Short answer: the Godrej 1.5 Ton 5 Star is the best buy under ₹30,000 and the cheapest AC to run in this list. For a premium brand, take the Daikin. For a new 2026-label model, take the TCL. If your room is smaller than 130 sq ft, each pick has a 1 ton option with its own buy link. New to buying an AC? Read our AC buying guide for India first.
Here is the reality check. A new-label 1.5 ton 5 star AC now starts at about ₹34,600, so under ₹30,000 you get an older-label 5 star, a new-label 3 star or a 1 ton 5 star. We ranked six 1.5 ton ACs on that basis and stretched the budget to ₹32,000 for the Voltas. Prices were checked on Amazon.in and Flipkart on 17 October 2026 and move during sales.
The ranking
How we ranked these ACs
Geekman has covered consumer tech for over 10 years, and this ranking is built the way our buying guides always are: research first, then a hard look at the numbers. For every model we compared official specs, cooling capacity, ISEER, yearly power units, price, running cost, warranty and service reach, and checked live prices on Amazon and Flipkart. Each score is out of 10: Performance 40% (cooling capacity, ISEER, features), Value 40% (price, yearly running cost, warranty) and Service 20% (brand reach, warranty terms).
See the scores
| # | AC | Perf. | Value | Service | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Godrej 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter AC (2024, 5-in-1 Convertible) | 8.8 | 9.4 | 8.0 | 8.9 |
| 2 | Daikin 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2024) | 8.4 | 7.6 | 9.0 | 8.2 |
| 3 | TCL 1.5 Ton 3 Star 7 Step Convertible Inverter AC (2026) | 8.2 | 8.2 | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| 4 | Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2026) | 8.0 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 7.8 |
| 5 | Hisense 1.5 Ton 3 Star 5-in-1 Convertible Inverter AC (2026) | 7.4 | 8.8 | 6.4 | 7.8 |
| 6 | Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2025) | 7.4 | 7.6 | 8.6 | 7.7 |
Scores are our editorial judgement from official specs, pricing, running cost and warranty, not lab measurements.
Quick picks
| Pick | AC | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Godrej 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter AC (2024, 5-in-1 Convertible) | ₹27,490 | Bedrooms and halls of 130 to 180 sq ft, and buyers who want the lowest bill |
| Best Premium Brand | Daikin 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2024) | ₹29,390 | Buyers who want a premium AC brand under ₹30,000 |
| Best New-Label Model | TCL 1.5 Ton 3 Star 7 Step Convertible Inverter AC (2026) | ₹29,990 | Buyers who want a new 2026-label AC under ₹30,000 |
| Best Cooling Power | Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2026) | ₹31,999 | Hot rooms, top floors and buyers who want Voltas service |
| Cheapest 1.5 Ton | Hisense 1.5 Ton 3 Star 5-in-1 Convertible Inverter AC (2026) | ₹25,990 | Buyers on a tight budget with a medium room |
| Best for Blue Star Service | Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2025) | ₹28,290 | Buyers who want Blue Star service and strong cooling |
Tap a name to jump to its review. Every review has a separate buy link for the 1 ton option.
The reviews
Best AC under 30000 in India: 6 picks (1.5 ton, with 1 ton options)
Best Overall
1. Godrej 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter AC (2024, 5-in-1 Convertible)
8.9 Overall
8.8 Performance
9.4 Value
8.0 Service
The only 1.5 ton 5-star under ₹30,000, with the lowest yearly bill and a 5-year product warranty.
ISEER 5.1 · 4,800 W cooling · 728 units a year · 5-yr product warranty
Best for
✓ Rooms of 130 to 180 sq ft
✓ Anyone who runs the AC 8+ hours a day
✓ Buyers who want a low electricity bill
Not ideal for
– People who only buy the newest 2026 label models
– Buyers who cannot risk low stock
Verdict: The best buy under ₹30,000. It runs on the lowest yearly units of any 1.5 ton in this list and Godrej backs the whole AC for 5 years. Stock was down to one unit on Flipkart when we checked, so move fast.
