In India, summer is a full-fledged personality rather than just a season. With a smile on its face, it sneaks in and then hits you with 45°C heat, leaving you sweating on your couch. The first instinct, of course, is to rush to the closest store (or website) and buy the best air conditioner available.
What happens, though, if your budget runs out at ₹35,000? Is that sufficient?
Turns out, it is.
Thanks to increased competition and smarter manufacturing, budget split air conditioners now offer many features previously only found in high-end models, such as air filtration, convertible modes, and inverter technology. Whether you're in a compact city apartment or a first-time buyer setting up a home, these five models pack a punch without burning a hole in your wallet.
We've picked them based on a mix of brand trust, user feedback, energy ratings, feature sets, and our editorial team's in-depth analysis. Here's what made the cut—and why they're totally worth it.
Let's start strong: a 1.5-ton inverter split AC under ₹35K is rare, and Lloyd delivers it without skimping. Ideal for medium-sized rooms (up to 150 sq. ft), this unit is backed by a 3-star energy rating and 5-in-1 convertible cooling, which lets you control power consumption based on room usage.
One of the standout features is the anti-viral + PM2.5 air filter—a must-have if you live in a metro or a dust-prone city. It's got decent looks, respectable build quality, and enough performance to cool you down during peak May madness.
Why we liked it: It's hard to find an inverter, air purification, and flexible modes bundled together at this price.
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An LG split AC for under ₹35,000? Yep, you read that right. This 1-ton unit is perfect for smaller spaces—bedrooms, home offices, or bachelor pads under 110 sq. ft. It comes with 6-in-1 convertible cooling, HD anti-virus protection, and LG's well-regarded Ocean Black Protection on the copper tubing, which helps it last longer in coastal or humid environments.
It's powered by a variable-speed inverter compressor, so you get efficient cooling without those loud start-stop cycles.
Why it's on our list: Trusted brand, 3-star energy rating, smart cooling, and great for small spaces. Plus, LG's after-sales service is among the best.
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If you're looking for a sleek, no-fuss AC that quietly gets the job done, Haier's 1.5-ton model deserves a closer look. It's got the basics nailed down—a 3-star energy rating, inverter compressor, self-clean function, and a copper condenser built for longevity.
What surprised us most? Cooling in extreme temperatures and long airflow which make it feel more premium than it actually is.
Why we liked it: For under ₹35K, it delivers clean design, self-maintenance features, and reliable cooling for mid-sized rooms ( 150 Sq. Ft).
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Flipkart's in-house brand MarQ might not have the glitz of a multinational label, but this model punches well above its weight. It's 1.5 tons, 5-star rated, and comes with 5-in-1 convertible cooling plus TurboCool technology for those sweaty summer days.
Also worth noting is the Blue Fin anti-corrosion coating, which boosts durability—something that's usually missing in budget ACs. This one's tailor-made for Indian households that need serious cooling without splurging.
Why we liked it: A rare mix of capacity, efficiency, and pricing. It's a solid pick for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on tonnage.
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Samsung slips into the budget segment with this smart, compact 1-ton inverter AC, which features 5-step convertible modes and expandable cooling up to 120% of its rated capacity. Perfect for those who want something small, but powerful enough to handle unexpected heat surges.
The unit comes with Turbo Cooling mode, Anti-bacterial Filter, and a copper condenser with Samsung's signature Durafin Ultra coating for added corrosion resistance. No smart connectivity here—but for the price, it ticks all the right boxes.
Why we liked it: The expandable cooling is a game-changer for small rooms that occasionally need an extra kick.
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You don't need a luxury price tag to get reliable cooling in 2025. These budget split ACs prove that under ₹35,000, you can still find models that are smartly engineered, energy-conscious, and built for Indian conditions.
Whether it's a top-floor flat in Jaipur or a humid home in Kochi, there's an AC here that'll get the job done—and maybe even impress you in the process.
The recommendations and insights shared in this article are the result of a carefully structured evaluation process conducted by the editorial team at The Hook. To ensure the list truly reflects what Indian consumers need in 2025, we based our selections on a mix of qualitative and quantitative research.
We took into account brand reputation and reliability, with a focus on manufacturers known for consistent product quality and innovation in the Indian market. Just as important was each brand’s after-sales service network.
We also studied user reviews and feedback posted on trusted e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, as well as consumer forums and Reddit threads, to understand real-world experiences beyond the spec sheets.
Finally, the models featured were shortlisted after detailed brainstorming, internal discussions, and editorial analysis, balancing technical performance, design, pricing, energy efficiency, and everyday practicality. The goal: to offer readers a list that’s not just data-driven, but genuinely useful when making a buying decision for their home.
