other window units.
Specs & Configurations
BTUs 8,300 Product Category Smart Home Style Window Unit Voice Control Amazon Alexa Voice Control Google Assistant Learn More Windmill AC Review -
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![Zafro Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner]()
Most Powerful Portable ACZafro Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
At 12,000 BTUs (DOE/SACC), the Zafro is one of the most powerful air conditioners on this list, capable of cooling up to 550 square feet. It's quiet, easy to move, and full of features like Alexa and Gemini voice control and energy usage reports, though its two airflow tubes are pretty bulky. You won't get much more cooling capability for the price in a portable AC unit.
Who It's For
Large spaces: The ability to cover 550 square feet is Zafro's biggest boon, since you'd usually need a window unit (or multiple portable ACs) for that much space.
Specs & Configurations
BTUs 16,000 (ASHRAE), 12,000 (DOE/SACC) Style Portable Voice Control Amazon Alexa Voice Control Google Assistant -
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Credit: Friedrich/PCMag
![Friedrich Kuhl Series 12,500 BTU Smart Air Conditioner]()
Fastest CoolingFriedrich Kuhl Series 12,500 BTU Smart Air Conditioner
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Friedrich Kuhl air conditioner is a commercial-grade, 12,500-BTU window unit that can cool up to 550 square feet fast. It's extremely expensive and doesn't provide energy usage reports, but it's built like a tank.
Who It's For
Commercial buyers: This AC is probably overkill for most homes, but if you have a modestly sized commercial space you need to keep cold and without making a lot of noise, this might be worth the investment.
Specs & Configurations
BTUs 12,500 Energy Star Certified Style Wall Unit Style Window Unit Voice Control Amazon Alexa Voice Control Google Assistant -
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Rating |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
3.5 Good |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best Overall | Best Portable Smart Air Conditioner | Best Low-Profile Design | Best for Quiet Airflow | Best Efficiency and Reports | Most Stylish Design | Most Powerful Portable AC | Fastest Cooling | Best Overall | Best Portable Smart Air Conditioner | Best Low-Profile Design |
BTUs | 11,000 | 14,000 (ASHRAE), 10,000 (DOE/SACC) | 10,300 | 12,000 (ASHRAE), 10,000 (DOE/SACC) | 10,000 | 8,300 | 16,000 (ASHRAE), 12,000 (DOE/SACC) | 12,500 | 11,000 | 14,000 (ASHRAE), 10,000 (DOE/SACC) | 10,300 |
Style | Window Unit | Portable | Window Unit | Portable | Window Unit | Window Unit | Portable | Window Unit, Wall Unit | Window Unit | Portable | Window Unit |
Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Proprietary | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Proprietary | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
Energy Star Certified |
Buying Guide: The Best Smart Air Conditioners for 2026
What Is a Smart Air Conditioner?
To be considered smart, an air conditioner needs a Wi-Fi radio so it can connect to an app that enables remote control and monitoring. No matter where you are, smart air conditioners let you adjust the target temperature, change the fan speed, and turn them on and off. Many also let you set a cooling schedule, so they will kick on at a designated time. And some support Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice commands.
Advanced models even offer energy usage reports and can use your phone's location services to cool down rooms before you arrive. That way, you’re not wasting energy—and money—cooling an empty room when you aren't there.
What Size Air Conditioner Do You Need?
Before purchasing an air conditioner, it’s important to determine the size of the unit you need. If it's too small, it has to work harder to reach the target temperature, wasting energy. If it’s too big, it will cool the room before sucking out moisture, leaving you feeling clammy.
Figuring out the right AC size for your room involves some math, but it’s pretty easy. First, measure the length and width of the room you want to cool, then multiply those numbers to calculate the square footage.
In general, you want 20 to 25 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of cooling power for every square foot. So, multiply your room's square footage by 20 to get the minimum size air conditioner that will fit in your space. If your room is 500 square feet, for instance, you need an air conditioner with 10,000 BTUs. If you have high ceilings and large windows, you might need more cooling power.
Energy Star recommends increasing capacity by 10% if the room is very sunny, reducing it by 10% if it’s heavily shaded, adding 600 BTUs if more than two people regularly occupy the room, and increasing capacity by 4,000 BTUs if the unit is in a kitchen.
Portable vs. Window Air Conditioners
Before you buy a smart air conditioner, decide whether you want a portable or a window unit. Portable units are convenient in that you can move them from room to room, but they take up floor space and require a bulky exhaust hose. Window units partially block your view and can be a pain to install, but they are far more discreet overall.
Another option is to purchase a retrofit device to turn your basic air conditioner into a smart one. If you already have a working AC, consider a device like the Sensibo Sky, which brings remote phone control and other connected features to your traditional unit. It works with various types of ACs and was easy to install in our testing. Meanwhile, if you need something to purify the air while it cools you, consider devices like the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07.
You might also want to consider a smart fan, such as the Dreo CF714S Air Circulator or Pilot Max Tower.