The 4 Best Mini Splits in 2023 (New Models)
Mini splits are one of the best residential heating and cooling solutions. They are simple, compact yet very efficient and quiet. If you’re looking to buy a mini split in 2023, what are some of the best mini splits on the market now?
To find out which mini split is the best in 2023, I considered over 30 different brands, compared over 300 models and read/watch hundreds of reviews and comments related to mini splits.
Since I have hands-on experience on hundreds of mini splits (design, purchase, install and service) throughout my career, I have a pretty good sense of what contributes to a good mini split.
Criteria for the Best Mini Split
At this point, there are hundreds of mini splits available on the market. So, I use the following criteria to shortlist all of the mini splits and have them compete for the No. 1 position in 2023.
1) Brand
The brand of a mini split represents the quality and reliability of the mini split. Buying from a well-known and reputable brand means your mini split will be less likely to fail and last longer. Even if your mini split does need a repair, parts are cheaper and faster to get because there are a lot of people using the same brand as you.
Big brands also have the resources to provide proper training and guidelines to their authorized dealers and installers. Thus, your mini split will be installed appropriately. And, if you need a repair, you can assure that the repair work will be done appropriately as well.
Lastly, reputable brands provide you with a better buying experience. They have well-trained experts to help you with the sizing and selection. If you have any queries, they also have a hotline and customer support team ready to provide answers.
However, the brand alone is not the whole picture. Many brands partner with large manufacturing plants to mass produces the same mini splits that other brands are also partnered with. They just rebrand the mini splits into their own brand. The actual manufacturer (known as OEM) is someone else. In the end, everyone is selling the same mini split but branded differently.
Rebranded mini splits don’t have the same quality as mini splits that are manufactured in-house. Brands that produce their own mini splits are the true pioneer. They are THE reputable brands. Hence, identifying OEM mini splits is one of the important steps when I pick my best mini splits.
So, the best mini split has to be from one of the most reputable brands (in-house manufacturing).
2) Efficiency
The efficiency of a mini split tells you how much power it consumes. As of January 2023, mini splits are rated in SEER2 for cooling efficiency and HSPF2 (IV) for heating efficiency (previously SEER and HSPF). The higher the number, the greater the efficiency and thus, the lower the power consumption.
When choosing a mini split, high efficiency is desirable. However, high-efficiency mini splits are more expensive. Thus, you need to make a decision between the initial cost and the operation cost. The longer you use the mini split, the better you’ll see the return on your investment if you choose a high-efficient mini split.
Nonetheless, the best mini split has to have good cooling and heating efficiency.
3) Price
The best mini split has to be priced competitively. A high-efficiency mini split is not desirable if it is too expensive. The purchase cost outweighs the energy savings and the ROI time is too long.
Cheap mini splits are not desirable either. Low-quality and poorly-built mini splits do not last long. The total cost spent on a cheap mini split may far exceed a good but expensive one.
However, considering the worthwhile exchange between good-expensive and cheap-functional, I’ll provide a list of mini splits in different price categories. You choose based on your budget.
List of Best Mini Splits in 2023
In 2023, the competition among mini split manufacturers is more intense than ever. Several new models have been released to the market. Hence, some of them may not be available in your area. Nonetheless, here are the 4 best mini splits that no one else is recommending in 2023.
Daikin ATMOSPHERA
Price Guide: ± $2,300 (9k model with 15 ft install kit)
Cold Climate: Yes
Federal Tax Credit Eligible: No
Mitsubishi MZ-FS
Price Guide: ± $3,000 (9k model with 15 ft install kit)
Cold Climate: Yes
Federal Tax Credit Eligible: Yes (Check)
Additional Information
Mitsubishi is the most popular mini split brand in North America. So, contractors are easier to find and the quotes are also more competitive. The MZ-FS series is one of the best mini splits for heating in cold climates. It is one of the most efficient mini splits on the market but also one of the most expensive.
Fujitsu LZAS1
Price Guide: ± $2,250 (9k model with 15 ft install kit)
Cold Climate: No
Federal Tax Credit Eligible: Yes (Check)
LG Art Cool Premier
Price Guide: ± $2,200 (9k model with 15 ft install kit)
Cold Climate: Yes
Federal Tax Credit Eligible: Yes (Check)
Among the above 4 best mini splits, I recommend going for the Daikin ATMOSPHERA whenever possible. I say whenever possible because they’re so popular that contractors often sold all of them. It uses R32 refrigerant which is the confirmed next generation of refrigerant that is going to replace the existing R410A refrigerant (more information about R32 mini splits here).
