≋ TOP 10 budget air conditioners

Do you think that an efficient air conditioner has to be expensive? We will destroy this stereotype! Vencon experts have compiled the top budget air conditioners based on sales statistics for the past year. Non-inverter models are an order of magnitude cheaper than inverter ones, while inverter models are more economical and able to work for heating in the winter season. If you are looking for an efficient and inexpensive split system, the best budget air conditioners are in front of you.

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1. Cooper&Hunter Prima Plus CH-S07XN7

The air conditioner you dreamed about: the perfect combination of quality, functionality and price.

The Prima Plus series contains many interesting solutions, but the most popular is the Cooper&Hunter Prima Plus CH-S07XN7 model. It has firmly established itself as a «Leader in Sales» and has maintained its position over the past few years. What is it that attracts consumers to it so much?

First of all — proprietary technology CH SMART-ION Filter, which provides comprehensive air purification. Also, the split system from the manufacturer Cooper & Hunter is equipped with a conventional type compressor and can operate for heating at temperatures down to -7 ° C. So, if necessary, you can use it in the off-season, when the heating system is still (or already) not working. The distribution of air throughout the room is ensured by wide-angle louvers — regardless of the installation location of the indoor unit.

Also, the Cooper&Hunter air conditioner attracts attention with balanced functionality. Everything you need is here:

• Function I FEEL — measures the air temperature by the sensor in the remote control.
• Ionization is the saturation of the air with negatively charged particles.
• Night mode — creating optimal conditions for sleep with minimal noise.
• Timer — the ability to set the time to start or turn off the device.
• Frost protection — maintaining the temperature at + 8 ° C during a long absence from home.
• Self-cleaning — removing moisture from the heat exchanger, preventing the development of fungus and mold.
• Self-diagnostics — determination of the malfunctions that have arisen in the operation of the device.

The indoor unit received a stylish laconic white design and looks good in any interior. The heat exchanger is reliably protected from corrosion due to the unique GREEN-FIN coating. The equipment works quite quietly: the minimum noise level is 24 dB, the maximum is 31 dB.

Also included is a convenient remote control with LED display, which displays the current time and temperature. Optionally, control from a smartphone is provided, but for this you need to buy a Wi-Fi module separately.

Expert comment: ideal for those who need a budget multifunctional air conditioner. It combines all the key criteria: energy efficiency, functionality, noiselessness and reasonable cost. And since it is produced by the Cooper & Hunter brand under the slogan «Air conditioners that do not break,» in addition, you can count on excellent quality and a minimum number of breakdowns.

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2.Idea ISR-07HR-SA7-N1 ION

Reliable air conditioning that functions like a Swiss watch. The cheapest model in our rating.

The Idea SA7 series line also includes various devices, but the Idea ISR-07HR-SA7-N1 ION model is the most popular. First of all, it attracts attention with its price, since it is the most budget air conditioner in the ranking.

Despite this, the solution from the Idea brand supports all the main functions and differs little in this regard from the previous device. Firstly, this model effectively works for cooling up to +37°С and for heating up to -7°С. Secondly, it is equipped with an ionizer that neutralizes harmful bacteria. The heat exchanger also received a proprietary Golden Fin protective coating, which protects it from adverse environmental factors and extends its service life.

In terms of functionality, the Idea air conditioner supports the following options:

• Full-featured restart — restarts the system with the preservation of parameters in the event of a network failure.
• Night mode — creates optimal conditions for sleeping at minimum speed.
• Self-cleaning — activated before turning off the equipment: dries the heat exchanger, preventing the appearance of fungus, mold and unpleasant odors.
• Self-diagnosis — detects malfunctions in the device and prohibits its inclusion in order to avoid more serious malfunctions.
• Timer — allows you to program the operation of equipment for 24 hours in advance.

The indoor unit received an elegant white design and a “hidden” temperature display. Included is a remote control that displays the current settings. Wi-Fi control is also provided, but the module must be purchased separately.

Compared to the previous model, only the proprietary SMART-ION Filter technology, I FEEL function and frost protection are missing here. The noise level during operation is slightly higher — 34 dB. Also, this split system has a lower energy efficiency class. But the main emphasis is on reliability and affordability, so it is not afraid of temperature changes, is easy to maintain and costs 30% less than the previous split system from Cooper & Hunter.

Expert comment: self-diagnosis and self-defense are the key features of this air conditioner. By purchasing it, you get reliable and durable equipment that works like a «Swiss watch». Great deal for the price.

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3.TCL TAC-07CHSA/XAB1 ON/OFF WI-FI Ready

It combines the advantages of classic models: energy efficiency, noiselessness and functionality.

