Best Low Profile Air Conditioners – 2021 Buyer’s Guide

Low profile air conditioners are ideal for those times when you need to cool certain areas in your home or workshop.

Low profile air conditioners cool square footage areas big or small, depending on their size and output.

If this seems overwhelming, don’t worry. We’re here to break it all down for you and share the best low profile air conditioners.

Comparison of the Best Low Profile Air Conditioners

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Quickly and easily cools down up to 8000 Btu
  • Made with a lightweight and durable construction for durability
  • Remote control included for much easier operation
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  • Easily cools a room of up to 260 square feet
  • Very easy to install in the window space
  • Comes with 3 fan speeds and 3 cooling options
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  • Best for the Money
  • Remote control included for much easier operation
  • Easily cools a room of up to 250 square feet
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  • Best Low Profile RV Air Conditioner
  • High 13500 Btu cooling capacity
  • Comes with a 3 speed blower included
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  • Best Low Profile Portable Air Conditioner
  • Will auto adjust the temperature for easy management
  • Strong and durable construction to last much longer
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  • Best Window Air Conditioner Low Profile
  • Very high energy efficiency of around 11.2 EER
  • 5500 Btu maximum cooling capacity
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  • Best Quiet Low Profile Window Air Conditioner
  • 3 fan speeds included for better cooling efficiency
  • Easy to use remote control included
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Why Did These Low Profile Air Conditioners Make Our List?

We chose these low profile air conditioners for our list because of their energy efficiency, size, ease of use, and overall noise. We feel these are features you should consider when choosing the best low profile air conditioner.

Energy Efficiency

Adding a low profile air conditioner to your home shouldn’t break the bank during the summer months. You shouldn’t have to worry that your utility bill will skyrocket during those months you run your low profile air conditioner. This is what makes energy efficiency an important feature that we considered when making our list.

Size

The size of a low profile air conditioner is determined by its BTU output. BTU stands for British thermal unit, and it measures the amount of energy that is used to adjust the temperature within a pound of water by 1°F.

A low profile air conditioner with a lower BTU will cool a smaller place than a low profile air conditioner with a higher BTU.

Generally, low profile air conditioners are classified by 10,000 BTUs or less. A 10,000 BTU low profile air conditioner will cool a space around 300 square feet, such as a large room like a living room or outdoor workshop.

Smaller low profile air conditioners around 5,000 BTU will cool a room up to 150 square feet, ideal for a small bedroom.

Ease of Use

A low profile air conditioner should have relatively simple controls that are self-explanatory. The only reason you should need the owner’s manual is when installing the air conditioning unit. The controls should be easy enough that you shouldn’t have to refer to the owner’s manual to learn how to use them.

Overall Noise

Finally, the overall noise generated from the low profile air conditioner while running shouldn’t be so loud that you can’t hear the other person talking in the same room. We chose low profile air conditioners that have 60 decibels or less. The lower the decibels, the lower the overall noise level is for the air conditioner unit.

Review of the Best Low Profile Air Conditioners

After carefully considering the primary features that we look for when choosing a low profile air conditioner, we compiled this list of units. We have chosen a low profile air conditioner for the exact reason you need.

Best Overall:
Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1

Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1 19' Energy Star Window Mounted Air Conditioner with 8000 BTU Cooling Capacity 115 Volts in White

PROS

  • Energy star certification with an EER (energy efficiency ratio) of 12
  • Remote control is included with the unit for easy control from across the room
  • Easy to install with a window installation kit that allows it to fit into any window
  • Easy to use with a variety of controls and functions on the control panel of the unit and remote control
  • 350 square-foot coverage area makes it ideal for bedrooms, upstairs rooms, or living room areas that can never get cool

CONS

  • Heavy (52 pounds) makes it difficult to install by oneself
  • Noisy; the unit is slightly louder than many comparable units

What Recent Buyers Report

Users are most pleased with how big of an area the Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1 covers. Because it can cool an area up to 350 square feet, buyers have used this unit to cool a variety of rooms, making it a versatile unit to choose for the exact reason you need.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We chose the Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1 as the best overall low profile air conditioner because of its energy efficiency, ease of installation, and functionality.

It is certified with Energy Star technology and has an EER of 12, making it extremely energy efficient. The EER of 12 will keep the energy use to a minimum, saving money on your monthly utility bill.

Included with the air conditioning unit is a window installation kit. If the window in your home is too big to fit the air conditioning unit, you can use the window installation kit to properly install the unit into the window without buying additional equipment or find another size of conditioning unit to fit your window.

Finally, there are different functions on the front of the unit and remote control included with the unit, which makes the unit easy to use.

These features are what make the Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1 stand out to us as the best overall low profile air conditioner.