1.5 ton: Godrej 2024 Model 1.5 Ton 5 Star
1 ton option: Godrej 2026 Model 1 Ton 3 Star (5-in-1 Convertible)
Pros and cons
What we like
+ Lowest yearly units of the six (728)
+ 5 years on the whole AC after registration
+ 52°C cooling and a copper condenser
+ Cheapest 5 star 1.5 ton we found
What we don’t like
– 2024 model on the older label
– Stock was very low on Flipkart
– Warranty needs registration within 30 days
Full review
This is a 2024 model, so it carries the older BEE label. An old-label 5 star is roughly a new-label 4 star, and its ISEER of 5.1 still beats every 3 star AC in this list by a big margin. The cooling capacity is 4,800 W, it uses a rotary compressor with a copper condenser, and it is rated to keep cooling at up to 52°C outside.
Cooling. 5-in-1 convertible modes let you drop the cooling load when the room is already cool, which saves power. Godrej lists it for rooms of 130 to 180 sq ft.
Running cost. The listing shows 728 units a year. At ₹8 a unit that is about ₹5,800 a year, the lowest of the six picks.
Warranty. Godrej gives 5 years on the whole product for sales after 1 September 2024, plus 10 years on the compressor. You must register on the Godrej website within 30 days of purchase to claim it.
Godrej 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter AC (2024, 5-in-1 Convertible) vs the competition. Against the Daikin 1.5 ton 3 star it costs ₹1,900 less and uses about 240 units less a year, but Daikin has the bigger service name and 5,000 W of cooling.
Key specs
| Capacity | 1.5 ton, 4,800 W |
| BEE rating | 5 Star (2024 label), ISEER 5.1 |
| Annual units (listing) | 728 |
| Compressor | Rotary (inverter), copper condenser |
| Ambient limit | 52°C |
| Room size | 130 to 180 sq ft |
| Warranty | 5 years on product (register within 30 days), 10 years on compressor |
| 1 ton option | Godrej 2026 1 Ton 3 Star, ₹28,440 |
Best Premium Brand
2. Daikin 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2024)
8.2 Overall
8.4 Performance
7.6 Value
9.0 Service
Strong 5,000 W cooling, a PM 2.5 filter and Daikin’s service name for ₹29,390.
5,000 W cooling · PM 2.5 filter · 52°C cooling · 966 units a year
Best for
✓ Buyers who want the Daikin name
✓ Hot rooms that need strong airflow
✓ Homes where service reach matters
Not ideal for
– Buyers who want the lowest bill
– Anyone who needs a new-label 2026 model
Verdict: Pick this if brand and cooling power matter more than the last rupee of savings. It is the only premium name in the list under ₹30,000.
1.5 ton: Daikin 2024 Model 1.5 Ton 3 Star
1 ton option: Daikin 2024 Model 1 Ton 3 Star
Pros and cons
What we like
+ 5,000 W cooling
+ PM 2.5 filter and turbo mode
+ Premium service name
+ Priced ₹1,100 above the Blue Star with the same cooling class
What we don’t like
– 966 units a year is a higher bill than the 5 star Godrej
– 2024 label
– Only 1 year comprehensive warranty
Full review
The Daikin MTKL50UV16VA is a 2024-label 3 star inverter split with 5,000 W of cooling, a rotary compressor and a copper condenser. It cools at up to 52°C outside and moves about 572 CFM of air.
Features. You get a PM 2.5 filter, turbo mode and 4-way swing.
Running cost. The listing shows 966 units a year, about ₹7,700 at ₹8 a unit. That is roughly ₹1,900 a year more than the Godrej 5 star.
Warranty. 1 year on the product, 5 years on the PCB and 10 years on the compressor.
Daikin 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2024) vs the competition. Against the Voltas 1.5 ton you pay ₹2,600 less, with 100 W less cooling and about 30 units less a year.
