
Premium air coolers in 2025 that will make you ditch your ACs: Top 10 coolers on Amazon
Air conditioners may be the go-to cooling solution for many, but rising electricity bills and maintenance costs are making people look for smarter alternatives. That's where people have started to consider premium air coolers for all day cooling in Summer. Product Rating Price
Most premium cooler Crompton Ozone 75 Litres Desert Air Cooler for home | Large & Easy Clean Ice Chamber | 4-Way Air Deflection | High Density Honeycomb Pads | Everlast Pump | Auto Fill View Details Bajaj PX97 Torque New 36L Personal Air Cooler For Home | High Speed Fan | 30Ft Powerful Air Throw | Inverter Compatible | Cooler For Room | 3 Yrs (1 Yr Standard + 2 Yrs Extended) Warranty【White】 View Details
Best value for money Symphony Diet 12T Personal Tower Air Cooler for Home with Honeycomb Pad, Powerful Blower, i-Pure Technology and Low Power Consumption (12L, White) View Details Orient Electric Durachill 40 L Portable Air Cooler For Home | Densenest Honeycomb Pads |17% More Air Delivery | Fully Collapsible Louvers |Inverter Compatible | Air Cooler For Room | White & Grey View Details Bajaj DMH 115L Desert Air Cooler For Home | Cooler For Larger Room | Inverter Compatible | Big Ice Chamber | 3 Yrs Warranty (1 Yr Standard + 2 Yrs Extended Warranty) 【White】 View Details
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With advancements in technology, today's air coolers offer powerful airflow, large water tank capacity, energy-efficient performance, and features like remote control, inverter compatibility, and honeycomb pads for better cooling. They're also more eco-friendly and budget-friendly compared to ACs.
In this guide, we've rounded up the top 10 premium air coolers in 2025, available on Amazon, that deliver exceptional performance at a lower price. Ready to beat the heat in style? Let's take a look at the coolest picks of the season.
If you're tired of AC bills or looking for a better cooling option for dry, hot areas, this Crompton Ozone 75L air cooler is worth a look. It gives powerful airflow, holds enough water to last through the night, and cools big rooms easily.
What makes it better than just a fan or regular, cooler is the added value—an ice chamber for faster cooling, a smart auto-fill feature, and honeycomb pads for long-lasting comfort. It also works during power cuts, making it a practical choice for Indian homes.
Cooling Capacity
4200 m³/hr, covers up to 490 sq. ft
Water Tank
75 litres with auto-fill function
Cooling Pads
High-density honeycomb pads
Power Consumption
190 watts, inverter-compatible
Special Feature
Large ice chamber, 4-way air deflection
Powerful cooling even in large rooms
Inverter-compatible for power cut situations
No remote control
Slightly bulky for smaller spaces
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say it's well-built and cools rooms well, but opinions vary on noise, performance, airflow, value, and odor issues.
You should choose this product because it offers high cooling, air purification, and energy savings in one reliable cooler.
This Bajaj PX97 Torque is one of the most trusted premium air coolers in 2025 for small to mid-sized rooms. It's compact, budget-friendly, and cools quickly with its turbo fan and 30-ft air throw.
It also comes with a Duramarine pump designed to last longer in tough water conditions. If you're wondering, is premium air cooler better than AC, this one makes a solid case for room-based, power-saving cooling with better air quality than many fans or non-branded coolers.
Cooling Technology
Hexacool pads with antibacterial treatment
Power Consumption
Energy efficient and inverter-compatible
Mobility
4-way castor wheels for easy movement
Antibacterial pads for cleaner air
Strong air throw despite compact size
Not ideal for large rooms
Manual controls only
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers have mixed views on quality, size, and performance. Some praise it, while others report noise, durability, and functionality issues.
You should choose this product because it offers strong cooling, clean air, and long-term value with a 3-year warranty.
If you're looking for a sleek air cooler that fits in tight spaces and still delivers powerful airflow, the Symphony Diet 12T is a solid pick. Ideal for rooms up to 12 sq. meters, this tower-style cooler has a 12L tank and a high-speed blower that cools quickly.
What sets it apart is the i-Pure Technology that filters dust, odour, and allergens, making the air not just cooler but also cleaner. Its honeycomb cooling pads and dura pump enhance efficiency, while its 170W low power consumption makes it inverter-friendly.
