What is the quietest air conditioner for a bedroom?

The short answer

Among models with a current in-stock offer, the Soleus Air 10,000 BTU Saddle Window Air Conditioner w/Heat has the lowest published indoor noise rating we list at 38 dB(A) (about as loud as a quiet library). It is a window unit covering up to 475 sq ft, in stock at Sylvane for $659. Check the rated fan setting and room fit before buying.

Buy at Sylvane, $659 Full specs and price history
Prices last refreshed Nov 10, 2026Independent, nobody pays for placement. compare.ac may earn a commission if you buy through a store link, at no cost to you.

Start with an air conditioner that fits your room and installation. These models are sized for a bedroom (12,000 BTU or less), have a current in-stock retailer offer and a published indoor noise rating, ordered from lowest to highest. Fan settings and test conditions vary, so these figures are a starting point, not a guarantee of noise in your bedroom.

Our top 6 picks

  1. 1Soleus Air 10,000 BTU Saddle Window Air Conditioner w/Heat
    Window In stock
    Soleus Air10,000 BTU Saddle Window Air Conditioner w/Heat

    38 dB(A), about as loud as a quiet library · covers up to 475 sq ft · 10,000 BTU

    $659
    View & buy Search Amazon
  2. 2Senville Leto 9,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump 115V
    SplitSEER2 21.2 In stock
    SenvilleLeto 9,000 BTU Mini Split Heat Pump 115V

    38 dB(A), about as loud as a quiet library · covers up to 400 sq ft · 9,000 BTU

    $700Package: 16 ft line set
    View & buy Search Amazon
  3. 3Soleus Air 12,000 BTU Saddle Window Air Conditioner w/Heat
    Window In stock
    Soleus Air12,000 BTU Saddle Window Air Conditioner w/Heat

    38 dB(A), about as loud as a quiet library · covers up to 550 sq ft · 12,000 BTU

    $759.99
    View & buy Search Amazon
  4. 4MRCOOL DIY Easy Pro 5th Gen 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump
    SplitENERGY STAR In stock
    MRCOOLDIY Easy Pro 5th Gen 9,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump

    38 dB(A), about as loud as a quiet library · covers up to 350 sq ft · 9,000 BTU

    $1,188Lowest since Jul 25, 2026 $1,188
    View & buy Search Amazon
  5. 5GE Profile ClearView 10,300 BTU Inverter Smart Ultra Quiet Window Air Conditioner
    WindowENERGY STAR In stock
    GE ProfileClearView 10,300 BTU Inverter Smart Ultra Quiet Window Air Conditioner

    40 dB(A), about as loud as a quiet library · covers up to 450 sq ft · 10,300 BTU

    $499Lowest since Jul 25, 2026 $499
    View & buy Search Amazon
  6. 6MRCOOL Advantage 9,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 115V
    SplitENERGY STAR In stock
    MRCOOLAdvantage 9,000 BTU 5th Gen Mini Split - 115V

    40 dB(A), about as loud as a quiet library · covers up to 400 sq ft · 9,000 BTU

    $899
    View & buy Search Amazon

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How we chose

We include only US models sized for a bedroom, rated 12,000 BTU or less (a portable by the cooling the Department of Energy certifies it at), since ENERGY STAR's sizing chart puts 12,000 BTU at 450 to 550 sq ft, the top end of a large main bedroom, with a published indoor noise figure and a current, in-stock retailer offer that passes our freshness checks. We order their stated dB(A) ratings from lowest to highest, using the current offer price to break ties. We have not independently measured these models, and fan settings and test methods may differ. Models under a recall or identity-verification hold are excluded. Nobody can pay for placement.

Read our full methodology
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Frequently asked

How much noise is acceptable?
Noise is measured in dB(A). A quiet split indoor unit on a low setting can be around 19 to 25 dB(A), which is barely audible and fine for a bedroom. Around 30 to 35 dB(A) is a soft hum that most people accept in a living room. Portable monobloc units are usually 52 to 58 dB(A) because the compressor sits in the room with you, which is closer to a dishwasher and can disturb sleep. If quiet matters, a split almost always wins; if you only cool occasionally, a portable may be acceptable.
What is the difference between a monobloc, a single split, and a multi-split?
A portable monobloc keeps the whole machine in one box in the room and vents hot air through a hose to a window. It needs no installation but is louder (typically 52 to 58 dB(A)) and less efficient. A single split has a quiet indoor unit and a separate outdoor unit connected by pipes, so it is much quieter (indoor unit often around 19 to 35 dB(A)) and far more efficient, but it must be professionally installed. A multi-split is one outdoor unit feeding several indoor units, which is the right choice when you want to cool two or more rooms without a separate outdoor box for each.
Is this a real air conditioner or just a fan or air cooler?
A real air conditioner has a refrigerant compressor and can lower a closed room below the outdoor temperature, and it is rated in kW or BTU of cooling power. A fan only moves air and removes no heat. An evaporative 'air cooler' blows air over water, adds humidity, needs a window open, and cannot reach a set temperature. compare.ac lists only units with a genuine refrigeration cycle, so everything you see here is a real AC.

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What is the most energy-efficient air conditioner?What is the best air conditioner for renters?What is the best air conditioner that also heats?What is the best mini-split for a cold climate?What is the best window air conditioner with heat?What is the best through-the-wall air conditioner with heat?