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Best ACs Under ₹40,000 in India (2026)

20 products comparedPrices checked Sep 2026Independent · affiliate-funded
How to read our recommendations: comparisons use published specifications, listed prices and editorial assessments. Scores are not measured performance results. Our lab section publishes protocols; it currently has no completed test results. Prices and availability can change after the check date shown. Research and scoring method · Affiliate disclosure.
  1. #1 Top pickHitachi 1 Ton 5 Star Yoshi Inverter Split AC RAS.V512PCDIST by Hitachi — product image of the air conditionerHitachi 1 Ton 5 Star Yoshi Inverter Split AC RAS.V512PCDIST₹39,99040% offScore 8.3/10
    AmazonFlipkart
  2. #2 Runner-upPanasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC CS/CU-SU18BKY3W by Panasonic — product image of the air conditionerPanasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC CS/CU-SU18BKY3W₹38,99028% offScore 8.1/10
    AmazonFlipkartOfficial store
  3. #3 Also greatBlue Star 0.8 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC IA309TNU by Blue Star — product image of the air conditionerBlue Star 0.8 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC IA309TNU₹27,99028% offScore 8/10
    AmazonFlipkartOfficial store

₹40,000 is the sweet spot of the Indian AC market. It buys a genuinely good 1.5 ton inverter split — Panasonic's SU18BKY3W at ₹38,990 with Wi-Fi, 8-in-1 modes and a 55°C rating, or Hitachi's RAS.D318PCD2ST1 at ₹37,690 — and a 5-star 1 ton, Hitachi's RAS.V512PCDIST at ₹39,990.

Above ₹40,000 you are mostly paying for 5-star efficiency, extra capacity or a particular brand's service. For a middle-floor room used in the evenings, this budget is where most buyers should stop.

Check rated watts, not just the tonnage in the name. A true 1 ton is 3,517 W, 1.5 ton is 5,275 W and 2 ton is 7,034 W, and several units sold in each class are rated 5-12% below that. Every product here publishes its rated cooling where the brand does, and our room-size advice is calculated from it.

Our ranked picks

Filter by price, brand and feature, or sort by price and running cost. Tick Compare on any two to put their specs side by side.

20 air conditioners

  1. 1Hitachi 1 Ton 5 Star Yoshi Inverter Split AC RAS.V512PCDIST by Hitachi — product image of the air conditioner
    🏆 Best 1 Ton ACHitachi

    Hitachi 1 Ton 5 Star Yoshi Inverter Split AC RAS.V512PCDIST

    A 5-star 1 ton for about the price of most 3-star units

    8.3/10our editorial score
    • 1 ton split AC — 3,516 W rated cooling
    • 5-star BEE rating, ISEER 5.6 — 486 units/year declared
    • Inverter compressor, 10-year warranty
    • Copper condenser
    • Rated to cool at up to 54°C outdoor temperature
    • Stabiliser-free operation: stabiliser-free operation (range not stated)
    ₹39,99040% off

    M.R.P. ₹66,990 Save ₹27,000

    Running cost: ≈ ₹3,888/yr

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    Indicative price, verified 2026-09-14. Confirm on the marketplace before buying.

    Read full review →
  2. 2Panasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC CS/CU-SU18BKY3W by Panasonic — product image of the air conditioner
    🏆 Best Value 1.5 Ton ACPanasonic

    Panasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC CS/CU-SU18BKY3W

    A fully featured 3-star 1.5 ton for ₹38,990

    8.1/10our editorial score
    • 1.5 ton split AC — 5,100 W rated cooling
    • 3-star BEE rating, ISEER 4.5 — 878 units/year declared
    • Inverter compressor, 10-year warranty
    • Copper condenser with Shield Blu+
    • Rated to cool at up to 55°C outdoor temperature
    • Convertible — 8 capacity modes
    ₹38,99028% off

    M.R.P. ₹54,000 Save ₹15,010

    Running cost: ≈ ₹7,024/yr

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    Indicative price, verified 2026-09-14. Confirm on the marketplace before buying.

