Midea vs. Windmill: What’s the better window air conditioner? We tested them to find out

NBC Select independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.Small Home AppliancesMidea vs. Windmill: We tested both popular air conditioners for over a year — here are the key differencesBoth ACs are easy on the eyes, user-friendly, Wi-Fi enabled and effective, but they have subtle differences that may impact which one is right for you.July 8, 2026, 12:47 PM EDTZoe MalinReporterSkip to table of contentsFour NBC Select staff members tested Midea and Windmill’s most popular window AC units, including during record-breaking heat waves in New York City.Courtesy Harry Rabinowitz; Courtesy Nikki BrownIn this articleMidea vs. Windmill air conditioners: what to knowWhat are the key differences between Midea and Windmill’s window ACs?How we tested Midea and Windmill’s air conditionersWere the window AC units easy to install?Do the window ACs effectively cool spaces?Are these window ACs quiet?How do the window ACs look?Features we find most usefulCan you easily clean the window ACs?Midea vs. Windmill: the final verdictWhy trust NBC Select?See 8 MoreI prioritize two things when shopping for window AC units: power and looks. I want something that effectively and efficiently cools off my space but isn’t an eyesore, and while researching models that meet my criteria, two brands repeatedly popped up: Midea and Windmill. At first glance, the window units look pretty similar, and both are marketed as efficient, quiet, easy to install and straightforward to operate. Deciding between the two was difficult, even when I evaluated the slight price difference.To settle the AC debate, two NBC Select staff members (myself included) tested Midea’s U-Shaped Smart Window Air Conditioner, and two tested Windmill’s WhisperTech Air Conditioner, including during a record-breaking heat wave in New York City. Below, I compare the two brands and share what I think you should know based on our testers’ first-hand experie...