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8 Best 1.5 Ton 3 Star AC under 40000 for 2026

Nabendu Paul

February 9, 2026

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The 3 star air conditioners with 1.5 Ton are wonders of cooling technology. A simple model can make your rooms comfortable with little effort on your part, and can manage the heat and humidity. The best models are able to be connected to Wi-Fi, voice commands, self-cleaning, and automatically adjust the cooling according to the ambient conditions.

But do not expect too much. These machines are good at keeping the temperatures comfortable even in hot summers but cannot substitute good insulation and ventilation. And even the most imaginative models may make you insane, spurt water when you least expect it, make a noise, or use more power than you think.

After our testing we have chosen the 8 best 1.5 Ton 3 star ACs at 4 price levels. We have put this list in the order of ₹40,000 to ₹30,000. To see how we scored and the way we selected the devices that made the list, see this section below.

Hitachi 1.5 Ton 3 Star Xpandable+ Split AC

Why It’s Best

The Hitachi Xpandable+ Inverter Split AC is an impressive cooling solution with many features that impresses on all fronts. It carries with it a high level of 5-star rating that takes most of your everyday cooling requirements. Moreover, it also contains superior temperature control capabilities, although it has a few moment-to-moment power performance problems.

The Hitachi performed well, it cooled well in all sizes of the room, had no problem with corners or uneven cooling and removed humidity well, when running. However, it had small problems in monsoon season, and outdoor unit produced average noises.

Although the device is costly, the Hitachi is packed with features and loaded to the extent with advanced features. It has a powerful application, a high-quality display, and extremely handy features which make it a joy to operate. The Hitachi Xpandable+ is the choice in case you want the best and you do not care about the price.

• Capacity: 1.5 Ton (111-150 sq.ft.)
• Energy Rating: 5 Star
• Copper Coil: Yes, 100%
• Self-Clean: Yes

Hitachi Xpandable+ is constructed using the most recent features and technology that an AC can possess. The unit, display and the controls are all user friendly such that you do not need to think much to use it.

The AC has automatic controls to control day-to-day maintenance. The unit has Xpandable+ technology and FrostWash self-cleaning technology. The remote is full of features to have a particular control over the device. In general, the AC is designed to be most user-friendly.

It was excellent in cooling in testing. It was able to cool rooms to 150 sq.ft. and did it efficiently under all conditions, dealt with corners and edges without problems, and was very good at removing humidity. Nonetheless, the extreme temperature operation was not flawless and the outdoor unit generated average noise.

The Xpandable+ worked well on a large scale, however, it had problems with voltage fluctuations. It chilled our test room within the best time possible, never losing temperature and completely cooling the room. However, when compared to the normal changes in voltage, the AC needed a stabiliser of less than 145 V.

The only difference between this AC and the rest is the features it has inside. When the price is not a factor then the Hitachi Xpandable+ is an excellent choice.

Daikin 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Why It’s Best

The latest 3-star inverter AC of Daikin is the Daikin ATKL50UV16VAF. It is accompanied by patented Dew Clean Technology and does most of the air purification work on behalf of the user. Moreover, the Coanda airflow design provides the AC with improved air distribution in the rooms and along the walls.

This was practised in our cooling tests. It kept the temperature constant in all types of rooms, there was not much problem with humidity and dust, and corners and edges were dealt with exceptionally well. In addition, the PM 2.5 filtration was also good. Nevertheless, the AC did not perform well in our extreme heat test, yet cooled well on a larger scale.

It is easy to understand that Daikin is a quality device and that has a decent asking price. However, it is a very dependable AC that has several tested features.

• Capacity: 1.5 Ton (111-150 sq.ft.)
• Energy Rating: 3 Star
• Copper Coil: Yes, 100%
• Self-Clean: Yes

The Daikin ATKL50UV16VAF was released in the 2025 model year, and it is loaded with the established features, trusted technology, and it does the job. The entire design is functional, modern, and efficient, such as Dew Clean Technology and triple display system.