Cooling Technology
Honeycomb pads with cool flow dispenser
Air Purification
i-Pure multistage filtration
Power Consumption
Only 170W, works with inverters
Mobility
Compact tower design with 4 castor wheels
Space-saving design
Low power consumption
Air purification filters
Limited cooling range
1-year warranty only
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers have mixed feedback on functionality, cooling, noise, size, value, and water leakage, with opinions varying from excellent to problematic.
Choose it for a mix of style and functionality, cleaner air, lower power bills, and efficient personal cooling in a compact form. Perfect for dorms, small bedrooms, or study areas.
The Orient Electric Durachill 40L is one of the premium air coolers in 2025 that delivers powerful, clean, and fresh air for your home. Its special Densenest Honeycomb pads hold more water, cooling the air better and longer.
The multi-stage purification keeps dust and insects away, so you breathe healthier air. This air cooler moves easily on wheels and works well even during power cuts, making it a practical choice for any home.
Air Flow Capacity
1750 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Cooling Pads
3-Side Densenest Honeycomb Pads
Mobility
360-degree swivel wheels
Power Compatibility
Inverter Compatible
Strong air delivery for bigger rooms
Keeps air clean with multi-stage purification
Only 1-year warranty
Slightly heavy to move without wheels
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers have mixed views on cooling, size, functionality, quality, and value, with many complaining about noise and poor fan durability.
You should choose this product because it cools efficiently while purifying air, saving energy and offering smooth movement.
The Bajaj DMH 115L Desert Air Cooler is a top choice among premium air coolers in 2025 for large rooms up to 300 sq ft. Its big 115-litre tank and ice chamber boost cooling, making summers much more comfortable. The DuraMarine pump protects against moisture, extending the cooler's life.
With antibacterial Hexacool pads, it keeps air fresh and clean. It's inverter compatible and comes with a 3-year warranty, offering reliable, long-lasting cooling.
Air Flow Capacity
3178 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Cooling Technology
Anti-bacterial Hexacool Master Pads
Special Feature
Large Ice Chamber for extra cooling
Warranty
3 Years (1 Year Standard + 2 Years Extended)
Powerful air throw cools large rooms quickly
Durable pump with moisture protection
Heavy, needs space to move
Basic knob controls, no remote
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise its fast cooling, strong airflow, value, and design, but report mixed opinions on noise, size, and occasional functionality issues.
You should choose this product because it cools large rooms efficiently while providing fresh, antibacterial air and long-lasting durability.
The Symphony Ice Cube 27 is one of the best premium air coolers in 2025, designed for rooms up to 16 square meters. Its 3-side honeycomb pads and i-Pure Technology work together to fight dust, pollution, and odours, giving you cleaner and fresher air.
The cooler uses just 95 watts, so it saves electricity and works well with inverters during power cuts. With a 27-litre tank and powerful blower, it keeps your space comfortably cool without high bills.
Cooling Pads
3-side Honeycomb Pads
Power Consumption
95 watts
Air Purification
Multistage i-Pure Technology
Controls
Remote control with ergonomic dial knobs
Energy-efficient and inverter compatible
Cleans air while cooling, reducing allergies
Suitable only for small to medium rooms
Needs open doors/windows for best cooling
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers have mixed views on cooling, size, noise, water pump, airflow, fan speed, and value, with many reporting issues and varied satisfaction levels.
You should choose this product because it cools efficiently, purifies air, and saves electricity, making summer comfortable and healthy.
Another go-to premium air cooler in 2025 is the RR Signature Zello 70L. With its 70-litre tank and powerful 3800 CMPH airflow, it cools large rooms quickly. The honeycomb pads add value by absorbing dust and keeping the air clean.
Fully collapsible louvres block dust and insects when not in use, making it easier to maintain. Inverter compatibility ensures you stay cool even during power cuts. Its castor wheels help you move it around easily for flexible cooling.
Reservoir Capacity
70 litres
Air Flow Capacity
3800 CMPH
Cooling Pads
Honeycomb Pads
Special Features
Fully collapsible louvres, Ice Chamber
Controls
Knob with 3 speed modes
Powerful airflow cools large rooms fast
Inverter compatible for uninterrupted cooling
Slightly heavy to move without wheels
Louvres may need regular cleaning
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise its quality, powerful cooling, and budget-friendly value for large rooms, but report mixed performance, durability, and fan speed experiences.
You should choose this product because it offers strong cooling, cleaner air, and works well during power outages for comfort all summer.
Premium air coolers in 2025 offer more than just cool air—they clean it too. These air coolers use special purification stages, like Bacto-Shield honeycomb pads, which reduce bacteria and keep the air fresh and odour-free.
