Keystone Air Conditioners

Keystone isn’t a brand that makes headlines — and that’s exactly its appeal. Often overshadowed by glossier competitors, it fills a critical role in the AC market: reliable, basic units that won’t drain your bank account. Keystone’s lineup includes a healthy variety of window units, a few through-the-wall options, and even dehumidifiers, all priced well below premium brands. You won’t find advanced features or connected apps here — just cold air, simple controls, and surprising performance-per-dollar. So, if you’re okay trading flair for function, Keystone might be your best-kept secret.

TCL Air Conditioners

TCL is better known in the U.S. for its affordable TVs — and now it’s bringing that same value-driven strategy to window air conditioners. With a focus on Wi-Fi integration, digital control, and clean modern design, TCL’s window ACs have found a niche with younger buyers, first-time apartment renters, and tech-focused consumers who want more than just cold air. Their prices are low, the features look great on paper, and the units are readily available at Amazon, Walmart, and Costco. TCL currently offers four main window AC series — the Q-Series, N-Series, M-Series, and H-Series — each targeting different user needs, from smart-home integration to ultra-simple manual control. But when a company tries to do a lot for a little, something usually gives — so let’s dig in.