10 Best ACs (Air Conditioners) in India for 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Note: During a recent update, we removed the old models of ACs from our list and replaced them with the new and improved models and updated the sequence of the list.

While the air conditioner is a great appliance to have for any household in India, it is responsible for a large chunk of the electricity bill of the household. If you are not comfortable in spending a tidy sum just to clear your energy bill, you might have to seek out alternative energy-efficient varieties of the best ac in India (air conditioners).

A lot of people are desirous of making the right choice backed with adequate expert advice when it comes to purchasing an air conditioner, but not many achieve this. From various models and the best AC (air conditioners) brands available in the market, you might find it difficult to select the best air conditioner for your home.

To assist you in coming to the right conclusion regarding an air conditioner purchase, we have put this in-depth review together just for you.

This article is broadly divided into two parts. In the first part, we have covered review of the 10 best ACs in India. The second part contains various other details including the best AC brands, air conditioner types,  buying guide, frequently asked questions in the market, and some helpful buying tips.

10 Best ACs in India – Reviews

So without further ado, here are the review of the best ACs in India:

1. LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, 4-in-1 Convertible Cooling, HD Filter with Anti-Virus Protection, 2021 Model, MS-Q18ENZA, White)

The first go-to ac brand that strikes the mind of every customer is the LG Dual Inverter Compressor that has a wider rotational frequency which helps in saving more energy and provides a higher speed cooling range than conventional compressors. This ensures to cool faster, last longer and run quieter and thus doesn’t compromise on the comfort quotient. The Unique Himalaya Cool Technology makes your hot summer days as comfortable as chilly winter nights in the hill station as soon as you boot up the AC. It offers unbeatable protection against making dust, smoke and chemical present in the environment to provide excellent durability and hence perfect cooling.

Together, let’s breathe in the freshness of purity.

Feature/Specification

• 5 star rating
• 1.5 Ton
• Inverter Ac with Copper Coiling
• Convertible 4 in 1 Cooling
• HD Filter
• Anti-Virus Protection

Pros

• Energy Efficient
• Faster Cooling
• Cost-Effective
• Direct Airflow at high speed
• Filter extremely small particles

Cons

• Pretty basic look
• Complex remote control
• Poor service provided for Installation in some cities

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

2. Whirlpool 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, 1.5T MAGICOOL PRO+ 3S COPR INVERTER, White)

When it comes to providing a perfect cooling solution in the extreme summers, this AC is all you want. This all-new Whirlpool 3D Cool Inverter AC enables faster removal of hot air from the room, thus ensuring an optimum cooling experience. The easy mode of control makes the handling process extremely easy. While we all talk about air, the most common problem it carries with itself is impurity, but with the advanced Hepa Filter Media, you can breathe in the filtered air without a second thought.

So just enjoy the chilly breeze of your favorite hill station.

Feature/Specification

• 3-star rating
• 1.5 ton
• Inverter, Dust-filter, Dehumidifier,
• 100% Copper Coil & Condenser
• 1.5T MAGICOOL PRO + 3S COPR INV
• Plastic Material

Pros

• Faster Cooling
• Noise Free unit
• Affordable AC

Cons

• Poor Installation Service in some cities
• Remote doesn’t function properly at times
• The material used is not up to the mark

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

3. Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Twin Cool Inverter Split AC (Copper, PM 2.5 Filter, 2020 Model, CS/CU-NU18WKYW White)

When all you are wondering is to have a pleasant environment at home during summers, then just a right pick with Panasonic Twin Cool Inverter Split AC. This AC is just a perfect fit for you as it enables you to regulate the temperature as per your need and schedule hourly temperature. It has the most convenient voice, remote and mobile control system which allows you to have full access to the AC at any time and anywhere. The Twin Cool Inverter Technology ensures fast cooling without any interruption.

Among all the distractions, let your AC remain a little sorted.

Feature/Specification

• 5-star rating
• 1.5 ton
• Inverter, Dust Filter, Antibacterial coating, Dehumidifier
• Wifi control, PM 2.5
• Alexa, Google Assistant
• Plastic Material

Pros

• Sturdy look
• Silent Functioning
• Faster Cooling
• A clean button that cleans the unit

Cons

• Vertical Oscillation can be controlled only through remote
• Exposed back portion of the outside unit

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

4. Carrier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, PM 2.5 Filter, CAI18ES5R30F0, 2021 Model, White)

To beat the heat of the summers and make your stay at home comfortable, choose Carrier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC. This AC has 4 in 1 cooling modes for different climate conditions to enhance the experience and save energy consumption. It is equipped with Flexicool Technology that offers instant cooling as per your requirement and controls your electricity consumption level. It has an inbuilt room sensor that adjusts the ambient temperature around the remote control.

