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.

Friedrich Air Conditioners

Friedrich AC Image

Friedrich is one of the most respected names in U.S. air conditioning — and for good reason. Founded in 1883 in San Antonio, Texas, the brand has been crafting high-performance cooling systems since the 1950s, with a strong focus on institutional, hospitality, and premium residential applications. While they offer a broader lineup, Friedrich’s window air conditioners stand out for their build quality, quiet performance, and reliability. Their current window lineup includes three main series: the heavy-duty Kuhl®, the stylish and smart Chill® Premier, and the energy-efficient Chill® Premier Inverter. Unlike budget-focused brands, Friedrich builds for longevity — delivering quiet operation and commercial-grade components, even in residential settings. That said, the premium price tag and occasionally outdated app design can raise eyebrows. Let’s see where Friedrich justifies its cost — and where it needs to catch up.