The MTKL50U was also performing well in testing, with comfortable temperatures in all types of rooms. Moreover, the dust was not much, nearly all humidity was controlled, and healthy air purification took place. Moreover, the Coanda airflow enabled the AC to cool walls more efficiently and it did not have many problems with corners.

At a bigger level, the Daikin operation was perfect. It chilled our test areas reliably without failure. It had however more trouble in our extreme temperature tests and could not cool to below 28 C when ambient was above 50 C. With that said, it could be improved with the help of appropriate installation and maintenance.

Those few problems notwithstanding, all other aspects of the MTKL50U are trustworthy. The Dew Clean Technology automatically cleans the maintenance of the cleaning, dust removal and coils maintenance. The filters are also effective, which is a plus compared to simple models.

The Daikin ATKL50UV16VAF is constructed to be a dependable cooling device in practically every respect. It is not very expensive and in case you require the performance that is proven then the Daikin is a good choice.

Panasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Premium Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC

Why It’s Best

Panasonic Premium Wi-Fi Inverter is not the most costly model, yet it is full of amazing features and high performance. The AC has True AI automatic cooling, voice assistant compatibility, and the app provides the user with the full control of the device.

The Panasonic also had good performance. In all types of rooms comfortable cooling was realised, a certain amount of dust was collected with time, the majority of humidity was controlled, and the filters eliminated a sound portion of particles. Although the unit had a hard time operating in extreme conditions, it did not have trouble operating normally.

It is not a cheap gadget, however, it is not the most costly one on the market as well. The smart features that have been incorporated into a device of fairly reasonable price are what makes the Panasonic an excellent choice.

• Capacity: 1.5 Ton (120-170 sq.ft.)
• Energy Rating: 3 Star
• Copper Coil: Yes, 100%
• Self-Clean: Yes

The Panasonic Premium Wi-Fi Inverter is an excellent product across the board. The AC itself is competent, with PM 0.1 filtration that gives cleaner air. Moreover, the smart features that come with it are all-inclusive, as they can automatically regulate cooling to the user.

In the process of testing, the Panasonic performed quite well, as it was able to keep the temperatures comfortable in all types of rooms and filter the water. There were no problems with corners, there was not a great threat of air distribution, and most of the particles were removed. Humidity control was not extraordinary, yet sufficient, with sufficient moisture extraction during monsoon seasons.

The Panasonic also had problems with power stability since it could not work below 145 V and had problems at 280 V+. With that said, it was not much of a problem to operate on a large scale. It cooled the whole test space without failure and was able to hold set temperature.

The actual strength of the Panasonic lies in its features. It is a winning combination due to the Matter-enabled connectivity, full-fledged app, and the abundance of other smart features. In case you are interested in a smart AC, but you are not willing to pay the high price, the Panasonic Premium Wi-Fi Inverter is an excellent option.

Carrier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Why It’s Best

Carrier ESTER EDGE FXi is a Wi-Fi enabled AC that has smart features installed. It has convertible cooling options, auto-cleanser features, and a powerful application with numerous features to manage the device. Moreover, it has two filtrations to assist in enhancing the quality of air.

It was able to maintain comfortable temperatures in testing, was able to handle performance with dust and particles, but was able to handle humidity. It also possessed good operational stability and quite decent power stability. However, it cools down rather gradually in bigger areas, significantly slower than high-end models.

Although it does not have advanced displays, it has Wi-Fi connectivity that allows smart control. The Carrier was not very expensive when it was released, however, today it performs well and has some handy features at a fair price.

• Capacity: 1.5 Ton (111-150 sq.ft.)
• Energy Rating: 3 Star
• Copper Coil: Yes, 100%
• Auto-Clean: Yes

The Carrier ESTER EDGE FXi is a practical design that is functional. It is also fitted with 6-in-1 convertible technology and other intelligent features that make the device more flexible.

During testing, the Carrier performed well during cooling. In all types of rooms it was comfortable and was able to handle corners well. Nevertheless, there was dust deposition with time. Excessive particles were filtered through and just average humidity was eliminated. Moreover, the unit lacks sophisticated filtration such as PM 0.1.