    Read full review →
  3. 3Blue Star 0.8 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC IA309TNU by Blue Star — product image of the air conditioner
    Blue Star

    Blue Star 0.8 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC IA309TNU

    The lowest-priced inverter split on our list

    8.0/10our editorial score
    • 0.8 ton split AC — 2,740 W rated cooling
    • 3-star BEE rating, ISEER 3.9 — 544 units/year declared
    • Inverter compressor, 10-year warranty
    • Copper condenser with anti-corrosive Blue Fins
    • Rated to cool at up to 52°C outdoor temperature
    • Convertible — 5 capacity modes
    ₹27,99028% off

    M.R.P. ₹39,100 Save ₹11,110

    Running cost: ≈ ₹4,352/yr

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    Indicative price, verified 2026-09-14. Confirm on the marketplace before buying.

    Read full review →
  4. 4Panasonic 1 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC CS/CU-SU12BKY3W by Panasonic — product image of the air conditioner
    Panasonic

    Panasonic 1 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC CS/CU-SU12BKY3W

    Wi-Fi, Matter and 8-in-1 in a ₹35,990 1 ton

    8.0/10our editorial score
    • 1 ton split AC — 3,450 W rated cooling
    • 3-star BEE rating, ISEER 4.5 — 594 units/year declared
    • Inverter compressor, 10-year warranty
    • Copper condenser with Shield Blu+
    • Rated to cool at up to 55°C outdoor temperature
    • Convertible — 8 capacity modes
    ₹35,99024% off

    M.R.P. ₹47,500 Save ₹11,510

    Running cost: ≈ ₹4,752/yr

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    Indicative price, verified 2026-09-14. Confirm on the marketplace before buying.

    Read full review →
  8. 8air conditioner illustration — product photo unavailable for Hitachi 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC RAS.D318PCD2ST1
    Hitachi

    Hitachi 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC RAS.D318PCD2ST1

    The lowest-priced 1.5 ton inverter split here, rated to 54°C

    7.9/10our editorial score
    • 1.5 ton split AC — 4,800 W rated cooling
    • 3-star BEE rating, ISEER 4.3 — 864 units/year declared
    • Inverter compressor, 10-year warranty
    • Copper condenser
    • Rated to cool at up to 54°C outdoor temperature
    • Stabiliser-free operation: stabiliser-free operation (range not stated)
    ₹37,69043% off

    M.R.P. ₹65,990 Save ₹28,300

    Running cost: ≈ ₹6,912/yr

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    Indicative price, verified 2026-09-14. Confirm on the marketplace before buying.

    Read full review →
  17. 17Lloyd 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC GLS12I3AGGSR by Lloyd — product image of the air conditioner
    🏆 Best Budget Inverter ACLloyd

    Lloyd 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC GLS12I3AGGSR

    The lowest-priced 1 ton inverter with a published ISEER

    7.8/10our editorial score
    • 1 ton split AC — 3,500 W rated cooling
    • 3-star BEE rating, ISEER 4.47 — 606 units/year declared
    • Inverter compressor
    • Rated to cool at up to 54°C outdoor temperature
    • Convertible — 6 capacity modes
    • Stabiliser-free operation: 100-300 V
    ₹33,49033% off

    M.R.P. ₹49,990 Save ₹16,500

    Running cost: ≈ ₹4,848/yr

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    Indicative price, verified 2026-09-14. Confirm on the marketplace before buying.

    Read full review →
  18. 18Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC 123INV Vectra Elegant by Voltas — product image of the air conditioner
    Voltas

    Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC 123INV Vectra Elegant

    Voltas 1 ton inverter with 5 years' comprehensive warranty

    7.8/10our editorial score
    • 1 ton split AC — 3,326 W rated cooling
    • 3-star BEE rating
    • Inverter compressor
    • Copper condenser with anti-corrosive Gold Fin
    • Rated to cool at up to 52°C outdoor temperature
    • Convertible — 5 capacity modes
    ₹33,00039% off

    M.R.P. ₹53,990 Save ₹20,990

    Buy on AmazonBuy on Flipkart

    Indicative price, verified 2026-09-14. Confirm on the marketplace before buying.

    Read full review →
  19. 19Samsung 0.95 Ton 3 Star Bespoke AI Inverter Split AC AR50H12D1XH by Samsung — product image of the air conditioner
    Samsung

    Samsung 0.95 Ton 3 Star Bespoke AI Inverter Split AC AR50H12D1XH

    Samsung's Wi-Fi 1 ton-class AC with 5 years' comprehensive cover

    7.8/10our editorial score
    • 0.95 ton split AC — 3,350 W rated cooling
    • 3-star BEE rating, ISEER 4.43
    • Inverter compressor, 10-year warranty
    • Copper condenser with DuraFin Ultra
    • Rated to cool at up to 52°C outdoor temperature
    • Convertible — 5 capacity modes
    ₹35,49048% off

    M.R.P. ₹67,990 Save ₹32,500

    Buy on AmazonBuy on Flipkart

    Indicative price, verified 2026-09-14. Confirm on the marketplace before buying.