Key specs
| Capacity | 1.5 ton, 5,000 W |
| BEE rating | 3 Star (2024 label) |
| Annual units (listing) | 966 |
| Compressor | Rotary (inverter), copper condenser |
| Airflow | 572 CFM, 4-way swing |
| Ambient limit | 52°C |
| Room size | 130 to 180 sq ft |
| Warranty | 1 year product, 5 years PCB, 10 years compressor |
| 1 ton option | Daikin 2024 1 Ton 3 Star, ₹27,990 |
Best New-Label Model
3. TCL 1.5 Ton 2026
8.0 Overall
8.2 Performance
8.2 Value
7.0 Service
A new 2026-label 3 star with ISEER 4.41 and 7 convertible steps, right at ₹29,990.
ISEER 4.41 · 4,800 W cooling · 7-step convertible · 843 units a year
Best for
✓ Buyers who want a 2026-label model
✓ People who like to tune the cooling load
✓ Rooms of 130 to 180 sq ft
Not ideal for
– Buyers who want the biggest service network
– Anyone who only trusts legacy AC brands
Verdict: The smart pick if you want the new label under ₹30,000. Its ISEER is higher than the older-label Daikin, Voltas and Blue Star, and it uses about 120 units less than the Daikin.
1.5 ton: TCL 2026 Model 1.5 Ton 3 Star (7 Step)
1 ton option: TCL 2026 Model 1 Ton 5 Star (7 Step)
Pros and cons
What we like
+ 2026-label ISEER of 4.41
+ 7 convertible modes
+ 843 units a year, below the older-label 3 stars
+ 1 ton 5 star option has ISEER 5.73
What we don’t like
– TCL’s service network is smaller than Daikin or Voltas
– Newer brand in AC
– Only 1 year comprehensive warranty
Full review
TCL’s 7 Step Convertible (TAC-18CSD/EV3AR) is a 2026-label 3 star inverter AC. It lists 4,800 W of cooling, a variable-speed compressor and a copper condenser, with an ISEER of 4.41.
The 1 ton surprise. TCL’s 1 ton 5 star (₹29,490) has an ISEER of 5.73 and uses only 459 units a year. That is the best number we saw under ₹30,000, so check it if your room is under 130 sq ft.
Running cost. The listing shows 843 units a year, about ₹6,700 at ₹8 a unit.
Warranty and service. TCL lists 1 year on the product, 5 years on the PCB and 10 years on the compressor. TCL is a newer name in Indian ACs, so check service in your pin code first.
TCL 1.5 Ton 3 Star 7 Step Convertible Inverter AC (2026) vs the competition. Against the Hisense 1.5 ton it costs ₹4,000 more but gives about 350 W more cooling, and its ISEER is about the same.
Key specs
| Capacity | 1.5 ton, 4,800 W |
| BEE rating | 3 Star (2026 label), ISEER 4.41 |
| Annual units (listing) | 843 |
| Compressor | Variable speed (inverter), copper condenser |
| Room size | 130 to 180 sq ft |
| Warranty | 1 year product, 5 years PCB, 10 years compressor |
| 1 ton option | TCL 2026 1 Ton 5 Star, ₹29,490, ISEER 5.73, 3,400 W |
Best Cooling Power
4. Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2026)
7.8 Overall
8.0 Performance
7.0 Value
9.0 Service
The most cooling in the list at 5,100 W, from India’s biggest AC brand.
5,100 W cooling · Inverter compressor · Wide service network · 998 units a year
Best for
✓ Hot rooms and top floors
✓ Buyers who want a big service network
✓ Homes with long summers
Not ideal for
– Buyers with a hard ₹30,000 limit
– Anyone who wants the lowest bill
Verdict: Stretch to ₹32,000 for this one if cooling power and service matter most. Voltas has the biggest AC service network in India.
1.5 ton: Voltas 2026 Model 1.5 Ton 3 Star
1 ton option: Voltas 2026 Model 1 Ton 3 Star
Pros and cons
What we like
+ Highest cooling capacity of the six (5,100 W)
+ Largest AC service network
+ 5-year warranty offer on 2026 models
+ Inverter compressor
What we don’t like
– ₹31,999 is above ₹30,000
– 998 units a year
– Check that the 5-year offer shows on your listing
Full review
This 2026 Voltas 1.5 ton 3 star has the highest cooling capacity of the six picks at 5,100 W, with an inverter compressor. Voltas lists it for rooms of 130 to 180 sq ft.
