Brand against brand

TCL vs GE window air conditioners

Both lineups side by side at every size both brands sell, from the 17 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 5 TCL and 12 GE 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 1 of the 3 sizes; GE's costs less at 1 and the two are within 5% or $20 at 1.
  • GE has the higher-rated (CEER) model at the 1 size where both publish a rating.
  • Where both have a verified noise rating at the same size (1 size), their quietest models are within 3 dB(A) of each other.

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

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

TCL and GE at a glance

TCL and GE window air conditioners: the in-stock lineups compared
TCLGE
In stock of models we track5 of 512 of 17
Sizes in stock5,000 to 10,000 BTU5,000 to 14,000 BTU
Live prices$159.97 to $399.99$159 to $482
Best CEERCEER 15 (Q-Series Smart Inverter H8W4MW)CEER 16 (several models)
ENERGY STAR1 of 56 of 12
Inverter models1 of 56 of 12
Wi-Fi, as listed1 of 58 of 12
Heat too0 of 50 of 12
Compressor warranty, as listed1 yr (3 of 5 state it)1 yr (4 of 12 state it)
Recall checkNone namedNone 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
  • Cheapest prices within 5% or $20 of each other

TCL · 1 in stock

GE · 1 in stock

8,000 BTU

The two cheapest, head to head
  • TCL's cheapest is $69 less
  • Best CEER: GE 16 against 15
  • Quietest verified ratings within 3 dB(A)

TCL · 3 in stock

GE · 3 in stock

10,000 BTU

The two cheapest, head to head
  • GE's cheapest is $91 less

TCL · 1 in stock

GE · 3 in stock

only GE sells 12,000 and 14,000 BTU.

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.

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

TCL vs GE: common questions

Is TCL or GE 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 8,000 BTU ($199.97 against $269), GE's at 10,000 BTU ($309 against $399.99) and the two are within 5% or $20 at 1 size. These are live retailer prices and change often.
Which is more energy efficient, TCL or GE window air conditioners?
Comparing the best CEER rating each brand publishes for its in-stock models at the same size, GE has the higher-rated model at 8,000 BTU (CEER 16 against 15). A higher CEER means less electricity for the same cooling. Not every listing publishes a rating, so a size with a rating on one side only is not compared.
Which is quieter, TCL or GE?
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), their quietest models are within 3 dB(A) at 1 size. A gap under 3 dB(A) is too small to hear reliably, so we call it a tie.
What sizes do TCL and GE window air conditioners come in?
In stock right now, TCL sells 5,000, 8,000 and 10,000 BTU and GE sells 5,000, 8,000, 10,000, 12,000 and 14,000 BTU. So only GE sells 12,000 and 14,000 BTU. Size the unit to the room first: an oversized unit short-cycles and leaves the air cool but damp.
Do TCL and GE make inverter window air conditioners?
TCL has 1 inverter model in stock, and GE has 6, 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.
Have any TCL or GE window air conditioners been recalled?
None of the 5 TCL and 17 GE window air conditioners we track is named in a CPSC recall notice we check. That covers the models listed here, not every model either brand has sold, and it is not a safety certification.

Go deeper

Is TCL a good brand? Every TCL air conditionerIs GE a good brand? Every GE air conditionerEvery GE Profile ClearView model comparedBest window ACWindow vs portableWhat size do you need? Sizing calculator

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