Although these are minor problems, it does not prevent the AC to perform effectively and cool the room. During normal operation, the unit did not experience any temperature changes when under testing. Stabiliser-free operation was successful at 135-280 V, but was poor at extremes. As this range is inclusive of most situations, we are confident that the AC is reliable.

Moreover, the Carrier ESTER EDGE FXi is also satisfactory in power-saving modes. Although its standard mode was moderate in terms of energy consumption, it was able to adjust capacity with the Flexicool technology. Although it conserves power, the cooling rate was reduced significantly. The unit also took a long time to achieve set temperature as compared to other models.

With that said, the Carrier ESTER EDGE FXi remains a good AC that has handy smart features and a fair asking price. It is not the best, but when the issue of advanced filtration is not a significant one, and you appreciate connectivity, then it is a good choice.

LG 1.5 Ton 3 star Smart Inverter Split AC

Why It’s Best

LG Smart Inverter is a competent AC even with the growing competition. It has better features than the earlier models, has AI convertible modes, anti-virus protection, and user-friendly app to control. With that said, it does not have some of the newest features that we observe in other ACs, such as PM 0.1 filtration, self-wash technology, or Matter connectivity.

The LG is a good cooling solution even though the technology is not as new. It kept the room temperatures comfortable regardless of its size, performed well under humidity, and gave flawless results at walls and corners. But it had a problem with fine dusts, with a moderate filtration capacity.

When you disregard dust filtration restrictions, the LG had strong cooling outcomes. Although it has more features in its premium models, its price today combined with its performance reliability makes it a great value in 2026.

• Capacity: 1.5 Ton (111-150 sq.ft.)
• Energy Rating: 3 Star
• Copper Coil: Yes, 100%
• Self-Clean: Basic

The LG Smart Inverter is a trustworthy AC, particularly with the cooling consistency. It kept the temperatures constant in all types of rooms in testing. Moreover, it was well controlled in terms of humidity, wall cooling was well managed with 2-way swing. The unit had a problem of fine particles, with moderate filtration beyond basic dust.

Since it is design oriented, it has some of the newer features that the LG does not have. It does not have advanced self-cleaning feature and does not have PM 0.1 filtration as premium models. Nevertheless, the AI convertible modes are efficient and it has a convenient application to control your AC.

It does not have high cleaning capabilities and, therefore, you will have to make sure that it is maintained regularly. It is capable of dust build up although in the majority of instances the LG is a reliable machine. It cooled our test spaces in testing, and it seldom lost temperature and could be used at a wide voltage range.

The LG has a good value at its present market position relative to the premium choices. Provided you do not require some of the new features and whistles that come with the ACs that were introduced in the recent past, then this is a good option.

Lloyd 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Why It’s Best

Lloyd Inverter Split AC is a cost-effective cooling system with convenient functions. This saves the high-technology money, to the advantage of consistent cooling function which you can operate manually. More than that, the Lloyd is comparatively straightforward. It is operated using standard controls and does not have smart connectivity.

The Lloyd AC performance was good. It cooled well in room sizes, worked well with simple filtration and coped with corners in our tests. At that, the dust formation was also evident, and the unit does not have any advanced air purification. It works better on a larger scale and cools down rather fast.

The price, good performance, and high cooling efficiency are the features that make the Lloyd appealing. Should you not require smart features, and can afford to use the AC manually, then the Lloyd is an excellent value option.

• Capacity: 1.5 Ton (up to 160 sq.ft.)
• Energy Rating: 3 Star
• Copper Coil: Yes, Blue Fin
• Self-Clean: No

It is also basic in features, but the Lloyd remains a good AC, particularly when one does not want to spend more on high-end features. The 5-in-1 convertible features are flexible saving energy during the operation. Although this is an improvement, there are a couple of things that the Lloyd lacks. It lacks intelligent connectivity and high-tech filtration.

Our tests showed that it cooled rooms of any size. It was also good in extreme temperatures, but could not cope with monsoon humidity. The AC did not have much of a problem with corners and it was also sufficient in air distribution.