Let’s not wait for the winters to celebrate.

Feature/Specification

• 5-star rating
• 1.5 ton
• Dust-Filter, Air Purification & Dehumidifier
• Remote Controlled
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Material

Pros

• Energy Efficient
• Environment Friendly
• Noise-free unit
• Easy to Operate
• Smooth installation process

Cons

• Flexicool Technology fails to work properly
• Voltage range problem can be observed at times
• Horizontal swing is not available

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

5. Samsung 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, Convertible 5 in 1, HD Filter, 2021 Model, Floral pattern, AR18AYLYATBNNA)

It’s time for some technologically sound yet environmental friendly AC, like the Samsung 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC. This AC saves the utmost energy yet does its job right. The 5 step mode adjust compressor ranges between 40-120% to optimize energy consumption. The Easy Filter Plus can be easily located and cleaned while the auto clean runs a fan to remove dust and moisture in the heat exchanger. So it can stay clean and dry to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Keep it clean and set yourself free.

Feature/Specification

• 5-star rating
• 1.5 ton
• High-Density Filter, Turbo Cooling, Dehumidifier
• Inverter Compressor
• Steel Material
• Controlled by Remote

Pros

• Proper distribution of air
• Cost-effective
• Faster Cooling
• Attractive design

Cons

• Samsung Customer Service is poor in some cities
• Noise level is high at times
• Swing in two ways

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

6. Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, Anti Microbial Filter, 2020 Model, FTKG50TV, White)

Tick all the points in your checklist with the perfect choice of an AC, the Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC. This AC is a compact solution for you as it has all the features necessary for your need. The Coanda Airflow ensures comfortable cooling by evenly distributing air in every corner. The Econo Mode ensures efficient operation within the limited flow of energy. The sturdy look along with the Good Sleep off Timer is just the added advantage that makes the AC an ideal package for all. It ensures no foul smell in the air whenever you are around the air conditioner.

Let your expectations know no limits to be fulfilled.

Feature/Specification

• 5-star rating
• 1.5 ton
• Inverter, Antibacterial coating, Dust-filter & Anti-microbial filter
• Plastic Material
• Controlled by Remote

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Energy efficient
• Faster Cooling
• Stabilizer not required
• Remote is convenient to use at night

Cons

• The unit is a bit expensive
• No plugs are provided with the socket to some customers
• Poor Customer Service in some cities

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

7. Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper SAC_185V_JZJ White)

The ideal buyer is the one who knows the product inside out. In case you don’t know, roughly 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are released into the air each year. But Voltas 1.5 ton 5-star Inverter Split AC stood up for the cause and has introduced a technology that reduces the emission of Co2. This AC works smoothly under a wide operating range, thus protecting the AC if there are voltage fluctuations. It can sense indoor humidity and accordingly adjust in monsoon. The Low-Frequency Torque Control maintains the temperature and also saves energy.

Here’s your chance to sit back and relax.

Feature/Specification

• 5-star rating
• 1.5 ton
• Inverter, Antibacterial coating, Dust-filter & Anti purifier filter
• Plastic Material
• Controlled by Remote

Pros

• Faster Cooling
• Stabilizer not required
• Easy to operate
• Powerful Fan

Cons

• Inner unit is noisy at times in medium or high speed
• No horizontal swing option available
• Poor Customer Service in some cities

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

8. Hitachi 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper RSOG518HDEA Gold)

Make Hitachi 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC a part of your family and keep it breezy. This AC has an Expandable Inverter Air Conditioner which can expand its capacity in adverse temperature conditions with a maximum cooling capacity of 43 degree Celsius. This AC comes with a Penta Sensor Technology that offers perfect cooling even in extreme summer conditions and optimizes cooling in load variations. It has complete protection from power fluctuation that ranges from 160V to 255V with more savings.

It’s time to set the standard high while the temperature low.

Feature/Specification

• 5-star rating
• 1.5 ton
• Inverter, Antibacterial coating, Dust-filter, Dehumidifier and Air purifier
• Plastic Material
• Controlled by Remote

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Energy efficient
• Faster Cooling
• Noise-free unit
• Heater mode

Cons

• Temperature display missing in the indoor unit
• It gets noisy when used above the speed level of 3

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

9. LG 2 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, 2019 Model, KS-Q24ENXA, White)

Have a chilly summer with LG 2 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC, the perfect AC for the hot summers. This AC offers protection against humidity, dust, sand, smoke and chemical present in the environment in the best possible manner. The 2-way air swing function distributes the air and reaches every corner of the room. It uses new R32 refrigerant gas which contributes to the environment and makes sure that you do not contribute to global warming. It’s easy to understand the operation and detect the defect. The AC can work stabilizer free operation which protects the AC over a much wider range 145V to 290V.

