Sun shading devices are essential in tropical regions with a hot and humid climate year-round to mitigate solar radiation and reduce cooling energy consumption. This study evaluates the energy-saving performance of two fixed sun shading configurations: horizontal and vertical. A comparative experiment was conducted in three identical air-conditioned rooms: one served as a control, while the other two were equipped with horizontal and vertical shading devices. Meteorological sensors monitored solar radiation, air temperature, and relative humidity, while power meters measured cooling energy consumption over the six hottest days within a 14-day period during one of the hottest months in Malaysia. The results indicate that the Horizontal Shading Device (SDH) demonstrated superior performance, significantly reducing solar radiation exposure and achieving the highest energy savings. The room with SDH recorded a 30.08%–34.76% reduction in cooling loads compared to the control, consuming 21.93 kWh less energy over six days. Additionally, SDH outperformed the Vertical Shading Device (SDV) by 15.68%–25.39%, highlighting its effectiveness in minimizing heat gain, particularly during peak solar hours. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference in energy performance among the control, SDV, and SDH groups, with SDH having the most pronounced impact. These findings underscore the potential of horizontal shading as a passive cooling strategy for enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. Future research should explore optimized shading geometries and material properties to maximize cooling load reductions in tropical climates.