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.

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.