Bottom Line

The Frigidaire FFRE083ZA1 is the best overall low profile air conditioner that you should choose if you are looking for an energy-efficient low profile air conditioner that won’t break the bank and has a variety of features included for you for the exact purpose you need.

Runner-up:
LG LW6017R

LG 6,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner, 115V, Cools 250 Sq.Ft. for Bedroom, Den, Living Room, Quiet Operation, with Remote, 2 Cooling & Fan Speeds, 2-Way Air Deflection, Auto Restart, White

PROS

  • Great unit for the money
  • Dehumidifies at 1.8 pints per hour
  • Lightweight design makes it easy for one person to install
  • A window installation kit is included with the unit so that it can fit larger windows
  • Variety of features including a sleep timer, temperature controls, fan speed controls, and energy-saving mode

CONS

  • Small 6,000 BTU output will only cool an area up to 260 square feet
  • Energy saver mode must be activated for the unit to be energy efficient

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers agree that the best feature of the LG LW6017R is how cold the air is when emitted from the unit. It quickly blows 134 CFM (cubic feet per minute), which quickly cools a small space in a short amount of time.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The price, features, and how quickly the unit will cool an area make the LG LW6017W our runner-up option for the best overall low profile air conditioner.

The unit is easy to use and has various settings and features that make it extremely versatile and effective. It has a timer that you can set for the unit to automatically shut off after a set time. This helps save energy so that the unit doesn’t constantly run, such as at night or when you’re not home.

It is also lightweight, which makes it easy to install by yourself without any additional help.

Bottom Line

The LG LW6017R is the best runner-up option, especially when choosing a low profile air conditioner that can quickly cool a room. It is affordable, effective, and equipped with a variety of modes for you to choose from when selecting the exact cooling setting you need.

Best for the Money:
MIDEA EasyCool MAW06R1BWT

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PROS

  • Most affordable unit with settings and features to accompany it
  • A window installation kit is included with the unit to make it fit larger windows
  • Remote control included with the unit allows you to control it from across the room
  • A reusable filter is included that can be taken out and rinsed with water instead of replacing
  • Settings and features include sleep mode, ECO energy-saver, fast-cool mode, and a 3-in-1 functionality mode

CONS

  • Produces around 59 decibels when running, making it noisier than some comparable models
  • Also can have drainage issues if installed improperly; make sure the unit is installed with a slight tilt so that the water can drain properly from the unit

What Recent Buyers Report

Across the board, buyers agree that the MIDEA EasyCool is the best low profile air conditioner for the money. It quickly cools a bedroom up to 250 square feet in a short amount of time.

In addition to how quickly and effectively the unit can cool, recent buyers report that the unit is easy to use when using both the remote control and the control panel on the front of the unit.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Affordability, functionality, and effectiveness are the primary features that make the MIDEA EasyCool stand out from the rest.

Affordability is the key feature that makes it the best for the money, but it is also the different modes and how quickly the unit will cool, making it stand out.

You can choose an ECO energy saver mode, sleep mode, or quick-cool mode for the exact reason you need to use the air conditioner. It also has a reusable filter that you can rinse and place back into the unit rather than purchasing a disposable filter every time it needs to be replaced.

Bottom Line

Many times, buying the “best for the money” option means cutting corners on features or settings, but that’s not the case with this unit by MIDEA. There are various settings and features that make this unit an efficient and effective choice when you want to get the most for your money.

Best Low Profile RV Air Conditioner:
Dometic 640315C Penguin II

Dometic Penguin II | 13.5K BTU | Low Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner | Ducted or Non-Ducted Application | Sleek Design | Easy Install | Premium Comfort

PROS

  • Extremely effective cold air output
  • Aerodynamic design helps save on gas mileage and reduces wind drag
  • There are three different speeds you can choose to set the air conditioner
  • The unit is easy to install and includes gaskets on the bottom of the unit for extra support
  • 2-year protection plus warranty from the manufacturer covers parts, labor, and freight for 2 years following the date of purchase

CONS

  • Noisy; this is the most common complaint among users
  • One of the pricier units of low profile RV air conditioners

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have praised this unit for how easy it is to install. Once the unit is installed, it produces a great output of cold air and has three different fan settings you can choose from. The biggest complaint from users across the board is that the unit is moderately noisy.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We chose the Dometic 640315 Penguin II as our choice for the best low profile RV air conditioner because it is aerodynamic, easy to install, and has an exceptional output of cold air.

The design of the unit prevents wind resistance, which helps fuel efficiency as well as creates a smooth driving experience. The unit is also easy to install and weighs relatively less than comparable models.

The cold air output is probably the best feature because it can cool a large space in a small amount of time, even on the lowest setting.

Bottom Line

The Dometic 640315 Penguin II is the best choice for low profile RV air conditioners because it is easy to install and has 11,000 BTUs, making it extremely effective in cooling both large and small spaces.

Best Low Profile Portable Air Conditioner:
De'Longhi Pinguino Deluxe

De'Longhi Black Portable Air Cooler with Remote Control and Dehumidifier

PROS

  • Smart cool technology uses up to 30% less energy than similar models
  • 3-in-1 functions allow you to choose to cool, dehumidify, or circulate air using the fan
  • Large output and coverage area with 14,000 BTUs can cover an area up to 700 square feet
  • Smart cool technology follows your movement in the room and calculates how much cooling you need
  • Arctic Whisper technology reduces the noise by 50%, making it an extremely quiet unit compared to most similar models

CONS

  • Hose is only 5 feet long, which can make it difficult to position near a window
  • PF (probe failure) sensor issues have been experienced among some users, which have required the unit to be repaired or replaced by De’Longhi

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers who have recently purchased the De’Longhi Pinguino Deluxe are most impressed with the unit’s ability to cool such a large space in such a short amount of time. The Arctic Whisper technology keeps the unit from elevated noise levels, which customers agree is one of the unit's best features.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We chose the De’Longhi Pinguino Deluxe for the best portable low profile air conditioner because of its large output, smart cool technology, and quiet performance.

The 14,000 BTUs allow the unit to cool areas up to 700 square feet, which can be most living areas or even small apartments. It replaces having to purchase a central air conditioning system at a fraction of the price.

The smart cool technology will sense where you are in the room and adjust the temperature or fan speed accordingly. This also reduces the amount of energy used by the unit, which can help save money.

The Arctic Whisper technology reduces the unit's overall noise by 50%, making it one of the quietest options on the market.

Bottom Line

The De’Longhi Pinguino Deluxe is our choice for the best portable low profile air conditioners because it is energy-saving, quiet, and has many functions to choose from when cooling a large space up to 700 square feet.

Best Window Air Conditioner Low Profile:
Haier ESAQ406P

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PROS

  • Energy Star certified with an EER of 11.2
  • Built-in compressor blanket reduces overall noise (43 decibels)
  • Accordion panels are included with the unit for it to fit most windows
  • Remote control is included so you can control the unit from across the room
  • 4 different modes allow you to choose the exact setting you need (cool, fan, energy-saving, dehumidifying)

CONS

  • Low BTU (6,000) will only cool a space up to 250 square feet
  • Built-in compressor blanket reduces airflow output, making it weaker than similar models

What Recent Buyers Report

For the money, buyers are exceptionally pleased with the Haier ESAQ406P because it is quiet, energy-efficient, and easy to operate. Users agree that it is ideal for cooling small rooms and not recommended for larger areas.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Haier ESAQ406P was chosen as the best window air conditioner because it is easy to install, affordable, and energy-efficient.

The unit comes with a remote control so you can control it from across the room without having to get up. You can also use the remote control to adjust the settings on the unit. This includes choosing cool, fan, energy-saving, or dehumidifying.

While the unit's overall output is lower than some of the competition, this unit will quickly and sufficiently cool an area up to 250 square feet, which makes it the ideal window unit air conditioner for bedrooms or other small areas.

Bottom Line

For the money, the Haier ESAQ406P is hard to beat for how well the unit performs. The unit's features and modes, coupled with the energy efficiency rating, have put it on our list for the best low profile window air conditioning unit.

Best Quiet Low Profile Window Air Conditioner:
GE Profile PHC06LY

GE Profile Ultra Quiet Window Air Conditioner 6,200 BTU, WiFi Enabled, Ideal for Small Rooms, Easy Installation with Included Kit, 6K Window AC Unit, White

PROS

  • Lightweight and easy to install
  • Quiet; only produces 40 decibels
  • Energy Star certified with an EER of 12.2
  • Removable filter with filter alert to let you know when it needs to be cleaned
  • Auto-dimming feature will automatically dim the lights on the unit when it notices inactivity

CONS

  • Can leak or retain water if not installed with a slight tilt in the window to drain the water
  • Wi-Fi issues; the unit comes with built-in Wi-Fi technology, but some users report Wi-Fi connectivity issues

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers agree that GE's quiet low profile air conditioner is extremely effective in cooling an area up to 250 square feet. It is easy to use, provides great results, and has an attractive design. Being able to control the unit from a Smartphone application is also a plus among users who have not experienced any Wi-Fi connectivity issues.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We chose the GE Profile PHC06LY because it only produces around 40 decibels of noise while running. This, along with the auto-dimming feature, makes it extremely useful to place in a bedroom that needs a little extra cooling.

We also like the Wi-Fi connectivity option that you have to be able to control the unit from a Smartphone application or through Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, or Google Assistant.

