What is the best mini-split brand?

No brand wins on the numbers. Across 14 big brands, the typical (median) certified system rates between 20.7 and 23 SEER2. What differs is how you buy and install them: MRCOOL and Klimaire sell true DIY kits online, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu and Daikin are mostly sold through installers. In deep cold, the Fujitsu AOUG12LZAS1 keeps the most heat of the 12,000 BTU units we compared.

What is the best DIY mini-split?

The Klimaire DIY 12,000 BTU: 24 SEER2, cold-climate certified, pre-charged lines, $1,459 on November 11, 2026. For a 115-volt circuit, the Perfect Aire (22 SEER2, $1,719.99).

What is the most efficient mini-split?

The small ones. The highest certified rating is 35.1 SEER2 at 6,000 BTU, and the top rating falls to 27 at 24,000 BTU. So pick the most efficient unit at the size you need. The table above lists the leader for each size.

What is the best mini-split for a cold climate?

For a pro install, the Fujitsu H-Series AOUG12LZAS1 still makes 138% of its rated heat on a 5°F day. Online, the Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12,000 BTU makes 96%, and the Klimaire DIY DIY kit 72%. Certified tests stop at 5°F, so for colder places check the maker's low-temperature spec.

What is the best 12,000 BTU mini-split?

DIY: Klimaire DIY (24 SEER2, $1,459). Lowest price with ENERGY STAR and cold-climate certification: Turbro Greenland (24 SEER2, $699.99, pro install recommended). The highest certified rating at this size is 31.5 SEER2, from installer brands.

What size mini-split do I need?

Start with ENERGY STAR's sizing chart: 9,000 BTU for 350-400 sq ft, 12,000 for 450-550 sq ft, 18,000 for 700-1,000 sq ft. Add 10% for a very sunny room, 600 BTU for each regular occupant over two, and 4,000 BTU for a kitchen. A load calculation from an installer is the real answer.

Is the MRCOOL DIY worth it?

It is one of the few kits you can install without HVAC tools, and the 5th Gen (23.5 SEER2 at 12,000 BTU, 115V) is cold-climate certified. A pro-install unit also needs an installer's fee. Whether DIY saves money depends on what a local pro charges. See our MRCOOL comparisons below.

Best HVAC · Mini-splits

The Best Mini-Split for Heating and Cooling in 2026

By Erin Rose · Updated November 10, 2026

If you will install it yourself, buy the Klimaire DIY 12,000 BTU ($1,459 on Amazon): its lines come pre-charged and click together, it rates 24 SEER2, and on a 5°F day it still makes 72% of its rated heat. Hiring an installer? The Turbro Greenland costs $699.99.

Our pick

Klimaire DIY 12,000 BTU, 230V

$1,459 on Amazon

Check price on Amazon

A true DIY kit: pre-charged lines that click together, no vacuum pump or gauges.
24 SEER2 · 72% of its heat at 5°F · cold-climate certified^[3].
For a room of about 450 to 550 sq ft. Bigger rooms: see the sizes below.

Which one is right for you?

Only a 120-volt circuit
Perfect Aire 12,000 BTU, 115V · 22 SEER2 · 77% of its heat at 5°F
Runs on a standard 120-volt circuit instead of 240 volts. It still needs a circuit of its own. Also a DIY kit.
$1,719.99 on Amazon
Hiring an installer anyway
Turbro Greenland 12,000 BTU, 230V · 24 SEER2 · 72% of its heat at 5°F
$759.01 less than the DIY kit. It ships with a DIY guide, but the maker recommends a pro to vacuum and charge the lines.
$699.99 on Amazon
Cold winters
Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12,000 BTU · 96% of its heat at 5°F
On a 5°F day it still makes 96% of its rated heat, the most of any unit we matched on Amazon. Needs an installer. The Fujitsu H-Series AOUG12LZAS1 makes 138% but is sold only through installers.
$1,824.99 on Amazon
A bigger room (700 to 1,000 sq ft)
Klimaire DIY 18,000 BTU · 23 SEER2 · 72% of its heat at 5°F
The same DIY kit at 18,000 BTU. Each size has its own page:12,000 BTU · 18,000 BTU · 24,000 BTU · 36,000 BTU
$1,759 on Amazon

Certified ratings are the AHRI Directory figures for the exact outdoor + indoor pair each listing names. Prices are Amazon's on November 11, 2026 and change often.