Keep it cool when it’s super hot.

Feature/Specification

• 3-star rating
• 2 ton
• Inverter, Dust-filter, Dehumidifier, Monsoon Comfort and Air purifier
• Plastic Material
• Controlled by Remote

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Energy efficient
• Faster Cooling
• Noise-free unit

Cons

• Poor installation service in some cities
• Poor quality of product

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

10.IFB 1.5 Ton 5 Star Twin Inverter Split Fastcool Gold Series AC (Copper, PM 0.3 Filter, IACI18GB5G3C, 2021 Model, Ivory Matte with Chrome Strip)

This AC works perfectly fine with an efficiency level at its peak to cool even on the hottest day of the year. The protective gears of the outdoor units are coated to improve heat exchange for a better cooling experience. It provides a consistent and efficient performance with the use of a unique cooling system. It has a filter that can remove air pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. To do our bit for the environment and keep it safe, the ac is formulated with R32 refrigerants.

Let’s get to the business with a breezy mood.

Feature/Specification

• 5-star rating
• 1.5 ton
• Inverter, Dust-filter, Dehumidifier, Automatic Moisture Adjustment, Air purifier, Turbo Cooling and Auto Clean
• Plastic Material
• Controlled by Remote

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Faster Cooling
• Noise-free unit
• Excellent service provided by Service provider.

Cons

• Stabilizer needed in some cities
• Poor Installation process in some cities

Planning to purchase this model?

Check Price on Amazon

Best AC Brands in India

Now that we have scrutinized the best air conditioner models, here are the popular and best AC brands in India in no particular order. You’ll not go wrong buying an AC from one of these brands because of their quality and service.

Voltas

It is a reputed brand in the field of home appliances and is a TATA Enterprise founded in 1954. It is India’s largest air conditioning company and is known for its quality service around the country. It is also recognized as prime engineering solution providers to the world. Voltas AC is trusted for its quality and durability. The auto mode functionality is the best feature present in it. You can click on the below link to view some air conditioners of Voltas.

Samsung

It is a multi-national group and was founded on 1 March 1938 by Lee Buyong Chul and it includes food processing, textiles, insurance, securities, retails etc. Samsung Air Conditioners are known for their durability, designs, and technology in-built. The Air-conditioners are perfect to be a part of your home. It comes with the power to save technology inbuilt and saves electricity. You can click on the below link to view some air conditioners of Samsung.

LG

The LG group was founded on 5th January 1947 and has its headquarters in LG twin towers, Seoul by Koo in-Hwoi. LG has its industry in electronics, chemicals, and telecom products. LG has become an important brand in India and has earned a lot of consumers because of its after-sales services. The LG air conditioners are quite budget-friendly and also comes with a year or two warranty depending upon the offers with the product. You can click on the below link to view some air conditioners of LG.

Hitachi

Hitachi is a multinational company with its headquarter in Tokyo, Japan was founded in 1910. The Hitachi Group has business in many segments like information and telecommunication systems, Financial Services, Railway & Urban Systems, Constructional Machinery etc. The Hitachi Air Conditioners are durable, budget-friendly and most importantly long-lasting. The Hitachi air conditioners are the first choice for corporate purpose buildings. You can click on the below link to view some air conditioners of Hitachi.

Carrier

Carrier was founded in 1915 as an independent American company at Charlotte, North Carilona. The industry manufactures and distributes ( HVAC), Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning Systems. The Carrier is the most reliable air conditioners available in the Indian market. The Carrier air conditioners were introduced as window Acs and the best part is that the carrier Window AC is still in demand and used in Indian Market. You can click on the below link to view some air conditioners of Carrier.

Types of Air Conditioners

Now that we have the best AC brands on the market in India, let’s take a look at the different types of air conditioners available in the country.

Window Air Conditioner

Perhaps one of the most notorious power gurgling air conditioners is the window type. And they have a very long history. Fortunately, they are gradually going extinct as the split air conditioners and others are beginning to replace them. The structural requirements for the installation of this air conditioner haven’t helped either.