Although it does not have smart features, it works well provided that you do not require remote app control. In our test spaces, the Lloyd cooled well within reasonable time, slightly faster than average budget ACs.

The Lloyd might not have all the features of other ACs on its list, but it has its own benefits. In terms of price, when you are not in need of connectivity, then the Lloyd is a good choice.

Voltas 183V Vectra CAW 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Why It’s Best

The Voltas 183V Vectra CAW is a simple AC providing product in the standard range of Voltas. The ACs are operational and dependable and the priority is the regular cooling output. Also, it has a detailed warranty that gives one peace of mind.

Although it is the cheaper model of the high-end brands, performance is not compromised. The Voltas was always cooled in the testing, could withstand high ambient temperatures, and did not have many problems with corners and edges. Dust filtration was not an ideal one and it needs some basic maintenance. It is good in operation, but does not have modern convenience features. Nevertheless, due to the adjustable cooling modes, you are able to maximise energy consumption, unlike the fixed-capacity models.

The prices of the Voltas 183V Vectra CAW are accompanied by the price, good cooling capabilities, and good warranty coverage. It might not be the latest features, yet it is still a good value to your money.

• Capacity: 1.5 Ton (111-150 sq.ft.)
• Energy Rating: 3 Star
• Copper Coil: Yes, 100%
• Self-Clean: No

The Voltas 183V Vectra CAW is also a reliable AC, particularly in the light of the asking price. Although it is not a feature-rich model as the high-end models, it offers customizable cooling options, broad voltage range, and stable cooling.

It kept the temperatures comfortable in all types of rooms in testing. Moreover, it worked well in high temperature, corner cooling was satisfactory and it could withstand changes in voltage. But the Voltas had a problem with dust, their filtration was primitive and needed frequent cleaning.

The unit was consistent in our testing conditions. It did not malfunction very often and kept the temperature constant. However, it does not have any smart features or any kind of an app connexion, thus you will have to use it manually with the remote.

Voltas 183 Vectra CAW has some practical features to provide, particularly with a consideration of the fact that it is relatively cheaper than other ACs in this list.

Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC

Why It’s Best

The Blue Star Smart Split AC is a smart connected cooling device that offers smart features and performance. The app also provides users with numerous control options of the AC, it cools efficiently, and it can be controlled by voice.

It was also very steady in testing, with good distribution of cooling, and corner and wall management. With that said, the Blue Star used more power than anticipated with a greater consumption when running longer. It worked well and did not fail frequently even though it did not have advanced filtration technology, which ensured comfort.

The Blue Star might have certain shortcomings but it is still a competent day-to-day cooling system. It has good smart connectivity features in consideration of the asking price.

• Capacity: 1.5 Ton (111-150 sq.ft.)
• Energy Rating: 3 Star
• Copper Coil: Yes, 100%
• Wi-Fi: Yes

The Blue Star does not have as many features as the high-end models on this list, but it can still provide smart connectivity. Being a Wi-Fi enabled device, it offers voice control, managing apps, and scheduled operation. Moreover, it had virtually flawless corner cooling and temperature variations were well controlled.

The Blue Star was comfortable in all our test conditions in terms of cooling. The cooling was sufficient and the humidity was kept at a reasonable level. But filtration of fine particles was primitive, and only conventional dust filters were used. Moreover, the AC used more power than similar 3-star models.

The app was also easy to navigate even though it had some connectivity problems. It hardly lost connexion and responded to commands, and was reliable during testing.

The Blue Star does not have any advanced filtration or self-cleaning. You will not have to clean filters manually and maintain them on a regular basis without them.

Overall, the combination of intelligent features and affordable prices is what makes the Blue Star ideal for 150 Sq ft room. It is not the most efficient AC on the market, but it is a related cooling solution at an affordable cost.

Cooling Performance Comparison.

Besides checking the cooling performance, we also examine the ability of the AC to dehumidify and remove dust, filter the air, and, where possible, its performance in extreme environments.