Living somewhere cold? Read how heat pumps perform in cold climates. Working on the garage too? See the best belt drive garage door opener.

Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin or MRCOOL: does the brand matter?

Less than you'd think. The typical certified system rates about 22 SEER2 whatever the badge. What differs is how you buy it: Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu and Daikin are mostly sold and installed by contractors, while MRCOOL, Klimaire and Perfect Aire sell DIY kits online. Brands also differ in how much heat they keep in deep cold (the last column).

Certified mini-split systems by brand: count, typical and best SEER2, share certified for cold climates
Brand	Certified systems	Typical SEER2	Best SEER2	Certified for cold climates
Mitsubishi Electric	214	20.7	35	63%
Fujitsu	89	23	33.5	89%
Daikin	49	21	25.2	80%
LG	131	20.8	27	75%
Gree	195	21.5	30	94%
Midea	166	21.4	35	77%
Carrier	81	21.5	35.1	80%
Bosch	44	22.2	27.4	77%
Panasonic	38	22.4	27.5	87%
Samsung	63	22	26	79%
MRCOOL	58	22.4	28.1	66%
Senville	36	22.3	33.3	78%
Pioneer	42	22.5	25.5	83%
Cooper & Hunter	32	21.3	26	88%

SEER2 is the cooling efficiency rating: higher costs less to run. Of 5,381 certified mini-split systems, the most efficient are the smallest: the top rating is 35.1 SEER2 at 6,000 BTU and 27 at 24,000 BTU. Of the 43 Amazon listings we matched to an exact certified system, 34 were for sale on November 11, 2026; 14 of them are DIY kits with pre-charged quick-connect lines.

01 / Most efficient

The most efficient mini-split at each size

certified list October 23, 2026

Efficiency falls as size goes up, so compare units of the size you need. Certified list as of October 23, 2026; the online column uses Amazon listings matched to their exact certified system, priced November 11, 2026.^[1]

The highest and typical certified SEER2 at each size, and the most efficient unit you can buy on Amazon
Size	Systems	Top SEER2	Top-rated brands	Typical	Best you can buy on Amazon
6,000 BTU	87	35.1	Carrier, MDV	25.7	none matched to a certified system
9,000 BTU	863	33.5	Carrier, Fujitsu, MDV	23	Turbro Greenland, 23 SEER2, keeps 71% of its heat at 5°F, $549.99 Check price
12,000 BTU	836	31.5	Fujitsu	23.1	Turbro Greenland, 24 SEER2, keeps 72% of its heat at 5°F, $699.99 Check price
15,000 BTU	154	28.7	Fujitsu	21.8	none matched to a certified system
18,000 BTU	1,006	27.5	ECO AC, Gree, Kinghome, Ouellet +3	21.5	Klimaire DIY, 23 SEER2, keeps 72% of its heat at 5°F, $1,759 Check price
24,000 BTU	797	27	Blueridge, ECO AC, Gree, Kinghome +4	21	Klimaire DIY, 23 SEER2, keeps 74% of its heat at 5°F, $1,869 Check price

Top SEER2 is the highest certified rating at that size; typical is the median. Several brands often share one top rating because they sell the same certified machine under different names.