Warranty. Voltas runs a 5-year warranty offer on its 2026 models (valid 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027) and 10 years on the compressor. Check that the listing you buy from shows the offer before you pay.
Running cost. The listing shows 998 units a year, about ₹8,000 at ₹8 a unit. That is the second highest bill of the six, which is the price of the extra cooling.
Cheaper Voltas. There is an older 2025 Voltas 1.5 ton 3 star at ₹28,190 with 4,800 W and an ISEER of 3.81. Its 5-year offer ended on 31 May 2026, so it carries the standard warranty.
Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2026) vs the competition. Against the Daikin it costs ₹2,600 more and gives 100 W more cooling, with a wider service reach.
Key specs
| Capacity | 1.5 ton, 5,100 W |
| BEE rating | 3 Star (2026 model) |
| Annual units (listing) | 998 |
| Compressor | Inverter |
| Room size | 130 to 180 sq ft |
| Warranty | 5-year offer on 2026 models (check listing), 10 years compressor |
| 1 ton option | Voltas 2026 1 Ton 3 Star, ₹30,460 |
Cheapest 1.5 Ton
5. Hisense 1.5 Ton 3 Star 5-in-1 Convertible Inverter AC (2026)
7.8 Overall
7.4 Performance
8.8 Value
6.4 Service
The cheapest new-label 1.5 ton at ₹25,990, with ISEER 4.4 and a low yearly bill.
ISEER 4.4 · 4,450 W cooling · 782 units a year · Lowest price
Best for
✓ Tight budgets
✓ Medium bedrooms
✓ Buyers who want a new-label model for less
Not ideal for
– Hot top-floor rooms (lowest cooling of the six)
– Buyers who want a big service network
Verdict: The budget pick. You save ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 against the others, but it has the lowest cooling capacity, so keep it for a normal room.
1.5 ton: Hisense 2026 Model 1.5 Ton 3 Star
1 ton option: Hisense 2026 Model 1 Ton 3 Star
Pros and cons
What we like
+ Cheapest 1.5 ton at ₹25,990
+ ISEER of 4.4 (new label)
+ 782 units a year
+ 5 convertible modes
What we don’t like
– Lowest cooling capacity of the six (4,450 W)
– Smaller service network
– Not for very hot rooms
Full review
The Hisense 2026 1.5 ton 3 star has an ISEER of 4.4, a variable-speed compressor and a copper condenser. Its 4,450 W of cooling is the lowest of the six picks, so it suits a normal bedroom better than a sun-baked top floor.
Running cost. The listing shows 782 units a year, about ₹6,300 at ₹8 a unit. Only the Godrej 5 star is cheaper to run.
The 1 ton option. Hisense’s 1 ton 3 star costs ₹25,490 with the same ISEER of 4.4, 3,100 W and only 545 units a year. If your room is under 130 sq ft, it is the cheapest sensible AC here.
Warranty and service. 1 year comprehensive, 5 years on the PCB and 10 years on the compressor. Hisense’s service network is smaller than Voltas or Daikin, so check your pin code first.
Hisense 1.5 Ton 3 Star 5-in-1 Convertible Inverter AC (2026) vs the competition. Against the TCL it costs ₹4,000 less and has about 350 W less cooling.
Key specs
| Capacity | 1.5 ton, 4,450 W |
| BEE rating | 3 Star (2026 label), ISEER 4.4 |
| Annual units (listing) | 782 |
| Compressor | Variable speed (inverter), copper condenser |
| Room size | 130 to 180 sq ft |
| Warranty | 1 year product, 5 years PCB, 10 years compressor |
| 1 ton option | Hisense 2026 1 Ton 3 Star, ₹25,490, ISEER 4.4, 3,100 W |
Best for Blue Star Service
6. Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2025)
7.7 Overall
7.4 Performance
7.6 Value
8.6 Service
5,010 W of cooling and Blue Star’s service name for ₹28,290, with a higher bill than the rest.
