With millions of people uplifted to the middle-class income category every year, air-conditioners under 1-ton capacity are one of the fast-moving white goods in the Indian market.

In this list, we have shortlisted eight of the best air conditioners available in the Indian market considering the price, features and overall value for money proposition.

Without wasting any more time, let’s get straight into the article!

1. Panasonic CS/CU-NU12XKYW

Overall Best Pick

• Variable-speed inverter AC
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Silent operation

BUY FROM AMAZON

Panasonic, as you all might know, is a Japanese multinational consumer electronics company popular for its home appliances and other consumer electronics.

The CS/CU-NU12XKYW is a 1-ton inverter AC from Panasonic with a bunch of exclusive features, retailing for around Rs.36,000 in India. 

Compressor and Performance 

This air-conditioner from Panasonic comes with an inverter compressor onboard which not only saves a lot of money in terms of your electricity bills but also runs maintenance-free for years. 

This variable speed inverter adjusts the cooling according to the load and provides a comfortable indoor living condition for the occupants. 

Since the compressor runs relatively silent, there won’t be any distractions for the occupants inside. 

Energy Consumption and Cooling Capacity

The Panasonic CS/CU-NU12XKYW has a cooling capacity of about 3500W, ideal for a small-sized room/offline with less than 110ft built-up area. 

This air conditioner from Panasonic consumes 588.97 units of electricity annually making it one of the best power efficient ACs currently available in the Indian market. 

The 5-star BEE 2021 certification should give you peace of mind regarding the energy consumption of this AC.

Miscellaneous

The Panasonic CS/CU-NU12XKYW is a smart home appliance with Wi-Fi connectivity onboard. 

Certified to work with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, this air conditioner can be controlled wirelessly with just voice commands. 

The copper condenser coil in this AC features specialized anti-corrosion protection, ideal for the tropical climate we have here in India.

Verdict

The CS/CU-NU12XKYW from Panasonic is an inverter type AC with wireless smart Wi-Fi connectivity features. 

The maintenance-free inverter compressor along with the 5-star BEE rating makes it a product worth checking out.

2. LG MS-Q12YNZA

Runner-up Pick

• Suitable for rooms under 110 sq. ft
• 5-star BEE 2021 energy efficiency
• Maintenance-free dual inverter compressor

BUY FROM AMAZON

LG is a South Korean conglomerate that has been playing in the Indian market along with Samsung. 

The MS-Q12YNZA is LG’s take on the entry-level air conditioner market that has been launched recently in the Indian market.

Compressor and Performance

The Copper coil condenser surrounded by gold fins ensures the components are anti-corrosive and will withstand the test of time pretty much without any hassle.

This air-conditioner from LG features dual rotary inverter compressors, capable of delivering a wide range of temperature variations thereby providing the customer with a comfortable indoor living experience that suits her/his needs.

LG has included low refrigerant detection technology with the MS-Q12YNZA that will make sure the refrigerant levels are optimum. In case of a shortage, the system will automatically detect and alert the user before any serious damage might happen. 

Energy Consumption and Cooling Capacity

The MS-Q12YNZA has a maximum cooling capacity of 3850W at an estimated annual energy consumption of just 571.99 units. 

This product from LG boasts of a 5-star BEE 2021 certification which returns the best energy efficiency among other air-conditioners in its segment.

Miscellaneous

The LG MS-Q12YNZA is a 1-Ton air conditioner that can cool small rooms pretty quickly. 

This air conditioner boasts an indoor sound level of about 21dB which is one of the lowest in the market at present. 

LG has used R32 refrigerant in this AC which is environmentally friendly. 

Verdict

The brand value of LG itself will exude confidence in the consumers due to the reliability and performance of the products that the company introduced in the past.

If you don’t mind the budget and want a long-lasting air conditioner that won’t break a sweat in cooling your room, this is one of the best available right now.

The LG MS-Q12YNZA is packed with features that not only lasts performance but also ensures that the product lasts long enough for the customers to have a value for money experience buying this device.

3. Sanyo SI 10T5SDIA

All-rounder Performer AC

• Inverter compressor
• 5-star BEE rating
• Quick cooling feature

BUY FROM AMAZON

The SI 10T5SDIA is an entry-level 1-Ton budget Split AC from Sanyo that offers great value for money. 

