Brand against brand

TCL vs LG window air conditioners

Both lineups side by side at every size both brands sell, from the 28 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 23 LG 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; LG's costs less at 1 and the two are within 5% or $20 at 1.
  • TCL has the quieter model, by 3 dB(A) or more, at the 1 size where both have a verified noise rating.

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 LG at a glance

TCL and LG window air conditioners: the in-stock lineups compared
TCLLG
In stock of models we track5 of 523 of 29
Sizes in stock5,000 to 10,000 BTU5,000 to 24,000 BTU
Live prices$159.97 to $399.99$159 to $819
Best CEERCEER 15 (Q-Series Smart Inverter H8W4MW)CEER 15 (several models)
ENERGY STAR1 of 55 of 23
Inverter models1 of 54 of 23
Wi-Fi, as listed1 of 511 of 23
Heat too0 of 55 of 23
Compressor warranty, as listed1 yr (3 of 5 state it)1 yr (18 of 23 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

LG · 1 in stock

8,000 BTU

The two cheapest, head to head
  • TCL's cheapest is $49 less
  • Quietest verified: TCL 42 against 50 dB(A)

TCL · 3 in stock

LG · 2 in stock

10,000 BTU

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

TCL · 1 in stock

LG · 4 in stock

Show 1 more LG model at this size

only LG sells 6,000, 12,000, 14,000, 18,000 and 24,000 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 LG: common questions

Is TCL or LG 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 $249), LG's at 10,000 BTU ($322 against $399.99) and the two are within 5% or $20 at 1 size. These are live retailer prices and change often.
Which is quieter, TCL or LG?
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 50 dB(A)). A gap under 3 dB(A) is too small to hear reliably, so we call it a tie.
What sizes do TCL and LG window air conditioners come in?
In stock right now, TCL sells 5,000, 8,000 and 10,000 BTU and LG sells 5,000, 6,000, 8,000, 10,000, 12,000, 14,000, 18,000 and 24,000 BTU. So only LG sells 6,000, 12,000, 14,000, 18,000 and 24,000 BTU. Size the unit to the room first: an oversized unit short-cycles and leaves the air cool but damp.
Do TCL and LG make inverter window air conditioners?
TCL has 1 inverter model in stock, and LG has 4, 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, TCL or LG?
As the retailer listings state it, in-stock TCL models cover the compressor for 1 year (3 of 5 listings state a term) and LG models for 1 year (18 of 23). 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 TCL or LG window air conditioners been recalled?
None of the 5 TCL and 29 LG 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 LG a good brand? Every LG air conditionerEvery LG Dual Inverter model comparedBest window ACWindow vs portableWhat size do you need? Sizing calculator

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