5,010 W cooling · ISEER 3.85 · Inverter · 1,007 units a year
Best for
✓ Buyers who prefer Blue Star
✓ Hot rooms that need strong cooling
✓ Homes with moderate AC use
Not ideal for
– Heavy users watching the bill
– Buyers who want a new-label model
Verdict: A good brand with strong cooling, but it has the highest yearly units of the six. It makes sense if you only run the AC a few hours a day.
1.5 ton: Blue Star 2025 Model 1.5 Ton 3 Star
1 ton option: Blue Star 2026 Model 1 Ton 3 Star
Pros and cons
What we like
+ 5,010 W cooling
+ Blue Star service name
+ Copper condenser and inverter compressor
+ Costs ₹1,100 less than the Daikin
What we don’t like
– Highest yearly units of the six (1,007)
– 2025 model on the older label
– ISEER of 3.85 is the lowest in the list
Full review
This 2025 Blue Star 1.5 ton 3 star has an ISEER of 3.85, an inverter compressor, a copper condenser and 5,010 W of cooling. It was sold under the older label.
Running cost. The listing shows 1,007 units a year, about ₹8,100 at ₹8 a unit. That is ₹2,200 a year more than the Godrej 5 star.
The 1 ton option. Blue Star’s 2026 1 ton 3 star (₹31,990) has an ISEER of 4.38 and 3,517 W of cooling, and uses 621 units a year. It costs more than the 1.5 ton but suits smaller rooms.
Warranty. 1 year on the product, 5 years on the PCB and 10 years on the compressor.
Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter AC (2025) vs the competition. Against the Daikin it costs ₹1,100 less with similar cooling, but uses about 40 units more a year.
Key specs
| Capacity | 1.5 ton, 5,010 W |
| BEE rating | 3 Star (2025 label), ISEER 3.85 |
| Annual units (listing) | 1,007 |
| Compressor | Inverter, copper condenser |
| Room size | 130 to 180 sq ft |
| Warranty | 1 year product, 5 years PCB, 10 years compressor |
| 1 ton option | Blue Star 2026 1 Ton 3 Star, ₹31,990, ISEER 4.38, 3,517 W |
Compare all 6 ACs at a glance
| AC (1.5 ton) | Price | Cooling | ISEER | Units a year | 1 ton option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godrej 5 Star (2024) | ₹27,490 | 4,800 W | 5.1 | 728 | ₹28,440 (3 Star) |
| Daikin 3 Star (2024) | ₹29,390 | 5,000 W | n/a | 966 | ₹27,990 (3 Star) |
| TCL 3 Star 7 Step (2026) | ₹29,990 | 4,800 W | 4.41 | 843 | ₹29,490 (5 Star) |
| Voltas 3 Star (2026) | ₹31,999 | 5,100 W | n/a | 998 | ₹30,460 (3 Star) |
| Hisense 3 Star (2026) | ₹25,990 | 4,450 W | 4.4 | 782 | ₹25,490 (3 Star) |
| Blue Star 3 Star (2025) | ₹28,290 | 5,010 W | 3.85 | 1,007 | ₹31,990 (3 Star) |
Prices from Flipkart on 17 Oct 2026. They change often, so check the live price on the buy button. ISEER is shown only where the listing gives it.
The buying guide
How to buy an AC in 2026: 3 things people get wrong
Watch: the biggest mistake when buying an AC (30 sec)
Look at the model year, the room size and the yearly bill before you look at the price. The next three steps show how.
1. Model year: a 2024 5 star is not a 2026 5 star
The BEE raised the bar in January 2026. A new 5 star needs an ISEER of about 5.6. An old-label 5 star is now about a 4 star. The same star count can hide very different efficiency, so read the ISEER and the label year on the box.
ISEER figures are from the product listings. A higher ISEER means a lower bill. The bar is scaled to ISEER 6.