From the ELITE XAB1 series line, the TCL TAC-07CHSA/XAB1 ON/OFF WI-FI Ready model was included in the ranking of the best budget air conditioners. It has a number of features, thanks to which it got into this list.

The first interesting feature is the Smart Air Flow technology or, in other words, «Smart Air Flow». Its essence is simple: when cooling, the air flow moves up, and when heated — down. Also, the TCL air conditioner supports 5 speeds. The first one can be turned on at night, and the last one — on hot days.

The second feature is the ECO mode. After its activation, electricity consumption is reduced, but the split system continues to work in accordance with the previously selected parameters.

Other interesting features of the model from the TCL brand:

• Comfortable cooling — does not dry out the air and maintains optimal humidity.
• I Set function — remembers favorite settings that can be activated with one touch.
• Double drain — drain can be connected on the left or right.
• Remote control backlight for night time operation.
• LED display — shows the current parameters.

As for the functionality, the air conditioner received a timer, auto-restart, Sleep and Turbo modes, and a self-diagnosis function. It also provides for memorizing the position of the blinds and a reasonable defrosting mode. In addition to the two main modes, there are two more: dehumidification and ventilation. Reliability and durability are ensured by a safe design designed so that condensate does not come into contact with the control unit.

The indoor unit has an elegant design. And to protect the heat exchanger from corrosion, a Blue Fin coating is provided. An equally interesting feature of the split system is the ability to control it from a smartphone (Wi-Fi module is purchased separately).

Expert comment: this model provides a comfortable change in temperature and minimal noise performance during sleep. This makes it an excellent option for a complete healthy holiday.

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4. Sakata Kitto SIH/SOH-020SHDB

Classic «Chinese» without overpaying for extra features.

The Kitto series is represented by different models, but only one is included in the rating of budget air conditioners — Sakata Kitto SIH / SOH-020SHDB. Why did Ukrainian consumers like it?

In principle, the Sakata air conditioner is an “honest” Chinese: simple, affordable, with standard functionality. It is chosen by those who need a classic model without overpaying for extra features.

The split system works for cooling, heating (down to -7°C) and dehumidification. The power is sufficient for installation in rooms up to 20 m2, i.е. it can be mounted in almost any room. There are 3 speeds to choose from, there is also an automated mode.

For comfortable operation, the «Auto-restart» function and a timer are provided, allowing you to program the operation of equipment for the next 24 hours. Additionally, you can adjust the direction of the air flow — vertical (in automatic mode) and horizontal (manually). Another interesting feature of the model from the Japanese manufacturer Sakata is the ability to purify the air. For this purpose, a catalytic filter is included in the kit. The noise of the device is average and ranges from 34 to 38 dB (depending on the selected speed).

Expert comment: affordable and high-quality air conditioning for the unpretentious consumer. In addition to standard cooling and heating, you get fine airflow purification and a guarantee of stable operation of the equipment.

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5. Olmo Innova OSH-08LD7W

A functional «monster» that will surprise you with its capabilities and affordable price.

Among the solutions of the Innova series, Olmo Innova OSH-08LD7W is in the greatest demand. And there are a number of reasons for that.

Firstly, the split system is equipped with a Japanese compressor — reliable, energy efficient and productive. The indoor unit is made of ABS plastic, resistant to UV rays and temperature extremes.

Secondly, the Olmo air conditioner received a wide range of functions:

• Self cleaning indoor unit.
• Carrying out self-diagnostics and informing about the errors found.
• Warming up cool air before supply.
• Timer for programming the operation of equipment.
• Dehumidification of the air flow.
• Fast air heating/cooling.
• Maintaining a comfortable temperature for sleeping.
• Auto restart with saving settings.

Also, the model from the manufacturer Olmo received an AD filter and wide-angle blinds. This ensures efficient circulation and purification of the air flow. In addition, she received a refrigerant leak detector and a stylish display.

Immediately after switching on, the device operates at the minimum speed for the first time in order to dry the evaporator and prevent the formation of mold and fungus. The evaporator itself received Blue Fin anti-corrosion protection. For comfortable maintenance, light indicators are provided that will remind you of the need for maintenance or replacement of filters.

Expert comment: comfortable cooling and heating, an excellent set of functions and a stylish design are the key advantages of this model, for which they fell in love with it.

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6. Hoapp Luna HSC-LA28VA/HMC-LA28VA

This model only: 5 basic modes and 4 unique health functions.

Various solutions are available in the Luna series, but the Hoapp Luna HSC-LA28VA/HMC-LA28VA is the best-selling model. What attracts her attention?

