Split system air conditioners are a reliable solution for heating up or cooling down your home, but which brand or system should you choose?
We’ve identified the five best split system air conditioner brands and compared their benefits and drawbacks to help you choose the right system for your home.
Key Takeaways
- According to our sales data, our most popular brand is Daikin with 62.7% of sales, followed by Mitsubishi (17.4%), Panasonic (13.2%), Gree (3.6%) and Fujitsu (2.5%).
- Each air conditioner brand is unique, offering different benefits and use cases.
- You should choose an air conditioner based on its price, noise control, energy output and best use cases.
- We work with a wide range of air conditioning brands to find the perfect solution for your home.
Top Split System AC Brands Compared at a Glance
| Brand | Typical Quote Price Range* | Warranty | Noise Levels (Indoor Unit) | Energy Efficiency | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikin | ~$3,400 – $5,500 | 5 years | As low as 19 dB(A) on low. | “Intelligent Eye Technology” adjusts energy usage if no one is in the room. | Great for energy-conscious homes that also value quality. |
| Mitsubishi | ~$3,400 – $6,100 | 5 years | As low as 18 dB(A) in Quiet Mode. | Low energy usage for efficient heating and cooling. | Great for convenience-loving homes; “i-save” technology remembers your preferred temperatures. |
| Panasonic | ~$3,500 – $5,900 | 5 years | As low as 19 dB(A) on low. | Rated highly for energy efficiency. | Great for families with young children, “Nanoe” technology purifies the air, controlling odours and debris. |
| Gree | ~$2,800 – $4,200 | 6 years | As low as 19 dB(A) on low. | “G-10 Inverter” technology achieves efficiency for all equipped units. | Great for budget shoppers, offering the same features for competitive prices. |
| Fujitsu/GENERAL Australia | ~$3,400 – $5,400 | 5 years | As low as 20 dB(A) on low. | “DC” features reduce energy consumption, while “V-PAM” systems maintain efficiency. | Perfect for smaller homes and apartments. |
Top 5 Split System Air Conditioners in Australia
To help you decide which split system air conditioner is best for you, we’ve used our own sales data from January to August 2026 to rank the most popular air conditioners among our customers.
1. Daikin
Percentage of systems installed: 62.7%
Daikin air conditioning units are extremely quiet, efficient and high-quality. Produced with unique technology to reduce noise, Daikin’s Night Set mode allows light sleepers to enjoy temperature control without disruption.
Daikin’s infrared “Intelligent Eye Technology” stands out as an innovative energy-saving system, limiting power consumption when no one is present in the room. Daikin’s “US7” model is Australia’s first air conditioning system to achieve a 7-star efficiency rating, with several other systems not far behind. Great for energy-conscious households, it’s easy to see why Daikin is a favourite.
Daikin’s drawback is a fairly premium price point. While the quality reflects the pricing, a Daikin unit can be a significant investment for budget-conscious shoppers.
2. Mitsubishi
Percentage of systems installed: 17.4%
Mitsubishi is our second most popular split system choice. It produces reliable and convenient split systems. Mitsubishi is known for taking a highly innovative approach to air conditioning technology. One button press and your AC unit will remember your preferred temperature, thanks to the “i-save” technology behind the unit.
A great option for convenience, these air conditioning units are ultra-quiet and simple to use, while easily covering a large space.
There can be significant variations in cooling capacity and energy efficiency from one Mitsubishi unit to the next, leaving homeowners using a substantial amount of energy when changing temperatures. Before purchasing a unit, look at the energy rating label and customer reviews.
3. Panasonic
Percentage of systems installed: 13.2%
A great option for families with young children, Panasonic AC units are fitted with “Nanoe” air purification technology that purifies the air, controls odours and removes airborne debris inside your home. Fitted with voice control features, Panasonic systems are very quiet, simple and effective in providing cool air with active energy control.
Potential drawbacks with Panasonic systems include their premium pricing and large size. If you’re looking for a quality split system but don’t have a lot of room to work with, consider a smaller make like Fujitsu.
4. Gree
Percentage of systems installed: 3.6%
While only 3.6% of our installed systems have been Gree, it’s not due to lack of efficiency. Gree reverse cycle split systems provide both heating and cooling control, with built-in Wi-Fi, energy-efficient inverter technology, and R32 refrigerant.
A favourite for first-home buyers, Gree units offer competitive prices without compromising on indoor air quality. The “G-10 Inverter” technology delivers precise temperature control, while keeping energy consumption low, saving up to 60% more electricity than traditional fixed-speed units.
Gree isn’t as much of an established brand in Australia as the others on our list, but any of their split system models are a great mid- to high-powered, cost-effective choice for first-home buyers.