In all room sizes and conditions, no ACs achieved a cooling performance less than 95% total. The most struggling units were the Daikin 3 Star and Panasonic 3 Star although not by a significant margin, with the latter being the lowest-rated in large rooms. Nevertheless, the average cooling efficiency of all ACs was significantly higher than our test average of 92.5%.

The performance of dust filtration was not as good, most of our ACs could not filter fine particles. With that being said, the simple ACs are prone to complex filtration. The average ACs that we test are 48.2% filtered. The Daikin, Panasonic and Lloyd were the only ones that performed above average. Even at the time the Panasonic was barely above average.

Once again, not all ACs were good at humidity removal. Our average unit eliminates 75.6 percent of the humidity and half of all the ACs on this list outperform the average, with the Daikin on the top. Conversely, fifty percent of the units did not outperform the average with the worst being the Lloyd.

In addition to that, corners and temperature stability did not become a significant threat to any AC and advanced features had excellent performance in general.

Operation Test Comparison

Operation includes the capacity of the AC to cool efficiently without breaking down, the speed at which it can warm up, and the dependability of its intelligent functions in case they exist.

All ACs cooled our test spaces successfully, and they did not fail often, and kept the temperature constant. The Daikin and the Lloyd were the quickest and the Carrier was the slowest.

The largest distinction between ACs is the availability or absence of smart connexion and its effectiveness. The Voltas, the Lloyd and the LG are all without smart features and manual controlled.

But none of the AC on this list had the ideal performance all the way through. Carrier was the most reliable in terms of operation and had few failures with prolonged operation. All other ACs had fewer frequent problems, or were not featured at all.

Noise Comparison

In order to test the loudness of an AC during operation, we test the device in each cooling mode. We cheque the intensity of the noise produced at a distance of approximately 3 feet using a sound metre. Moreover, we also cheque the noise level of the indoor and outdoor units.

The amount of noise is quite comparable across all the highest cooling modes of the ACs. The units were all noisy in the 46-32 dB range with the Panasonic 3 Star being the loudest at 48 dB.

The quietest mode of the Daikin was at 32 dB and the quietest overall was at LG at 30 dB on its lowest setting.

Usability Comparison

The usability of each AC differs based on the features that it has access to. There are also those devices such as the Panasonic and the Blue Star which have in-built smart features that allow them to be remote controlled. Some others such as the Lloyd do not have connectivity, but convertible cooling modes. Several ACs on this list do not have advanced features and operate using simple controls.

The following table indicates the features and accessories that are included with each AC. It is important to remember that certain models can be offered in several variants that can be characterised by another package of features.

Maintenance Comparison

The maintenance also depends on the package of features and the presence or absence of self-cleaning technology.

The self-cleaning of the ACs such as the Hitachi, Daikin and Panasonic necessitate less maintenance every day due to the technology. The units themselves will however need servicing and frequency will differ depending on usage. Moreover, these ACs are also more likely to be expensive in terms of maintenance because of sophisticated parts.

Conversely, other ACs such as the Lloyd, Voltas and the Blue Star do not have self-cleaning. This makes it more expensive to maintain due to the more complex mechanisms but cheaper to clean manually than models that have self-clean.

In the middle of the LG and Carrier lie the simple cleaning features that allow to minimise the frequency of maintenance without being too expensive.

How We Test

Our test battery of 13 data-driven tests is used to test and score 1.5 Ton 3 star air conditioners. Our tests will be a combination of objective testing and subjective evaluation, considering cooling performance, auto copper coil cleaning, operational reliability, manual tonnage convertible, maintenance and price under 40000.

In order to select the most appropriate 1.5 Ton 3 star AC, we selected the units based on the best performance / highest scoring units based on our objective testing. These tests are used to test the performance of the device in these 5 critical factors.

Also, price and value were considered. Although there are other ACs that would have made it to our list, we wanted to have the best ones that can be offered at various price levels. We have a detailed and rigorous testing process. Our testing process, scoring formula and the criteria used to select the best air conditioners have detailed write-ups and graphs as explained below.

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