The best air conditioners without external units

Looking for the best air conditioners without an external unit is the right move if you want to enjoy fresh air without turning your home into a construction site or running into condominium restrictions.

Smart and compact models are the ideal solution for those seeking comfort, design, and practicality... all in one device. Perfect for apartments, offices, B&Bs, or spaces with "protected" facades, they offer cutting-edge technology and quick, hassle-free installation. In this guide, we've selected the top-of-the-line models, the ones that truly make a difference. Ready to discover the model that will transform your summer?

What are air conditioners without an external unit?

Air conditioners without an external unit are a revolution for those who dream of fresh air without having to overhaul their home (or building facade!). Unlike traditional air conditioners, these models do not have the unsightly and noisy external "motor" that often ruins the appearance of balconies or creates problems in historic city centers. Everything is enclosed in a single internal unit , with a modern and compact design, which is easily installed on a perimeter wall.
 
How do they work? Simple: through two external grilles (much more discreet than a standard unit), they draw in and release air. Inside, there's an advanced system that manages compression, heat rejection, and dehumidification.

Ideal for apartments in condominiums with architectural constraints, offices, B&Bs, and shops, they're also perfect for those looking for a plug-and-play system, perhaps rented or without invasive work. In short, a smart and versatile alternative to the traditional split system.

And let's face it: having fresh air in the summer without worrying about permits, builders, and dripping condensation... it's a dream come true! And with the latest-generation models, energy savings and quiet operation are the icing on the cake.

What are the advantages of air conditioners without an external unit?

The advantages of air conditioners without an external unit? Many. In fact, many. Let's start with the most obvious: no external unit = no hassle. You don't have to drill holes in your entire home, you don't have to hang anything from the balcony, and most importantly, you don't have to ask for a thousand permits from the building (or argue with the property manager). All you need is a free wall and you're done.

The second superpower? Discretion . The external grilles are thin, camouflaged, and don't spoil the appearance of the facade. Perfect for historic buildings, city centers, or rental apartments. And then there's the design : modern, elegant, some almost look like decorative objects!

Another plus? Quick and less invasive installation . No scaffolding or technicians to remove half a wall. And thanks to inverter technology and intelligent dehumidification, many of these air conditioners are also super energy efficient.

And that's not all: maintenance is easier , often just a matter of cleaning the filters, and their quiet operation makes them ideal for bedrooms or study spaces. Oh, and what if you rent or move frequently? No problem, some models are even portable.

The best air conditioners without external units

Here are some of the best air conditioners without external units to consider:

• ARGO APOLLO 12 HP - Compact, powerful, and super smart! With a whopping 12,000 BTU, this 4-in-1 unit cools, heats, dehumidifies, and ventilates effortlessly. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you control it from the couch or the beach, and DC Inverter technology keeps energy consumption low without sacrificing comfort.
• COMFEE' Indoor Monosplit - Minimalist and discreet, it's the king of small spaces. Weighing just 7 kg and compact in size, it's the perfect ally for small spaces. R32 gas makes it eco-friendly, while the intelligent inverter ensures low consumption and a constant temperature. Quiet and easy to install, it's ideal for those who want worry-free freshness, even in the office;
• INNOVA 10HP 2.0 - Technology and design merge into a single unit. This model offers cooling and heating with A+ efficiency, all without sacrificing aesthetics. Wall- or floor-mounted, it's a versatile choice for those who want solid performance year-round, controllable via app even when away from home. And with its integrated antifreeze system, it's ready to brave even the winter months.
• Olimpia Splendid 02456 - For those seeking a balance between silence and power. Thanks to the Silent mode, the noise drops to just 30 dB: perfect for summer nights! The R290 refrigerant is eco-friendly, and WiFi control lets you forget about old remote controls. Excellent build quality and air distribution make it ideal for those who don't want to sacrifice comfort or elegance.
• Olimpia Splendid 02523 - The most eco-friendly! With FSC packaging and natural refrigerant, this model is committed to sustainability. Powerful and well-designed, with a purifying filter and 160 CFM fan, it's the perfect choice for those seeking clean, fresh, and consistent air. Bonus: complete package for easy installation;
• Olimpia Splendid Unico R 12 HP - Solid and tireless, with 2.7 kW of cooling power, this air conditioner is perfect for warmer environments and for those seeking long-term reliability. Made of durable materials and equipped with an electrostatic filter, it's also ideal for allergy sufferers. The heating function makes it a seasonal all-rounder.
• Olimpia Splendid 02120 - A mix of vintage and tech! In addition to the dual hot/cold function, it has a multi-filtering system that neutralizes odors and captures dust. The inverter motor works to reduce consumption, while the retro aesthetic makes it a piece of furniture with character. Easy to install and operate, it's perfect for those seeking style and substance.
• Olimpia Splendid 01503 - The slimmest in the range, just 16 cm thick! Extremely quiet (up to 27 dB) thanks to sound-absorbing materials, it's the perfect choice for bedrooms. No need to drain the water, as it evaporates automatically. If you're looking for a compact, quiet, and easy-to-install air conditioner, this is the perfect choice.

Discover the most efficient air conditioners without external units on Climando and let our advice help you make the right choice.