The EER of 12.2 makes it extremely energy efficient, which is another reason it stands out from the rest of the competition. Using this unit won’t break the bank during those summer months.

Bottom Line

The GE Profile PHC06LY is a great choice for bedrooms because it is quiet, has a small BTU output, and an auto-dimming feature on the unit's display.

Best 8000 BTU Low Profile Air Conditioner:
TOSOT Chalet 8000 BTU

TOSOT 8,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Remote Control, Cools Rooms Up to 350 Sq Ft

PROS

  • Energy Star certified
  • Stylish and modern design
  • Reusable filter for easy cleaning
  • 3-in-1 setting allows you to choose between cooling, fan, or dehumidifying
  • Smart temperature control sensor in the remote will cool according to the temperature where the remote is located, not the temperature near the unit

CONS

  • Can become noisy at times
  • Installation instructions can be difficult to understand

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers all agree that this unit by TOSOT produces exceptionally cold air when in cooling mode. The unit can become noisy at times, but users agree that this is offset by how well the unit produces cold air when cooling.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The TOSOT Chalet 8,000 BTU can cool a room up to 350 square feet, but what’s more, the unit produces exceptionally cold air when doing so. It is one of the most productive 8,000 BTU units on the market today.

With a unit this productive, it would seem to have a high price tag, but that’s just the opposite with the TOSOT Chalet 8,000 BTU. It’s very affordable for a functional and reliable low profile air conditioner.

Bottom Line

The TOSOT Chalet 8,000 BTU is not only ideal for bedrooms, but it is ideal for living areas as well because it can cool an area up to 350 square feet. It is Energy Star certified, which means it won’t skyrocket your utility bill during those hot months.

What is a Low Profile Air Conditioner and Why Are They Worth Getting?

A low profile air conditioner is an air conditioner unit that is energy efficient and designed to only cool a specific room or area in your home or workshop. A low profile air conditioner is not what you would use to cool your entire home, but it is perfect for spot cooling a general area or room in your home.

Low profile air conditioners are worth getting because they are affordable, energy-efficient, and effective. They use a limited amount of electricity while providing a maximum result at an affordable price.

Pros and Cons of Low Profile Air Conditioners

Pros

Spot Cooling

A low profile air conditioner will cool that specific area in your home that never seems to get cooled from the central air conditioning. You can use a low profile air conditioner in those times when the area is hotter than others without having to overuse your central air conditioning system.

Affordable

Low profile air conditioners are typically an affordable option for solving a temporary problem that can occur during those hot summer months.

Saves Money

Using a central air conditioning system nonstop in the summer can be expensive, especially when the system is overused because of one room in the house that can never cool. Using a low profile air conditioner for those times can save money on your utility bill, as long as the unit is energy-efficient.

Cons

Noisy

Many low profile air conditioners are noisy when the compressor is running during cooling mode. This can make it difficult to sleep or hear a television, especially if it is being run in a small space.

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

Room Size

The first aspect you need to consider before buying a low profile air conditioner is the size of the room you will be cooling.

Smaller BTU units will cool smaller spaces. This means if you have a 250 square-foot bedroom, then you can choose a smaller BTU unit.

Noise Level

You should also consider how much noise the unit will produce. If you are using the unit in your bedroom, you will likely choose a unit with a low noise production level.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important aspect to consider when choosing a low profile air conditioner. Purchasing a unit that isn’t energy-efficient can easily cause your utility bill to increase without warning. Make sure you choose a unit that is energy efficient so that it doesn’t cause your utility bill to significantly increase.

Conclusion

Low profile air conditioners are a great way to cool certain rooms or areas in your house that stay warmer than others. They are an affordable and immediate way to ensure you stay cool during hot summer months without dealing with central air conditioners and messy ductwork.

People Also Ask

Still, have questions about the best low profile air conditioners currently available on the market today? Read through our brief FAQ below for answers to some of the more commonly asked questions.

Can I Leave a Window Air Conditioner on 24/7?

You can leave a window air conditioner on 24/7 without worrying about overheating or leaking as long as it has been installed properly. Keep in mind that using a window air conditioner 24/7 with no energy efficiency can significantly increase your monthly utility bill.

What is the Best Noise Level for AC?

Anything less than 60 decibels is relatively manageable to have in a bedroom or living area, but the lower the decibel rating, the better. Choosing a unit that has less than 40 decibels is considered ideal.

How Much BTU Do I Need for AC?

This depends on the size, location, and type of room you are trying to cool. A larger room will need a larger BTU, but most bedrooms can be cooled using a small 6,000 BTU unit. If the room is upstairs or remains in the sun for most of the day, you may need a higher BTU to ensure the room gets cold and stays cold.