Split system air conditioners provide an effective way to heat or cool your home, but which brand or system is the right choice?

We’ve selected five leading split system air conditioner brands and compared their key benefits and drawbacks to help you find the right system for your home.

Key Takeaways

1. Based on our sales data, Daikin is our most popular brand at 62.7% of sales, followed by Mitsubishi (17.4%), Panasonic (13.2%), Gree (3.6%) and Fujitsu (2.5%).
2. Every air conditioner brand is different, providing various benefits and applications.
3. You should select an air conditioner based on its price, noise levels, energy efficiency and intended use.
4. AML Air Conditioning & Electrical works with a wide range of air conditioning brands to find the ideal solution for your home.

Top Split System AC Brands Compared Side by Side

Best 5 Split System Air Conditioners Available in Australia

To help you determine which split system air conditioner suits your needs, we’ve analysed our own sales data from January to August 2026 to identify the most popular air conditioners chosen by our customers.

1. Daikin

Percentage of systems installed: 62.7%

Daikin air conditioning systems are known for being exceptionally quiet, efficient and reliable. Designed with advanced technology to minimise noise, Daikin’s Night Set mode helps light sleepers maintain comfortable temperatures with minimal disturbance.

Daikin’s infrared “Intelligent Eye Technology” is an innovative energy-saving feature that reduces power consumption when the room is unoccupied. Daikin’s “US7” model is Australia’s first air conditioning system to achieve a 7-star efficiency rating, while several other models offer similarly impressive performance. A strong option for energy-conscious households, it’s easy to understand its popularity.

Daikin’s main drawback is its relatively premium price point. Although the quality matches the cost, a Daikin system can represent a substantial investment for shoppers working with a tighter budget.

2. Mitsubishi

Percentage of systems installed: 17.4%

Mitsubishi is our second most popular choice for split system air conditioners. It offers reliable and convenient systems designed for everyday comfort. Mitsubishi is recognised for its innovative approach to air conditioning technology. With one button press, your AC unit can recall your preferred temperature settings through the “i-save” technology built into the system.

A strong choice for convenience, these air conditioning systems operate quietly and are easy to use, while providing effective coverage across larger spaces.

Cooling capacity and energy efficiency can vary considerably between Mitsubishi models, which may result in higher energy consumption when adjusting temperatures. Before selecting a system, check its energy rating label and customer feedback.

3. Panasonic

Percentage of systems installed: 13.2%

An excellent choice for families with young children, Panasonic air conditioning systems feature “Nanoe” air purification technology that helps clean the air, manage odours and reduce airborne particles throughout your home. With voice control functionality, Panasonic systems are quiet, straightforward and effective at delivering comfortable cooling while managing energy usage.

Possible disadvantages of Panasonic systems include their premium pricing and larger dimensions. If you want a high-quality split system but have limited installation space, a more compact brand such as Fujitsu may be worth considering.

4. Gree

Percentage of systems installed: 3.6%

Although Gree accounts for just 3.6% of our installed systems, this does not reflect a lack of performance. Gree reverse cycle split systems provide both heating and cooling, along with built-in Wi-Fi, energy-efficient inverter technology and R32 refrigerant.

A popular option among first-home buyers, Gree systems provide competitive pricing without sacrificing indoor air quality features. “G-10 Inverter” technology offers accurate temperature management while helping reduce energy consumption, potentially using up to 60% less electricity than conventional fixed-speed systems.

Gree is not as established a brand in Australia as some of the other options on our list, but its split system models can provide a capable, cost-effective solution for first-home buyers seeking mid- to high-powered performance.

5. Fujitsu/GENERAL Australia

Percentage of systems installed: 2.5%

Fujitsu, now rebranded as GENERAL Australia, earns a place on our list with its compact yet powerful air conditioning units. Ideal for smaller homes and apartments, Fujitsu systems can cool, heat and purify indoor air effectively while operating with minimal noise.

Their slim, compact construction provides a discreet and stylish addition to your home, while the “DC” and “V-PAM” technologies work together to maintain steady temperatures, helping reduce energy costs while improving comfort.

Fujitsu’s smart technology options are somewhat limited, while its overall energy efficiency may not match some other brands on this list. Even so, Fujitsu continues to deliver reliable systems with effective airflow performance, while its compact design allows installation in a wide range of spaces.