    Read full review →

Quick comparison

Best ACs Under ₹40,000 in India (2026) — comparison of key specifications
#ProductPriceScoreCapacityBest for
1Hitachi 1 Ton 5 Star Yoshi Inverter Split AC RAS.V512PCDIST₹39,9908.3/101 ton · 5 starSmall bedrooms run for long nights, including top-floor rooms
2Panasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC CS/CU-SU18BKY3W₹38,9908.1/101.5 ton · 3 starMost 150-190 sq ft bedrooms and living rooms
3Blue Star 0.8 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC IA309TNU₹27,9908/100.8 ton · 3 starSmall rooms of up to about 100 sq ft
4Panasonic 1 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC CS/CU-SU12BKY3W₹35,9908/101 ton · 3 starSmart-home buyers with a bedroom of up to about 130 sq ft
5LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC 2025₹37,8908/101.5 ton · 5 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
6Samsung 1.5 Ton 4 Star Inverter Split AC with Wi-Fi 2026₹39,4908/101.5 ton · 4 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
7Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Window AC 2026₹36,2508/101.5 ton · 5 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
8Hitachi 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC RAS.D318PCD2ST1₹37,6907.9/101.5 ton · 3 starBudget buyers with a middle-floor room of up to about 180 sq ft
9Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Window AC 2026₹36,9357.9/101.5 ton · 5 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
10Daikin 1.5 Ton 4 Star Inverter Split AC 2026₹39,9997.9/101.5 ton · 4 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
11Godrej 1.5 Ton 4 Star Inverter Split AC 2025₹30,9907.9/101.5 ton · 4 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
12Godrej 1.5 Ton 3 Star Hot & Cold Inverter Split AC 2024₹32,7497.9/101.5 ton · 3 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
13Godrej 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC 2026₹37,4847.9/101.5 ton · 5 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
14Samsung 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC with Wi-Fi 2026₹35,2767.9/101.5 ton · 3 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
15Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Window AC 2026₹31,4997.9/101.5 ton · 3 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
16Whirlpool 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC 2026₹36,9297.9/101.5 ton · 5 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft
17Lloyd 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC GLS12I3AGGSR₹33,4907.8/101 ton · 3 starBudget buyers with a 100-130 sq ft room
18Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC 123INV Vectra Elegant₹33,0007.8/101 ton · 3 starSmall bedrooms in towns where service reach matters most
19Samsung 0.95 Ton 3 Star Bespoke AI Inverter Split AC AR50H12D1XH₹35,4907.8/100.95 ton · 3 starA bedroom or study of up to about 130 sq ft on a middle floor
20Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Window AC 2026₹32,9907.8/101.5 ton · 3 starA room of roughly 120–180 sq ft

Prices are indicative street prices, last verified 2026-09-14. Always confirm the current price on the marketplace before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best AC under ₹40,000?
Panasonic's SU18BKY3W 1.5 ton 3-star inverter at ₹38,990 — ISEER 4.5, Wi-Fi with Matter and voice control, 8-in-1 modes, a 55°C rating and stabiliser-free operation from 100 V. For a smaller room, Hitachi's RAS.V512PCDIST 1 ton 5-star at ₹39,990 has the lowest running cost of any AC we compare.
Which is the best 1.5 ton AC under ₹40,000?
Panasonic's SU18BKY3W at ₹38,990 and Hitachi's RAS.D318PCD2ST1 at ₹37,690, both 3-star inverter splits. Haier's HSA19T 1.6 ton at ₹39,990 is 2-star fixed-speed and a weaker buy.
Which is the best 5 star AC under ₹40,000?
Hitachi's RAS.V512PCDIST 1 ton 5-star inverter at ₹39,990 at Reliance Digital is the only 5-star AC in our catalogue under ₹40,000. No 1.5 ton 5-star split was under ₹45,000 at the prices we checked.
Which is the best Wi-Fi AC under ₹40,000?
Panasonic's SU18BKY3W 1.5 ton at ₹38,990 and SU12BKY3W 1 ton at ₹35,990, and Samsung's AR50H12D1XH 0.95 ton at ₹35,490 with five years' comprehensive warranty.

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