This air conditioner can be used in medium-sized rooms that do not exceed 120 sq. ft.

Compressor and Performance

The Sanyo SI 10T5SDIA is one of the cheapest air conditioners in the Indian market which comes with an inverter type compressor.

The inverter compressor inside this AC along with the copper coil condenser offers excellent performance on a smaller area footprint.

A copper coil condenser is used in this device to ensure optimal performance and durability. The variable-speed inverter compressor offers a quiet operation even under heavy loads.

The maximum cooling capacity of the Sanyo SI 10T5SDIA is 3500W with an annual energy consumption of 588.97 units. 

Features

The turbo cool mode present in the Sanyo SI 10T5SDIA will ensure quick cooling of the surroundings. 

There is also an antibacterial filter that enhances the quality of the air output. R32 is the refrigerant in use in this air conditioner.

The built-in sleep mode will let the conditioner hibernate in low power mode when the desired temperature is attained thereby increasing the power efficiency.

Miscellaneous

This appliance is rated to have a 5-star 2021 certification for energy efficiency.

Verdict

If you have a tighter budget but are in dire need of an inverter compressor with a copper condenser, the Sanyo SI 10T5SDIA should be the go-to choice.

This AC comes equipped with many India specific features such as auto-restart and auto-clean functions which will provide you with a pleasant AC ownership experience.

4. Godrej GIC 12 TTC3

Feature-rich AC

• Suited for rooms < 110ft
• Tri-filter air purification system
• Anti-corrosion condenser

BUY FROM AMAZON

The Godrej GIC 12 TTC3 is a 1 Ton inverter AC that comes certified as one of the best home appliances with the latest Government approved BEE ratings.

This small and compact 1 Ton AC might be the perfect companion for a small-sized room with a maximum of two occupants. 

Compressor and Performance

The Godrej GIC 12 TTC3 has a high EER inverter rotary compressor on board assisted with a copper condenser to ensure optimal performance with power efficiency and durability.

This air conditioning unit comes equipped with 3 Brushless DC motors, controlled by smart logic resulting in higher efficiency.

The intelligent air throw mechanism senses the room temperature and adjusts accordingly to give you the best cooling experience.

The compressor inside this AC has a maximum cooling capacity of 3500W at a rated annual electricity consumption of 752.51 units, which is excellent for a small-sized room/office space with one or two occupants.

The specially arranged twin array copper coil allows for quick cooling of the interiors even when it’s scorching hot outside.

Eco-friendly Refrigerant

The refrigerant used in this air-conditioner is R32 which has a minimal global warming potential as well as zero ozone depletion potential. 

The going green motto from OEM’s can’t get any better than this, we bet.

Features

The anti-dust filter on this device is removable and cleaned manually. This feature will come in handy in Indian conditions where dust is like a daily guest and you will be forced to clean the filter unless you want to inhale it all. 

The silver ion filter inside the conditioning unit ensures microbe-free, uncontaminated air to be exhausted out of the vent. 

The Godrej GIC 12 TTC3 is one of the most silent 1-ton air conditioners available in the Indian market at present. The silent operation of an air conditioner equates to minimal distractions which is always a welcome addition.

Miscellaneous

The Godrej GIC 12 TTC3 comes with a top of the line 3-star BEE 2021 energy efficiency rating which will save you a lot of money in terms of your electricity bills.

Godrej India offers a 1-year warranty on this 1-ton inverter AC and an additional 10-year warranty on the compressor that will let you sleep with even more calmness and peace of mind.

Verdict

If you have a small room/ office space to be cooled quite quickly without going high on electricity consumption, this air conditioner is a worthy choice.

The silent operation of the power-efficient compressor inside and the 3-star BEE 2021 rating is worthy of making this AC one of the best in the business.

5. Carrier Ester Nx

Best Build Quality

• 3-star BEE 2021 rating
• 100% copper condenser
• Powerful and reliable

BUY FROM AMAZON

Carrier is a Chinese electrical equipment manufacturer specializing in HVAC products around the globe and well regarded for high-quality air conditioning products.

The Carrier 12K Ester Nx is a 1-ton capacity non-inverter type split AC suitable for a small room/office space with floor volume ranging from 100 – 120 sq. ft.