2. Room size decides the tonnage
1 ton · 80 to 130 sq ft
A normal bedroom. Each pick below has a 1 ton option.
1.5 ton · 130 to 180 sq ft
A large bedroom or a small hall. This is the size we ranked.
☀️
Top floor or sun-facing wall
Go up by half a ton. A too-small AC runs flat out and costs more to run.
3. Judge the AC by its yearly bill, not its price
Yearly units are from the listings (BEE test of 1,600 hours a year). Cost is at ₹8 a unit. Your bill depends on how long you run the AC. The Godrej saves about ₹2,200 a year against the Blue Star, or about ₹22,000 over 10 years.
Inverter vs non-inverter
An inverter AC slows its compressor down once the room is cool instead of switching it off and on. That saves power and holds the temperature steadily. All six picks are inverter ACs.
Warranty: what to look for
Look for 5 years on the PCB and 10 years on the compressor at the minimum. The Godrej also covers the whole product for 5 years if you register within 30 days. Voltas runs a 5-year offer on its 2026 models. Check the exact terms on the listing before you pay.
Installation and service
The brand arranges installation after delivery, but extra copper piping, a stand or extra wiring is usually charged separately. Ask what is included before the technician starts. Our market read is that Daikin, Voltas and Blue Star have the widest service networks. Check that service reaches your pin code before you buy TCL or Hisense.
Best AC under 30000 by budget and use
Under ₹26,000
Hisense 1.5 ton at ₹25,990, or its 1 ton at ₹25,490.
₹26,000 to ₹28,000
Godrej 1.5 ton 5 star at ₹27,490. The best buy.
₹28,000 to ₹30,000
Blue Star ₹28,290, Daikin ₹29,390 or TCL ₹29,990.
₹30,000 to ₹32,000
Voltas 1.5 ton at ₹31,999 for the most cooling.
Best 5 star for a small room
TCL 1 ton 5 star at ₹29,490, ISEER 5.73.
Lowest electricity bill
Godrej 1.5 ton 5 star, 728 units a year.
Best brand name
Daikin, with 5,000 W and a PM 2.5 filter.
Hot room or top floor
Voltas at 5,100 W, or Blue Star at 5,010 W.
Popular ACs we did not rank
Lloyd 1.5 Ton 3 Star (2025, ₹28,690). Uses 942 units a year. It did not beat the Godrej on value or the Daikin on brand.
Godrej 1.5 Ton 3 Star (2026, ₹31,490). It is a newer label than our top pick, but it costs about ₹4,000 more than the 5 star Godrej.
IFB 1.5 Ton 5 Star (2025, ₹32,190). Uses only 721 units a year, but it sits just above the ₹32,000 limit. Worth a look if its price drops.
Haier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Twin Inverter (2026, ₹31,990). A twin-inverter model that costs about ₹2,000 more than the TCL, which is why it missed our list.
Window ACs such as the Godrej 1.5 Ton 5 Star Window (₹29,860). About 1,111 units a year, which is far more than the split ACs here.
Uniboom, BPL and Kenstar splits (about ₹26,000 to ₹31,000). Cheap, but we kept to brands with established service networks. Check service in your pin code if you consider one.
AC brands in India: who is good at what
Godrej
The lowest bill under ₹30,000 and a 5-year product warranty after registration.
Daikin
A premium name with strong cooling and a PM 2.5 filter. It costs more per unit of efficiency.
TCL
New-label models with good ISEER. A newer name in India, so check local service.
Voltas
The biggest service network and the highest cooling in this list.
Hisense
The cheapest 1.5 ton and 1 ton, with a lower cooling capacity.
Blue Star
Strong cooling and good service, with a higher yearly bill.
More buying guides from Geekman
Planning more upgrades for your home? These guides use the same research-first approach.
- Best air purifiers in India: 8 picks by room size and filter cost.
- AC buying guide for India: What to check before you buy an AC.
- Lloyd AC review: A closer look at an affordable AC.
