Best Quiet Air Conditioner Units
In many states, air conditioners make life bearable during the hot months. But unfortunately, these cooling appliances are also known for being noisy – which can be an unwelcome source of distraction at work and loss of sleep at home.
If you’re looking for the best quiet air conditioner to give your ears a rest – we recommend the Pioneer WYS012-17. Featuring a high-efficiency inverter, remote access and minimum noise level of 40 decibels, when it comes to subtle cooling, this unit is tough to beat.
Interested to learn more about our choices? Read on and check out our in-depth reviews of each model, as well as our handy buying guide.
- Multi-split design
- Ultra high efficiency inverter and ductless mini plot heat pump
- 40-57 db
- 12,000 BTU
- Wireless Internet remote access programming functionality
- Warranty: 2-year Parts, 5-year Compressor
- Window-mounted
- Energy Star 12.2 efficiency rating
- Full-function remote control and 24-hour on/off timer
- 6,000 BTU
- 44dB or less
- Warranty: 1-year Parts, 5-year Compressor
- Window-mounted
- Control unit from your smartphone using the KWIFI accessory
- 5,800 BTU
- 43 dB or below
- Auto fan helps to control temperature more precisely
- Warranty: 1-year Parts, 5-year Sealed Refrigerant Warranty
- Portable design
- 12,000 BTU
- Activated carbon filter
- < 52 dB
- Auto drain fully exhausts condensate
- Premium casters for increased mobility
- Warranty: 1-year Limited
If your aim is quiet operation above all other features, then you won’t need to look any further than the Pioneer WYS012017.
This model capitalizes on a multi-split design, which keeps most of the louder mechanical components of the unit (like the compressor) outside of the room you’re using. Inside, you utilize a large, monolithic bar that produces all of the cooling power (and heat) you need without the noise.
With a minimum noise level of 40 decibels, it’s not going to get quieter than this. Due to the design choice, however, installation is going to be difficult depending on your home’s design, and there’s no real way to use this unit in adjacent rooms without serious work. Still, the multi-split category is perfect for those who need air conditioning that’s built to last and are willing to put in the extra time and cost associated with it.
If this sounds like you, and you live in an environment where heating and cooling are equally as important, then this unit should serve you well.
Pros
- Quietest overall operation
- Multi-Split design more effective in cooling
- Heat pump included adds functionality
- High BTU rating
- Ductless suction
Cons
- Complex installation
- More expensive than most other units
- Not easily portable
Window-mounted units like the Haier Serenity Series ESAQ406T find the middle ground between the silence of a multi-split unit and the portability of a windowless unit. This model performs well while still providing quiet operation and easy access for filter cleaning and maintenance. As our budget pick, the Haier Serenity Series ESAQ406T is one of the quietest and most affordable units available, averaging about 44 decibels during operation. The included remote control is also quite versatile and makes it easy to program and forget about this unit.
The energy efficiency is sure to appease the more environmentally conscientious, but this does come at the cost of cooling power. We recommend this Haier unit for smaller rooms in drier environments, as this unit will struggle to dehumidify and cool larger spaces enough for comfortable use.
Despite these aspects, this is a window-mounted unit that’s fully functional and great for those who don’t want to think about emptying pans or manually adjusting a unit. The Serenity Series is highly versatile, easy to maintain, and certainly worth consideration for a bonus room or detached office.
Pros
- Window-mounted design easier for maintenance and access
- Great for smaller rooms
- Great included remote and digital display
- Highly energy-efficient
Cons
- Weak cooling power for larger rooms
- Weak dehumidification
- Difficult installation
For those who want a window-mounted unit that still offers a sleek, modern design, Friedrich’s Kühl series of air conditioning units offer a happy medium with a few smart features built into the unit.
The Friedrich Kühl Series SQ06N10C air conditioning unit works at a quiet 43 decibels on most settings, thanks to the built-in auto fan feature that ensures the quietest operation at all times. Other features include the KWIFI Wi-Fi functionality that can be purchased separately. Through it, you’ll be able to control the temperature and the fan via your smartphone.