Design and Build Quality

The Carrier Ester Nx is made using high-quality polycarbonate plastic chassis which is designed specifically to ensure smooth airflow.

This air conditioner comes with a hidden LED display that displays the temperature information. It can be turned off during night time to avoid any distractions while sleeping.

As a novelty, this AC comes with a sensor mounted remote that detects the temperature around the remote rather than the indoor unit, which is far less accurate. 

This feature allows the unit to cool the interior much more precisely. The outdoor unit is treated with an anti-weather coating to prevent bacterial growth and subsequent degradation of air quality.

Compressor and Performance

The Carrier Ester Nx comes equipped with a rotary compressor. 

This compressor has a maximum cooling capacity of 3550W at a rated electricity consumption of 980W.

This powerful compressor inside the AC is capable of cooling down the surroundings even from a high ambient temperature level of 52 degrees Celsius.

This is suitable for Indian summers as it gets very hot outside and since the outdoor unit is placed in the open, most other air conditioners tend to struggle in cooling down the interiors.

The 100% copper condenser coil will ensure the durability and peak performance of this AC for a long time into the future.

With the 3-star BEE 2021 rating from the Government, this device is certified to be energy efficient.

Features

The leakage detector in this air-conditioner in case of a leakage detection of the refrigerant will automatically shut down the operation, preventing further damage to the system.

Auto-restart and in-built louvre memory will remember the position of the swing blades and the temperature in case of a power outage. 

The built-in PM 2.5 filter will trap dust and other particulate matter from entering the air stream, resulting in a clean and healthy environment.

The auto-cleanser option in this AC when activated blows wet air out of the indoor unit, eliminating the chance of bacterial growth inside the cabinet.

Miscellaneous

The company offers a 1-year warranty on the entire unit supplemented by a 10-year warranty cover on the compressor.

This AC has an inbuilt stabilizer to handle voltage fluctuations which is a common occurrence in India.

Verdict

The Carrier Ester Nx is an excellent 1-ton AC that comes with a powerful rotary compressor to handle even the harshest of Indian summers.

Novel features such as remote mounted temperature sensor and auto cleanser add to the charm of this quality product.

6. Whirlpool MagiCool 3S

Value for Money AC

• Suited for small rooms
• Decent energy efficiency
• 100% copper coil

BUY FROM AMAZON

Whirlpool is an American home appliance manufacturer famed for its refrigerators released back in the time in India. 

The Whirlpool MagiCool 3S is a 1-Ton capacity inverter type air-conditioner loaded with features at an interesting price tag.

Compressor and Condenser

The rotary inverter compressor ensures fast cooling as well as noiseless operation even under heavy loads.

The compressor inside this AC cools the ambient temperature quicker than an inverter AC at times.

The Whirlpool MagiCool 3S has a 100% pure copper condenser coil which is much more efficient in cooling operation and ensures maintenance-free operation for a very long time.

This 1-ton split AC comes with a 3-star 2020 BEE rating for those who are concerned about blowing a hole in the pocket in terms of energy consumption.

Cooling Capacity and Energy Consumption

The MagiCoolMagicool 3S AC has a cooling capacity of 3200W at a rated annual energy consumption of just 711.19 units. 

This 1-ton split AC from Whirlpool comes with a built-in stabilizer to protect the air-conditioning unit from unexpected voltage fluctuations or a sudden spike in the voltage.

Miscellaneous

Whirlpool’s patented sixth sense cooling technology detects the surrounding temperature and adjusts the optimal temperature accordingly without any manual intervention.

This saves energy as well as decreases the load on the compressor as well.

Miscellaneous

The refrigerant used in this air-conditioning unit is R32 which is a coolant with minimal ozone depletion and global warming potential.

Whirlpool India provides a 1-year overall warranty on the unit supplemented by a 10-year warranty on the compressor.

Verdict

The Whirlpool Magicool 3S features a powerful rotary inverter compressor that will cool down your surroundings in no time, whatever be the outside temperature.

With a pure copper type condenser inside, the cooling is much more efficient and durable for the long run.

The same model available in different sizes let you keep the existing features and upgrade to a much more improved refrigeration capacity.

