Mini-splits have been around for over 60 years, but recent innovations have made them a much more popular choice for air conditioning. With new features like Wi-Fi compatibility and inverter technology, mini-splits are now a massive contender to conventional air systems. So, what are the best mini-splits for 2023?
Looking for a Mini-Split?
The type of unit you’ll need is determined by factors like the number of rooms, the size of those rooms, average climate, and other specific heating/cooling needs. Here’s a calculator to help you size your mini-split. Once you know how much power you need, it’s time to pick the right one for you.
Best Mini Splits 2024
For your convenience, we looked at the most impressive mini-splits of 2023 and found the best in each significant category based on their specs, features, and total user reviews. Though they all work similarly, there are some crucial differences between various brands and models. Here are the best ones!
Most Efficient Mini-Split
Gree Sapphire Wall Mount Mini-Splits are the market's most efficient today, particularly the lower BTU models, which have excellent SEER ratings. The efficiency of HVAC units is measured by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER number, the greater the efficiency and the smaller the utility cost. For example, a score of 18 is pretty efficient and saves you an estimated 44% on your monthly bill. The Gree 9,000 BTU unit has a SEER of 38 – the highest in the industry. Here’s a helpful tool for figuring out the SEER standards in your area.
GREE Sapphire 24K BTU 21.5 SEER Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump - SAP24HP230V1A
$2,999.92
GREE Sapphire 24K BTU 21.5 SEER Wall Mount Mini-Split Single Zone Heat Pump The Gree Sapphire is an ultra high-efficiency ductless mini split system from Gree. It features a quiet, unobtrusive design with advance performance and an industry leading SEER… read more
Best DIY Mini Splits
The Mr.Cool E Star 4th Gen DIY Ductless Kit gives the most bang for your buck. It has a complete heat pump system, offering BTU ranges from 12,000 to 48,000 – enough for most homes. Mr.Cool prides itself on its ease of installation, making it possible for even the most novice homeowner to perform. With an average SEER of 21, they rank relatively high in efficiency and can save you upwards of +$1,000 in installation costs. New features on the most recent gen include a new SmartHVAC Wi-Fi module that lets you connect your smartphone for system control anywhere you go. It can also connect to home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. A great plus for the average Joe is a detection system notifying you if its refrigerant is leaking – allowing you peace of mind.
MRCOOL DIY 4th Generation E Star 12k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System 115V/60Hz
$1,738.00
DIY 4th Generation E Star 12k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System 115V/60Hz Introducing the latest in home comfort technology with the 4th Generation MrCool DIY 12K BTU, 22 SEER Ductless Heat Pump System. This powerful single-zone system has… read more
Easiest DIY Install
MRCOOL wins again; as the pioneers of the DIY mini-split industry, they lead the charge on the simplest installation and design. Some kits even come with all the tools required, but be careful because only some Mr.Cool units are DIY and may need to be installed by a licensed professional. They have four models you can easily do yourself: the E Star, the Multi-Zone, the Easy Pro, and the Ceiling Cassette (new). As a bonus, they’ve made their more recent generations retrofittable with older ones, allowing you to quickly upgrade individual parts of the system. Mr.Cool really is the king of simplicity.
MRCOOL E Star DIY 4th Gen 36k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System - 208-230V/60Hz
$2,888.00
E Star DIY 4th Gen 36k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System - 208-230V/60Hz The E Star DIY 4th Gen 36k BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump Complete System - 208-230V/60Hz is a high-performance heating and cooling solution for medium… read more
Most Quiet
According to the decibels (dB), Cooper & Hunter 12,000BTU Sophia Series has the quietest unit. Mini-split systems have two unit types – indoor and outdoor – each creating noise when operating. Since outside condensing units can be placed far away, they’re generally less of an issue for people than indoor air handlers. But for a fair assessment, we’ve looked at the noise levels of both units. Indoor units, on average, create 40-50 decibels (dB) of noise on high settings, 35-42 dB on medium settings, and 25-34 dB on low settings. The Cooper & Hunter 12kBTU Sophia offers 36dB, 32dB, and 23dB, respectively – well above the industry average for noise performance. Their condensing units reach as low as 60dB as well, making them an excellent choice for maintaining a peaceful neighborhood.