How to Select the Right Split System Air Conditioner for Your Home

When selecting a split system air conditioner, it’s essential to consider how it will suit your home and daily lifestyle. Pay close attention to the following factors:

Size

Air conditioning systems come in various sizes, with many units measuring approximately one metre in length. Larger systems can effectively service bigger areas, so consider the dimensions of your home carefully. If you need a compact AC unit, Fujitsu split system air conditioners are worth considering. If you want to manage multiple rooms simultaneously, a multi-split system air conditioner can be a practical investment.

Noise

If you are sensitive to noise or sleep lightly, check the decibel ratings of different air conditioning systems. Many of our leading choices operate quietly, but if low noise is a priority, consider a system with dedicated quiet functions, such as Daikin’s Night Set Mode.

Cost

Purchasing and installing a split system air conditioner can involve a significant expense. Consider your available budget before choosing a system, while also accounting for installation and ongoing maintenance costs. For a more budget-friendly option, consider Gree’s range of systems.

Install the Best Split System Air Conditioner For You with AML Air Conditioning & Electrical

At AML Air Conditioning & Electrical, we provide reliable guidance to help you select a system that matches your lifestyle, comfort requirements and budget. Our team can then manage the complete air conditioning installation process and provide ongoing servicing.

As a Cm3-certified business, you can feel confident knowing our team focuses on delivering quality workmanship while helping maintain a safe environment for your family.

Get in touch with one of our specialists to discuss which air conditioning models could suit your home.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Split System Air Conditioners?

Here are the main pros and cons of split system air conditioners:

Pros	Cons
Rapid temperature control	Can be noisy or disruptive
Easy access for filter changes and maintenance	Outdoor units require dedicated space
Efficient use of ceiling and wall space	Generally controls one zone or room rather than the entire home
Many models provide energy-efficient operation	Lower capacity compared with ducted systems

Install the Best Split System Air Conditioner For You with AML Air Conditioning & Electrical

At AML Air Conditioning & Electrical, we provide dependable advice to help you select a unit that matches your lifestyle and budget, followed by professional split system installation at a competitive price.

We’re Cm-3 certified, so you can expect quality workmanship while we prioritise the safety of your home and family. Get in touch with one of our specialists to discuss which AC models may be suitable for your needs.

FAQs

Which Is the Quietest Split System Air Conditioner in Australia?

For a quiet split system air conditioner, look at Daikin or Mitsubishi models. Many Daikin AC systems include Night Set Mode, reducing the noise generated by the unit while continuing to filter air. Mitsubishi Electric systems are engineered to emphasise quiet operation while providing effective temperature control.

Which Air Conditioning Brand Provides the Best Warranty?

Rinnai provides one of the longest standard warranty periods in Australia’s air conditioning market, with 7-year warranties available across several systems. Gree provides an extensive 6-year warranty covering parts and labour.

Meanwhile, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic and Fujitsu provide standard 5-year warranties.

Which Is the Best Split System Air Conditioner for a Bedroom?

Select a bedroom air conditioning system according to room size and lifestyle. While a 1.6-2.8 kW system works well for most Australian bedrooms, smaller rooms may benefit from a compact Fujitsu unit. Light sleepers may prefer a model with effective noise-control features, such as a Daikin system. Air-purification features can also be useful, including technologies available from Panasonic.

Can I Claim a Rebate on an Air Conditioner in NSW?

Yes. When an AC system is installed through an accredited company, the government may provide an upfront rebate as a discount. This is available through state-based energy efficiency programs such as the Energy Savings Scheme.

Once AML Air Conditioning & Electrical provides your quote, we’ll help determine which government rebates you may be eligible for and explain how you can access the available savings. For more information, speak with our team about current rebate options and eligibility requirements.

What Is the Cost of a Split System Air Conditioner?

Keeping air conditioning expenses low is important because household heating and cooling can account for up to 50% of residential energy consumption. The overall cost of a split system air conditioner depends on several factors:

• Unit cost: Brand and system price before installation.
• Installation costs: Labour, materials and installation complexity.
• Placement: Existing AC infrastructure, installation location and room size.
• Running costs: System size, power consumption and energy efficiency.
• Maintenance: Filter replacements, servicing and repairs.

We provide detailed quotes before starting our work, ensuring you understand the total cost upfront.

What Are the Most Common Problems With Split System Air Conditioners?

The most common issues include poor heating or cooling performance, restricted airflow, water leaks and frozen coils. Some minor problems can be handled through regular owner maintenance, while more serious faults will require assessment and repairs from a licensed technician.