Portable Air Conditioner

As you might have guessed, this type of air conditioner is rather compact and doesn’t require any structural adjustment, unlike the window air conditioner. Their noise level is higher since they are placed indoors unlike the window type. They use hoses to swap hot air from the interior with cool air from the exterior. Unfortunately, this type of air conditioner is not very common in India.

Split Air Conditioner

Probably one of the more popular ACs, split air conditioners can be found in many households within India. Installation is not cumbersome, and the appliance wouldn’t exactly put your account in the red – depending on your account balance of course! This type of air conditioner consists of two different units – one stays outside while the other is placed indoor. This explains the lower noise level of this type of air conditioner.

Moving on, let’s also have a brief overview about the things to consider before investing in an air conditioner.

Best AC (Air Conditioner) Buying Guide

Before you opt to buy best AC in India, there are several things that you should consider before you make your final decision.

1. Size of the air conditioner

Yes, size matters. When you are planning to buy or upgrade your air conditioner,  you need to make sure that the new system is a perfect fit for your room.

If your AC is too small, it’s going to be tough times to cool every nook and corner of your space.

Similarly, buying an oversized AC is a bad decision. This is because when the air conditioner is too large for the room, in that case, the performance will negatively be affected owing to the process of short-cycle. The AC will start up, but won’t be able to complete the full cycle.

2. Star Ratings – What do they mean?

With star rating, we have a clear-cut idea for the consumption of the air conditioner. This star rating is provided by ISEER that stands for the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency). The higher the rating of the air conditioner, the lower is the monthly utility bills.

3. Position of your room in the building

The kind of air conditioner that functions optimally in a room at the penthouse of a building would differ from another that works effortlessly in the ground floor of a ten-story building.

4. How often it is used

How often an air conditioner is used will determine its efficiency in the long-run. With the refrigerant not at an infinite level, you might have to look at the refrigerant level in the air conditioner and just how long you intend running the air conditioner in a day.

5. Filter Location

Cleaning of the filter is something which you will be doing frequently, therefore positioning of the filter should be considered to have easy access.

6. Warranty Period

When you compare the warranty period some air conditioners may have longer warranties compared to others. When purchasing a new unit, at the manufacturers website, check for the information. You can also ask the retailer for the brand and model you have narrowed down upon.

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Conditioners

Market is crowded with many brands and categories and it is natural to have many doubts. We have addressed few common concern of prospective buyers.

1. What AC size should I consider for my apartment?

Answer: Never experiment with the size of an air conditioner when surfing the market for one. It can have an over bloated effect on your energy bill if you get greedy. And if you are modest about an air conditioner for your home, you might be shortchanging yourself as the appliance might not function optimally.

2. Why do I have to take the star rating seriously?

Answer: The duration for which the air conditioner will run and the electricity tariff are factors that rely on the star rating of the appliance. So you want to be sure of the energy capability of the device especially as it concerns saving you money on energy bills.

3. If I won’t be using the air conditioner often, do I opt for the Inverter AC?

Answer: Your choice of an Inverter AC is not just dependent on your air conditioner usage, but the electricity tariff as well. An inverter air conditioner would be a good idea if you use an AC frequently and the tariff in your locality is astronomical.

4. Why is the price difference between a BEE 3 star air conditioner and the inverter rather large?

Answer: Well, there energy efficiency varies. The Inverter AC is more expensive because it saves you money on energy bills in the long run. So you did just have to look at what you stand to especially if your locality has a tariff that’s higher than average.

5. I can’t afford a split AC at the moment, can I go for a window type?

Answer: Take it or leave it, Split ACs are more energy efficient than their window counterparts. But if you must buy a window type, opt for one with the highest energy rating and cooling capacity possible.

If you have complete awareness of the concept of buying AC, you will not regret your investment later.

Air Conditioner Buying Tips

Before you buy that air conditioner, below are some vital buying tips to consider.

1. Energy efficiency is everything

Always opt for air conditioners with a high energy rating. You don’t want a hefty energy bill, do you? While the electricity tariff of your home could be a factor, a unit with a high energy rating will make things easier if your home has a high electricity tariff.

2. Size does count

While size might not count in a lot of things, it does matter when it comes to the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. Usually, the larger the air conditioner, the more capable its component parts are at cooling your home.

3. Noise level

While this might not be a deal breaker for a lot of homes, it might be for you. Confirm that the noise level of a possible air conditioner for your home is something you can be able to live with.

Conclusion

The best ACs are not about appearance but the functionality they bring to your home. All the models considered on this list are bound to serve you tremendously, so try and decorate your dream home with the AC that falls perfectly to your need before clicking that buy button.