Which is quieter, the LG LW8017ERSM1 or the Midea U-Shaped?

The Midea, by a clear margin. Its inverter compressor is rated as low as 32 dBA on low fan, while the LG has no published low-noise rating and uses a standard fixed-speed compressor that cycles fully on and off, producing more noise at each cycle restart. For a bedroom or a room used for calls, the Midea is the better choice on noise alone.

Which is easier to install, the LG or the Midea?

The LG. It uses a standard slide-in installation where the unit fits into the window opening after raising the sash, similar to most window ACs. The Midea's U-shaped frame requires the window sash to lower into a gap in the middle of the unit, which takes longer and often benefits from a second person during setup.

Is the Midea U-Shaped worth the higher price over the LG?

For most buyers prioritizing quiet operation or window security, yes. The 32 dBA rating and the ability to lock the window down over the unit are real, meaningful advantages the LG can't match. If installation simplicity and the lowest price matter more than those two factors, the LG is the more practical choice.

Should I worry about the Midea recall before buying?

It's worth five minutes of research. Midea's 2025 voluntary recall and repair or refund program covers some early U-shaped units over a drain design issue linked to mold exposure risk. Check the specific model and serial number against Midea's official recall page before buying new or secondhand, and confirm whether the unit you're considering is a corrected version.

LG LW8017ERSM1 vs Midea U-Shaped Inverter AC: Which Should You Buy?

The LG LW8017ERSM1 (8,000 BTU, fixed-speed, $300 to $320) and Midea U-Shaped Inverter (8,000 BTU, inverter, 32 dBA) are two of the most searched 8,000 BTU window air conditioners. This comparison covers noise, installation, price, and who should buy each.

Two 8,000 BTU window air conditioners, two very different priorities: one built for simple installation and a lower price, the other built to be as quiet as possible.

The LG LW8017ERSM1 uses a standard fixed-speed compressor and slide-in frame, typically selling for $300 to $320. The Midea U-Shaped brings an inverter compressor rated as low as 32 dBA and a frame that lets the window lock down over the unit, usually priced from $240 on sale up to around $400 at full retail.

On raw cooling, both cover a comparable footprint, 340 sq ft for the LG and 350 sq ft for the Midea, so the decision mostly comes down to noise tolerance, installation patience, and how much the U-shaped design's security benefit matters to you.

The Short Answer

Buy the LG LW8017ERSM1 if you want the lowest price, the simplest slide-in installation, and don't need inverter-level quiet.

Buy the Midea U-Shaped if quiet operation is the top priority, you want the added security of locking a window down over the unit, and you're willing to accept a longer installation and check the 2025 recall status first.

Spec Comparison

Spec	LG LW8017ERSM1	Midea U-Shaped
BTU	8,000	8,000
Coverage	340 sq ft	350 sq ft
Compressor	Fixed-speed	Inverter
Noise rating	Not published	32 dBA (low fan)
Installation	Standard slide-in	U-shaped, sash-through
Typical price	$300 to $320	$240 to $400
App	LG ThinQ	Midea SmartHome

Where They Match

Coverage area: Both are rated within 10 sq ft of each other, effectively equivalent for room-sizing purposes.

Smart home integration: Both work with Alexa and Google Assistant through their respective apps.

Brand reliability: Both LG and Midea have an established track record in window AC manufacturing.

Where the Midea Wins

Noise: 32 dBA on low fan versus no published rating on the LG, backed by the Midea's inverter compressor design that avoids the loud on/off cycling of a fixed-speed unit.

Security: The U-shaped frame lets the window sash lock down over the unit, a real advantage on ground-floor installations that the LG's standard frame can't offer.

Efficiency: A 37% efficiency gain over the federal minimum standard, recognized with an Energy Star Most Efficient award, reduces the electric bill impact over a full season.

Where the LG Wins

Price: Typically $300 to $320 versus the Midea's $240 to $400 range, with the LG generally landing lower at full retail price outside of Midea sale events.

Installation simplicity: A standard slide-in frame installs faster and with less physical effort than the Midea's U-shaped, sash-through design.

No recall concerns: The LG has no recall history to research before buying, unlike the Midea's 2025 program covering some early units.

Who Should Buy Each

LG LW8017ERSM1: buyers who want the lowest price and simplest installation, and for whom noise level is a secondary concern.

Midea U-Shaped: buyers prioritizing quiet operation, window security, and long-term energy efficiency, willing to accept a more involved installation.

LG LW8017ERSM1 on Amazon

Midea U-Shaped on Amazon

LG LW8017ERSM1 vs Midea U-Shaped Inverter AC: Which Should You Buy?

LG 8,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner LW8017ERSM1

Pros

Cons

Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner