Best AC in India [April 2023]: Top 13 Air Conditioners to Buy For your Home

The summer season is almost upon us, and with that comes the need to get our hands on the right air conditioner for our needs. Given the diversity of home styles and layouts across India, coupled with the range of weather and temperature that we face, the list of the best air conditioners to buy in India is a rather exhaustive one — thus making the task of picking the perfect choice an oft tricky one. In this quest, there are a host of factors that one must keep in mind before making a new purchase.

These factors include the types of ACs that you can buy, their sizes and energy consumption, brand reliability, and factors such as the cost of running and maintenance. Furthermore, with advancements in technologies, comes a wide range of features that you can pick and choose depending on your need and budget.

With this in mind, we take a look at the very best air conditioners to buy in India. Our exhaustive list straddles ACs of all sizes, makes, and features, giving you a host of options to choose from. We also take a look at all the features that these ACs bring to the table, including the unique selling points that make each of them an interesting product to pick, depending on what you need from it.

Criteria Used to Rate Best Air Conditioners to Buy in India

The first and foremost factor that we have used to rate the best air conditioners to buy in India begins at energy consumption — the first factor that comes to mind, given that ACs run for extended hours during the hot, sweltering months of summer to follow. We then take a look at the list of features, the types of coils that are used in each AC, and finally, rate a product based on its pricing of it — in comparison to other products of the same category.

Other key factors that add to the most important criteria used to rate the best air conditioners to buy in India include cooling capacity of ACs, air quality maintenance levels, noise levels, and finally, the brand trust behind each AC maker. The cooling capacity refers to the size of a room that an AC can handle, and is one of the most important deciding factors behind AC buying — you may need a 1-ton AC if your room is small, or a 2-ton AC if you’re planning one for your living room.

The air quality factor has filtered in to all ACs in India today, since most of them offer some degree of air purification — an imperative factor, given the heavy pollution levels today. Check for bacteria filtering quality of your AC’s filters, before making your purchase decisions.

Noise levels, while seeming unimportant initially, ends up being very important in the long run since they can affect the peace of your sleep or working environment. Check for ACs that have dedicated silent operation modes, before making a purchasing decision.

Finally, all of this ties into the brand that you pick — while some names are new to the field of air conditioners, others rank as among the most trusted AC names in the history of ACs in India. We rate our ACs based on this trust, as well as the warranties that each AC maker provides to buyers.

Best Air Conditioners to Buy in India

Best Split Air Conditioners in India

With a wide variety of price ranges, features and sizes in the market, there are numerous brands that today offer some of the top split air conditioners that you can buy in India to suit all your needs. Here are our handpicked choices, based on a rich diversity of features and specifications.

Carrier 12K Ester CX+

From a sleek design that would suit any room to the trusted brand name of Carrier that has had a rich legacy in the world of ACs, this is one of the most price-sensitive pick that you can make. The 1-ton size makes it perfect for compact spaces, and there is no dearth of all essential features as well.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-ton
• Energy consumption: 3-star BEE rating
• Features: Copper coil, Auto-restart and sleep modes, Air filtration with high density filter
• Dimensions: 82 cm x 27 cm x 22 cm (indoor unit), 78 cm x 54 cm x 25 cm (outdoor unit)
• Noise level: 39dB high, 32dB low
• Warranty: 1 year on product, 5 years on compressor

USP: One of the most affordable

Price: Rs 28,999

Store link: Flipkart

Haier HS11V-TMS3BE

A part of Haier’s latest 2023 generation of air conditioners, this split air conditioner offers excellent build quality. It uses copper coils — in line with what we expect of the best air conditioners to buy in India. It also has a rich range of features, which also include efficient air filtration to keep your indoor air healthy.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-ton
• Energy consumption: 3-star BEE rating
• Features: Quiet mode, LED-backlit remote, Anti-bacterial and dust filters
• Dimensions: 95.4 cm x 35.5 cm x 27.9 cm (indoor unit), 85.5 cm x 60.5 cm x 35.5 cm (outdoor unit)
• Noise level: NA
• Warranty: 1 year comprehensive on product, 12 years on compressor

USP: Great compressor warranty coverage

Price: Rs 31,990

Store link: Flipkart

Whirlpool Magicool Convert Pro 5S

One of our top 5-star split AC picks, the Whirlpool Magicool series inverter AC offers all the essential features in a sleek design. The AC is certified to operate at up to an ambient temperature of 52 degrees Celsius, making it apt for regions that face some of the harshest summer months.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1.5-ton
• Energy consumption: 5-star BEE rating
• Features: Intellisense inverter, Variable speed compressor, Gas leak indicator
• Dimensions: 100 cm x 29.5 cm x 23 cm
• Noise level: 35dB
• Warranty: 1 year on product, 1 year on condenser, 5 years on compressor

USP: Great cooling at high temperatures

Price: Rs 36,990

Store link: Amazon

Daikin Smart+ FTKR35UV

One of the most affordable smart AC picks from legacy AC brands, the Daikin Smart+ range has been widely rated as a reliable and dependable range of ACs. They offer the reliability of Daikin in terms of its airflow, copper coil elements inside and compressor quality, and combine it with modern smart chops.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-ton
• Energy consumption: 5-star BEE rating
• Features: Wi-Fi connectivity with voice control and mobile app, Dew Clean, 3D airflow
• Dimensions: 80 cm x 22.9 cm x 29.8 cm (indoor unit), 67.5 cm x 28.4 cm x 55 cm (outdoor unit)
• Noise level: 42dB
• Warranty: 1 year on product, 1 year on condenser, 10 years on compressor