While the sleek design and ease of use are major pluses, the real issue with this unit is a lack of strength. While quiet, this unit will struggle to cool rooms any larger than 250 square feet. Likewise, the high price is a lot to pay for a unit that comes with no heat pump and poor dehumidification.
The Friedrich Kühl series is perhaps best utilized by smaller rooms and apartments that need a simple and easy-to-use unit to cool down low-humidity environments.
Pros
- Sleek, clean design
- Highly energy efficient
- Noise-cancelling design
- Built-in Wi-Fi control
- Automatic fan speed effective for accurate cooling
Cons
- Expensive
- Weak dehumidifier
- Struggles to cool larger rooms
- Low BTU rating
When it comes to portable air conditioners, perhaps there’s none more effective nor quieter than the Winter Elite ARC-122DS. This model uses a dual hose setup to pull in air and release air from different locations, resulting in speedy operation that can compete with the likes of multi-split units like Pioneer.
Humid spaces need not fear as the Whynter unit both pulls humidity out of the air while also dealing with the residual condensate automatically. Other features include an activated carbon filter and easy-to-use remote, which make operation almost as simple as on the Kühl Series unit.
Portable air conditioners are not known for their space conservation methods, however, and this unit is no different. You’ll take up a few square feet of space with this unit, which may pose a problem in certain smaller locations.
Still, if you’re set on a portable unit and need quick and quiet operation, this is one of the best options on the market today.
Pros
- Dual hose design quickly cools rooms
- Quick dehumidification
- Easily programmable
- Easy-to-use remote control needed
- Auto drain eliminates the need to manually drain condensate
Cons
- Unit is large and bulky
- Dual hose assembly somewhat difficult to install
- Low airflow when compared to other units
- Somewhat loud compared to other units
Comparison Chart
| Pioneer WYS012-17 | Haier Serenity Series ESAQ406T | Friedrich Kühl Series SQ06N10C | Whynter Elite ARC-122DS | |
| Category | Multi-Split | Window-Mounted | Window-Mounted | Portable |
| Dimensions (in) | 31.5 x 7.4 x 11.6 | 18.1 x 21.2 x 12.4 | 21.4 x 19.8 x 14 | 17 x 29.5 x 16 |
| BTU | 12,000 BTU | 6,000 BTU | 5,800 BTU | 12,000 BTU |
| Dehumidification | 2.5 pts/hr | 1.5 pts/hr | 1.2 pts/hr | 3.2 pts/hr |
| Noise Level | < 40-57 db | < 44 dB | < 43 dB | < 52 dB |
| Weight (lbs) | 19 | 55.6 | 72 | 60 |
| Warranty | 2-year Parts, 5-year Compressor | 1-year Parts, 5-year Compressor | 1-year Parts, 5-year Sealed Refrigerant Warranty | 1-year Limited |
Buyer’s Guide:
Quiet Air Conditioners
Final Thoughts
While we think any of these four units could be the best quiet air conditioner for some, not all will work in your home. For the best and quietest overall operation, you cannot beat a multi-split unit like the Pioneer WYS012-17. By design, these types of air conditioning units ensure that the compressor and other mechanical parts are kept far away.
Otherwise, units like our budget pick the Haier Serenity Series ESAQ406T and the Friedrich Kühl Series SQ06N10C offer quiet window-mounted operation that works best for bonus rooms and similar locations. Installation may be more difficult than with portable units, but it still considered easier than dealing with a multi-split unit. Finally, portable air conditioners like the Whynter Elite ARC-122DS offer the strongest cooling power in exchange for louder operation and a bulkier design.
Whichever you might choose, we hope that we’ve pointed you towards an air conditioning unit that will keep you cool while also keeping quiet so that you can focus on the things that are truly important.