02 / Before you buy

How to choose in four questions

Will you install it yourself? Only pre-charged quick-connect systems are true DIY. Klimaire DIY and Perfect Aire are. Most others need a pro to vacuum the lines and add refrigerant, and some void the warranty if you do it yourself.
What size do you need? ENERGY STAR's sizing chart: 9,000 BTU for 350-400 sq ft, 12,000 for 450-550, 18,000 for 700-1,000. Add 10% for a very sunny room and 4,000 BTU for a kitchen. A 500 sq ft room needs 12,000 BTU.
What circuit do you have? 115-volt units can run on a standard 120-volt circuit. 230-volt units need a 240-volt circuit, like a dryer's. Both need their own breaker.
How cold does it get? Look for the ENERGY STAR cold-climate label and how much of its heat a unit still makes on a 5°F day (in our tables). If your winters go well below zero, ask an installer about a hyper-heat system.

Tools: sizing calculator · what size for 500 sq ft · best mini split for a garage · running cost at your prices · window AC or mini-split?

03 / The full field

All 5,381 systems, ranked by SEER2

top 200 shown

Click a column to re-sort. Each row links to that unit's full record with running cost. Units sold under several brand names appear once.

Model	SEER2	HSPF2	Heat per kWh at 5°F	Cooling BTU	Refrigerant	Buy
Carrier 37MPRAQ06AA3ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1	35.1	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
MDV MOX430-06HFN10-M1Hductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35.1	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO35-06N2-M1Hductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
MAINLINE ML06HP230CALH-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
KEEN Home KEENHYMHP06AAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
BLUERIDGE BMS635SHYCductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
BLUERIDGE BXS6A06UC0ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
Comfort Aire A-ZHP06SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Comfort-aire	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
KERR A-KZP06SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Kerr Kapstone	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
KERR A-ZKP06SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
Midea MO1SS-H06B-2Aductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX06NLHZductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	13	2.38×	6,000	R-454B	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX06NLHZ2ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	13	2.38×	6,000	R-454B	—
NOVAIR LEA06HH-SK-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	35	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
Carrier 37MPRAQ09AA3ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1	33.5	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
Fujitsu AOUH09KTAP1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.5	14	2.48×	9,000	R-32	—
MDV MOX430-09HFN10-M1Hductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.5	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO35-09N2-M1Hductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
MAINLINE ML09HP230CALH-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
KEEN Home KEENHYMHP09AAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
CanAir 4C35SCH09H21ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
BLUERIDGE BMS933SHYCductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
BLUERIDGE BXS6A09UC0ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
Century A-ZHP09SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Comfort Aire	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
Comfort Aire A-ZHPO9SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Comfort-aire	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
KERR A-KZPO9SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
KERR A-ZKP09SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
Kerr Kapstone A-KZP09SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
Midea MO1SS-H09B-2Aductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
NOVAIR LEA09HH-SK-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
Senville SENE-09EL-OHductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.3	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	Similar
Midea D5CPRAH06AAKductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker +3	33.1	15.6	2×	6,000	R-454B	—
Fujitsu AOUG09LZAH1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.1	13.3	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
Fujitsu AOUG09LZAS1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.1	13.4	2.14×	9,000	R-410A	—
Fujitsu AOUH09KZAH1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.1	13.3	2.26×	9,000	R-32	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX09NLHZductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.1	13.3	2.2×	9,000	R-454B	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX09NLHZ2ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	33.1	13.3	2.2×	9,000	R-454B	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS06NAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	32.2	11.9	2.46×	6,000	R-410A	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS06NAHductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	32.2	10.9	2.46×	6,000	R-410A	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPB06B112Aductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	32.2	10.9	2.46×	6,000	R-410A	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPH06B112Aductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	32.2	11.9	2.46×	6,000	R-410A	—
