10 best small air conditioners in 2026 (66+ compared)

Ranking first among ARGO small models is ARGO Ecowall 12, with an overall score of 7.43 points, a cooling capacity of 12000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and available for around £300.

The ARGO Ecowall 12 is a fixed wall-mounted split-system air conditioner featuring a nominal cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU/h (3.2 kW) and utilizing eco-friendly, low-GWP R32 refrigerant alongside advanced DC Inverter technology. This 3-in-1 multi-functional unit provides cooling, dehumidification (1.4 L/h), and heating with an energy efficiency rating of A++ for cooling and A+ for heating, achieving a seasonal cooling SEER of 6.1.

Runner-up: ARGO Ecowall 9, with an overall score of 7.19 points, a cooling capacity of 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and a price of around £520.

Leading the Comfee small lineup is Comfee TROPICAL 9K, delivering an overall score of 7.95 points, a cooling capacity of 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and retailing for around £280.

The Comfee TROPICAL 9K is a 9000 BTU monosplit inverter air conditioner featuring an average airflow of 333 m³/h and utilizing eco-friendly R32 refrigerant to cool or heat rooms up to 25 m² with an efficient A++/A+ energy rating. Main characteristics and pros include integrated WiFi app control, a "Follow Me" thermal sensor on the remote for targeted climate control, a dual filtration system (high-density and cold catalyst filters) that eliminates up to 80% of dust and volatile organic compounds, and a durable golden anti-corrosion coating on the heat exchangers.

Runner-up: Comfee 7000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, with an overall score of 7.29 points, a cooling capacity of 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A, and a price of around £210.

Topping the DILOC small selection is DILOC FRPRO.93Q, earning an overall score of 7.17 points, a cooling capacity of 3 × 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and costing around £1280.

The Diloc Frozen Pro FRPRO.93Q is a high-capacity quadri-split outdoor air conditioner unit that delivers a powerful 32,000 BTU/h (9.4 kW) in cooling mode and 32,000 BTU/h (9.5 kW) in heating mode. Operating on eco-friendly R32 refrigerant, the system delivers seasonal efficiencies with a SEER of 6.1 (Class A++) and a SCOP of 4.0 (Class A+/A++).

Runner-up: DILOC D.FROZEN112, with an overall score of 7.25 points, a cooling capacity of 12000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and a price of around £330.

Ranking first among KESSER small models is KESSER Split 9000 BTU, with an overall score of 7.78 points, a cooling capacity of 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and available for around £440.

The KESSER Split Air Conditioner features a 9,000 BTU (2,600 Watt) capacity, an airflow rate of 420 m³/h, and utilizes eco-friendly R32 refrigerant. Operating on a 220-240V power supply, this versatile split system offers cooling, heating, ventilation, and dehumidification modes for small to medium spaces up to 25 m².

Runner-up: KESSER Split 12000 BTU, with an overall score of 7.69 points, a cooling capacity of 12000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and a price of around £500.

Our top-rated Ariston small air conditioner is Ariston Prios 9, achieving an overall score of 7.32 points, a cooling capacity of 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and priced around £250.

The Ariston Prios 9 is a wall-mounted inverter air conditioner utilizing eco-friendly R32 refrigerant, featuring a 9,000 BTU cooling and heating capacity, an A++ cooling energy efficiency rating, and integrated antibacterial filtration. Its main pros include ultra-silent operation, a customizable Follow Me temperature tracking system, and smart scheduling functionality, though its primary drawbacks are the requirement of a separate Wi-Fi accessory kit for remote app integration and a complex initial setup process.

Runner-up: Ariston Prios 9+9, with an overall score of 7 points, a cooling capacity of 2 × 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and a price of around £880.

The best Daikin small air conditioner is Daikin FTXB35C, with an overall score of 7.25 points, a cooling capacity of 12000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and a price of around £510.

The Daikin FTXB35C is a wall-mounted wall split inverter air conditioner with a nominal cooling capacity of 3.30 kW (11,260 BTU/h) and a heating capacity of 3.50 kW, featuring an A+ seasonal energy rating for both modes with a SEER of 6.05 and SCOP of 4.06. Main characteristics and pros include its ultra-quiet indoor operation down to 21 dB(A), an advanced titanium apatite photocatalytic air-purifying filter, a 20-minute rapid turbo mode, and a flat, easy-to-clean front panel that blends smoothly into residential spaces.

Best value alternative: Daikin Sensira FTXF25A, with an overall score of 7.45 points, a cooling capacity of 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and a price of around £500.

Explore our dedicated best Daikin air conditioners guide for full model rankings.

Leading the electriQ small lineup is electriQ iQool9Plus 9000 BTU, delivering an overall score of 8.25 points, a cooling capacity of 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A+++, and retailing for around £550.

The electriQ iQool 9000 BTU Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner is a highly efficient heating and cooling solution designed for rooms up to 26 m², boasting an exceptional A+++ energy rating for cooling (SEER 8.5) and A++ for heating (SCOP 4.6). Driven by a Super DC Inverter and a reliable GMCC compressor, this smart system integrates built-in Wi-Fi for smartphone scheduling, a 560 m³/h airflow rate, a dedicated dehumidifier, an auto-clean cycle, and "Follow Me" temperature tracking via the remote sensor.

Best value alternative: electriQ iQool12Plus 12000 BTU, with an overall score of 8.59 points, a cooling capacity of 12000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A+++, and a price of around £510.

The best Olimpia Splendid small air conditioner is Olimpia Splendid Aryal S1 E Inverter 10 C, with an overall score of 7.51 points, a cooling capacity of 10000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and a price of around £260.

The Olimpia Splendid Aryal S1 E Inverter 10 C (Model OS-K/SEAPH10EI) is a high-wall mono-split heat pump air conditioner delivering a cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU/h (2.64 kW) and a heating capacity of 2.93 kW. It utilizes eco-friendly R32 refrigerant gas and features advanced inverter technology, yielding high seasonal efficiencies with an A++ energy rating for cooling and A+ for heating.

Runner-up: Olimpia Splendid Mystral E Inverter 9, with an overall score of 7.68 points, a cooling capacity of 9000 BTU/h, a cooling energy class of A++, and a price of around £240.