Daikin Mini Split Review (2026): Is the World’s #1 Brand Better Than Mitsubishi?
Did you know that Daikin is actually the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world? Yes, bigger than Carrier. Bigger than Mitsubishi. They invented the VRV refrigerant technology that makes modern mini splits possible.
But in the US, they play second fiddle to Mitsubishi. If you are looking for a premium Japanese system, you are probably torn between the two.
- Daikin: Generally slightly cheaper, incredible warranty.
- Mitsubishi: Better known, legendary H2i heating.
In this review, I will break down whether you should choose the “Blue Giant” (Daikin) or stick with the crowd favorite.
The “12-Year” Warranty: Daikin’s Secret Weapon 🛡️
Here is why people buy Daikin. Most brands give you a 5 or 7-year warranty. If you hire a “Daikin Comfort Pro” installer, you get a massive 12-Year Parts & Compressor Warranty. That is peace of mind that even MrCool (Lifetime) matches, but with professional support.
But there is a catch: Just like Mitsubishi, this warranty is ONLY valid if a licensed pro installs it. If you DIY a Daikin, you have zero warranty. None.
Daikin vs. Mitsubishi: The Technical Differences ⚙️
| Feature | Daikin (Atmosphera / 19 Series) | Mitsubishi (Hyper-Heat) |
| Price (Installed) | $4,500 – $7,000 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Reliability | Excellent (Top Tier) | Legendary (Top Tier) |
| Heating Tech | Aurora (Good to -13°F) | Hyper-Heat (Good to -13°F) |
| Refrigerant | Uses R-32 (Newer, Eco-friendly) | Uses R-410A (Phasing out) |
💡 Note: Daikin is aggressive about moving to R-32 refrigerant, which is more efficient. Mitsubishi is catching up, but Daikin is ahead of the curve here.
The Cost Reality Check 💸
Just like Mitsubishi, Daikin is expensive because of the Labor. You can buy a Daikin unit for $1,500 online, but finding a tech to install it for less than $3,000 is impossible.
So, the math looks like this:
- Daikin Project: ~$5,000+
- DIY Project (MrCool): ~$1,600
Is the Daikin worth the extra $3,400? If you plan to live in that house for 20 years? Yes. The build quality is superior.If you are looking for ROI (Return on Investment) or installing in a garage/basement? No. The DIY savings are too big to ignore.
👉 Before choosing a mini split, read this first
Conclusion: The “Blue” Choice
Daikin is a phenomenal machine. In my opinion, it is the only true rival to Mitsubishi in terms of quality and longevity.
Choose Daikin If:
- You want the best warranty in the industry (12 Years).
- You want future-proof technology (R-32 Refrigerant).
- You are hiring a professional anyway.
Look Elsewhere If:
- You want to DIY to save money (Get MrCool).
- You are on a tight budget (Get Pioneer).