Gridless GRID09OHHVductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	32	11.8	2.25×	9,000	R-454B	—
Hisense AO-09U3T25Pductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	32	11.8	2.25×	9,000	R-454B	—
Hisense AO-09U3T26P2ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	32	11.8	2.25×	9,000	R-454B	—
Hisense AS-09UW3TBW00ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	32	11.8	2.25×	9,000	R-454B	—
HAXXAIR HVHZ-09A2Uductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	32	11.8	2.25×	9,000	R-454B	—
Zephyr ZE-09UB32Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	32	11.8	2.25×	9,000	R-454B	—
Midea D5CPRAH09AAKductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker +3	31.5	14.6	2×	9,000	R-454B	—
Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	31.5	13.7	2.62×	12,000	R-32	—
Fujitsu AOUH12KZAH1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30.5	12.7	2.16×	12,000	R-32	—
Willis AUHW09KR32-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
Ouellet OARX-H09A-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
Fujitsu AOUH09KMAS1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	12.6	2.32×	9,000	R-32	—
GE Appliances ASH109URDEductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	14	1.9×	9,000	R-410A	—
GE Appliances ASH109URDSEductless mini-split	30	14	1.8×	9,000	R-410A	—
Haier 1U09EH2HEductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	14	1.9×	9,000	R-410A	—
Haier 1U09EH2VHEductless mini-split	30	14	1.8×	9,000	R-410A	—
GREE AIRY09HP230V1AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
GREE GS09HP230V1RYOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
GREE GWH09AVDXE-D6DNA1A/Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
GREE GWH09AVDXE-D6DNA1B/Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
GREE SAP09HP230V1R32AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
Kinghome KW09XQ29S1DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
Kinghome KW09XQ29SDOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
TOSOT TW09HAY32A1DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
TOSOT TW09HAY32A1DOCductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
TOSOT TW09WH29D6DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
TOSOT TWH09AD32AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
TOSOT TWH09AV29D6DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
Gridless GRID12OHHVductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.8	2.25×	12,000	R-454B	—
Hisense AO-12U3T25Pductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.8	2.25×	12,000	R-454B	—
Hisense AO-12U3T26P2ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.8	2.25×	12,000	R-454B	—
Hisense AS-12UW3TBW00ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.8	2.25×	12,000	R-454B	—
ECO AC EHP-O09KBBductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.2	2.11×	9,100	R-32	—
HAXXAIR HVHZ-12A2Uductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.8	2.25×	12,000	R-454B	—
Zephyr ZE-12UB32Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	30	11.8	2.25×	12,000	R-454B	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX12NLHZductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.9	12.4	2.2×	12,000	R-454B	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX12NLHZ2ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.9	12.4	2.2×	12,000	R-454B	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS09NAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	29.8	10.9	2.4×	9,000	R-410A	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS09NAHductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	29.8	10	2.4×	9,000	R-410A	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPB09B112Aductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	29.8	10	2.4×	9,000	R-410A	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPH09B112Aductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	29.8	10.9	2.4×	9,000	R-410A	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FH09NAHductless mini-split	29.8	10	—	9,000	R-410A	—
TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-ULductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.7	12.2	2.42×	36,000	R-454B	—
QuébecVair QVNOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
Willis AUHW12KR32-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
Carrier 37MPRAQ12AA3ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1	29.5	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
Ouellet OARX-H12A-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
GREE AIRY12HP230V1AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
GREE GS12HP230V1RYOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
GREE GWH12AVDXE-D6DNA1A/Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
GREE GWH12AVDXE-D6DNA1B/Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
GREE SAP12HP230V1R32AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