So, get one to future-proof yourself. However, it is yet to be eligible for the Federal Tax Credit.
Thus, the next mini split I recommend is the Fujitsu LZAS1. Mitsubishi is generally too expensive in my opinion and LG sometimes does not live up to the expectation. That’s my view if you’re looking for the best mini split to buy in 2023.
List of Good Mini Splits in 2023
High-efficient and features-packed mini splits may be too expensive for many people. Hence, the more affordable version of the best mini splits is incredibly appealing as most people don’t need a high-end mini split. Rather, they want a mini split with a good balance between cost and efficiency; a value one. So, here are the 5 good mini splits to buy in 2023.
Daikin OTERRA
Capacity: 9k, 12k, 18k & 24k
Efficiency: Up to 20 SEER2, 10 HSPF2
Heating Range: 5°F to 65°F
Cooling Range: 50°F to 115°F
Overview
Daikin OTERRA is a new series of entry-level mini split heat pumps that replaces the existing Daikin 19 series. It is affordable but low in energy efficiency. It is suitable for typical applications, not for cold climates due to its limited heating range. Nonetheless, it is one of the most valuable mini splits to own in 2023.
Price Guide: ± $1,350 (9k model with 15 ft install kit)
Cold Climate: No
Federal Tax Credit Eligible: No
Fujitsu LPAS1
Capacity: 9k, 12k, 18k, 24k, 30k & 36k
Efficiency: Up to 20 SEER2, 12.5 HSPF2
Heating Range: 5°F to 75°F
Cooling Range: 14°F to 115°F
Overview
Fujitsu LPAS1 is a series of entry-level mini split heat pumps. Only the 9k model is eligible for the Federal Tax Credit. It has some of the largest-capacity mini splits on the market (30k & 36k) which can eliminate the need for a second unit if you have a large room.
Price Guide: ± $1,400 (9k model with 15 ft install kit)
Cold Climate: No
Federal Tax Credit Eligible: 9k only (Check)
LG MEGA
Capacity: 9k, 12k, 18k & 24k
Efficiency: Up to 20 SEER2, 9.2 HSPF2
Heating Range: 14°F to 65°F
Cooling Range: 14°F to 118°F
Overview
LG MEGA is a series of mini split heat pumps with the 115V option. It is suitable for applications such as recreation vehicles (RVs) where 115V is preferred. Only the 9k model is eligible for the Federal Tax Credit.
Price Guide: ± $1,400 (9k model with 15 ft install kit)
Cold Climate: No
Federal Tax Credit Eligible: 9k only (Check)
Mitsubishi MZ-GL
Capacity: 9k, 12k, 15k, 18k, 24k, 30k, 36k
Efficiency: Up to 24.3 SEER2, 10.9 HSPF2
Heating Range: -4°F to 75°F
Cooling Range: 14°F to 115°F
Overview
Mitsubishi MZ-GL is a series of mini split heat pumps that do well in cold climates. It is able to retain more than 70% of its rated heating capacity at 5°F outdoor temperature, making it one of the affordable cold climate mini splits.
Price Guide: ± $2,100 (9k model with 15 ft install kit)
Cold Climate: Yes
Federal Tax Credit Eligible: Yes (Check)
Panasonic ClimaPure XE
Capacity: 9k, 12k, 15k, 18k & 24k
Efficiency: Up to 27.3 SEER2, 12 HSPF2
Heating Range: -15°F to 75°F
Cooling Range: 0°F to 115°F
Overview
Panasonic ClimaPure XE is a series of mini split heat pumps designed for cold climates, recognized by Energy Star. It has excellent low ambient heating performance and it is eligible for the Federal Tax Credit as well.
Price Guide: ± $2,250 (9k model with 15 ft install kit)
Cold Climate: Yes
Federal Tax Credit Eligible: Yes (Check)
Among the 5 good mini splits listed above, my first recommendation is the Daikin OTERRA. However, since it is yet to be eligible for the Federal Tax Credit, my next choice is the Fujitsu LPAS1. For cold climate applications, I suggest the Mitsubishi MZ-GL.
However, if the dealers around your area do carry Panasonic, I suggest you go for the ClimaPure XE because, for the same price, you get higher efficiency and better features. But, Panasonic is a relatively new brand in North America. So, finding an authorized dealer and installer can be challenging.
