This is the first window air conditioner I have ever purchased. So I dont know if they are usually loud, but I find that this AC unit is quite noisy. I have it installed in my living room window and its annoying to watch TV with it running. I have to put the volume up pretty high to hear whats playing. Aside from that though, it cools my apartment pretty well - better than I expected. My apartment is a 650 sq. ft. 2 bedroom and it cools my entire apartment except for the one bedroom at the far end of the apartment. I have a vertical window, and it was pretty easy to install considering the AC unit is made for horizontal window. I bought this AC in May, and its still functioning well. Hopefully itll last a few years.