Best Prime Day air conditioner deals: Our favorite ACs are $100+ off

Business Insider

08-07-2025

The heat is here, but so is Amazon Prime Day. Today's air conditioner deals will help you get relief from the heat fast and under budget. This year, the deals will span four days, but we're already seeing big discounts on our top picks for the best air conditioners and best portable air conditioners.
We combed through hundreds of the best Prime Day air conditioner deals to compile these recommendations. While we haven't tested every air conditioner below, we only highlight discounts from reputable brands we've tested firsthand and trust.
This year, Midea air conditioners are getting a big discount. The Midea U is one of the best ACs we've ever tested, and it's $100 off at Amazon. The steep deal — which is better than last Prime Day's — is likely because the Midea U was recalled earlier this spring for drainage issues that led to mold growth in some units. Fortunately, these sale units have been fully repaired to fix the issue, and we still heartily recommend this AC. Its unique U-shaped design allows you to open the window on cooler days without taking the unit out — a great feature if you live somewhere with variable weather during the summer. GE, Frigidaire, and Whynter are among the other popular brands on sale right now.
The best Amazon Prime Day air conditioner deals
What should you look for in an air conditioner?
Window AC vs. portable AC: We think a window AC is best for most people; they're more energy efficient, better at cooling, and less expensive upfront. However, a portable AC might be a good option if you don't have windows that will accommodate a traditional unit. Check out our guide to portable air conditioners versus window air conditioners for a more detailed breakdown.
Wall units: While window and portable ACs are the best options if you rent, you may consider a wall unit if you own your home. Wall ACs come in two styles: through-the-wall units and ductless mini-split units. We don't generally recommend a through-the-wall AC unless your home already has a sleeve for one. Ductless mini-split air conditioners are a good alternative to through-the-wall ACs and a great option for homes that want the experience of central air without installing the ductwork. These units consist of a wall-mounted air conditioner connecting to a small condenser outside your home. You'll still need to drill through the wall (and should hire professional help), but it's much less expensive than installing central air.
Energy efficiency: Energy-efficient units are better for the environment and keep your cooling costs low. Most window AC picks in our best air conditioner guide are Energy Star certified, but no portable units have earned this designation. We've found that window units with a variable speed compressor are the most efficient at cooling and the cheapest to run.
Btu: It's common for model numbers for the same units to vary by one or two digits; this usually denotes different Btu ratings — a measurement of the cooling power of your air conditioner. It may be tempting to buy an AC with, but if you get a unit that is too big for your room, it will cool too quickly without removing the moisture, leaving a cold, clammy environment. Use the table below (from the Energy Star website) to determine what Btu your room requires:
Keep in mind you may need a unit slightly larger Btu if the room you're looking to cool has a ceiling over 8 feet high, is very sunny, or is a kitchen.
Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.