Brand against brand

Frigidaire vs TCL window air conditioners

Both lineups side by side at every size both brands sell, from the 20 new window air conditioners we can find in stock right now: live prices, CEER ratings, noise and the warranty each listing states.

The short answer

We track 15 Frigidaire and 5 TCL window air conditioners in stock, and both brands sell 3 sizes in common (5,000, 8,000 and 10,000 BTU).

  • TCL's cheapest model costs less at 2 of the 3 sizes; Frigidaire's costs less at 1.
  • TCL has the quieter model, by 3 dB(A) or more, at the 1 size where both have a verified noise rating.
  • 2 Frigidaire models we track are named in CPSC recall 25-320 (risk of mold exposure); they are left out of this comparison and not sold here.

The better buy depends on your size, so compare the models at yours below.

Prices last refreshed Oct 30, 2026Independent, nobody pays for placement.

Frigidaire and TCL at a glance

Frigidaire and TCL window air conditioners: the in-stock lineups compared
FrigidaireTCL
In stock of models we track15 of 215 of 5
Sizes in stock5,000 to 18,000 BTU5,000 to 10,000 BTU
Live prices$199 to $889$159.97 to $399.99
Best CEERCEER 15 (several models)CEER 15 (Q-Series Smart Inverter H8W4MW)
ENERGY STAR6 of 151 of 5
Inverter models6 of 151 of 5
Wi-Fi, as listed11 of 151 of 5
Heat too2 of 150 of 5
Compressor warranty, as listed1 yr (11 of 15 state it)1 yr (3 of 5 state it)
Recall check2 named in 25-320None named

Size by size

Every new window air conditioner of each brand we can find in stock, cheapest first, at each size both sell. A model within 5% of a size is grouped with it and shows its own rating. marks a noise rating we have checked against the retailer's specification for that exact model.

5,000 BTU

The two cheapest, head to head
  • TCL's cheapest is $39 less

Frigidaire · 1 in stock

TCL · 1 in stock

8,000 BTU

The two cheapest, head to head
  • TCL's cheapest is $129 less
  • Quietest verified: TCL 42 against 53 dB(A)

Frigidaire · 2 in stock

TCL · 3 in stock

10,000 BTU

The two cheapest, head to head
  • Frigidaire's cheapest is $78 less

Frigidaire · 3 in stock

TCL · 1 in stock

Only Frigidaire sells 6,000, 12,000, 14,000 and 18,000 BTU in stock.

Prices are live retailer offers and change often. compare.ac may earn a commission on purchases, at no cost to you; it never changes the price you pay or how we compare.

Recall check

Models a CPSC notice names are left out of the comparison above, and their purchase links stay paused.

How we compare two brands

  • Only new units we can find in stock with a live price, at the same size. A brand's average says more about its size mix than about the brand.
  • A price difference counts when it is at least 5% and at least $20, and only between models that install the same way (a do-it-yourself kit is never priced against an installer-fitted system).
  • Efficiency is compared on one scale (CEER) and counts at a gap of 0.5 or more; noise counts at 3 dB(A) or more, using only ratings checked against the retailer's specification for the exact model.
  • Warranty terms are as each listing states them. Models named in a CPSC recall are never compared or sold here.
Read our full methodology

Frigidaire vs TCL: common questions

Is Frigidaire or TCL cheaper?
It depends on the size. Comparing each brand's cheapest new, in-stock model at the same size, TCL's cheapest model costs less at 5,000 BTU ($159.97 against $199) and 8,000 BTU ($199.97 against $329) and Frigidaire's at 10,000 BTU ($322 against $399.99). These are live retailer prices and change often.
Which is quieter, Frigidaire or TCL?
Comparing the lowest indoor noise rating at each size both sell, counting only ratings we have checked against the retailer's specification for the exact model (its minimum noise level), TCL has the quieter model at 8,000 BTU (42 against 53 dB(A)). A gap under 3 dB(A) is too small to hear reliably, so we call it a tie.
What sizes do Frigidaire and TCL window air conditioners come in?
In stock right now, Frigidaire sells 5,000, 6,000, 8,000, 10,000, 12,000, 14,000 and 18,000 BTU and TCL sells 5,000, 8,000 and 10,000 BTU. So only Frigidaire sells 6,000, 12,000, 14,000 and 18,000 BTU. Size the unit to the room first: an oversized unit short-cycles and leaves the air cool but damp.
Do Frigidaire and TCL make inverter window air conditioners?
Frigidaire has 6 inverter models in stock, and TCL has 1, going by each listing and the maker's model numbers. An inverter compressor slows down instead of switching on and off, which is usually quieter and more efficient at part load.
Which has the longer warranty, Frigidaire or TCL?
As the retailer listings state it, in-stock Frigidaire models cover the compressor for 1 year (11 of 15 listings state a term) and TCL models for 1 year (3 of 5). Where a listing names no separate compressor term, its general or parts term is what covers the compressor. Some terms require registering the unit, and a maker can require professional installation to honor its warranty, so read the warranty document before you buy.
Have any Frigidaire or TCL window air conditioners been recalled?
CPSC recall 25-320 (June 2025) was issued for the risk of mold exposure; it names 2 Frigidaire models we track (GHWQ105WD1 and GHWQ125WD1). Those are left out of this comparison and not sold here. Check the model number on your own unit's label against the notice.

Go deeper

Is Frigidaire a good brand? Every Frigidaire air conditionerIs TCL a good brand? Every TCL air conditionerBest window ACWindow vs portableWhat size do you need? Sizing calculator

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