List of Affordable Mini Splits in 2023
Some of the less expensive mini splits which you can buy online and perhaps, install by yourself are also considerable. Although they are not the best mini split, they certainly work fine. For those who are on a tight budget (below $1,000), here are the 6 most popular mini splits to grab in 2023.
| Compare Mini Split | MrCool DIY 24k BTU | Senville LETO 18k BTU | Pioneer Diamante 12k BTU | C&H MIA 6k BTU | Della 9k BTU | ROVSUN 9k BTU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Brand | MrCool | Senville | Pioneer | C&H | Della | Rovsun |
| Capacity (BTU) | 24,000 | 18,000 | 12,000 | 6,000 | 9,000 | 9,000 |
| SEER2 | 20.5 | 19 | 19 | 21.5 | 19 | 19 |
| HSPF2 (IV) | 9.2 | 10 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Energy Star Certified | ✓ | X | X | X | X | X |
| Pre-Charged | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Installation Kit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cold Climate | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Warranty | Comp. 7 Years, Parts 5 Years | Comp. 5 Years, Parts 5 Years | Comp. 5 Years, Parts 5 Years | Comp. 7 Years, Parts 5 Years | Comp. 5 Years, Parts 3 Years | 365 Days Warranty |
| Latest Deal on Amazon | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Most of the affordable mini splits like those listed above are OEM mini splits. The brand or company selling the mini split is headquartered in America but the mini splits are manufactured in China, mostly by one or two partnered manufacturing plants.
A few well-known manufacturers in China that provide OEM mini split services include Gree, Haier and Midea. Some of the mini splits from Senville and Della on Amazon clearly state the country of origin is China. But, it doesn’t mean that they are all OEM mini splits.
OEM mini splits have the cost advantage because they’re mass-produced. They are functional and not a scam. Brands simply use the cost advantage of OEM mini splits to provide a more affordable solution to consumers which is worthy of encouragement.
However, consumers must be informed of such practices so that they have reasonable expectations (and not feeling cheated after the purchase).
In my opinion, these mini splits are nowhere near the term “best mini split” and what consumers expect from the word. Nonetheless, many online reviewers apparently see them as “best mini splits” including reputable websites like Forbes which is depressing to see. These websites take mini splits that contain affiliate links and list them as the “best mini splits” to earn a commission because good mini splits are rarely (or never) sold on Amazon and other e-commerce platforms. Good mini splits are carried by authorized dealers around the states.
Earning a commission through affiliate links is nothing wrong. In fact, the Amazon links I provided in the above table are affiliate links and I do earn a commission if you choose to purchase using my link. That’s how we make a living. But, knowingly shoving a bunch of cheap mini splits and listing them as the “best mini splits” in my view is unethical.
So, be sure to set your expectation right when choosing a mini split from the above table.
31 Mini Split Brands Ranked
The search volume of a mini split brand tells its popularity. Although it does not reflect the reputation of the brand, it does show how many people recognize the brand. I thought it is interesting.
So, I went to compare the top mini split brands based on Google Search Trends of the United States from June 2022 to June 2023. As a result, I get to compare the popularity of 31 mini split brands. Here is their ranking:
- Rovsun
- Hitachi
- Aciq
- Nortek
- YMGI
- Innovair
- Klimaire
- Rheem
- Panasonic
- Tosot
- Aurus
- Friedrich
- Goodman
- Bosch
- York
- Cooper and Hunter
- AUX
- Blueridge
- Della
- Lennox
- Trane
- Samsung
- Carrier
- Gree
- Senville
- LG
- Pioneer
- Fujitsu
- Daikin
- MrCool
- Mitsubishi
As expected, Mitsubishi is the most searched mini split brand in the United States from June 2022 to June 2023 (12-month data). The second most searched mini split goes to the brand which is famous for its DIY mini splits, MrCool. Next is Daikin and then Fujitsu, followed by Pioneer, LG, Senville, Gree and Carrier.
Most of the affordable mini split brands are not as popular in terms of search volume although they’re widely available online. However, it doesn’t mean the actual number of installed units. This data merely represents how much people search for a particular brand on Google.
What’s the Best Mini Split for YOU?
So, after all the above, what’s the best mini split for you? Well, a good mini split can turn out to be a bad purchase if you didn’t take care of the following buying guides:
- Buy the correct capacity for your application.
- Choose a cold climate model if you use the mini split as your primary source of heating.
- Include the cost of the installation kit and delivery fee when budgeting and comparing mini splits.
- Go for an authorized dealer whenever possible to secure the warranty.
- Get at least 3 quotes from 3 different contractors to have a fair comparison.
- Ask around your neighbors for additional opinions if they own a mini split.
Lastly, my recommended mini splits may not be the best one for you depending on your particular application. Every application is different and thus, the heating and cooling requirements are also different. Make sure you consult a professional if you’re unfamiliar with mini splits.
If you need me to help with your HVAC system, consider my Email Consultation service.