Firstly, this is the best budget air conditioner in terms of efficiency. It has the highest energy efficiency class among the on/off devices presented in our rating.

Secondly, the split system from the manufacturer Hoapp offers incredibly wide functionality. In total, there are 5 main modes. This model can cool, heat and dehumidify the air, there is also a ventilation and ionization mode. The latter is used to purify the air flow with silver ions. If necessary, you can activate the auto-selection of modes.

Additionally, 4 unique health features are provided:

1. Generator «Cold Plasma». Kills all microorganisms that enter the field of action.
2. Electrostatic filter. Effectively cleans the air stream from dust and smoke.
3. Electromagnetic compatibility. The split system has protection against electromagnetic interference, and does not create them itself.
4. Moisture removal. After turning off the device, the fan still runs for a certain time to prevent the formation of bacteria.

As for the standard functionality, the Hoapp air conditioner received a timer, auto-restart, self-diagnosis and self-cleaning functions, Turbo and Sleep modes. It also has a system of movable shutters, which allows you to set the direction of the flow.

Due to automatic voltage adaptation, the split system is able to operate in the range of 150-250 V, which reduces the number of breakdowns. It is possible to start at minimum voltage. Other features include a removable indoor unit panel (simplifies maintenance), cool air protection and a multi-speed fan with selectable speed. Included with the device is a remote control with a time display on the display and a lock function.

Expert comment: the split system has the function of soft cleaning and drying of the air, and is also reliably protected from power surges. You can install it in any room — due to the elegant design, it will harmoniously fit into the interior.

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7. Gree Bora GWH07AAA-K3NNA2A

Universal air conditioner for home and office, combining all the necessary modes and functions.

The Bora series is represented by different models, but the Gree Bora GWH07AAA-K3NNA2A became the best-selling. It is considered the «golden mean», because it combines all the key advantages.

The model from the Gree brand supports 5 modes: cooling, heating, dehumidification, ionization, ventilation. Additionally, it is possible to install multi-stage filtration, which removes dust, destroys bacteria, and neutralizes odors. But filters are not included in the kit and are purchased separately.

The split system also supports a number of functions:

• Generator «Cold Plasma» — neutralizes harmful microorganisms.
• Turbo mode — quickly heats or cools the air stream.
• Self-cleaning — prevents the formation of bacteria.
• Night mode — maintains a comfortable temperature during sleep with minimal noise.
• Timer — allows you to program the operation of equipment.
• Warm start — warms up cold air before it enters the room.

The Gree air conditioner works quite quietly: at the first speed, the noise level is only 27 dB. He also received an updated design in the style of minimalism. The indoor unit is made in white and decorated with a stylish golden stripe. Comes with LCD remote control and lock function.

Expert comment: Optimum performance and support for the most important features make this model the best solution for home and office.

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8. Midea Forest AF6-07N1C2-I/AF6-07N1C2-O

Only for this model: effective cooling + double air filtration.

The Forest DC series line includes different models, but most often buyers choose the Midea Forest AF6-07N1C2-I / AF6-07N1C2-O device. What attracts attention?

Firstly, this is a budget inverter air conditioner. It works for heating up to -15°C, it also features economical energy consumption and high performance. Secondly, this model is equipped with two filters. The first effectively cleans the air of dust, pollen, animal hair, the second — neutralizes harmful substances and unpleasant odors.

Also, the solution from the Midea brand received wide functionality:

• Follow Me function — transmits temperature data to the remote control so that the user can set the optimal operating mode at any time.
• Auto-restart — in the event of a power outage, it restarts the climatic equipment while maintaining the previously set parameters.
• Self-cleaning — dries the heat exchanger before completely shutting down the device to prevent the formation of mold and bacteria.
• Turbo mode — allows you to reach the set temperature in a shorter time.
• Self-diagnostics — independently performs diagnostics and displays an error code on the screen in case of malfunctions.
• Auto-defrost — prevents the formation of frost when working in the winter season.

The heat exchanger received a hydrophobic coating, which prevents the accumulation of condensate on aluminum plates and, accordingly, the formation of mold and mildew. Additionally, climate technology has a refrigerant leak detector that reports a problem with an audible signal and a digital code on the screen.

Also, Midea air conditioner supports two optional functions: ionizer and Wi-Fi control. The ionizer is designed to purify the air from dust and pollution, plus it charges the air with negative ions, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the lungs and nervous system. And with the help of a Wi-Fi module, you can control the operation of the device via a smartphone. But this module and the ionizer are not included, so they need to be purchased separately.

Expert comment: The inverter compressor increases the efficiency of the split system and reduces energy consumption, saving you money. This solution is considered more economical than classic on/off models.