Unlike a regular fan, they give cool, clean air without the heavy electricity bills of an AC. For anyone wanting a budget-friendly, natural way to stay cool, a premium cooler is a smart choice. These air coolers suit rooms up to 260 sq ft with easy mobility and long-lasting parts.
Air Flow Capacity
2200 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Reservoir Capacity
38 litres
Cooling Pads
Bacto-Shield Honeycomb Pads
Mobility
Castor Wheels for easy movement
Reduces bacteria for fresher air
Easy to move and maintain
Limited cooling for very large rooms
Plastic body may feel less sturdy
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers like the design, low noise, and value but report mixed performance, water pump failures, poor airflow, size issues, and slow fan speed.
You should choose this product because it offers cool, fresh air with less power use and easy movement around your home.
Premium air coolers in 2025 like the Havells Koolmate 40L are built to keep your home cool with fresh, clean air. This cooler uses bacteria shield honeycomb pads that fight germs and bad smells, so the air you breathe stays healthy.
Its large ice chamber and 3-side chill drip technology give faster, stronger cooling without using much power. Perfect for bedrooms and living rooms, this air cooler moves air well and lasts long with less refilling.
Air Flow Capacity
1060 Cubic Feet Per Minute
Reservoir Capacity
40 litres
Cooling Technology
3-Side Chill Drip with Ice Chamber
Controls
Knob with Adjustable Speed
Bacteria shield keeps air fresh and healthy
Large tank reduces frequent refills
Air delivery may be less powerful for very large rooms
Plastic body feels lightweight
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise its quality and cooling but report mixed noise levels, fan failures, and issues with vertical louvers detaching from the window.
You should choose this product because it cools efficiently, purifies air, and runs long without needing frequent water refills.
The Havells Aero 150L offer strong, reliable cooling for big spaces. With a huge 150-liter tank and automatic water refill, it runs longer without constant refills. Its 22-inch metal fan moves cool air quietly and powerfully.
The 3-side bacteria shield honeycomb pads and dust filter nets keep the air clean by reducing germs and dust, making it a smart choice for both commercial and large home use. This one might be a new product but users experience a positive review,
Air Flow Capacity
12,000 m³/h
Reservoir Capacity
150 litres
Fan Size
22-inch Metal Blade
Cooling Technology
3-Side Chill Drip with Bacteria Shield Pads
Special Features
Auto Fill Function, Dust Filter Nets
Large tank with auto fill means less maintenance
Bacteria shield and dust filters improve air quality
Heavy and less portable
Slightly higher price compared to regular coolers
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers say that this cooler features the best motor in the market, delivering 1200 m³/hr airflow, unmatched by any other air cooler. Its powerful BLDC motor works smoothly on inverters and low voltage.
You should choose this product because it cools large areas efficiently while keeping the air fresh and needs less refilling.
Yes, premium air coolers offer better build quality, efficient cooling with honeycomb pads, larger water tanks, and features like remote control, air purification, and inverter compatibility. They're more durable and suitable for larger spaces, making them a smarter long-term investment than basic models.
Air coolers are less effective in high humidity since they rely on evaporative cooling. However, some premium models come with humidity control and ice chambers that slightly improve performance. In coastal or very humid areas, an air conditioner might still be more efficient.
Yes, air coolers consume up to 80% less electricity than air conditioners. Even the high-end models are energy-efficient and work well with inverters, making them ideal for cost-conscious households looking for sustainable cooling solutions. Cooling Capacity (Air Delivery or CFM): Choose a cooler with airflow (measured in CFM) that matches your room size. Higher CFM means better air throw and wider coverage. Water Tank Capacity: Larger tanks (40–80L) offer longer cooling hours without frequent refills, ideal for continuous use, especially in bigger rooms. Cooling Pads: Look for honeycomb or cellulose pads. They last longer, absorb water better, and deliver more effective cooling than traditional aspen pads. Power Consumption & Inverter Compatibility: Ensure it's energy-efficient and can run on an inverter, especially if you're in an area prone to power cuts. Noise Level: Premium coolers usually operate quietly, but always check the noise rating if you need it for bedrooms or office spaces. Advanced Features: Remote control, digital display, humidity control, castor wheels, ice chamber, and air purification filters add convenience and enhance usability. Premium air coolers in 2025
Capacity (Litres)
Air Flow Capacity
Controls Crompton Ozone 75 4200 m³/hr Knob control Bajaj PX97 Torque 36 Up to 30 feet air throw Knob control Symphony Diet 12T 12 Not specified Knob control Orient Electric Durachill 40 1750 Cubic Feet Per Minute Knob control Bajaj DMH 115L Desert Air Cooler 115 3178 Cubic Feet Per Minute Knob control Symphony Ice Cube 27 27 Not specified Remote control with dial knobs RR Signature Zello 70L 70 3800 CMPH Knob with 3 speed modes Havells Koolmate 40 L Desert Air Cooler 38 2200 Cubic Feet Per Minute Knob control Havells Koolmate 40L 40 1060 Cubic Feet Per Minute Knob with Adjustable Speed Havells Aero 150L 150 12,000 m³/h Knob control
Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.

