Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window AC, Cools 350 Sq Ft, Ultra Quiet, Alexa/Google Compatible, 37% Energy Savings

Why it's worth it

The Midea U straddles your window sash instead of blocking it, so the glass closes around the unit and the compressor noise stays outside. It cools a 350-square-foot room, runs an inverter compressor for steady temperatures, and answers to Alexa or Google.

The U-shape isn't a gimmick — it's the reason this thing is quiet. On a normal window AC, the compressor sits a few inches from your face with an open sash above it. Midea splits the unit so the window closes down through the middle, putting the glass between you and the loud half. Tom's Guide reports the design cuts outside noise intrusion by roughly 60% versus a conventional install. Midea rates operation as low as 32 dBA.

You also get your window back. The sash slides up and down normally with the unit installed, so you can crack it for fresh air on a mild evening instead of choosing between AC and a breeze. Renters in cities care about this more than they expect to. There's an anti-theft catch that locks the window when it's closed, which matters on a ground floor.

From our review of 5 window air conditioners, by David Sinclair, Managing Editor

What we like

• +The U-shape isn't a gimmick — it's the reason this thing is quiet
• +You also get your window back
• +The inverter compressor ramps up and down instead of slamming on and off
• +Installation is more involved than a standard unit, but it's well thought out

What to know

• –The most consistent owner complaint is mold
• –The saddle design rules out a lot of windows
• –At 8,000 BTU it tops out around 350 square feet