Kinghome KW12XQ29ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
Kinghome KW12XQ29S1DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
Kinghome KW12XQ29SDOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TW12HAY32A1DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TW12HAY32A1DOCductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TW12WH29D6DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TWH12AD32AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TWH12AV29D6DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
ECO AC EHP-O12KBBductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.5	10	2×	12,000	R-32	—
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO35-12N2-M1Hductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
MAINLINE ML12HP230CALH-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
KEEN Home KEENHYMHP12AAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
CanAir 4C35SCH12H21ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
BLUERIDGE BMS1229SHYCductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
BLUERIDGE BXS6A12UC0ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
Fujitsu AOUG12LZAH1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2.16×	12,000	R-410A	—
Fujitsu AOUG12LZAS1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.9	2.32×	12,000	R-410A	—
Comfort Aire A-ZHP12SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Comfort-aire	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
KERR A-KZP12SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Kerr Kapstone	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
KERR A-ZKP12SA-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
MOOVAIR MSHHA12C2AN1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
Midea MO1SS-H12B-2Aductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
NOVAIR LEA12HH-SK-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
Senville SENE-12EL-OHductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29.4	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	Similar
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO29-09N1-M1Hductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29	14	1.86×	9,000	R-410A	—
Goodman MSH093G26MCAAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29	14	1.86×	9,000	R-410A	—
EG4 DWA4-09Kductless mini-split · also sold as Deye	29	9.8	—	9,000	R-410A	—
LBG Products LBHB09DYWOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29	14	1.86×	9,000	R-410A	—
MOOVAIR DMB09HOS42230E8ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	29	14	1.86×	9,000	R-410A	—
Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.7	13	2.52×	14,500	R-32	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUFZ-KJ09NAHZductless mini-split	28.7	11.3	—	9,000	R-410A	—
Trane / Mitsubishi Electric NTXSPF09A112Aductless mini-split	28.7	11.3	—	9,000	R-410A	—
Midea MOX430-09HFN1-MZG5Wductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.5	12	1.85×	9,000	R-410A	—
MOOVAIR DMA09HOS42230E4ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.5	12	1.85×	9,000	R-410A	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-GS09NAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	28.4	10.9	2.12×	9,000	R-410A	—
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-GS09NAHZductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric	28.4	9.6	2.01×	9,000	R-410A	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-GS09NAHductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.4	10.2	2.12×	9,000	R-410A	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-GX09NLductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.4	10.9	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-GX09NLH2ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.4	10.9	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-GX09NLHZductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.4	10.2	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-GX09NLHZ2ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.4	10.2	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
Trane / Mitsubishi Electric NTXSSH09A112ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.4	9.6	2.01×	9,000	R-410A	—
Trane / Mitsubishi Electric NTXSST09B112ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.4	10.9	2.12×	9,000	R-410A	—
Carrier DLCSRBH09AAKductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant	28.1	11.5	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
Franklin MSH093F25MCAAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.1	11.5	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
CanAir C28SCH09H21ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.1	11.5	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
CONFORTO MHSZ109DAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as EMI	28.1	11.5	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
Century A-VMH09SV-1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.1	11.5	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
MRCOOL O-HH-09-HP-C-230Aductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.1	11.5	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
MRCOOL O-HH-09-HP-C-230Bductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.1	11.5	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