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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Amazon ‘deadline' to employees, Donald Trump phone, Elon Musk's Starlink in India; Intel layoffs and other top tech news of the week
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India.com
2 hours ago
- India.com
Bad news for employees of this company as it plans to sack over 1000 employees, not Narayana Murthy's Infosys, TCS, Google, IBM
(Representational image: freepik) New Delhi: American multinational corporation and IT giant Microsoft Corporation will cut more than 1000 jobs as the conglomerate is rearranging its staff to support its ambitious Artificial Intelligence initiatives. This will be Microsoft's third significant layoff wave of 2025. Most of the jobs that will be eliminated in early July will be from the sales department. Microsoft's new fiscal year This particular time of early July coincides with the beginning of the company's new fiscal year, according to Bloomberg and the Times of India. As mentioned above, Microsoft is reshuffling its staff to support its ambitious Artificial Intelligence initiatives for which it is doubling down on efficiency and strategic realignment as AI investments mount up. Sales Division in third round of layoffs This third round of layoffs is considerably more focused on customer-facing positions than the earlier two rounds, which were mainly focused on engineers and developers. The most affected would be the employees in Sales and Marketing department which accounts for about 45,000 of Microsoft's 228,000 workers. In the first two rounds of layoffs, Microsoft fired around 2,300 employees in Washington this year. Earlier in 2023, the company had fired 3,200 people, which was the biggest layoffs round. Reportedly, Microsoft had dropped a hint about this move in June 2024 as it relieved 1,000 mixed-reality and Azure roles. Apart from that, the company started selling software to outside companies in April as it concentrated on small and mid-sized business sectors. Experts say that apart from the sales positions, other departments might also be impacted. In May, the company had laid off more than 6,000 people in a 3% cut of its workforce. Out of which 1,985 employees affected were from Washington. Investments in realm of Artificial Intelligence In the proverbial 'keeping up with the times' and adapting to current trends, Microsoft is now emphasising more on AI as it tries to stay ahead in a fast-changing technology landscape. The tech giant is investing heavily into data centres and AI research to support growing demand from businesses that are adopting AI tools and services. The Bloomberg report further said that Microsoft has planned capital expenditure of around Rs 6.6 lakh crore ($80 billion) for the ongoing financial year. A big chunk of this expenditure will go into expanding data centre infrastructure as the aim is to reduce pressure on existing facilities that support AI services. Layoffs in the tech sector are continuously troubling IT professionals. Recently, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has warned that the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the corporate workforce will eventually lead to job cuts. After the COVID-19 pandemic, big tech companies like Amazon, Meta and Google laid off thousands of workers to reduce their staff. Now, another tech giant, Microsoft, has given a live, sombre, and somewhat gloomy presentation.


Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Indian Express
Are buyouts the new layoffs? Why big tech is quietly paying workers to leave
With no signs of layoffs slowing down, the tech industry is undergoing a seismic shift. In recent months, big tech companies have been axing jobs faster and quieter than ever. During the pandemic, terms like 'quiet quitting' and 'rage applying' entered the HR glossary, reflecting how employee-employer dynamics were rapidly evolving. Companies of all sizes laid off millions worldwide in highly publicised waves. But the current spate of layoffs seems different. What was once cloaked in drama and headline-grabbing layoffs seems to be becoming quick and discrete. The layoffs today are swift and subtle; companies are implementing voluntary buyout programmes that allow them to reduce headcounts and at the same time maintain a semblance of stability. Each layoff by big tech is followed by verbose justification that does very little to conceal the abject reality of the situation – people are losing jobs. Based on recent reports, economists are estimating that about one-third of resignations in Silicon Valley this year may not be voluntary but negotiated with compensation. Big tech like Google and Amazon have been reportedly paying extra weeks of salary to discreetly sack those deemed 'misaligned' employees. This signals a fundamental shift in how the tech industry is managing workforce reduction at a time when AI is rapidly advancing and virtually taking over newer domains of work that once needed human expertise. Looking at the last few years, tech companies have experimented with almost every method in the book to reduce their workforce. While earlier approaches included sudden mass layoffs, performance improvement schemes aimed at forcing resignations, and even hiring freezes for extended periods of time, things are changing now. Instead of ostentatious layoffs that would likely lead to negative publicity and likely legal challenges, big tech seems to be resorting to voluntary exit packages or buyouts that are discreet. Buyouts are when a company offers a voluntary severance package to employees, encouraging them to leave jobs. Google seems to be leading this shift. Earlier this month, it was reported that the Alphabet Inc. company was offering buyouts to staff across several divisions. This time the company did not reveal the number of employees impacted. These buyouts were offered to employees from knowledge and information, central engineering units, and even from the core search and advertising units which are critical to the company's profits. According to an internal memo to staff, Google executive Nick Fox informed that employees who were not meeting expectations may want to take the buyout, and those who are excited by their work will continue with the company. The buyout from Google seems to be offering generous severance packages to employees considered misaligned with its AI-focused roadmap. This comes after Google's massive layoffs in 2023 that impacted over 12,000 employees. Even though they are quiet, the scale of these layoffs remains massive. According to a site that tracks tech layoffs in real realtime, so far 141 tech companies have laid off 62,832 employees in the first half of 2025. While the volume of layoffs hasn't changed much, what has changed indeed is the pace. From one-day mass layoffs to now, the industry has adopted a workforce reduction that is essentially spread over months. And these come dressed in fineries such as 'workforce realignment', 'organisational restructuring', 'talent mobility', etc. Google launched its voluntary exit programme earlier this year, and it was reportedly aimed at around 25,000 employees who were involved with developing the company's operating systems. As part of the programme, eligible US-based employees would receive around 14 weeks of base pay plus one additional week for each year of service, along with accelerating stock vesting (a process where an employee gains full rights over their stock options of shares offered by the company) and six months of health coverage. The programme seems to be expanding steadily, as earlier this month it was extended to the Knowledge and Information group that has about 20,000 employees. From Google's perspective, employees who accept buyouts are statistically less productive under the AI-centric approach. Moreover, the cost of severance packages is lower than keeping 'misaligned' employees on payroll forever. Reportedly, voluntary exits facilitate staff cuts with minimal hassle, as they involve less documentation, almost no lawsuits, and a defined exit budget. It is not just Google; more companies are following suit. Reportedly, Microsoft is offering 16 weeks of salary to low-performing employees who opt for voluntary exit. On the other hand, Amazon was among the first to introduce a three-month salary package to employees resisting work-from-office mandates. While there is a cost to companies with buyouts, big tech seems to be viewing these voluntary exits as more profitable than forced resignations, which could also lead to lawsuits, demoralisation among staff, and damage to goodwill and reputation. For companies the rationale moves beyond cost savings. Some experts feel that severance packages could free up the budget to hire AI talent that require premium pay packages. Reportedly, Microsoft pays AI engineers up to $375,000 annually, which is substantially higher than standard developers. For senior staff, buyouts afford them the resources they need during the job search. However, younger staff with minimal tenure receive smaller severance packages and are thrust into an oversaturated market. Employees accepting buyouts may be higher, since there is a lack of clarity on exact numbers. For high-performing employees, these severance packages may help them embark on their startup journeys. While buyout packages allow companies to cut costs while maintaining employee morale, their risks include uneven loss of critical talent and disruption in alignments within teams. As of today, there are AI-driven efficiency pressures, and more roles seem to be becoming obsolete, pushing companies to push for voluntary exits. This could signal a future of lean hybrid workforces with fewer permanent roles, and continuous reskilling and employee adaptability becoming a necessity. With AI continuing to automate various functions, companies will be compelled to reconfigure their workforces. In an alternative scenario, if talent becomes scarce, companies may have to switch back to retention packages. This quiet restructuring is changing thousands of career paths, yet its true scale remains largely invisible. Bijin Jose, an Assistant Editor at Indian Express Online in New Delhi, is a technology journalist with a portfolio spanning various prestigious publications. Starting as a citizen journalist with The Times of India in 2013, he transitioned through roles at India Today Digital and The Economic Times, before finding his niche at The Indian Express. With a BA in English from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, and an MA in English Literature, Bijin's expertise extends from crime reporting to cultural features. With a keen interest in closely covering developments in artificial intelligence, Bijin provides nuanced perspectives on its implications for society and beyond. ... Read More