While a standalone A/C unit won't fully replace a central air system, there's no shortage of units on the market that can cool entire apartments and larger living areas. When shopping for a new A/C unit, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, which we've narrowed down using our lab testing and scoring:
We've bought and tested over 25 models, and below are our recommendations for the best air conditioning units based on those aspects, along with pricing and general availability. If you want a more detailed breakdown of what to look out for, see our buyer's guide at the bottom of this article. We've provided options for window and portable units to give you the best overview of the market. If you're shopping for a specific type of A/C, check out our recommendations for the best portable air conditioners and the best window air conditioners. If you only need an air conditioner for a specific room size, see our recommendations for the best small room air conditioners.