KANIONco KWSM-09IR410AHS28.1ODUductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.1	11.5	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
Napoleon NDHAS26-09-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28.1	11.5	2×	9,000	R-410A	—
Midea D5CPRAH12AAKductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker +3	28	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
EG4 DWA4-12Kductless mini-split · also sold as Deye	28	9.7	—	12,000	R-410A	—
MDV MOX430-12HFN10-M1Hductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	28	12.7	2×	12,000	R-454B	—
QuébecVair QVNOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
Willis AUHW18KR32-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO29-12N1-M1Hductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	14.5	1.86×	12,000	R-410A	—
AIR-CON ABZCI4H4S09ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10.5	2.1×	9,000	R-410A	—
Goodman MSH123G26MCAAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	14.5	1.86×	12,000	R-410A	—
Ouellet OARX-H18A-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
DIRECT AIR DIR-09HP28-TQOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10.5	2.1×	9,000	R-410A	—
Fujitsu AOUH12KMAS1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	11.2	2.38×	12,000	R-32	—
Fujitsu AOUH15KZAH1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	12.7	2.1×	14,500	R-32	—
Westinghouse WHZ09SZA21Sductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10.5	2.1×	9,000	R-410A	—
GE Appliances ASH112URDEductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	12.5	1.9×	12,000	R-410A	—
Haier 1U12EH2HEductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	12.5	1.9×	12,000	R-410A	—
LBG Products LBHB12DYWOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	14.5	1.86×	12,000	R-410A	—
GREE AIRY18HP230V1AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	Similar
GREE GS18HP230V1RYOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	Similar
GREE GWH18AGEXF-D6DNA2J/Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	9	1.81×	18,000	R-32	—
GREE GWH18AVEXF-D6DNA1A/Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	Similar
GREE GWH18AVEXF-D6DNA1B/Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	Similar
GREE SAP18HP230V1R32AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	Similar
Kinghome KW18XQ29S1DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
Kinghome KW18XQ29SDOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TW18HAY32A1DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TW18HAY32A1DOCductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TW18WH29D6DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TWH18AD32AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TWH18AR32AOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TWH18AV29D6DOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
TOSOT TWH18JD32BOductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	9	1.81×	18,000	R-32	—
Hisense AS-09UR3SXE00ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10.5	2.1×	9,000	R-410A	—
Hisense AS-09UW3SXE00ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10.5	2.1×	9,000	R-410A	—
Hisense AS-09UW3SXETG00ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10.5	2.1×	9,000	R-410A	—
Hisense AS-09UW3SXETG00Gductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10.5	2.1×	9,000	R-410A	—
Hisense AS-09UW3SXETG00Pductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10.5	2.1×	9,000	R-410A	—
ECO AC EHP-O18KBBductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10	1.8×	18,000	R-32	—
MOOVAIR DMA12HOS42230E4ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	14.5	1.86×	12,000	R-410A	—
MOOVAIR DMB12HOS42230E8ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	14.5	1.86×	12,000	R-410A	—
MOOVAIR SHC24VH2AGductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	14.5	1.86×	12,000	R-410A	—
Panasonic CS-XZ9AKUAW/CU-XZ9AKUACductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	12	2.31×	8,700	R-32	—
Panasonic CS-Z9AKUAW/CU-XZ9AKUACductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	12	2.31×	8,700	R-32	—
Panasonic CU-XZ9AKUACductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	12	2.31×	8,700	R-32	—
J-KU JKS09HP230V1XCductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.5	10.5	2.1×	9,000	R-410A	—
Kepler ODUMOX330-09HFN10-M1Xductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
Bosch BMS500-AAS009-1CSXHDductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
EMI EMXSZ109DAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
MRCOOL O-ES-09-HP-C-230C-O1ductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
MRCOOL O-HH-09-HP-C-230C-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
MOOVAIR MSHMA09C2ANductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
NOVAIR LEA09SZ36-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
Senville SENA-09HF-OGductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	Similar
Continental CDHAS26B-09-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
Continental CDHAS26BA-09-Oductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.4	12.5	1.8×	9,000	R-454B	—
Panasonic CU-XE9WKUAductless mini-split · cold-climate · Most Efficient	27.3	12	2.06×	8,700	R-410A	—