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9. Hoapp Luna DC-Inverter HSZ-LA22VA/HMZ-LA22VA

Inverter air conditioner with wide functionality and unique health features.

Our rating has already met products from the Hong Kong manufacturer, but this time we included the Luna Inverter series, which consists of inverter models. The best selling one is Hoapp Luna DC-Inverter HSZ-LA22VA/HMZ-LA22VA.

The conditioner is very similar to the previous solution of the Luna series. The only difference is in inverter control. Due to this, it is characterized by high performance, economical energy consumption and is able to work for heating up to -15°C. The price is also different — it is 20% higher.

Otherwise, there are no differences. The split system supports the same 5 modes (cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, ionization) and 4 health functions (Cold Plasma generator, electrostatic filter, electromagnetic compatibility, fungus and mold protection). The functionality remained unchanged, including the I FEEL function, timer, auto-restart, self-diagnosis, self-cleaning, Turbo and Sleep modes. Also, the split system has a system of movable blinds, the ability to start at low voltage, protection against blowing cool air, auto-adaptation of voltage. And the kit comes with a remote control, which, in addition to the current temperature, displays the time.

Expert comment: an affordable inverter air conditioner that can work not only for cooling, but also for heating up to -15°C. It features an advanced design and fairly wide functionality for its price.

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10. Samsung AR09TXHQASINUA

A great option for demanding customers: fast cooling, heating down to -22°C and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

In the line of the Basic Inverter series, the most popular model is Samsung AR09TXHQASINUA. This is the most expensive split system in the ranking, but it offers a number of unique advantages.

Firstly, the Samsung air conditioner is the only one of all the models on the list that is capable of heating up to -22°C. Thanks to this, it can be used not only in the off-season, but also in winter (even in severe frosts). Due to the inverter compressor, it is characterized by performance and good economy — this model has the highest energy efficiency class A ++.

Secondly, the air conditioner is able to cool or heat the air with an accuracy of 1°C (in the range from 16°C to 30°C). If necessary, you can select AUTO-mode so that the system independently regulates the temperature. There is also a FAN (ventilation) and DRY (air dehumidification with temperature control by 1°C in the range of 18-30°C) mode.

Additionally, the model from the Samsung brand received a number of interesting features:

• Rapid Cooling – Cools the air in a room in minutes.
• Comfort function — softens the airflow, making it softer and more pleasant.
• Quiet mode — reduces the noise level during operation.
• Single User function — reduces power consumption.

It also has a Beep button (enables / disables sound alerts) and a Good Sleep button (creates a comfortable atmosphere for sleeping and reduces energy consumption). Additionally, HD-filtration of air from dust, mold, wool is provided. The filter is reusable, so it only needs to be washed periodically. To protect against corrosion, the compressor received a special DuraFinTM coating.

Included with the device is a remote control with which you can set the desired settings. Including adjusting the direction of the vertical airflow (horizontal is controlled manually).

Expert comment: this air conditioner is one of the cheapest options for year-round operation. With it, you can instantly cool the air on a hot sultry summer, as well as create a warm and cozy atmosphere on cool winter evenings.

Key criteria for selecting air conditioners

All air conditioners that are presented in the rating were compared according to a number of criteria. They must be taken into account when choosing a split system:

1. Compressor. The classic on/off model is capable of heating only up to a temperature of -7°C. If you want to use air conditioning in winter, then choose solutions with an inverter compressor that can heat up to -15°C or down to -22°C.
2. Operating modes. Any split system can cool and heat the air, these are its standard modes. Additionally, it can also remove excess moisture, purify the air from dust and other contaminants, and circulate the air. The price of equipment depends on the number of modes, so choose wisely.
3. Energy efficiency class. The efficiency of climate technology directly depends on it. The higher this setting, the lower the power consumption.
4. Noise indicators of the indoor unit. You should look at this parameter if you are choosing a device for a bedroom or a nursery. For these rooms, it is important to choose the most quiet model. For a living room or office, you can purchase a noisier air conditioner.
5. Functional. Selected based on your personal preferences. But keep in mind that the final cost of equipment depends on the number of supported functions.
6. Producing country. It is recommended to buy products only from trusted companies, but remember that some companies charge a brand markup. Here, as always, it is necessary to select the «golden mean».

By compiling this rating, we wanted to make it easier for you to choose an air conditioner. The range on the market is quite huge, so our experts have selected the most interesting solutions at an affordable price. It is impossible to say unequivocally which budget air conditioner is better — here everyone decides for himself. The rating contains 10 models: study them and make a decision. If necessary, you can add the options you like to the comparison to make it easier to make a choice. You can also get a free phone consultation with Vencon experts.