5. Fujitsu/GENERAL Australia
Percentage of systems installed: 2.5%
Fujitsu, recently rebranded to GENERAL Australia, makes our list for their compact yet powerful AC units. Perfect for smaller homes or apartments, Fujitsu units cool, heat and purify the air with ease, while producing very little noise.
Their slim and compact design makes for a discreet and aesthetic addition to your home, while their “DC” and “V-PAM” systems work together to maintain consistent temperatures to keep bills down and comfort up.
Fujitsu’s smart features are somewhat limited, and their general energy efficiency isn’t the highest on this list. Despite this, Fujitsu consistently produces quality machinery with good airflow capabilities, while remaining compact enough to fit into most spaces.
How to Choose the Best Split System Air Conditioner for Your Home
When choosing a split system air conditioner, it’s important to consider how it will fit into your home and lifestyle. Pay particular attention to these factors:
Size
Air conditioning units vary in size, with most around one metre long. Larger units will be able to service larger zones, so keep your home’s dimensions in mind. If you’re looking for a small AC unit, consider Fujitsu split system air conditioners. If you’d prefer to control multiple rooms at the same time, a multi-split system air conditioner can be a great investment.
Noise
If you’re bothered by noise or a light sleeper, consider checking the decibel levels of different units. Most of our top choices are quiet by default, but if sound is important to you, consider a unit with added quiet functions, like Daikin’s Night Set Mode.
Cost
Choosing and installing a split system air conditioner can have a substantial cost. Consider your budget before selecting a unit, and remember the installation and management costs. For a cost-effective unit, explore Gree’s range of systems.
Install the Best Ducted Air Conditioner For You with Alliance Climate Control
At Alliance Climate Control, we give you reliable advice to help you choose a system that suits your lifestyle and budget. Then, our team handles the complete ducted air conditioning installation and ongoing servicing.
As a Cm3-certified business, you can rest easy knowing we’ll complete high-quality work while keeping your family safe.
Get in touch with one of our specialists to discuss which models we’d recommend for your home.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Split System Air Conditioners?
Here are the key pros and cons of split system air conditioners:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Rapid temperature control | Can be noisy or disruptive |
| Easily accessible for filter changes and maintenance | Outdoor units require space |
| Efficient use of ceiling and height space | Only able to control one zone or room, rather than an entire home |
| Many models are energy efficient | Lower capacity than ducted systems |
Install the Best Split System Air Conditioner For You with Alliance Climate Control
At Alliance Climate Control, we give you reliable advice to help you choose a unit that suits your lifestyle and budget, followed by seamless split system installation at a competitive rate.
We’re Cm-3 certified, so we’ll complete high-quality work while keeping your home and family safe. Get in touch with one of our specialists to discuss what AC models we’d recommend for you.
FAQs
What’s the quietest split system air conditioner in Australia?
For a quiet split system air conditioner, consider Daikin or Mitsubishi systems. Many Daikin AC units feature Night Set Mode, limiting the noise produced by the system while still filtering air. Mitsubishi Electric units are designed to prioritise silence, while delivering quality temperature control.
Which air conditioning brand has the best warranty?
Rinnai offers one of the longest standard warranty periods in the Australian air conditioning market, with 7-year warranties on a range of systems. Gree offers a comprehensive 6-year parts and labour warranty.
Meanwhile, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic and Fujitsu offer standard 5-year warranties.
What is the best split system air conditioner for a bedroom?
Choose a bedroom air conditioning unit based on size and lifestyle. While a 1.6-2.8 kW unit is suitable for most Australian bedrooms, a small bedroom may benefit from a smaller Fujitsu unit. A light sleeper may prefer a unit with excellent noise control features, like a Daikin model. Also beneficial are air-purifying technologies, such as those offered by Panasonic.
Can I get a rebate on an air conditioner in NSW?
Yes. When installing an AC unit with an accredited company, the government may offer you an upfront rebate in the form of a discount. This is due to state-based energy efficiency schemes like the Energy Savings Scheme.
After Alliance Climate Control provides your quote, we’ll see what government rebates you’re eligible for, then double them. For more information, see Alliance’s double rebate policy.
How much does a split system air conditioner cost?
Keeping AC costs down is important, as space heating and cooling can account for up to 50% of residential energy use. The combined cost for a split system air conditioner depends on a few factors:
- Unit cost: Brand and system cost before installation.
- Installation costs: Labour and material costs, plus installation complexity.
- Placement: Your home’s existing AC infrastructure and room size.
- Running costs: Size, power input, energy efficiency.
- Maintenance: Filter changes and fixes.
We provide comprehensive quotes before we begin our work, so you know what you’ll pay upfront.
What are common problems with split system air conditioners?
The most common problems are poor cooling or heating output, airflow limitations, water leaks and frozen coils. Some common issues can be managed with regular owner maintenance, but larger issues will require a visit from a licensed technician.
