
-
South Korean tech giant with a strong reputation in smart appliances
-
Leader in dual inverter technology for energy efficiency and quiet cooling
-
Offers a streamlined range of window, portable, and U-shaped ACs
-
Praised for smart home integration, but often let down by glitchy app performance
-
Known for sleek designs, though sometimes at the expense of long-term durability
-
Positioned as premium mid-tier, but prices stretch higher than some rivals

-
New York–based startup focused on design-forward, eco-conscious window ACs
-
Currently offers a single product line in multiple BTU sizes (cooling only)
-
Known for ultra-quiet performance, smart connectivity, and clean aesthetics
-
Excels in urban apartments and modern interiors
-
Limited product variety and premium pricing hold it back for broader use
-
Ideal for style-focused renters and tech-savvy small-space users
Windmill Air Conditioners
Windmill is one of the youngest — and boldest — names in the air conditioner market. Launched by a team of New York natives, the brand set out to fix everything people hate about traditional window units: ugly boxes, loud fans, and headache-inducing installations. Their flagship product is a sleek, whisper-quiet window AC with Wi-Fi control, eco-conscious packaging, and an interface so minimalist it could pass for a Sonos speaker. But for all its design chops, Windmill is still a niche player with limited muscle — so let’s see where its sleek simplicity shines, and where it’s not quite ready for primetime.
LG Air Conditioners
LG has spent decades building its brand on sleek, high-tech appliances — and its air conditioners are no exception. Originating from South Korea, LG entered the U.S. AC market with a clear goal: merge cooling with modern smart features, ultra-quiet operation, and inverter-driven energy savings. Flagship models like the LW1019IVSM and LW1517IVSM have earned praise from review platforms and consumer guides, and the brand has carved out a niche in “smart window ACs.” But under the glossy surface, LG’s lineup comes with tradeoffs — especially in value, build consistency, and tech reliability. So the question is: does LG’s tech-first approach deliver more comfort, or more complexity?