USP: A top pick for smart AC enthusiasts

Price: Rs 42,290

Store link: Croma

Samsung AR18BY5YATZ

Samsung has always been one of the most notable brands in terms of home appliances, and its new smart split AC takes things to the next level. With three-level air purification, a five-step customised compressor to AI offering cooling suggestions, this is one of the most premium ACs you can buy.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1.5-ton
• Energy consumption: 5-star BEE rating
• Features: 5-step convertible compressor, Corrosion-resistant outdoor unit, AI smart connectivity
• Dimensions: 105.5 cm x 21.5 cm x 29.9 cm (indoor unit), 79 cm x 54.8 cm x 26.5 cm (outdoor unit)
• Noise level: 39dB high, 32dB low
• Warranty: 1 year on product

USP: One of the most feature-rich and completely comprehensive ACs

Price: Rs 43,490

Store link: Reliance Digital

Best Window Air Conditioners in India

While split ACs could be the modern generation favourites based on their convenience, design and range of features, window ACs play their own powerful niche role in terms of the features and versatility that they provide. Here are the best window ACs that you can choose from.

Blue Star WFB312LN

The most affordable of our AC picks, the Blue Star 1-ton 3-star window AC is an essential pick if you have a very compact space, and are looking for an economical choice within a tight budget. Coupled with easy financing plans, this is one of the most affordable ACs in the entire Indian market right now.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-ton
• Energy consumption: 3-star BEE rating
• Features: Copper coil, Humidity control, Self-diagnosis feature in case of issues
• Dimensions: 66 cm x 66 cm x 43 cm
• Noise level: 56dB
• Warranty: 1 year on product, 5 years on compressor

USP: One of the most affordable

Price: Rs 26,230

Store link: Amazon

Haier CB3CNB1

Haier’s window AC is among our top picks for budget 1.5-ton window ACs. It is an excellent option in terms of overall features, for those who can make do with a basic feature set, but need the added capacity of a larger AC to ensure efficient cooling at up to 54 degrees Celsius, in medium rooms.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1.5-ton
• Energy consumption: 3-star BEE rating
• Features: Micro dust filter, Child lock, Super long air throw
• Dimensions: 66 cm x 43 cm x 77 cm
• Noise level: 60dB
• Warranty: 1 year on product, 5 years on compressor

USP: One of the most affordable 1.5-ton ACs

Price: Rs 29,500

Store link: Flipkart

Hitachi RAW318HFDOF

One from the house of the legendary AC brand Hitachi, this Japan-designed and configured AC is built to last. It is also one of the most popular AC brand names in the country, and given that they have been around for a while now, there is no question regarding the longevity and the overall popularity of the AC.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1.5-ton
• Energy consumption: 3-star BEE rating
• Features: Super-fine mesh filter, Auto power saving mode, Backlit LCD remote
• Dimensions: NA
• Noise level: 50dB
• Warranty: NA

USP: Super reliable cooling and durability

Price: Rs 30,999

Store link: Vijay sales

LG PW-Q12WUZA

One of the few super premium window ACs that you can buy in the market taking the balance of good pricing into account, this LG window AC offers excellent cooling performance, while adding the goodness of LG’s mobile app connected to the AC for extra versatility. It also offers a premium build.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1-ton
• Energy consumption: 5-star BEE rating
• Features: HD filter, Quiet operation, 4-in-1 compressor
• Dimensions: 60 cm x 63 cm x 38 cm
• Noise level: 44dB
• Warranty: 1 year on product, 5 years on PCB, 10 years on compressor

USP: A smart AC pick for window AC buyers

Price: Rs 32,098

Store link: Amazon

Lloyd GLW18B5YWGEW

One from the house of the reliable consumer brand Havells, the Lloyd window AC is yet another very strongly priced 1.5-ton AC that can suit the needs of large capacity AC buyers on a budget. It is a highly competitive product in terms of its feature set, going toe to toe with even the most well equipped ACs.

Specifications

• Capacity: 1.5-ton
• Energy consumption: 5-star BEE rating
• Features: Powerful dehumidifier, Self diagnosis, Blue fin condenser
• Dimensions: 66 cm x 43 cm x 77 cm
• Noise level: 52dB
• Warranty: 1 year on product, 5 years on compressor

USP: A solid, reliable performer

Price: Rs 30,999

Store link: Flipkart

Best ACs Under Rs 30,000

At the most affordable price spectrum, today you get plenty of choices to pick from, including larger capacities, and both window and split options. Here’s what we like.

Best ACs under Rs 35,000

The mid-range price bracket often hits the sweet spot in terms of diversity of product, richness of feature and the right price balance. Here are the top picks.

Best ACs Under Rs 40,000

Towards the higher end of the price spectrum too, there are plenty of super premium and smart ACs to choose from. Here are some of the top picks.