Similar means Amazon does not list that exact model. The button opens a unit of the same brand and size instead. Check its specs before you buy.

This table shows the top 200 of 5,381 by SEER2. See every one in the full product list: browse all 5,381 → At the median heat-pump price, heat runs about $19.82/MMBtu vs $55.19 for electric resistance heat.

04 / Questions

Frequently asked

What is the best mini-split brand?: No brand wins on the numbers. Across 14 big brands, the typical (median) certified system rates between 20.7 and 23 SEER2. What differs is how you buy and install them: MRCOOL and Klimaire sell true DIY kits online, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu and Daikin are mostly sold through installers. In deep cold, the Fujitsu AOUG12LZAS1 keeps the most heat of the 12,000 BTU units we compared.
What is the best DIY mini-split?: The Klimaire DIY 12,000 BTU: 24 SEER2, cold-climate certified, pre-charged lines, $1,459 on November 11, 2026. For a 115-volt circuit, the Perfect Aire (22 SEER2, $1,719.99).
What is the most efficient mini-split?: The small ones. The highest certified rating is 35.1 SEER2 at 6,000 BTU, and the top rating falls to 27 at 24,000 BTU. So pick the most efficient unit at the size you need. The table above lists the leader for each size.
What is the best mini-split for a cold climate?: For a pro install, the Fujitsu H-Series AOUG12LZAS1 still makes 138% of its rated heat on a 5°F day. Online, the Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12,000 BTU makes 96%, and the Klimaire DIY DIY kit 72%. Certified tests stop at 5°F, so for colder places check the maker's low-temperature spec.
What is the best 12,000 BTU mini-split?: DIY: Klimaire DIY (24 SEER2, $1,459). Lowest price with ENERGY STAR and cold-climate certification: Turbro Greenland (24 SEER2, $699.99, pro install recommended). The highest certified rating at this size is 31.5 SEER2, from installer brands.
What size mini-split do I need?: Start with ENERGY STAR's sizing chart: 9,000 BTU for 350-400 sq ft, 12,000 for 450-550 sq ft, 18,000 for 700-1,000 sq ft. Add 10% for a very sunny room, 600 BTU for each regular occupant over two, and 4,000 BTU for a kitchen. A load calculation from an installer is the real answer.
Is the MRCOOL DIY worth it?: It is one of the few kits you can install without HVAC tools, and the 5th Gen (23.5 SEER2 at 12,000 BTU, 115V) is cold-climate certified. A pro-install unit also needs an installer's fee. Whether DIY saves money depends on what a local pro charges. See our MRCOOL comparisons below.

How we did this

Method

How we picked the units and built the tables

Picks. We matched 43 Amazon mini-split listings to the exact outdoor + indoor pair they name in the AHRI Directory (read October 23, 2026) and re-read every listing on November 11, 2026 for price and stock. A listing counts as true DIY only when its own text says it ships with pre-charged quick-connect lines and needs no vacuum pump; 'easy DIY install' with 'professional installation recommended' counts as pro install.

Best DIY = the highest certified SEER2 among true-DIY, cold-climate-certified 12,000 BTU listings in stock. Best on 115 volts = the same rule for 115-volt units. Best value = the lowest price among in-stock 12,000 BTU listings that are both ENERGY STAR and cold-climate certified. Best for hard winters = among certified 12,000 BTU wall-mounted systems with COP of at least 2.0 at 5°F and at least 25 SEER2, the one whose 5°F heating output is the largest share of its 47°F rating.

Size table and brands. From our copy of the AHRI and ENERGY STAR records (brands that sell the same machine counted once; 5,381 ductless systems, as of October 23, 2026). A size includes systems within 12% of the nominal BTU. Ratings above 45 SEER2 are treated as data errors and left out.

We don't test units in a lab. Every efficiency number is a certified rating, not a claim from a box or a review.

References

Sources

6 references · checked November 11, 2026

1
AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance — ductless mini-split heat pumps

Reference numbers: 218067069 (Klimaire DIY), 218072567 (Perfect Aire), 217222927 (Turbro Greenland), 206597210 (Fujitsu H-Series AOUG12LZAS1). Read October 23, 2026.
2
ENERGY STAR Certified Mini-Split and Multi-Split Heat Pumps (cold-climate designation)

Joined to AHRI by reference number. Our copy as of October 23, 2026.
3
Amazon listing: Klimaire DIY 12,000 BTU 23 SEER2 Quick Connect Mini-Split AC 230V | Ductless AC heat pump

Price, stock and install text read November 11, 2026.
4
Amazon listing: Perfect Aire 12,000 BTU Mini Split AC & Heat Pump, Quick Connect DIY 115V | Quick connect

Price, stock and install text read November 11, 2026.
5
Amazon listing: TURBRO 12,000 BTU Ductless Mini Split Inverter AC with Heat Pump 24 SEER2 | R454B 230V 1 T

Price, stock and install text read November 11, 2026.
6
Verified HVAC Data methodology

How certified ratings, rebadges and operating costs are handled.