7. Voltas 103 DZX

Budget Air Conditioner

• Suited for small rooms under 100 sq. ft
• 3-star BEE 2020 rating
• Powerful rotary compressor

BUY FROM FLIPKART

Voltas is the air conditioning and cooling equipment subsidiary of Tata group and one of the best in the industry at it.

The Voltas 103 DZX is a 3-star BEE 2020 rated inverter air conditioner that perfectly suits small rooms with floor space ranging from 80 to 100 sq. ft.

Design and Build Quality

The Voltas 103 DZX features a compact indoor unit made from hard plastic which occupies minimal interior space.

The exterior unit is a bit bulky and needs a rigid surface to stay attached. Be sure you screw in this unit firmly onto a steel rod instead of screwing directly onto the wall.

The relatively wide louvre on this air conditioner helps to enhance the air throw distance, facilitating uniform cooling in the entire room.

Compressor

Voltas uses a twin blade rotary compressor which has a high energy efficiency ratio (EER).

This compressor is guaranteed to deliver excellent cooling performance while keeping the energy consumption in check.

And, an important note to remember is that the Voltas 103 DZX is not an inverter compressor AC but still delivers excellent cooling performance with minimal maintenance over time.

Performance

The Godrej 103 DZX has a cooling capacity of 2900 W at an annual energy consumption of 826 units. 

This air conditioner comes with a 3-star BEE 2020 rating for your peace of mind when it comes to monthly electricity bills.

Features

This 0.8-Ton air conditioner comes with a 4-stage filter that blocks and eliminates dust as well as microbes from entering the air stream keeping you and your surroundings healthy and fresh.

The timer function lets you set the schedule for auto switch-on and off eliminating the hassle of turning the air-conditioner manually on/off. 

This effectively reduces energy consumption as the machine works only during a pre-set period.

The auto-restart function keeps the last active temperature settings before the power outage and automatically optimizes the temperature when the power comes back on. The turbo-cool mode aids in the fast cooling of your surroundings. 

This is greatly beneficial during summers when you come home tired and sweating, the inverter inside will increase the speed of the compressor thus enhancing the cooling rate.

Voltas provides a 1-year of overall warranty for the unit and an additional 5-year warranty on the compressor.

Verdict

For a small-sized room/office space with multiple occupants, choosing the 0.8-Ton Voltas 103 DZX over a 1.5-ton unit will help you save a lot of money.

Being an Indian company and owned by TATA, Voltas provides the best after-sales support and service when compared to its competitors with its widespread service network.

8. AmazonBasics AC

Honourable Mention

• 3-star BEE 2020 rating
• Anti-fungal coating
• 100% pure copper condenser

BUY FROM AMAZON

AmazonBasics is a subsidiary introduced by the E-commerce giant Amazon targeting consumers who are looking for home appliances that won’t cost a fortune.

The AmazonBasics AC is a 1-ton non-inverter type split air conditioner that comes with features that give expensive models a tight competition in terms of performance and build quality.

Design and Build Quality

The AmazonBasics AC has an aesthetically pleasing design with snow-white colour supplemented by the premium looking golden accents on the sides.

Made of a combination of plastics and fibre, the build quality of this refrigerator is decent for its asking price.

Since the entire body is made of plastic and fibre, there is no tension regarding corrosion or rust occurring in the due course of time.

Condenser and Compressor

This budget split air conditioner features a copper condenser inside. 

Copper condensers do perform better than the aluminium or alloy counterparts in any given situation.

The rotary compressor inside operates silently and cools the surroundings pretty quickly with the turbo mode operation.

Miscellaneous Features

The humidity regulation and control feature in this air conditioner prevents fungal growth in the AC compartments and keeps the air fresh and clean.

The dedicated sleep mode on this AC not only switches off the display light but also adjusts the temperature levels accordingly to ensure maximum energy savings.

Energy consumption and Cooling Capacity

The AmazonBasics AC has a 3-star BEE 2020 energy efficiency rating. 

The rotary compressor inside has a cooling capacity of 3500 W rated to consume 750.88 units of electricity annually.

Verdict

It is a great thing considering that this budget air conditioner comes with a copper condenser and is supplemented with this energy efficiency at such a low price point.

Added features such as humidity control and night mode make this a solid deal for under Rs.25,000.