- Godrej AC review: A closer look at a Godrej AC.
- Best air coolers in India: If an AC is out of your budget.
- Best robot vacuum cleaner and mop in India: 7 picks, from budget to premium.
AC FAQs
Which is the best AC under ₹30,000 in India?
On 17 October 2026 the Godrej 1.5 Ton 5 Star (2024 model, ₹27,490) is the best buy under ₹30,000. It has an ISEER of 5.1 and uses 728 units a year, the lowest of the six picks. For a premium name take the Daikin 1.5 ton 3 star (₹29,390), and for a 2026-label model take the TCL 1.5 ton 3 star (₹29,990).
Can I get a 1.5 ton 5 star inverter AC under ₹30,000?
Only an older-label one. The Godrej 1.5 ton 5 star (2024 model) is ₹27,490. New 2026-label 1.5 ton 5 star ACs start at about ₹34,600, so they sit above this budget. If you want a new-label 5 star under ₹30,000, the TCL 1 ton 5 star (₹29,490, ISEER 5.73) is the one to look at.
Should I buy a 1 ton or a 1.5 ton AC?
Go by room size. A 1 ton AC suits rooms of about 80 to 130 sq ft and a 1.5 ton suits 130 to 180 sq ft. If the room is on a top floor, gets afternoon sun or has a west-facing wall, go up by half a ton. A too-small AC runs flat out and costs more than a bigger one.
Is a 3 star or a 5 star AC better?
A 5 star uses less power. In this list the Godrej 5 star uses 728 units a year against 966 for the Daikin 3 star, which is about 240 units or roughly ₹1,900 a year at ₹8 a unit. If you run the AC for 6 to 8 hours a day, the extra cost of a 5 star pays back in a few years.
What is the new 2026 BEE star label?
From January 2026 the BEE raised the efficiency bar for split ACs. An AC now needs an ISEER of about 5.6 or more to earn 5 stars, and the old-label 5 star ACs are rated roughly 4 star on the new scale. So always check the label year. A 2024 label 5 star is not the same as a 2026 label 5 star.
What does ISEER mean?
ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) shows how much cooling you get per unit of electricity over a whole season. A higher number means a lower bill. It is the number the star rating is built on.
How much electricity will these ACs use?
The listings show 728 to 1,007 units a year for the six 1.5 ton picks, based on the standard BEE test of 1,600 hours a year. That is about ₹5,800 to ₹8,100 a year at ₹8 a unit. Your real bill depends on how long you run the AC and the temperature you set.
Is an inverter AC worth it?
Yes. An inverter compressor changes its speed instead of switching on and off, so it uses less power and holds the temperature better. All six ACs in this list are inverter models with copper condensers.
What warranty should I look for in an AC?
Look for at least 5 years on the PCB (the control board) and 10 years on the compressor. The Godrej also gives 5 years on the whole product if you register within 30 days, and Voltas runs a 5-year offer on its 2026 models. Always check the exact terms on the listing before you pay.
Is installation free?
Brands arrange installation after delivery, but the standard kit has limits. Extra copper piping, a stand or extra wiring is usually charged on top. Ask what is included before the technician starts, and keep the installation receipt for warranty claims.
Which AC brand has the best service?
Our market read is that Daikin, Voltas and Blue Star have the widest networks of the six, followed by Godrej. Hisense and TCL are newer in India, so check that service reaches your pin code before you buy them.
Are these prices final?
No. We checked live prices on Amazon and Flipkart on 17 October 2026, during the festive sales, and AC prices move often. Use the buy buttons to see the live price and any bank or exchange offers.
So, which AC should you buy?
Best overall
Godrej 1.5 Ton 5 Star
Check price
Best premium brand
Daikin 1.5 Ton 3 Star
Check price
Best new-label model
TCL 1.5 Ton 3 Star
Check price
Best cooling power
Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star
Check price
Cheapest
Hisense 1.5 Ton 3 Star
Check price
Check the label year first, match the tonnage to your room second and compare the yearly bill third. Then buy the cheapest AC that passes all three.
